Code of Conduct

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Basketball Teams Rules & Expectations For Players and Parents

TMP Basketball has implemented the following Player and Parent Code of Conduct that are considered binding regarding player, and more importantly, parent/family member behavior. All Players and Parents (or legal guardians) must read and understand this prior to the player’s full participation on a TMP Basketball Team.

A player who violates the Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action by their team’s head coach. This disciplinary action may include a loss of playing time in games or the forfeiture of the privilege to participate in the program for the season.

Parent’s Code of Conduct (or Legal Guardian):

  • Parents (and their guests) will be a positive role model for their child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
  • Parents (and their guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player or parent such as booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language or gestures.
  • Parents will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of athletes.
  • Parents will demand that their child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect at all times regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
  • Parents will never ridicule or yell at their child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
  • Parents will respect the officials and coaches for their authority during games and practices; I will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the gymnasium, but will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed-upon time and place.
  • Parents will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the registered coaches for the team.
  • Parents will show respect to all coaches, game officials, parents, teammates and opposing players at all times, and will never act in a manner that is disrespectful to them or my team.
  • Parents will demonstrate good sportsmanship regardless of the score or situation by acting in a positive manner towards coaches, officials and other players.
  • Parents will help to clean the gymnasium/bench area at both home and away games.
  • Parents will display good sportsmanship and a commitment to my team at all times.

PLAYERS

  • ATTENDANCE AT PRACTICES AND SCRIMMAGES IS VERY IMPORTANT! Teams practice 3 to 4 times more than the playing time that occurs during competitions. 80% or greater is expected.
  • Arrive at practice on time/early, and be ready to start at the designated time.
  • No talking when: (i) any coach is talking, or (ii) any teammate is talking to the team or asking a question.
  • When a coach blows the whistle, stop what you are doing and listen.
  • Goofing off during practice is disruptive and unfair to your teammates and coaches – if you persist, be prepared for an appropriate penalty to be decided by your coach (ex., pushups, running, being asked to sit out, etc).
  • MISSED PRACTICES/UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: If missing practices becomes an issue, playing time will be impacted per the decision of the coach.
  • EXCUSED ABSENCES: Illness, a family emergency, or a school function will be considered an excused absence, if communicated a reasonable time (at least 2 or 3 hours) prior to the practice, scrimmage, or game, to the coach or team manager.
  • GAMES: Arrive at games and be ready (shoes and uniform on) at least 1 hour prior to the scheduled game time. Always bring complete Classics uniforms to each game.
  • MANDATORY EQUIPMENT FOR GAMES AND PRACTICES: Water bottles with a pop top (at least 1 liter), mouth guards and knee pads (optional).
  • TMP Basketball philosophy is that we will grow together and be competitive as a team, if we practice and play the game as a team. The commitment level required for a successful AAU basketball team, mandates that your basketball team be your highest priority, and no other sports should be given a higher priority.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS/FAMILY MEMBERS

  • The basketball court/gym during practices is for the team ONLY – no siblings or friends are allowed on the court. Permits and the liability insurance the club holds through AAU is only for registered members and not their siblings or friends.
  • Parents will be allowed to watch practices, but please no communication with your child while practice is on – let the coaches coach. If this becomes a concern to the coach(es), e.g, parents yelling from the side of the gym and distracting players, parents will be asked to leave the gym during practices or games. Remember be seen and not be heard, or better yet – use the practice time to run an errand, catch up on things outside the gym. Coaches will always make sure that there are at least three adults (among the coaches and team manager) in the gym to deal with any player injuries or issues.
  • If you have a concern about your child’s development, playing time, health issues, etc., please NEVER come up to a coach during, before or right after a game or a practice and demand to talk to them right then. Please call or email them later to make an appointment to talk outside of the gym and away from other team members.
  • Parents please remember to release your child to the coach and the team. Unfortunately, your playing days may be over so don’t live through your child. They have enough pressures on their shoulders and they don’t need your weight on them. Cheer for all Classics players because it makes for a pleasant experience all around. Please do not coach your son/daughter or the team from the sideline. Refrain from using improper language towards refs and opposing fans/players. Let the referees ref the game because you are not making the situation better by screaming.
  • Allow your child to relax after the game and if they want to talk to you about the game then they will. With this in mind, do not engage in a conversation with your player or the coach after the game about the game. This just makes for a better car ride home for all involved. If you have concerns set up a time to speak with the coach and hopefully come to a resolution.