Rules for body conditioning | Rules for practice sessions | Rules for games | General rules of conduct

There is a wide difference of opinion among coaches as to the kind and amount of team rules and regulations needed. Some establish a large number o£ rules and demand strict adherence while others limit rules to a very minimum. Generally, as few rules as possible should be established but those absolutely necessary should never be omitted. Discipline is an important lesson that all o£ us need learn and that learned as a member of an athletic team can be very long-lasting.

Rules should be practical, but firm. They are never made to be broken. I£ they are broken, it is absolutely necessary for some type o£ punishment to be enforced or the rules will become meaningless. Victory in no game is important enough to allow players to violate team rules and go unpunished. Victory achieved when using unpunished rule violators will lead to many future defeats. Once the coach has established the fact that the team rules were not made to be broken and has demonstrated that he will punish offenders, he will have little trouble in the future, better basketball players, and higher team morale.

Suggested Rules and Regulations

Rules for Body Conditioning:

1. Get plenty of sleep. (The coach may like to establish a specific bed time for his players.)

2. Absolutely no drinking of alcoholic beverages.  (Violation should mean suspension from the team.)

3. Absolutely no smoking.

4. Avoid excessive sweets particularly between meals.

5. Wear adequate clothing to provide for warmth and prevent colds. (This is a rule that should never be necessary if players would realize its importance. Unfortunately, they seldom do.)

Rules for Practice Sessions:

1. Never miss practice sessions unless excused by the coach prior to practice.

2. No tardiness to practice sessions.

3. Hustle through drills. When the coach blows the whistle, activity should stop immediately.

4. When the coach is talking, give him your undivided attention. The coach should never have to compete with other conversations for attention.

5. Practice is serious. No. foolishness or boisterous conduct will be permitted.

Rules for Games:

1. Exert your best effort at all times.

2. No talking during time-outs except when requested by the coach.

3. When leaving the floor as a result of substitution, hustle to the bench.

4. Use no profanity.

5. No bickering with opposing players.

6. No arguing with officials.

7. Do not be a braggart in victory. Accept defeat humbly and with out excuse.

8. When not in the game, all players on the bench must give their attention and loyalty to those players in the game.

General Rules of Conduct:

1. Absolutely no profanity.

2. Always be courteous to others.

3. Maintain personal cleanliness at all times.

4. Wear coats and ties on trips particularly when traveling by public conveyance.

5. Conduct yourself as a representative of your school.

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here...