Holy Cross Basketball Programs

FOURTH GRADE BASKETBALL PROGRAM

The objectives of the 4th grade basketball program at Holy Cross are:

· to teach the game of basketball (rules, regulations, offensive and defensive concepts)
· to develop fundamental basketball skills (passing, shooting, dribbling, rebounding, footwork, etc.).
· to instill the concepts of team play, of an individual's responsibilities as a team member and of good sportsmanship.
· to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for the players, parents and coaches.

The following policies and guidelines are set forth to assure the accomplishment of these objectives:

1. There shall be a single boys' team and a single girls' team. All children who desire to participate shall be placed on the respective roster. Should there be 16 or more players, the coaches may split the team into to equal squads, each of which shall be entered in the conference if possible and play an equal number of games. There must be a sufficient number of coaches if two squads are to compete as individual teams in the conference.

2. Team coaches shall be adults, preferably parents of participating children. Previous experience in coaching a youth sports team and knowledge of the rules; regulations, strategies and other aspects of the game of basketball are desirable, but not required. Several area schools through which the basics of the game and of coaching a youth sports team can be learned run coaching clinics. Enthusiasm, love and concern for youngsters and a desire and commitment to pursue the objectives of the program are the only requirements.

3. The responsibilities of the coaches include:
· planning and running practice sessions.
· planning and implementing game strategies, including player rotations.
· maintaining attendance records, rosters, scorebooks, etc., and reporting of game scores to the Holy Cross Athletic Director.
· recruitment of "team parents" to assist with gym supervision and scoreboard operation during home games, team parties, etc.
· having a thorough knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to, the Codes of Ethics of Holy Cross School and the conference(s) to which we belong.
· scheduling and conducting a meeting of all players and parents at the beginning of the season to discuss objectives, playing time rules, Codes of Ethics, etc..
· continual concern for the safety and well being of the children.

Coaches must remember that meaningful participation is an important element of the success and vitality of Holy Cross sports programs over the years. Accordingly, it is understood that coaches will seek to provide playing time in excess of these minimums (where applicable), consistent with the competitive postures set forth below:
· Fourth Grade Basketball is considered to be strictly a developmental program. The emphasis is on putting forth best effort; winning or losing is incidental.

4. The responsibilities of the parents include:
· arranging for their child to attend games and practices regularly; and to arrive and be picked up promptly.
· assisting in carrying out Team Parents duties at one or more home games.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.
·
5. The responsibilities of the players include:
· dedicating themselves to the achievement of the high academic standards, and conducting themselves in accordance with the high behavioral standards, of Holy Cross School.
· regular attendance at practices and games.
· committing to learn and improve basketball skills, to give always their best efforts, to be team players and to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

6. Every player on the team will play substantially equal time in each game in which he/she is scheduled to play except in tournaments and in the case of disciplinary action. In tournaments, each player on the team should be allowed some meaningful playing time.

· players who miss practices or games, or who consistently goof around during practices will forfeit some or all of their playing time for the game following the infraction. Players who are not meeting Holy Cross academic or behavioral standards (as advised to the coaches by the Athletic Director) will forfeit all of their playing time for the game following the infraction. To the extent possible, coaches shall inform the player and parents of impending problems and of the consequences. Players suffering the consequences of an infraction are nonetheless expected to attend the game and to sit with the team.

7. Players are expected to attend all practices and games except in the case of illness, family vacation, etc. If a child is involved in an organized activity during basketball season outside of Holy Cross, practice/game conflicts are sure to arise. It is certain that missed practices or games will impair the development of the basketball skills and knowledge of the player; and it is probable that team development will be negatively affected as well. Thus, players are strongly encouraged to make a commitment to place their Holy Cross team in front of other organized activities. If the choice of priority is otherwise, every effort will be made to accommodate the child; but there will not be any exceptions made to the rules concerning forfeiture of playing time for missing practices or games.

8. Should a player be unable to attend a practice or game, the player or a parent must advise one of the coaches in advance.

9. Trophies are not awarded at this grade level. Team members will be recognized and given a team photo at the Sports Recognition event following the season.

FIFTH GRADE BASKETBALL PROGRAM

The objectives of the 5th grade basketball program at Holy Cross are:

· to teach the game of basketball (rules, regulations, offensive and defensive concepts).
· to develop fundamental basketball skills (passing, shooting, dribbling, rebounding, footwork, etc.).
· to instill the concepts of team play, of an individual's responsibilities as a team member and of good sportsmanship.
· to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for the players, parents and coaches.

