MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL & CHEER COACHING HANDBOOK. Introduction 1. Statement of Philosophy 2. Objectives of Participation. 3

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1 MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL & CHEER COACHING HANDBOOK Introduction 1 Statement of Philosophy 2 Objectives of Participation. 3 Coach s Code of Ethics. 4 Coaching Guidelines. 5 Coaching Expectations and Responsibilities... 6 Coach s Legal Duties 7 Middle School Basketball and Cheer Program. 9 Cheer Tryouts 10 Student Requirements Cheer Rules 15 Crowd Control 16 Announcer Responsibilities Transportation 20 Activity Report. 22 Equipment Inventory. 23 MS Emergency Plan HS Emergency Plan 25

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3 INTRODUCTION The Gwinnett County Middle School Athletic Handbook is a compilation of board policies, system administrative regulations, and operational procedures. It was developed primarily to serve as a reference source for administrators, athletic administrator, coaches, and other personnel working with middle school athletic programs. It will be altered from time-to time in keeping with current policies and regulations. The Principals of the middle schools, athletic administrators, coaches, teachers and other staff personnel of the Gwinnett County School System have striven to develop athletic programs, which are committed to excellence. The hard work and dedication of these men and women have made a sound and complete educational program for the youth of Gwinnett. The Gwinnett County School System is interested in providing the best possible programs for the students both on and off the playing field. It wants athletic participation to be valuable learning experiences, which will help the students become better citizens. This handbook was prepared by the Gwinnett County Athletic Department and is designed for the many athletic activities that function as an integral part of our school curriculum. By participating in athletics, our students should achieve good health, demonstrate good sportsmanship, improve their ability to lead and work with others, learn to sacrifice and strive to be the best they can be, thus becoming better citizens. 1

4 STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY The Gwinnett County Public School District believes that a dynamic program of student activities is vital to the educational development of the student. The interscholastic program should provide a variety of experiences to aid in the development of favorable habits and attitudes in students that will prepare them for adult life in a democratic society. The interscholastic program should function as an integral part of the total curriculum. It should offer opportunities to serve the institution, to assist in the development of fellowship and good will, to promote self-realization and all-around growth, and to encourage learning the qualities of good citizenship. Young people learn a great deal from their participation in interscholastic athletics. Lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition and how to win and lose gracefully are an integral part of each team in an athletic program. Athletics plays an important part, too, in helping the individual student develop a healthy self-concept as well as a healthy body. Athletic competition adds to school spirit and helps all students--spectators as well as participants--develop pride in their school. Leadership should be of the highest quality so as to exemplify to the participants the desired type of behavior to be developed from the athletic program. Measurement of leadership success should not be in terms of the tangible evidence of the victory and defeat record, but rather in the intangible personality development factors that are an outgrowth of the major objectives of the athletic program. 2

5 OBJECTIVES OF PARTICIPATION The interscholastic program should provide opportunities that will allow the program to serve as a laboratory where students may cope with problems and handle situations similar to those encountered under conditions prevailing in the contemporary world. The laboratory should provide adequate and natural opportunities for: 1. Physical, mental and emotional growth and development 2. Acquisition and development of special skills in activities of each student s choice 3. Team play with the development of such commitments as loyalty, cooperation, fair play and other desirable social traits 4. Directed leadership and supervision that stresses self-discipline, selfmotivation, excellence, and the ideals of good sportsmanship that make for winning and losing graciously 5. A focus of interests on activity programs for student body, faculty, and community that will generate a feeling of unity 6. Achievement of initial goals as set by the school in general and the student as an individual 7. Provisions for worthy use of leisure time in later life, either as a participant or spectator 8. Participation by the most skilled that will enable these individuals to expand possibilities for future vocational pursuits. 3

