HARRISON YOUTH BASKETBALL
PARTICIPANT HANDBOOK

Inside you will find information for parents, players and coaches, including philosophy, responsibilities, rules, substitution guidelines and more. 

HARRISON YOUTH BASKETBALL 

INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY 

          Welcome to Harrison Youth Basketball.  This program began in 1989 as a joint effort between the Harrison Recreation Department and the Purchase Community House and included children in 4th and 5th grades.  The original goal was to provide a recreational activity that would promote socialization among Elementary School children and ease the transition to Middle School. 

          As the program grew, the Harrison Recreation Department assumed control of the league and was the catalyst for the formation of the Harrison Youth Basketball Committee.  This panel of volunteers works with the Recreation Department to provide for all aspects of league operation.  It is very important to note that without the continued support of these volunteers and the staff of the Harrison Recreation Department this program would not be as successful as it is today. 

          Since the leagues inception, we have grown from 4 teams and 28 participants to over 70 teams and 550 players.  This now includes boys and girls in 3rd through 12th grade.  The league continues to blossom.  Due to this tremendous growth, we now have a top quality, town wide basketball program which places emphasis on the fundamentals of team work, cooperation and the skills necessary to enjoy the game of basketball for a lifetime. 

Welcome to Harrison Youth Basketball

PARENT’S MEMORANDUM 

          Welcome to the Harrison Youth Basketball League.  Our goal is to provide a positive experience for each participant in the program.  Please take some time to read the sections of this handbook that apply to your child and familiarize yourself with league operation. 

          As a parent, you have certain obligations.  First and foremost, please reinforce the league philosophy with your child.  Our focus is on having fun and learning skills, NOT on winning.  When necessary, remind your child of this and remember it when you are observing a game. 

          Each team will have one practice per week.  Please make every effort to attend this practice since that where most of the learning is done.  It will greatly improve your child’s experience to participate fully in these weekly practices.  If your child is unable to attend a practice, please call your coach as soon as possible.  

          One game per week is generally what is scheduled.  On occasion, some teams may have a second game or a bye (no game) in a particular week.  If your child is unable to attend a game, please notify your coach as soon as possible. 

          Finally, please review the Player’s Memorandum with your child and make sure that your child understands it.  

          If you have any questions about the league, please feel free to ask your coach or the Recreation Department.  Enjoy the season! 

PLAYER’S MEMORANDUM 

          Welcome to the Harrison Youth Basketball League.  As a player in this league, you have several obligations.  Please read the information below and have fun this season. 

1.      Remember the league philosophy; focus on FUN, not winning. 

2.      Give as much EFFORT at practices as you do at games. 

3.      RESPECT your coaches, teammates, opponents and the referees. 

4.      Work hard on your SKILLS and try to improve. 

5.      ENJOY YOURSELF AND HAVE FUN! 

LEAGUE PHILOSOPHY 

          The Harrison Youth Basketball League is designed to give ALL players an opportunity to experience basketball in a positive and competitive environment.  The focus is not on winning, but rather on playing.  And "playing" by definition means having FUN!  Because of the varying skill and experience levels, instruction is very important.  An emphasis is put on instruction in an effort to provide each player the benefit of the collective experience of all our volunteers in a low key, positive way. 

DIVISION GOALS

          The league is broken into divisions as follows:

                   3^rd Grade Boys                                3^rd Grade Girls
                   4^th Grade Boys                                4^th Grade Girls
                   5^th Grade Boys                                5^th Grade Girls
                   6^th Grade Boys                                6^th,  7^th  & 8^th Grade Girls
                   7^th & 8^th Grade Boys                     
                   9^th – 12^th Grade Boys 

          Each Division has a set of goals which are appropriate for that age group. Coaches are asked to emphasize these goals throughout the season.  Each participant can measure their success by the improvement of the skills listed in the goals for their division.  These goals build from grade to grade and the Seventh and Eighth Graders should be able to perform the goals for all age groups. 

