Mankato Basketball Association

Coach’s Guidelines

 

Purpose of the Mankato Basketball Association

 

Mankato Basketball Association strongly believes that young athletes should be challenged at a level which is proportional to their skill and ability. We believe that concerns for his/her physical and emotional well-being are key considerations.

Mankato Basketball Association considers skills, development, good sportsmanship and clean competition as defining points to a successful experience for the athlete as well as the coaches. It is a goal to teach young athletes that winning and losing are all a part of learning and not determining factors in one’s self-worth.

 

MBA's Code of Ethics for Coaches

 

Coaches should keep in mind the primary goal is player development. Coaches are responsible for developing as many players as possible while fostering pride and self-confidence through team achievements and not to develop one or two players at the expense of others. Player development and sportsmanship is to be placed above a “win-at-all-costs attitude”.

1. I will treat all players, coaches, officials and board members with respect and dignity.
2. I will become familiar with the rules of the game.
3. I will do my best to learn and teach the fundamental skills of the game.
4. I will become familiar with the rules and regulations of the Mankato Basketball Association and adhere to them.
5. I will respect the authority of the officials assigned to the games I am coaching and will handle myself in a manner befitting the importance of my position whether I agree with the decision or not.

1. If I or any other member of my coaching staff receives a technical foul, I must provide an explanation via email or a phone call to the appropriate Coordinator of the Mankato Basketball Association Board within one week of the incident. The Basketball Association may dismiss a coach for receiving multiple technicals and/or ejection from a game within the season.
2. I will learn the strengths and weaknesses of my individual players and place them into situations that give them the opportunity to achieve success.
3. I will be patient and supportive with all my players regardless of their ability or potential.
4. I will be supportive and listen to my players when they respectfully voice their concerns or questions.
5. I will not ridicule any player for any reason.
6. I will communicate clearly to my players their rights and their responsibilities.
7. I will protect the well-being and safety of my players.
8. No player shall be denied the opportunity to participate in a game, barring injury, illness, vacation or disciplinary action.
9. Coaches may not swear or physically grab or abuse a player. Coaches will be expelled from the program for any abusive behavior towards players or parents.
10. Coaches may not be under the influence of alcohol or any other illegal substance while attending any MBA games or while traveling with or transporting players.
11. Money for tournaments will be given to coaches at the beginning of the season. This money is to be used only for the purpose of tournaments and all monies must be accounted for. Unused money shall be returned to the MBA.

 

Relations with Parents

 

The relationship consisting of coach, player and parent is an inevitable aspect of youth sports. Because this is unavoidable, your role in dealing with parents is a very important one. Parents are all interested in varying degrees of involvement. Hopefully, you will find a way to channel their genuine concerns and good intentions in a way that supports what you are trying to accomplish.

All parents identify and relate with their own children and are emotionally vested in their well-being. Unfortunately, some times this process goes too far and parents begin to relate their own self-worth in terms of how successful their child is.

Sometimes parents may disagree with what you are doing. The important thing is not to get defensive but to listen to what they have to say. You may find some suggestions helpful. However, even if you don’t agree, you can at least listen while recognizing that you are the coach and have the final say. No coach pleases everyone and no one can ask more of you than to be the best coach you can be.

 

Grievance Procedure

 

Grievances raised by parents, players, or coaches shall be resolved in the following manner:

1. Use the 24 hour rule before raising any issue/grievance with your coach.
2. Initially, grievances shall be addressed with the coach in a private, constructive and considerate manner.
3. If a discussion with the coach does not lead to a resolution of the grievance or if the party is uncomfortable raising the issue with the coach, the grievance may be brought to the MBA Board.
4. The decision of the MBA Board will be final.

 

Conducting Practice Sessions

 

In General, the following should apply:

1. Know and implement the Guidelines & Code of Ethics’ rules and regulations of the league in which you are playing.
2. Promptly after receiving your roster, contact each player by phone/email/Team App (e.g. TeamSnap) and inform them of the starting time, location and ending time of the first practice. In addition, inform them of what they will need to bring and what they should wear to practice.
3. Set up a parent/player/coach meeting at the site of the first practice and inform parents of the importance of their attendance. This is the time to let parents know your plans for the season and how you will determine playing time. Also inform them that they can feel free to discuss any issues relative to the team and that you will listen to their concerns. If your expectations are made clear upfront you may avoid many problems later. Review MBA Guidelines & Code of Ethics at this time.
4. Inform your players of practice times and locations.
5. Plan in advance exactly what the team will do and for how long. Consistency strengthens both your image as a coach and the respect the players will have for you.
6. Keep all players active during practice. If possible, recruit parents to assist you. Make clear to your assistants, however, that the final decision on all matters is yours.
7. Tell parents that email or a Team App will the procedure to inform of canceling practices due to weather or lost gym time.
8. Highly recommended to keep attendance records of all your practices.
9. Be considerate of the next team waiting to practice and end your practice on time. In addition, if you are the one waiting for the next time, be considerate of the team finishing and don’t allow your players on the court until the previous team has finished.