Before we start the season, we would like to address some opportunities for accountability and dedication to the team to allow for a great season for all players and coaches. Basketball is a team sport that requires a lot of practice, sportsmanship, patience, and working together. We need parents, players, and coaches all on the same page. This communication is intended to do exactly that.  

Commitment to the team by each player is imperative for success, as the girls are trying to understand and play the game. Our coaches are here to teach our daughters the game, and we want the girls to give their coach respect by listening and focusing at practice and games. We will not tolerate girls goofing off, ignoring directions, or not paying attention while coaches are trying to coach. We also need the girls to show up to practices on time and be ready to go when practice starts. When practices or games are missed or girls show up late, they miss a lot of teaching, thus impacting the entire team.  

Consequently, missed practices require the coaches to cover the content again, or leaves the team at a disadvantage due to the lack of commitment of some. With all of that being said, we are going to implement some new team conduct expectations and consequences into our structure. We hope these expectations will encourage everyone to respect the team, the volunteer coaches, and MGBA volunteer parent reps.

Below is what we will follow to hold the entire team to the same expectations:

• 2 unexcused absences or excessive tardiness from practices or games will result in the player sitting for the next game
• 5 total accumulative unexcused absences or excessive tardiness (including the 2 mentioned above)

will result in dismissal from the team

• We will be using a 2-strike approach at practice. Negative behavior will not be tolerated. The first strike will warn the player to get their attitude and conduct in check. If a second strike is given, the parents of that player will be required to come get their child, as that player will be asked to leave practice
• Playing time is not guaranteed; it is earned by the player
• Unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated whatsoever. Whether winning or losing, we are a

team.

We challenge you to have a conversation with your daughter to ensure she is as vested in the basketball program as you anticipate she is. The coaching staff and parent rep are volunteering a lot of time and effort into forming the girls into well-rounded players with a great team dynamic. The coaching staff will teach the sport and the fundamentals of the game to be successful. We look forward to having a great year and hope that you can use this communication as an opportunity to discuss the expectations with your daughter so everyone is fully aware of the expectations of our players.