THIRD GRADERS Should be able to: 

1.      Inbound the ball to a teammate

2.      Dribble in control with their strong hand

3.      Make a lay-up in a game

4.      Play Man to Man defense 

FOURTH GRADERS Should be able to: 

1.      Utilize the Chest and Bounce Pass

2.      Begin to dribble with their weaker hand

3.      Make a foul shot in a game 

FIFTH & SIXTH GRADERS Should be able to: 

1.      Play Solid Man to Man Defense

2.      Dribble with either hand effectively

3.      Begin to use a Jump Shot

4.      Start to learn Zone Defenses 

SEVENTH GRADERS & UP Should be able to: 

1.      Effectively Box Out a Rebounder

2.      Begin to learn how to Trap the ball handler

3.      Effectively use several types of Zone Defenses

COACH’S MEMORANDUM 

            Welcome to Harrison Youth Basketball.  Before the season even begins, THANK YOU for your efforts because it could not be done without you!  

          Our philosophy as it relates to this program is as follows;  The Harrison Youth Basketball League is designed to give ALL players an opportunity to experience basketball in a competitive environment. Our focus is not on winning, but rather on playing.  And "playing" by definition means having FUN!  Because of the varying skill and experience levels, instruction is very important.  Please try to give each of the players the benefit of our collective experience in a low key, positive way.  

          A packet of drills, games and skills for each age group is available for each coach.  Please read this packet and use it as a tool for setting goals for your players.  It is important that you understand the skills each child should be concentrating on.  This will differ in each Division.  Please use this guide to further the skill level of each player on your team beyond the level they started at.  If you can help each player improve his or her individual skill level, you have achieved a major success. 

          Many of the participants have not played any organized basketball before.  They will be exposed to basketball in a new way and hopefully they will benefit from this experience.  On the other hand, many of the participants have had a lot of experience playing, so let's remember that we are striving for success for every child in the program, not just the ones on your team. 

          Team spirit and good sportsmanship are two other key focus points of the league.  These attributes are going to come directly from you‑-------‑>THE COACH!  Please remember this when you disagree with a referee's call. 

          As far as playing time goes, please make sure that each child gets equal playing time.  No child should play 4 quarters at the expense of another child playing 2 quarters.  If your team is having a big day and has the game well in hand, use that opportunity to give extra time to the players who need additional work.  This will also help you in your effort to not run up the score.  

          The 3rd & 4th grade boys and girls will be required to follow the Substitution Guidelines referenced later in this manual.  5th Grade and up boys and girls are required to play at least one quarter in each half. 

SUBSTITUTION GUIDELINES (Applies to ALL Grade Levels) 

Philosophy: 

          It is the intent of the Harrison Youth Basketball League to provide each participant with an opportunity to play in an organized, competitive league.  The "BUZZ" words in the last sentence are "ORGANIZED" AND "PLAY", not "COMPETITIVE"!  We want to insure that each player has the chance to enjoy playing basketball regardless of won/loss record, so the following substitution rules will be in effect during the season.  

1.       Playing time MUST be spread evenly amongst ALL team members.  Each player must play a minimum of half of each game, and must also play in each half of each game. No player should play 4 quarters at the expense of another player playing 2 quarters.
 

2.       Players must play a full quarter at a time, and substitutions must be made at the quarter breaks.  This will give each player an opportunity to get into the flow of the game, as well as minimizing the time spent on substitutions.  Substitutions will only be allowed at the quarter breaks except for an injury.
 

3.       A proposed substitution sheet must be submitted to the opposing coach prior to each game.  Coaches will be responsible for policing each other and insuring that the substitution guidelines are followed. The Substitution Sheets must be turned in to the scorer after each game.  Sample and blank sub sheets will be available.  A sample sheet follows this section
 

4.       After reviewing the sample Substitution Sheet you will see that players will play 2, 3 or 4 quarters per game. Each of these player slots should be rotated so the same player does not play only 2 quarters per game every game. 

5.       While winning is an important aspect of any competitive league for the players, we, as adults, are also teaching other lifetime attributes.  Attributes like sharing, good sportsmanship, team spirit and fairness are more significant than winning.  Equity of playing time will help reinforce these attributes.  Please remember that the most important skills are the ones that stay with the player for a lifetime.

6.       If a game is getting out of hand, use that opportunity to give the lesser players a chance to play more.  You may alter your Substitution Sheet in this situation by consulting with the opposing coach.  We don't want to see any team run up the score in any game. 

7.       While the team is yours to coach, and we will give you a lot of latitude in that regard, fairness and the minimum playing times are required.  If the coaching staff of any team cannot abide by these requirements, we will be forced to assist you in your substitutions.

8.       A sample substitution sheet is located on the following page.

Harrison Youth Basketball

SUBSTITUTION SHEET

TEAM NAME:____________________ DATE:_________