LARAMIE SHOCK COMPETITIVE LEAGUE

HANDBOOK

2011/2012

A MANUAL FOR PLAYERS, COACHES, AND PARENTS

October 1, 2011 – September 30, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword

Introduction………………………………………………………………….…………..1.0

Mission Statement………………………………………………………………….. …...2.0

Status of Shock………………………………………………………….........................3.0

Governance of Shock……………………………………………….…...........................4.0

Teams: Composition, Team Roster, Player Eligibility………………………………….5.0

Team Composition………………………………………………………….…...5.1

Player Eligibility………………………………………………………………...5.2

Player Selection…………………………………………………………………5.3

Player Transfer…………………………………………………………………..5.4

Player Selection: Procedures and Criteria……………………………………………….6.0

Tryouts and Skill Sessions………………………………………………………6.1

Player Selection…………………………………………………………………6.2

Player Notification………………………………………………………………6.3

Exceptions……………………………………………………………………….6.4

Team Structure, Management, and Operation…………………………………………..7.0 Team Personnel: Head Coach…………………………………………………...7.1

Assistant Coach……………………………………………………………….…7.2

Role and Duties of Coaches……………………………………………………..7.3

Coach Disclosure Statements……………………………………………………7.4

Team Parent……………………………………………………………………..7.5

Team Representative……………………………………………………………7.6

Team Account…………………………………………………………………..7.7

Standards of Conduct for Players, Coaches, and Spectators……………………………8.0

Participant Registration…………………………………………………………………9.0

Indemnity Waiver……………………………………………………………….9.1

Player and Coach Registration…………………………………………………..9.2

Team Roster Changes…………………………………………………………...9.3

Player Fees………………………………………………………………………9.4

Fee Assistance…………………………………………………………………..9.5

Player Classification…………………………………………………………….9.6

League Play…………………………………………………………………………….10.0

Game Commitment…………………………………………………………….10.1

Game Protocol and League Structure………………………………………….10.2

Game Postponements…………………………………………………………..10.3

Game Participation……………………………………………………………..10.4

Travel to Away Games………………………………………………………...10.5

Uniforms and Equipment………………………………………………………………11.0

Jerseys………………………………………………………………………….11.1

Shorts…………………………………………………………………………..11.2

Dress Code…...................11.3

Travel Bags………………………………………………………………….....11.4

Warm Up Pants and Jackets…………………………………………………....11.5

Basketballs and Other Equipment………………………………………..…….11.6

Tournament Play……………………………………………………………………….12.0

Other Tournaments…………………………………………………………….12.1

‘Friendly’ Games………………………………………………………………12.2

Committees…………………………………………………………………………….13.0

Coaching Committee…………………………………………………………..13.1

Ad Hoc Committees……………………………………………………………13.2

Supplemental Club and Team Funding………………………………………………...14.0

Team Fundraising………………………………………………………….…..14.1

Donations and Sponsors………………………………………………………..14.2

Appendix A: Standards of Conduct for Players

Appendix B: Standards of Conduct for Coaches

Appendix C: Standards of Conduct for Spectators

Published by Laramie Shock Competitive League 804 Mitchell Street, Laramie, WY 82072

ForewordThe purpose of this Handbook is to outline the policies and procedures concerning all

aspects of the activities of Laramie Shock Competitive League (LSCL) as a reference manual and guide that can be consulted by players and their parents, team coaches and team parents, and administrators alike, all of whom should familiarize them with its content. As policies and circumstances change in the future, it will be necessary to revise this Handbook accordingly. Much of what is included herein comprise the Rules of LSCL, as developed through actions of the Board. Other sections may be solely of an advisory or informational nature. It should be obvious from the context and language which of these two categories are applicable to particular statements. The LSCL Board is the ultimate arbiter of the intent and meaning of statements contained in this document.

1.0 IntroductionLaramie Shock Competitive Girls Basketball League, hereinafter referred to as “LSCL”,

has been formed primarily to promote and organize competitive youth basketball in Laramie, so that individual players have the opportunity to maximize their potential by developing both an appreciation of the game and their own individual basketball skills to the best of their ability. LSCL therefore forms youth girl’s basketball teams that compete in tournaments and competitive leagues, notably those organized by the Power to Play Sports Organization in Colorado. To further the development of a competitive basketball program, the written set of Rules and Procedures contained in this Handbook has been developed.

2.0 Mission Statement The Laramie Shock Competitive League is dedicated to providing girls in grades four to nine the opportunity to learn basketball and teamwork skills which enhance self esteem and lifelong wellness skills. The League will develop skills by providing the expertise to teach the fundamentals of basketball, promote and support girls’ competitive basketball teams, enhance and improve players’ skills, and provide a positive environment of sportsmanship and teamwork.

