Taft Athletic Association Handbook
Taft Athletic Association Handbook
Taft Athletic Association is an independently organized and operated program whose activities are for the benefit of the students, staff and/or parents of the Taft School District. While school affiliated, the program is not sponsored or managed by the District.
Parent Pledge I will “honor the game”. I understand the importance of setting a good example of sportsmanship to my child. No matter what others may do, I will show respect for all involved in the game including coaches, players, opponents, opposing fans and referees. I understand that officials, coaches and players make mistakes. If the referee makes a questionable call, I will continue to respect the individual and be silent. I understand that games can be exciting times for my child who is trying to deal with the fast-paced action of the game, respond to the opponents, referees, teammates, and listen to the coaches. I will not add confusion by yelling out instructions. During the game I will limit my comments to encourage my child and other players for both teams. I will not make negative comments about the game, coaches, referees or teammates in my child’s presence. I understand that this plants a seed, which can negatively influence my child’s motivation and overall experience. This is a zero tolerance policy. I will redefine what it means to be a winner in my conversations with my child. A winner is someone who makes maximum effort, continues to learn and improve, and does not let mistakes stop them. I understand that mistakes are an inevitable part of any game and that the true measure is not how my child compares to others but how he/she is doing in comparison to his/her best self. I understand that the top three reasons kids play sports are to have fun, make new friends, and learn new skills. I understand that the game is for kids and that I will encourage my child to have fun and help keep their sport in its proper perspective. I understand that the athletes do their best when they are emotionally healthy, so I will be positive and supportive. I will be on time or early when dropping off my child for practice or for a game. I understand that it is embarrassing for my child to be late to a game or practice and that I am putting him/her at physical risk by not providing adequate time for warm-up. I understand the importance of picking up my child on time for all games and practices. This shows respect for the coach who has other time commitments. It also tells my child that he/she is my top priority.
DISCLAIMER Taft Athletic Association is an independently organized and operated program whose activities are for the benefit of the students, staff and/or parents of the Taft School District. While school affiliated, the program is not sponsored or managed by the District.
General Meetings Meetings are held each month at Taft School District 90. All meetings will be posted on the main entrance doors of Taft School at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. All parents are welcome to attend the meetings and be part of the decisions that affect the whole organization. This is a community organization and we are always receptive to new ideas, opinions, and suggestions that will improve the program we provide for the children.
Volunteers The Taft Athletic Association is a self-run organization through the revenues of registration and fundraising. Like all private organizations, we are dependent on volunteers who will donate their time. Concession sales make up most of the year’s revenues. Our fundraising and tournament coordinators work hard at other ways to raise money throughout the year and during tournament times. 2
Family Participation and Uniform Fee Reimbursement To have your annual Family Participation Fee refunded, you must work the tournament. When your hours are worked, be sure to sign in. If you do not sign in, you jeopardize losing the time you have put in. Once you have completed your volunteer hours, your check will be returned at the end of the season. Athletes will be responsible for the purchase of a team jersey in addition to the sports fee. All school fees and sports fees must be paid prior to the first game. If a uniform was ordered, the family is responsible for payment even if the child quits.
Game Days Games and practices are usually held on Monday through Saturday. Practices are usually held in the Taft School gym. Away game transportation is your responsibility. Most teams try to practice two or three times per week until the games start. Your coach will supply all needed information about game and practice times. Game times vary between 4:40 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays. During the week we always prioritize 4 th grade teams to allow them to play at earlier times. Saturday games start at 9:00 a.m. and could be scheduled up to 8:00 p.m. Away games are played as close as Ludwig School and as far away as Elwood and Morris. Again, your child’s coach will provide you with a game and practice schedule. All coaches will be equipped with maps and are responsible to educate all parents and players as to where and how to get to the place of the scheduled game.
Grievances Resolution Policy All association participants, in the following manner, shall address the Taft Athletic Association with grievances as follows: 1. All participants wishing to express a grievance or complaint will observe a 24 hour “cooling off period” prior to approaching the player representative or president with a complaint. 2. Parents who have a grievance with a coach should make every effort to resolve the issue directly with the coach, without involving the athlete. 3. If direct resolution with the coach is not possible, the parent may file a written grievance with the Athletic Association. Any resolution agreed to via mediation has the support of the Board and is final. 4. Any coach, volunteer, or Board Member can be removed from service for any misconduct found detrimental to the association.
