BOOSTER CLUB:

• Have an organized booster club in where there are clearly defined roles and promote unity within program. 

• We will work closely with the booster club to identify what the program needs to be successful.

• Encourage members to understand that they are making an investment in the program.

• Coordinate successful fundraisers in order to continually have funds to make this a fantastic athletic experience with top notch resources. 

BELOW IS THE PRESENTATION FROM OUR LAST PRE-SEASON BOOSTER CLUB MEETING.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH FACULTY:

• As a coaching staff, we are part of the faculty. We want to make the faculty feel like they are a part of the Bridgeport athletic program.

• Coaches gain the respect of the faculty by being excellent in the classroom. We will have coaches that take pride in academics by being great educators.

• Coaches will develop personal relationships with teachers by weekly checks of player grades and meeting with teachers who instruct our players who have academic challenges.

Get the faculty involved:

• Faculty teacher of the Week program during the season.

• Advertising game times through our athletic website and social media pages

• Teacher appreciation night

RELATIONSHIPS WITH PARENTS:

• We want parents to know that we will coach their young men like we would want our sons to be coached.

• We welcome and encourage communication. Open door policy.

• We will have clear program expectations and consistent communication of schedule. 

• We will discuss what their sons can do to get better and will not discuss playing time or other players.

• Encourage parents to be positive with their sons about the basketball program and the coaching staff. 

• Encourage parents to protect the unity of program (keep from gossiping) and to support the mission of the program.

• Pre-season parent meeting.

• Open practice.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITY:

• We want the community to rally behind our program and support the time, effort and dedication of our athletes. 

• We want to constantly showcase what our program is doing to the community by regular posts on social media (Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram)

• Host coaching clinics for middle school and youth coaches.

• Have several community theme nights during the season. 

  • • Youth Nights

    • Middle School Nights

    • First Responders Appreciation

• Create and build relationships with community members and businesses 

GETTING AND KEEPING PLAYERS IN THE PROGRAM:

• We will make every effort in having a program that will gain and maintain the interest of student-athletes.

• We will work as coaches to ensure that every player knows that they have a chance to be a part of something special.

• Have high school coaches constantly involved at the middle school levels. Create positive relationships early. 

• Make an effort to provide an atmosphere and a place that players want to be involved in and have pride in.

  • • Awards 

    • Pictures

    • Motivational signs/Locker Room Vinyl Wraps

    • Social media posts

    • Preseason “midnight madness”

• Create pride in the basketball program

• Uniforms

• Logo

• T-shirts

• All-district wall

• Updated school records board

DISCIPLINE:

• Players need structure and discipline within the program. Kids will make mistakes and it is our job as coaches to hold them accountable and give them the tools and ability to correct their behavior. 

• Instead of just “cutting” a kid, we will use different techniques to try and remove the bad elements from a player. 

• The player must understand the “why” behind the disciplinary measures. They must realize why they cannot continue the same behavior, and why the desired behavior will benefit them and the team.   

• We will establish clear team policies that every player and parent will read and sign. (Team handbook and contract on following pages)

• We will use what we call “one play away” system to further enhance the understanding of what is expected out of our players. Our system will consist of various levels of conditioning. 

• Major offenses or habitual policy infractions that endanger the reputation of our program and team chemistry could lead to team removal.