As a student-athlete, what can I expect from the coaching staff?
Management of the team will be conducted fairly and judiciously. There will be no favoritism or special treatment of certain students. Decisions will be made fairly and consistently and will be made in the best interest of the team. Coaches are approachable and have the student’s enjoyment in mind. As creatively as possible, the coaching staff will build an excellent and fun program, and give the student-athletes a memorable experience.
What does the coaching staff expect from me as a student-athlete?
We expect our dedication and enthusiasm for the program to be reciprocated by the student-athletes. We expect behavior consistent with the game of golf, i.e. professionalism and respect for teammates, coaches, and opposing players and opposing coaches. Proper golf attire is expected at all times at golf courses and shirts tucked in. Foul language is not permitted at any time during team practices, matches and functions. Consistent use of foul language can result in suspension from matches or practices. Temperamental behavior including throwing of clubs, slamming of clubs, and damaging of the golf course property will result in suspension from practices, matches and functions. There is a zero-tolerance policy on cheating. If you are found and proven to be cheating, you will be removed from the golf team. Student-athletes must be available to participate in all practices, matches and team functions. Student-athletes must also be flexible during the golf season as we are at the mercy of the golf courses and the schedule can change on short notice. If a student can't participate in something, he/she must contact the coach. Only PLAYERS should call/text the coaching staff to discuss any issues.
What is desired of the parents of student-athletes?
We don’t want parents to be detached from the program. Our desire is for parents to support and encourage the program forward. We want student-athletes and parents to leave a legacy in the program. We expect parents to be actively involved in opportunities to support the program. We want parents to be members of our Facebook page and to stay tuned into the program and be a part of the experience! But our job is to coach the student-athletes, not the parents. We will give opportunities to the parents to be involved like running the The Breakfast Table week, as well as the end-of-season banquet.
As a parent, am I allowed to attend matches?
Yes, parents are permitted to attend home matches. Away matches are out of our control and there is no guarantee that you'll be allowed to by the host club. If attending a home match, parents are strictly not permitted to have any contact with the students, including their own child. Parental influence can have a negative or unfair influence on opposing players. Parents must keep a distance from any group, for example, parents are not allowed to walk directly with a group.
How do I make a team?
There are several considerations that we take into account. Official tryouts are a consideration. Also considered is who has already made a team in the past. We also look at a students scoring history as indicated in their GHIN handicap account. Also considered are summer junior tournament results (Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour, AJGA, Hurricane Junior Tour, etc.). Teams are assembled based on the coaches discretion with the aforementioned as a part of the process. The above information will give us a very good idea of who makes a team.
Why is a GHIN Handicap account required to try out?
An established USGA handicap is important for a few reasons: 1.) Prior to establishing the handicap requirement in 2014, we were getting students trying out that barely knew how to play golf and it caused major disruptions on the golf course. The requirement now allows us to control this problem. 2.) A student having a handicap tells us that he/she is somewhat serious about playing and improving. The handicap requirement is a way to filter through the students that aren't very serious about playing and improving. One of the things we're all about in the Harriton Ram Golf Program is that we want the students who participate to have the same level of enthusiasm and commitment to the program as the coaching staff. We are committed to putting together a unique, top-notch, fun, athletic experience for the students, so in return we want students that will buy in and commit.
Does everyone that try's out, make a team?
No, not everybody makes a team. Historically, 8 players make Varsity, and 8 players make JV. JV players do have the opportunity to play up on Varsity mid-season if the opportunity arises and they are playing well and improving. But this decision is always at the discretion of the coaching staff.
How do I find out if I make a team?
No more than one day after tryouts, the coaching staff will review the results and use the emails collected to send out the rosters of those who made a team.
If I make a team, what does it cost to participate in the golf program?
Costs vary between Varsity and Junior Varsity. In order to provide the best experience possible, it takes some amount of money from the students/parents. When you make a team, you are asked to make a financial contribution to the golf program of $100 per family. If you make Varsity, uniform golf bags with the Harriton Ram logo are available to Varsity players. There are other costs for Varsity players like possible uniform shirts at a low cost, with the students getting to keep the shirts. Sometimes there is a small cost to a team-building activity. Another example would be the end-of-season banquet in which students are paid for through the golf budget, however parents would have to pay their way. Each year brings different possibilities so it's difficult to zone in on a precise cost, but you can be certain that everything will be communicated clearly.
If I make a team, am I guaranteed the spot going forward?
No. A spot on the team must be earned, and maintaining the spot must be earned. If your performance does not meet the standards of playing for Varsity, and somebodies performance on JV does, you can lose your spot. The goal is to always put the best team on the golf course.
What does a season look like?
The varsity schedule consists of 11 league matches and anywhere from 1 to 5 non-league matches. The first few weeks before school starts are the busiest weeks. We pack in as much as possible while the students are still out of school. Varsity typically has 2-3 matches per week from mid-August to the first day of school, and 1-2 matches per week from the first day of school to the first week of October. The conference tournament, PIAA District 1 Championship and PIAA State Championship all occur in the first three weeks of October. The conference tournament, districts and states are all events that must be qualified for. End-of-season awards include All-League honors, qualification medals for each step of the way, and team awards. The amount of practices varies due to course availability as both Varsity and Junior Varsity share a home course with other schools. On weeks when there is no course availability for team-sanctioned practices, the coaching staff empowers the students to take responsibility for their game and practice on their own, and the staff trusts the students will honor the team by respecting that freedom.
The JV schedule consists of 6 to 8 matches, depending on course availability. The amount of practices varies due to course availability. JV players have the opportunity to play in Varsity matches based on performance and/or opportunity. JV can potentially play matches longer into October than Varsity due to the Central League varsity schedule ending earlier than the JV schedule and the home course remaining available for our use.
How are matches played?
Matches are 9-hole stroke play events that involve 8 players per team, counting the best 5 scores from each team. Groups tee off in threesomes or foursomes depending on if it's a two team match or a tri-match. Also depending on certain factors, groups tee off the first tee or shotgun off multiple tees.
Where do the teams play?
Our home course is some combination of the The 1912 Club in Plymouth Meeting, PA and Philadelphia Country Club in Gladwyn, PA. Availability is limited due. Courses we visit for matches can include The 1912 Club, Merion West, St. David’s GC, Waynesborough CC, Downingtown CC, Gulph Mills GC, The Springhaven Club, Springfield CC, Radnor Valley CC, White Manor GC, McCall Field GC, Rolling Green GC, and Philmont CC. Other courses where we have practiced have been Green Valley CC and Philadelphia Cricket Club. It is not uncommon to take advantage of any memberships students have at clubs for the purposes of practicing.
How do I qualify for the Central League Championship?
Players are selected at the coaches discretion. Generally speaking, players must have played in at least one varsity match. However, there is some degree of leniency because the Central League has a minimum player count it must meet to reserve the golf course. In the case where we can invite players beyond those who have played in a varsity match, we look at factors such as GHIN handicap posting, summer junior tour participation, club tournament participation, and practice/match performance.
How do I make an All-League team?
To make All-League honors, the current criteria is as follows: Through a formula, each match score is converted into a "differential" score based on course par, slope and rating of each course they played. At the end of the season, players are ranked based on their "Average Differential". First Team All-Central consists of the top 8 boys and top 3 girls, Second Team All-Central consists of the second 8 boys and second 3 girls. Honorable-mentions consist of the third 10 boys and third 5 girls.
What does transportation to and from matches and practices look like?
The golf program coordinates with the Athletic Directors office and the Lower Merion School District to schedule buses for all matches and practices. Due to insurance policies, students are not allowed to drive themselves to or from away matches, except extenuating circumstances pre-approved by the coach and/or the Athletic Director. Students are typically allowed to drive themselves to home matches and practices.
What if I can't make a match, practice, or activity?
Players are expected to participate in ALL matches, practices, and team functions. If you can not participate in something, you must contact your coach - Coach Brian (Varsity) or Coach Rob (JV). We also would like to hear from a parent verifying your reason - email is sufficient. The coaching staff works hard to build a top notch program, and professionals from outside the program donate their time to invest in the Harriton golf student-athletes, so it is important to give sufficient reason for an absence. We'll never require, like most other Harriton sports teams, a doctors note, etc. but we do require communication from the student of an absence, and we expect verification for reason of absence from a parent. The coaching staff requires that late notices be communicated by the student to the coach, and absences be communicated by the student to the coach with email verification from a parent. Also, per school policy, if you're not at school on a particular day where there is a match/practice, you can not participate in the match or practice.
