The Lady Cougar Philosophy Our philosophy for our Lady Cougar basketball program is to build life values and character. These qualities include honesty, loyalty, respect, and unselfishness. We will strive to demonstrate team unity, mental toughness, self- sacrifice, and hold a positive mental attitude. These skills will not only strengthen us on the court as a team, but also sustain us off the court throughout life. Only by hard work will we achieve these goals. Winning itself is not our primary goal, channeling our love for this game and fueling the success and glory of your teammates, will lead to VICTORY. "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." - - - - - - - - Michael Jordan What you are as a person is more important than what you are as a basketball player. - - - - - - - - - John Wooden People can tell instantly if you have class by watching you perform and interact with others. Only you can give yourself class. - - - - - - - Unknown Author Head Coach Jessi McConnell Email: jmcconnell@decatu rco.k12.in.us Phone #s 513-520- 3443 JV Coach Nancy Wamsley 812-591- 4080 Email: nwamsley@decaturco.k12.in.us
Expectations The fact that you are members of the South Decatur High School Girls' Basketball program automatically puts you in the spotlight. Youngsters, fans, fellow students, teachers, and many people who may be antagonistic towards athletes closely scrutinize your actions. You are not only expected to follow the rules of the school, but to set an exemplar example in your personal life. This should include daily dress and appearance. Conduct your moral life as an adult and in an orderly manner. It will be in your best interest to be a positive role model both in and out of school. BEWARE of social media postings. Attendance Policy Excused Absences: An absence may be excused if the player: personally speaks with the coach at a prior practice Personally calls and speaks with the coach (not a text) Excused absences include: family emergencies (ex: funeral, surgery), doctor s appointment note of a sustained injury during the season, or an out of state college visit. Absences are strongly discouraged as it disrupts the team dynamics, chemistry, and drills. Illness or injuries are NOT an excused absence unless a signed note from a doctor is provided to the coach. Injured players are expected to be on time and attend all practices and all games. Players can still learn through being attentive in attendance. Athletes who miss the practice prior to a game night with an excused absence will not start and playing time may be limited. Unexcused Absences: An absence is unexcused if the player does not notify the coach before the absence occurs, or does not provide the proper written documentation such as: Having a friend tell Coach McConnell or Coach Wamsley at that practice Texting an excuse No call No show Having a teacher email your excuse If an unexcused absence occurs for the practice prior to a game, the player will not be allowed to start and playing time may be limited. If absences become habitual, reoccurring, the coaching staff, player, and parents will sit down to resolve the issue and determine a solution in the best interest of the team. Sitting out parts of practice due to injury will be discussed with the coach; if you cannot make it through a practice then it would stand to reason that you cannot play through a game. You can rest on the bench and cheer for your team. For every unexcused absence you will owe a 20/20. Twenty down and backs and twenty suicides. This will be done at the end of practice. If so you may need to stay over and get it done. If the running is not completed, it will cost you an extra 20/20 plus limited playing time the next game.
Three unexcused absences and you will be dismissed from the team. Injury and Sickness Illness and doctor appointments related to an injury or current illness are legitimate excuses for missing a practice. Eye doctor, dentists, orthodontics, and other doctor appointments are NOT! There are open days through the season when these appointments should be made, please plan accordingly. If during the school day an athlete leaves school because of illness, please leave a message or send an e- mail to your coach. If you have an injury that requires medical attention, you will need a doctor's release to resume practice or play. Behavior and Discipline Behavior and Discipline will be handled on a case by case situation. The bottom line is that you represent your team, school, parents, coaches, and yourself. We will not tolerate any behavior or discipline problems on any team. Nor will we tolerate behavior or discipline problems in the classroom or on school premises. As an athlete you are exposed to greater criticism and scrutiny for your actions. Make conservative choices. Protect the integrity of your character. If you question it, don't do it. If it needs to be stopped, stop it or walk away. You must play a positive role, or you will not play. Training rules: Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco serve no purpose in the lives of teenagers or athletes. If you use any of the above, you are not welcome to be a member of our team. Academics and Classroom Work Strong academics are your first priority. You have an academic responsibility above all else. Your education is the foundation for your future endeavors. Success in the classroom will lead to success on the court. If you have two D s or one F, then you are deemed ineligible for the week. Grade checks are made every Tuesday. Monitor your grade status through Harmony. Do not wait until the last hour. Missing and late assignments are not acceptable. Recurring academic probation may lead to your dismissal from the team so that you can better focus on your academic priority. Facilities Take pride in representing South Decatur. Keep our gym, bleachers, and locker room immaculate. Work together. Hold yourself and others accountable to a higher standard. Take turns to sweep the floor before and after practice. Throw your bottles and trash away. You set the example. Practice Stretching is to be finished before practice. Always be 15 minutes early to practice so you have time to stretch. You should be dressed and wrapped, if needed, with your shoes tied and ready to play. 1. Be on time! Punctuality is a sign on maturity. Wear your practice gear to practice.
