Coach’s Guide - BASKETBALL 

First and foremost, we would like to thank you for volunteering to become an N Zone Sports coach. The continued success of this league depends on the involvement and dedication of parents and friends such as yourself.  As you embark on your role as a coach, realize that you will play an enormous role in the development of the N Zone participant both on and off the field.  We hope your experience will be very rewarding for you. 

Being a coach can seem like a daunting task but fear not, being a great coach is simply a matter of applying hard work and following a few very important principles.  Many coaches start out questioning their abilities or qualifications.  If you fall under this category you’re not alone.  As a matter of fact, we commend you.  Your willingness to question your own knowledge shows that you possess one of the key traits of a successful person; you care enough about others to honestly evaluate yourself. This sign of good character combined with the right resources of knowledge will enable you to provide your team with great experience. 

More important than an extensive knowledge of X’s and O’s, details and technique is having patience and understanding and a proper coaching mentality with regards to youth sports.  Some of the best coaches ever are remembered by their players because of the care and attention shown to them. 

This idea was kept in mind when we created N Zone Sport’s Core Principles.  This booklet was designed to help you familiarize yourself with our culture, standards and philosophies.  We’re confident that you’ll find the information contained herein helpful in creating the ideal environment for the enjoyment of all.  

To assist you in making your contribution as an N Zone Sports Coach more enjoyable, we’ve created this manual for you as a resource.   In the following pages you will find a host of valuable information about game day responsibilities, practice drills, a sample playbook and end of year season awards.  

Again, we thank you and wish you well on your journey as a coach with N Zone Sports. We congratulate you for stepping up and investing your time, effort and energy in youth sports.  We hope you find your experience as rewarding as ours! 

The N Zone Sports Staff 

N Zone Sports Core Values 

 We take a S.A.F.E approach to youth sports 

Simplicity- We believe that youth sports have become a second and sometimes even a third job for many parents.  With multiple games and practices throughout the week, more and more families are finding themselves captive to youth sports leagues.  None’s philosophy is that registration should be simple, and that scheduling shouldn’t conflict with life.  Games are scheduled on Saturdays only with practices usually an hour before the game.  The simpler we can make things for families, the better the entire experience is likely to be.  

Achievement- Every child is a winner!  Unlike many leagues, N Zone Sports endorses a policy that allows ample playing time for all members of a team.  While we recognize the importance of the competitive spirit, no child should have to sit out simply because of their ability or talent level.  Every parent pays the same amount so naturally it only makes sense that all kids receive plenty of playing time.  

Fun!  We believe the primary reason kids play sports is to have fun. Fundamentals, sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork and respect for others are all extremely important values we aim to instill in our participants but above all, the experience needs to be fun.  

Environment-  We believe that the entire youth sports experience will be enhanced when the proper environment is achieved. This includes critical elements of safety and the positive influence of parents, teammates and fans. One of the most damaging things to a child is continued negativity.  We aim to reinforce positive behavior and carefully correct those that need to be addressed. 

Coaching 101 

N Zone Coaching Methods 

As a coach of an N Zone Sports program, we are far more interested in your ability to communicate with the children on your team to effectively impart a positive sports experience, than we are in your ability to teach the nuances of complex zone coverages or the double reverse.  

Benefits of Athletic Participation for Kids  

Research points out many benefits of getting kids to continue to participate in youth sports. Noting that, kids who stay in sports tend to stay in school, get better grades and have fewer behavioral problems.  

It is extremely important that coaches remember that a successful youth coach is defined not in terms of a won-loss record, but in terms of how many kids decide to return to play again next season.  

Equal Playing Time 

The primary purpose of youth sports should be to teach fundamental sports skills in a non-threatening environment. That is, children should have the opportunity to learn new skills and improve previously learned skills and have fun doing it.  

Coaches must create an environment both in practices and games where children are not afraid to make mistakes. Using fear of failure as a motivational technique is unacceptable. Mistakes happen as part of the learning process.  

