Coaches

Purpose of the Mankato Basketball Association

Mankato Basketball Association strongly believes that young athletes should be challenged at a level which is proportional to their skill and ability. Concerns for the physical and emotional well-being of each player are key considerations.

MBA considers skills, development, good sportsmanship, and clean competition as defining points of a successful experience for athletes and coaches alike. We teach young athletes that winning and losing are part of learning — not determining factors in one's self-worth.

MBA's Code of Ethics for Coaches

Coaches should keep in mind the primary goal is player development. Coaches are responsible for developing as many players as possible while fostering pride and self-confidence through team achievements — not to develop one or two players at the expense of others. Player development and sportsmanship is placed above a "win-at-all-costs attitude."

1. Treat all players, coaches, officials, and board members with respect and dignity.
2. Become familiar with the rules of the game.
3. Learn and teach the fundamental skills of the game.
4. Learn and adhere to MBA rules and regulations.
5. Respect the authority of officials regardless of agreement with their decisions. If you or any coaching staff member receives a technical foul, provide a written explanation to the appropriate MBA Coordinator within one week. Multiple technicals or ejections may result in dismissal.
6. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of individual players and place them in situations to achieve success.
7. Be patient and supportive with all players regardless of ability.
8. Listen to players when they respectfully voice concerns or questions.
9. Never ridicule any player for any reason.
10. Communicate clearly to players their rights and responsibilities.
11. Protect the well-being and safety of players.
12. No player shall be denied the opportunity to participate in a game, barring injury, illness, vacation, or disciplinary action.
13. Coaches may not swear or physically grab or abuse a player. Abusive behavior toward players or parents results in expulsion from the program.
14. Coaches may not be under the influence of alcohol or any other illegal substance at MBA games or while traveling with or transporting players.
15. Tournament money is given to coaches at the beginning of the season. It is to be used only for tournaments and all monies must be accounted for. Unused money is returned to MBA.

Relations with Parents

The coach-player-parent relationship is an inevitable part of youth sports. Channel parents' genuine concerns and good intentions in a way that supports what you are trying to accomplish.

If a parent disagrees with you, listen rather than getting defensive. You may find some suggestions helpful — and even when you don't agree, you can still listen, recognizing that you are the coach and have the final say.

Resolving Concerns

1. Use the 24-hour rule before raising any issue or grievance with your coach.
2. Initially, grievances are addressed with the coach in a private, constructive, considerate manner.
3. If the discussion does not resolve the grievance — or if the party is uncomfortable raising it with the coach — bring it to the MBA Board.
4. The decision of the MBA Board is final.

Conducting Practice Sessions

1. Know and implement MBA Guidelines & Code of Ethics for your league.
2. Promptly after receiving your roster, contact each player (phone, email, or TeamSnap) with the time, location, and what to bring/wear for the first practice.
3. Hold a parent/player/coach meeting at the first practice. Cover your plans for the season, how you will determine playing time, and review MBA Guidelines & Code of Ethics. Invite parents to bring concerns to you directly.
4. Inform your players of practice times and locations.
5. Plan exactly what the team will do and for how long. Consistency strengthens both your coaching image and player respect.
6. Keep all players active during practice. Recruit parent assistants if possible, but make clear all final decisions are yours.
7. Use email or a Team App to notify families of practice cancellations due to weather or lost gym time.
8. Keep attendance records for all practices.
9. Be considerate of the next team waiting to practice — end on time, and don't let your players on the court before the previous team finishes.