Rules and Regulations Policy IHSA rules will be used by the Taft Athletic Association, except for the following variations: Home Team Rules 1. Home game times: 4th and 5th grade teams will play four (4) quarters. Each quarter will last five (5) minutes. 6th grade teams will play four (4) quarters. Each quarter will last six (6) minutes. 2. Each player must play a minimum of three (3) minutes per game during regular season games. Individual playing time during tournament games is at the coaches’ discretion. Defensive Rules 1. Full court press is allowed for 6th grade teams only. If a ten (10) point lead exists, the full court press is terminated. 5th grade teams are allowed to press the last two (2) minutes of each half. The ten (10) point lead rule applies. No pressing is allowed at the 4th grade level. 3
Conduct 1. Coaches and parents will refrain from negative yelling, accusations, and arguing. 2. Players, coaches, parents, and all participants will show good sportsmanship at all times. 3. Grievances may be directed to the player representative for mediation in accordance to our association grievance policy. 4. All participants wishing to express a grievance or complaint will observe a 24 hour “cooling off period” prior to approaching the paler representative or other participant with a complaint. All grievances and complaints should be addressed as indicated in the grievance policy. 5. The coach has the option to sit a player out for disciplinary reasons after contacting the player’s parent (e.g., a player missing practices).
Hardship Policy Families of the Taft School Athletic Association may apply for hardship status which will exempt them from paying registration and family participation fees for participating players in their household. Hardship status does not exempt players from participating in fundraising programs designated by the association. Hardship status does not exempt parents from working four (4) volunteer service hours during the season. Hardship status may be approved using the following guidelines: 1. Student must be a resident of Taft School District 90 and eligible for participation in Athletic Association activities. 2. Parents must submit a letter requesting hardship status to the association board along with any other indicated documentation at the time of registration. 3. Parents must submit a copy of the application form used to approve the free/reduced lunch program. 4. If the household meets the eligibility requirements for the free/reduced lunch program, then association participants residing with the household are eligible for the waiver of association registration and maintenance fees. 5. All approved hardship status households will be notified by the association board secretary. All submitted hardship documentation and information contained with submitted hardship documentation will be kept on file with the association board secretary. Privacy will be maintained under applicable statutory and association guidelines.
Eligibility All athletes will follow the eligibility policy which is described in the Taft School Parent-Student Handbook which can be found in the front of the student planner. It is also posted on the Taft School District 90 website.
Basketball Skills The following skills are fundamentals that need to be taught at each grade level. These are not meant to say that all will achieve these goals, but we would like to see the majority of our athletes accomplish as many as possible. You will also have players that will need to be challenged with more advanced skills. The following will help meet the needs of these individual athletes and their different skill levels. 4th Grade (players should have a good working ability in these areas) Dribbling – (good) with one strong hand and looking ahead Lay-ups – (good) mechanics with strong hand Passing – (good) passing skills, bounce pass, chest pass, hook pass, and baseball pass Basic skills – jump shots, box out, defensive stance, shuffle, etc. Ball handling – around body, between legs, etc. 4
Shooting – outside shots (around 15’) and free throws, (good form) they can go over the free throw line on shot Team play – playing as a team Press – begin teaching ½ court press concept ½ court pressing is all they will face at this grade Use of pivot foot Rebounding – both offensively and on defense Understanding of pick and roll Understanding of positions on the floor players should have a good working ability in these areas a. Top of key 3 second zone b. High post ½ court line c. Low post out of bounds lines
5th Grade (these skills will be taught at this grade level) Dribbling – (very good) using both hands well with eyes up, behind the back and between the legs at a very slow pace Lay-Ups – (very good) mechanics with both hands, begin cross over with strong hand Passing – (strong) continue working on jump shots, box out, defensive stance, shuffle, etc. Ball handling – (very good) accelerate skills around body, between legs, etc. Shooting – (better) free throws from behind free throw line, jump shot, and 3-point shot (good form) Team play – (very good) will face full and ½ court press 6th Grade (these skills will be taught at this grade level) Dribbling – (strong) both hands with eyes up, behind the back and between the legs at full speed Lay-ups – (strong) mechanics and cross over with both hands Passing – (very strong) bounce, chest, hook, and baseball Basic skills – (very strong) jump shot, box out, defensive stance, shuffle, etc. Ball handling – (strong) around the body and between the legs, etc. Shooting – (very strong) free throws, 3-pointers, and jumpers Team Play – (strong) play in team concept Press – (strong to very strong) Press break – (strong to very strong)
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Taft Athletic Association is an independently organized and operated program whose activities are for the benefit of the students, staff and/or parents of the Taft School District. While school affiliated, the program is not sponsored or managed by the District.
