Player Handbook 2015

Player & Parent Handbook

Welcome to Tiger Basketball!

It is with great excitement that I introduce to you myself, as well as the important aspects of the basketball program. This is my 13th year of coaching high school basketball, and my 1st year as Head Varsity Basketball Coach at Farmington High School. I am a full time mom of 3 children, making the decision 3 years ago to stay at home with my kids. The previous 10 years I had been teaching high school Social Studies. Basketball is truly my passion and I am excited to share the experience with your daughter. I feel it is very important that as players and parents you know exactly what the expectations are and what we hope to promote in the Tiger Basketball program. I hope you take the time to read to read through this handbook to understand what will be required of each of you.

The Coaching Staff

Varsity Coach-Liz Carpentier

612-251-0446 (c), email: lizmundahl@hotmail.com

Assistant Varsity & JV Coach-Tom Cross

Tom.Cross@dctc.edu

Assistant & 9th Grade Coach-Amanda Schilling

aschilling@farmington.k12.mn.us

Finally, I can ensure you that the coaching staff at Farmington High School will be one of the most dedicated, enthusiastic, and hard working in the state. They are all ready to share their love of the sport with your daughter. I am privileged to have them as part of this staff. We are all geared up to start the new season with a new dream!

Please be sure to check out the Girls Basketball Website: http://tigersbballc.wix.com/farmington Bookmark it as one of your favorites! You can find practice and game schedules, coach’s information, booster club information, and other important information regarding our program! We are also on Facebook: Farmington Tigers-Girls Basketball Program and Twitter: @FHS_gbball

GO TIGERS!

Sincerely,

~ The Coaching Staff

WHY DO I COACH

My purpose for coaching is to be a leader/model for young women by demonstrating service, accountability, and commitment. I want to be a part of creating a positive environment that others want to be a part of, and one that focuses on being a good person, teammate, and being held accountable. Being held to these standards will prepare young women for life experiences beyond sports.

PRACTICE GUIDELINES

1. Practice at Game Speed-Work Hard

The only way to make fewer mistakes in games is to practice the way you play every single day! We will expect the most out of you and you must be prepared to work hard.
Hustle between all drills, to coaches, and from one spot to another.

2. Don’t Give Up

There will be days we will be doing things that are difficult and new your attitude is what is most important when you are struggling to learn new skills. We don’t want to hear “I can’t” and “I won’t”.
Believe in yourself and so will the coaches and your teammates.

3. Be on Time

Be dressed and ready on the floor 10 minutes before practice, team practice will start at 3:30 or 5:15.
Communicate with your coach if you are going to be late or gone. When you are absent it affects our practice plan so the earlier we know the better.
Information on Tardies and Absences are found below.

4. Trainer

See the trainer before practice starts. You must be ready to go 10 minutes before the start time.

5. Wear Practice Gear

Each and every day you need to make sure you have your practice gear (jersey/shorts). There will be consequences for players who forget their practice gear.

GAME DAY RULES

1. Pre-Game Routines

Every player will find a routine that works best for them on game days, and follow that routine.
Home Games: VARSITY PLAYERS will need to be in the gym by 5:30pm or whatever the start time is for the game prior. Know the Schedule!!! http://tigersbballc.wix.com/farmington

All other players (9th, 10th grade and JV) need to be dressed and ready 30 minutes prior to game time. You should be in the gym for the start of the game before yours!
Away Games: all players must be in the locker room at half time of the game prior.
Apparel: Each player will wear the travel gear to ALL games (jacket/pants). You are also responsible to bring and wear your shooting shirt and uniform to each game.
No cell phones once arrival into gym. No tweeting, texting, phone calls before games.

They have been a distraction in the past and cause way too much drama prior to game time. If a player needs to call parents or has an emergency they need to discuss phone usage with me or their coach first!

2. Game Time Routines

Every time there is a substitute, every player will stand and give positive feedback to that player.
Players will sit by coaches upon substitution from game.
All JV players are expected to suit up and sit on the bench for Varsity games, tournaments, section play (coaches discretion).

