City of Buckeye COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT -Recreation Division- COACHES HANDBOOK

Important dates

Opening day: Saturday, June 16th Picture day: Tuesday, June 19th and Thursday, June 21st Last day: Saturday, July 28th

Peter Piper pizza party nights: TBD

Community Services Department’s Vision and Mission Statement Our Vision

“Buckeye Is An Active, Engaged and Vibrant Community.”

Our Mission

We are dedicated to enriching quality of life, managing natural resources and creating memorable experiences for all generations. .We do this by:

Developing quality parks, diverse programs and sustainable practices.

Promoting volunteerism and lifelong learning.

Cultivating community events, tourism and economic development.

Preserving cultural, natural and historic resources.

Offering programs that inspire personal growth, healthy lifestyles and sense of community.

Dear Coach:

Thank you for volunteering to coach with the City of Buckeye Youth Sports Program. The role of a youth sports coach can be very rewarding, but can be challenging at times as well. We have included helpful information in this handbook to assist in making this an enjoyable season for you and your team.

Our youth sports philosophy is to provide our youth with a positive athletic experience in a safe environment where fun, skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship lay its foundation. In addition, our youth sports programs is designed to encourage maximum participation by all team members; their development is far more important than the outcome of the game. Please be sure to remember you are dealing with children, in a child’s game, where the best motivation of all is enthusiasm, positive reinforcement and team success. If the experience is fun for you, it will also be fun for the kids on your team as well as their parents.

Please take the time and effort to do the best job you possibly can. If for any reason you are unable to complete the season, or have any issues with the coaching, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to assist you in order to make this season a success for everyone involved.

Thanks again for your efforts.

Erin Fort, Recreation Coordinator [email protected] 623-349-6357 - Main

COACHES INCENTIVE PROGRAM Program Philosophy : Volunteer coaches are the greatest asset to our youth sports programs. The City of Buckeye Community Services Department will make the success of our volunteer coaches the number one priority during the sports season. How the Incentive Program Works: Interested coaches register their child and pay the appropriate registration fee. If selected as a head coach, one (1) credit valued at $50.00 will be placed on his/her ac- count upon completion of the season. Any credit given will expire (1) one year from being placed on an ac- count. Any credits issued must be used prior to registering for any future activities or program. This credit can only be used towards any future program or activity offered by the city of Buckeye Community Services Department. Qualification Criteria: Credit is only given if a coach completes the entire season and fulfills 6 of the 8 requirements listed below. 1. Complete coaching application. 2. Pass fingerprint and background check. 3. Attend mandatory coaches’ meeting . 4. Be present on picture day and in the team photo. 5. Return 90% of youth sports season surveys. 6. Complete the season. This entails hosting one practice per week, attending 6 out of 7 games. 7. Maintain sports equipment and return all equipment by deadline. 8. Display and teach positive sportsmanship. Follows the Coaches Code of Ethics & Conduct.

VOLUNTEER COACH DESCRIPTIONS/EXPECTATIONS

The City of Buckeye Youth Sports programs counts on volunteers to coach teams in our leagues. We are always looking for new coaches, and appreciate the time and effort put forth by all coaches. Pre-Season Expectations:  Complete Coaches Application, Complete and pass FBI Background Check and Attend the coaches meeting. Time Commitments:  Call parents and schedule first team practice/meeting, Schedule practices, 1-2 times per week, Be present at games and in the team photo. End of Season:  Return equipment, Distribute awards and complete evaluations/surveys. Goals:  Coach and provide instruction to approximately 8-12 youth participants.  Create a FUN and safe environment.  Increase skill development and knowledge of game.  Teach teamwork and positive sportsmanship.  Follow the City of Buckeye’s rules and regulations.  Adhere to the Code of Ethics and Conduct. CODE OF CONDUCT & ETHICS As a youth coach you have agreed to follow the Code of Ethics: I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of any personal desire to win. I will remember to treat each player as an individual, remembering the large spread of emotional and physical development for the same age group. I will do my very best to provide a safe playing situation for my players. I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players. I will lead, by example, in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players. I will insure that I am knowledgeable in the rules of each sport. I will use those coaching techniques appropriate for each of the skills that I teach.

