2008-2009

Parent/Player Handbook

 

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

Southridge men’s basketball program is committed to using the game of basketball as a vehicle to teach players how to be successful on and off the court.  We believe it is important to teach players attributes that lead to success (see below).  It is our goal to have players graduate from high school and become successful in life. 

 

10 Lessons Every Player Will Learn

1.      Academic Responsibility

2.      Integrity

3.      Discipline

4.      Pride & Humility

5.      Teachable spirit

6.      Leadership

7.      Selflessness

8.      Mental Toughness

9.      Accountability

10. Confidence

 

Discipline Policy:

As a member of the team players have committed to being a role model in our community and schools.  Their behaviors reflect the team, coach, and school. Any conduct that is detrimental to the team will be punished and dealt with on an individual basis.

Detrimental behaviors that will be consequenced:

            *Fighting during the season; either off campus or at school.

            *Lying or stealing; either at school or on road trips.

            *Cheating on tests, homework, projects, or other school related activities.

*Using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs at any time (covered under athletic policies).

*Any acts of hazing

*Disrespecting high school faculty, BSD employees or game officials.

*Any questionable behavior that reflects poorly on the program or team.

 

 

 

JOHN WOODEN’S PLAYER EXPECTATIONS

*Be a gentleman at all times.

*Never criticize, nag, or razz a teammate.

*Be a team player always.

*Never be selfish, jealous, envious, or egotistical.

*Earn the right to be proud and confident.

*Never expect favors or make excuses.

*Courtesy and politeness are a small price to pay for the good will and affection of others.       

*Acquire peace of mind by becoming the best that you are capable of becoming.          

 

Practice Policy:

            Practice is mandatory for players and coaches, unless excused for good reason.

Academics, family related problems, emergencies, religious obligations, and illness are all legitimate excuses for missing practice.  Oversleeping, having to do an assignment you have put off for two weeks, celebrating your girlfriends birthday, wanting to watch a movie, or any other excuse that places your commitment to the team as secondary is not a reason to miss practice and will have consequences.  As a student athlete you must make priorities; family, school, and team should be at the top of your list.

 

            *Always contact the coach if you are going to miss practice, even if you are home sick (call and leave a message).

            *Pre-arrange study times with teachers to avoid conflicting with practice.  If the only available time is during practice, notify the coach.

            *Do not procrastinate with your homework, papers, and projects.  Plan ahead and stay on top of your schoolwork.  Let your coaches know if you need help.  Your coaches are there to help you.

 

Role of Parent:

          At every game there are four roles a person can fill; player, coach, official, and fan.  It is important to choose a role and fulfill it.  At games parents are fans.  The best thing you can do for your son is to release them to athletics.  Athletics is a great venue for kids to take risks and learn how to become successful.  A big part of Skyhawk basketball is teaching life lessons that can be used on and off the court.  Our program guarantees your son will grow as a basketball player and as a person.  My office door is always open for parents who want to discuss what their son needs to improve on.  Please call to make appointments.  Practices are always open for parents to come and watch. 

Ways for parents to help the program:

1.      Fundraising

2.      Team dinners (before home games)

3.      Pictures

4.      Team banquet

5.      Supporting your son

 

Steps for Communication

  1. Player talks with coach (if player speaks with coach and parent still has questions)
  2. Parent can set-up meeting with coach which must also include the player (all three must be in attendance)
    1. Meeting must be set up in advance
    2. Coaches will talk about what your son needs to work on and concerns you have
    3. Coaches do not discuss why one player is playing over another or other players
    4. Coaches do not discuss X’s and O’s or set plays, etc.

 

Athletics and Nutrition:

            As a student athlete your body needs to have the proper nutrition in order to stay healthy and compete at a high level.  Your body will burn a lot of calories on a daily basis; therefore, you must eat three meals a day.  Starting with breakfast everyday!  Make sure breakfast is not just sugary cereal or “empty calories”.  You also need to eat a healthy lunch, which means fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates (no candy or soda, especially on game days).  After practice it is imperative to replace those carbohydrates you just burned by eating dinner.  Stay away from processed food, fast food, soda, and candy.  Be smart by eating a healthy meal the night before games.  Food is the most important thing you put in your body.  It has been proven that proper nutrition increases athletic performance and poor nutrition inhibits athletic performance.  Make the right choices about the food you eat.  It will help you and the team.

Dress Code:

            As a member of the team you are responsible for your attire.  It is in the best interest of the program to dress appropriately for school.  On home game days we will dress-up, this means dress pants or slacks, button down long sleeve shirt (tucked in), and possibly a tie.  Once we obtain our travel sweats we will wear them only on away game days.  On certain occasions the dress code for game days may change. 

            Practice gear will be provided.  Players are responsible for their own practice gear.  Practice gear is to be worn at every practice.  Players forgetting their practice gear will be consequenced, as will the entire team (we are a team and will run together for our mistakes).  Forms of individualist attire will not be tolerated.  There is no headbands, sweatbands around the legs or upper arms, multi-colored socks, or t-shirts with one sleeve allowed in practices or games. 

 

A LAST WORD:

     By Pete Carril (Legendary Princeton Coach)

 

What Losing Requires

Look at all the things you have to do to win: You have to sublimate your individual greed for the sake of the team.  You have to conform to certain training rules that deny you the chance of having as much fun as your friends are having.  You have to provide total mental concentration and discipline.  All those require a great deal, whereas losing requires absolutely nothing.  

 

For more info and updated schedules check out:

Skyhawkhoops.com