Player Handbook
2009-2010
Welcome
Welcome to the St. Anthony Village High School Girls’ Basketball program. The program is
designed to provide you with an environment that is:
• Positive & Encouraging. Coaches and players will be positive and encouraging to each
other.
• Fair. All players will be treated with fairness and respect.
• Competitive. It is our goal to be as competitive as we can with our opponent’s and to win
games.
• Fun. Let’s all enjoy the experience while we have it and let’s make the most of the
opportunity.
Fees, Permission Forms & Physical
The participation fee and the Minnesota State High School League permission form must be
turned into the athletic department office. The athletic office will issue you a blue card. The
blue card must be given to your coach before you are eligible to participate in a game or
practice. No exceptions! Please read the State High School form and discuss it with your
parent’s before signing. You must also have a physical up to date and on file with the school.
Social Conduct
You are the core of our program. Positive public relations between our team and the
community, faculty and student body is imperative. These people are our fans and support.
You are expected to be on your best behavior both on and off of the court.
State High School League Rules
You have signed the Minnesota State High School League form. You are expected to follow
that form unconditionally. You have given your word that you will follow all rules and I am
expecting your word to be gold. These rules are in effect 365 days a year.
Repercussions (in addition to the guidelines set by the MSHSL) for committing a High School
League violation are:
1. You will not be eligible for any post season awards
2. If you are a captain, you will forfeit that position on the team
Academics & School Attendance
Academics always come first! You are a student first and an athlete second. St. Anthony
Village High School requires that in order to be eligible to participate in an athletic activity, you
must be “progressing towards graduation”. You are expected to excel to the best of your
ability in the classroom. You are expected to be in every class, every day. If you have an
unexcused absence from a class, you will not be able to practice, compete in the game, or be a
part of the team in any way on that day.
Playing Time / Role On Team
It is the responsibility of the coach to determine which players give the team the best chance
for success. Commitment is necessary in a team sport. We have had a history of absences
on the JV and Freshman teams. If you are missing practices it WILL affect your playing time.
At the freshman team level there will be a priority given to making sure all committed players
are given an opportunity to gain “game” experience.
At the JV level we also work hard to ensure committed players are getting game experience,
but players have a responsibility to know their role and have a good understanding of the
game while possessing basic fundamentals. For example, these players should know what is a
press, how to read offenses, and be able to execute different defenses. Players who do not
possess these skills may see more limited playing time until they are performing at that level.
.
At the Varsity level our goal is to win basketball games and put our team in the best position for
post season success. Therefore, equal playing time is not given. Every player on the team
has a unique role and you are asked to accept the role given to you.
Cutting Policy
We do not cut anyone from the 9th and JV teams. Cutting is permissible at the varsity level.
We have a fixed number of uniforms and it’s possible that not everyone will receive one. If you
do not receive a uniform, you are welcome to continue to attend practice and games with the
rest of the team. The same team rules are in effect for all players.
Communication
Communication between players and coaches is essential. You need to feel free to approach
your coach with any topic. Your coach is there to assist you in any way possible. It is
important that you discuss any issues with your coach. However, you are discouraged to want
to discuss your position on the team with your coach on the day of a contest.
Foul Language
The use of foul language will not be tolerated by any player or coach. The use of foul
language will be strictly enforced in the locker room, during practices, games, on the team bus
& at opponent’s schools.
Injuries
All injuries that occur during a practice or game must be reported to your coach immediately. If
you are injured outside of basketball, your coach must be notified about it as well. If you miss
a practice or game because of an injury, you must have a doctor’s permission before you will
be reinstated to the team.
Captains
The captain’s are the leaders of our team. They are responsible for the actions of their
teammates. Whenever a captain makes a request of a teammate or the entire team, that
request is to be followed promptly. The captain’s are required to meet with the coach
frequently throughout the season to discuss team matters.
Uniform Responsibility
Each player is responsible for their entire uniform (game tops/bottoms, warm-up top/bottom &
traveling outfit). It is your responsibility to care for it properly and return all items given to you
back to your coach at the end of the season. If you should happen to lose or damage any
piece of the uniform, you must notify your coach immediately and you are responsible for the
cost to replace it. Be sure you wash your practice clothes at least twice per week and wash
your game jersey after each contest. Be sure to follow the washing instructions provided for
the jersey.
Requirements for Lettering
Many basketball programs require a player to compete in a certain number of game quarters
to receive a letter. I believe that everyone has their own role on the team. It is my belief that
you do not have to get game minutes to be an asset to the team. Players who give it their all
at practice every day are just as worthy of a varsity letter as someone who plays 32 minutes
per game. The following are the requirements for receiving a varsity letter.