The following policies and guidelines are set forth to assure the accomplishment of these objectives:

1. There shall be a single boys' team and a single girls' team. All children who desire to participate shall be placed on the respective roster. Should there be 16 or more players, the coaches may split the team into two equal squads, each of which shall be entered in the conference if possible and play an equal number of games. There must be a sufficient number of coaches if two squads are to compete as individual teams in the conference.

2. Team coaches shall be adults, preferably parents of participating children. Previous experience in coaching a youth sports team and knowledge of the rules; regulations, strategies and other aspects of the game of basketball are desirable, but not required. Several area schools through which the basics of the game of coaching a youth sports team can be learned run coaching clinics. Enthusiasm, love and concern for youngsters and a desire and commitment to pursue the objectives of the program are the only requirements.

3. The responsibilities of the coaches include:

· planning and running practice sessions.
· planning and implementing game strategies, including player rotations.
· maintaining attendance records, rosters, scorebooks, etc., and reporting of game scores to the Holy Cross Athletic Director.
· recruitment of "team parents" to assist with gym supervision and scoreboard operation during home games, team parties, etc.
· having a thorough knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to, the Codes of Ethics of Holy Cross School and the conference(s) to which we belong.
· scheduling and conducting a meeting of all players and parents at the beginning of the season to discuss objectives, playing time rules, Codes of Ethics, etc.
· continual concern for the safety and well-being of the children.

Coaches must remember that meaningful participation is an important element of the success and vitality of Holy Cross sports programs over the years. Accordingly, it is understood that coaches will seek to provide playing time in excess of these minimums (where applicable), consistent with the competitive postures set forth below:
· Fifth Grade Basketball is considered to be strictly a developmental program. The emphasis is on putting forth best effort; winning or losing is incidental.

4. The responsibilities of the parents include:

· arranging for their child to attend games and practices regularly; and to arrive and be picked up promptly.
· assisting in carrying out Team Parents duties at one or more home games.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

5. The responsibilities of the players include:

· dedicating themselves to the achievement of the high academic standards, and conducting themselves in accordance with the high behavioral standards of Holy Cross School.
· regular attendance at practices and games.
· committing to learn and improve basketball skills, to give always their best efforts, to be team players and to practice good sportsmanship at all times.

· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

6. Every player on the team will play substantially equal time in each game in which he/she is scheduled to play except in tournaments and in the case of disciplinary action. In tournaments, every player on the team should be allowed some meaningful playing time.

· players who miss practices or games, or who consistently goof around during practices will forfeit some or all of their playing time for the game following the infraction. Players who are not meeting Holy Cross academic or behavioral standards (as advised to the coaches by the Athletic Director) will forfeit all of their playing time for the game following the infraction. To the extent possible, coaches shall inform the player and parents of impending problems and of the consequences. Players suffering the consequences of an infraction are nonetheless expected to attend the game and to sit with the team.

7. Players are expected to attend all practices and games except in the case of illness, family vacation, etc. If a child is involved in an organized activity during basketball season outside of Holy Cross, practice/game conflicts are sure to arise. It is certain that missed practices or games will impair the development of the basketball skills and knowledge of the player; and it is probable that team development will be negatively affected as well. Thus, players are strongly encouraged to make a commitment to place their Holy Cross team in front of other organized activities. If the choice of priority is otherwise, every effort will be made to accommodate the child; but there will not be any exceptions made to the rules concerning forfeiture of playing time for missing practices or games.

8. Should a player be unable to attend a practice or game, the player or a parent must advise one of the coaches in advance.

9. Trophies are not awarded at this grade level. Team members will be recognized and given a team photo at the Sports Recognition event following the season.

SIXTH GRADE BASKETBALL PROGRAM

The objectives of the 6th grade basketball program at Holy Cross are:
· to teach the game of basketball (rules, regulations, offensive and defensive concepts).
· to develop fundamental basketball skills (passing, shooting, dribbling, rebounding, footwork, etc.).
· to instill the concepts of team play, of an individual's responsibilities as a team member and of good sportsmanship.
· to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for the players, parents and coaches.

The following policies and guidelines are set forth to assure the accomplishment of these objectives:

1. There shall be a single boys' team and a single girls' team if there are less than 18 players. All children who desire to participate shall be placed on the respective roster.

· in the event that there are more than 12 players on a team, the team may be split into two or more squads of substantially equal talent and the game schedule divided such that each squad plays in a substantially equal number of games (both conference and non-conference). This will allow all players to get more minutes of play in individual games and eliminate the extremely difficult task of coaches trying to allocate 120 minutes of total game time among 13 or more players.

