The Episcopal Academy Boys Basketball Program Mr. Craig Conlin The Episcopal Academy Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Challenging and nurturing Mind, Body, and Spirit we inspire boys and girls to lead lives of purpose, faith, and integrity.
Coaching Philosophy A coach must have a well-defined philosophy that is consistent with his philosophy of life. He cannot allow this philosophy to be compromised, under any conditions. At the same time, I believe a coach must constantly be willing to learn new methods and to be flexible. What follows is in no way the only way to go about things. It is not complete and is an ongoing work in progress. Much of what is contained in this manual is things I have learned not only by playing under strong coaches but also by studying the methods of some of the greatest coaches and leaders of our time. In my humble opinion, basketball is far more than diagrams and techniques. Basketball and life itself are similar in that each demands a personal commitment to excellence for success. To achieve any level of success, a student/athlete must work hard. In order to achieve anything that is worthwhile, it must be earned through a strong work ethic. When things are given, the athlete doesn t put his whole being into succeeding. He does not put his whole heart and mind into succeeding. Everyone cannot succeed all the time, but everyone can make the effort. To be a member of our basketball program means that the player has earned that privilege. It is not a right that is expected or freely given. The players must learn to pay a price for their success. What is success? The legendary coach of UCLA, John Wooden, defines success as, "the peace of mind attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you ve made the effort to the best of which you re capable." I believe that success is not measured by winning or losing, but rather how well we played the game. I have taught my players not to focus on the scoreboard but rather to focus on their performance. As long as each and every player is working as hard as they can to develop their ability, then we will be successful. Coach Wooden said three things are vital to success in basketball, "conditioning, fundamentals, and working together as one team." Many coaches feel that they must have a long list of rules for each member of the team to follow. I believe that team rules are stressed every day by the coach s words and more important, by the coach s actions. I have very high standards about punctuality, being prepared, appearance and effort. I want my players to be gentlemen, fine students and good basketball players, in that order. I hold my players to a higher standard than other students. In my role as a coach, I understand that I am first and foremost a teacher. My task is to teach boys how to grow to become fine young men. The avenue I use is the game of basketball. The members of our coaching staff understand that we are teachers and we are educators. We have the same obligations as all teachers at our institutions, except we probably have more influence over our young people than anyone other than their families. As teachers and coaches, we are dealing with emotions, commitment, discipline, loyalty and pride. The things that make a difference in a person s life: pride, loyalty and commitment - are the things that make a difference in this country. We re teaching them the realities of the competitive life! I want to help boys mature into young men that their parents can be proud of. Young men that a small boy wants to become and what an old man can remember with great pride that he once
was. The Head Basketball Coach at Duke University, Mike Krzyzewski, wants his players and his teams to exhibit the great qualities of "commitment, integrity, toughness, sacrifice, honesty, collective responsibility, pride, a solid work ethic and love." These qualities form the foundation that I wish to build a basketball program upon. I wish to build a quality, class program, not just a basketball team. The priorities of our program will always be: God, Family, Academics, and Basketball. My loyalties will be to our players and they will always be treated with respect, honesty and discipline. I will always keep in mind what I believe is best for the TEAM when making decisions, especially playing time. It is important for our players to be good ambassadors for both The Episcopal Academy and the Inter-Ac. It is critical that they are honest, respectful, loyal, unselfish, and hard working. These are the qualities that are expected as a member of The Episcopal Academy boys basketball program. Our staff will strive to do three things throughout the season: 1. Try to help each player become a better individual player by improving his basic, fundamental skills; 2. Try to help each player become a better team player in fulfilling a role on the team for the betterment of the team; 3. Try to have the team as a whole improve from the beginning of the season to the end. These objectives will not be met unless the coach and players work together and have the same commitment. If these objectives are met, it will be a successful season regardless of the team s won-loss record. Expectations This section outlines the coaches expectations for players and parents on both the varsity and junior varsity teams. These guidelines are intended to help clarify the players responsibilities to the team, as well as to outline the best ways for both players and parents to communicate with the coaches and to support the program. Player Expectations: -Team Selection: There will be approximately 2-5 days of tryouts which will include training in the fundamentals of the game, conditioning, and scrimmages. All players will be evaluated and rated by the entire coaching staff before the teams are split into varsity and junior varsity. The top-rated players, regardless of grade level, will be selected to play on the varsity squad, while the remaining players will play on the junior varsity. We could also have some players selected to play both varsity and junior varsity teams. The players will be placed on the team in which they will receive the most playing time which will help them develop and improve their basketball skills.
- Practice Time: During the school year, most practices on non-game days will begin promptly at 3:45 pm. It is expected that players will be ready to begin practice, wearing all appropriate equipment, at that time. At practice, every player is required to be wearing the boys basketball reversible at all times. PLAYING TIME IN GAMES WILL BE EARNED IN PRACTICE. - Game Time: Players will be told prior to each game when they are expected on the court or in the bus pick-up area. All players must report for games on time, with their game uniform and with all necessary equipment. -Outside Activities: Every player in the EA boys basketball program must understand that during basketball season, EA games and practices take priority over other activities not involved with EA. Obviously, academics take precedence over extra-curricular activities. - Absence: If a player is injured and cannot practice, it is assumed that he will be at practice to observe the day s session. If a player knows that he will miss a game or practice because of illness, academic issue, or other conflict, then it is his responsibility to contact the coach well in advance of the game or practice. - Late Arrival to School: All athletes must adhere to the Upper School policy, which requires students to be at school on the day of a game by 9:00 am in order to participate in that day s game. - Conduct on the Field: Players are expected to uphold the Inter-Ac Sportsmanship Code while on the field in both training and games. Players are expected to treat their teammates, coaches, players and coaches on opposing teams, and referees with respect at all times. - Social Conduct: Per the Upper School Student Handbook, players who are disciplined by the school for any reason, including on or off campus drinking or drug use, may be suspended from team participation. - Player Concerns: If a player is concerned about their playing time, position, or any other aspect of their role on the team, they should speak with the head coach directly. Players should either approach the coach before or after practice, or make an appointment for a mutually acceptable time. - Team Equipment: It is the responsibility of all team members to return team equipment to the proper storage area. It is also important to ensure that the locker-room and bench area are free of trash before leaving. Parent Expectations: I believe that parents and the coaching staff need to work together with the common goal in mind of educating our boys to grow up to be good men. I will speak with any parent about their son concerning any personal issue I can help with. I will NOT speak to parents about anything concerning playing time, positions, substitutions, etc. I will make decisions about basketball matters with the best interest of the team in mind. I will do what I believe is best for the team, not an individual player.
- Parent Concerns: Players are asked to speak with the head coach directly if they are confused or concerned about their role on the team or their participation in games. Coaches will not speak with parents about playing time or other coaching decisions; however, please feel free to contact me through email or over the phone with any concerns about your son s health and well being, or with other questions not related to coaching decisions. (Email: cconlin@episcopalacademy.org) - Speaking with the Coach and Players During Games: Parents should refrain from approaching or speaking to any of the coaches during the game. Parents should not approach or speak to players, including their own child, during the game unless it is an emergency. While watching the game, please give the coaches and players plenty of room around their bench. - Referee Concerns: We ask that parents not make complaints or concerns directly to a referee, either during or after a game. If a parent does have an issue with a referee, please speak to someone in the EA Athletic Department. - Communication with Opposing Teams: If there is a concern, please do not directly discuss the issue with an opposing player or coach. We ask that you direct all comments or concerns about any behavior by the opposing team or coach to the Director of Athletics. I ask that all fans, whether they are family or friends, conduct themselves with the same level of sportsmanship and respect that they expect from their sons and the coaching staff. Academics The ultimate goal of our program is to have each student-athlete graduate from The Episcopal Academy with a superior education and the conviction that his years spent at EA have been an enjoyable and fruitful experience. In an attempt to develop our student-athletes, we need to make sure they appropriately balance the academic, athletic and social aspects of their personal growth. Our student-athletes education is the third most important priority of our program. The priorities of our program will be: God, Family, Academics, and then Basketball. If there are any academic issues, the player is encouraged to approach me immediately so that I can assist them in attempting to balance their academics with their participation on the basketball team. 1. Win the Inter-Ac 2. Improve Everyday 3. Create a Positive Environment for our team Team Goals
I am extremely honored to be the Head Coach of the boys basketball program at The Episcopal Academy. My staff and I will do everything we can to not only be competitive but also to be successful with honor and class in all that we do. Thank you, Craig Conlin Head Basketball Coach The Episcopal Academy