BIXBY GIRLS BASKETBALL HANDBOOK
“In whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…”
1. Purpose
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To become the most respected 6A program in the state of Oklahoma in producing quality
teams, athletes and citizens.
To develop players and instill a love of the game.
To represent ourselves, our program, our school, our family, and our community in a positive
way and bring a sense of pride to all those entities.
To generate an environment of learning life skills through the game of basketball.
2. Philosophy
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The focus is to create a great program while effectively teaching life skills.
WINNING IS IMPORTANT! Character is more important.
The education of the athlete is our primary concern.
Players will be expected to treat everyone with respect, according to the Head Coach’s
expectations. Disciplinary measures can be expected if coaches get wind of any behavior to
the contrary.
Goals and visions of this program are essential and will be vertically aligned throughout the
system.
The Head Coach oversees all teams related to the Bixby Girls Basketball Program at all
levels and takes full responsibility for handling any adverse actions of the coaching staff that
is directly in charge.
Parents are a vital ingredient of our team. Supporting team and program goals and visions
will contribute to each player having a positive experience. Joining the Basketball Booster
Club is appreciated.
Parents are expected to act appropriate at all events and activities.
Parents are expected to be mindful of their use of social media regarding team concerns.
Parents are encouraged to wait 24 hours after an event to conference with a coach. NEVER,
should a parent attempt to conference with a coach just prior to, during, or immediately
following a game or event. Discussion will only pertain to that individual’s child.
ime
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The amount of time required of the basketball team members will vary from season to season
throughout the year. In addition to practice and games, athletes will participate in physical
conditioning and wellness activities, fundraising, camps, and community service projects.
Tardiness and absenteeism for any reason results in a loss of conditioning; therefore, there is
a system in place regarding this issue. If a player is going to be absent, prior notice is
expected. If a player has an emergency that would require them to miss practice they need to
call or text their Coach ASAP!
Calendars and schedules will be provided to help in planning for attendance at all team
activities. They will be subject to change.
Players should be present 45 minutes before game times and 15 minutes before the bus leaves
unless otherwise noted.
4. Eligibility Rules
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be eligible to be a basketball player in Bixby Public Schools, the following requirements
must be met:
1. OSSAA eligibility requirements- grades will be checked on a weekly basis.
2. Players must maintain an acceptable code of conduct to remain on the team. If a player is
removed from the team due to disciplinary or eligibility reasons, that person will not be
eligible to tryout for basketball for the next year unless approved by the athletic director.
3. Basketball players may not participate in activities which conflict with basketball
responsibilities. Choices of activities one wishes to pursue must be made at tryout time.
5. Transportation
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For the safety of your basketball player and coaches, PARENTS need to be on time to pick
up their child from practices and bus trips! In case of a bus break down or extreme delay of
game, one parent (grade representative) will be contacted and asked to call all other parents.
All basketball players must ride the bus to events and activities. Only emergency situations
will be approved in advance.
Players may only ride home from a game with a parent. The parent must sign out with the
coach before leaving.
During all summer activities, parents may provide their own mode of transportation for their
child due to conflicting schedules. This must be submitted in writing prior to the event with
the proper form (see website).
6. Social Media
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Players and parents personal social media outlets should not be used to discuss team
concerns. All concerns from players and parents should be discussed directly with the coach.
 Photographs taken at team events/activities, unless used for positive reinforcement of the
nature of our program, should not be used for social media.
 Bullying or hazing via social media will be treated as a severe infraction that may result in
immediate removal from the team.
 Content shared on social media sites that depict a negative connotation for our program,
coaches, or players is explicitly prohibited and will be treated as a severe infraction that may
result in immediate removal from the team.
Social Media Best Practices:
 Think twice before posting
 Be accurate
 Be respectful
 Remember a variety of audiences will view your content
 Remember the internet is permanent…even after you delete
 Don’t post anything you wouldn’t say openly in front of your teammates, coaches,
parents
 Be in the right state of mind when you post.
 Do not post photos while wearing practice gear, uniforms or other team gear unless they
are being used in a positive way which reinforces the nature of our program.
7. Lady Spartan Privileges/Responsibilities.
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It is an honor and a privilege to be a member of the Lady Spartan Basketball team. With that
privilege come certain responsibilities. Not only will you be expected to follow all
school/handbook rules while representing Bixby, but you will be scrutinized and held to a
higher code of contact by members of our school and community. Be mindful of the role
model you became when you earned that jersey and the great responsibility that comes with
it.
It is essential that you be present for all practices. Even if you are injured you are expected to
“dress out” for practice. Therapy should be done in the morning therapy session.
Consequential conditioning is necessary for ALL absences and tardies!
1. < 30 minutes tardy or leaving early = 10 countdowns
2. > 30 minutes tardy or leaving early = 30 countdowns
3. Modifications can be made if it’s an excused absence and should be discussed with a
head or assistant coach.
