TABLE OF CONTENTS Team Name Policy 2 Words of Wisdom 3 Professional Environment 4 Players Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy 5 Coach and Parent Relationship Tips 6 Communicating with Parents 7 Referee Etiquette 8 Basketball Terminology 9 Basketball Court Diagram and Position Labels 10 Concussion Management 11 Uniform and Team Picture Information 12 Shoe Information 13 Basketball Information 14 Gym Locations 15 Notes 16

201 West Gray, Bldg. C PO Box 370, Norman, OK 73069 405-366-5476 www.youthsportsofnorman.com

1 The Norman Parks & Recreation Department is constantly striving to meet the needs of our citizens and thus improve our programs and our community. To that end, we are implementing the following policy for all of our Youth Sports Programs.

Teams participating in any Norman Parks & Recreation Sports League will not choose team names that are considered to be offensive to any segment of our population. The City of Norman Sports Coordinator has the final say on what is considered offensive.

This policy goes into effect immediately. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to the above policy when naming your teams. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Stephanie Bennett at 405-292- 9703 or [email protected] .

2 REMINDERS FROM YOUR CHILD: Your child’s success or lack of success in sports does not indicate what kind of  I’m a child parent you are. But having an athlete  It’s just a game  My coach is a volunteer that is coachable, respectful, a great  The referee is human teammate, mentally tough, resilient and  No college scholarships or professional tries their best IS a direct reflection of contracts will be offered today your parenting.

“Based on psychological research, the three healthiest statements moms and dads can make as [kids] perform are: Before the Competition: Have fun. Play hard. I love you. After the competition: Did you have fun? I’m proud of you. I love you.”

Source: www.fulleryouthinstitute.org

“The only six words parents need to say to their kids about sports (((or any performance)))” —Brad M. Griffin

3 As a volunteer coach in the City of Norman Youth Sports Program you are expected to set a positive example in words and actions. Any volunteer coach who is involved in a verbal or physical altercation, or an occurrence of unsportsmanlike conduct will be subject to disciplinary action. COACH EXPECTATIONS  I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.  I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.  I will do my best to provide a safe playing environment for my players.  I will promise to review and practice basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries of 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 provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.  I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach and I will teach these rules to my players.  I will use those coaching techniques appropriate for all of the skill that I teach.  I will remember that I am a youth sports coach and that the game is for children and not adults. COACH AND REFEREE INTERACTION Only the head coach or designated head coach is allowed to address the referee. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT includes but is not limited to: 1. Arguing with a referee or other game officials after the coach has been instructed to return to the bench; 2. Assistant coach leaving their position to argue with the referee or other game official; 3. Taunting a referee, game official, coach, another parent or spectator, or player. 4. Wearing anything that endorses drugs, or sexually incentive clothing or headwear. A. League officials have the final authority regarding this matter. NOTE: Post-game ejections are a one game suspension from the team bench. PENALTY: Warning. If the behavior continues the offender shall be ejected from the facility. Two ejections during the season will result in the offender receiving a permanent suspension from all facilities hosting a city of Norman Junior Jammer Basketball League sanctioned event for the remainder of the season. 6. Words or actions meant to incite or attempt to incite spectator or player demonstrations; 7. Words or actions meant to intimidate; 8. Use of bullhorns or amplifiers for coaching purposes during the game; 9. Using profane, obscene, offensive, or vulgar language; 10. Engaging in offensive behavior; 11. Abusive, harmful, or unwarranted disruptions to the game; 12. Throwing equipment in anger; 13. Verbal disrespect directed towards a referee, game official, league official, player, coach, or spectator; 14. Making intentional contact with a referee; 15. Words or actions meant to provoke a player, coach, referee, game official, or spectator to harm another. 16. Using tobacco or being intoxicated on alcohol or any illegal substance while coaching. PENALTY: a. Regular Season: The offender shall be ejected from the facility property and receive a one game suspension. If the behavior continues, the offender will not be permitted back on any facility property hosting a Junior Jammer Basketball League game. b. Post Season: The offender shall be ejected from the facility property and will not be permitted back on any facility property hosting a Junior Jammer Basketball League game. Any concerted activity that is in poor taste as determined by the Sports Coordinator, Recreation Supervisor, and/or Sports Supervisor will result in forfeiture and possible suspension from further participation. Coaches, parents, spectators, or players who threaten, physically harm, or abuse any player, umpire, league official, or spectator at any time for any reason will be subject to immediate dismissal from the facility property and effective immediately, suspended from all city of Norman Junior Jammer Basketball League sanctioned events for the remainder of the season.