To insure our success we further commit to:1. Providing a safe, healthy environment for all participants.2. Developing player talent, character, dedication, and discipline on and off the court.3. Teaching all participants to respect fellow players and coaches.

3.0 Status of Laramie Shock Competitive LeagueLSCL enjoys 501(c) 3 tax status with the Internal Revenue Service. Donations to LSCL

are therefore tax deductible.

4.0 Governance of Laramie Shock Competitive League LSCL is governed by the LSCL Board. The LSCL By-Laws specify the

composition of the Board, electoral procedures, and duties of both the Executive Board Members and Ordinary Board Members. The By-Laws also specify electoral and impeachment procedures for Board Members, as well as defining the General Membership of LSCL and the rights of General Members. In addition, among other provisions, the By-Laws provide for regular and irregular meetings of the LSCL Board, and state that LSCL will operate in a non-discriminatory manner.

5.0 Teams: Composition, Team Roster, Player Eligibility, and Transfers

5.1 Team CompositionAll teams are comprised of a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 14 eligible players. The

number of players included on the team roster (up to the maximum permitted number) shall be at the discretion of the Head Coach of the team and Director of Operations. Teams formed to play in a competitive league are generally established before the start of the winter Colorado League season, and remain affiliated for the full year (October 1st – September 30th), provided that all necessary registration steps have been completed successfully. Players may be added to the team roster throughout the basketball year, at the discretion of the team’s Head Coach and Director of Operations, if there are vacancies. Note that during the basketball year; a player may not be removed from a team roster except if violation of team rules permits. Examples of just cause for removing a player from the roster include (i) the player moving away from Laramie to live permanently at another location, (ii) serious injury that precludes the player from participating again in that basketball year. (iii) team rules were not followed.

5.2 Player EligibilityPlayers will play on the youngest age group team for which they are eligible, unless

receiving authorization from the Board to play on an older age group team, as detailed below. No player may “play down” on a younger age group team. In general, players are discouraged from playing on older team, but if such a request is received, it will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee comprised of the President of Shock, or his/her appointed representative, Director of Operations, together with a parent/guardian of the player, and the head coaches of the relevant teams for which the player both is eligible and desires to be eligible. Requests to permit the player to ‘play up’ will only be recommended for Board approval if they are supported by at least three of the committee members, including the President (or his/her

appointee). Approvals for playing up will expire at the end of the basketball year. Renewal of permission to play up during any subsequent basketball year will again require a review of the case, following the established procedure, at the beginning of the new basketball year. Approvals for playing up will usually be limited to cases of players who exhibit exceptionally advanced overall development or in cases where a team needs additional players to complete a roster. In every case of “playing up”, there must be special care taken that the immediate and longer-term development of the player concerned is protected. Although there may be cases where “playing up” is approved, this should not detract from Shock’s strong commitment to have players play on teams in their own age group. A player may play up for a weekend tournament or team camp if there are no other girls in that age group available to play for that particular weekend, which must be approved by the LSCL Board. There may also be times when a ‘LSCL All Star’ team may be formed with girls of different ages to play in select tournaments, the team will be selected by the Director of Operations, the head coach of the team and have approval by the LSCL Board.

5.3 Player SelectionResponsibility for the selection of players for an existing team lies entirely with the

head coach of the team working with the Director of Operations. When a new team is formed, the head coach of the team, if she/he has already been selected and approved, shall work together with the Director of Operations, other coaches, and officers of the LSCL to select the team members. If the team is formed prior to the selection of a head coach, the Director of Operations, the President, and the President’s designees, if any, shall determine team membership. When two or more teams are formed simultaneously in an age group for which no team already exists, the players shall be assigned randomly to the teams. At the end of each basketball year, the head coaches of pre-existing teams in the same age group of girls alike shall review the playing rosters of each team. In keeping with the LSCL goal of promoting competitive basketball, they will then select the players that have shown above average promise and potential, for a ‘LSCL Maroon’ team for the upcoming fall season. The remaining players will form a ‘LSCL Gold’ team. Similarly, if a new team is formed in an age group for which there is an existing team, the latter shall be designated the ‘Maroon’ team and the new team the ‘Gold’ team. After the winter Colorado season, players may be transferred between existing teams with the agreement of the coaches and the LSCL Board.