Parent Pledge I will “honor the game”. I understand the importance of setting a good example of sportsmanship to my child. No matter what others may do, I will show respect for all involved in the game including coaches, players, opponents, opposing fans and referees. I understand that officials, coaches and players make mistakes. If the referee makes a questionable call, I will continue to respect the individual and be silent. I understand that games can be exciting times for my child who is trying to deal with the fast-paced action of the game, respond to the opponents, referees, teammates, and listen to the coaches. I will not add confusion by yelling out instructions. During the game I will limit my comments to encourage my child and other players for both teams. I will not make negative comments about the game, coaches, referees or teammates in my child’s presence. I understand that this plants a seed, which can negatively influence my child’s motivation and overall experience. This is a zero tolerance policy. I will redefine what it means to be a winner in my conversations with my child. A winner is someone who makes maximum effort, continues to learn and improve, and does not let mistakes stop them. I understand that mistakes are an inevitable part of any game and that the true measure is not how my child compares to others but how he/she is doing in comparison to his/her best self. I understand that the top three reasons kids play sports are to have fun, make new friends, and learn new skills. I understand that the game is for kids and that I will encourage my child to have fun and help keep their sport in its proper perspective. I understand that the athletes do their best when they are emotionally healthy, so I will be positive and supportive. I will be on time or early when dropping off my child for practice or for a game. I understand that it is embarrassing for my child to be late to a game or practice and that I am putting him/her at physical risk by not providing adequate time for warm-up. I understand the importance of picking up my child on time for all games and practices. This shows respect for the coach who has other time commitments. It also tells my child that he/she is my top priority.
DISCLAIMER Taft Athletic Association is an independently organized and operated program whose activities are for the benefit of the students, staff and/or parents of the Taft School District. While school affiliated, the program is not sponsored or managed by the District.
General Meetings Meetings are held each month at Taft School District 90. All meetings will be posted on the main entrance doors of Taft School at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. All parents are welcome to attend the meetings and be part of the decisions that affect the whole organization. This is a community organization and we are always receptive to new ideas, opinions, and suggestions that will improve the program we provide for the children.
Volunteers The Taft Athletic Association is a self-run organization through the revenues of registration and fundraising. Like all private organizations, we are dependent on volunteers who will donate their time. Concession sales make up most of the year’s revenues. Our fundraising and tournament coordinators work hard at other ways to raise money throughout the year and during tournament times. 2
Family Participation and Uniform Fee Reimbursement To have your annual Family Participation Fee refunded, you must work the tournament. When your hours are worked, be sure to sign in. If you do not sign in, you jeopardize losing the time you have put in. Once you have completed your volunteer hours, your check will be returned at the end of the season. Athletes will be responsible for the purchase of a team jersey in addition to the sports fee. All school fees and sports fees must be paid prior to the first game. If a uniform was ordered, the family is responsible for payment even if the child quits.
Game Days Games and practices are usually held on Monday through Saturday. Practices are usually held in the Taft School gym. Away game transportation is your responsibility. Most teams try to practice two or three times per week until the games start. Your coach will supply all needed information about game and practice times. Game times vary between 4:40 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays. During the week we always prioritize 4 th grade teams to allow them to play at earlier times. Saturday games start at 9:00 a.m. and could be scheduled up to 8:00 p.m. Away games are played as close as Ludwig School and as far away as Elwood and Morris. Again, your child’s coach will provide you with a game and practice schedule. All coaches will be equipped with maps and are responsible to educate all parents and players as to where and how to get to the place of the scheduled game.
Grievances Resolution Policy All association participants, in the following manner, shall address the Taft Athletic Association with grievances as follows: 1. All participants wishing to express a grievance or complaint will observe a 24 hour “cooling off period” prior to approaching the player representative or president with a complaint. 2. Parents who have a grievance with a coach should make every effort to resolve the issue directly with the coach, without involving the athlete. 3. If direct resolution with the coach is not possible, the parent may file a written grievance with the Athletic Association. Any resolution agreed to via mediation has the support of the Board and is final. 4. Any coach, volunteer, or Board Member can be removed from service for any misconduct found detrimental to the association.