4  I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials, and parents at every game and practice by demonstrating good sportsmanship.  I will attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coach if I cannot.  I will expect to receive a fair amount of playing time.  I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.  I will treat my coaches, other players, officials, and fans with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or abilities and I will expect to be treated accordingly.  I deserve to have fun during my sports experience and will alert parents or coaches if it stops being fun!  I deserve to play in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and expect adults to refrain from their use at all youth sports events.  I will encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity because it’s important to me.  I will do my very best in school.  I will remember that sports is an opportunity to learn and have fun!

I understand that any unsportsmanlike conduct, showing disrespect to referees, game officials, coaches, spectators, or other players can result in the following disciplinary actions:  Verbal warning  Ejection from the current game  Suspension for future games  Being expelled from the league

Team Name Date 5 When it comes to coaching youth sports, communication and organization are two of the most important components. Keeping lines of communication open between you and your parents AND having a plan for each practice, game, and team event will aid in helping your season run smoothly. With this in mind we are providing some helpful tips to assist you as you begin a new sports season.

Contact Your Parents ASAP  Once you have received your team roster, contact your parents as soon as possible.  Parents have been eager to hear from their child’s coach. Host a Coach-Parent Team Meeting  This can actually be done towards the end of your first practice while players are finishing up with your assistant coach.  Introduce yourself and share about your excitement for the season.  Make sure you have everyone’s correct contact information.  Have everyone fill out and sign an “Authorization to Seek Medical Treatment” Form.  Communicate expectations clearly:  Practice days, times, and location.  Stress the importance of parents letting you know when their child will not be at practices or games.  What equipment is provided and what parents will need to provide along with other equipment recommendations.  Stress the importance of having at least one parent at the games.  Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated by you (the coach), the referees, and the Sports Supervisor (refer to the “Parent and Spectator Expectations” section in the Guidelines and Rules book).  Recruit a team parent (or two) to coordinate the snack schedule, water for practices and games, and team events.  Encourage parents to practice with their child at home. Uniforms  Rec League Teams: All recreation league players will wear an official Junior Jammer Basketball League Program jersey offered through the Whittier Recreation Center. The cost per jersey is $20 for those who need to purchase one.  Team League Teams: Cost effectiveness is important. You may be able to find a sponsor to offset much of the cost. Inclement Weather/Game Suspensions  In the event of inclement weather or situations occur that may present unsafe playing conditions, the decision to play or not to play will be made by the Sports Coordinator and Recreation Supervisor.  Parents and coaches are encouraged to call the Rainout Hotline at 405-366-5323 or visit www.juniorjammer.com on the day in question.  Parents and coaches will also be notified via email.  Games in progress that are suspended due to unsafe playing conditions will resume at a later day and time from the moment they were suspended.

6 Thoughts to remember when interacting with parents:

 Always listen to their ideas and feelings. Remember, they are interested and concerned because it is their children that are involved. Encourage parental involvement.  Express appreciation for their interest and concern. This will make them more open and at ease with you.  No coach can please everyone! Don’t try.  Know what your objectives are and do what you believe to be of value to the team, not the parents.  Make certain all parents know your ground rules. Have rules, regulations, your philosophy, practice dates and times, etc. printed so you can pass out to all parents. Have a parent meeting before the season begins to discuss your operating procedures if necessary.  Resist unfair pressure. You are the coach and it’s your responsibility to make the final decisions.  Most important, be fair. If you treat all players equally you will gain respect.  Be consistent! If you change a rule or philosophy during the season, you may be in for trouble. If you do change something make sure the parents are informed as soon as possible.  Handle any confrontation one-on-one and not in a crowd situation. Don’t be defensive. Don’t argue with a parent. Listen to their viewpoint and thank them for it.  Don’t discuss individual players with other parents. The grapevine will hang you every time.  Ask parents not to criticize their children during a practice or game. Don’t let your players be humiliated, even by their own parents. Explain that you must be under complete control of your team when they are on your ”turf”.  Don’t blame the players for their parents’ actions, if negative. Try to maintain a fair attitude.  Parents must accept the fact that coaches and assistants are volunteers and should not be subjected to criticism during ball games.  Parents should also be aware that umpires are not perfect and will make mistakes and should not be subjected to criticism during or after ball games.  Please remind parents that “it’s just a game” and it should be treated as such. Make it fun!