Children who hope to become better skilled so they can move on to more advanced levels of competition have to be willing to take risks and experiment with more advanced skill techniques and strategies. They will not do this if they are afraid of making mistakes. All members of any team come to the team expecting equal opportunities. They have the right to expect equal quality and quantity of coaching in practice. They all must be given the same opportunity to try out what they learn in practice in game situations. In fact, games should be considered an extension of practice, another opportunity to learn. An athlete cannot learn much by sitting on the bench. Sports involve movement and physical skills. They are best learned by doing, not watching.  

As a helpful reminder here's a checklist of some behaviors connected with positive coaching: 

Kids deserve praise for participating/trying 

The child chose to play a sport rather than hang out during free time. We need to credit each player just for being there. The youngsters chose to sign up, come to practice and come to the games. We need to remind ourselves not to notice and praise kids only when they achieve. It's easy to praise the kids who do well in a sport. We also need to praise the youngsters who don't shine but who stay with a sport day in and day out.  

Make a BIG deal out of even the SMALLEST positives  

Promoting a positive self-image in kids while they play sports is essential! Look for positives and then encourage them with animated praise.  At practices and games, a good goal is to try and keep a healthy ratio of positives to negatives. The more positives to negatives the better!  

Additionally, you want to be specific in your praise.  “Atta-boy”, while a good effort won’t go quite as far in building up kids as a more specific compliment such as, "I like the way you kept hustling after that play."  

Finally, it's equally important to "make a big deal" out of it, to praise with animation. Kids respond to public accolades, so the more animated as a coach you are when praising, the better. In fact, a good motto is: "Praise in public and criticize in private."  

Stay calm when mistakes crop up, help kids learn from their mistakes.  

Dealing with a child after a mistake has been made is one of the most critical issues facing youth sports coaches. Ideally, youth sports offer kids great lessons in life: 1) it's OK to make a mistake, 2) mistakes WILL happen and 3) mistakes are steppingstones for learning.  

When a youngster makes a mistake in a sport, one of two things can occur: 1) the youngster can learn from the mistake and try to improve the next time; or 2) the youngster can become preoccupied with the fear of making another mistake. The coach is the focal point that will help determine which path the youngster will travel.  

If a coach stays calm and tries to instruct the child, there's a chance that the child will see the mistake as an opportunity to learn. If the coach stays calm there's a chance that the kid will stay calm, focus on the mistake and learn from it.  

Unfortunately, as human beings, we often tend to have more animation in our reactions to negatives than in our reactions to positives. So, it takes an extra effort on our part as coaches to remind ourselves to do all in our power to try to stay calm when mistakes occur.  

Have reasonable, realistic, and reachable expectations  

Trying to live up to expectations can be a major frustration for kids whether they are their own expectations, or those of adults in their lives. Despite the fact that they may not show it, kids have a strong desire for adult approval, the lack of which can be a major source of low self-esteem. Since a coach often plays a major role in the life of a youngster, it is important to keep expectations reasonable and attainable. A good coach's skill expectations are based on the knowledge that all youngsters are different in their physical skills, skill development potential, and growth rate, all of which can affect their coordination.  

A good coach's motivation expectations are based on the awareness that there are three levels of motivation for kids in youth sports: 1) some kids, especially the entry-level youngsters, are playing because their parents enrolled them, 2) many youngsters are playing because it's a social event allowing them to be with their friends, 3) a smaller group of youngsters, beginning at about age 11 or 12, are playing because they enjoy sports for sports' sake.  

A good coach's dedication expectations are based on the knowledge that the level of dedication to practice, and mastery of skills depends upon the level of motivation in a youngster. A good coach also knows that dedication wanes when playing the sport is no longer fun.  

Treat kids with respect. Do not tolerate put-downs, sarcasm, or ridicule.  

