Minnesota Hustle Basketball Player/Parent Handbook 2018/2019
Dear Parent, Guardian, and Player, We are honored you have chosen to play with Minnesota Hustle Basketball this season. We hope your child has the time of their lives and makes memories that they will never forget. Our goal is to provide a great experience for you, have fun, and improve on and off the court. Please use this handbook to gain deeper insight into the Minnesota Hustle Basketball organization and expectations and policies for our coaches, parents, and players. Again, thank you for choosing Minnesota Hustle Basketball. Todd Treml and Mike Resnick, Owners, Minnesota Hustle Basketball Mission Statement Minnesota Hustle is a premiere basketball organization serving the Twin Cities and surrounding area communities bringing players and coaches together that are PASSIONATE about the game of basketball. We strive for team success and individual growth and are committed to the development of all boys and girls who have the desire to improve their skills and build their self-confidence on the basketball court and in everyday life. General Information Minnesota Hustle began in 2009 and offers competitive Club Basketball Teams based out of a wide variety of locations throughout the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Minnesota Hustle offers a variety of Club team opportunities based on skill level, and features Boys and Girls Teams. Spring: The largest of all seasons, Minnesota Hustle will have more than 20+ teams at all grade levels. The Spring season consists of our Elite, Classic, and Future Stars Programs. All teams will compete in weekend tournaments and 2 weekly team practices. Fall: The Fall season will comprise of a two (2) month period beginning in September and ending in October. We offer 5 weekend tournaments, 1 weekly practice. Summer: Currently, Minnesota Hustle does not offer a summer program. Tryouts and Player Selection Tryouts are open to all interested players (boys and girls) grades 3-11 and will usually provide a 60 to 90-minute training workout evaluation. There is a $20 fee to participate in tryouts during both the Spring and Fall season. This fee is included in the league fees paid at registration.
During the tryout process Minnesota Hustle strives to provide an organized, objective and fair environment in which the Coaching Staff can evaluate all participants. Each tryout will consist of a specific workout curriculum, which assesses athletes in fundamental skills, strength, speed, acceleration, and competitive game play. All athletes are evaluated using the same criteria and given the same opportunity to make a team. Not all players will be selected for team placements (Elite or Classic). After tryouts, we will post rosters on our website (www.mnhustle.com) of each individual and their respective team. As we strive to provide the most competitive teams across all divisions, Minnesota Hustle reserves the right to move a player to another Minnesota Hustle roster prior to the start of the season. A player (due to a high tryout score) may be moved up a grade level also. The ultimate objective for all athletes is that they enjoy a tremendous growth and developmental experience. If a unique situation such as this would occur, the athlete and parent would be notified of any changes to their roster status before the season begins. Should there be any available roster spots remaining following the final tryout session, we will contact other athletes who performed well in tryouts but were not originally selected to a team and offer them an opportunity to join a team. Tryouts for Spring teams are held in March, while tryouts for Fall teams are held later in August. Drugs and Alcohol Use The use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco will not be tolerated. The use of these products is illegal and damaging to your health and to the image of our basketball program. The possession or use of drugs or alcohol during basketball activities will result in dismissal from the team. Hazing Under NO circumstances will hazing be tolerated. No player will ever be ridiculed by another player, coach, or parent either in the locker room, training rooms or on the court. Coaches All Minnesota Hustle coaches are required to complete the Trusted Coaches Training Program. The mandatory training, each year, includes a National Criminal Background Check, Concussion Education, and the Trusted Coaches Child Safety Course. This training is based on the standards set forth by the Protecting Youth Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017.
Coaching Staff Responsibility The coaching staff of Minnesota Hustle is committed to carry out the following responsibilities: Strive to assist team members in the improvement of their individual strengths. Coach and stress the skills and fundamentals of basketball. Create an environment in which the primary emphasis is placed upon the well-being of the athletes. Conduct structured practices and attend all tournaments. Lead by example and demonstrate the value of fair play and sportsmanship. Be a leader and supporter of the Minnesota Hustle Mission statement. Coaches Code of Conduct Coaches will: Address officials in a respectful, professional manner. Abide by all league/tournament rules and regulations. Set a positive example of sportsmanlike conduct for the players to follow regarding officials, opponents and spectators. Conduct themselves towards opposing players as they would toward their own players. Ensure that their team plays the game right and leave the court making others impressed with how the Minnesota Hustle teams play the game. Be a positive representative of our community and make the community proud of their actions as a basketball coach and person. No use of tobacco or tobacco related product before, during or after a game or practice within the baseball venue. Playing Time Spring/AAU Basketball is a highly competitive athletic endeavor. Minnesota Hustle adheres to a fair playing time policy; however, the amount of discretionary playing time is up to the individual head coach and player skill, position, commitment, and effort. Player Responsibility The following represent the expectations of the company and coaching staff regarding player responsibilities. Remember, you not only represent yourself, but the entire Minnesota Hustle organization. This is a tremendous responsibility. We trust you will exhibit a sense of pride and respect both on and off the court. Players are expected to demonstrate respect to the coaching staff, officials, opponents, spectators, the company and especially their own teammates. The coaching staff places respect, attitude and character as top priorities of sportsmanship in our athletes.