7 1. Treat them with respect. Our players see the way we treat the referees and we should teach them to respect others and learn to communicate without yelling uncontrollably. Referees are humans and they like to be treated with respect. Talk to them. Ask questions in a non-aggressive tone. Not to mention, it's very important to teach today's young people how to respect authority. It also teaches players not to blame others and to be held accountable.

2. Create a dialogue and learn their names. Referees will respect you and like the fact that you're talking to them like they are a human being. It's also a good idea to learn their first names, so you can effectively address them during the games. The chances of them responding or listening increase if they hear their name.

3. Chat with them in the pregame. One thing I always like to do is talk to the referees in the pregame warm- ups. I might even give them a heads up that I like to ask questions on calls, so I can teach my players and I would appreciate it if they took a few seconds to explain the calls to me when I ask them about a call. Morgan Wootten also says this is a great time to get a point across about the rules of the game.

4. Apply the golden rule. If you treat the referees like you would want to be treated, you'll develop a quality relationship with them. Most often, this will lead to more calls in your favor.

5. Question their call in an assertive, but non-aggressive manner. If you question a call in a reasonable tone, the refs will be more likely to listen to criticism. If you're yelling and screaming the whole time, they'll probably tune you out.

6. Create a great environment for them at your home games. When you host a game, you should greet them and make them feel as comfortable as possible. It's important to make sure beverages and food are provided to the refs as well. This great treatment can go a long ways. It's also beneficial for you and your administration to make sure that your fans create a great atmosphere, but in a positive manner. No heckling and berating the referees.

Source: www.breakthroughbasketball.com

8 As players continue to develop, one of the things that will help them improve is becoming familiar with common basketball “terms.” Below is a sample of terms that players and coaches typically communicate to each other during the course of a game. The concept of developing common terminology will help in their continued development and understanding of the game. And One: When a player gets fouled while shooting and the ball goes in. The player then gets one free throw. Assist: A statistic that occurs when a player passes the ball to someone who scores after receiving the pass. The passing player earns an assist in the stat sheet. Backboard: The rectangular piece of wood or fiberglass the rim is attached to. Backdoor: An offensive action in which a player without the ball cuts behind a defender and toward the basket. Bank Shot: When a player shoots the ball and it bounces off the backboard and into the hoop. Block (action): A statistic that occurs when a defensive player stops an offensive player from making a shot by blocking the ball with his or her hand(s). Box Out: When a shot goes up, players use this technique, which involves widening their stance and arms and using their body as a barrier to get in better rebounding position. Carry: This penalty, which results in a turnover, occurs when a player holds the ball excessively at the apex while dribbling. Charge: This penalty, which results in a turnover, occurs when an offensive player with the ball runs into a stationary defensive player and knocks him or her over. Double Dribble: This penalty, which results in a turnover, occurs when a player dribbles the ball with both hands. It also occurs when a player dribbles, stops dribbling, and then begins to dribble again. Fast Break: An offensive action where a team attempts to advance the ball and score as quickly as possible after a steal, blocked shot or rebound. Free Throw: A free shot given to a player after a foul or a technical foul. The player shoots from the 15-foot free throw line while the rest of the players line up along the outside of the key. Key: The painted area that makes up the free throw lane. Also referred to as the paint. Lay-Up: A shot taken close to the hoop, usually when a player is moving toward the basket. Man-to-Man: A defensive strategy in which each player on the defensive team guards one person on the opposing team. Outlet: An offensive strategy in which a player who gathers a defensive rebound passes to a teammate in an attempt to quickly begin the next possession. Paint: The painted area that makes up the free throw lane. Also referred to as the key. Post: The area just outside of the key in which the rectangular blocks are painted. Also referred to as the block. Press: A defensive strategy where the defenders guard the opposing team the full length of the court instead of waiting on the opposite side for the offense to come across. Post Up: An offensive strategy in which a player gets the ball in the post area with his or her back to the basket. Rebound: When a player from either team retrieves the ball and gains possession after a missed shot. Screen: An offensive strategy in which a player without the ball stands in the way of a defensive player. The offensive player must remain stationary during the process, or a moving screen will be called and the result will be an offensive foul and a turnover. Travel: A penalty, which results in a turnover, where an offensive player moves his or her pivot foot illegally or takes three steps without dribbling the ball. Turnover: When the offensive team loses possession of the ball by way of an offensive foul, steal or out-of-bounds violation. 9

