TO: All Basketball Coaches, Assistants, and Parents

DATE: December, 2002

RE: 2003 LEAGUE OBJECTIVES

General Responsibilities:

Coaches trained in a coaches training program (Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y., or NYSCA) that meet the Minimum Standards for Volunteer Coaches’ Safety Orientation and Training Skills Programs (N.J.A.C. 5:52)
Prepare for the season by studying the rules of the game and organizing efficient practices to teach strong fundamentals of the sport.
Explain all practice and game schedules to ensure that all players have the opportunity to attend as many practices and games as possible.
Review first aid principles and survey the court or field and equipment before games and practices to ensure a safe environment.
Encourage sportsmanship, teamwork and a strong work ethic in practice and games. Recognize leadership and initiative in players.
Stress strong fundamental play during games rather than setting winning as the goal. With strong fundamentals, winning takes care of itself.
Coach and lead by example when dealing with opposing coaches, officials, parents, and players by treating all involved with respect. You are a representative of your township and our leagues. Control the situation and take appropriate action when an individual--player, assistant, opposing coach, official, or parent--becomes disruptive, abusive, is out of control, is apparently abusing alcohol or some prohibited substance. Encourage players to be physically fit and free of abnormal substances.
Coaches are responsible for players' actions while under their supervision. Every effort must be made to keep tabs on the players’ actions and whereabouts.
After the completion of a game or practice, ensure that all children have rides home with parents or other responsible adults. Children must never be left unattended.
Assess player progress during the season for possible inclusion on post-season tournament teams.
Ensure that uniforms and other equipment are returned within one week of the end of the season.

Mini-Ball Objectives (1st & 2nd Grades):

Teach fundamental dribbling, passing, shooting (B.E.E.F.), rebounding and defensive techniques.
Teach what a foul is.
Concept of inbounding.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, coaches and officials.
Teach respect for equipment and facilities and pride in appearance and uniforms.

Rookie Objectives (3rd & 4th Grades):

Teach fundamental dribbling, passing, shooting (B.E.E.F.), rebounding and defensive techniques.
Teach what a foul is and the penalties for fouling.
Concepts of inbounding, types of defenses, basic offensive plays.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, coaches and officials.
Teach respect for equipment and facilities and pride in appearance and uniforms.

Minors Objectives (5th & 6th Grades):

Teach the value of practicing the fundamentals of dribbling, passing, shooting (B.E.E.F.), rebounding and defense.
Begin teaching the importance of conditioning.
Teach the differences between defensive schemes and practice good defensive techniques.
Practice foul shooting.
Teach the value of multiple passes in an offense and more advanced offensive plays.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, coaches and officials.
Reinforce respect for equipment and facilities and pride in appearance and uniforms.

Majors Objectives (7th, 8th & 9th Grades):

Stress repetition in practice techniques for foul shooting, game shooting, dribbling, passing.
Encourage conditioning and strength improvement to be more successful and competitive.
Teach, practice, study and implement more advanced defensive and offensive schemes.
Stress the value of hustle and determination throughout practices and games.
Encourage and recognize leadership and initiative.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, coaches and officials.
Reinforce respect for equipment and facilities and pride in appearance and uniforms.