Tennis season has arrived, and it has come with new regulations. The 2012-2013 Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) handbook states in Section eight, rule six that regular scheduled events between two schools cannot start until half an hour after the opposing team’s school is released from school.
Prior to the new regulation, the tennis team started home matches at 3:30 p.m.
“We don’t get home until 11 p.m., so we don’t have time to do homework. We could be doing our homework between matches, but we’re supposed to be hydrating and eating and supporting the other players,” said sophomore Ryne Fletcher. “I can understand why they do it because our academics are important, but it also hurts us being out so late.”
Due to the late start, students are getting home much later than they would prefer, especially because their matches occur on school nights. Although not all matches start later, it all depends on the opposing school’s schedule.
“Because of it (Tripe A rules) we can’t start until 4:30 p.m., and then we’re at the courts until 10 p.m. and that doesn’t leave much time for anything,” said junior Blair Breazeale.
The time change has affected many of the players. Before the new rule was put into effect, players got home earlier and used their extra time to do homework.
“I haven’t felt much of a change. I do start my homework later though because by the time I get home and shower and have dinner, it can be late,” said junior Christy Deshong.