Freedom Irish Boys Basketball
Parent/Player Handbook
Head Coach: John Van Rossum
JV Coach: Dean Aerts
Freshman Coach: Tony Harke
Irish Basketball Philosophy
The purpose of Freedom Irish Boys Basketball is to promote the secondary part of education.
We feel extra-curricular activities are important in developing a well rounded student. We hope
to emphasize basketball as an integral part of the educational process. We promote high ideals
of good citizenship and sportsmanship. The program wants to have good students and good
people as well as good basketball players.
We feel we can accomplish our goals by stressing 4 main areas:
ATTITUDE:
Basketball players have a special opportunity and therefore we can be selective as far as whom
we ask to part of the program. Poor or negative attitudes will cost players playing time. In this
program we want players who are good basketball players, good people, and good students.
We expect our players to be positive leaders in the classroom. We expect 100% effort in the
classroom as well as on the basketball floor.
DISCIPLINE:
Maintaining consistent discipline will offer our student athletes the best chance for
improvement. We try to make rules and consequences for breaking rules very clear. We would
like to treat players as fair as possible. With the understanding that each case is an individual
situation and fair does not always mean equal.
COMMITMENT:
We ask a lot out of our players. Off season personal and team improvement, athletic code,
team rules, classroom expectations, and practice demands are tough but important demands.
We want students who believe basketball is important to them. If it is important, the demands
are part of the process of being an Irish Basketball Player.
TEAMWORK:
The program emphasizes that the players govern their actions with the idea of TEAM first and
the individual second. This is the most important thing that our athletes will gain from being a
part of this basketball program. Players must accept a role on the team, with the understanding
that each role is important to the success of the team. Sub or starter, rebounder, passer or
scorer, everybody is important.
"What you are as a person is far more important than what you are as a basketball player." John Wooden
Players Grooming & Attire
All Irish Basketball players shall wear their hair in a manner that is neat and in no way
drastically stands out from the rest of his teammates. The coach will determine what is
acceptable and what is not.

No bizarre or odd colors or excessive change from their original color.
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No mow hawks, tails, braids, shaved lines/patterns.
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Any facial hair must be neatly groomed.
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No earrings when we go public
Game day dress will be followed by all players from Freshmen to the Varsity. We want to look
respectable to our school and to the school we are playing. We want to also emphasize being
part of a team by looking like a team off the court.
HOME GAMES: A shirt and a tie, dress pants, dress shoes will be worn during the school day and
to the games. No jeans or tennis shoes as a substitute. Freshman and JVs will wear their dress
clothes after their games when watching the varsity.
AWAY GAMES: The Irish Basketball Polos, dress pants, will be worn. No Jeans as a substitute.
Tennis shoes may be worn with the polos. If a polo shirt was not purchased, the player will
follow the home game dress.
We have these policies for two reasons:
1. We are part of a team and a program and want to look and act like a team and a
program. We are not individuals looking to use the team to make individual fashion
statements.
2. It is vital to sacrifice our individual goals in favor of team goals. Every time we walk into
another school or gym, we make a statement – WE ARE A TEAM!!
I am willing to follow the grooming and dress rules as part of Irish Boys Basketball.
Signature:_______________________________________
Date:_________________
Road Trip and Bench Rules
On the bus to the game:
*Talking in a normal tone of voice, no shouting or loud laughter. Our main thoughts are on the
upcoming game. The bus ride is a sacred part of high school basketball.
*Radios, ipods, etc with head phones only.
*Food is allowed, but be smart with what you eat before the game.
On the bus on the way home:
Food is allowed, but the bus must be kept clean.
No talking after a varsity loss. This is not a punishment. We do this for the following reasons:
1. It allows us quiet time to think of how we might have done things differently to turn a loss into a
victory.
2. It reminds us that we don’t take losing lightly because we work too hard to accept losing. **If
the varsity wins, we cut loose because we work too hard not to celebrate victories.
Bench rules – Freshmen through Varsity
**Players on the bench during the game must be attentive and aware of the situation on the
floor. You must have your head in the game so you are ready to play.
**During time outs, the 5 players in the game at the time will sit on the bench with the
remainder of the team standing in a huddle around the coach, paying attention, listening and
learning.
**When a player comes out of the game, he is to sit next to the coach for instruction and/or
encouragement.
**Never criticize a teammate
**Players on the bench must count down that last ten seconds of the quarter loudly so the
players on the floor don’t have to check the clock.
**Players on the bench must be the loudest and most positive fans.
**Varsity players must set a good example during the JV/Freshman games by watching and
giving positive encouragement.
**JV and Freshmen players will be loud and positive fans for the varsity. They will stay together
behind the varsity’s bench & may be asked to take stats for the varsity game.
I am willing to follow the road trip and bench rules as part of Irish Boys Basketball.
Signature: _____________________________________
Date:__________________
Practice and General Rules
BE ON TIME!!!!!
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Early Practices: Completely dressed and on the floor @ 3:25
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Late Practices: Completely dressed and in the meeting room/weight room at the
assigned time by the coach. Usually 4:30. On the floor @ 5:30.
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Sunday evening practices are often held before a Monday or Tuesday game.

Unexcused absences from practice will result in loss of game time. The coach will
determine what is excused and unexcused. Talk to your coach and keep him informed.
*Religion and/or school related conflicts are excused as long as it is not for disciplinary
reasons.

If a player leaves sick from school, he must let Coach Van Rossum or Coach Harke know
they will not be at practice before going home.

If you need taping, get down to the training room as soon as possible. Be early enough
to get it done before practice or meetings start.
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When the whistle blows, everyone stops and listens
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When not participating in a drill or scrimmage, you are to watch and listen. Be a student
of the game and learn from others.
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When a coach is speaking, everybody listens. Basketballs are held and everyone pays
attention.
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No one leaves the gym without permission. We will get drinks as a team.
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Keep the locker room clean. Nothing on the floor and everything in your locker.
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Respect your managers and stats people.
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After practices and games, dress appropriately for the weather.
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Cell phones are not allowed to be on in locker room.
I am willing to follow the above rule and expectations as part of Irish Boys Basketball.
Signature: _____________________________________
Date:_____________
Playing Time
Playing time is the root of all basketball problems. As the level increases, an emphasis is put
more on winning than equalizing playing time. Coaches at the varsity level are judged on
wins and losses, rather than the overall job done and the players gaining an educational
experience. Many coaches have done a nice job of teaching basketball and life lessons, but
their jobs are threatened because they didn’t win enough. On the other hand, some
coaches are seen as great because they win regardless of what they teach or how they
achieve the wins. Regardless, coaches today are expected to win, win convincingly, and play
everybody. This is an impossible task. Our belief is that we will try to play as many players as
we can within the framework of winning. We have and will continue to put forth every
effort to make everyone feel that they are a contributing part to the team. Every role on the
team is important and valued.
Playing time is a coaching staff decision. This is not subject to debate! It is part of our job to
determine who plays and when. Obviously, the talented players will get their share as long
as they meet the team attitude to warrant the playing time. However many factors weigh
into playing time. Factors such as a player’s ability, skill and attitude are seen on a daily
basis by the coach in practice. Substitutions are often done on a feel developed by the
coach as he works with the team. Some factors a coach will consider include: practice
performance, player’s attitude, player’s ability, game time, game situation, match ups,
player’s position, and/or a player’s fatigue.
Grade level does not equate to the amount of playing time. It does not determine who
starts or who is a reserve. The players that give us the best possible chance to win will be on
the floor. Players with concerns about their role should talk to their coach. Coaches will talk
to players about their role on the team; coaches will not talk to parents about their role on
the team or playing time.
Cuts
Numbers are always an issue to make workable teams at all levels. We are willing to keep
extra players if team chemistry is not disrupted and each player accepts his role. A player’s
attitude is considered along with his ability when determining cuts. Also, cuts are never
over. If a situation arises that is detrimental to the team, a cut may occur at any time.
Moving Players
We will move players up or down for the following reasons.
1. We will move a player up if they have the ability to play at a higher level and will help
with the success for that team, or we will move a capable player up to create workable
numbers.
**We will not move a player up and bury him on the bench. A player moved up will be
given playing time.
**Moving a player up one year does not guarantee he will move up a level the next
year.
2. We will move players down to make workable numbers and create more playing time.
We will only do this with consent from the player. We will not move a player down if he
does not want to.
Reserve games
Extra games will be scheduled if we have enough players with quarters to fill. JV and Varsity
players may be combined for this to happen. This is not pre-scheduled but put together during
the season on a needed basis.
Lettering
To earn numerals and certificates a player must complete the season regardless of playing time.
To earn a Varsity letter, a player must either play in half of the quarters at Varsity level, or make
a significant contribution to the Varsity team during some part of the season. Players who have
been committed to the program, have had exemplary attitudes, and have been consistent
contributors at practices will also be considered for a letter.
Athletic Code
We are a partnership to keep our athletes abiding the code. Fear of parental disappointment is
the strongest deterrent for high school kids. We must stress throughout the season at home
and at school about being safe. We encourage athletes to hang together to provide support for
abiding the athletic code. Kids with the same consequences for violations can be a deterrent as
well.
Irish Boys Basketball Grade Checks
Studies have shown that athletes often make better students. We often hear that the opposite is true. But the failures
of athletes in school is publicized rather than the numerous successes. Being able to participate in athletics takes
discipline. Discipline is a large part of studying. Athletes have an extra incentive to maintain grades in the classroom
because they need to do well in school to participate in a sport.
Irish Basketball also believes the student athlete needs to behave in class as well. It is expected that basketball
players are positive leaders in the classroom. Grades are important, but you also represent Irish Basketball through
your behavior in class. Teachers often associate the behavior of one player as representative of the entire team.
We want Irish Basketball players who have contact with fans, other players, coaches, and teachers to give a positive,
first class impression of themselves. After all, a player not only represents himself, but he also represents his family,
school, team and the town of Freedom. Let’s have the highest team GPA in the area this year!
STUDY SUGGESTIONS TO HELP KEEP YOUR GRADES UP
1.
Develop a positive attitude. If you think studying is evil, then that is what it is. Percieve it as a way to
improve yourself and your future.
2.
Set a time schedule, plan ahead, and stick to a study schedule.
3.
Have a good place to study. Remove outside distractions like the t.v and radio.
4.
Pay close attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes.
5.
Complete your homework on time and take time to prepare for tests.
6.
Behave in the classroom. Teachers will be more willing to help out if you are willing to learn and not be
disruptive.
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IRISH BASKETBALL
STUDENT REPORT 2011-2012
Player: __________________________________________
Class:________________________________________
Instructor:_____________________
Please circle the appropriate descripter. Comments are appreciated. Thank You!!
Attendance
Poor
Fair
Good
Attitude
Poor
Fair
Good
Assignments/homework
Poor
Fair
Good
Tests
Poor
Fair
Good
General comments:
Signature:_______________________________________________________
Great
Great
Great
Great