Big Lake Boys Basketball Handbook

2015-2016 Season 9-12 Handbook

*Our Moto

HORNET PRIDETOGETHER WE WORK

TOGETHER WE PLAY

TOGETHER WE WIN

*StaffAthletic Coordinator- Kelley HoodContact info- @biglakeschools.org

Varsity Coach- Kyle JohnsonContact info- ky.johnson@biglakeschools.org

JV Coach/Assistant- Mike Nagorski Contact Info- m.nagorski@biglakeschools.org

B Squad (10th Grade) Coach-Contact info- Robert HoekstraContact Info- r.hoekstra@biglakeschools.org C Squad (9th Grade) Coaches-Tim Peterson

*Communication• Big Lake Boys Basketball Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/Big-Lake-High-

School-Boys-Basketball-991320997559264/• Twitter Account: @BLboysHoops1https://www.facebook.com/Big-Lake-High-

School-Boys-Basketball-991320997559264/?ref=bookmarks

• Email: Ky.johnson@biglakeschools.org• Basketball Website:

http://www.biglake.k12.mn.us/Page/1976

*PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY:Our philosophy for the Big Lake Boys Basketball program is to help our young men become better basketball players, as well as learn valuable life lessons. We strive to become quality young men and productive members of society. We will grow as individuals, but most importantly grow as teammates. Throughout their basketball journey they will learn more about the game of basketball, teamwork, hard work, and working together to achieve a common goal. Among our individual and team growth, one common goal we have is to win and be a competitive basketball team and program.

*PROGRAM GOAL:

Our goal are to be competitive at each level. At the varsity level our goal is to be competitive within our conference and contend for conference championships and section titles. Our ultimate goal is to win a state championship.

Student Code of ResponsibilitiesParticipation in interscholastic activities is a privilege which is

accompanied by responsibility. As a student participating inleague sponsored activities, I understand and accept the following

responsibilities:A. I will respect the rights and beliefs of others and will treat others

with courtesy and consideration.B. I will be fully responsible for my own actions and the

consequences of my actions.C. I will respect the rights and property of others.D. I will respect and obey the rules of my school and the laws of my

community, state and country.

E. I will show respect to those who are responsible for enforcing the rules of my school and the laws of my community, state and

country.

GENERAL TEAM RULES AND EXPECTATIONS

• Players will attend all, practices, meetings, games and conditioning sessions, on time unless excused by Coach Johnson.

• Players are not to schedule work, outings or meetings during scheduled practice or scrimmage sessions.• All players will travel to and from games as a group unless given permission by Coach Johnson to do otherwise.• Everyone must hustle and play their hardest at all times• Everyone understands that TEAM comes first. Play as a TEAM, think as a TEAM, live as a TEAM, don’t let you

TEAM down.• Report all injuries and illnesses to Coach Johnson immediately.• Team members take pride in the locker rooms and all equipment by taking personal responsibility for all items. • Players must represent Big Lake Basketball in a positive manner on and off of the court by displaying good

conduct.• Respect your teammates, coaches, parents, opponents, officials, and yourself.• Smoking and drinking is absolutely NOT permitted• No earrings or other jewelry or visible tattoos during practice or games• Electronic devices, such as music players are permitted only on the bus and in the locker room• Players must attend class and adhere to academic standards/responsibilities. We recommend all players to sit in

the first two rows in the classroom unless a seating chart is used.• Players that do not work up to their potential in the classroom or who have poor attendance may lose the

privilege of practicing or playing. • A positive attitude is expected by all team members. A bad attitude has negative consequences.• Commit to becoming a better athlete and a better team. You’re either in or out; nothing in between. Make

good choices every day.

Player and Coach--RULES/GUIDELINES

1. Abide by and follow the Minnesota State High School Rules

2. Conduct yourself with integrity and pride on and off the court

3. Respect teammates, other players, coaches, and officials

4. A positive attitude is expected by all team members. A bad attitude has negative consequences.

Player and Coach--PRACTICE/GAME GUIDELINES/RULES

1. No fighting with players or coaches NO EXCEPTIONS

2. No questioning coaches decisions3. No using profanity (practice or game)4. Always demonstrate good sportsmanship

whether competing in practice or in a game5. Always give 110% in practice and games NO

EXCEPTIONS6. No calling out players during or after

game/practice

Practice/GAME Policy-

Tardy to practice OR missed practice, a note must be provided- IF NOT the following applies:

1. Warning/Extra conditioning 2. Not starting or time deducted from game3. Sit out a half 4. Full game suspension 5. Dismissal from team (ALL DECISIONS WILL BE

DECIDED BY COACHING STAFF)

School PolicyTardy to to class:1.Extra conditioning2.Extra conditioning3.Loss of playing time or starting4.Sit out a half5.Game Suspension6.Game Suspension (possible dismissal from

team)

*Excused Absence- Illness or medical reason: must call coach of team or leave

message- School obligation: make up test (bring note from teacher)- Previous family commitment: need a note or phone call

from parent- If there are special circumstances, please inform/talk with

coach to make a plan

*Unexcused Absence- Skipping practice- Detention- Not informing coach for missing practice prior to practice

Try Outs- Try outs will consist of one week of evaluations of all players 9-12. - During the first week there will be two a day practices for the tenth

grade, junior varsity, and varsity (10-12th graders). This will consist of a morning practice for about an hour, and then practice after school for 3 hours.