5.4 Travel Players and Practice Players Travel players are defined as players chosen by the head coach of that team to travel and participate in the games on Sundays in the Colorado League or in a weekend tournament. The head coach will travel with 9 players unless a team is made up of fewer players then all players will travel. The remaining 5 players will be practice players which are defined as players wanting to improve their skills in order to be chosen to travel. They will attend all

practices and will pay the same registration fee as travel players. Each week when the head coach chooses his players, he can make an adjustment that may allow for a practice player to travel while still maintaining a roster of 9 girls. If a practice player and her family would like to attend the game or the tournament to cheer on her teammates that is acceptable and encouraged. It is up to the coach’s discretion on how much playing time each player gets.

6.0 Player Selection: Procedures and Criteria

6.1 Tryouts and Skill Sessions When tryouts are used, they shall be adequately publicized in advance, with prior

Board approval. Generally, tryouts are held once a year prior to the start of the Winter Colorado league and team registration. The purpose of a tryout is to either fill vacancies on existing teams or to find players to form new teams. As an alternative to tryouts, players may be invited to demonstrate their skills at a ‘skills session’ or during regular team practices, so that the LSCL coaching staff can become acquainted with the talent pool in each age group. All potential players must have one of their parents or legal guardians complete a registration waiver prior to participating in the tryout/skills session. For player vacancies that arise at other times, coaches may (1) recruit players from a waiting list of those who previously tried out or demonstrated their skills, but were either not selected or were unable to join the team, (2) with Board approval hold a special tryout or skills session, or (3) recruit an individual of his/her choice.

Tryouts and skills sessions shall be conducted in a manner that is fair to all players. Tryouts and skill sessions shall be designed to evaluate the characteristics desirable in a good, competitive player. These include, but are not limited to athletic ability such as speed, coordination, and endurance, specific basketball skills such as ball handling, lay-ups, passing and shooting, etc., an appreciation of tactics, being coachable and a positive attitude and work ethic towards skills enhancement, and parental support.

The specific format of tryouts and skills sessions shall be left to the discretion of the coaches and Director of Operations. However, each player must be evaluated using the same comparable criteria. Coaches shall make a good faith effort to show no favoritism or partiality to any individual.

6.2 Player SelectionPlayers shall be selected for teams by the relevant coach (or coaches) in the fairest

possible manner, without bias or discrimination of any kind. The Head Coach of each team may solicit the opinions of other coaches who may have assisted at the tryouts or skills sessions, but the final decisions shall rest with that Head Coach and Director of Operations. Thus the Head Coach of each team is solely responsible for determining not only the number of players on his/her team, between the minimum and maximum numbers permitted, but also

their identity.

6.3 Player NotificationFollowing tryouts and skill sessions, each Head Coach must notify all players interested

in joining the team for which he/she is responsible, of their status, in a timely manner. Those players invited to join the team will be notified first and their acceptance confirmed prior to contacting players who were not selected. Each team’s Head Coach must notify players not selected. It is recommended that the coach first speak with the player’s parent/guardian. It is often helpful to suggest how the player might improve so as to be more likely to be chosen when players are next selected.

6.4 ExceptionsExceptions to these selection policies and tryout/skills sessions procedures may be

allowed with prior approval of the Board.

7.0 Team Structure, Management, and Operation

7.1 Team Personnel: Head CoachIn addition to the players, each team must have at least one documented Head Coach.

It is the Head Coach who has ultimate responsibility for all aspects of the conduct of team activities. Prior to becoming a team’s Head Coach, the qualifications and suitability of a candidate will be reviewed by the LSCL Coach Selection Sub-Committee, who will make their recommendations to the Board. All coaches will be subject to a background check. The Board may then either accept or reject those recommendations. LSCL anticipates that coaches will continually strive to elevate their coaching expertise. It is imperative that Head Coaches have the support, confidence, and respect of the players on their team, the parents/guardians of the players, and the LSCL Board. While the Board will in general be unwilling to instigate removal proceedings against a coach, it will investigate and take appropriate subsequent action if a large majority of the players and their parents indicate to the Board that the coach no longer has their consent and support to act as coach of the team. The Board can, however, summarily dismiss a coach if there is sufficient evidence to indicate that the policies and practices implemented by the coach are detrimental to the development of the players and/or the team, or are in conflict with the aims, policies, and/or philosophy of LSCL.

7.2 Team Personnel: Assistant CoachAs league (and most tournament) rules require a documented team coach to be present

during games, each team is recommended to have at least one Assistant Coach. LSCL policy towards assistant coaches mirrors that towards Head Coaches, in that assistant coaches must be acceptable not only to the Head Coach, the players, the players’ parents, and the Board, but they must also abide by all LSCL rules and policies. They are subject to the same dismissal

procedures as Head Coaches. Generally, they will be appointed by the Board following the recommendations of both the team’s Head Coach and the Coach Selection Sub-Committee.