If not, you will not be allowed to participate. If you are more than 10 minutes late to practice without it being pre- excused, it will be viewed as an unexcused absence. Be on time and be ready to practice. Do not sit down. Pay attention. 2. Beginning of practice and between drills whistle blows - players stop activity, put basketballs away and sprint to coach. 3. Players will take care of and respect all equipment. Thank your managers; they are an important part of our team. 4. Locker room - just as clean when we leave as when we entered - coaches will check locker rooms after practice and games. 6. Horseplay will not be tolerated before, during, or after practice - when you come into the gym be ready to focus on basketball. 7. Training room - being late for practice because of taping or other treatment is inexcusable - plan time accordingly. 8. Once lockers and locks have been assigned, players need only bring what they need for practice into the gym. No cell phones, music players, etc., allowed in practice. 9. South Decatur High School is not responsible for lost or stolen equipment or personal belongings. Please make sure that all valuables are secured in a safe place while at practice. 10. All practices are closed to spectators and parents. Failure to comply with any of the above expectations may result in loss of playing time, suspension, and/or dismissal from the team. If you are less than 10 minutes late you will owe 10/10s. Ten down and backs and ten suicides. Ten or more minutes, it is unexcused and you owe 20/20s and playing time will be limited in the next game. Game Day Pre- Game Wear appropriate game day attire. In general, a nice pair of pants, khakis or black slacks (no jeans), team shirt, no slippers or flip flops should be worn. No team colors other than our own. If the day is cold, please bring sweats and sweat shirt for after the game. Be on time. In general, all JV and Varsity players should arrive an hour before JV game time for home contests. Ex. 6 pm start, be there at 5pm. Also, it is the expectation that all team members stay for the entire length of the game and that teams sit together and support the others. Varsity players should scout the opposing
JV team for offensive, defensive, and out of bounds plays, including the press. JV play is often mirrored by the Varsity opponents. Are the opposing players right or left handed? Study strategies with your teammates. Be a student of the game so that you can OUTPLAY, OUTWIT and OUTLAST your opponents. Be on time for buses. We will not wait for late players. All players must ride district- approved transportation to the games or tournaments. Only a parent or guardian may take a player home after games. Any requests must have administrative approval. A note or phone call must be in to the office by noon of game day or Friday at noon of a Saturday game. During the Game It is a fact that in the game of basketball only five players from any one team can play at the same time. Because of this, it is also a fact that some players must be on the bench during a game. It is important that these people know their role on the team and practice good sportsmanship at all times. All players will spend some time on the bench. The following are guidelines for bench conduct: 1. Be mature and accept your role on the team. It is a privilege, not a right to play. 2. Never say anything negative to officials or the opposing team. They are human too. Chase down any loose ball and hand it to the referee with a smile. When the referee hands you the ball, look at that person and say Thank you. 3. Stand and support your team. When a sub is coming out, you are to stand and acknowledge as a bench. 4. Always listen carefully when the coaching staff is speaking. Your back is to the fans most often. Eyes on the coach or the playboard. Listen. You may be the next person on the court. 5. Be mentally prepared to enter the game at any time. Sit up on the bench and pay attention to the game. Coaches see who is paying attention and who wants to play. 6. Hustle in and out of the game. Run to time out huddles. Sit next to the coach when you come out of a game. 7. Varsity and Junior Varsity are to be seated behind the bench at all times except for between quarters and halves. Everyone will stand up when a time- out is called and support our team the entire time. 8. During games we sit with our teammates only. No other spectators are to sit with or near our team. 9. If you receive a technical foul, based on the severity of the situation you will sit out 1, 2, 3, or 4 quarters based on coach s discretion. Team Moral There are going to be days and events throughout the season when you are not necessarily going to agree with each other. As a member of this team, we expect you to support what is best for the team. If anyone has a problem with anything related to the team, please address it directly to the coach so that we can evaluate it. No person will be allowed into the locker room before or after a game unless the invitation comes directly from the coach or they are directly associated with the
school or the team. Please leave the floor immediately after the game. Leave talking with friends until afterwards. We will have a team discussion before and after every game! Parents: Encourage your team! Let the officials officiate. Let the girls play. Let the coaches coach. Show class in the stands. Be there! It means the world to your daughter and our team. We appreciate your support and could not be successful without you! Playing Time This is and always will be a major topic. Playing time is earned as a Lady Cougar. Playing time is earned by hard work, dedication, teamwork, and smart play. We as coaches have to evaluate each situation and game differently. Certain match ups require certain players to be on the floor and these decisions will be made by our coaches. As parents we understand that you have your daughter's best interest at heart, but we as coaches have to do what's best for the team. There will be "NO PLAYING TIME DISCUSSIONS" with any coach on staff. I have played on teams with great heart and little talent. I have played on teams with great talent and little heart. I have won games we should have lost. I have lost games we should have won. I have learned that 15-0, 8-7, 0-15 are merely numbers. I have learned that each game is a measure of its own. I have believed that 32 minutes was a long time. I have learned it is but a flash in a lifetime. I have shed tears of joy in public. I have shed tears of frustration in private. I have experienced cutting down the nets. I have experienced being cut down by the loss.
I have enjoyed the fire trucks of a hero s welcome in victory. I have endured the long bus ride home in defeat. I have realized that I did have the ability. I have realized that I lacked the ability to see it. I can tell you the difference is teamwork. Teams can win with great heart and gritty determination. Teams can win games when not expected by others to contend. Teams share the tears, the scissors and the elation of bringing home the nets. Teams are beloved by their parents, coaches and friends; win or lose. Teams prefer to win and will work hard and dig deep. Teams have the ability to do great things. I can tell you the difference is you. Who among you will dare to write history? Who among you will step up and lead? Whose house is it? OUR HOUSE! I have read and understand all rules and procedures for the 2013-14 season. Athlete s signature Date Parent s signature Date