When a youngster signs up to play sports, he/she deserves to be treated with respect. This means no put-downs, no sarcasm and no ridiculing by the coach, or fellow players.  Any youth sports coach who volunteers to take on the job of guiding kids in any given sport needs to be careful of how he/she comes across to the youngsters.  

Remind kids not to get down on themselves.  

A youngster making a mistake is going to happen, and kids can go from the top of the world, to down in the dumps in a matter of moments.  The key is not to let the child get down on himself for an error but rather make a positive out of the mistake whenever possible.  

A youngster misses a lay-up on a fast break. The coach substituted for the youngster. He then said to him, "Son, I didn't take you out because of the missed lay-up. I took you out because after you missed the lay-up you hung your head, delayed in getting back on defense and allowed your opponent to score an easy basket. If you get down on yourself after you make a mistake all it does is give your opponent an advantage. Now, get back in there, learn from your mistakes and quit beating yourself up!"   

Remember not to take yourself too seriously during the game.  

Remember, this is a volunteer position; nobody is being paid to pace the sidelines here. You don’t need to make this your “life”, too many times in youth sports, the same person who seems to have it all together away from the field, is a different person as a coach. Kids will respond much more positively to a coach that does not look at mistakes on the field as a poor reflection of his coaching ability and his team’s preparedness.  Rather, mistakes can be looked at by a coach as another opportunity to give encouraging feedback to a young athlete.  

Maintain a Fun is #1 focus, with lots of laughter and sense of humor.  

The #1 motivator for kids to play sports in the first place...FUN!  If you ask a child his motivation for playing a given sport, you are not likely to hear “to increase my self-confidence” or “to learn sportsmanship”, or “to better prepare me for life”.  Kids enjoy competing, but the fun is the act of competing, the excitement of competing, not just the winning.  

The effective coach is the coach who learns what fun is for the kids by getting into their shoes and seeing the world from their point of view, the world of fun. The effective coach knows that fun, laughter, and humor are second nature to kids.  

Emphasize teamwork, and help kids think "WE" instead of "ME."  

For these youngsters, self-esteem = a sense of belonging. Humans are a very social group and even our youngest members need to feel as though they belong to a group. Youth sports offer an automatic sense of belonging.  Coaches are pivotal in making the "team" concept become a reality. The coach needs to ensure that ALL players are recognized, not just the best players. Parents should be encouraged to praise all the players on the team, not just their own.  

Be a role model of good sportsmanship.  

These days, sportsmanship has taken a distant back seat to the outcome of the contest.  Coaches have a responsibility to promote sportsmanship and: 

1) Win without gloating, 

2) Lose without complaining  

3) Treat opponents and officials with fairness, generosity and courtesy. 

Youth Sports Coach Behavior Checklist 

Kids deserve praise for participating/trying! 

Make a BIG DEAL out of even the smallest positives! 

Stay calm when mistakes crop up; help kids learn from their mistakes. 

Have reasonable, realistic, and reachable expectations. 

Treat kids with respect.  Do not tolerate put-downs, sarcasm, or ridicule. 

Remind kids not to get down on themselves. 

Remember not to take yourself too seriously during games. 

Maintaining fun is the #1 focus with lots of laughter and a sense of humor! 

Emphasize teamwork and help kids think “WE” instead of “ME!” 

Be a role model of good sportsmanship: 

Win without gloating 

Lose without Complaining 

Treat opponents and officials with fairness, generosity, and courtesy 

Coaching Responsibilities 

Participate in Coaches Meetings Support the N Zone Youth Sports Philosophy and Coaching Standards 

Introduce yourself to parents and serve as a point of contact for players/parents as needed. Provide them with a contact number as soon as teams are assigned. 

So that players and parents can identify you, wear your Coaches T-Shirt and name badge at all practices and games. On colder days, feel free to wear a long sleeve shirt/sweatshirt under a Coaches T-shirt.  