7.3 Role and Duties of CoachesThe principle role of a coach is to prepare the team and its players to compete in league

games and tournaments. In preparing players for play, the coach should take into account the level of development of each individual player and the integration of that player’s various talents for the good of the team. In this context, winning is an affirmation of having successfully mastered the fundamentals; losing is not necessarily evidence of failure or the absence of growth. In particular, the coach should strive to

• Establish and conduct productive practices;• Educate the players in the rules of the game;• Exhibit good sportsmanship and support the same in all persons associated with the

team;• Seek out current methods of skill development, game strategies and coaching

methods;• Attend coach development and coach licensing clinics;• Develop good relationships with the players and good communication with parents

and the LSCL Board;• Comply with the policies and procedures of LSCL and Power to Play Sports

Organization

A primary objective for each coach and team is to foster the development of each player to the highest possible competitive level. This can be achieved by developing each player’s physical, mental, and social skills. Physical skills include improving physical conditioning, learning specific sports skills, developing good health habits, and avoiding injuries. Mental skills encompass the ability to learn new strategies, and how to express emotions appropriately, to acquire mental toughness and resilience in challenging circumstances, and to develop feelings of self-worth. Social skills involve learning how to cooperate as the member of a team in a competitive context, and learning appropriate standards of conduct, with an emphasis on sportsmanship. LSCL will host a coaching clinic prior to each season to review the coaching duties and roles as well as to provide examples of basketball techniques, fundamentals and strategies of coaching the LSCL teams.

7.4 Coach Disclosure StatementsBoth Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches must initially complete Laramie Shock

Coaches Principles of Conduct for Coaches form (appendix B) before their documentation can be processed. The Board reserves the right to reject any application for a volunteer coaching position without explanation if it feels that appointment of the individual concerned would either compromise risk management goals or would not be in the best interests of the club.

7.5 Team ParentEach team shall have a Team Parent to carry out responsibilities relating to the off court

management of the team. These include such matters as, information dissemination, travel arrangements, fundraising, etc. All Team Parent activities should be coordinated with the team’s Head Coach. It is recommended that some responsibilities be shared or delegated to other parents as deemed appropriate.

7.6 Team RepresentativeThe LSCL By-Laws specify that each team shall provide two representatives as LSCL

Board members. While one of these is a coach (usually the Head Coach) the other is the Team Representative, chosen by the parents/guardians of the players from among their number. For some teams it is convenient if the Team Parent also fulfills the duties of the Team Representative. The Team Representative should attend all monthly ordinary meetings of the Board, to facilitate the exchange of information between the team and the Board.

7.7 Team AccountA team financial account shall be provided for every team. The LSCL Treasurer shall

be responsible for all transactions associated with the account, including deposits, transfers, and withdrawals. A detailed copy of transactions for the account shall be available on demand from the LSCL Treasurer, in addition to the monthly account balance presented by the Treasurer at Board meetings. Team parents are also advised to maintain a record of account transactions. Funds for deposit to the team account may be acquired by any appropriate means, including fund-raising activities (see section 15.0 below), donations, or from excess funds resulting from the overpayment of tournament entry fees by players on the team. Funds in the account may be used for any appropriate team activity, including, but not necessarily limited to, subsidizing tournament fees and basketball camp fees, equipment purchase additional to that supplied by LSCL, and hotel subsidies when attending a tournament. In general, a team may spend its money as it sees fit, without authorization from the Board. Should an account become overdrawn, then the team in question must take immediate steps to erase the negative balance. If a team disbands, leaving finite cash balance in its team account, the Board shall reallocate the funds either to other team accounts or for other purposes as it sees fit.

8.0 Standards of Conduct for Players, Coaches, and SpectatorsStandards of Conduct for Players, Coaches, and Spectators is expected that everyone

associated with LSCL will conduct themselves in a manner that promotes the highest regard for the good of the game and for LSCL.

9.0 Participant Registration

9.1 Indemnity WaiverBy registering, both players and coaches agree that they will abide by the rules,

policies, and regulations of LSCL. Furthermore, players and their parents/guardians, and coaches agree to release, discharge and/or otherwise indemnify LSCL, LSCL executive officers, board members, coaches, and associated personnel against any and all claims and/or demands that may arise from their participation in LSCL activities.

9.2 Player and Coach RegistrationThe LSCL Secretary conducts league registration of both individuals and teams. The

LSCL Secretary will notify each Team Parent or Team Representative and Head Coach in advance of registration deadlines and specific registration needs and materials. Any team that fails to turn in its registration materials on time to the LSCL Secretary such that they cannot be submitted to Power to Play Sports Organization by the required deadlines, will be subject to exclusion from activities and competitions organized/sponsored by those organizations.

9.3 Team Roster ChangesA player may be added to a team roster throughout the basketball year, which runs from

October 1st through the following September 30th, at the discretion of the team’s Head Coach and Director of Operations, as long as the applicable rules of LSCL are not compromised. Refer to section 5.1, Team Composition, above.

9.4 Player FeesPlayer fees, which may vary between age groups, shall be established by the LSCL

Board prior to the start of the basketball year. Seasonal player fees are due in full at the time of player registration and should be submitted together with the completed registration materials. Subsequent withdrawal of a player from LSCL prior to the start of the playing season shall not entitle the player and his/her parent/guardian to recover the entire registration fee, only seventy five dollars ($75.00) shall be reimbursed. No fee refunds shall be given after the first game of the applicable (e.g. winter/fall/spring/ summer) session as set by Power to Play Sports Organization in Colorado. These fees may be subsequently modified if a season is extended beyond league play to allow for additional practice and playing in tournaments. Additional tournaments may incur additional fees outside of the winter/fall/spring/summer session.

The normal expenses covered by the fees typically include a player registration fee, secondary medical insurance coverage, contributions to team registration fees, gym rental, and administrative support. Players and their families are responsible for any and all expenses associated with players participating in and traveling to and from games, both in Laramie and away from home.

9.5 Fee AssistanceSubject to the availability of funds, partial or full fee waivers will be available upon

application for participants subject to financial limitations. LSCL thereby seeks to allow players to participate who might otherwise be excluded for financial reasons. Such players and/or their parent(s) should submit scholarship application and a letter to the LSCL Secretary explaining their request for tuition support. The Secretary shall present all fee waiver requests to the Board. Parents should note that requesting a fee waiver does not mean that one will, or can, be granted. LSCL hopes that fee waiver requests will be confined to those individuals in a true position of need, and that as many families as possible requesting waivers can be accommodated fairly and equally.

9.6 Player ClassificationPlayers fall into one of three player classifications: (I) Returning player, (II) New

player, (III) Seasonal player (IV) Developmental player.

A returning player is one who was on the previous season’s roster and is still eligible for play on his/her LSCL team. He/she will automatically be placed on the appropriate team for an immediately upcoming season, but if the upcoming season is a winter season, then the teams Head Coach and Director of Operations must approve the player being included on the team roster.

A new player is one who has not previously played on a competitive LSCL team. Provided the Head Coach and Director of Operation’s permission has been obtained and there is a vacancy, a registered new player may be added to a roster at any time, except in situations where the applicable rules of Power to Play Sports prohibit such an addition to the roster. New players may be required to participate in a tryout or skills session prior to being selected. Participation in one or more tryouts or skills sessions, and/or registering as a player does not guarantee selection.

A seasonal player is one who voluntarily quits LSCL for one or more seasons and subsequently desires to rejoin a LSCL team. Such a player must compete on an equal basis with other potential players for selection to fill any vacancy. No vacancies may be ‘reserved’ or ‘guaranteed’ for returning seasonal players. If appropriate, the Head Coach and Director of Operations may request a tryout/skills session to assess the available player candidates, including seasonal players, who will then have an equal opportunity to be chosen to fill any vacancy that might exist.

A practice player is one that is allowed to practice with their age appropriate team. Certain circumstances might arise that would bring forth the need for a participant to be

considered a practice player. 1) The current roster may be at capacity. 2) The player may be at a skill level that would limit playing time in a competitive league, our policy is to develop every willing player, and this would allow them time to develop. Each practice player will pay the current fee which includes; gym rental, insurance and the required uniform.

10.0 League PlayPrior to player registration, players and their parents shall be informed that players must

participate in away games at locations outside Laramie, and that the cost and time involved is the responsibility of the player and his/her parent(s).

10.1 Game CommitmentTeams must compete in each game scheduled for that team. Any forfeiture, without

valid reason, is a basis for disciplinary action by the LSCL Board, and may be subject to sanctions and/or financial penalties imposed by Power to Play Sports or the LSCL Board. Any financial penalties or fees assessed to a LSCL team who forfeits a game as a result of not following the rules or appropriate procedures shall be the collective responsibility of the parents/guardians of the players on the team.

10.2 Game Protocol and League StructureTeams must be assembled in their uniforms and ready to play, at the court scheduled for

the game in good time to complete pre-game activities. These include player warm-up and team check-in. Coaches will specify their own requirements with regard to pre-game exercises and drills. Check-in also provides an opportunity for the Center Referee to address the players. The team, player, and coach documentation for team check-in is kept in the ‘Coach’s Book’, which must be brought by the team’s Head Coach to every game and practice. The ‘Coach’s Book’ for each team is available from the LSCL Secretary prior to the start of the season. The Head Coach must also bring a first aid kit to every game and practice.

Players, coaches, and spectators must respect the authority of the game referees and must comply with their requests, before, during, and after the game.

As a general guideline, and absent disciplinary or other valid reason, a coach should attempt to play each player during every game. The coach is not obliged to ensure that every player gets equal playing time however.

10.3 Game PostponementsCoaches are advised to discuss game postponement rules with the parents of their

players. They should stress that other than for weather related reasons, game postponements are to be strenuously avoided. While LSCL recognizes that at certain times the pressure on

players to be absent from a game is significant (e.g., at Spring Break, for family occasions, etc.) players and their parents must be made fully aware of the level of commitment that they have agreed to by enrolling their children in the program. Coaches should stress to their team members and parents that participation is expected at every scheduled game and that players who are absent are not only letting themselves, their fellow-players and their coaches down, but may be compromising the standing of the team in the league, and in severe cases, affecting the reputation of the club, an outcome that could ultimately result in LSCL losing its ‘good standing’ status with Power to Play Sports Organization or any other league LSCL may be involved with. (See also Game Forfeiture below).

10.4 Game ParticipationPlayers are expected to participate in all games, both home and away, and they should

therefore arrange their personal schedules accordingly. In the event that pressing external circumstances or religious beliefs cause a player to miss a game, the player must inform the team’s coach in advance and explain his/her anticipated absence. Players who are absent from games, or repeatedly absent from team practices, without valid reason may be subject to disciplinary action.

10.5 Travel to Away GamesPlayers and their families are responsible for making their own arrangements for travel

to away game venues, at their own expense. Car-pooling can often be used to alleviate the cost and reduce the expenditure of travel time for some players and their families. LSCL recommends that the Team Parent coordinate car-pooling efforts. Occasionally away games will coincide with poor weather that creates potentially hazardous driving conditions. When this occurs individuals must decide for themselves whether they are prepared to travel, and communicate their decision to the team’s Head Coach and Team Parent. No LSCL coach or official shall pressure any parent/guardian to drive against his/her will. The Head Coach must then decide whether the team will have enough players at the away venue to be able to play the game. If too few players are prepared to travel, then the Head Coach must immediately inform the opposing coach that weather related hazardous conditions prohibit the team from traveling and that a game postponement is requested. No other LSCL coach or official shall dictate to the coach whether the team shall travel to the game site. Persons who decline to travel in poor weather conditions shall suffer no recriminations of any kind, irrespective of whether they are of the minority opinion or not. The safety of players and their families is of paramount importance.

11.0 Uniforms and Equipment Each player is responsible to obtain their own uniform. These should be purchased to

last at least two years. At the beginning of each LSCL year players will have the opportunity to purchase uniforms, as well as additional items as a group. It is recommended that teams order as a team to insure quality control and continuity with in the club. As specified in the LSCL

Bylaws, the representative colors of LSCL shall be a combination of maroon, gold and white. The LSCL logo is printed on each jersey. Note that if players or teams wish to display the LSCL logo on other items, e.g., shorts or travel bags, authorization must be obtained from the LSCL Board. The standard uniform of LSCL shall be worn for any game that is officially sanctioned by LSCL. The LSCL uniform shall not be worn at games NOT sanctioned by the LSCL with out Board permission. All uniforms and equipment must be approved by the Board.

11.1 Jerseys Each player must wear a reversible jersey with a number and the LSCL logo.

11.2 ShortsThe standard LSCL uniform shall include shorts that are either predominantly maroon

or white. Teams must wear shorts that are of the same color and the same pattern and style.

11.3 Dress CodeDress Code typically follows the High School Association Rules. They should, for

example, be aware that during games, jerseys must be worn tucked inside the shorts waistband, that referees can request that player’s change any part of their uniform to the alternate color, that headwear may be worn with exceptions. Note that jewelry and other similar items may not be worn during games or practices, but that properly padded splints, casts, braces, etc. may be worn.

11.4 Travel BagsMaroon travel bags are an optional item for team members. They can be purchased on

a team by team basis. The style of the bags shall be left to the discretion of the club. Travel bags may display the LSCL logo and/or a sponsor’s name, but are not required to do so. Players are responsible for the purchase of their own bag. Travel bags are useful for carrying personal items such as spare/additional clothing, water bottle, athletic tape, Band-Aids, cold pack, and snacks to games.

11.5 Warm-Up Pants and Jackets Warm Up clothing is an optional item for team members. They can be purchased on a team by team basis. The style of the warm ups can be left to the discretion of the club. Warm Ups may display LSCL logo but are not required to do so. Players are responsible for the purchase of the warm-up pant and jacket.

11.6 Basketball Balls and Other Equipment

LSCL will provide coaches with enough basketball balls to conduct their practices.

12.0 Tournament PlayLSCL teams are encouraged to play in tournaments specifically organized for advanced

competitive teams, as long as such play does not compromise LSCL league play commitment.

12.1 Other TournamentsFor tournaments, teams shall be responsible for their own registration and entry fees.

Registration should be obtained directly from the Tournament Director or downloaded from the tournament web site, if available. The LSCL Secretary will provide assistance with registration, but it is the responsibility of the Head Coach and Team Parent of the team to complete and submit the tournament registration materials. All financial transactions shall be conducted through the LSCL Treasurer. Thus the LSCL Treasurer will not only issue the check for the tournament entry fee, but will also collect from the Team Parent the individual checks from the players that serve to reimburse LSCL for the entry fee. These checks must be made payable to Laramie Shock Competitive League (LSCL). LSCL teams must be coached by an adult when competing in other tournaments.

12.2 ‘Friendly’ Games A LSCL team may play ‘friendly’ games that are not part of any league or tournament, at their discretion, against other teams from other communities in the region, as long as the team’s other league and/or tournament commitments are not compromised. For a home game, it is the responsibility of the Head Coach of the team to ensure that all necessary arrangements for the game are made, including the allocation of a court and the assignment of referees. All participants on the LSCL team must be registered with LSCL. All expenses associated with the game, including but not necessarily limited to, court usage fee and referee fees shall be the responsibility of the team.

13.0 CommitteesFrom time-to-time the LSCL Board or LSCL President may appoint an ad hoc

committee, charged with specific duties. Such an ad hoc committee will exist for as long as is necessary for it to perform its duties. In addition, LSCL currently has one standing committee, namely the Coaching Committee.

13.1 Coaching CommitteeThe Coaching Committee exists to review candidates for LSCL coaching positions. It

is charged with determining the best candidate for each vacant coaching position, and recommending to the Board who should be appointed. The Committee shall be chaired by the

LSCL Director of Operations, and shall have a minimum of two other members. The LSCL Board shall appoint members to the Committee, who, with the exception of the Director of Operations, shall serve for a period of two years, before being reappointed or replaced. Appointments to the Committee shall be made at the September Board meeting. Replacement of Committee members who resign before their term of office expires may be made by the Board at any time. Committee members so appointed shall serve the remainder of the term of the resigning member.

13.2 Ad Hoc CommitteesSeveral ad hoc committees have been formed in the past, and/or may be re-constituted

in the future. These include (i) a Bylaws, Handbook and Newsletter committee to review the LSCL Bylaws, Handbook, and other publications, and to prepare the LSCL newsletter periodically; (ii) a Finance Committee to provide a budget for review and adoption by the Board, to recommend fees, and to identify short and long term financial goals; (iii) a fund raising committee to promote fundraising activities and to formulate guidelines for fundraising; (iv) a protests, appeals, and disciplinary committee; and (v) a ‘playing up’ request review committee (see section 5.2). Other committees may be formed as necessary.

14.0 Supplemental Club and Team FundingLSCL anticipates that all players and their parents/guardians will participate in

occasional fund-raising efforts. This is especially true for players receiving partial or full fee waivers, for whom participation is expected. The continued well-being of LSCL relies on supplemental fund-raising activities to part-subsidize club programs and expenses. Without these additional financial contributions player dues would be significantly higher. Funds raised by these activities help provide for fee waivers for financially disadvantaged players, the employment of consultant professional coaches, the more frequent replacement of jersey sets and other equipment, and for occasional one-time expenses such as the purchase of basketballs.

14.1 Team FundraisingSection 7.7 gives details of the management of team accounts, one of which is

maintained for every LSCL team. Teams may supplement their team account balance by conducting fund-raising activities. These events may be targeted for a specific purpose, or for general team funds enhancement. Before engaging in any fund-raising effort, teams must receive prior approval from the Board. In addition, all financial accounting must be conducted through the LSCL Treasurer. Fundraising must be done in an ethical manner, consistent with the highest standards of LSCL, and in accordance with the law. Each team shall be responsible for all aspects of its fundraiser, including, but not limited to, personal and property liability. Precautions should be taken to ensure that LSCL is not misrepresented in any way.

