GLACIER HIGH BOY S BASKETBALL HANDBOOK 2016-2017 SUCCESS IS PEACE OF MIND WHICH IS A DIRECT RESULT OF SELF-SATISFACTION IN KNOWING THAT YOU DID YOUR BEST TO BECOME THE BEST THAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF BECOMING --JOHN WOODEN THE STRENGTH OF THE PACK IS THE WOLF, AND THE STRENGTH OF THE WOLF IS THE PACK
GLACIER WOLFPACK BASKETBALL-PROGRAM GOALS 1. To Have Fun!!! 2. To Reach Our Full Potential as athletes and people. 3. To Leave Glacier Basketball a Better Program Than Before 4. To represent GHS with class 5. To Understand My Responsibility as a Role Model to Younger Children 6. To be Accountable for My Actions 7. To Challenge Myself and Teammates to Excellence 8. To Work To Meet Team and Individual Goals 9. To Look Back On the Season With No Regrets 10. To Compete At the Top Level In The State GLACIER WOLFPACK BASKETBALL PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY 4 TERMS THAT WE BELIEVE SHOULD DEFINE ALL MEMBERS OF THE BASKETBALL PROGRAM 1. COMMITMENT --Are you willing to do whatever is necessary to become your very best? 2. INTEGRITY --Are you willing to do the right thing, even when no one is watching? 3. HONESTY --Can your teammates trust what you say? --Do you do what you say you are going to do? 4. LOYALTY --Do you support your teammates, your coaches, and the program? COACHING Basketball is a team sport that encompasses many areas. Besides the physical skills learned, student-athletes can learn other life-long skills such as self-confidence, selfdiscipline, goal setting, teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, leadership, and selfmotivation. Players will learn about commitment and balancing many obligations. It is the goal of the Glacier basketball coaching staff to provide student-athletes with the opportunity to experience success in a variety of situations, both individual and team, both on the court and off. Athletes are challenged to reach their full potential,
encouraged to learn emotional maturity, and will undoubtedly have the opportunity to practice the ability to deal with success and failure. Our coaches believe that players are sons first, students second, and athletes third. We recognize and support obligations to the family, school, and basketball. We will strive to develop and utilize the whole person, not just the athlete. Decisions made by the Glacier basketball coaching staff will be based on what is good for the individual as well as what is good for the team, the program, and GHS. Coaches will strive to win: however, keep in mind that a success is defined in many ways. OUR COACHES WILL WORK TO DEVELOP THE ENTIRE PERSON, NOT JUST BASKETBALL PLAYERS. WE BELIEVE IN THE FOLLOWING FUNDAMENTALS FUNDAMEN-TALS Tremendous Attitude and Learn the Skills Life Skills Love the Sport FUNDA-MENTALS Coach players, not positions Coach people, not just players Confidence grows as skills are mastered FUN-DAMENTALS Fun At every stage of development At the end of their basketball career WE ALSO BELIEVE IN TEACHING LIFE SKILLS We believe in creating athletes that are intrinsically motivated, not ones that need to be motivated by external forces. As teachers, we believe that the next 4 years of our student-athletes lives will be the easiest as far as responsibility, but perhaps the most difficult as far as decision making. We feel that we can help prepare these young men to make good decisions by what we teach on the court. Listening skills Athletes will look us in the eye when we are speaking
Athletes will be taught that why is not a bad question to ask, as long as it is asked correctly. WHAT PEOPLE CAN EXPECT OF GLACIER WOLFPACK COACHES 1. They will be a positive role model. 2. They will be men of integrity. 3. They will be leaders and motivators, not buddies. 4. They will be firm and fair to all athletes. 5. They will always put the welfare of the program over the individual. 6. They will be committed to making the Glacier program the best it can be. 7. They will be well organized and prepared for every game, practice, camp, or meeting. 