Check in at the N Zone Canopy before each game to pick up your  

Sportsmanship Value and Values award  

Lead all practices and games for the entire season 

Help players understand the rules and fundamentals of the game 

Develop and teach basic plays 

Introduce and reinforce sportsmanship values 

In the event of an unanticipated absence or emergency, please provide advance notice to the league office and delegate it to your Assistant Coach.  

Present Weekly Values award 

Ensure that players remove any trash before leaving the field 

Traits of the Model Coach  

A coach should be enthusiastic without being intimidating. He or she should be sensitive to the children's feelings and genuinely enjoy spending time with them. He or she should be dedicated to serving children and understand that football provides physical and emotional growth for its participants. Remember, N Zone Sports is for children.  

A coach needs to realize that he or she is a teacher, not a drill sergeant. He or she should help children learn and work to improve their skills. Personal gains are never a consideration. The job does not depend on winning. The best interest of the child transforms into the best interests of the game.  

The safety and welfare of the children can never be compromised. A coach will consider these factors above all others.  

A coach needs a tremendous amount of patience. Don't push children beyond limits in regard to practice. Children have many daily pressures, and the football experience should not be one of them. Playing football is supposed to be fun.  

A coach should care more about the players as people than as athletes. The N Zone Sports program is a means to an end, not an end to itself. 

A coach should encourage his players to dream and set lofty goals. It is important to remain positive and refrain from discouraging remarks. Negative comments are remembered far more often than positive affirmations.  

A coach needs to remember that the rules of the game are designed to protect the participants, as well as to set a standard for competition. He or she should never circumvent or take advantage of the rules by teaching deliberate misconduct. A coach who puts his or her opponents' team at risk should not be involved with children.  

A coach should be the first person to demonstrate good sportsmanship. He or she should take a low profile during the game and allow the kids to be the center of attention.  

Parents and players place a lot of trust and confidence in the coach. The coach has an important role in molding the athletic experience of the child.  

A coach can measure success by the respect he gets from his or her players, regardless of victories or defeats. Children who mature socially and physically while participating in sports are the best indication of good coaching.  

Awards 

N Zone Weekly Sportsmanship Values 

As an N Zone Sports Coach, you play a critical role in reminding our youth (and their parents) of the importance of maintaining the fundamental values of good sportsmanship. These values are essential not just to sports, but to the social fabric of our entire society.  

Because we’re living in an age in which traditional values are often forgotten, we cannot assume that all children are being taught these values at home. As you know, we believe that teaching kids how to play the game is only half of our job… helping them develop character is the other half.  

We have provided you with two tools to help you reinforce the importance of good sportsmanship: 

For Parents: The N Zone Sports Parent’s Promise 

The purpose of reviewing the N Zone Sports Parent’s Promise with parents is to heighten parents’ awareness of their role in modeling good sportsmanship, to educate them on what type of behavior is expected of them, and to give you the license to address situations in which a parent may be allowing their competitive spirit to interfere with N Zone’s focus on fun.  

For Youth: Sportsmanship Awards 

To help you teach youth players what good sportsmanship is all about, we have created special awards for kids that demonstrate select values. By focusing on one key value each game, you can use moments from the game as teaching points for a specific value ("I know it seemed like you scored a touchdown, but I was really proud of the way you didn’t argue with the referee.")  

We ask you to look for these moments and to recognize the children by awarding them with a values award that we will provide you with.   Each player should earn one award in the course of the season for their clear acts of demonstrating teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship and effort.  

Suggestions for using the weekly values: 

In practice or games, watch for instances when players exhibit the right kinds of behavior. Recognize frequently and openly. Make a big deal of giving positive feedback!  

Make the discussion interactive by asking questions and giving examples.  

When you observe negative behavior, it is important that you address it directly with the player in a manner that will not embarrass him/her in front of others. Your goal should be to constructively correct; never to humiliate. The best way to handle a negative situation is to call the player to the sidelines and deal with the issue privately one-to-one. 

