SLAAM Basketball Code of Conduct

Most people follow rules and act appropriately, but occasionally some do not, and that is why it is necessary to establish the SLAAM Girls Basketball code of conduct and expectations.

If I am a SLAAM player I will do my best to act at all times in a manner that brings credit to me, my family, my team, and the SLAAM Basketball Family. I will respect my teammates, I will respect my coaches, I will respect my parents, and most of all I will respect myself.

As Such, As a Player…

• I will always work hard, bring a good attitude to the court, support my teammates and my coaches, and make sure that I am a positive influence on those around me. I understand that disappointments will occur and things will not always go my way, but those things will only make me hungrier and work harder to get to where I want to go.

• I will always take responsibility for my own development. My coaches will give me the tools, teach me, motivate me, and push me at practices and at games, but ultimately it is not their fault if I do not succeed or reach my goals. It is mine. I am the one who controls how high I can rise and how far I can go.

• As part of the SLAAM Basketball family, I will make sure I act appropriately both on and off the court at tournaments, at games, at practices, and all school activities. I will not bully or be involved in hazing teammates, I will not talk trash and degrade opponents, I will not be involved in fights or dirty play. I will play hard, I will play physical, and I will always play to win, but I will play within the rules and make sure to exhibit good sportsmanship. This includes arguing with or disparaging referees even if I believe they are wrong. My job is to play, and as a SLAAM Basketball player, that means always play with class.

• I will refrain from using tobacco products, alcohol, or illegal drugs at any time. I understand that SLAAM Basketball will not tolerate student-athletes that use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. I understand that my involvement in those activities is grounds for disciplinary actions, which could range from immediate suspension and may include dismissal from the team.

• I will appreciate the hard work of the coaches and my parents in providing me the opportunity to be the best player and person that I can be. I will not take for granted that my participation with the SLAAM Basketball Family is a privilege.

• I will dedicate myself to this group and give my best efforts towards reaching my personal and team goals as I expect they will do for me. I will respect my teammates and will refrain from criticizing them on the court or off. I will remain positive. I will not speak of my teammates, coaches, or schools in a derogatory manner, and if I have concerns or problems I will speak with my parents, coach(es), and / or advocates to find a resolution.

• I understand that playing time is earned, not guaranteed. All players will be given equal opportunity and instruction to earn their position, but it is up to me to put forth the effort. I understand that I must earn my position and time on the court by showing the will to compete, the desire to support my teammates on the floor, and the heart to do whatever it takes to give everything I have to the match.

• I will be committed to my team and the school. I will make sure that I do not take this opportunity for granted. That means I will do my best to be present at all team functions (practices, tournaments, meetings, special events, etc.) unless I receive prior permission from my Head Coach. I recognize that failure to meet my obligations to the team could result in reductions in playing time.

• I realize things may come up that prevent me from participating in a team activity. However, if I must miss a practice, tournament, game, or team event, the coach must be notified IN ADVANCE by both email and phone (48 hours advance notice for a practice and one month advance notice for a game).

As a Parent I Will Provide Positive Support, Care, and Encouragement to My Child, Her Teammates, Her Coaches, and SLAAM Basketball Staff

• I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game or practice. I will not berate officials, I will not berate other players, I will not argue with decisions made by coaches during games. It is important that the SLAAM Basketball Family of players, siblings, and parents conducts itself with class, and this is a goal I will encourage and do so by being a positive role model at games, practices, and team functions.

• I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win. I will also insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment, and if she is injured I will make sure she gets the proper medical care. I will do my best to remember that this is my child’s experience and that these games and practices are for the players and not the adults.

• I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable basketball experience for all. I may not agree with everything that coaches say, but I will refrain from injecting my thoughts on strategy, personnel decisions, and techniques unless I am asked by the coach. I may have the credentials to be a world-class coach, but it is not relevant because my child is being coached by someone else, who is doing his or her best to help my child achieve her goals. As an extension to this, I will not coach from the stands or the sidelines, as it is a distraction that undermines my child’s coach’s authority and credibility. If I have issues with my child’s coach, I recognize there are proper channels to take and the right time and way to approach him or her, but that is not during the period right before or after a game, while the game is going on, and certainly not in public.

• I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco products, and alcohol. I understand fully that if my child is involved in any of those activities she will be disciplined by the club and may be dismissed. I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability. Again, I will be a role model in these areas and will make sure to conduct myself with the proper decorum at all times.

• I will also treat with respect other players, coaches, fans, and officials. I will not harass, abuse, disrespect, or cause a disturbance against an opposing coach, player, or official. I will not engage in back and forth or trash talk with other fans.

• I understand that my behavior could have an effect on my child’s standing with the SLAAM Basketball Team, Organization, and Family.