As a coach you will be leaving a lasting impression on the youth in our community. Coaches are re- quired to demonstrate a positive attitude and good sportsmanship. The development of the child is far more important than the outcome of the game. The key factor is FUN. Alcoholic beverages, smoking or chewing tobacco is not permitted anytime during the game or practice. No team member (players, coaches, etc.) shall be allowed to harass or ridicule members of the opposing team in any way. Unsportsmanlike Conduct Includes: 1. Cheating of any kind 2. Use of profane language 3. Continually harassing umpires before, during, or after a game. 4. **Encouragement of team members to harm or injure players of the opposing team (i.e., take-out players, running over players without attempting to avoid a collision, etc.) 5. **Physical abuse to any participant. (hitting, shoving, etc.) 6. Shouting obscenities at any time 7. Any uncomplimentary/antagonizing remarks directed at opposing team members or fans. First Offense—results in a warning. Second Offense—results in ejection. **Zero Tolerance will be exercised! The City of Buckeye Community Services Department enforces the Coaches Code of Ethics. Violations of these standards will result in disciplinary action and possible dismissal from City of Buckeye Youth Sports Programs. Coach / Player Ejection if an ejection occurs for unsportsmanlike conduct he/she will also be suspend- ed from the team’s next game. When this occurs, the person ejected must leave the park premises prior to the continuation of the game. Failure to do so results in an automatic forfeit. A second offense of this nature will result in expulsion from the league.

LEAGUE INFORMATION Overview The purpose of this document is to provide all coaches with an overview of our rules and regulations. All games are conduced in accordance with the current NFHS rules of the game and decisions as modified by the City of Buckeye. Any issues not specifically addressed in the guidelines will be governed by the City of Buckeye. The recreation coordinator reserves the right to modify, adjust or omit any rule in this documentation that is deemed to enhance the quality of the program. Coaching The overall objective is for participants to enjoy the game and strive to do their best at every level. Coaches should recognize that the primary goal of the youth sports program is to teach fundamentals and sportsmanship in a safe setting. Coaches should keep practices engaging and play each player at a variety of positions giving them the overall experience. The key to being a successful coach is not determined by your record but by creating an environment that allows player to learn and succeed at the sport. Team Formulation Players are assigned to teams according to the nearest public school. Participants who do not register by the registration deadline are placed on the waiting list and will only be placed on teams if available roster size permits. Requests by parents and coaches for specific teams assignments cannot be guaranteed. Team rosters will be limited to depending on registrations and division. Player Eligibility All participants are required to be registered with the City of Buckeye, prior to playing or participating in practices. Players who fail to register will be declared ineligible. Practices The practice times and locations are determined by the volunteer coaches. Since the teams are formed based on schools, the desire is for the coach to have a practice location convenient for a majority of the team. Please be sure to clean up after your practices, and leave the gyms and schools looking better than when you got there. Jurisdiction 1. Courts - The gymnasiums are allocated by the City of Buckeye for their prospective use; therefore the City of Buckeye maintains jurisdiction over the gymnasiums. All participants, coaches and spectators will honor the rules and regulations along with employees and offices who are empowered to enforce them. 2. Officials Authority - The officials and City of Buckeye employees are authorized to enforce rules and regulations in addition to the National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) rules of the game. 3. The officials are responsible to control and maintain the safety of the game.

LEAGUE INFORMATION Awards The City of Buckeye has partnered with the Jr. Suns/Jr. Mercury program so that each registered participant will receive 2 tickets to a Mercury game as well as Sun’s gift. The awards will be distributed after the final game when the equipment is returned. Coaches and parents are advised not to solicit any funds for any purpose from players or parents.

Team Pictures Coaches are to distribute picture packets to those who wish to purchase pictures. There is no requirement to purchase any photos. The photographer will be asked to provide a free picture plaque for all head coaches for their efforts. Picture day schedule will be provided to all coaches prior to picture day. If for some reason you have a conflict with your picture time, please contact 623-349-6357. End of Season Pictures, awards and evaluations will be distributed on or before the last game of the season. Following your final game, please return all equipment and evaluations to the site supervisor.