Don’t forget that you are the kids’ best role model for good sportsmanship. Be very mindful of how you respond to game officials and/or to disagreements with other coaches. Your players will take their lead from you… they’re always watching!  

Remember that “Having Fun is #1!” 

N Zone Sports Basketball Rules 

The rules of the game were developed to afford N Zone Sports participants the opportunity to learn and understand the fundamentals of the game of basketball. Every player should be given an opportunity to experience the game in a fun, safe environment. N Zone coaches should never attempt to alter or misrepresent the rules nor put their own interests above those of the children playing the game. 

N Zone Sports has created a basketball program designed to provide children with the best possible environment to foster healthy competition, promote fair play and instill a sense of teamwork, effort, leadership and sportsmanship. These are the values that N Zone Sports was built upon. Keep the kids learning and having fun! 

Age                     Group                  Players         Ball             Goal Height        Game Length 

5-7                    Freshmen                5 vs 5          25.5”                     8’                6 min quarters            

8-10                  Junior Varsity         5 vs 5          27.5”                     9’                7 min quarters  

11-14                   Varsity                    5 vs 5             28.5”                    10’               8 min quarters 

 (For Freshman and Junior Varsity groups)  

Before the start of each game and the second half each player will receive two free throws that if made will count toward the team's score! Each free-throw made is one point. The coaches should rebound and tally up the score and report how many they made to the scorekeeper. 

This rule will help some teammates have more of a role and outcome in the game and allow everyone to get some shots on basket!  

So, practice free-throws!! 

If one team has 8 players and the other team only has 7, one player from the 7 team will shoot again. 

Freshmen Basketball Rules  

Good sportsmanship always comes before winning 

Games consist of 4 quarters of 6 minutes. The clock will run continuously besides shooting fouls. There will be one minute between quarters and 5 minutes for halftime. Teams are allowed one time out per half. 

Scores and records will be kept. 

Lane violations, such as 3 seconds, will not be called. 

Players must play a minimum of 2 quarters per game and one quarter per half. No player is permitted to play in all 4 quarters unless the team is limited to 6 or fewer players. Injuries are the only time a player may be substituted. If a player sustains an injury in which he/she is bleeding, they must be promptly removed from the game until the bleeding has stopped. A player substitution is permitted in this instance.  

While on defense, the following rules apply; 

Must play zone defense  

No double teaming a player 

No full court pressing.  

No pressure is allowed in the backcourt on the change of possession 

No stealing the ball  

Traveling and double dribbling will be called if the offensive player gains an advantage by it or if the official determines the player has the skill set to dribble continuously.  

Free throws will be awarded on shooting fouls. / Clock will stop 

Must progress play no holding ball long periods of time. 

Junior Varsity Rules  

Good sportsmanship always comes before winning 

Games consist of 4 quarters of between 7 minutes (see table above). The clock will run continuously besides shooting fouls. There will be one minute between quarters and 5 minutes for halftime. Teams are allowed two timeouts per half. 

Scores and records will be kept. 

Lane violations, such as 5 seconds, will not be called. 

Scores and records will be kept and posted to the web site weekly. 

Players cannot foul out of a game but may be removed for excessive or intentional fouling.  

Players must play a minimum of 2 quarters per game and one quarter per half. No player is permitted to play in all 4 quarters unless the team is limited to 6 or fewer players. Injuries are the only time a player may be substituted. If a player sustains an injury in which he/she is bleeding, they must be promptly removed from the game until the bleeding has stopped. A player substitution is permitted in this instance.  

While on defense, the following rules apply; 

No stealing dribble but may steal pass and block 

No double teaming a player 

No full court pressing. Half-court pressing is allowed but the player must be given the opportunity to cross the half court. No traps. 

No pressure is allowed in the backcourt on the change of possession 

Recovery Rule: a defensive player may leave his man to prevent another player from driving to the basket. However, once the initial stop is made, the player must immediately return to the original player guarded. 

Traveling and double dribbling will be called if the offensive player gains an advantage by it or if the official determines the player has the skill set to dribble continuously.  