2. If 18 or more players try out, and if there are a sufficient number of adult coaches, then two squads could be formed and each entered into conference play. The players would be split into equal squads, as much as possible. Both squads would practice together and each squad should have an equal number of conference and non-conference games. Each player and parent must make a commitment to attend practices and games in order to be counted toward the 18-player requirement. If two squads are formed, they shall enter all tournaments as one single team.

3. Team coaches shall be adults, preferably parents of participating children. Previous experience in coaching a youth sports team and knowledge of the rules; regulations, strategies and other aspects of the game of basketball are desirable, but not required. Several area schools through which the basics of the game and of coaching a youth sports team can be learned run coaching clinics. Enthusiasm, love and concern for youngsters and a desire and commitment to pursue the objectives of the program are the only requirements.

4. The responsibilities of the coaches include:
· planning and running practice sessions.
· planning and implementing game strategies, including player rotations/squad rotations.
· maintaining attendance records, rosters, scorebooks, etc., and reporting of game scores to the Holy Cross Athletic Director.
· recruitment of "team parents" to assist with gym supervision and scoreboard operation during home games, team parties, etc.
· having a thorough knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to, the Codes of Ethics of Holy Cross School and the conference(s) to which we belong.
· scheduling and conducting a meeting of all players and parents at the beginning of the season to discuss objectives, playing time rules, Codes of Ethics, etc.
· continual concern for the safety and well-being of the children.

Coaches must remember that meaningful participation is an important element of the success and vitality of Holy Cross sports programs over the years. Accordingly, it is understood that coaches will seek to provide playing time in excess of these minimums (where applicable), consistent with the competitive postures set forth below:
· Sixth Grade Basketball is still developmental, but seeks to introduce the concept of differentiated playing time while maintaining a strong emphasis on participation over winning. Significant playing time differentials (the definition of which will vary depending upon the number of players) should be avoided. For example, given a 12-person roster and 1120 total minutes of game time, an acceptable differential would be 2 or 3 minutes per game between the players with the most and the least playing time.

5. The responsibilities of the parents include:

· arranging for their child to attend games and practices regularly; and to arrive and be picked up promptly.
· assisting in carrying out Team Parents duties at one or more home games.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

6.The responsibilities of the players include:

· dedicating themselves to the achievement of the high academic standards, and conducting themselves in accordance with the high behavioral standards, of Holy Cross School.
· regular attendance at practices and games.
· committing to learn and improve basketball skills, to give always their best efforts, to be team players and to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

7. Every player on the team (or squad, if applicable) will play at least the equivalent of one full quarter in each game except in tournaments and in the case of disciplinary action.

· players who miss practices or games, or who consistently goof around during practices will forfeit some, or all of their playing time for the game following the infraction. Players who are not meeting Holy Cross academic or behavioral standards (as advised to the coaches by the Athletic Director) will forfeit all of their playing time for the game following the infraction. To the extent possible, coaches shall inform the player and parents of impending problems and of the consequences. Players suffering the consequences of an infraction are nonetheless expected to attend the game and to sit with the team.

· tournament games only may be played with the objective of winning taking precedence over playing time for all players. Additionally, should squads be being utilized during the season, they will be combined when playing tournament games.

8. Players are expected to attend all practices and games except in the case of illness, family vacation, etc. If a child is involved in an organized activity during basketball season outside of Holy Cross, practice/game conflicts are sure to arise. It is certain that missed practices or games will impair the development of the basketball skills and knowledge of the player; and it is probable that team development will be negatively affected as well. Thus, players are strongly encouraged to make a commitment to place their Holy Cross team in front of other organized activities. If the choice of priority is otherwise, every effort will be made to accommodate the child; but there will not be any exceptions made to the rules concerning forfeiture of playing time for missing practices or games.

9. Should a player be unable to attend a practice or game, the player or a parent must advise one of the coaches in advance.

10. Coaches may award up to three trophies to individual players, choosing from the following categories:

• Most Valuable Player
• Most Improved Player
• Coach's Award
• Best Offensive Player
• Best Defensive Player

Trophies will be given to recipients at the Sports Recognition event following the season, along with a team photo for all players.

SEVENTH GRADE BASKETBALL PROGRAM

The Holy Cross School Board (which sets athletic policy) and the Boosters (which funds and implements athletic programs in accordance with School Board policy) are sensitive to the need and desire to provide an opportunity for players to participate as a member of an organized team and are committed to providing such an opportunity, if feasible.