6 COACHES CODE OF ETHICS The function of a coach is to properly educate students through participation in interscholastic competition. The interscholastic program is designed to enhance academic achievement and should never interfere with opportunities for academic success. Each child should be treated as though they were the coach s own and their welfare shall be uppermost at all times. The coach must be aware that he or she has a tremendous influence, either good or bad, in the education of the student athlete and, thus, shall never place the value of winning above the value of instilling the highest desirable ideals of character. The coach must constantly uphold the honor and dignity of the profession. In all personal contact with the student athlete, officials, school administrators, the state high school athletic association, the media, and the public, the coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct. The coach shall take an active role in the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse and under no circumstances should authorize their use. The coach shall promote the entire interscholastic program of the school and direct his/her program in harmony with the total school program. The coach shall be thoroughly acquainted with the contest rules and is responsible for their interpretation to team members. The spirit and letter of rules should be regarded as mutual agreements. The coach shall not try to seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules. Coaches shall actively use their influence to enhance sportsmanship by their spectators, working closely with cheerleaders, pep club sponsors and administrators. Contest officials shall have the respect and support of the coach. The coach shall not indulge in conduct which will incite players or spectators against the officials. Public criticism of officials or players is unethical. Before and after contests, rival coaches should meet and exchange friendly greetings to set the correct tone for the event. A coach shall not exert pressure on faculty members to give student athletes special consideration. It is unethical for coaches to scout opponents by any means other than those adopted by the region and/or state high school athletic association. 4

7 COACHING GUIDELINES The athletic program is an integral part of the total school program. All coaches must be considered as teachers first and coaches second, even though the two aspects of our program are interrelated. Coaches should exhibit interest in the total school program as much as possible, and have the same responsibility toward faculty meetings, in-service meetings, assemblies, P.T.S.A., and other school activities as all other teachers. In contacts with people outside the school program, it is the coaches responsibility to interpret school regulations and policies and to see that they are adhered to insofar as possible. Good judgment on the part of coaches can avoid embarrassment or the creation of friction and misunderstandings. Coaches have a great deal of influence on the school s public relations. Coaches are in a unique position to influence behavior and character development. Therefore, it is essential that coaches conduct be of the highest integrity and that they assume the responsibility for assuring equally desirable conduct from the members of their team groups. Some specific areas of emphasis are: A. A coach s conduct during interscholastic competition must be in a manner not to arouse the fans of either team. Examples of conduct that will not be condoned are: (1) being overly aggressive in disagreements with officials, (2) throwing objects such as towels, clipboards, etc., (3) slapping of clipboards tor other objects against the floow, and, and (4) having discussions or disagreements with fans while a game is being played. B. Profanity should be avoided at all times, particularly in the presence of students. C. The use of tobacco during meetings, practices, games, etc. is a violation of Board of Education policy and is prohibited. D. Do not allow students to argue with officials or display other unsportsmanlike conduct. E. Be well-groomed. F. Be supportive of administrative decisions, even those with which you disagree. G. Be supportive of all athletic programs even though you may not be a coach in that sport. Failure to adhere to these guidelines could lead to reprimand, suspension, or dismissal from coaching by the Principal.

8 COACHING EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONBILITIES 5 RAPPORT A coach must be able to develop a good rapport with any number of individuals and groups; team personnel, the student body, the professional staff (faculty, administration, maintenance, etc.), the community as a whole, spectators, officials, fellow coaches in the region, media representatives and the parents of his/her players. Good rapport and an image of competency are invaluable for the coach. COOPERATION The district expects a maximum of cheerful give and take between all individuals associated in any degree with the comprehensive program. Coaches must work hand in hand with their Principal and other members of their staff. LEADERSHIP Diligence, enthusiasm, honesty and a love for the game are all part of a professional pride that should be exhibited by any coach. Personal appearance, dress, physical condition--all should be exemplary. Dressing appropriately for practice, following practice schedules and building positive attitudes are very important. DISCIPLINE Every facet of discipline is the coach s responsibility. Individually, the coach becomes a model of all that the program represents--observance of school codes, training rules, rules of the game, ideals of good sportsmanship, behavior of participants throughout the season--at home and away, and the conduct of the crowd--especially where the student body is concerned. Desire to do well, to win well, to lose well, should be emphasized. Staff, players and spectators should be motivated toward established goals. IMPROVEMENT A coach must constantly take advantage of opportunities presented for self-improvement. Attendance at district meetings, rules clinics, special workshops and clinics in specific fields and similar in-service training programs is a must. Membership should be maintained in professional organizations, coaches associations, and similar groups whose programs are geared toward greater achievement and fuller performance. Keeping abreast of current literature in professional journals, newspapers and magazines, and utilizing enrichment material available in other media forms is also expected.