Consequences for violation of team rules
1. Players may be suspended from a game or team upon third offense:
a. Late for practice or game
b. Disrespect to coaches or teammates
c. Improper attire
d. Profane language or obscene gestures
e. Attitude problems
f. Loafing at practice
g. Unsportsmanlike conduct
2. Actions that may result in immediate suspension from the team:
a. An act or deed that harms the reputation of the school or team
b. Smoking, drinking, or use of any illegal substance
c. Uncooperative attitude or behavior
d. Violation of school rule
e. Failure to maintain OSSAA regulations
f. Leaving during a game
g. Uncooperative parents
h. Public display of affection
i. Hazing
j. Misuse of social media
8. Captain Responsibilities
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To be at practice before starting time and to lead warmup activities.
To diffuse any team issues or individual issues that might jeopardize the success of the team.
To communicate with coaching staff any team issues that might jeopardize the success of the
team.
To be sure members know what is expected from the coaching staff by modeling behavior.
Notify team if there are any schedule changes.
Be responsible for the use of appropriate conversations with our team.
To lead team in all pregame activities.
Designate the proper uniform and attire to be worn for each event.
All captain’s decisions will be made with the approval of the coach.
Other duties assigned by the coach.
9. Uniforms and Equipment
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All uniforms will be kept and maintained by the coaching staff. They are not to be taken
home. Any damage will result in fees.
Uniforms and other equipment purchased by the basketball fund will remain the property of
the school.
Uniforms should be worn only to school events and are not to be loaned to anyone else.
Uniforms and attire that are to be worn to an activity will be decided on by team captains and
the coach, in which case the team will cooperate.
When in uniform, players may not have on jewelry or excessive makeup. Hair must be pulled
up.
When with the team for any activity the dress code is: no excessive holes or tatters, no tope
which expose midriff, no low cut tops, no exposed undergarments, and attire should be
appropriate as deemed by coach.
10. Awards
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Letter: Must have an A and must suit up for varsity
Senior Award: All-Region
Senior Award- All-State
Statistical Awards
Coaches Awards(voted on by coaches):
1. Teammate of the Year
2. Intensity Award
3. Scholar Athlete
Team Awards(voted on by team):
1. Defensive Player of the Year
2. Offensive Player of the Year
3. Most Improved Player
4. Manager of the Year
11. Practice Procedures
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Change in Girls Basketball Locker Room in the high school before coming to practice.
Put all items in designated locker.
Start warm-up routine at instructed time.
Practice according to practice schedule.
Pick-up gym before leaving.
12. Game Day Procedure-Home Games
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Report to gym 45 minutes prior to game time.
Be dressed in uniform, shooting shirt, basketball shoes, etc. by halftime of previous game.
Partner shoot at halftime of previous game( if no one is performing).
5 minutes previous to the end of previous game meet with Head Coach in locker room.
Be ready to run onto the floor for pregame warmup as soon as buzzer sounds from previous
game.
Go through pregame warmup.
At 7 minutes till game time go into locker room to discuss game strategy.
After game strategy meeting, run onto court to shoot free throws until Coach brings you to
bench.
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During the National Anthem you are expected to properly and respectfully salute the flag
with your hand over your heart, at attention (eyes on flag—no talking).
For announcement of players, starting five for the night will sit on bench and everyone else
will line up.
Players announced will run out and greet officials, get to FT line of our half court and greet
other starters.
After starters are announced, the non-starting players will run out to FT line for team
breakdown.
After the breakdown, return to bench so Head Coach can remind defensive assignments and
game strategy.
Always run onto and off of court.
Do not look to parents in the stands during game for instruction or affirmation.
Bench players should be actively involved in game by cheering, clapping and supporting the
teammates on the floor at the time. No pouty faces on bench.
At halftime, run to locker room. Managers will bring water and towels.
After halftime, run onto floor for halftime warm-up. No one sits on bench during halftime.
Wait for Coach to bring you to the bench.
After final buzzer, always respectfully greet the other team and coaches—win or lose.
Go straight to the locker room for game breakdown.
Managers should always clean up bench area.
13. Game Day Procedure-Away Games
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Report to gym at instructed time.
Wear proper attire announced at previous practice.
Managers get equipment- medicine kit, extra uniform, scorebook, stat bag, camera, i-pad,
extension cord and power cord, etc.
Go to bus.
Sit together on bus, do not sit with someone of opposite sex.
Always respect others while on bus. Have game ready mentality.
When we arrive get off the bus and enter as a team.
Managers get equipment off bus and take to gym.
Go to locker room and follow game day procedures.
Managers get all equipment back on bus even if riding home with parent.
14. Camps
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Attendance is strongly advised for all team camps and summer activities.
Date and location are announced by end of school year.
If you cannot attend for any reason, notify Head Coach immediately.
15. Procedure for pep assembly
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Be dressed appropriately and alike.
Put all items in your designated locker.
Sit together and actively participate.
Lead others by example with school pride and team spirit.
16. Overnight Trips
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Wear travel gear( all the same)
Meet at designated time and place.
Follow team and school rules and procedures.
Always leave a place better than you found it.
Represent Bixby with honor and pride.
17. Fundraisers
1. Individual
 Monies earned can be earmarked for individual’s expenses.
2. Team
 Monies earned go directly for team expenses.
 Activities and team bonding events.
 Camps.
Tina Thomas
Head Girls Basketball Coach
tthomas@bixbyps.org
918-366-2262
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I have read and agree to comply with the guidelines stated above.
Player Signature___________________________________________Date____________________
Parent Signature____________________________________________Date___________________