Riverdale Ridge High School Basketball Mission Statement

To provide a commitment to develop excellence in athletic achievements, as an extension of the schools’ commitment to excelling in academic’s achievements. Enhance the physical and emotional development of all members of the program through education, respect, practice, competition, sportsmanship and recognition.

Program Philosophy

Coaches:

• Do what it takes to be successful as a coach
• Maintain a well-rounded form of sportsmanship
  •  We are the primary example of this concept!
• Understand that coaching is a privilege and we need to be involved in the school and community
• Understand it’s our responsibility to develop players and prepare them for the future on/off the court
• Understand we are not any more important than any other staff member and we should not be treated differently
  • We must maintain a good relationship with school and district staff
• Be prepared for practices and games, equally and timely.
• Understand coaching basketball is teaching basketball
  • We must use any and all resources needed to be successful.
• Understand we are not successful alone, and success is a direct reflection of player development, not wins or loses alone
  

Players:

• A student athlete is just that, STUDENT before ATHLETE – Academic success is a key part of the program
• Players must maintain grades
• Players must attend classes and be on time
• Players must represent themselves by exhibiting behavior which is consistent with Riverdale Ridge High School policies and  SD27J District expectations both on & off the court
• Personal accountability is expected
  • Players will not make excuses or blame others.
• Players will remain positive and respectful toward teammates and coaches
• Players should assist in developing lower level team members and attend every level game, when possible, creating a team environment
• Players should play for the love of the game
  • Not at anyone else’s urging -such as a parent, friend, or school administration
• Players should take direction only from their coaches during practices and games
• Players are expected to prioritize their school program over other outside or competitive programs during the school season
• Players will make healthy choices and abstain from drugs, alcohol and tobacco products

Parents:

• Parents should stress importance of academic success first.
• Parents should provide an example of positive sportsmanship, recognizing their action have an impact on their player’s performance
• Please respect the 24-hour discussion rule (24 hours after a game)
• Players should address concerns directly with their coach prior to parents involvement as they are the ones directly impacted 
  •  If unable to resolve, parents are invited to meet with their player and coach.
  • Player should always be present.
• Parents should not contact or ask to discuss any player but their own
• Parents are expected be active in the program, including fundraisers & concessions, parent nights, team dinners, parent ambassadors, etc.

Team:

• A team is just that - everyone is a part
• Players must support each other in a positive manner
• Players must understand that the team encompasses all levels, from Varsity to Freshman
• Teams need to be a team on and off the court
  • Players should use teammates to be successful in school and the community.
• Players on the team must understand that what they do impacts the entire team
• A successful team needs to play team basketball
  • All players play offense and defense.
  • All players must use each other on the court
  • All players must communicate on the court
• Players must hustle, whether in the game or practice, this leads to successful team
• Believe what gets measured gets done - keeping statistics is a key
• There is no “I” in team
• Believe “TEAM” stands for: Teach/Educate/Adjust/Measure

Program Policies

Grades:

• Players are expected to maintain academic success.

School Classroom Attendance:

• Players are expected to attend all classes, arrive on time, stay until the end, and be actively involved.

Substance Abuse:

• Players are expected to refrain from use of any drugs or alcohol.  Players also will not use tobacco products.

Team Attendance:

• Players are expected to attend all practices, arrive on time, stay until the end, be in proper practice attire, and be actively involved.