John Barker Basketball

     Our league believes it is very important to outline our philosophy and some simple expectations/rules for our program.  This program is successful because everyone works together.  We have grown to 9 travel teams and 7 grades for town league.  With this growth, we need to remind everyone about our philosophy and some simple rules. John Barker says upfront that travel players are required to play in the town league. Playing time should be equal.  However, in the travel program playing time may not be equal.  At the numbers we have on some teams, it maybe difficult to play everyone equally and it is up to the discretion of the coach.

     One rule I would like to emphasize is our 24-hour rule. No parent should address a coach on the court for any reason. (Outside of an emergency) If there is an issue, the parent should wait 24 hours and call the coach to discuss. 

     Below is an outline of our philosophy and expectations:

Philosophy:


Our philosophy and mission is to provide a safe, fun and sportsmanlike atmosphere for the Hingham basketball teams. We have three rules:

1. Safety First.
2. Respect and Sportsmanship
3. Have fun and want to come back tomorrow.


Expectations:


For the coach he/she must:
(Please see Coaching Ethics and Sportsmanship)
· Provide well-planned, fun, appropriate, challenging practices in a safe environment.
· Create an atmosphere of fairness, trust and encouragement.
· Maintain discipline at all times.
· Develop, by good example, good sportsmanship in players.
· Maintain control of players during the games.
· Treat players, opponents, parents and officials with respect and courtesy.

For the player in order to play and participate he/she must:
· Arrive at practices and games at the designated times.
· Bring all of the proper equipment and be ready to play.
· Listen to the coaches and follow instructions.
· Treat teammates, coaches, opponents and officials with respect and courtesy.
· Play the position assigned with enthusiasm.

For the parents in order for their child to play they must:
· Ensure player’s timely attendance and pickup at all scheduled practice and games.
· Stay at a respectful distance from players and coaches during practice and allow the coaches to do the coaching.
· Never criticize the coach in the player’s presence.
· Never heckle from the sidelines or stands during practice and or games.
· Never make comments to the officials during a game.
· Understand that playing time, position placement and game strategy, are the sole responsibility

of the coaching staff.
· Participate as a volunteer at games and in all fund raising activities.
· Bring any parental issues, questions or constructive feedback to the head coach privately and it should be in a timely manner. Must obey the “24 hour” rule as described above.



Hingham Basketball looks forward to another successful season!

John A. Battaglia

President

John Barker Basketball League