Junior Coach Policy

Introduction

Sackville Minor Basketball Association (SMBA) is committed to delivering opportunities for players to give back and continue in the sport of basketball in leadership roles. The purpose of the Junior Coach Program is to build the future of our sport and community by providing these young coaches with critical mentoring and coaching experience with the support and guidance of our qualified Head and Assistant Coaches as they start to build their leadership experience. This program is intended to introduce prospective youth into the world of coaching by gearing the program to learning how to coach, professional etiquette, interpersonal skills, Safe Sport and the dynamics of what it means to be a coach.

Policy Statement

This Junior Coach Policy outlines the measures implemented to ensure that our Junior Coaches are provided with the greatest opportunities for learning, strong mentorship and leadership training while maintaining player and staff safety at the forefront.

1. JUNIOR COACH ELIGIBILITY

No experience is needed to be a Junior Coach with SMBA however there are requirements as outlined below. These requirements are subject to changes in policy each year. To be eligible to be a Junior Coach, persons must meet the following criteria:

• Be a maximum of 17 years of age by September 1st of the current basketball season.
• Be currently playing on a basketball team or have played on a team in the previous year (or taking one year off due to injury, etc.).
• Complete the Coach Initiation in Sport module in the NCCP Locker (60 minute module, cost $15). Junior Coaches can reach out to SMBA for financial support to complete this module.
• Junior Coaches are also welcome to complete the same educational and training opportunities that are available to all SMBA coaches, including the BNS (Basketball Nova Scotia) Intro To Coaching Course and Competition Introduction Stream NCCP courses, however these are not mandatory until they turn 18.

2. JUNIOR COACH EXPECTATIONS

• Junior Coaches are expected to attend as many practices and games as they can with their team so that they are able to develop strong relationships with the players and adult coaches, as well as to maximize their opportunities for learning and making contributions.
• Junior Coaches must abide by the “Rule of Two '' like all other team staff as per SMBA’s Rule of Two Policy (in development). The Rule of Two states that a coach should have another coach or screened adult (parent or volunteer) present when interacting with participants. A Junior Coach can not be considered one of these coaches/screened adults.

3. SUPERVISION AND MENTORSHIP OF JUNIOR COACHES

• Head Coaches are highly encouraged to welcome Junior Coaches onto their teams and to identify what the Junior Coach’s learning goals are for the season and to support them as they work towards achieving these goals.
• Junior Coaches are always under the supervision of a qualified head/assistant coach. The Head Coach is responsible to ensure a safe and effective training environment at all times and is therefore responsible for the actions of the Junior Coach.
• Head and Assistant Coaches are responsible to provide leadership, guidance and opportunity during the season for Junior Coach participants on their team.
• Junior Coaches are not permitted to be in the practice gym or on the bench with players during a game without the presence, supervision and direction of a vetted team Head or Assistant Coach present.

4. ASSIGNMENT OF JUNIOR COACHES TO TEAMS

Those interested in becoming a Junior Coach must identify their interest to the Coaching Coordinator (coachescoordinator@sackvillestorm.com) each season. They will be assigned to a team under the following principles:

• The Junior Coach will only be placed on teams in an age division younger than the Junior Coach.
• To manage the program fairly and provide on-going opportunities to Junior Coach participants, Junior Coaches will be assigned to teams by the SMBA Coaches Coordinator in partnership with the SMBA Board.
• Requests from Head Coaches for a specific Junior Coach based on the specific needs of their team and their team staff will be considered.
• Team requests by Junior Coach applicants will be considered but cannot be guaranteed.
• Consideration will be given to applicants with a parent coach or sibling on the team.
• For U10 levels and above, a maximum of two Junior Coaches may be assigned to a team.
• Whereas all female teams are expected to make every effort to have a vetted female present on the bench for games and at each practice, a Junior Coach cannot be considered to fill this role on female teams until they are 18 years old.
• Teams must officially register any Junior Coaches on their team roster in RAMP.

5. SCREENING REQUIREMENTS FOR JUNIOR COACHES

As per BNS Coach Screening Policy, Junior Coaches are considered under Category 1 - Low Risk. These are coaches involved in low risk coaching assignments who are not in a supervisory role, not directing others, and/or do not have access to minors unsupervised. As such, Junior Coaches are required to:

• Complete the BNS Screening Disclosure Form.
• Complete an application form indicating that the individual has read and understands the Organization’s policies and procedures.
• Participate in orientation as determined by the Organization.
• Junior Coaches are NOT required to complete a Criminal Record Check or a Child Abuse Registry Check.

Please reach out to SMBA’s Coaches Coordinator with any questions at coachescoordinator@sackvillestorm.com.

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