Pre-Season Meeting You will receive your roster during the coaches meeting. Each player’s name, main contact, and phone number is included on the roster. We suggest calling each of the parents and setting up an introductory meeting prior to your first practice (can be same day as your first practice). Come to the meeting prepared and let the parents know the expectations and goals you have for the season. Emphasize the importance of keeping a positive attitude during the season, having good communication, and safe environment. Safety Parents should be aware that coaches are not babysitters. Encourage parents to attend all practices and games and to notify you if they are not able to make an event. Also emphasize the importance of keeping the children hydrated before, during and after events. The City of Buckeye encourages coaches to be trained in basic first aid and CPR. Always make sure to have a plan in case of an emergency. Report all serious injuries to the City of Buckeye site supervisor or sports staff with in 24hrs of an emergency. Assistant Coach It is up to the head coach to determine who will be the assistant coach for the season. The City of Buckeye will provide 1 coach’s shirts for the assistant. Each coach is allowed to encourage parent assistants (limit 2) to help out with other duties as needed.

Although not required, several teams select a “Team Parent” to help with the administrative aspects of coaching. They take care of things such as snack schedules, calling team members and end of the season party if preferred. LEAGUE INFORMATION Site Supervisors/Officials A Site Supervisor, identified by City of Buckeye staff shirt, will act as your liaison to the Community Service Staff. If you have any issues during your game, please see the site supervisor. The site supervisor is also equipped with a first aid pack and emergency telephone for accidents and incidents. All accidents and incidents are documented and reported back to the Recreation Coordinator. Quality of Officials All officials have different styles of officiating and different levels of experience. Coaches, spectators and players must allow for the these differences and realize that officials are part of the game. The final outcome of a game is rarely determined by an official’s actions or inactions. Any concerns regarding officiating should be filtered though the head coach of the team, site supervisor or recreation coordinator at an appropriate time. Officials will consist of City of Buckeye staff and contracted officials. Please demonstrate respect to the officials and encourage your players/parents to do the same. Please do not express concerns in front of the participants. Players’ and Coaches’ Uniform, Equipment Responsibilities 1. Uniforms will be provided for all registered participants and two coaches per team. Uniforms (players and coaches) must be worn at every game for identification purposes. 2. Uniforms will be given out according to the size requested at registration. 3. Each player must wear the City of Buckeye issued jersey and must be tucked in. Jerseys may not be altered in any way. 4. Shoelaces must be securely tied. Open-toe shoes or hard-soled streets shoes are not allowed. Basketball shoes are recommended. 5. A player may not wear anything that could be dangerous to themselves or another player, including jewelry (rings, watches, necklaces, etc.). 6. A player with blood, even if dried, on their uniform will not be allowed to participate until a new uniform is provided or the blood is removed from the uniform.

 If a player is wearing an ineligible uniform, the City of Buckeye reserves the right to allow that player to participate in the game as a legal player if they feel it is safe and fair to do so. 7. Game balls will be provided by the City of Buckeye on game days. Teams are responsible for providing their own warm up balls before the game. 8. The City of Buckeye provides the necessary equipment for teams to participate in our leagues. If the equipment is broken and/or unsafe for use, please contact us and we will replace it as soon as possible. Equipment includes balls, pump, cones and mesh practice jerseys. Equal Playing Time The City of Buckeye strictly enforces equal playing time for each child, regardless of age or ability.

GYM LOCATIONS

Buckeye Union High School Agee Gym: Practices and Games Corner of Eason and Kell Street (just west of the recreation center) West Park Elementary: 2700 S. 257th Dr. (West Park Community off of Miller)

Sundance Elementary: 23800 W. Hadley St. (just behind Wal-Mart) Jasinski Elementary: 4280 N. 246th Ave (off Broadway)

RULES Uniforms/Equipment Jr. Suns reversible mesh jerseys will be provided. Home will wear white and away teams will wear dark. Uniforms may not be altered in any way.