9 6 COACHES LEGAL DUTIES As coaches, it is your responsibility to carry out these duties and responsibilities to the best of your ability. BASKETBALL DUTIES 1. Properly plan all activities involving your athletes. 2. Provide qualified supervision. This includes before practice, in the locker room, during practice, after practice, and while students are waiting to be picked up by their parents. Develop a plan for supervision on the bus. Report incidents of hazing immediately to administrators. 3. Provide safe equipment. You should frequently inspect your equipment to make sure it fits properly, works properly, and is in good condition. Any unusable equipment should be replaced immediately. 4. Provide a safe environment. You should make sure that your practice area is safe for all participants. 5. Provide proper teaching. As coaches, you should instruct your athletes the correct way to perform the different techniques required for that particular sport. If you don t know how to teach a particular skill, you should not teach it. 6. Provide proper conditioning. All athletes should be in condition prior to starting a season. If a player is not in proper conditioning, they should not begin practice until they are in condition. 7. Give sport specific warnings. All participants, including their parents, need to know what the particular risks are for a particular sport. 8. Provide proper emergency care. It is your responsibility to know basic first aid procedures and treatment of minor injuries. All injured athletes need to be treated immediately. If an injury requires hospitalization, the Principal needs to be notified and an Accident Report Form needs to be filed. 9. Develop an emergency response plan. Every head coach needs to develop an Emergency Response Plan they will follow in the case of an emergency. A copy of the Emergency Response Plan is expected to be on file with the Principal. 7

10 CHEERLEADING DUTIES 1. Responsibility for the directing, supervising and training of the cheerleaders in compliance with the middle school cheerleading expectations. 2. Responsible for the conduct of the cheerleaders at practice sessions and all events. 3. Lead and direct the cheerleaders in such a way as to encourage good sportsmanship by example. 4. Conducts him/herself before the students and the community so as to instill respect and good sportsmanship. 5. Assumes responsibility for an energetic public relations program for the cheerleaders and their activities. 6. Responsible for uniforms and supplies. 7. Sees that the cheerleaders carry out all the duties set forth in their constitution. 8. Conducts a clinic for cheerleading tryouts in the spring or fall. 9. Responsible for ordering awards and issuing awards to deserving cheerleaders. 10. Responsible for any other duties relating to cheerleaders as may be directed by the athletic director and/or principal. All coaches, whose teams will be stunting, are required to attend a preseason coaching clinic. The purpose of the clinic is to provide the coaches with the proper techniques necessary to teach the proper fundamentals of stunting. 8

11 Eligibility MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL & CHEER PROGRAM Only academically eligible 7 th and 8th grade students are allowed to participate in tryouts, practices, exhibitions and game events. Academic eligibility is determined on the first day of the semester and is based on students having passed five of six courses the previous semester. Determine academic eligibility; For the last 18-week semester, the pass-fail for the two Connections periods (or the time spent other than math, language arts, science, and social studies) will be determined by the following method: The four grading periods will stand alone (each two subjects, each nine-week segment = four grades) Any two of the Connections grades may be combined and if the numerical average equals or exceeds 70%, then one of the six possible classes is passed. If the other two Connections grades are combined, and these grades average 70% or more then two of the six possible classes are passed. All Connections courses are to be treated in this fashion. This could result in scenario such as an excellent band student having his/her numerical grade support the passing of the other two exploratory segments. Transition & Eligibility Students who are moved into the Transition Program are not 8th graders. Interscholastic basketball is limited by Board policy to students who are in the 7 th and 8th grade. Transition Program students are not eligible to participate in interscholastic basketball. Legal Practice Dates Legal practice dates are established for basketball and schools shall not conduct or allow an illegal practice. Dates are published by GHSA. Illegal practices are defined as practices involving three or more students participating in any extracurricular activity in the presence of, or under the direct or indirect supervision of any coach of the school. At any given point in time, only one (1) coach in a sport may work with up to four (4) athletes in skill-building drills unless involved in a GCPS approved intramural program. 1. Any practice occurring after the beginning of the school year and before the opening of the designated season is an illegal practice. 2. Any practice occurring after the end of the season for that team and the end of the school year for students in that school is an illegal practice. 3. It is illegal for a team to go to a competitive or instructional camp or clinic during the school year other than in-season events designed for that team alone. (a) If the event is held out of season, it would constitute an illegal practice. (b) If the event is held in-season, it would involve illegal coaching. (c) Boys and girl s teams in the same sport are considered the same activity. (d) This prohibition does not apply to the summer months. 9