1. Must possess a varsity uniform for a minimum of 50% of the games
2. Must attend practice consistently and work hard every day
3. Must practice with the varsity team during the time you have a uniform
4. Must have a positive attitude and be a team player
5. Must be academically eligible for the entire season
Practice and Practice Conduct
You are given the practice schedule before the season starts. However, there may be a few
changes made to it throughout the season.
1. Be prompt or early to practice. We cannot afford to waste any time at the start of each
practice. If you are late due to classwork please bring a note from you teacher. If you are
tardy with out and excuse there will be consequences.
2. Come to practice ready to play. Be prepared to work very hard. Leave your personal
life at the door and concentrate while at practice. Practice doesn’t make perfect…Perfect
practice makes perfect!
3. Stop all action when told to.
4. When going from one drill to another, sprint!
5. Practice at game tempo. An all-out effort during practice is demanded by you and will
make game habits automatic. This is the best way to improve as individuals and as a team.
6. Approach every drill and technique with a positive attitude.
7. Communicate. Be prepared to listen and respond. Respond and communicate with
each other. Learn how to encourage your teammates. Always acknowledge a good pass or
defensive play. This shows you understand the game and appreciate your teammate’s hard
work.
8. Do not foul excessively. Play physical, but do not create bad habits for yourself and
your teammate. Be assertive and improve by hustling. In the heat of the battle, tempers can
flare. To accomplish the goal of a TEAM, you must respect your teammate!
9. Practice gear. You are provided a blue and white reversible top and practice shorts.
You are required to wear them every day. Each player purchases their own practice gear.
10. Attendance. You are expected to be at every practice. Dental appointments and
regular doctor check-ups are not an excuse to miss practice. Work is also not an excuse to
miss practice. Emergency medical exams due to injury or any extra classroom help from a
teacher that you may need are the exception. A player’s physical and academic well-being
always comes first! If you miss a practice the day prior to a game you may not be allowed to
participate in the game.
11. Tardy. If you have an unexcused tardy you are prohibited from practicing that day.
Game Conduct
1. It is a privilege to wear a Husky uniform and represent St. Anthony Village High School.
Whether you start the game or are on the bench, always have great enthusiasm and intensity.
2. Always play under control. Never allow your emotions or frustrations break your
concentration. If you miss an easy shot or make a mistake, do not pout about it! You cannot
do anything about the past, however, you can do something about the next play. Keep
yourself under control!
3. Never show displeasure with a teammate or an official. Always hand the ball to the
official and refer to him as “sir”. Do not ever show negative body language, do not turn your
back or roll your eyes to an official. If you are not a captain, you are not allowed to ever
converse with the officials.
4. Technical fouls are a disgrace to our program. A technical foul made by a player,
shows me that you are not able to control your emotions.
5. Timeouts. A time-out is a valuable period of time. SPRINT to the bench and catch your
breath while being very attentive.
6. Our bench needs to be active and supportive. We are a team and everyone plays an
important role. Players on the bench are expected to be attentive and encouraging. If called
upon, you can play a vital role in the game.
Game Day
1. Transportation. Be prompt for bus departures. Be sure you know exactly what time the
bus leaves. We will not wait for you if you are late! You are required to ride the team bus back
to our opponent’s school and back to the high school following the varsity game. If you’d like
to ride home with your parents, you must provide a written note from them and give to your
coach. If you are going to ride home with a teammate’s parents, you must provide a note from
your own parent. Any verbal request will be declined.
2. Home games. Varsity players must be at the gym by the time the b-squad game starts.
3. Away games. You must respect the property of the opponent’s school as if it were your
own. Damage to another school’s property will result in punishment at practice and a possible
suspension or expulsion from the team. All varsity players are required to ride the bus home
from away games.
4. Fans. Never engage in communication with the opponent’s fans. Do not gesture
verbally or physically to them at any time. You’re encouraged to not acknowledge them
whatsoever.
Team Make-Up
Kids will be placed on teams based upon their ability and their age.
1. Varsity. Twelve varsity uniforms will be awarded. These are given to the top twelve
players.
2. JV. The JV team will consists of Juniors and Sophomores who were not ranked in the
top 12. Freshman players may be added to this team based on ability and need.
3. Freshmen. The freshman team will consist of remaining freshman not on the JV or
Varsity.
4. Seniors. Senior’s are not allowed to play on the JV or freshmen teams.
The make-up of the teams will be determined during the first week of practice.
Security
You are encouraged to secure your personal items at all times. Items should be secured in a
locked locker. Do not leave any items (personal or school) unattended for any amount of time
at our school or at an opponent’s school.
The opportunity of being a part of a high school sports team only comes along once in a
lifetime. No matter what your role on the team is, you can get as much out of this experience
as you’d like to. Make the most of every moment.
ENJOY IT AND YOU’LL HAVE A LIFETIME OF GREAT MEMORIES!!!