“CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BASKETBALL PLAYERS”

INTRODUCTION

Participation in athletics means more than competition between two teams representing different towns or schools. It teaches fair play and sportsmanship; understanding and appreciation of teamwork; a chance to learn that a violation of a rule of the game brings a penalty, and that this same sequence follows in the game of life.      The conduct of an athlete is closely observed in many areas of life It is important that this behavior be above reproach in all of the following areas:

CONDUCT ON THE FLOOR

In the area of athletic competition a real athlete does not use profanity or illegal tactics. He learns the fact that losing is part of the game, and that he should be gracious in defeat and modest in victory. It is always courteous to congratulate the opponent on a well played game after the contest. A true athlete has complete control of himself at all times.      Officials in a game are there for the purpose of insuring that both teams will receive a fair deal. Officials do not lose a game for you. It is athletic tradition and rule, that no one except the appointed captain talks to the official. He should speak in a tone of respect and for the purpose of rule clarification.      Any behavior contrary to that, which has been stated, is a direct reflection on the team, coaches, school and town and will not be tolerated. Violation of a minor nature will result in removal from the game and the next game scheduled. Those of a more serious nature will result in suspension from the team.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

A good athlete is a good student. He plans his time so that he gives sufficient energy to his studies to insure acceptable grades. Those students who fail academic standards for the grading period will be ineligible for the following grading period.

CONDUCT AT SCHOOL

Behavior and appearance at school is of great importance. Athletes should be leaders, since fellow students respect and follow them.      Real athletes will accept theses responsibilities, realizing they influence many others. Athletic leaders work hard for the betterment of the school and what is right and good for the fellow student. If an athlete is suspended from school, he will be ineligible for one game after his return. Don't let your team down.

TRAINING RULES

1. No Smoking or drug abuse tolerated. 2. No drinking of alcoholic beverages. 3. No late hours on game day.  You’ve worked hard all week in practice  be     ready. 4. No profanity. Violation in the above training rules will result in expulsion from the  team.

GENERAL POLICIES

Be Prompt!!! Being 15 minutes early, shows your coach you want to play. If you know in advance you must miss practice check with your respective coach before hand. I feel you responsibilities fall in this order; home, family, church, studies, then basketball. If other activities conflict with practice, be sure in your own mind that they are more important. 1. When entering the gym be ready to play, no horseplay! Practice plans are organized to use every valuable minute.   Concentrate on BASKETBALL!! 2. Report all injuries. No matter how minor they may seem to be. 3. Never criticize your teammates. That job is reserved for the coach. 4. Ineligibility is DISLOYALTY; to yourself, the team, your coach and your school. Hit those books! 5. Dress appropriately in the winter months. Remember, a bad cold can keep you on the bench as well as five foul. 6. At all games home and away we sit together as a team. 7. If you have any personal problems you would like to discuss, the coach's office door is always open. 8. The basic ingredient of the successful player; even more important than size, speed, strength, toughness, etc, is the love for the game of basketball. If a player truly loves the game, he/she will pay the necessary price in effort, sacrifice, and sweat to make himself an effective player. 9. If you can't give 100% at practice, you will have time to rest on the bench on game night. 10. One player may be bigger, faster, more agile, a better shooter; but no player should be another's superior in team spirit, fight, determination, ambition, and character.

PLAYING TIME

Our philosophy is a little different than that of middle school basketball. All players will not get equal playing time, nor are they guaranteed playtime. By devoting hard work on the practice court players will improve their skills and knowledge of the game and be rewarded playing time on game day. If you are unsure how this philosophy might affect your daughter or have other concerns I welcome your questions or comments.

TOURNAMENT WEEKEND

As soon as I know our game schedule I'll tell everyone what the weekend schedule will be. There will be very little free time. We're here to play ball. Nothing else! We do everything as a team. There will be no swimming before games. After the final games of the day swimming is permitted before team meeting and lights out. Example: After game meeting - 30 minutes Eat - 1 hour Relax - 2 hours Pre-game meeting - 30 minutes Go play After game meeting - 30 minutes After the last game of the day you'll have free time until team meeting and lights out Remember Coach doesn't sleep !