8. They will be honest to players and parents about their role on the team. They will not, however, discuss other players on the team. 9. They will communicate with players, parents, the media, and the administration of Glacier High School. 10. They will follow and uphold all team, Glacier High School, and MHSA rules. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF GLACIER WOLFPACK COACHES HEAD COACH The head coach is the leader of the entire program, and, therefore, ultimately responsible for the overall strength of it. The duties of the head coach are many, but can be categorized into the following: 1. Character The following are character traits that all head coaches should possess. Of course, every individual has his or her own personal strengths and weaknesses. Any weakness in the following characteristics would be an area of personal growth for the individual. a. Honesty b. loyalty c. patience d. dependability e. consistency f. openness g. humbleness h. fair i. knowledgeable j. caring k. self-controlled/ poised l. disciplined
m. enthusiastic n. committed o. organized p. positive q. resilient r. sense of humor s. perspective 2. Professionalism There are certain professional qualities that all good coaches should strive for. Again, any areas of weakness that a coach possesses should be an area that he or she looks to improve in. a. Good rapport with staff, team, officials, administrators, and parents b. Sets and works to meet personal as well as department goals c. Communication with squad, staff, media, administration, and parents d. Supports and is loyal to the entire activities department e. Is able to accept criticism in a positive way 3. Team Management The coach must be able to manage the entire program by showing the following skills: a. Planning of practice b. Being on time c. Supervision d. Time management e. Leadership f. Care of facilities g. Team discipline/control h. Understanding of budget issues i. Creating a sense of ownership, or buy in by the members of the team and staff 4. Coaching and Team Performance Ultimately, a head coach will be evaluated on the success of his program. ASSISTANT COACHES The Assistant coaches will be held to the same ethical and professional standards as the head coach. They will be expected to manage their respected teams, and other duties as assigned by the head coach.
TRY-OUTS We will have many people trying out for the Glacier Basketball Program. Teams will be selected by the end of the third day. Some cuts may be made at the end of the second day of try-outs. Please remember, try-outs are a 3 day culmination of an entire off season of improvement. Athletes that choose not to work to improve their skills in the off-season at all are at risk of not making the team. Players will all be talked to individually as to why they did not make the team, or what their role and expectations are for the Glacier Basketball Program. Any player that has shown interest in the basketball program, but is unable to tryout due to circumstances outside of his control, will be given an extended try-out when he is able to return. (i.e. sickness, family emergency, etc.). A new player moving to the district may be given the opportunity to try-out as well. When making decisions about players, we look at the individual player s strengths. Boys will be evaluated on the following, but not necessarily in this order: 1. Athleticism 2. Basketball Skills 3. Work Ethic 4. Ability To Learn 5. Attitude 6. School Work/ Eligibility 7. Citizenship Selections are also based on team needs. There are several roles that need to be filled to complete a basketball team. OPEN GYMS Open Gym, by definition, is provided to all male members of the GHS student body. Coaches supervising open gyms may not provide group instructions to athletes or lead activities, (with the exception of June 1-July 31). They may answer athlete s questions, or provide instruction on an individual level. Attendance at open gym is not mandatory, and cannot be required. The coaching staff provides the opportunity for several open gyms throughout the year. This gives the staff an opportunity to see players perform skills in a relatively stress-free situation, as well as observe inter-personal skills and leadership qualities.
