CYO BASKETBALL
POINTS OF EMPHASIS
FOR COACHES, PARENTS & SPECTATORS
I.
THE EXPERIENCE: MORE IMPORTANT THAN the FINAL SCORE
We all know it’s more fun to win than to lose, but parents and coaches who believe winning is more
important than the experience are often shortsighted.
To properly evaluate the children’s experience, you should consider the following questions:
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Do they enjoy playing basketball or are they playing the sport because you want them to?
Are they resentful of how much parents and coaches push them?
Are parents or coaches yelling so much that players cry?
Are they embarrassed by what their parents say during games?
Are they receiving enough individual attention?
Are they developing benefits such as sportsmanship, teamwork and confidence?
ARE THEY HAVING FUN?
Parents should ask themselves one simple question:
Are my actions on and off the court contributing to a positive or a negative experience for my child?
II.
THE ULTIMATE GAME PLAN: CONTROL of the PARENTS
If a head coach can control himself/herself, assistant coaches and half the parents in the stands (with the
opposing coach handling the others), the coach will have more control than any official.
Parents/Spectators should follow these guidelines:
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Do not coach your son/daughter from the sidelines during the game. Don’t yell “shoot”, don’t
instruct or criticize during the game. THIS IS A DISTRACTION THAT THE PLAYERS AND COACHES
DO NOT NEED.
Do not verbally criticize the officials
Do not yell disapproval over a coaching decision made during a game.
Avoid making derogatory remarks about another player on the ride home, at the dinner table or
any time in front of your child.
III.
HANDLING SCORING DISCREPANCIES
 Timing and scoring mistakes happen. The discrepancies will be handled by the officials and
scorers at the next whistle.
 Volunteer to keep the clock or book occasionally, and don’t cast the first stone when a mistake
is made.
 Leave your scorebook at home and enjoy the game.
IV.
THREE SECONDS in the LANE
“There is NO three-second count during rebounding action or during a throw-in”
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V.
Three seconds should only be called if a player has the ball in the paint for at least three seconds
and can’t make a decision to shoot, dribble or pass. If a player posts up hard in the lane for
three seconds and his/her teammates fail to deliver the ball.
OVER THE BACK
The phrase “over the back” is not listed in any edition of the rule book.
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To obtain or maintain legal rebounding position, a player may not: Displace, charge or push an
opponent…extend shoulder, hips or knees….bend his/her body in an abnormal position to hold
or displace an opponent.
Once again there is no “over the back” phrase listed in the rule book.
Inspired by the Good News, the Catholic Youth Organization emphasizes the following values:
1) To encourage our young men and women toward Christian leadership, growth in social
awareness, and development of sound Christian values
2) To encourage fairness, compassion, truth and cooperation through recreational activities
3) To encourage and challenge our youth to participate and serve those more needy in their
parish and community
4) To encourage dignity of person, accepting one another with respect, patience, kindness
and understanding
5) To encourage sportsmanship and self-control in the face of adversity
6) To encourage the growth of each participant , to nurture a positive spirit, and avoid a
‘win at all costs’ attitude
7) To encourage cooperation and community; each participant, coach, official, and
volunteer will work together to bring our Gospel’s vision and values to life
8) To encourage spiritual growth in order to foster the total development of participants
and influence the formation of Christian values