Points of Emphasis for Players/Parents during Tourney Time

Players and parents should NOT expect equal playing time. Throughout the regular season, I have committed myself to providing equal playing time to each and every boy that came out for the team this year. I really enjoy giving the players this opportunity; however, I have been encouraged by the school administration to do my best to win this tournament and allocate the majority of the minutes on the court to the particular personnel that could most likely achieve this objective. Please know I see great potential in each player, and if I could keep every player on the court each second of the game, I would. As we know, though, this is not a possible scenario. As has been the case all season, an elevated number of participants on the team means fewer minutes on the court for each player. I will try to get all players in the game, but I will absolutely not guarantee that this will happen.  Your child may play 18 minutes, they may play 8 minutes, or they may only play 1 minute.  How much each child plays is very dependent upon how the game is going at that particular point. Because I have communicated this to you, there should be no surprises on tournament day. I am always happy to answer questions related to your child, so feel free to talk with me during the day if you have a concern, but please do not approach me at any time on Saturday in regards to playing time.

Players are NOT permitted to leave the gymnasium during the down time between their games. If the team loses in their first game and does not advance to the championship, the boys will be free to leave for the day immediately following the game. As has been the practice all season long, parents/guardians must come to me and sign the player out before they can leave the premises. If the team wins their morning game and advances to the championship in the afternoon, there will be a time gap between games. However, the team that is playing during that break could be a Rockville team. Please see all scenarios below:

a.) 5th Grade Wins Their 11:00 Game - They will be expected to sit as a team and watch the 6th grade game. Running around and goofing off will not be tolerated.  Remember, we are representing the Rockville Community School Corporation.  Players on my team will act like gentlemen at all times. Appropriate consequences for misbehavior will follow.

 

b.) 5th Grade Loses Their 11:00 Game - Players are encouraged to stay and support the 6th Grade team.  Since we are done for the day, however, players are free to go home once they have been signed out.

 

c.) 6th Grade Wins Their 12:00 Game - Hopefully, our 5th Grade team will be playing in the championship immediately following this game.  Whether the 5th Grade team wins or loses, the 6th Graders will be expected to sit as a team and watch the 5th grade championship.  Running around and goofing off will not be tolerated.  Once again, we are representing the Rockville Community School Corporation, and players on my team will act like gentlemen at all times.  Appropriate consequences for misbehavior will follow.

 

d.) 6th Grade Loses Their 12:00 Game - If the 5th Grade wins their morning game, 6th Grade players are encouraged to stay and support the 5th Grade team.  But since we are done for the day, players are free to go home with parents once they have been signed out.

The bus will return to Rockville Elementary School as soon as both teams are done for the day.

ALL uniforms and shorts will be collected following the final game. Each player needs to come dressed in their khaki/black pants and dress shirt. If the team happens to win their first game in the morning, they will want to put these clothes back on following the game. Whenever we are finished playing for the day, whether it’s after the morning game or following the championship, the boys will also want to make sure they have something to put on after we collect the jerseys and shorts.  No jerseys or shorts owned by the school will be taken home by a student for any reason.

Information Regarding the Parke County Tournament

Saturday, December 8, 2012 at the Turkey Run High School gym

SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY:
8:30am - Doors open for admission
8:50am - Game 1 teams take the floor for warm-up

9:00am - Game 1: Turkey Run vs. Montezuma (5th Grade)
10:00am - Game 2: Turkey Run vs. Montezuma (6th Grade)

10:00am - ALL PLAYERS REQUIRED TO BE AT ROCKVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

10:10am - BUS WILL DEPART FOR TURKEY RUN

10:20am - ARRIVE AT TURKEY RUN

11:00am - Game 3: Rosedale vs. Rockville (5th Grade)
12:00pm - Game 4: Rosedale vs. Rockville (6th Grade)

1:00pm Game 5: 5th Grade Championship Game
(Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 3)
2:00pm Game 6: 6th Grade Championship Game
(Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 4)

• All times after Game 1 are approximate
• Games 2-6 will begin 10 minutes after the conclusion of the previous game
• The first team listed will be designated as the home team on the scoreboard

LOCKER ROOMS:Locker rooms will NOT be locked. Players should not bring radios, jewelry, or valuables. Rockville will NOT be responsible for lost or stolen items. However, I will bring a gym bag that kids can store their valuables in. The bag will then stay with us on the bench so we can keep an eye on it at all times.

ADMISSION:
Adults $4.00
Students $2.00
(both prices are good for all day)

CONCESSIONS:
Will be available all day!

South Vermillion Game Information

The 6th Grade ONLY game against South Vermillion is schedule for December 5th.

The match-up against the Wildcats will feature both an "A" and a "B" game, so all eligible players will be designated to a squad based upon their current ability level.  The outstanding news about this night is that ample playing time will be available for all.

The designations for the players on the "A" or "B" squad will offer court time to each boy against a level of competition most suited for them at this point.

The games will start at 6:00pm at South Vermillion Middle School.  The bus will depart from Rockville Elementary at 5:00pm; therefore, players should be at the school around 4:45pm. 