3. Road Trips

All JV/Varsity players are expected to ride the team bus to and from all away games, scrimmages, and events. (There will be a return bus back to FHS from all away sites). If a circumstance arises and you must ride home with your parents, you must have a note from your parent in the activities office prior to leaving for the game.
The bus ride to away games will be SILENT! Prepare yourself for the game, do your homework, and relax!
All players on the 9th/10th grade teams will be transported to and from ALL away games; exception is the return bus from St. Louis Park (after varsity game only). Please check the bus schedules on the FHS Girls Basketball website http://tigersbballc.wix.com/farmington

UNIFORMS

1. Uniforms are to be worn for games only. This means jerseys and shorts.

2. Laundering Uniforms

Please wash uniforms inside out. Uniforms need to be handled carefully. Please follow the directions on the tag for washing and DO NOT DRY the uniforms. If there is no label, please launder in cold or warm water and hang dry on a plastic hanger. This will ensure that our uniforms last as long as they need to.

3. Uniforms and practice gear are school property. They will be issued, inventoried, and must be returned at the end of the season. They should not be worn at any point other than in the game setting. If they are not returned the player will have to pay a fine before graduation.

ACADEMICS

One of the student-athletes greatest achievements is to receive their diploma. Our program will provide the support needed to make this possible. The basketball program will commit to making education a top priority among our student-athletes. Two things will be important to keep in mind.

1.Classroom Attendance-

Players must be in school for at least half of the school day to be eligible to participate in practice or games. Exceptions are pre-excused absences such as a funeral, school activity, or doctor’s appointment.
Players must be on time for class. Coaches will check player attendance/tardies throughout the season.

2.Grade-checks

Once each trimester, grade checks will occur. We will demand academic successes from our athletes. If grades decrease or are at a D or lower, the coaching staff will follow up with the student, and with teacher if need be.

ABSENCES

We need to have outstanding communication in this area. Please make the coach aware of your absence as soon as possible. If you are leaving school sick, you must tell a coach before you leave.

Attendance after an injury is required. It is important to be at practice as we introduce or review strategies each day.

Excused Absences-An excused absence or tardy is one where the coach is aware of the absence or tardy well in advance of a game or practice. The coach should be contacted by telephone or email to be notified of absences.

An excused absence can come in the form of a family emergency (funeral) or illness.

Unexcused Absences- An unexcused absence is an absence or tardy that is not approved by the

head coach or that does not result from an illness or emergency. Examples of unexcused absences include work, babysitting, concerts, college visits, other sports, family vacations, detention, haircuts, senior pictures, outings with friends, and missed alarm clock/sleeping late.

*If a player is gone the day before a game excused or not it will be coaches discretion on whether the player will start the game. Being absent the day before a game means you are missing out on game prep, scouting report, etc. As a player you risk the possibility of loosing some playing time!

Unexcused absence from practice will mean the following:

1st Offense-Sit 1 Half

2nd Offense-Sit 1 Game

3rd Offense-Release from Team

TARDIES

Don’t be late! If you are with a teacher finishing school work, please make sure to get a pass and bring it directly to your coach upon entering the gym. If you know ahead of time that you will be late, please let your coach know!

Late to practice excused or not will mean the following:

1st Offense-Running, discussion with coach

2nd Offense-Running, discussion with coach

3rd Offense-discussion with coach/parent, further action taken

CONSEQUENCES

Failure to do any of the above will affect your playing time.
- 1st Offense-Sit 1 Half
- 2nd Offense-Sit 1 Game
- 3rd Offense-Release from Team

*Accountability-as a player and teammate you will take responsibility for all actions and words. Know that there are consequences either good or bad with every decision you make. Others are relying on you!

COMMUNICATION

Please see the “Athletic Situation Solution following a Chain of Command” handout.

PLAYING TIME

Freshman Team: Provide an opportunity for our young, inexperienced players to learn,

grow and develop. The ultimate goal is to have the student athlete continue competitive basketball and prepare them from varsity competition. Playing time is not equal.

B-Squad Team: The goal is to provide the opportunity to learn, grow and mature. While preparing

and striving to win is part of athletic competition, the ultimate goal is to improve in all aspects of the game. However, playing time will not be equal and will be up to the discretion of the coaching staff. These players may be asked to suit up for JV or Varsity games.

Junior Varsity: The team will continue to focus on improving basketball skills and their understanding of the game. Opportunities will be provided for players have more playing time than they would get at the varsity level alone. Playing time is not equal. These players are expected to suit up for varsity games and sit on the bench to support and learn from the varsity team. Players are also expected to help prepare the Varsity team for their opponent/game and may be asked to run thru opposing teams’ plays. For the 2015-2016 season seniors may play at the JV level.

