Teaching Basketball History and respect for officials

[drothamel]

Ernest,

Liked the site. I think what you are doing is a great idea. To echo everyone elses sentiments, sportsmanship and respect should be paramount. I always try to address it with players in the pregame. My pregame is simple and is as follows:

"Gentlemen (or Ladies) we are only going to ask a few simple things of you. We ask that at all times you RESPECT EACHOTHER, RESPECT THE OFFICIALS, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, RESPECT THE GAME. Play hard, have fun."

I think that a great way of learing respect is teaching players about the history of the game. It helps them feel connected to something bigger than themselves. Keep up the good work.