Source: www.ready-set-sports.com

Point Guard (1): Usually the shortest player on the team. Should be the team’s best passer and ball handler; not primarily a shooter. Traditional role is to push the ball upcourt and start the offensive wheels turning. Should either take the ball to the basket or remain near the top of the key, ready to retreat on defense. Shooting Guard (2): Generally taller than a point guard but shorter than a small forward. Not necessarily a great ball handler, but normally the team’s best perimeter shooter. A good shooting guard (or two guard) comes off screens set by taller teammates prepared to shoot, pass, or drive to the basket. Also tries to grab rebounds on offense. Small Forward (3): The all-purpose player on offense: aggressive and strong; tall enough to mix it up inside but agile enough to handle the ball and shoot well. Must be able to score both from the perimeter and from inside. Power Forward (4): Has muscles or at least a little bulk. Must be able to catch passes and hit shots near the basket. A good, rugged rebounder, but athletic enough to move with some quickness around the lane on offense and defense. Expected to score when given the opportunity on the baseline, much like a center, but usually has a range of up to 15 feet all around the basket. Center(5): Usually the tallest player on the team. Should be able to post up offensively — that is, receive the ball with his back to the basket and use pivot moves to hit a variety of short jumpers, hook shots, and dunks. Also must know how to find the open player in the paint and grab offensive rebounds. Source: www.dummies.com

10 THE FOLLOWING WAS COPIED DIRECTLY FROM THE “2017-18 NFHS BASKETBALL RULES BOOK” SECTION ON “SUGGESTED GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF CONCUSSION IN SPORTS”:

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal brain function. An athlete does not have to have suffered a direct blow to the head or lose consciousness (be “knocked out”) to have suffered a concussion.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Concussion Include:

 Appears dazed or stunned  Headaches or “pressure” in head  Is confused about assignment or position  Nausea or vomiting  Forgets an instruction  Balance or problems or dizziness  Is unsure of game, score or opponent  Double or blurry vision  Moves clumsily  Sensitivity to light  Answers questions slowly  Sensitivity to noise  Loses consciousness (even briefly)  Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy  Shows mood, behavior or personality changes  Concentration or memory problems  Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall  Confusion  Can’t recall events after hit or fall  Does not “feel right” or is “feeling down”

Suggested Concussion Management 1. No athlete should return to play (RTP) or practice on the same day of a concussion. 2. Any athlete suspected of having a concussion should be evaluated by an appropriate health-care professional that day. 3. Any athlete with a concussion should be medically cleared by an appropriate health-care professional prior to resuming participation in any practice or competition. 4. After medical clearance, RTP should follow a step-wise protocol with provisions for delayed RTP based upon return of any signs or symptoms at rest, while doing school work or with physical activity.

For further details please see the “NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion in Sports” at www.nfhs.org.

WHEN IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT!

11 Jerry Bruns John Carter, Chad Trench, Wade Brewer 405-364-0080 405-390-8935 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Lance Knight or Gwen Gough 405-366-7099 [email protected] [email protected]

Tim Reason 405-366-7099 [email protected]

12 Shoes specifically designed for basketball are recommended, but not required.

Learn How To Buy The Perfect Basketball Sneaker To handle the rigors of the game, basketball shoes must offer durability, support, stability, flexibility and shock absorption. The constant starting, abrupt stopping, high jumps and quick side-to-side movements involved with basketball make these features absolutely essential when choosing your playing shoes. It's also important to factor in your personal playing style, which can make a difference in the type of shoe you'll need.

