Coach, Thank you for taking the time to invest in the lives of these players by teaching them the game of basketball. The contents of this handbook do not contain everything you may need to know, but do contain information that the City of Norman believes will provide you with a good foundation. 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.