Mission Statement Travel Basketball
MISSION STATEMENTThe Mission of the Cohasset Basketball Boosters Travel program is to promote and support competitive basketball teams, enhance and improve players’ skills, and foster a positive environment of sportsmanship and teamwork. The philosophy is quite simple: Teach the fundamentals of Basketball, make it fun and keep it fair.
TRAVEL PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS OF COACHES
Coaches will make every effort to
• Create a positive environment for players to learn, practice and play
• Become familiar with current coaching and teaching techniques
• Be kind and approachable
• Provide ALL players the opportunity to learn and to play
• Make every player feel an important part of the team
• Set clear and reasonable expectations
• Set reachable goals
• Be courteous and polite
• Use good judgement as to when and how to discipline
• Be positive in situations where there seems to be failure
• Be fair to all players
• Model good sportsmanship
• Support the work of the league organizers, boosters and volunteers
• Remember that the game is for the kids
TRAVEL PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS
Parents should make every effort to
• Attend your child’s games whenever possible
• Be supportive of the coach
• Cheer for all players on the team
• Be a positive role model
• Be there when your child is successful or when struggling
• Support the Boosters and volunteers; offer to help set up and/or clean up, keep score, etc
• Look for opportunities to work with your child on the skills of the game
• Be positive and supportive whether the team wins or loses
• Communicate with the coach in appropriate ways; discuss your concerns off the court and in private
• Remember that the game is for the kids
• Be respectful of the referees and volunteers
TRAVEL PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS OF PLAYERS
Players should make every effort to
• Do your best in practice and games
• Be on time for practice and games
• Listen and learn from your coaches
• Maintain your cool if you make a mistake
• Cheer on and support your teammates
• Hustle on and off the court
• Be a good sport at all times
• Show respect for the referees and volunteers
• Develop self control
• Learn from losing as well as winning
• Have respect for yourself, your teammates, your coaches and opponents
• Always be positive and have fun
GAME PHILOSOPHY REGARDING PLAYING TIME
The Boosters have developed guidelines for playing time. In the early grades and with the younger kids, playing time should be as close to equal as possible, remembering that these ages groups, although playing competitive travel basketball ball, are developmental years also. With the older grades, more flexibility should be exercised by the coach based on skill level, game conditions, player effort and attitude.
However, the Booster’s guideline is that every player who has made a travel team and consistently attends practice and fulfills their expectations as outlined above, should play a minimum percentage of each game. For teams with 10 or less players, the guideline is 25% of each game (10 minutes of a 40 minute game). With teams of more than 10 players, the guideline is 20% (8 minutes of a 40 minute game). Some advanced planning by the coach regarding substitutions is helpful to keep track of playing time.
It is suggested that each player be given a chance to start in a game. With an even handed approach and a little sensitivity, even the least skilled player can feel that they are making a significant contribution to the team.
COMMUNICATING WITH PLAYERS AND PARENTS
A good youth basketball coach will be able to manage the expectations and emotions of himself, his players and their parents. The key to keeping things in control is open communication, both verbal and written. Simple things like providing rosters with names, emails, phone numbers, accurate game and practice schedules and a welcome letter setting some expectations can go a long way toward creating support.
Encourage both players and parents to let the coach know if there is a problem and respond to any concerns quickly.