All rules still apply to this game.  Players are required to ride the bus TO the game, and any child not wanting to ride it home must sign out by a parent before leaving.

I am very excited about this opportunity!  Our program has not played against South Vermillion schools for several years now, and we are pleased that it is up and running once again.

New Game Added

Our athletic director, Mr. Luce, has worked very hard to add a game to our schedule this season.  His work has paid off as we are now adding a game away @ South Vermillion on Wednesday, December 5th.  Game time will be 6:00pm so please add this to your calendars.  Since South Vermillion Middle School begins in 6th grade, this will be a 6th GRADE ONLY contest.  The 5th grade will NOT participate in the additional game. 

November 27th Game CANCELLED!

As a result of the tragic passing of Turkey Run Elementary principal Aaron Hart, the 5th and 6th Grade Boys' game scheduled for Tuesday, November 27th against Turkey Run has been CANCELLED.

Mr. Hart was an incredible man and a tremendously passionate administrator.  In my brief interactions with him over the last couple years, it was very apparent to me that he loved his job, loved the kids, and most of all loved his family.  The faculty and staff at Turkey Run were so very fortunate to have had Mr. Hart in their lives, though the Lord called him heavenward sooner than many would have liked.  Everybody here at Rockville offers all those affected by Mr. Hart's passing with condolences and sympathy.  His family will undoubtedly remain in our team prayers.

The 5th Grade will now practice right after school on Tuesday.

Important Information Regarding Away Games

I wanted to share some quick information with the players and parents in regards to the procedure we will take for our 5th and 6th grade players' away basketball games.

As you know, for each of our upcoming away games we will take a bus. The bus departure times are posted on the Game Schedule section of this blog as well as the season calendars I handed out at the beginning of the season, so please check those out. Players need to be at the front main entrance to the elementary school 15 minutes prior to the time the bus is scheduled to leave. Therefore, if the calendar reads "Bus leaves at 4:45," each player needs to be there no later than 4:30. I will be at the school at about 4:15.

ALL players are expected to ride the bus to the games, but may ride home with a parent. If a player is riding home with a parent, the guardian must come see me after the game (preferably before the 6th grade game if you are the parent of a 5th grader) and sign a permission form so that I know where the child is going.

If a player plans to go home with another parent, I MUST receive a note written and signed by the parent of that child. For example, "Brad's" parents are not at the game, but "Jack's" parents are. Brad wants to ride home with Jack after the game and appropriate plans have been made between the two parental units. Brad needs to bring a note to me from his parent(s)/guardian(s) saying he will be riding home with that family. Jack's parents would then need to see me after the game and sign out both Brad and Jack. If there is no note, I have been instructed that a child cannot ride home with another family, and I will stick FIRMLY to this policy. If you have questions or would like me to clarify some confusion, feel free to give me a call.

Schedule Changes

ATTENTION!!!

I have had to make a few changes to the practice and game schedule.  Please be advised of the alterations:

Thursday, November 1 - NO PRACTICE FOR EITHER GRADE!

Friday, November 2 -5th Grade Practice.  The 6th Grade will NOT practice.

Monday, November 19 - Home Game vs. Montezuma changed to this night.  Game time is still 6:00pm.

Tuesday, November 20 - NO PRACTICE FOR EITHER GRADE!

Team Rules

      During the regular season, to the absolute best of my ability, I will give each player an equal amount of playing time.  However, once we enter the tournament at the end of the season, I WILL NOT guarantee every child will play equal time.  Principals and administrators encourage this day as a chance for the players to win a trophy, and the game will be approached with this idea in mind.  If each child will help us win, each child will play.  This is NOT negotiable.

      If a player does not attend school the day of a practice or game or is suspended on that day, he will not be able to participate on that day (unless the absence has been determined to be excused from the school).  Reports of any player getting into trouble during school will result in immediate discipline during the next scheduled practice.  Players on this team will treat all teachers, aides, faculty members, and classmates with respect.

      If a player receives an “F” as a nine-week or a midterm grade, he will not be allowed to participate until the next grade report is released.  In order to play in the majority of games this season, all players must have had a passing grade prior to October 19^th.  Midterm grades will determine each player’s eligibility for the remainder of the season.

      For home games, all 5^th grade players must arrive at the gymnasium 45 minutes before the start of the game (our home games begin at 6:00pm, so 5^th graders need to be here by 5:15pm to be dressed and ready to warm-up at 5:30).  5^th grade players will be allowed to leave following their game; however, I MUST be informed by a parent or the player that he will not be staying to watch the 6^th grade game.  The player’s name will be checked off of a list; therefore, if I am looking for that player later in the night I will know where he has gone.

      For home games, all 6^th grade players should be at the gymnasium by 5:55pm to support the 5^th grade.  Since a specified start time for the 6^th grade is not given, I ask these players to be at the gym prior to the start of the 5^th grade game simply so they will not miss the start of their game.  6^th grade players arriving late will be expected to run at the next practice in order to make up for the time missed.