ACADEMICS We view our student athletes exactly as that students first, athletes second. MHSA and Glacier High School have minimum standards of academic accomplishment in order to play. Academics will be a major focus of the Glacier High Basketball staff. We cannot afford to have any athlete, at any time, become ineligible. We will monitor our athlete s grades year round to make sure that they are maintaining high academic standards. VARSITY TEAM DESCRIPTIONS/ EXPECTATIONS The varsity basketball team represents the highest level of competition at Glacier High School. Goals of the varsity team include striving to win, and advancing to playoffs and state competition. The varsity program will also teach such life skills as commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship. As a member of the varsity team, players are not guaranteed equal participation time in every contest. Every person on this team has a role, however, some roles include more playing time than others do. Each role on the team, regardless of playing time, is equally important. Being on the varsity team means making an extensive commitment. You must be willing to commit extra time, effort and energy to your team. You are a role model and leader for younger players, for your school and your community. You will be expected to always conduct yourself with pride, respect, and self-confidence. The varsity team roster will consist of 8-12 players and will include JV swing players. A finalized roster of 12 players and alternates will be determined for playoffs and state competition. REQUIREMENTS FOR A VARSITY PLAYER: To make the varsity team, you must exhibit: 1. High level skills 2. A team player attitude (positive, supportive, unselfish) 3. High knowledge of the game 4. A coachable attitude willing to listen and improve 5. Strong physical condition 6. A commitment to Glacier Basketball: teammates, coaches, offseason and during the season
EXPECTATIONS FOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Give 100% effort at all times Encourage others. This includes JV players, sophomore players, freshmen players, managers and coaches Appreciate your teammates while you are on the court Demonstrate self-discipline Understand your role on the team Support the entire Glacier Basketball Program Follow team rules Be an ambassador for Glacier High School and the Kalispell community JUNIOR VARSITY The goal of the JV Wolfpack basketball team is to prepare players for the varsity program. Fundamental skills and strategies are combined with the pursuit of victory. As with the varsity, participation will not be equal, nor guaranteed in every contest. As with the varsity program, each player has a role on the team and some roles include more playing time than others do. The JV roster will consist of 8-12 players. Some JV players may have the opportunity to swing to the varsity squad. Only underclassmen (grades 9-11) will be eligible for this team. SOPHOMORE TEAM The Sophomore Team is a sophomore team in name only. There is a strong possibility that some freshmen will be placed on this team. The goal of the Sophomore basketball team is to give players a chance to improve their skills and prepare for the JV and/or varsity team. Fundamental skills and strategies are combined with the pursuit of victory. Participation in games is not guaranteed, and will not be the same for all participants. However, all participants who follow team rules should be able to participate in most contests.
The sophomore team will consist of 9-12 players. In order to be on this team, you must be in grades 9 or 10. FRESHMAN TEAM The goal or the freshman team at Glacier High School is to develop fundamental skills and learn basic strategies that will ultimately prepare athletes for participation at the varsity level. Striving to win is also an important goal at this level. Participation in games will not be guaranteed, and will not be the same for all participants. However, all participants who follow team rules should be able to participate in most contests. The roster will consist of 9-12 players and will be limited to only athletes in grade 9. STATE/PLAYOFF TEAM At the end of the regular season, a play-off team will be selected to participate in post-season contests. This team will consist of 12 roster players, and alternates. Players may be selected from any level in the program, regardless of varsity playing time during the year. Players will be selected to fill needs or potential needs for post-season play. Some players may be asked to play on a practice squad at the conclusion of the regular season. This group will be asked to learn and run upcoming opponent s offenses and defenses. Members of this group, however, may not be part of the state team, and therefore will not meet lettering requirements. EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS AND SPECTATORS Supporters of the Glacier Basketball Program are expected to adhere to the following guidelines: Show positive support and encouragement for your athlete, a well as for all members of the Glacier basketball program at all times. Demonstrate sportsmanship at all contests. Let your athlete participate on his team in his own way. Use the 5-step communication process (outlined in the Glacier High School activity handbook) to resolve conflict: 1. Student meets with coach/advisor