The objectives of the 7th grade basketball program at Holy Cross are:

· to further players' understanding of offensive and defensive strategies.
· to continue development of fundamental basketball skills (passing, shooting, dribbling, rebounding, footwork, etc.).
· to instill the concepts of team play, of an individual's responsibilities as a team member and of good sportsmanship.
· to introduce the realities of team sports competition while providing a reasonable amount of playing time for all team members.
· to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for the players, parents and coaches.

The following policies and guidelines are set forth to assure the accomplishment of these objectives:

1. There shall be a single boys' team and a single girls' team if there are less than 18 players. All children desiring to participate shall be placed on the respective roster.

2. If 18 or more players try out, and if there are a sufficient number of adult coaches, then two squads could be formed and each entered into conference play. The players would be split into equal squads, as much as possible. Both squads would practice together and each squad should have an equal number of conference and non-conference games. Each player and parent must make a commitment to attend practices and games in order to be counted toward the 18-player requirement. If two squads are formed, they shall enter all tournaments as one single team.

3. Team coaches shall be adults and may be parents of participating children. Previous experience in coaching a youth sports team and knowledge of the rules, regulations, strategies and other aspects of the game of basketball, along with enthusiasm, love and concern for youngsters and a desire and commitment to pursue the objectives of the program will all be weighed in the selection of coaches.

4. The responsibilities of the coaches include:

· planning and running practice sessions.
· planning and implementing game strategies.
· maintaining attendance records, rosters, scorebooks, etc., and reporting of game scores to the Holy Cross Athletic Director.
· recruitment of "team parents" to assist with gym supervision during home games, scoreboard operations during home games, team parties, etc.
· having a thorough knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to, the Codes of Ethics of Holy Cross School and the conference(s) to which we belong.
· scheduling and conducting a meeting of all players and parents at the beginning of the season to discuss objectives, playing time rules, Codes of Ethics, etc.
· continual concern for the safety and well-being of the children.

Coaches must remember that meaningful participation is an important element of the success and vitality of Holy Cross sports programs over the years. Accordingly, it is understood that coaches will seek to provide playing time in excess of these minimums (where applicable), consistent with the competitive postures set forth below:
· Seventh Grade Basketball program seeks to introduce the concept of playing to win while still providing adequate playing time for all players. Conference and tournament games are played to win; other games combine a developmental posture with making a reasonable effort to win.

5. The responsibilities of the parents include:

· arranging for their child to attend games and practices regularly; and to arrive and be picked up promptly.
· assisting in carrying out Team Parents duties at one or more home games.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

6. The responsibilities of the players include:

· dedicating themselves to the achievement of the high academic standards and conducting themselves in accordance with the high behavioral standards of Holy Cross School.
· regular attendance at practices and games.
· committing to learn and improve basketball skills, to give always their best efforts, to be team players and to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

7.Conference (Council II-3A Athletic League) and Tournament games will be played with the objective of winning; and for these games, there shall be no restrictions on the coaches as to player utilization. For all other games, coaches are required to play each player for at least the equivalent of one full quarter in each game, except in the case of disciplinary action.

· players who miss practices or games, or who consistently goof around during practices will forfeit some or all of their playing time for the game following the infraction. Players who are not meeting Holy Cross academic or behavioral standards (as advised to the coaches by the Athletic Director) will forfeit all of their playing time for the game following the infractions. To the extent possible, coaches shall inform the player and parents of impending problems and of the consequences. Players suffering the consequences of an infraction are nonetheless expected to attend the game and to sit with the team.

8. Players are expected to attend all practices and games except in the case of illness, family vacation, etc. If a child is involved in an organized activity during basketball season outside of Holy Cross, practice/game conflicts are sure to arise. Therefore, all players who come out for the team should commit to the Holy Cross team as their first priority. They may not play as much as other players.

9. Should a player be unable to attend a practice or game, the player or a parent must advise one of the coaches in advance.

10. Coaches may award up to three trophies to individual players, choosing from the following categories:

• Most Valuable Player
• Most Improved Player
• Coach's Award
• Best Offensive Player
• Best Defensive Player

Trophies will be given to recipients at the Sports Recognition event following the season, along with a team photo for all players.

EIGHTH GRADE BASKETBALL PROGRAM

The Holy Cross School Board (which sets athletic policy) and the Boosters (which funds and implements athletic programs in accordance with School Board policy) are sensitive to the need and desire to provide an opportunity for all players to participate as a member of an organized team and are committed to providing such an opportunity if feasible.

The objectives of the 8th grade basketball program at Holy Cross are:

· to further players' understanding of offensive and defensive strategies.
· to continue development of fundamental basketball skills (passing, shooting, dribbling, rebounding, footwork, etc.).
· to instill the concepts of team play, of an individual's responsibilities as a team member and of good sportsmanship.
· to introduce the realities of team sports competition.
· to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for the players, parents and coaches.

