Dear Basketball Team Parents,
My name is ________. I'll be coaching your sons’ basketball team this 2015-2016 Winter Season. I have
much to convey, so this email will be lengthy.
INTRODUCTION: example: This will be my first year as coach, but I have been helping out other
coaches (Coach Gavin and Coach Lynch) at practices and games. Some of you might know me from
earlier seasons. I'm really looking forward to working with the boys and having a fun season.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF: example: During my child/teen-hood I played competitive and
recreational basketball for numerous years in the Netherlands. No, I'm not going to teach your kids how
the Dutch played in the Final of the World Cup. Yes, I will try to convey the philosophy of the Dutch
basketball-style, the way the Dutch team played during the rest of the tournament. My focus is not on
winning; instead I emphasize each player playing to their best ability. If each plays his best, and the other
team scores more points, then the boys can hold their heads high, because they gave it their all and didn't
give up. Other goals: to get exercise, to learn what it is to be part of a team, to improve individual and
team basketball skills, to practice good sportsmanship, and (most importantly) to have fun.
PRACTICE: Practices
Practices are held Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. I will try to be at the field 30
minutes prior to practice. The practices will be at Bush Hill Elementary School (Field B:
http://www.lmvsc.org/files/Documents/fields.html,
http://www.lmvsc.org/files/Documents/directions_Bush_Hill_ES.html). The first practice is Tuesday
September 7th and it is crucial that you arrive on time and for both practices during the first week. If you
decide to drop your child off for practice, please be back by 6:25 pm
GAMES:
The first game will be on _____. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to tip off. The final schedule will
provided this week. The Saturday games will be played at
________http://www.lmvsc.org/files/Documents/directions_Clermont_ES.html). I will have made up the
game plan the night before.
1. Absolutely no complaints about the referee from players, coaches, or spectators.
2. Please don't coach from the stands. I do encourage you to cheer.
3. I will try and be there 30 mins in advance of games to help warm up anyone who is there and to
solidify the starting lineup. Please try and arrive at least 15 mins before the games. I understand that is
not always possible.
4. No watches or jewelry during games.
5. Games consist of ______ quarters
6. Bring water to games.
7. If your son wears glasses, I highly encourage prescription goggles for safety reasons.
8 Pick up your litter after games.
Please bring - what do you want them to bring?
- basketball ball
Help needed - whatever you need help with - put here:
I need help in the following areas. Please respond to all email recipients if you choose to volunteer for
one of these, so that we can avoid duplication of volunteers:
1. Organizing Snacks
2. End of Season Party Organizer
3. Help during practices (if you want to help me during practices, please let me know)
Key dates to put on your calendar
1) first game
2) play offs if offered in your division
Notes
Hotline to find out if a game is rained out: 703-799-1112
Many questions you might have will have answers at www.lmvsc.org There is a tab at the top for
Recreational Basketball.
Insurance: If your child is registered with LMVSC and playing in one of our games or at a designated
practice, he is covered by the club's insurance. Unregistered children may not participate in practices or
games.
Please verify receipt of this email, so I know I have your email address correct. Please review the Code
of Conduct Below. I'll keep you posted on whether we will practice next week.
Kind regards,
Arjan
Cell: 703 999 4746
Code of Conduct for Players, Coaches and Spectators
Players and Coaches Code of Conduct
I will ensure that I set a proper example for team members and spectators.
I will know the Rules of the game and abide by them. I will instruct the teams in such a way as to
motivate each player to compete according to the laws.
I will show respect for officials. I will refrain from questioning official decisions, especially in a
disrespectful or abusive manner. Players are to refrain from addressing officials or commenting on their
decisions.
I will show respect for the coaches and players of the opposing team and demonstrate appropriate gestures
of sportsmanship at the conclusion of a game. Both will maintain control of their emotions and refrain
from using abusive language or profanity, humiliating remarks, and/or gestures of ill temper, or physical
assault upon another player.
Both will follow all gym rules and regulations, respecting the property of others.
I will ensure that my spectators conduct themselves with sportsmanship and maturity while in attendance
at game sites.
Spectators
I will ensure that my conduct shall reflect sportsmanship, good citizenship, and a positive example for the
players.
I will show respect to home and visiting coaches before, during and after games.
I will show respect for officials and refrain from questioning decisions.
I will cheer my child’s team in a positive, supportive manner, refraining at all times from making hostile,
negative or abusive remarks about the opposing team or the players.
I will follow gym rules and regulations, respecting at all time the property of others.
I will demonstrate appropriate gestures of sportsmanship at the conclusion of a game, win, lose or draw.
I will be responsible for ensuring that their children do not violate these codes.
I will show respect for the Game
I will behave professionally toward a coach, a player, another spectator or an official, both publicly and
privately when engaging in conflict resolution.
I will refrain from using abusive language, profanity, humiliating remarks. I will maintain control of
emotions and and/or gestures of ill temper, or physical assault towards a player, a coach, another spectator
or an official.