Division Ball Size Pee Wee and Midget 27.5 Junior Rookie and Juniors 28.5 Intermediate Elite 29.5 Official The Court of Play Court sizes are subject to change at the leagues discretion.

Division 3-Point Arc Basketball Rim

Pee Wee None 8 feet

Midget None 9 feet

Rookie, Juniors and Regulation 10 feet

Game Play Information 1. Number of Players and Forfeits Each player must be listed on the team’s official roster to participate. Both teams must start and finish the game with a minimum of four eligible players. Teams may borrow players from the other team if needed. 2. Player Participation Requirements Minimum Playing Time: Minimum playing time is ten minutes per half per game. No player may play the entire game unless everyone has played at least 20 minutes. If a player arrives late to a game, the coaches must do their best to provide that player with equal playing opportunity. Free substitutions can be made when the player(s) being substituted for and with have completed their minimum playing requirement. RULES 3. Substitutions Pee Wee and Midget Divisions: Three (3) 30 second SUBSTITUTION TIMEOUTS per half will be called by the official to sub players in/out. All players who did not play the previous five (5) minutes, must enter into the game at this time. Rookie, Junior and Elite Divisions: Game clock will run entire 20 minute half, player substitution can be made during a natural break in game. Players subbing in must check in at the score table. Referee must acknowledge substitution and call new player into game. Substitution of players can only occur: 1. During MANDATORY substitutions 2. When an injury occurs 3. During a natural break in the game.

Length of Playing Periods 1. All divisions will consist of two (2) twenty-minute running clock halves, with a five (5) minute halftime break.

Game Clock 1. The clock will stop for all dead ball stoppages during the last 2 minutes of the second half. Running clock stops only for: A. Timeouts: The head coach or player on the court may request timeout, or an injured player timeout from the official. B. Last 2 minutes of the game.

Choosing Sides and Warm up Each team will have a 5 minute warm up period. Teams will warm up at the basket opposite of its bench. Teams will change baskets for the second half.

Timeouts Timeouts are (1) one minute in duration. Each team will get two (2), one(1) minute timeouts per half. Timeouts do NOT carry over.

Start of Play Pee Wee Divisions will have the home team listed first, and start with the ball at half court. The start of the second half the away team with start with ball. All other divisions will jump for possession. RULES Free Throw Bonus A. Penalty free-throw bonus begins on the seventh team foul (1 and 1) and the double bonus beginning on the tenth team foul (2 shots). B. Technical, flagrant or intentional fouls will result in free throws (2 shots). C. On a free throw attempt, no player may leave their spot until the ball has touched the rim or back- board or until the free throw is made. D. Pee Wee and Midget Divisions: Personal, technical and flagrant or intentional fouled are not tracked. Personal fouls will be called. Alternating-Possessions A. The alternating possession procedure is a method of putting the ball in play with a throw from a player that is out of bounds. B. The procedure starts when an official places the ball at the disposal of a player for a throw-in. Player inbounding the ball must remain behind the sideline. C. Possession arrow will determine which team will inbound the ball on a jump ball call. Pee Wee Specific Guidelines

A. Direction of Play: Home team is listed first on the game schedule and will start with the ball. They will shoot at the basket they warmed up on. B. Coaching: One (1) coach is allowed to be on the court as they see fit for their team. At no time can a coach interfere with the game. C. Bench Monitor: Each team is required to have a “bench monitor” at each game to assist with the substitutions and safety of participants. D. Violations: Players are allowed to double dribble, and travel. However, please encourage children to use the skills they are learning. Contact will occur; most of the time it is accidental so constantly remind the players to not touch.

RULES Pee Wee Specific Guidelines Continued E. Defense: 1. Defensive player cannot steal, attempt to steal or tie up the ball from an opposing player who has established clear possession of the ball. When this rule is violated by the defense, play will stop and the ball will be awarded back to the offense.

 Defensive players should be strongly encouraged by their coaches to play defense with their hands up and avoid swatting, poking or tying up the ball.

 Defensive players may attempt to intercept or deflect a pass.

 Clear possession is determined by the official. 2. No full-court or half-court press is allowed. 3. Transition Rule: Once the team secures the rebound or inbounds the ball and is in transition, the defensive players may not play defense until they have retreated inside the 3-point arc. All defensive players must stay inside the arc until the ball crosses the half court line. F. Offense: 1. Once the point guard reaches the 3-point line they must pass the ball to a teammate. The goal is to activate the offensive play and teach teamwork. Rotate players to have an opportunity to play the point guard position. 2. No Free Throws will be taken. Ball will be inbounded from the closest sideline. 3. One coach from each team will be allowed on the court. 4. There will be NO 3 seconds in the key rule, 10-second backcourt rule or 5-second closely guarded rule.

Midget Specific Guidelines A. Defense: 1. Teams may play zone or man-to-man defense. 2. No full-court press. 3. Half-court press: Defense must allow the dribbler to cross the half-court line with both feet and the ball before applying pressure. A pass in flight must cross the half-court line before the defense may apply pressure.

Midget Specific Guidelines Continued

B. Offense: 1. A jump ball determines possession at the start of the game and possession thereafter alternates according to the possession arrow. 2. No Free Throws will be taken. In the event of a foul the ball will be inbounded from the closest sideline. 3. There will be NO 3 seconds in the key rule, 10-second backcourt rule or 5-second closely guarded rule. Rookie, Junior and Elite Specific Guidelines A. Defense: 1. Teams may play zone or man-to-man defense. 2. Full-court press is allowed. 3. If a team is down by more than 10 points, full court press will not be allowed and following rule will apply:

 Half-court press: Defense must allow the dribbler to cross the half-court line with both feet and the ball before applying pressure. A pass in flight must cross the half-court line before the defense may apply pressure. 4, If a team is down by more than 20 points, full court press will not be allowed and following rule will apply:

 Transition Rule: Once the team secures the rebound or inbounds the ball and is in transition, the defensive players may not play defense until they have retreated inside the 3-point line arc. All defensive players must stay inside the 3-point arc until the ball crosses the half court line.

 Any violation of the half-court press or transition rule will result in a delay of game penalty. Two delay of game violations will result in a technical foul. B. Offense: 1. A jump ball determines possession at the start of the game and possession thereafter alternates according to the possession arrow. 2. 10-second backcourt rule will apply. Offensive team has 10 seconds to cross half court. 3. 5-second closely guarded rule will apply. Offensive player has 5 seconds to dribble or pass the ball if a defender is guarding them closely. 4. 3-seconds in the key rule will apply. Offensive player has 3 seconds in the key BASEKETBALL TERMINOLOGY

Alternating Possession Rule: The possession arrow changes direction after each held ball situation, alternating which teams gets possession of the ball. Backcourt: Used to refer to the half of the court opposite the half where play is currently taking place. Carrying: Also called “palming”; a violation committed by a dribbler that involves placing the dribbling hand under the ball and momentary holding or carrying it while dibbing. Charge: A charge foul is called when the offensive player in possession of the ball runs into a defender with an established position. Double Dribble: A violation that occurs when a player dribbles the ball with both hands simultaneously or stops dribbling and then dribbles again. Foul: An illegal action committed buy a player from one team against a player from the other team. There are two types of fouls. DEFENSIVE FOUL, occurs when the offensive player is fouled by the defender. Defenders should not trip, block, push, strike or hold the player in possession of the ball. OFFENSIVE FOUL, occurs when a player charges into a stationary defender while having possession of the ball. Jump Ball: Tossing the ball up between two opponents at the beginning of the game or overtime. Also called when two players have possession of the ball at the same time. In this case the possession arrow will indict which team will inbound the ball. Over and Back Violation: Occurs when the offensive team returns the ball into the backcourt once it has position itself in the front court. Technical Foul: A foul that does not involve contact with an opponent; a foul that involves unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, coach or non-player; or a contact foul committed by a player while the ball is dead. All players must be at half-court while the shot is taken. Possession is awarded to the team that shot the free-throws.