2. Student and parent meet with coach/advisor 3. Student, parent, coach/advisor meet with activity director 4. Student, parent, coach/advisor, and activity director meet with principal 5. Student, parent, coach/advisor, activity director and principal meet with superintendent. Remember, immediately following a contest is a tough time to talk to a coach, as usually both the parent and coach are very emotional. Try to remember the 24 hour rule. Wait until the next day to contact the coach with an issue. Usually, by then, both sides might be more rational and able to find a solution to the problem. TEAM RULES Failure to abide by one of the following rules will affect your playing time and your status on this team. Each team may have additional expectations. 1. Be on time. Be dressed, taped, in the gym 5 minutes before practice starts. Being in line in the training room is not an excuse to be late for practice. It is your responsibility to get to the training room immediately after school for needed treatment so you are not late. If we have the second practice, you should be in the team room 5 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. All practices are mandatory, and will start at the scheduled time. If you must miss a practice, or will be late to a practice, talk to your coach directly before practice, or call him and leave a message. A note or call from a parent is not acceptable. Do not send a friend with a message. A note from a teacher is acceptable. If you do not practice before a game, you will not start, and could potentially lose playing time. If you miss practice and have not notified your coach, your participation in the following game will be limited. If it happens a second time, potential dismissal from the team could result. In addition, tardiness to practice could affect your playing status. This decision will be up to the individual coach. 2. Respect the Game. Use appropriate language and actions during practices and matches. Do not argue with officials, coaches, or teammates. If this is done during the course of a game, you will be removed from that game. 3. Abide by school rules. By accepting a position on one of the Glacier High teams, you have made a promise to yourself, your coaches, and your teammates to be a dependable, honest, and reliable part of the team. Keep that promise. If you are caught drinking, smoking, or partaking in any other illegal actions during basketball season, you will be suspended from the team. Do not put yourself in these situations. Remember, the school has a guilt by association clause in its handbook. Simply being at a party that involves alcohol could result in your removal. Participation in unacceptable activities, either at school or out of school will affect your playing status and status on the team. Athletes who need to be
disciplined for classroom issues may also be disciplined on the basketball team. CONSIDER THIS YOUR ONLY WARNING!!! 4. Hazing. Hazing is completely unacceptable in this program, and will not be tolerated. Hazing includes, but is not limited to any act the recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or as a condition or pre-condition of attaining membership in or affiliation with any District-sponsored activity. Participation in this type of activity will affect an athlete s playing status and status on the team, and may lead to dismissal from the team and other disciplinary actions by school administration. 5. Follow Dress Expectations. You will be expected to be in appropriate dress for practices, games, days of games, and travel. 6. Travel. You must travel to all contests with the team. Occasionally, an exception to this policy can be made, but it most be done before the contest by the parent of the athlete, the coach, and the athletic director. Athletes may check out and ride home after games with their parents. However, each athlete must be checked out with his parent, not a friend, relative, etc. It is the athlete s responsibility to check out with the correct coach. 7. Respect Yourself. You worked hard to make this team. Honor yourself by making this the best experience possible. There will be highs and lows to every season. The only aspects you can control are your actions, your attitude and your effort!!! COACHING CONTACTS The following is a list of contact numbers to reach your coach if you cannot be at practice, or have another concern: Coach Harkins Home Phone 261-5077 Work Phone 758-8675 Email Address harkinsm@sd5.k12.mt.us Coach Hall jasonalanhall@yahoo.com 406-249-3421 Coach Wakefield RyanWakefield@dryspark.com 406-250-0293 Coach Cutler cutlerb@sd5.k12.mt.us 212-9101
DRESS EXPECTATIONS PRACTICE Practice attire will be school issued shorts and reversible jersey every day. There will be no exceptions. Athletes will not be allowed to practice out of uniform. ISSUED UNIFORMS, TEAM BAGS, ETC Each athlete that makes a team will be issued a team bag for travel, home and away uniform, and possibly a shooting shirt based on the team made. The athlete is responsible for the care of all issued gear for the entire season. At the end of the season on a date decided by each coach, all athletes will turn in all issued items, washed and in good condition. Failure to do so will result in a replacement fine. An athlete who does not get the gear turned in on time will also be charged a $20 late fee. TRAVEL All members of the basketball team will dress in shirts, ties, and slacks for all away games. If a member of the team does not have such apparel, and cannot afford it, he needs to talk to his coach before the first travel date. Athletes may dress down for all return trips. Dressing down is defined as apparel that meets the GHS dress code. Parents wishing to take their sons home from an away game must sign out with one of the coaches. Players may ride home only with their parents unless prior arrangements have been made through Mr. Dennehy and the activities office. Coaches may not release players to anyone except parents unless this has been done. This includes Grandparents and other relatives, as well as parents of other teammates. HOME GAMES Dress for home games will be decided before each contest by team members, coaches, and captains. All athletes will comply with the decision made. Possibilities would include; slacks and ties, team shirts and jeans, shooting shirts, etc. GAMES Athletes will wear school issued uniforms for each game. Jewelry, headbands, hairstyles, socks, etc, that are worn to draw attention to an individual and take away from the team will not be allowed. Shooting sleeves have been declared as illegal apparel by the MHSA unless ordered by a physician.