12 Recruiting/Undue Influence Recruiting and undue influence is defined as the use of influence by any person connected directly or indirectly with a school to induce a student of any age to transfer from one school to another, or to enter the ninth grade at a member school for athletic purposes. 1. Personal contact initiated by coaches, boosters, players or other school personnel in an attempt to persuade transfer. 2. Gifts or money, jobs, supplies or clothing. 3. An invitation to attend practices and/or games. 4. A coach asking a prospective student for contact information. Coaches in violation of undue influence may receive sanctions from local school administration. Tryouts All students must be currently enrolled in the specific school and must be academically eligible in order to try out for basketball. Repeating 7 th or 8 th graders are not eligible to participate. The maximum number of players on a basketball team is 15 and cheerleading team is 20. Cheer Tryouts The Middle School cheerleading program is designed to support the basketball program. Board policy excludes middle school competitive cheerleading.* The school s cheerleaders may participate in no more than three exhibitions and those exhibitions must be associated with high school competitions and/or exhibitions sanctioned by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). *The following is from Board Policy: Policy IDE, Extracurricular Activities, Section V, Special Provisions: Middle Schools, item 7. Interscholastic competitive athletics are prohibited for students in grades1-6. Middle school athletics will be limited to a maximum of thirteen (13) basketball games, exclusive of tournaments and/or play-off games. A limited number of seventh (7th) grade students will be allowed to participate in middle school athletics. No more than one-third of a basketball or cheer roster may be made up of 7th grade students. Local schools have the option of deciding to include 7th grade students to their basketball and cheer programs. Principals are responsible for seeing that their school adheres to this policy. Transfer Students Students who start the season (GHSA Dates) and move to another school during the season will not be able to participate with the new school including play offs regardless if a bona fide move is made. Ineligible students may not tryout, practice or manage until they are declared eligible the next semester. Tournament Player Entrance Fees Players from teams who are still in the tournament can enter free with the team. A player whose team has been eliminated and comes with a paying adult may still enter free. 10

13 Number of Games The maximum of games played by any GCPS middle school basketball team shall be 13 games. This limitation on the number of games does not include the GCPS middle school basketball tournament. No GCPS middle school shall participate in any other tournament or round of games other than the official GCPS middle school basketball tournament. Only one game per week can be scheduled for a night preceding a school day. This does not apply to the GCPS middle school tournament. Managers Teams are limited to two (2) team managers. These students are bench personnel only and are not to be actively participating on the floor during the game day. 7 th or 8 th graders who serve as team managers are not allowed to help the coach run practice drills. Managers must be academically eligible. Timing Teams will be allowed a 10 minute warm up prior to the start of the game. Halftime will be 10 minutes in length. The home team s game administrator is responsible for enforcing the times. Technical Fouls Coaches must report all technical fouls (on players or coaches) to the County Director of Athletics the next school day after the game has been played. Coaches who receive an excessive number of technical fouls face possible suspension for future games. Any coach ejected from a game will not be able to coach for the following two games. A second ejection will lead to a four game suspension. A third ejection will mean the coach will not be able to return to the bench for the remainder of the season. Mercy Rule The second half of a regular season game may result in the implementation of the Mercy Rule. At any time during the second half the score is a 30 point difference, a running clock will be implemented automatically. If the score difference is reduced during the Mercy Rule to below a 20 point difference, regular timing rules will resume until the point differential is 30 points again. During a running clock, officials and time outs may stop the clock. Coach s agreement is not needed to implement the Mercy Rule. Tournament Hosting Host schools will be selected on a rotation schedule in alphabetical order or as determined by the County Athletic Office. 11