      We will take buses to away games.  ALL players are expected to ride the bus to the games, but may ride home with a parent.  If a player is riding home with a parent, the guardian must come see me after the game and sign a permission form so that I know where the child is going.  If a player plans to go home with another parent, I MUST receive a note written and signed by the parent of that child.

      We will represent Rockville Community Schools with utmost dignity and respect.  For this reason, each player is required to wear dress clothes to all games.  We want to look nice and allow the entire area to see that Rockville athletics is committed to developing classy students who represent their school, their families, and themselves well.  Appropriate tops include polo shirts, collared button-up shirts, or sweaters.  Pants should either be black or khaki dress pants.  Please see me if there is an issue meeting this requirement.

      Players with asthma must have an inhaler at every basketball practice and game.  A player will not be allowed to participate in practice or the game if the inhaler is not present.

      If there are any concerns, a meeting can be scheduled between parents, coaches, and a member of the Rockville Community School administration.

Coach's Thoughts

As we look forward to a new season…

       ALL participants are required to have their physical completed before they will be allowed to take part in a practice or game.  The physical form must be filled out and turned into the office before the first day of practice.

       At the 5^th and 6^th Grade level, the most important thing to remember is that each player is learning the game and beginning to understand basketball rules/conduct.  That is why I am here, and this will be my #1 priority throughout the season.  I want my players to feel like they can ask questions, so please do not hesitate to do so.

       Playing time will NEVER be determined based on favoritism, and throughout the majority of the season, playing time will NOT be based upon the student’s basketball skills and ability at the present time.  I believe everyone can improve in the game of basketball at this age, and I will approach each player with this in mind.

 

       There is one event during the season when I have been given permission to use my discretion in regards to amount of playing time for each participant.  The season concludes with a Parke County Tournament.  This is a great opportunity for your child to compete for a trophy.  However, in order to be crowned Parke County champions, the players I believe will contribute most to the team will be receiving the majority of the minutes on the court during the game.  Each player’s performance over the course of the season will determine the amount of playing time.  Our focus will be to win the tournament with the best players we have at that time.  If everyone is able to help us win, then everyone will play.

       As students grow older and begin to participate in athletics at any level, they soon discover that academics are not a secondary priority; on the contrary, academics must take precedence over all other extra-curricular activities.  Athletic competition is a privilege – a privilege I believe students should enjoy, but only if they are continuing to focus on their schoolwork.  I will be checking grades frequently to make sure all basketball participants are meeting the school’s standards in terms of grades.

       Success as a basketball player is as much about having the proper attitude than it is about having athletic ability.  Players will succeed only if they enter each practice and game with the correct mindset.  Therefore, I am just as committed to teaching the players how to properly conduct themselves on the court as I am about teaching them basketball.  As a member of this year’s 5^th and 6^th Grade basketball teams, the players have agreed to abide by such rules as no foul language, no talking back to referees, no fighting (whether through actions or words), etc.  Appropriate course of action will be taken should any player act in an unsuitable manner.

5th Grade Practice Schedule

Friday, October 26 @ 3:00-4:00

Tuesday, October 30 @ 3:30-4:30

Thursday, November 1 @ *NO PRACTICE (Cancelled)

Friday, November 2 @ 3:00-4:00 *NEWLY ADDED (Change from Previous Schedule)

Tuesday, November 6 @ 3:30-4:30

Thursday, November 8 @ 3:30-4:30

Thursday, November 15 @ 3:30-4:30

Monday, November 19 @ *NO PRACTICE (Game vs. Montezuma moved to this night)

Thursday, November 29 @ 3:30-4:30

Tuesday, December 4 @ 3:30-4:30

Thursday, December 6 @ 3:30-4:30

Friday, December 7 Combined Practice with 6th Grade @ 3:30-4:30

6th Grade Practice Schedule

Thursday, October 25 @ 3:30-4:30

Monday, October 29 @ 3:30-4:30

Wednesday, October 31 @ 3:30-4:30

Friday, November 2 @ *NO PRACTICE (Cancelled)

Wednesday, November 7 @ 3:30-4:30

Monday, November 12 @ 3:30-4:30

Wednesday, November 14 @ 3:30-4:30

Monday, November 26 @ 3:30-4:30

Wednesday, November 28 @ 3:30-4:30

Wednesday, December 5 @ 3:30-4:30

Friday, December 7 Combined Practice with 5th Grade @ 3:30-4:30

5th and 6th Grade Game Schedule

Monday, November 5, 2012 @ North Vermillion 6:00pm (Bus leaves 4:45)

Tuesday, November 13, 2012 @ Turkey Run 6:00pm (Bus leaves 5:00)

Monday, November 19, 2012 vs. Montezuma 6:00pm *CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS SCHEDULE

Tuesday, November 27, 2012 vs. Turkey Run 6:00pm

Monday, December 3, 2012 @ Rosedale 6:00pm (Bus leaves 5:00)

Saturday, December 8, 2012 Parke Co. Tourney @ Turkey Run High School 9:00am (Bus leaves TBA)

* Home games (in blue) will be played at Rockville Elementary School.