Free throws will be awarded on shooting fouls. / Clock will stop 

Must progress play no holding ball long periods of time. 

Varsity Rules 

Good sportsmanship always comes before winning 

Games consist of 4 quarters of 8 minutes. The clock will run continuously besides shooting fouls. There will be one minute between quarters and 5 minutes for halftime. Teams are allowed two timeouts per half. 

Scores and records will be kept. 

Lane violations, such as 5 seconds, will not be called. 

Scores and records will be kept and posted to the web site weekly. 

Players cannot foul out of a game but may be removed for excessive or intentional fouling.  

Players must play a minimum of 2 quarters per game and one quarter per half. No player is permitted to play in all 4 quarters unless the team is limited to 6 or fewer players. Injuries are the only time a player may be substituted. If a player sustains an injury in which he/she is bleeding, they must be promptly removed from the game until the bleeding has stopped. A player substitution is permitted in this instance.  

While on defense, the following rules apply; 

Man to man defense and zone defense is allowed. 

No double teaming a player 

Full court and half court pressing are allowed. Full court press in man to man and No traps allowed. 

Recovery Rule: a defensive player may leave his man to prevent another player from driving to the basket. However, once the initial stop is made, the player must immediately return to the original player guarded. 

Free throws will be given on shooting fouls.  

Traveling and double dribbling will be called if the offensive player gains an advantage by it or if the official determines the player has the skill set to dribble continuously.  

Free throws will be awarded on shooting fouls. / clock will stop 

Must progress play no holding ball long periods of time. 

Program Summary 

Number of Player Requirement (all divisions) 

Each team will have a target roster size of between 7-9 players. 

Games will be 5 on 5 however a team is allowed to play with 4 players. A forfeit is determined when a team has less than 4 players available 5 minutes after scheduled time or as determined by the site director or referee. 

Teams may substitute players on any stoppage of play with the referee’s approval 

Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. 

No defense in the backcourt 

Equipment                                                 

N Zone Sports will supply each player with an N Zone player jersey, and one basketball for each team. Players are asked to wear dark shorts/ sweatpants and rubber-soled athletic shoes. Mouth guards are recommended for safety but not required.  

Referees                                                                                                                                                 

N Zone Sport will provide a referee for games. Officials should avoid interfering with the course of play but are considered part of the court. Referees will briefly explain all rule infractions to the offending player, with more explanation being provided for younger players.  

Game Duration                                    

Freshmen play four, 6-minute quarters. There is a 5-minute halftime. Each team has one timeout per half. JV plays four, 7-minute quarters, a 5-minute halftime, each team has 2 timeouts per half. Varsity plays four, 8-minute quarters, a 5-minute halftime, each team has 2 timeouts per half. 

*There is no overtime during the regular season. Playoff overtime will be 5-minute periods as needed. 

Offense 

Backcourt violations will not be enforced in any 7 and under divisions. Over and back (half court line) will be enforced in JV and Varsity Divisions. 

The 10 second backcourt and 5 second inbound rules will only apply in JV and Varsity Divisions. 

Defense 

Freshman Division Defensive Restrictions  

Half court zone defense only (defense not to extend beyond 3 pt line) 

JV Division Defensive Restrictions 

Half court man to man or zone defense 

If a team is winning by 12+ points defense cannot extend past the 3-point line 

No stealing dribble 

May steal pass 

Varsity Division Defensive Restrictions 

Teams can play either zone or man to man in the full court 

Teams may full court press unless leading by 12+ points 

Teams leading by 12+ points may not extend defense beyond half court 

** Illegal defense will be called if a team loses possession of the ball because of a defensive act taking place in a restricted area.  The turnover will be allowed if it occurred as a result of an error by the offensive team and defense was not being applied in the restricted area of the court.  

Forfeit 

Games must start with at least four players per team. Any team that cannot field four players within five minutes of the schedule's start time shall forfeit the game.  

