High Rise Player & Parent Handbook

PLAYER & PARENT HANDBOOK

MISSION STATEMENT

High Rise aims to use teachings and philosophies of the highest level of basketball to show young athletes the importance of dedication, teamwork, commitment, work ethic, respect and character.

“Excellence is not a singular act, but a HABIT. You are what you do repeatedly”

PROGRAM GOALS

1. Prepare players for the highest level of basketball possible
2. Establish a successful program in Fairfield County
3. Provide young players with a positive and encouraging environment to learn and excel at the game
4. Teach life lessons and skills through basketball such as respect, discipline, focus, work ethic, teamwork, and most importantly character
5. Eliminate politics, favoritism, and other non-basketball factors from the team and program dynamic
6. Develop a driven & winning mentality

PRACTICES

Practices will be held 2 nights a week throughout the season. Practices will be filled with high energy and intensity. Our philosophy is to make practices chaotic and challenging so games end up feeling comfortable. Games should be a reward from arduous and physical practices. All of our staff has played and/or coached at a high level and we aim to mimic certain aspects of that style. Practices will include team drills, skill work, competitive drills, offensive and defensive breakdown/schemes, and scrimmaging.

Attendance and Guidelines

• Parents CANNOT be in the gym during practice until the last 10 minutes
• Attendance at practice is mandatory, except for extreme circumstances
• Parents must contact the coach in advance about missing practice, through email or phone
• Offensive and defensive sets will be put into place during practice, therefore missing practice will result in less playing time

TEAM RULES

Rules should be strictly abided by to avoid penalties that include not starting, not playing, or dismissal from the program.

• No drug or alcohol use (focus on older players)
• No cursing at any time
• Players must be dressed appropriately for practices and games
• Players should be dressed and ready to go, on site, 10 minutes prior to practices & 20 minutes prior to games
• Players must notify coach of any absences
• Players will not complain, make faces at, or taunt referees
• Players must sprint to help up any teammate on the ground
• Players on bench must stand up and high-five any player coming out of a game to the bench
• Players will shake the hands of coaches and players at the end of every game

COMMITMENT LEVEL

Players must be fully committed to all team events, practices, and games. Outside of school and academic conflicts, parents and players must attend all team events. In order to build a successful basketball program that is competitive, there must be consistency in attendance to build good habits, understanding team philosophies and systems, knowing sets and plays, creating team chemistry, and most importantly, getting to know teammates and becoming a better player.

PLAYING TIME

While we hope and try our best to ensure that all of our players can contribute equally in each game, this is very rare. At this level all players will have the opportunity to contribute in each game; however, there is a possibility that your child may receive little to no playing time in certain situations. This is the nature of competitive basketball; and if it is the case, we will work to communicate areas of improvement and focused coaching to your child. We are NOT in the business of discouraging kids from the sport, however, playing at a high level consistently and teaching players that there are levels to life are a few of our main goals as a program.

GAME EXPECTATIONS

Positive behavior by all members of the High Rise Select basketball program, including PARENTS, is expected at all games.

PLAYER EXPECTATIONS

As coaches, we have high expectations for the outcomes of our players development, games and seasons, therefore we must hold high expectations for you. The following behaviors are required for the players on our teams.

1. All players will treat officials and opponents with dignity and respect.
2. All players, regardless of ability and/or playing time are equal members of the team. Each and every player will treat all teammates with acceptance, respect, and friendship.
3. All players will provide maximum effort in practice and games.
4. Attendance at all practices, team meetings, and games is mandatory. While injured players may be unable to play, they are still expected to arrive on time, listen to coaches, and encourage teammates and assist the team.
5. In very rare situations, players may be excused from games and/or practices. When this occurs, players are responsible for informing the coach through phone, email, or meeting at the earliest possible time.
6. When players miss practices and/or games, playing time in future games may be affected.
7. Unexcused absences are absences in which the coach was not informed in the manner described above. And/or the reason was for the absence is not satisfactory. An unexcused absence from practice and/or game may result in reduced playing time or other consequences as deemed appropriate.
8. Players are to be on time for all practices and games. Tardiness may affect playing time in games.
9. Players are expected to directly seek understanding and resolution when questions or problems arise with coaches and teammates.
10. Players will conduct their personal lives in a manner that brings honor to themselves and the team. This in includes school performances, self-respect, healthy behaviors and social responsibility.

PARENT TO COACH COMMUNICATION

Thank you again for trusting us with your child and believing in our ability to develop him/her into the best basketball player that he/she can be. We will continue to devise ways to get the best out of your child which will inevitably develop life skills in the process.