Player s Code of Conduct and Player Agreement I will respect the game of basketball and give 100% during practices and games. I will be respectful and courteous to my teammates, coaches, opponents, and referees. I will also be respectful when traveling to games and representing my community. I will not participate in horseplay or any other activity that may hurt or injure myself or my teammates. I will play fair, rise above poor behavior, and set positive examples for my teammates and younger players. I understand the Minnesota Hustle program is a privilege to play for and not a right. I understand playing time is allocated fairly, but not necessarily equally and I must earn playing time. I understand breaking any program rules, violating the player code of conduct, or showing unsportsmanlike behavior may result in suspension from practices, games, or depending on the severity, expulsion from the program. Players are expected to be courteous in verbal and non-verbal actions. Vulgar language or gestures are not acceptable. Players are expected to be courteous in action. Fighting of any kind will not be tolerated. Any illegal activity will result in immediate suspension pending investigation by the company. Understand Minnesota Hustle basketball club reserves the right to release any player from the team for poor sportsmanship by the player and/or the player s family during games or for other reasons to include, but are not limited to: lack of cooperation, poor attitude, lack of commitment, effort or attendance. Understand the coaches may impose additional rules, guidelines, and/or policies that they are required to follow. Failure to comply with these is a violation of commitment. We have many athletes who play multiple sports in the spring, which we encourage. However, Minnesota Hustle will be the priority in athletics during the AAU basketball season (March thru June). Players are expected to call/text the coach prior to the start of a scheduled practice / game in the event they will be late or will not be able to attend. Uniforms must be maintained as originally issued and may not be altered in any way. No additional uniforms will be issued. Remain committed to Minnesota Hustle for the duration of the team s season. Players are not allowed on another team s roster without the written consent of Minnesota Hustle.
Parent/Guardian Responsibility & Expectations Minnesota Hustle expects a commitment from our parents to be good role models to all our athletes. Parents who set poor examples and display undesirable traits or language send the wrong messages to our athletes. Parents should refrain from criticizing coaches, officials, teammates, or other parents. Parents should leave the coaching to our coaches! Often during the excitement of a game or practice parents can unintentionally give a player advice or instructions that are contrary to those of the coach, which leaves the player confused. The easiest way to disrupt a team s progress is to undermine the authority of the coach. Parents should enter the season understanding you will not agree or like every coaching decision or tactic, but this does not warrant or deserve criticism. All Coaches have the best interests of your child. Officials are a part of every game, and like every other person they can and do make mistakes. Parents are expected to focus on the team and the game, not berating officials. Parent Code of Conduct Parents will: Obey all rules and regulations of Minnesota Hustle Basketball club and the various league/organizations rules of which Minnesota Hustle participates. Set a good example for the players, coaches and other parents. Get your players to practices and games on time. Remember children play basketball for their enjoyment, not their parents. Accept the referees calls and no publicly/privately question a referee s judgement. Recognize the value and important of the coaches. Accept the coaches decision regarding playing positions and the amount of playing time and understand that this is a competitive team and there are no guarantees for equal playing time or position. Understand Minnesota Hustle reserves the right to release any player from the team for poor sportsmanship by the player and/or the player s family during games or for other reasons to include, but not limited to lack of cooperation, poor attitude, lack of commitment, lack of effort, or poor attendance. Not give the players instructions during the game. Not enter team specific areas unless asked by the coaching staff. Understand coaches may impose additional rules, guidelines and/or policies that I am required to follow. Failure to comply with the rules, guidelines and/or policies is a violation of your commitment. Understand if there is a problem/conflict with the coaches, parents will not approach them during the game. Instead they will call the coach(s) to discuss the matter or set a meeting to discuss.
Weather & Cancellations If practice is canceled due to weather, you will be contacted by email and/or an announcement will be posted on our website that day. If you travel a longer distance to practice or conditions are hazardous in your area, you reserve the right to stay home and stay safe due to weather conditions. Transportation Policy Transportation to practices and tournaments is the responsibility of the parents. For insurance and liability reasons the club cannot assume responsibility for transportation. Electronic Communication & Social Media Policy - TAPP (Transparent, Appropriate, Professional, and Productive) All electronic communication between coaches, athletes and parents, including but not limited to email, text messaging and the use of social media, must be TAPP (Transparent, Appropriate, Professional and Productive). Coaches, athletes and parents must follow common sense, age appropriate guidelines regarding the content, volume and time of day of any allowed electronic communication with athletes. Conflict Resolution Minnesota Hustle and our coaches strive for excellence on and off the court and believe open communication between coach and player solves nearly all issues and concerns. However, if a parent has an issue they wish to discuss with the coach, please contact the coach directly to set a separate time to meet. Parents are NOT permitted to confront the coaches during tournaments or practice to discuss playing time, tactics, individual, or team performance. The ONLY time a parent should discuss any problems with a coach is at an arranged meeting. If the conflict cannot be resolved working directly with the coach, you can contact Minnesota Hustle management for final resolution. Contact Us For specific policy questions, refer to our FAQs on our website at www.mnhustle.com or email info@mnhustle.com or call 763-377-2145/612-306-6775 Thank You We are glad you are part of Minnesota Hustle. Enjoy the season! Todd Treml and Mike Resnick Owners, Minnesota Hustle, LLC