14 Tournament Seeding Seeding for the middle school basketball tournament will be based on win/loss records of each team. The team with the best record will be seeded number one with the remaining seeds being determined in the same manner. In the event that two or more teams have identical records, head-to-head competition will serve first to break the tie. If needed, point differential will be used to determine seeding. To determine each team's point differential against the other tied teams, subtract each team's points allowed from what the team scored. Seeding will be ranked highest to lowest based on the highest positive point differential. If a tie still exists after considering both solutions, the Director of Athletics will determine seeding. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS Before any student is authorized to engage in a practice or in a game, he/she must, among other requirements, complete the following: Physical, Medical History and Warning Form Each student must have a physical examination prior to being allowed to participate in a sport. Physicals are good for one calendar year. A Medical History and Warning form should be sent home and signed by the parents stating that they give permission for their child to participate in each sport and authorizing each head coach to act on behalf of the student in case of emergency. This is a part of the Physical Form. Insurance Policy Each student must be covered by either the school approved accident insurance policy or by a family policy. A form signed by the parent stating that the student is adequately covered by accident insurance with equal policies must be on file at the local school before the student should be allowed to participate. This signature is a part of the Physical Form. Athletic Code of Conduct The Athletic Code of Conduct is designed to establish high expectations for student athletes. The Code of Conduct establishes minimum consequences. Coaches should review the Code of Conduct with both student athletes and parents. A copy of the signed student/parent form should be kept on file at the school. Concussion Awareness Form A concussion awareness form will be given to all students who make the basketball and cheerleading team. One copy of the form will be signed by the student and parent/guardian and returned to the coach. Students will also take the ImPACT Concussion test. This test, will be administered by a Certified Athletic Trainer and be performed on each athlete every other year. 12

15 Academic Requirements Only academically eligible 7 th and 8th grade students are allowed to participate in tryouts, practices, exhibitions and game events. Academic eligibility is determined on the first day of the semester and is based on students having passed five of six courses the previous semester. PLEASE NOTE: A student gains or loses scholastic eligibility on the first school day of each semester except for the beginning of fall semester when eligibility shall be declared at the time the student has passed five or six courses the previous semester. Attendance No student will be permitted to practice or participate in athletic activities on a school day if they have not been in attendance at least one-half of the day (three periods-- exceptions must be approved by local administration). Athletic activities must not be allowed to interfere with the regular school day. Coaches should keep a close check on and encourage all athletes to give proper emphasis to academic achievement. In-School Suspension No students will be permitted to practice or participate in athletic activities on a school day if they have served in-school suspension. Age Any student who turns 16 before May 1 of the 8 th grade year is ineligible for participation. Sportsmanship Good sportsmanship is conduct that imposes a type of self-control involving honest rivalry, courteous relations and graceful acceptance of results. School spirit is a reflection of these attitudes and behavior. Sportsmanship is good citizenship in action. The promotion of sportsmanship is a primary responsibility of spirit groups. Basketball Sportsmanship 1. Any player receiving one technical foul in a game will be required to sit out the first half of the next scheduled game (including playoffs). 2. Any player ejected from a game after receiving a second technical foul will be required to sit out the next two games (including playoffs). 3. Any player ejected from a game for the second time in a season will be required to sit out the next four games (including playoffs). Any player ejected from a game for the third time will be removed from the team for the remainder of the season. 13

16 Cheerleading Sportsmanship 1. Cheerleading squads should always cheer in a positive manner. It is inappropriate to cheer against the other team or to cheer in response to an opposing player s mistake. 2. Cheers and chants with suggestive words and/or motions (i.e. pointing at opposing teams or fans) shall not be used because in many situations they bring about and inappropriate response. 3. Obnoxious behavior should not be encouraged nor permitted under the guise of school spirit. Opposing players, officials and fans should be treated with respect and dignity. Practice Responsibility Practice sessions shall comply with local and GHSA starting and ending dates. Practice sessions/meetings should be made as convenient as possible for participants and their families. The physical endurance ability, need for study time, and social needs of the students should be considered when planning meetings or the length of practice sessions. No regular school time can be used for practice. Practices before school are allowed if approved by the by the Principal. Sunday practice/meetings are prohibited unless approved by the Principal. Parents should be notified as to the time and length of practice sessions. Practice sessions shall be conducted in a manner that exemplifies high standards of sportsmanship, and coaching ethics. The Head Coach of each team is in complete charge of the practice session. Questions about time and facilities must be cleared through the local administration and Community School Director. In the case of inclement weather, and in case of school closing due to inclement weather, all athletic practices and contests are prohibited. 14

