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By way of introduction, I'm relatively new to this board, but for more than 40 years, whether as a competitor, coach(10 years GS/MS in CYO league), for recreation, or as an official, basketball has been an active part of my life.
I've been biting my tongue on this one, as most of my feelings have already been expressed - by Butch in particular.
This I feel I need to say:
If ever there was a justification for MANDATORY ASEP training & certification for youth coaches, this thread exemplifies the need.
The concept is simple: KIDS FIRST - WINNING SECOND
At the GS/MS level, everyone needs to strive to a higher standard - that includes coaches, parents and officials. This is the age at which teamwork and sportsmanship concepts are developed for these kids, and we all need to do our best to set a positive example. IMHO we all have responsibilities:
Parents:
1. Be positive and upbeat - cheer for good play on both teams.
2. During the game, let the coach do the coaching. It's very confusing to the kids to hear directions shouted from multiple sources.
Coaches:
1. Try to make it fun. In practice, work in some drills that are fun, but still help develop skills.
2. Strive to win - not to do so would be dishonest - but keep it in perspective. In every game there is a winner and a loser. Help them understand that playing against tougher opponents & sometimes losing as a result is how you get better. Let them know by your words and actions that if they tried their best, win lose or draw, they're winners in your eyes, that you're proud of them, and that they should be proud of themselves.
3. During the game be positive and upbeat - keep your cool and keep coaching. At this age, it seems like when the ball is tipped, half or more of what they worked so hard on in practice suddenly evaporates - it's your job to help them remember, but be positive, supporting and constructive in doing so. Negative criticism has no place in youth sports.
4. Be respectful of the officials - let them do their job and you do yours. Don't be afraid to ask them questions, but do it in a calm and respectful manner. If there's something you feel a need to bring to their attention, it's OK to do so, but be aware how you do it - a quiet "ref, my players are complaining that #xx is using her elbow to clear out - I'd appreciate it if you'd watch for it" during a stop in play or while he's passing the bench in transition is fine - yelling something less diplomatic across the court isn't.
5. If necessary, educate your parents in proper decorum - then lead by example.
Officials:
1.Give every game your best effort, regardless of the level - a 6th grade girls game is every bit as important to the players as a varsity HS boys game would be to its players. Be consistent & adjust to the level of the game - there are things (violations, not fouls) you don't call as tightly at 6th grade as you would at HS because the players skills simply haven't fully developed yet. Keep the game moving - it helps keep it more fun for everyone involved.
2. Remember that you and your partner are most likely the only two impartial people in the building. You need to be the calm, collected voice of reason in an otherwise chaotic world - don't get drawn into an emotional confrontation with a coach or spectator.
3. Be approachable, and open to respectful communication with the coaches - let them know pregame it's ok to ask you questions during a break in play and what you expect in terms of their conduct during the game. If they start to push the envelope, let them know, but if that doesn't curb the conduct don't be afraid to penalize immediately.
4. Ignore the spectators. If for some reason one of them really gets out of line, notify game management (gym monitor, etc.) and let them deal with it. Some youth leagues make the team coach responsible for fan conduct.
The most important thing for everyone is make it fun for the kids. Help them learn to love basketball and it's something they will be able to participate in - in one capacity or another - for the rest of their likes. Even at the HS varsity level, the very last thing I say to the captains pre-game is: "play hard, play fair, but don't forget to have fun while you're doing it".
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