Forfeit scores will be recorded as 10-0 

Fouls: Personal fouls include any type of illegal physical contact:                                                                                                                                               

Hitting 

Pushing 

Slapping 

Holding 

Illegal pick/screen- When an offensive player sticks out a limb and makes physical contact with a defender in attempt to block the path of the defender. 

Personal Foul Penalties: If a player is shooting while a being fouled, then he gets two free throws if his shot doesn’t go in, but only one free throw if his shot does go in.  

Inbounds 

Inbounds. If fouled while not shooting, the ball is given to the team the foul was committed upon. They get the ball at the nearest side of baseline, out of bounds, and have 5 seconds to pass the ball onto the court.  

One & one. If the team committing the foul has seven or more fouls in the game, then the player who was fouled is awarded one free throw. If he makes his first shot, then he is awarded another free throw. 

Ten or more fouls. If the team committing the foul has ten or more fouls, then the fouled player receives two free throws.  

Charging- An offensive foul that is committed when a player pushes or runs over a defensive player. The ball is given to the team that the foul was committed upon. 

Blocking- Blocking is illegal personal contact resulting from a defender not establishing position in time to prevent an opponent’s drive to the basket. 

Violations 

Traveling/Walking- Taking more than a step and a half without dribbling the ball is traveling. Moving your pivot foot once you’ve stopped dribbling is traveling. 

Carrying- when a player dribbles the ball with his hand too far to the side of or, sometimes, even under the ball. 

Double Dribble- Dribbling the ball with both hands on the ball at the same time or picking up the dribble and then dribbling again is a double dribble.  

Held Ball- Occasionally, two or more opposing players will gain possession of the ball at the same time.  To avoid a prolonged and/or violent tussle, the referee stops the action and awards the ball to one team or the other on a rotating basis.  

Backcourt Violation- Once the offense has brought the ball across the mid-court line they cannot go back across the line during possession. If they do, the ball is awarded to the other team to pass inbounds.  

Time restrictions- A player passing the ball inbounds has five seconds to pass the ball. If he does not, then the ball is awarded to the other team. Other time restrictions include the rule that a player cannot have the ball for more than five seconds when being closely guarded. 

Forfeit 

Games must start with at least four players per team. Any team that cannot field four players within five minutes of the scheduled start time shall forfeit the game.  

Forfeit scores will be recorded as 10-0 

Games in the younger age groups should be officiated more loosely with emphasis placed on instruction.  

Rule #1….. Have Fun! 

NOTE: The league reserves the right to modify rules during the season.  N Zone Sports reserves the right to ask the player’s parents/guardians to produce valid proof of age in the form of a birth certificate or other forms of legal identification.   

Game Day 

Practice 

At N Zone Sports, we recognize that time is a premium for families and strive to be as convenient as possible.  This is why we leave practices optional.  At the discretion of the coach, practices can be held, but they are not to be made mandatory. If a child misses a practice for any reason, they are not to be excluded from playing in a game. 

Our suggestion to our coaches is to hold practice 30-60 minutes before the regularly scheduled game time.  This way coaches, players and parents are able to get everything accomplished in 1 trip to the venue. 

Regular Season Game Day Procedures 

When special values are observed, we award the player with an N Zone Sports Values award.  Be sure to make a big deal about it and announce the players’ positive action to the players and parents.  Celebrate these moments. 

Required Apparel 

N Zone Sports Certified Coach Yellow or Blue T-Shirt 

Equipment Check 

Coaches mesh bag 

1 Game Ball 

When applicable, review Weekly Values with your team 

We advise that you coach from the field and have an assistant coach be responsible for the substitutions 

At the conclusion of the game 

Form a line with your team to shake hands with the other team 

Confirm the score with the referee 

Relay any necessary information to the parents 

If it is your week to award Sportsman of the Week, select a player, recognize the player in front of his peers and then to the team parents.  Be sure to report the name of this child to the canopy before leaving. 