BUS EXPECTATIONS Members of the Glacier High basketball team will be expected to show courtesy and respect to bus drivers and fellow passengers. This includes following all established bus rules and keeping the bus clean. At the end of every bus trip, the bus will be cleaned by the players on the bus. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action for the entire team at the following practice. PAYMENT OF FEES Any player who makes a team at any level will have all participation and spirit pack fees paid by December 7. Any athlete who has not complied by this date will be suspended from game play until the matter is taken care of. If an athlete cannot afford one or both of the fees, it is his responsibility to discuss this issue with his coach. Arrangements can be made to help families that need assistance due to financial hardship, more time to pay, etc. LETTERING POLICY PLAYERS: In order to receive a varsity letter for basketball, the athlete must complete the season in good standing with the coaches, players, and school community in addition to meeting at least ONE of the following criteria: 1. Compete (play) in at least 10 varsity regular season games. 2. Be selected on a play-off roster of 12 players and 2 alternates. Letters for basketball will be given for meeting the above criteria, or at the discretion of the coaching staff. MANAGERS: In order to receive a letter for a basketball manager, the student manager must meet at least ONE of the following criteria: 1. Demonstrate exceptional work as a manager for the varsity team by fulfilling all required duties. 2. Be selected as a manager for the final varsity play-off roster. Managers for the play-offs will be selected based on roles and duties performed during the season. It must be understood that varsity managers will usually have priority over sub-varsity managers in this regard.
MANAGER POSITIONS AND DUTIES In order to be a manager for the GHS Boys Basketball team, managers must be academically eligible, pay a spirit pack fee, and have the required paperwork, (consent and emergency medical) turned in. Managers will be asked to work under a specific job title during the season, but may also be asked to fill-in any position as needed. Managing duties will be determined by the coach of that team. Duties will be assigned based on individual skills each manager possesses. For example, a manager with a background knowledge of basketball may be asked to stat games. Practice jobs for managers may include, but are not limited to: videotaping, timing, keeping score, sweeping the floor, helping a coach in a drill, preparing uniforms, maintenance of equipment, or record keeping. Each team will have a manager, or managers. Managers for the varsity will be expected to be at each practice. Managers for the sub-varsity teams attendance at practice will be determined by that individual coach. When traveling on a bus, all female managers will sit directly behind the coaches on the bus. On travel days managers will have a variety of responsibilities that will be assigned by their respective coach. Specific jobs during games include: STATS take accurate and reliable stats during games; total the stats; complete game summaries; be sure clipboards, stat sheets, computers etc. are packed for road games. VIDEOGRAPHER video JV and Varsity contests; pack and be responsible for needed equipment such as tapes, tri-pod, extension cords, and camera. This person may also be asked to help assemble a highlight video at season s end. SCOREKEEPER keep the scorebook at assigned level. Be sure the scorebook is packed, as well as pencils and pens. You are also responsible to make sure players numbers match up from their jersey to the scorebook. If we are the visiting, you are responsible to alert the coaching staff to any mistake made by the home book at that time. TRAINER carry, clean, and fill water bottles or cups for the athletes, stock and carry the medical kit, be responsible for medical releases. EQUIPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES All managers will be responsible to help load and unload busses in preparation for travel. In addition, they will be responsible to make sure nothing is left at an opponent s gym. Managers will be expected to follow all team and district rules that apply to the athletes involved in the basketball program.