The following policies and guidelines are set forth to assure the accomplishment of these objectives:

1. There shall be a single boys' team and a single girls' team if there are less than 18 players. All children desiring to participate shall be placed on the respective roster.

2. The Head Coach for each team shall be selected by the Athletic Director and shall not be a parent of a player on the team. Assistant coaches (if necessary because two teams are formed) shall be selected by the Head Coach, subject to the approval of the Athletic Director, and may be parents of players on the team. Previous experience in coaching a youth sports team and knowledge of the rules, regulations, strategies and other aspects of the game of basketball, along with enthusiasm, love and concern for youngsters and a desire and commitment to pursue the objectives of the programs will all be weighed in the selection of coaches.
3.. a. If 18 or more players try out, there will be two teams. Each player and parent must make a commitment
to attend practices and games in order to be counted toward the 18-player requirement. Both teams will practice together.
b. Both teams will play in the conference and will have their own schedule.
c. If two teams are formed then they will be divided into an "A" and "B" team based on ability, with the better players as the "A" team. If two teams are to be used, there must be a sufficient number of volunteer coaches.
d. If less than 18 players try out, there will be no cuts. One team will be formed.
e. If two teams are formed, they shall enter all tournaments as a single team.
f. Both teams will practice together under the direction of the Head Coach. The Head Coach will coach the "A" team games, and an assistant coach will coach the "B" team for game purposes.

4. The responsibilities of the coaches include:

· planning and running practice sessions.
· planning and implementing game strategies.
· maintaining attendance records, rosters, scorebooks, etc., and reporting of game scores to the Holy Cross Athletic Director.
· recruitment of "team parents" to assist with gym supervision during home games, scoreboard operation during home games, team parties, etc.
· having a thorough knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to, the codes of Ethics of Holy Cross School and the conference(s) to which we belong.
· scheduling and conducting a meeting of all players and parents at the beginning of the season to discuss objectives, playing time rules, Codes of Ethics, etc.
· scheduling and conducting a meeting of all players and parents at the beginning of the season to discuss objectives, playing time rules, Codes of Ethics, etc.
· continual concern for the safety and well being of the children.

Coaches must remember that meaningful participation is an important element of the success and vitality of Holy Cross sports programs over the years. Accordingly, it is understood that coaches will seek to provide playing time in excess of these minimums (where applicable), consistent with the competitive postures set forth below:
· Eighth Grade Basketball institutes the objective of winning and the realities of team sports competition - the better players play the most, the lesser players the least.

5. The responsibilities of the parents include:

· arranging for their child to attend games and practices regularly; and to arrive and be picked up promptly.
· assisting in carrying out Team Parents duties at one or more home games.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

6. The responsibilities of the players include:

· dedicating themselves to the achievement of the high academic standards and conducting themselves in accordance with the high behavioral standards of Holy Cross School.
· regular attendance at practices and games.
· committing to learn and improve basketball skills, to give always their best efforts, to be team players and to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

7.Conference (Council II-3A Athletic League) and Tournament games will be played with the objective of winning; and for these games, there shall be no restrictions on the coaches as to player utilization. For all other games, coaches are required to play each player for at least the equivalent of one full quarter in each game, except in the case of disciplinary action.

· players who miss practices or games, or who consistently goof around during practices will forfeit some or all of their playing time for the game following the infraction. Players who are not meeting Holy Cross academic or behavioral standards (as advised to the coaches by the Athletic Director) will forfeit all of their playing time for the game following the infraction. To the extent possible, coaches shall inform the player and parents of impending problems and of the consequences. Players suffering the consequences of an infraction are nonetheless expected to attend the game and to sit with the team.

8. Players are expected to attend all practices and games except in the case of illness, family vacation, etc. If a child is involved in an organized activity during basketball season outside of Holy Cross, it would be unfair to allow players whose priority is not this 8th grade team to potentially miss practices but play ahead of other players. Therefore, all players who come out for the team must commit to the Holy Cross team as their first priority or they will be ineligible for assignment to the "A" team, and may not play as much as other player.

9. Should a player be unable to attend a practice or game, the player or a parent must advise one of the coaches in advance.

10. Coaches may award up to three trophies to individual players, choosing from the following categories:

• Most Valuable Player
• Most Improved Player
• Coach's Award
• Best Offensive Player
• Best Defensive Player

Trophies will be given to recipients at the Sports Recognition event following the season, along with a team photo for all players.