Prior to leaving the premise, winning coach reports score to canopy 

Reporting Scores 

Scores are to be reported by the winning coach, who will post the score on the game log located at the N Zone Canopy, prior to leaving the premises.  The correct score, date of game, field # and location, as well as the opponent you played is EXTREMELY important.  Again, it is the winning coach’s responsibility to report the score.  Game scores will be posted on the web site.  Any disputes regarding a score must be submitted via email or telephone, explaining the situation by Tuesday of the following week.    

When posting scores please be accurate…. Putting incorrect data will only cause discrepancies with the standings and delay the posting.  

After the scores are submitted, the standings will be updated on the web site within 24 hours.  Anyone may view the standings under the Standings tab at www.N Zonesports.com. 

Please double check for accuracy and make sure that your opponent and score were both reported correctly. If you feel that the score was reported incorrectly, please email or call the league office as soon as possible. 

Playing Court 

The typical playing court is from side to side on one half of a regulation basketball court.  These dimensions can be modified to suit the area or other concerns. 

“And the most important rule of all... HAVE FUN!!!” 

Practice Aid 

N Zone Sports Coaching Suggestions 

As we previously stated, you don’t need to have a large wealth of sport-specific knowledge in order to be an effective N Zone Sports coach.  What you do need is good communication skills to create a positive experience for all involved.  

Children learn in many ways, but one thing is always common, have fun!  Ask any child why they play a chosen sport and the answer most likely is to have fun. To accomplish this, a child must have a reasonable level of success.  Now this will be different for each child, so don’t think that you must win the championship to show your team success!  It is all how you place value on the different aspects of the game that will shape your team’s perception of themselves. 

This brings us back to the point of making the biggest deal of the smallest positive!  Focus on what your team is doing well.  When they complete a pass…go crazy!  When they exemplify a sportsmanship value…load on the praise! With this mentality they are sure to get better and better regardless of their experience or current level. 

Besides loading on the praise, giving the players the tools needed for success will also positively affect their experience. When teaching the skills of the game, there are 3 phases of coaching that will assist in your communication to the players. 

3 Phases of Coaching 

Skill Introduction 

Always start by obtaining the attention of every one of your players.  Insist on eye contact and silence when the coach is talking to the group. 

Always name the skill that is being introduced. This is part of the education process and will aid them in future sport play. 

Always explain how the skill relates to the main goal of the sport (i.e. scoring).  This gives value to the skill. 

Remember to keep things short and sharp!  The attention span of youth sports athletes is very short. 

Demonstration 

Most children learn through seeing a visual demonstration.  They will try to replicate what has been performed. 

Always demonstrate the skill several times and start at a slower speed so that the players can see the nuances involved. 

If possible, have a player who has previously shown success at this skill to perform it in front of the group.  This will give confidence to the demonstrating player as well as show the others that they can also have success at this skill. 

Always talk your way through the skill to your players.  This will help them focus on the details. 

Coaching 

As the players are practicing the new skill, make your rounds and provide feedback as needed 

This can be done in smaller groups or with individual attention.  Remember that some players will pick up the skill quickly, while others will need more attention. 

When you are working with the players make sure to let them know what they are doing well as well as what they need to develop. Everyone likes to hear positives! 

Progression of Practice 

The key to great practice is to follow steps that will lead to success.  This is much easier than it sounds!  Here are some hints to get you on your way: 

Spend 5-10 minutes before your practice to think out a quick outline of your practice time. 

Keep your progression from simple to complex. Take the skill from a static stage and slowly add in pressures (space, time or opponents). 

Try to cover only 1 main skill per practice. This will allow players to focus on one aspect of the game at a time.  Think of it this way…you wouldn’t teach reading and math in the same hour of class time and expect the students to be great in each. 

Always end in a game (or as close to one as you can) and show the players how their new skills attribute to the success of their team.  This is also a great way to reinforce the lessons learned.