Introduction
The objective of the Jr. Eagles Basketball Program is to provide our children an opportunity to develop superior life skills through team play, sportsmanship, top competition, and hard work. Our mission is to provide each player the opportunity to play basketball at the highest level possible with their individual ability, potential, and interest. An emphasis on fair play and respect for all participants is a primary element of our club’s mission. To better achieve that mission, we provide the following Code of Conduct for all Jr. Eagles Basketball players, parents and coaches.
The Code of Conduct can be summarized in the following three principles: (1) demonstrating a positive attitude; (2) setting a good example; and (3) maintaining good relationships with all basketball participants – including officials, opponents, and our own teams’ players, parents and coaches.
(1) Demonstrating a positive attitude
Players, parents, coaches and fans are expected to show a positive, respectful attitude for everyone involved in the sport. Criticism and disrespect for officials, opponents, coaches or fans undermine the purpose of the sport and club and encourage behavior contrary to the spirit of the game and mission of Jr. Eagles Basketball.
(2) Setting a good example
Each person associated with the Jr. Eagles Basketball program is accountable for his/her behavior at all times on and off the court. Parents, coaches and fans should remember that children learn by example – it is up to the adults to set good examples.
The Jr. Eagles Basketball Program will not tolerate conduct that is detrimental to the sport, the participants, or the Jr. Eagles Basketball community. Such conduct includes: Vulgarity by coaches, players, parents or fans; harassment or belittling of officials, coaches or players; verbal abuse, threats or physical violence toward anyone before, during or after a game or practice; and the taunting of opposing players, coaches, officials or parents.
We require thorough self-restraint by all participants – both players and adults. Teams must exercise appropriate control over those who fail to control themselves.
(3) Maintaining good relationships
Officials – The referee’s job is a difficult one. All referees are human and they do make mistakes.
Coaches – Our coaches are volunteers by nature and juggling multiple responsibilities including their role as coach of a Jr. Eagles Basketball team. If you or your child has a question regarding anything pertaining to your team (playing time, schedules, expectations, etc.) please feel comfortable approaching your coach. If after approaching your coach you are uncomfortable with his/her response you are encouraged to address your question / comment to the Jr. Eagles Basketball Director.
Parents – Watching your son/daughter center stage on a basketball court is an emotional experience. It’s natural to feel anxiety and even nervousness during games and practices while on the sidelines cheering for your son/daughter’s team. Parents are expected to cheer in a positive manner for all members of the team and refrain from coaching from the sidelines. While it may be innocent and intended to help the players on the court, when players start receiving coaching instruction from both sides of the court it becomes confusing. Parents are encouraged to cheer hard for their son/daughter and reward great effort, great energy and great attitudes with cheers and inspiration.
Players – Jr. Eagles players will be asked to focus on three things they can control throughout this journey of learning the game of basketball. Each player will be asked to bring great energy as part of their participation at practices and games. Players will be asked to give great effort; trying their hardest at all times. Most importantly, players are expected to have great attitudes towards teammates, coaches, fans, officials and opponents. Each of these attributes are to be on display on and off the court.
Additionally, a players responsibility starts in the classroom. Players are to maintain good standing in their respective classrooms with a focus on meeting the expectations of their teachers, parents and coaches.