Varsity Team: Varsity competition is the culmination of the basketball maturation process.

Playing time is based on ability to execute in games, effort, coachability, and attitude. While contest participation over the course of a season is desirable, a specified amount of playing time at the varsity level is not guaranteed, just showing up does not guarantee playing time.

Making a team / roster doesn’t guarantee playing time. Playing time is earned.
All players will be assessed on their skill level and abilities during a try out period. The players will be assessed on their ability and skill levels, their desire to follow instructions, their receptiveness to be instructed by all coaches, their attitude toward their teammates, coaching staff and the program.
The Coaching Staff at all levels will place players on rosters based on the head coach’s analysis of each player and the needs of the program.

LETTERING POLICY

To EARN a varsity letter the player must meet the following requirements:

Be a member of the JV/V team. On the final roster for ALL Section Tournament games.

Play in 7 Varsity games. Time not a factor.

3) Complete the entire season.

4) Show the dedication, desire and fortitude necessary as determined by the coaching staff. Examples of these qualities can be show by participation in offseason strength training. The off-season is (April-NOV) and is a great time to improve strength and athletic performance.

Here are 4 different ways to improve in the offseason…

-Summer JAQS at FHS: participation is strongly encouraged for FHS athletes

-Weight workouts on your own/personal trainer: FHS or Club (Ex: Lifetime Fitness). Parent/teacher/trainer signature required.

-Girls Basketball Fall Weight Lifting: Sept-Nov. (JAQS 4x a week)=For all non-fall sports

-Spring/Fall Sports: Weight sessions within your spring/fall teams

5) Service: Participate in Adopt-A-Team program with Farmington Travel Basketball, volunteering at clinics for youth basketball, and volunteering at youth basketball tournaments.

It is under the discretion of the coaches to letter any individual whose attitude/behavior contributes towards the success of the team, regardless of the number of games she has played.
The coach also has the right to withhold letters from an individual who displays behavior/attitude that is detrimental to the team’s success, regardless of meeting the above criteria.

*Your daughter will be challenged, treated fairly, be held accountable, and be expected to be a great teammate and give her best effort. It won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it!

PARENT EXPECTATIONS

As parents you play the most crucial role in the development of your child. Your daughters model your behaviors and take to heart every lesson you teach them. As a parent I hope you will be involved in a positive way and encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating support for the program, players, coaching staff and officials. We ask the following of you at all levels:

Support your daughter and the team. Always be positive around your daughter!
- Try not to take “sides”. There will be times your daughter does not like our decisions. Instead of attacking the coach and siding with her against the coach, support your daughter by encouraging her to continue working hard and having a positive attitude!
Encourage your daughter to always give her best, be a great teammate, and be committed to the team.
Attend your daughter’s games as often as you can.
Cheer for the team, do not instruct from the stands.
Observe proper basketball court etiquette during games and scrimmages. Parents are not allowed to attend practices.
Be completely honest with yourself about your daughter’s athletic ability, work ethic, and attitude. Remember there are things you do not see that happen at practice that may be affecting your daughter’s playing time.
- Try not to compare your daughter to others on the team so that it puts the girls against one another.
Encourage your daughter to meet and communicate with the head coach regarding any issues that may arise.
Take an active role in the Booster Club, or assisting with fundraising activities and team events.

*Please read and sign the: TIGER BASKETBALL PLAYER/PARENT CONTRACT

-This needs to be turned into the coach in order to participate in the first game of the season.

*Social Media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.): Everything you post is public information – any tweet, post, or photo placed online is completely out of your control the moment it is placed online – even if you limit access to your site. Information (including pictures, videos, and comments) may be accessible even after you remove it. The FARMINGTON HS Girls Basketball coaching staff will not tolerate disrespectful comments and behavior online. Some examples are derogatory language or remarks that may harm teammates or coaches; other FHS student athletes, teachers, or coaches, and opponents. Incriminating photos or statements depicting violence; hazing; sexual harassment; inappropriate gestures; vandalism, stalking; underage drinking, selling, possessing, or using controlled substances; or any other inappropriate behaviors.

*Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image of which you can be proud for years to come.

*If your daughter has a twitter account, I encourage them to follow FHS_gbball to receive updates regarding the girls basketball program. If they do, in fairness FHS_gbball should be able to follow your daughter’s account.

Farmington Basketball

2015-2016

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”