Team Guidelines

I. OBJECTIVES

  1. The objective of the traveling team program is to offer continued participation in a competitive situation.
  2. The Association's efforts are ultimately directed at the development of players for a successful high school program. Based on this objective, the Association supports and works directly with the Hudson School Basketball Program and the varsity coaches.

II. PHILOSOPHY

  1. We believe that basketball is a fun game and there is no reason that basketball at this level should be anything but fun. We have expectations of our players and we're committed to developing our teams and program, yet we will not lose sight of the fact that enjoying ourselves in the process is central to what we're doing.
  2. Accepting roles and making individual sacrifices is important. It should be clearly understood that each player's skill level, athletic ability and attitude will determine the type of role he/she may play. The players we select to be members of the team may contribute in a variety of roles. Certain players will help us more defensively, some will rebound better, some will pass especially well and others will do a greater share of the scoring. Certain players may lack some skills, yet may still be valuable team members because of their positive attitudes and work in practice. More emphasis will be placed on winning in the traveling team program versus the Saturday YMCA program.
  3. Equal participation will not be part of this program. Every effort will be made to get each player a reasonable amount of playing time in each game, although this is not guaranteed. In addition, all players will contribute to the team's performance and will be treated with respect.
  4. In order for our teams to reach their potential, we must have players that are willing to work together. We will place a great deal of emphasis on this idea. The friendships that develop out of this experience will endure long after the last whistle blows. How we work together and how we treat each other will be an area of emphasis.

III. TEAM SELECTION

  1. There is a standardized system to pick traveling teams. Players will be rated and selected by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors.
  2. We will attempt to fill two teams per grade and 10 players per team. For those players not selected to a traveling team, the St. Croix Valley YMCA will sponsor a full schedule of in-house games for 5th and 6th grade boys and girls. Also, the School District of Hudson provides team play for all 7th and 8th grade interested players.
  3. If more than 10 players, but less than 20 players show interest in playing, every effort will be made to fill two teams providing a coach comes forward.
  4. Player selection will be determined by the rating results, combined with position considerations and past coaches evaluations. The Hudson Basketball Association follows an "A" team / "B" team philosophy. The top 20 players (based on the results stated above) will be placed on the "A" or "B" teams.
  5. The Association has selected different skill level tournaments to coincide with the "A/B" selection system.
  6. Players who try out must reside in the School District of Hudson.

IV. COACH SELECTION

  1. Quality of basketball coaching is one of the most critical components of a successful traveling basketball program. Head coaches must be able to work with youth players and have an appropriate level of knowledge and expertise for the age and ability level of the team they are coaching. Demonstrated past experience in coaching and playing will be considered.
  2. The Board of Directors will make up the search/selection committee. It shall be the responsibility of this committee to identify potential candidates and make the final coaching decisions. Coaches selected the previous year do not automatically qualify to coach the current year. They must re-apply and will be evaluated along with any new candidates.
  3. Anyone interested in coaching must submit a completed Coaching Application to a HBA Board Member.
  4. All coaches will be selected after traveling teams have been formed.

V. EXPECTATIONS

  1. All players are expected to attend all practices and games. If for some reason you are going to be late or miss a practice, let your coach know! COMMUNICATE!!!!
  2. One head coach and one assistant coach will be assigned to each team. The HBA Board of Directors has the final responsibility for coach selection.
  3. Treat others with dignity and respect on and off the court.
  4. Basketball is a long season with many highs and lows. We expect each player to work at being positive and embracing the team attitude. If you feel down or confused about your role on the team, let your coach know and we can talk on an individual basis.
  5. BE ON TIME!!!! This means on the floor and ready to start at the designated time.
  6. NO PROFANITY!!!!!
  7. Be respectful of school employees and property, as well as other activities or events being held in the schools during your practice time.
  8. Provide coaches your full attention and respect.
  9. We're looking for focus and concentration in practice so talking is kept to a minimum except to communicate on the floor and especially to encourage your teammates.
  10. Remember that the success of the season directly relates to what takes place on the practice floor.
  11. Be extremely respectful to the officials and never challenge their calls or respond in a negative manner. The coaches will deal with officials.
  12. Compete hard, but treat our opponents with respect.
  13. Players on the bench need to be into the game. Be aware of what we're doing offensively and defensively and be ready to play.
  14. On all substitutions:
    • Report your number and the number of the player you are coming in for to the official scorer. Wait for the horn and the officials signal.
    • The two players should make physical contact and determine who you're guarding, etc.
    • Player coming out should not show disapproval and should always sit next to the coach. Substitutions are made for a variety of reasons, so don't assume anything.
  15. Always hustle over to the bench during time-outs. The five (5) players in the game should sit on the bench and everyone else gathers around. Everyone listens to the instructions and no talking is done by anyone but the coach unless you have a question or are asked for input. EYE CONTACT!!!!!
  16. At the end of the game you always get into line and congratulate your opponents.
  17. Win or lose, try to keep things on a pretty even keel. Keep it positive. We'll have a brief team meeting after the game.

VI. OTHER

  1. All traveling teams will participate in the Hudson tournament, which will be set up as an "A" and "B" team tournament.
  2. Parents and players are expected to support the team and the coaches. Parents will likely be asked to serve in adminstrative roles (i.e., newspaper articles, practice, telephoning, etc.) and are expected to help with the Hudson Basketball Tournament.
  3. SPORTSMANSHIP... Let's not forget that this program is aimed at giving the youth of our school district the opportunity to have fun through basketball, developing self-discipline, team spirit, and physical fitness, sportsmanship in winning and losing, and respect for others.
  4. **Please note that Article III, Section 5 of the By-Laws of the Hudson Basketball Association specifically authorizes the Board of Directors to have summary powers to suspend, expel or terminate any (adult member of family or any child) whose conduct the majority of the Board shall deem detrimental to the purpose of the organization).