17 MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEERLEADING RULES Middle school cheerleading adheres to the guidelines set forth in NFHS Sprit Rules Book. These rules apply to all cheerleading activities including practice, games and exhibitions. The National Federation of High Schools and the Georgia High School Association now allow some stunting at basketball games. A cheerleading squad may only do the stunts explained at the coaching clinic. A squad may only stunt if the coach(es) attended the clinic. No cheers that taunt or discourage the other team are permitted. All cheers should be positive in nature and directed at your team. No cheering while the opposing player is at the free throw line. GENERAL SAFETY Game Setup: No squad will be asked to cheer in an unsafe location such as in high traffic areas, in front of access doors, etc. All squads should submit a gym layout for placement of cheerleaders and players for approval to the school s principal. This will be approved for each gym that hosts games. Cheerleading warm-up should be completed only under the coach s direct supervision and prior to basketball warm-up drills. Game Breaks: Away team has court for performance between 1 st and 2 nd quarter break of both games and girl s half-time. Home team has court for performance between 3 rd and 4 th quarter break of both games and boy s half-time. If you chose to include your dance team/step team in your half-time, time allotted is limited to 5 minutes and the time does not come from the visiting cheer squad s performance time. (No performance by a visiting dance team is allowed) Cheerleaders should remain near their sideline during time-outs. No squad should take center court during any time-out. Home team reserves the right to make changes to performance schedule for special circumstances. Due to safety concerns in differing gyms, home team coach will notify of any further restrictions. Competitions: Middle school squads may not compete. Since GHSA no longer allows middle school programs to participate in sanctioned high school programs, there is no controlling authority to provide guidance to anything that might be called a middle school competition. Squads may attend a GCPS preseason cheerleading clinic. 15

18 Props: Poms must be placed in an area where they cannot create a hazard, i.e. in the bleachers or against a no traffic wall. No noise enhancing devices may be used, i.e. megaphones, clappers, horns, or noiseshakers. Middle School Cheer Coaches must have an emergency plan in place in case of injury. This plan should be practiced throughout the season in order to make sure all team members and coaches know what is expected of them. CROWD CONTROL POLICY STATEMENT Any school having an interscholastic athletic program, before the start of the school year, should have a well-planned crowd control program. Personnel who should be included in developing the plan are: administrators, coaches, supervisor of cheerleaders, band director, security personnel and the game announcer. BEFORE THE CONTEST If the athletic program is to be successfully administered, coach and administrator must be concerned with the welfare of the fans and the student body. Since most high schools are in need of the additional revenue from gate receipts for financing the athletic program, all efforts must be put forth to make attendance an enjoyable experience, thus ensuring a return to other contests. Important preplanning steps are: 1. Make sure that all facilities are clean and comfortable. 2. Staff adequate concession stands. 3. Make available to visiting schools necessary game information: include directions for game parking, location of ticket booths, seating arrangement chart, ticket prices, game time, directions for reaching the site. 4. Provide supervised parking. 5. Designate specific seating areas for students, bands, adults and visitors. If possible, opposing student bodies should be separated. If a reserved seating section is used, make sure that seats are clearly designated and that an usher is present. 6. Discuss with the student body the need for showing good sportsmanship to visitors. 7. Inform cheerleaders of the importance of proper timing of yells, display of good sportsmanship to visitors and cooperation with team, band and other activities. 8. Arrange for adequate police supervision. 9. Assign officials to dressing facilities separated from both teams. Provide escorts for the officials when it appears that disturbances may develop. 16