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Coaches Handbook

Carolina Waves Club Coaches Handbook

 

Table of Contents

  1. Expectation of Coaches
  2. Expectations of our Players and Parents
  3. Team Communication
  4. Team Logistics
  5. Team Equipment and Apparel
  6. Gym Rentals
  7. Practice and Tournament Coordination
  8. Procedures for Injury
  9. NCAA Sanctioned Events
  10. Travel and Hotel Coordination
  11. Conflict Resolution
  12. Feedback Loop
  13. Fundraising
  14. Social Media

Expectation of Coaches

  • Positive Coaching: Coaches are expected to maintain a positive and constructive coaching style, providing encouragement and support to players at all times.
  • Well-Planned Practices: Coaches should prepare well-structured and purposeful practices that focus on skill development, team strategy, and game situations.
  • Feedback: Coaches should provide specific and meaningful feedback to players, highlighting areas of improvement and acknowledging their efforts.
  • Accountability: Coaches are responsible for holding players and parents accountable for their actions and commitment to the team.
  • Pre-Season Meeting: Coaches are required to conduct a pre-season meeting with parents to set expectations for the season, discuss team goals, and address any concerns up front.
  • Support for Club Direction: Coaches will be supportive of the overall direction of the club director and decisions made on behalf of all teams. Note that most times, things will fall to an advantageous situation for teams and players but that on occasion, some sacrifices for specific players, coaches, and other staff will be requested for the betterment of the full club.
  • Collaboration Across Age Groups: Coaches are encouraged to work together across age groups. They can coordinate scrimmages, exchange of gym times, and other activities that are appropriate to drive cross-club collaboration. Contact information for all club staff can be found at https://www.carolinawaves.org/staff.
  • Communication with Club Director: If another club or tournament contacts a coach directly to scrimmage, practice with, or to register for an event, it is requested that the coach connect with the club director to review and gain quick approval for the engagement.

Expectations of our Players and Parents

  • Communication: Players and parents are expected to communicate any scheduling conflicts or issues promptly to the coaching staff.
  • Participation: Players are expected to attend all practices, games, and team events unless excused by the coach.
  • Parent-Coach Communication: Parents of middle school and below players should address any concerns or issues directly with the coach in a timely and respectful manner, focusing on constructive solutions. High school players should address concerns or issues directly with the coach.

Team Communication

  • Regular Updates: Coaches should provide regular updates to players and parents regarding practice schedules, game times, and any changes to the schedule.
  • Open Communication: Players and parents should feel comfortable approaching coaches with any questions or concerns they may have.
  • League Apps: Coaches should support the use of League Apps as the main mode of communication. This enables the club to integrate all of its communications and allows visibility to team communication to the club director for any quick assistance needed.
  • Set up Assistance: Coaches need to follow up and make sure that all players and parents are set up appropriately to receive communications through League Apps. Coaches should also get trained to train others on how to use League Apps effectively for communication purposes.

Team Logistics

  • Uniforms: Players are to purchase and maintain their uniforms and accessory gear. If lost or stolen, they must submit an order immediately to obtain new items.
  • Transportation: Coaches should coordinate with parents’ transportation to and from games that best fit the landscape of their specific teams. Ensure the safety and well-being of all players.

Team Equipment and Apparel

  • Basketballs: Coaches are to communicate the need for players to bring a basketball to practice. With the increase in basketball cost, it is imperative each player has their own ball. This ensures enough balls for practice and ensures club balls are not used, taken, and lost. There is better control when all players have and use their own ball.
  • Practice Jerseys: Practice jerseys will be made available through the team store, and those that need them should purchase them there. It is up to the coach if it is a requirement or not for specific teams.
  • Uniform and Shooter Shirt: A uniform and shooter shirt are required for all players.

Gym Rentals

  • Scheduling: Coaches should coordinate with the club administration to schedule gym rentals for practices and games before events occur.
  • Payment: The club will ensure that gym rental fees are paid on time and in accordance with club policies.

Practice and Tournament Coordination

  • Practice Schedule: The standard weekly schedule will be posted and initially managed by the club director. Week to week management is the responsibility of the Coach. If you need to cancel or need a different night, Coaches are to collaborate this directly with parents and coordinate directly with other coaches.
  • Tournament Registration: Our Club director is responsible for registering the team for tournaments. They will be marked on the schedule as “Paid” if they are solid and paid for. Coaches should monitor our club calendar and ensure tournaments are “Paid” prior to deadlines. Coaches are also to coordinate travel arrangements.

Procedures for Injury

  • Safety: Coaches should prioritize the safety and well-being of players, following proper procedures in the event of an injury. Contact Eric Hemming! 919-986-2251 when an injury occurs.
  • Medical Attention: Coaches should ensure that injured players receive appropriate medical attention and care when needed, through tournament staff or local healthcare, following parental guidance.

NCAA Sanctioned Events

  • Compliance: Coaches should familiarize themselves with NCAA rules and regulations regarding sanctioned events and ensure that the team complies with all requirements.
  • Documentation: Coaches should maintain accurate records of participation in NCAA sanctioned events for eligibility purposes.
  • USA Basketball Gold License: Coaches participating in NCAA sanctioned events must obtain a USA Basketball Gold License prior to tournaments.
  • NCAA BBCS System: Coaches need to have a team roster in the NCAA Basketball Certification System (BBCS) prior to the event and have all players opted in and on the roster before deadlines.

Travel and Hotel Coordination

  • Travel Arrangements: Coaches should coordinate travel arrangements for away games and tournaments, including transportation and lodging.
  • Hotel Accommodations: Coaches should book hotel accommodations/room blocs for the team, ensuring that all players are accounted for with accommodations.

Conflict Resolution

  • Direct Communication: Encourage the parties involved to communicate directly with each other to resolve the conflict.
  • Coach Intervention: If direct communication does not resolve the conflict, the coach should intervene and facilitate a resolution.
  • Club Director Involvement: If the conflict remains unresolved, the club director should be notified and involved in finding a resolution.

Feedback Loop

  • **Coaches should actively seek feedback from players, parents, and club administrators to continuously improve the coaching experience and the overall club environment.
  • Feedback should be constructive and focused on areas of improvement, with the goal of enhancing the player experience and achieving club goals.

Fundraising

  • The Waves will either run tournament fundraisers or work with others in running specific events.
  • Waves sponsored events may require support from players, parents, and coaches. Money raised will fully go to the club to help offset club costs.
  • There will be one fundraising activity per year that all will be asked to support. This fundraising event will help offset operating costs for the club, in addition to offset kids who have financial need, where the need is present and real.
  • Fundraised dollars may also be applied to a capital expense such as establishment of a club court or training arrangement.

Social Media

  • Positive Engagement: All social media interactions should be positive and respectful, reflecting the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for others.
  • Content Submission: Coaches should encourage parents to submit content such as photos, videos, and accomplishments to our social media coordinator for publication. This can include highlights of games, player achievements, and team events.
  • Contact Information: The contact information for our social media coordinator can be found in our staff directory. Coaches and parents should reach out to the coordinator for any content submissions or questions regarding social media.
  • Club Representation: Remember that when you post on social media, you are representing the Carolina Waves Club. Ensure that your content aligns with the values and image of our organization.
  • Privacy and Safety: Respect the privacy and safety of all individuals when posting on social media. Avoid sharing personal information or sensitive content without permission.
  • Waiver for Photo and Video Use: All players and coaches have signed a waiver permitting the use of photos and videos as long as they are published by the club.

This comprehensive handbook provides guidelines and expectations for coaches, players, and parents involved in the Carolina Waves Club, covering various aspects of club operations, communication, and behavior.