What Kind of Player Are You? Power Player: Power players will want shoes with maximum cushioning and stability. You may have to play in a heavier shoe to get those benefits. All-around Player: Look for shoes with moderate ankle support and cushioning. There are many shoes to choose from. Almost all types are fairly lightweight. Fast Player: Choose a lightweight shoe that offers moderate support, cushioning and flexibility. Shoes with a lower-cut are often good choices. Shoe Construction Understanding the construction of basketball sneakers and determining which features are most important to you will help you select the right shoe. Upper The upper is the soft top of the shoe. Its job is to keep the foot snug and securely in place during play. 1. Shoe Cut: Determining if you're most comfortable in high-, mid- or low-tops is the first step in finding the right shoe for you.  High-tops: Keep in mind that the vast majority of players, around 70% choose high-tops for their ability to provide maximum ankle support. Power players and all-around players usually prefer the stability of this style.  Mid-tops: For players who feel restricted in high-tops, and who use speed as their greatest asset, mid- tops, which come to right at the ankle level, may be the answer.  Low-tops: Only about 10% of players wear low-tops for regular play. These are lighter, but don't offer the built-in ankle support that high-tops do. 2. Materials: The days of the all leather upper are gone. Replacing them are lightweight combination uppers, which mix the stability and durability of leather with the breathability and flexibility of synthetic mesh. High-tech, all-synthetic uppers, which are often more durable than leather, are gaining popularity for their ability to offer stability in a super-lightweight material. 3. Closure Systems: A good closure system will keep the foot snug and secure in the shoe during sudden stops and starts, frequent side-to-side motions, and quick turns.  Laces: Laces are an acceptable choice for keeping the foot stable in the shoe. Several manufacturers are offering new lacing systems designed to offer greater stability. Good lacing systems should lock the laces in place, making them less apt to loosen or untie, increasing your stability during play.  Straps: Some basketball sneakers feature a strap that wraps around the upper arch of the shoe to add more stability and protection against ankle rollover.  Zippers: Zippers are a fairly new choice for securing the foot in a basketball shoe. These are usually covered by some sort of protective material.  Velcro: Good for younger children who can't tie their shoes yet. Not real reliable in terms of staying closed, and doesn't offer good support.

Source: www.ultimate-youth-basketball-guide.com

13 The smell, feel, and bounce of a high-quality basketball can evoke dreams of graceful layups, triumphant slam dunks, and miraculous free throws. A huge variety of basketballs are available on eBay, from the basic and tough outdoor street ball to the exquisite leather indoor ball suitable for NBA play. The type of ball can definitely make a difference in the game, but the buyer should consider what standard of play he or she aspires to before spending too much on the ultimate basketball. Basketball Sizes Basketballs are available in three major sizes: five, six, and seven. The appropriate size will depend upon the age and sex of the player. Size Five Size five basketballs are designed for players up to age 11. They measure 27 ½ inches in circumference and weigh 18 ounces. Size Six Size six basketballs are designed for players from ages 12 to 15. They are also the size used for women's basketball. They measure 28 ½ inches in circumference and weigh 20 ounces. Size Seven Size seven basketballs are designed for male players over the age of 16. They measure 29 ½ inches in circumference and weigh 22 ounces. This is the only size used by the NBA. It is important to choose the correct size of basketball to match the player. As younger players have smaller hands, smaller balls will allow them to develop their skills faster. Basketball Materials and Construction The first basketballs, invented in the 1890s, were made of stitched leather panels covering an interior rubber bladder. Modern basketballs come in a much larger variety of materials and construction methods. While all basketballs still contain an interior rubber bladder, the exterior surface can be made of leather, rubber, or a synthetic composite material. Within these three major types of materials, there are still variations, as different manufacturers have different grades and manufacturing techniques. Based on the material used for manufacture, basketballs are divided into two major categories: indoor, which is usually made from leather or composite; and indoor / outdoor (also known as all - surface), which is generally made from rubber or durable composites. All three materials (leather, rubber, and composite) have advantages and disadvantages. Leather basketballs have a soft feel, a good grip, and a surface that responds well to the fingertips. Composite basketballs can simulate the feel of leather, while resisting moisture from the skin and providing a more durable surface. Rubber basketballs are more durable and inexpensive than leather or composite basketballs. However, they feel harder and rougher than leather and composite materials. A basketball's internal construction comprises six key components: bladder, thread windings, carcass, cover, channel and pebbles. The internal bladder is made of rubber, and serves as an airtight container for the ball's air. Threads of either polyester or nylon wrap around the rubber bladder, providing structural stability to maintain the bladder's round shape. Surrounding these two layers is a thick rubber carcass, which provides reinforcement and a smooth, undifferentiated surface. The cover is the paneled visible surface of the ball. The channels are the black lines that seal the panels together, and the pebbles are the textured surface that covers the entire ball.

Source: http://www.ebay.com/gds/Basketball-Buying-Guide-/10000000177635899/g.html

Alameda Street Alameda

Brooks Street Brooks

Whittier Rec Center Rec Whittier Irving Rec Center Irving

Vicksburg Street Vicksburg

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125 Vicksburg Ave Vicksburg 125

2000 W Brooks St Brooks W 2000

Street McGee

Acres Street Acres

Dr Mare Jean

Longfellow School Middle Longfellow

Alcott Middle School Middle Alcott

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Boyd Street Boyd

1919 W Boyd W 1919

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1919 W Boyd W 1919