2017-2018 COUCH BASKETBALL PLAYER/PARENT HANDBOOK
Welcome To Couch Middle School Ram Basketball This handbook has been created to help our parents and players become acclimated to our expectations and rules to ensure that all the girls and boys have a productive and enjoyable time as part of the CMS Basketball Team. We expect this to be a wonderful experience for your daughter and look forward to seeing you at many of our games this year! Shannon Davis, 7th and 8th Grade Girls Coach shannon_davis@gwinnett.k12.ga.us (817) 905-5681 (cell) Gil Diaz, 7 th and 8 th Grade Boys Coach gildiaz@couchmiddleschool.org (404) 408-5855
PLAYER EXPECTATIONS PLAYERS WILL STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE CLASSROOM. In order to be eligible to play, CMS basketball players must maintain a C average. One failing grade will keep players from playing and practicing for an entire week. The player will also not be allowed to travel with the team to any away games that week. If they are ineligible for more than two weeks in the season, they will be removed from the team. One grade of D will result in the player to not be allowed to play or practice until evidence of an improved grade has been shown to the coach. A player who is consistently ineligible may be dismissed from the team. ACADEMICS COME FIRST!! PLAYERS WILL POSITIVELY REPRESENT THE TEAM. CMS basketball players must display appropriate behavior at school. Receiving detentions and referrals is not acceptable. Players are also expected to behave appropriately on the bus and at other schools. Players who choose to behave inappropriately are subject to consequences including loss of playing time, loss of team privileges, or dismissal from the team.
PLAYERS WILL PUT THE GOALS OF THE TEAM FIRST. As a CMS basketball player, you are expected to put your team first. In order for our team to be successful on the court, we must develop trusting relationships with each other. PLAYERS WILL SHOW RESPECT. Each player is to show respect to teammates, coaches, teachers, opposing teams and officials. Failure to do so will NOT be tolerated and may result in consequences, including loss of playing time, loss of team privileges, or dismissal from the team. PLAYERS WILL ATTEND ALL PRACTICES AND GAMES. Practices and games are mandatory. Players are expected to attend all practices and games and to arrive on time, ready to play. If a student is not at school, it is already understood that she will not be at practice. If a player is going to miss a practice, but they must still let a coach know prior to missing. They can do this by finding a coach in school, calling the school, or email (refer to email). Players missing practice without letting a coach know will have the following consequences: Penalties for unexcused absences from practice 1 st Offense Extra running after practice 2 nd Offense Miss practice 3 rd Offense Miss next game 4 th Offense Dismissal from the team PLAYERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE AND PREPARED. Players are responsible for having the necessary items to
participate at practice and for games. Players are expected to take care of issued equipment. Each player will receive a jersey which must be returned in good condition at the end of the season. Jerseys may only be worn during games. Jewelry is not to be worn during practices or games. PLAYERS WILL WORK HARD. Players will give 100% effort at practice to become the best possible athlete she can. Players will hustle at all times at practice and maintain a positive attitude. PLAYERS WILL UNDERSTAND THAT BENCH TIME IS ALSO PLAYING TIME. As a Couch Basketball player, you maintain the same focus and enthusiasm whether you are between the lines or on the bench. You accept that playing time is decided by the coach for the good of the team in the circumstances of the moment. You know that Couch s bench is its secret weapon: EVERY player has her head in the game at every moment, and is ready to come in at any opportunity. Coaches need to be able to count on you at a second s notice. Show them you are ready by being aware of what is happening on the court. PLAYERS APPAREL ON GAME DAYS. Players will be wearing traveling gear that they will purchase. The team will wear this gear for every game.
Players will be constantly evaluated on their demonstration of coachability, hustle, mental and physical toughness, loyalty to the team, unselfishness, and their desire to improve their skills. Our goal is to field a team of players that consistently demand more of themselves, than is demanded by the coaches. PARENT INFORMATION As a parent of a CMS Basketball Player, we ask the following from you: Please make arrangements to pick up your daughter on time at the end of each practice and game. When returning home from an away game, the coaches will ask players to use cell phones to call home to inform parents when we are 10 minutes from the school. Please demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship while representing Couch Ram Basketball. Please cheer for our team s efforts and successes and never celebrate our opponents mistakes. Display of poor sportsmanship will be removal from sporting events.
Please understand that basketball officials are off-limits to fans. Refrain from yelling at the referees before, during and after the game no matter what the perceived error or injustice. Couch s coaches believe players must learn to perform under adversity, and to not waste emotion or effort on things not within their control. Please understand that it is not guaranteed that every player will play during a game. Playing time in games is not guaranteed and equal playing time is not possible. Lineup decisions are the result of careful consideration about our own team s chemistry, and our opponent s strengths and weaknesses. Playing time is earned by proven performance and hard work demonstrated at practice and in the classroom. Please refrain from measuring your son or daughter s basketball experience solely by the amount of her playing time. We strive to inject each player with a love for the sport, teaching her to value the opportunity to be strong and confident, whether in practice or a game. The growth of character and work ethic will help the student athlete to be successful in all of life. If you have a question regarding your son or daughter s playing time, please start by asking your son or daughter. Coaches are constantly providing each player with feedback
at practices. Encourage your son or daughter to ask their coach how they can improve as a player, rather than asking how they can play more. If you are concerned about a basketball-related issue that requires you to speak directly with a coach, we ask that you contact us to schedule a private meeting and refrain from speaking to us before or after practices or games. PLAYER CONTRACT I have read, understood, and agree to the CMS Ram Basketball Player Expectations. I understand that failure to meet these guidelines will result in loss of opportunities to continue as a member of the CMS Ram Basketball Team. Player Signature: Print Name: Date: I, the parent of above named player, have also read and understand the requirements set forth by the coaches of my son or daughter. Parent Signature: Print Name: Date: