MISSION

The mission of ABA is to offer boys in the Ashwaubenon School District, an opportunity to participate in a unified, consistent youth basketball program.

Our program will teach participants the value of a proper attitude, good sportsmanship, and respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials while improving both their individual and team basketball skills.

It is through skill development that each individual will develop their skill through individual and team concepts provided through camps and individual/tournament team practice. It is an expectation that each individual basketball player take ownership of his own skill development outside of ABA run events. Each player will be given opportunities to showcase, highlight, or display their acquired skills through tournament play.

The philosophy is quite simple: Teach the fundamentals of basketball, make it fun, and keep it fair.

PARTICIPATION PHILOSOPHY (10/15/2009)

3rd – 4th GRADE
The two major goals for these grades are skill development and understanding of the game so that athletes can enjoy the game and want to continue to play the following year. Skill development is attained by using an assortment of ball-handling, passing, shooting, and defensive drills with an emphasis on repetition. Understanding of the game can be attained by having a coaching staff that has an organized practice schedule, has a positive attitude, and tries to incorporate the love of the game into the necessary drills and fundamentals. Athletes will participate in a maximum of two ABA sponsored tournaments in a season. 3 on 3 tournaments are recommended for these grades, but need to be pursued by parents, with tournament recommendations given by the coach.

5th- 6th GRADE
At this level, skill development continues to be the primary goal. This is achieved through an assortment of ball-handling, passing, shooting, defensive drills and starting to implement press breaks and presses. Athletes entering these grades have to continue to develop all areas of their game. This includes a strong work ethic, increased intensity, strong listening skills, and respect for teammates, coaches, and the game of basketball. Scheduled tournaments will range between 4-6 depending on number of participants, skill level, and funding. Tournament teams, if multiple ones, will be determined by the coaching staff in conjunction with the varsity coach. Playing time will be based on attendance, attitude, skills, fundamentals, and knowledge of the game. The coaches will have final discretion on playing time. However, all athletes will play in each game that they were asked to attend.

7th – 8th GRADE
At these grades, skill development continues to be the focus, but with an added emphasis on preparing the kids for High School Basketball. This should be done with more challenging ball handling, passing, shooting and defensive drills. Coaches should try to improve their knowledge in these areas by helping and attending basketball camps, clinics, viewing tapes, and seeking advice and guidance from one or more of the Ashwaubenon High School Coaches. The athlete’s work ethic, intensity, listening skills, and overall respect for team and coaches should increase with each year. Athletes should be encouraged to continually improve their game while at the same time trying to improve the overall team. Athletes will attend between 4-6 tournaments depending on number of participants, skill level, and funding. Attending tournaments should not be at the expense of continuing skill development and workouts. Tournament teams, if multiple ones, will be determined by the coaching staff in conjunction with the varsity coach. Playing time may or may not be equal depending on skill level, fundamentals, attendance, attitude, and knowledge of the game. Coaches will have final discretion on playing time. However, all athletes will play in at least one game in each tournament that they were asked to attend.

TOURNAMENTS
Several fantastic tournaments are scheduled for the youth in our Ashwaubenon boys basketball program. If players and families are interested in playing in additional tournaments, please note that these will not be sponsored by the ABA but instead be parent–sponsored. Please check out www.wissports.net to organize your own teams to enjoy more basketball.

PARENT/PLAYER COMMUNICATION (10/15/2009)

Any complaints, incidents or issues regarding coaches should be dealt with in the following manner:

Use the “24 Hours Rule” – which is quite simply – walk away from the issue at the time of the incident. If after 24 hours, you feel the complaint, incident, or issue still exists, we recommend the following:

1. Player meets with the coach. (If player doesn't feel comfortable meeting with the coach, bypass #1 and go to #2).
2. Parent and player meet with the coach. After the player and parent have met with the coach, and if the complaint, incident or issue still exists, then exercise option #3.
3. Parent contacts ABA board member to register their concern.
4. All issues brought to a board member will be presented to the entire board at the next board meeting.