WAUKEE BASKETBALL

2014-15 Winter Meeting

Freshman Coaching Staff

• Cole Van Vark• Email – cvanvark@waukeeschools.org• Phone – 515.778.3333

• Mark McKenna• Email – mmckenna@waukeeschools.org

REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES

 MISSION OF WAUKEE BASKETBALL:

The mission of the Waukee Basketball is to build a successful program that teaches young men important lessons that not only apply to the basketball court but also to their daily life. We will strive to develop their character, teach them how to be a part of a team, and to lead by example.

Coach Expectations

• Work to build strong & positive relationships with players & parents.

• Assist in instilling accountability, responsibility, communication, & punctuality in student-athletes.

• Create an atmosphere of teamwork, discipline, & sportsmanship

• Treat each player with dignity and respect

• Represent Waukee with class

• Emphasize the importance of academics

• In all times do what is best for the TEAM

• Strive to create a positive experience for all athletes involved in program.

Player Expectations

THE WARRIOR WAY

• WE CONTROL OUR ATTITUDE, WORK HABITS AND EFFORT

• LISTEN & FOCUS

• PERFORM YOUR ROLE TO THE BEST OF YOU ABILITY

• NO EXCUSES

• IMPROVE

Parents’ Role

1. ENCOURAGEMENT– What to encourage:

• Relationship – Building

• Being a good teammate

• Effort

• Discipline

• Selflessness

• Communication

• Positive Attitude

Parents’ Role

2. SUPPORT – How to show support:

• Release your son to the coaches & team

• Avoid questioning coaching decisions or performance of team members

• Avoid excuses for son or team

• Accept the goals, roles & achievement of your son

• Attend program functions

• Encourage & support all team members

Parents’ Role

• Help avoid unnecessary drama.

• If questions arise, set up a meeting after your son has talked with his coach.

• Avoid rumors

• Avoid taking your issues to other parents, players, coaches

• Your SUPPORT is critical to our success. If we do not have everyone swimming in same direction it will ultimately hurt our team.

TEAM RULES

1. UNEXCUSED absences will result in not playing the next game, in addition to making up missed practice time. The second unexcused absence will result in dismissal.

2. Excused absences include illness, family emergencies, or a school sponsored activity.

3. Late to practice/team activities1. One warning 2. The 2nd time the player is late they will sit

for one game. 3. The 3rd time they are late they will be

dismissed from the team.*Players MUST communicate with the

coaches.

TEAM RULES cont.

4. Players must wear athletic shorts, practice jersey, socks, basketball shoes for all practices.

5. There will be no jewelry worn during practices or games.

6. All players must ride the team bus to and from all away games. Regular season and tournaments.

7. Report any injuries to the coaching staff & training staff.

WAUKEE TEAM RULES

The coaching staff does not discuss playing time of players with their parents or other player’s parents. If there is a question or concern about playing time, you as a player, need to talk to the head coach at that level.

Varsity players will not be allowed to participate in the following during basketball season: cross country/downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, sledding, etc.

Playing Time Philosophy

Playing time can change from game to game, week to week

Important that athletes stay prepared & take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself

Playing time at all levels will not be equal

**9th grade – coaching staff expected to give each athlete an opportunity at some point throughout the season.

Playing Time Philosophy

• Things to understand:

Playing time will be earned, place to earn it is in practice

Starting or playing major/minutes in years past does not guarantee playing time this year

In all situations the coaching staff will play the players we feel give us the best chance to succeed

Waukee & AAU

• Both basketball opportunities are important & valuable to a players development & future opportunity

• Mentality involved with each is different

• AAU (exposure, earn scholarship, play against great competition)

• AAU – games (50-60 over spring & summer) Multiple games daily

• Waukee High School – Team atmosphere, win a state championship

• High School we are guaranteed 22 games. 2 games a week, college coaches do attend high school games

• Individual Mindset vs. Team Mindset (Individual Accolades/Stats vs. Winning/Losing)

Waukee & AAU

• Things to remember:

• Success in AAU does not guarantee success or playing time in the high school program

• Style of Play – our program may play differently than your son’s AAU team (Structure/Discipline)

• Kids role may be different than in AAU

• Summer • June = Waukee Workouts (M-Thurs)/Waukee Summer

League/Team Camps

• July = Waukee Workouts/AAU

Game Day Attire

• All players’ appearance will be that of a first class basketball program. Home games players will be asked to dress-up for the day. (Shirt & Tie, Dress pants, dress shoes). Away contest players are asked to wear their black travel suits with tennis shoes (Varsity Level) 9th & 10th grade Waukee Gear.