- Tenth grade players will practice at the high school for the three days in the evening. After the first two days they will practice at the elementary school with their coach.

- Cuts will be made on Thursday evening of the week. The 9th grade will consist of 2 teams, an A and B team if numbers allow. There will be NO cuts at the 9th grade level.

- Tenth grade will practice at the high school for the first week. Tenth grade will be cut down to 10-12 players depending upon numbers. The entire coaching staff will help make this decision.

- Varsity/JV will consist of 18 players combined. The entire coaching staff will help make this decision.

PracticesPlayers must attend a full day of school in order to participate in practice.

Practices during the season will be intense and require commitment to working hard both physically and mentally.

There will be NO wasted repetitions! We will give 110% effort in every drill or scrimmage. We will hustle in drills, as well as in between drills.

Players should also be on the floor ready to start practice. Tardiness or absence will have consequences as explained above in our practice/game rules.

Practices will generally be 2-2 ½ hours. The first two weeks practices will most likely be 3 hours due to tryouts and learning our system.

GAME DAYSAll players are expected to dress up on game days, or wear the attire

decided for that day.

The captains will determine the dress of the day, whether it casual or formal.

On days of away games, players are to be at the high school at least 20 minutes before the bus leaves. On home game days players on the C squad and B squad will report to the high school, as their coach decides.

Varsity and JV players are suggested to be at the high school to watch at least the second half the B squad game.

JV players will go in to the locker room at half time of the B squad game to get ready for their game.

Varsity players will go into the locker room at half-time of the JV game to get ready for their game.

Concussion ProtocolNote: Each step should be completed with no concussion symptoms before

proceeding to the next step. 1. No activity, complete rest with no symptoms.2. Light exercises: walking or stationary cycling with no symptoms.3. Sport specific activity without body contact and no symptoms.4. Practice without body contact and no symptoms. Resume resistance

training.5. Practice with body contact and no symptoms.6. Return to game play with no symptoms.• Note:

1) If symptoms return at any time during the rehabilitation process, wait until asymptomatic for 1 full day, then re-start at the previous step2) Never return to competition with symptoms3) Do not use "smelling salts"4) When in doubt, sit them out

Uniforms

Players will be issued uniforms and are expected to turn them in at the end of the season in the same condition as received. Uniforms and warm-ups will be turned in each night after a game to be washed. Players may not bring them home to be washed.

LETTERING

A player must play in 1/2 of the total number of halves played by the varsity team. The coach may use his discretion to letter team members not meeting the halves qualification requirements.

CAPTAINSThere are certain criteria for becoming a captain. In order to put your name on the ballot for captain, you must: 1) Have played on the varsity or JV last season for at least half of the season, 2) You must write a letter explaining why you want to be captain, how you believe you can help lead the team, and what you believe makes a good captain 3) sit down with Coach Johnson and staff and share your thoughts on being a captain. Players on the JV and varsity will vote for 2 captains, and coaches will name 1 captain. This will take place after the end of the second week.

SOCIAL MEDIASocial media is can be hot topic, and at times can be very controversial. Players are encouraged not to use social media (twitter, facebook, etc) unless it is in positive manner. Players are also encouraged not to post negatively against themselves, other teammates, classmates, coaches, or parents. One thought is, think before you post. If your parents, principals, or coaches would not approve, then it is probably not a wise thing to do! We will NOT tolerate cyber bullying!! Suspension or Dismissal from program may will be considered in these matters!!

ACADEMICSAcademics are of utmost importance and all players are

expected to give their best effort in the classroom. Academics come first!

Players must maintain and follow academic guidelines put in place by Big Lake High school.

Players may not be failing at any point. If a player is failing they will be put on probation.

The player will have two weeks to get their grade up. During this two weeks, a player failing is able to practice and play.

If after the two week probationary period a player is still failing, then the player may not practice or play.

When the player’s grade is improved then they may return to practice and games.

Players will also have a student athlete progress report sheet that they will give to their teachers a few two during the season. They will take this sheet to each of their teachers to fill out information regarding attendance, participation, effort, and grade.

Academics are priority and I want to make sure our players are keeping up with school.

NOTE TO PLAYERS:All players are expected to give 110% all the time whether

in practice or in a game. There will be NO wasted repetitions!

Our expectations are very high and it is vital for us to put all our efforts in all the time to ensure we achieve our goals.

Each player will have different roles and all roles play an important part to our team identity and success!

My job and objective is to make each player 9-12 the best basketball player that they can be, as well as help teach them the game of basketball. Also, I hope to provide a fun and learning experience for each player!!

NOTE TO PARENTS:Parents, you play a very important role and

essential role in your son’s basketball experience and basketball journey. One of your greatest responsibilities as a basketball parent is to be supportive of your son. The basketball season can be a very long and trying season, so your support is very important. Another important role is to be supportive of the team. As the head coach I have the best interest in the team, as well as your son. I am going to do what I feel is best for the team to be successful. My decisions are based on the best interest of the team using my basketball knowledge and expertise.

PARENT/PLAYER/COACHES COMMUNICATION

Communication among players/coaches/parents is a very important piece and plays a vital role for a successful program. Players will be given practice/game schedules to follow for the season. For questions regarding games, practices, or other matters please call or email. You may reach me at my work phone, cell phone, or email. I have attached my contact information.

*Refer to Communication page

PARENT/PLAYER/COACHES COMMUNICATION

Continued:• We will operate on a 24 hour rule regarding immediate concerns. I urge

parents/players to wait 1 day or night before contacting a coach with a concerning issue. This allows for both parties to cool down and communicate in a calm constructive matter. PLEASE DO NOT confront a coach before or after a game regarding a troubling issue. Below is a suggested chain of communication:

• Player talks with their coach (9th grade, 10th grade, JV, varsity)

• Parents and players set up a meeting with their coach accompanied by the varsity coach

• If the matter cannot be resolved, please set up a meeting with Athletic Director

PARENT/PLAYER/COACHES COMMUNICATION Cont.

Things to discuss:• The treatment of your son• Ways for your son to improve as a basketball player• Concerns about your son’s behavior

Things that WILL NOT be discussed:• Playing time• Team strategy or substitution patterns• Matters concerning other players (not your son)

PLAYER/COACH MEETINGS• Communication between coaches and players is a very

important tool for creating a great working environment. • Each coach at each level will have 3 meetings during the

season with each one of their players. • These meetings will take place at the beginning of the year,

middle of the year, and end of the year. • These meetings are designed to help players and coaches

communicate thoughts, ideas, and even frustrations. • At these meetings coaches will also give positive and

constructive feedback, as well as areas of needed improvement.

• The end of the year meeting, or exit meeting, will consist of things to work on for next year, an overview of the season, and also helping graduating players in anyway they can.

9th Grade Philosophy (Freshman or C squad)

Ninth grade basketball is the beginning of our varsity program. Our goal is to win, but most importantly to become acclimated with our philosophies, offense, defense, and program as a whole. We encourage equal playing time, but our coaches must coach to win as well. The team consists of and A and B team. We have a NO cut policy for the freshman team.

10th Grade Philosophy (Sophomore or B squad)Our tenth grade emphasis is to prepare our players for Junior Varsity and Varsity teams. Our focus is also to win and less on equal playing time. The tenth grade team will consist of up of 10-12 players. If more players tryout, there may be cuts. Players who excel may be asked to play on Junior Varsity and Varsity teams, as decided by the entire coaching staff.

Junior Varsity Team (Juniors, Sophomores, possible freshman)

Our JV team will consist of mostly sophomores, juniors, and possibly freshman, as chosen by the entire coaching staff. The team will be competitive and the focus will again be to win and prepare the players for varsity level. These players are also expected to sit on the bench for the varsity game, and may also be expected to contribute to the varsity game.

VarsityOur philosophy and focus on the varsity team is to be competitive and win. Our team goals are to be competitive, contend for conference titles, and contend for section titles. The varsity team will consist of the best players in the program that will give us the best chance to win. Players who work the hardest will put themselves in the best position to play. Our varsity/JV will consist of 16-18 players total.

Lifting in Season

Our goal is that players will be lifting a 1-2 times per week during the basketball season, depending upon the schedule. Our strength and athleticism are very important, and directly correlated with the growth of our program. Lifting during the season will consist of maintaining strength, rather than lifting to increase strength.

Event Nights/Fundraisers

• Parents Night- Tuesday January 5th vs St. Francis

• Senior Night- Thursday February 4 vs Princeton

• Coaches vs. Cancer Night- February 16 vs Monticello

• Youth Nights- Friday December 18 vs Willmar, Friday January 29 vs Cambridge Isanti

• Youth Tournament- Dates coming

QUESTIONS????

Things to turn in:- Player Information Sheet- Registration Sheet- Boys Basketball Code of Conduct- *Sign up/payment online- *Physical must be completed prior to first

practice