Rules and Regulations Policy IHSA rules will be used by the Taft Athletic Association, except for the following variations: Home Team Rules 1. Home game times: 4th and 5th grade teams will play four (4) quarters. Each quarter will last five (5) minutes. 6th grade teams will play four (4) quarters. Each quarter will last six (6) minutes. 2. Each player must play a minimum of three (3) minutes per game during regular season games. Individual playing time during tournament games is at the coaches’ discretion. Defensive Rules 1. Full court press is allowed for 6th grade teams only. If a ten (10) point lead exists, the full court press is terminated. 5th grade teams are allowed to press the last two (2) minutes of each half. The ten (10) point lead rule applies. No pressing is allowed at the 4th grade level. 3
Conduct 1. Coaches and parents will refrain from negative yelling, accusations, and arguing. 2. Players, coaches, parents, and all participants will show good sportsmanship at all times. 3. Grievances may be directed to the player representative for mediation in accordance to our association grievance policy. 4. All participants wishing to express a grievance or complaint will observe a 24 hour “cooling off period” prior to approaching the paler representative or other participant with a complaint. All grievances and complaints should be addressed as indicated in the grievance policy. 5. The coach has the option to sit a player out for disciplinary reasons after contacting the player’s parent (e.g., a player missing practices).
Hardship Policy Families of the Taft School Athletic Association may apply for hardship status which will exempt them from paying registration and family participation fees for participating players in their household. Hardship status does not exempt players from participating in fundraising programs designated by the association. Hardship status does not exempt parents from working four (4) volunteer service hours during the season. Hardship status may be approved using the following guidelines: 1. Student must be a resident of Taft School District 90 and eligible for participation in Athletic Association activities. 2. Parents must submit a letter requesting hardship status to the association board along with any other indicated documentation at the time of registration. 3. Parents must submit a copy of the application form used to approve the free/reduced lunch program. 4. If the household meets the eligibility requirements for the free/reduced lunch program, then association participants residing with the household are eligible for the waiver of association registration and maintenance fees. 5. All approved hardship status households will be notified by the association board secretary. All submitted hardship documentation and information contained with submitted hardship documentation will be kept on file with the association board secretary. Privacy will be maintained under applicable statutory and association guidelines.
Eligibility All athletes will follow the eligibility policy which is described in the Taft School Parent-Student Handbook which can be found in the front of the student planner. It is also posted on the Taft School District 90 website.
Basketball Skills The following skills are fundamentals that need to be taught at each grade level. These are not meant to say that all will achieve these goals, but we would like to see the majority of our athletes accomplish as many as possible. You will also have players that will need to be challenged with more advanced skills. The following will help meet the needs of these individual athletes and their different skill levels. 4th Grade (players should have a good working ability in these areas) Dribbling – (good) with one strong hand and looking ahead Lay-ups – (good) mechanics with strong hand Passing – (good) passing skills, bounce pass, chest pass, hook pass, and baseball pass Basic skills – jump shots, box out, defensive stance, shuffle, etc. Ball handling – around body, between legs, etc. 4
Shooting – outside shots (around 15’) and free throws, (good form) they can go over the free throw line on shot Team play – playing as a team Press – begin teaching ½ court press concept ½ court pressing is all they will face at this grade Use of pivot foot Rebounding – both offensively and on defense Understanding of pick and roll Understanding of positions on the floor players should have a good working ability in these areas a. Top of key 3 second zone b. High post ½ court line c. Low post out of bounds lines
5th Grade (these skills will be taught at this grade level) Dribbling – (very good) using both hands well with eyes up, behind the back and between the legs at a very slow pace Lay-Ups – (very good) mechanics with both hands, begin cross over with strong hand Passing – (strong) continue working on jump shots, box out, defensive stance, shuffle, etc. Ball handling – (very good) accelerate skills around body, between legs, etc. Shooting – (better) free throws from behind free throw line, jump shot, and 3-point shot (good form) Team play – (very good) will face full and ½ court press 6th Grade (these skills will be taught at this grade level) Dribbling – (strong) both hands with eyes up, behind the back and between the legs at full speed Lay-ups – (strong) mechanics and cross over with both hands Passing – (very strong) bounce, chest, hook, and baseball Basic skills – (very strong) jump shot, box out, defensive stance, shuffle, etc. Ball handling – (strong) around the body and between the legs, etc. Shooting – (very strong) free throws, 3-pointers, and jumpers Team Play – (strong) play in team concept Press – (strong to very strong) Press break – (strong to very strong)
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