From Basketball Ontario's site -
A Parent's Guide
Fair Play Policy Statement Ms Word File
A Parent's Guide
The information in this parent’s guide has been prepared by Basketball Ontario and is intended as a resource for basketball parents. In addition, there are other resources available on the Basketball Ontario website, at www.basketball.on.ca ,your local library and bookstores.
A PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITY...
A parent’s fundamental responsibility is to investigate what is available and what is appropriate for your child’s needs. For children interested in the game of basketball there are many opportunities to participate at any level of skill and ability. Basketball can be enjoyed in many ways:
Basketeers
• is an intramural style program developed by Basketball Ontario and implemented in elementary schools across Ontario
• teaches players (ages 8 to 14 years) the importance of quality physical activity and promotes Fair Play and Equal Participation
• provides a positive social interaction
Mega Hoops
• is operated by Basketball Ontario staff as an introduction to basketball in elementary schools
• is delivered by Mega Hoops clinicians and instructs teachers how to teach basketball skills to children and youth
• teaches young athletes the game via systematic progression and age appropriate activities
• places an emphasis on fun while teaching skills and the determination necessary to become a good basketball player
• has traveled across the province to towns like Moosenee and Moose Factory, both of which are inaccessible by car. An estimated 175,000 participants have taken part in this program since 1996.
House League Programs
• are volunteer based non-competitive programs offered by our member clubs
• usually provide once a week sessions for durations of 10 to 20 weeks
• place emphasis on skills development and game knowledge
• provide a team structure in a Fair Play environment
Competitive Programs
• are volunteer based “rep” team programs in over 250 member clubs
• provide a competitive level of play in games and tournaments
• follow a defined team structure and category levels
• teach athletes discipline and sportsmanship values
• require coaches to have National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) qualifications according to Basketball Ontario guidelines
Elite Development Programs
• are operated by Basketball Ontario staff and NCCP qualified coaches
• provides structured regional tryouts and player development models
• are aimed at athletes ages 12 years and older who aspire to Provincial Team play
and the pathway to Canada Basketball programs
Selecting the right Basketball Program
There are several things to be considered when selecting any program for your child. Basketball Ontario staff can answer questions related to their programs. To review these programs and contact the staff directly responsible visit the Basketball Ontario website at www.basketball.on.ca
If you are considering that your child should participate in a house league or on a competitive team in a Member club’s program these are typical questions to ask:
What equipment is required?
A player needs only a pair of athletic shoes (most stores sell “basketball” shoes), a water bottle and a simple physical training outfit that would consist of a pair of shorts and a tee shirt. A player is not allowed to wear any padding other than a soft material for elbows and knees. The club usually supplies the basketballs.
What is the schedule for practices and games?
It is recommended that a ratio of one game be played for every 2-3 practices. But, that ratio may be higher with young children and may drop with the older children. Your family’s schedule, combined with your child’s other activities must be considered when deciding to play basketball (whether it is house league or rep teams). It is frustrating and unfair to everyone concerned when a player cannot make the commitment to the team.
What are the qualifications of the coach(es)?
Basketball Ontario requires specific National Coaching Certification Program qualifications depending on the level of team being coached. In 2004, Basketball Ontario implemented mandatory HIGH FIVE clinics for all new coaches and a Volunteer Screening process. You should ask the club about their requirements for coaches, references and Police Record Checks that are done. Regardless of their experience, coaches are volunteers that bring knowledge and enthusiasm to your child’s experience.
Do all players play equally?
An important aspect of a young player’s development is to be given an equal opportunity to participate in games. At the Novice, Atom and Major Atom levels Basketball Ontario has implemented Equal Participation Rules to ensure every player gets the chance to participate in the game and succeed with their skills development. Parents should speak to their child’s coach about the playing philosophy they will use for their team.
What if I have other questions?
When you have paid a fee for your child to play in a club’s program it is incumbent upon the club to communicate to players and parents about their organization. Every parent should know the names and contact information for their child’s Coach, Assistant Coach and Team Manager. These are the people you should contact with questions about games, playing time etc. If the questions go beyond the team itself (eg: coaches bahaviour), you need to talk to the key Club Contact.
How can a parent help?
Most importantly, a parent’s role is to support and encourage their child to become the kind of player he or she wants to be and to ensure an enjoyable basketball experience. A parent may volunteer to assist the coach or the club. Parents should encourage practice of skills at home to help your child gain confidence in their abilities. Parents should support Basketball Ontario’s Fair Play Policy and the Parent’s Guidelines for Behaviour at home, at practices and at games.
Fair Play Policy
Basketball Ontario has implemented a Fair Play policy to ensure that every player, coach, parent, spectator and volunteer has an enjoyable and rewarding experience. This includes a Parent's Guideline for Behaviour.
PARENT'S GUIDELINES FOR BEHAVIOUR
Behaviour Guidelines consistent with our Fair Play philosophy have been developed for every participant in the game. Any parent participating in, or watching, a Basketball Ontario sanctioned event is expected to adhere to the following Guidelines for Behaviour:
• Remember that children and youth participate in sport for their enjoyment, not your own.
• Encourage children and youth to participate, do not force them.
• Focus on their efforts and performance rather than winning and losing.
• Encourage children and youth to always play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without hostility or violence.
• Never ridicule or yell at a child or youth for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• Remember that children and youth learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skillful plays by all participants.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Respect officials’ decisions and teach children and youth to do likewise.
• Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them there would be no competition.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of his or her race, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, family status or physical appearance.
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