How does the coaching staff communicate with students or parents during the season?
Text messaging has proven to be the most timely and effective means of communicating with the students. Varsity players are sent weekly group text messages, in which they will be given updates on dismissal times, bus times, and practice/match reminders. The students will also be given a season schedule (subject to change) to give to their parents. Students and parents are highly encouraged to join the teams Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as use this website as a reliable source for information. Click HERE for the team Facebook page. Click HERE for the team Instagram page.
If a student has an issue or complaint, what should they do?
The first line of communication should be between the student and the coach. This is a common rule in high school sports programming. The purpose of this twofold, 1.) To teach the kids to be advocates for themselves. This is an important aspect of learning about personal leadership and personal responsibility. 2.) It simplifies and streamlines issues and communication. We understand that young students can be shy and apprehensive, but the coaching staff is very approachable, and there is no reason why issues can't be resolved first between the student and a coach. If you have any issues, come to us first. We're here for you!
Is the golf program a developmental program or a competitive program?
It’s important for parents and students to understand the nature of the Harriton Ram Golf Program. The program is first and foremost a competitive program, not a developmental program for students, although certain forms of minor development can occur during the season. Any significant development is for the other 9 months of the year. In those 9 months, every student has opportunities to improve through instruction and practice at their private club or local public courses. When the time comes for the season to start, hopefully the student is prepared to compete. There is always a mix of different kind of golfers in any given season. We have players that enjoy playing and competing but don't take it as seriously, and that's okay. But we have players that do take their participation seriously, and we try to strike a balance in developing and growing a program that is designed around both of them.
What do you suggest I do during the off-season to improve?
Since the Harriton Golf Program is a competitive program, not a developmental program, we highly suggest that you plug your child into qualified instruction from a local PGA Professional. PGA Professionals can be found at both private and public courses. We also highly suggest that students participate in summer junior tours such as the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), Golf Association of Philadelphia Junior events, and Pennsylvania State Golf Association Junior events. These junior tours are great ways to get competitive experience in preparation for the coming season. A student’s position on the team is determined by how much he/she wants it. Indicators of this include work with a local PGA Professional, participation in junior tours, as well as attitude and behavior. Students who are willing to do what it takes to improve and play are going to be the ones that not just make the team, but play on varsity. In essence, the cream will rise to the top. Click HERE for more information for off-season opportunities.
What is available to me if I am interested in playing golf in college?
The coaching staff will work with you in identifying schools with golf programs that are a good fit for you. The coaching staff will advise you on putting together a "playing resume". We will also write letters of recommendation for you. The coaching staff will also help you put together a highlight video that would accompany your playing resume. Every one or two years, we also bring in local college golf coach to speak with the Varsity and JV teams about college golf. Click HERE for more information.
Does the golf team have a budget?
Yes. The budget is organized through the Harriton Golf Association (HGA) by the coaching staff. If a student makes a team, the HGA will respectfully ask for your financial contribution for that season. We hope you will support the teams efforts for the season and beyond! Click HERE for more information on the HGA. The coaching staff also relies on the creativity of students and parents for further fundraising. For example, parents operate the annual "breakfast table" in September. The "breakfast table" is a great way to rally together the students and parents and give Harriton students the opportunity to make their contribution to the golf program. Other avenues of fundraising are always open for discussion.
Are there expenses on the behalf of families for anything?
Yes. While we have the privilege of playing some great golf courses at no cost to us, there are costs in other areas. Each season brings new opportunities for custom merchandise like uniform golf bags and upgraded uniform shirts, backpacks, custom Under Armor fitness shirts, etc. We've also engaged in golf clinics and fitness sessions in which we had to pay a fee for the instructor. There are other opportunities for Varsity & JV like a custom engraved bag tag or any other unique ideas the team thinks of.
Where can I find news, results & updates?
Again, students and parents are encouraged to join the team's Instagram pages for live year-around updates, in-season updates, results, news, etc. Also the Main Line Times publishes weekly in-season results and league news. This website also is a great and primary source for comprehensive, better organized information.