14.2 Donations and SponsorsTeams may solicit their own donations and sponsors for a specific purpose. Again,

prior approval of the Board is required and all financial transactions and accounting shall be conducted through the LSCL Treasurer. Receipts for tax-deductible contributions are available from the Treasurer. Sponsors names should not be put on Jersey uniforms.

DCM

First published: October 24, 2011Revised:

APPENDIX A

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS

Laramie Shock Competitive League (LSCL) Players will be held to the highest standard of conduct. LSCL represents not just our town but at times our great state of Wyoming and need to show respect to the officials, opposing coaches and teammates no matter the situation.

• Do not address remarks to opposing players, coaches, spectators, or referees (except when remarks convey genuine friendship and respect, or are in response to questions by the referee).

• Do not retaliate when fouled.

• Avoid comments or gestures, which express disagreement with referee calls.

• Displays of temper will not be tolerated on or off the court.

• Convey a consistently positive attitude toward your team-mates and coaches. Your true

strength of character will be displayed on the court when you are under pressure and your team is losing.

• Play against your opponents, not the referee. Worry over referee calls with which you disagree can distract you from playing your best. Fewer than one in one hundred referee calls have any influence on the outcome of a game.

• Players are expected to respect and keep clean all facilities.

Players who persist in violating these standards of conduct will jeopardize their standing as players within the LSCL Organization. Flagrant disregard for rules of play and standards of conduct will result in stringent disciplinary action, including possible loss of travel privileges, and/or complete removal from LSCL.

APPENDIX B

PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES

SAFETY

1. A coach’s first responsibility is the health and safety of all participants.

2. It is recommended that coaches become certified in basic First Aid and are aware of their club, league or state requirements in this area.

3. Be prepared to handle First Aid situations as well as medical emergencies at all practices and games, both home and away:

• Have and know how to use a properly supplied First Aid kit. • 911 Emergency procedures and telephone location. • Location of nearest emergency medical facilities. • Always carry emergency medical release forms as well as team safety and

information cards.

• Follow up all injuries with parents/guardians.

4. Know and understand Laws of the Game.

5. Inspect players’ equipment and court conditions for safety reasons.

6. Utilize proper teaching and instructing of players regarding safe techniques and methods of play.

7. Implement appropriate training program to assure players are fit for practice and competition.

8. Supervise and control your players so as to avoid injury situations.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

1. Develop the child’s appreciation of the game.

2. Keep winning and losing in proper perspective.

3. Be sensitive to each child’s developmental needs.

4. Educate the players to the technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the game for their level.

5. Implement rules and equipment modifications according to the players’ age group.

6. Allow players to experience all positions.

7. Players need to have fun and receive positive feedback

8. Practice should be conducted in the spirit of enjoyment and learning but also to teach players to compete against their teammates to make each other better.

9. Provide the appropriate number of training sessions and games according to the players’ stage of development.

10. Strive to help each player reach their full potential and be prepared to move to the next stage of development.

ETHICS

1. Strive to maintain integrity within our sport.

2. Know and follow all the rules and policies set forth by clubs, leagues, state and national associations.

3. Work in the spirit of cooperation with officials, administrators, coaches and spectators to provide the participants with the maximum opportunity to develop.

4. Be a positive role model.

5. Set the standard for sportsmanship with opponents, referees, administrators and spectators.

6. Keep sport in proper perspective with education.

7. Encourage moral and social responsibility.

8. Just say no to drugs.

9. Coaches should continue their own education in the sport.

10. Any equipment that is lost or damaged by the coaching staff will be replaced at their own expense.

11. Coaches will be responsible for the care and cleaning of all facilities.APPENDIX C

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR SPECTATORS

The following standards are set forth to govern spectator conduct, before, during and after basketball games:

• Take a position on the opposite side of the bleachers or court from the other team's supporters.

• Do not address remarks to referees, opposing players or opposing fans. This does not apply where remarks convey genuine friendship and encouragement.

• Never use foul language or obscene gestures.

• Avoid remarks toward your own team players that make mistakes. If you are aware of the error, you may rest assured that the player is even more aware.

• Applaud superior play by both teams.

• Give consistent support to coaches and managers whether winning or losing. Coaches are giving hundreds of hours to their players and are committed to their own continued improvement as a coach. In winning they deserve your congratulations, in losing your encouragement.

• Cooperate immediately with any referee request.

• Avoid comments and gestures, which express disagreement with referee calls. Prolonged remarks or abusive disagreement with referee’s calls may result in your coach or team with a technical foul.

Persons who cannot conduct themselves in the above manner are not welcome at LSCL basketball games. Individuals who persist in violating these standards may be asked to leave the playing area and play may be suspended until they do so.