The White Knoll Basketball Program:

Mission StatementThe mission of the White Knoll Basketball program is to enhance the educational experience of the student athletes of WKHS by offering an opportunity to compete in interscholastic competition and grow as a person through the experiences that athletics provide.

Program Vision Our vision is to provide an environment in which student athletes can learn the value of, and excel in the areas of academic achievement, teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship and competition. We want to maximize our student athletes’ potential academically, athletically and socially.

How will we accomplish this?We will provide quality coaches that are great role models as well as great teachers of the skills and strategies of successful football but more importantly, of life. We will continually grow as individual coaches and as a staff by expanding our knowledge base and skill level by studying successful programs and self- evaluation. Increased skill levels will increase opportunities for team success as well as individual success.

Program PhilosophyWe will build a basketball program.  A team is put together each year.  A

program is built by a collaborative effort and investment of the community.  The basketball community is made up of coaches, student athletes,

administrators, teachers, parents and supporters.  A program offers the student athlete an opportunity to develop in all areas of their life. 

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Objectives of the Basketball Program 

1. Each player should receive a diploma and an education.  Team goals include a 100% GRADUATION RATE, 33% of team on the HONOR ROLL and NO F’s.

 

2. Establish and maintain excellence in our basketball program. EXPECTATIONS and TRADITION graduates.

  

3. Become better people through the athletic experience.  Our program should encourage our players to develop a genuine CARE and CONCERN for others, as well as ACCOUNTABILITY and RESPONSIBILITY.

  

4. Our players will have FUN.  Our program will provide an enjoyable experience for our student athletes.

  

5. Learn the nature of competition.  Our student athletes will be FIERCE COMPETITORS on the court and GENTLEMEN off the court.

Head Basketball Coach’s Responsibilities  

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1- Provide leadership for basketball program:

o Direction o Philosophy- offensively, defensively & special situationso Delegation of Duties o Strength Program

 2- Manage/Supervise Basketball Coaches

o Varsity, JV & Middle School o Clearly Define Expectations o Guidelines, Policies & Procedures o Education o Evaluation o Recruit and Retain Highly Qualified Coaches

 3- Manage Basketball budget and logistics

o Fund Raising o Equipment o Uniforms/Apparel o Travel o Schedule

 4- Communication

o w/Administration o w/ Staff o w/ Parents o w/ Student Athletes o w/ Boosters o w/ Public/Media o w/ College Coaches/ Recruiters o Conflict Resolution

 5- Basketball Player Supervision and Mentoring

o Academic Monitoring o Discipline o Eligibility o Insurance o Counseling, Advising/Conflict Resolution

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Team -Community Service and Outreach

1. Timberwolf Reading Buddies – we will seek partnerships with elementary classes to read and interact with them on a weekly basis

2. Timberwolf Lunch Buddies/ Mentors-we will seek mentoring opportunities with at-risk elementary students.

3. Timberwolf Youth Basketball Camp- we will host a youth basketball camp for elementary through middle school aged boys.

4. Timberwolf service projects – Habitat for Humanity, etc. – we will seek opportunities to help others in our area.

Our Coaching Philosophy1. We are accountable.

We are responsible for our own success as well as our failure.  “What we put out there is ours.”  

2. We must have a great attitude. We will be positive, energetic, winning, people concerned coaches.  

3. We are indivisible as a staff. We are loyal and must trust each other.  

4. We are great innovators and teachers. We are constantly evaluating techniques and searching for new methods.  

5. We will have outstanding player-coach relationships. We are here for our players.  Our players are our #1 concern. All young people need three things: Attention, Affection and Affirmation. 

6. We want to be excellent in all we do.

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We will strive to have excellent students, an excellent team, excellent players, an excellent stadium, excellent uniforms, an excellent weight room, excellent coaching attire, and excellent equipment. 

7. We want our players to be good citizens and students. Stay in touch with players after football season.  

8. We will coach our athletes to work harder and play harder than our opponents. We will have the best-trained athletes in the state.  

9. We will be known as a school and team of unquestionable character.   

10. Our team will be prepared every game we play. We will prepare relentlessly; we will be very thorough. 

Academic Plan 

Academic progress will be monitored closely.  We will accomplish this through: 

Grade/ Behavior Reports

1. Student athletes will turn in Grade/Behavior reports on Fridays.  These will be turned in to assistant coach who will monitor their progress and report to the head coach any habitual problems.  Poor choices in the classroom will result in after practice ED (extra duty).  Repeated poor choices may result in a partial or one game suspension.

 

Study Hall

2. Student athletes will report to study hall. Study hall will be supervised and books will be mandatory.  Study hall will be a time of completing homework or for getting extra tutoring.

 

Communication

3. Coaches will be proactive in communication with parents and teachers concerning student athletes’ grades and behavior in class.  Parents and teachers will be

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encouraged to communicate both positive accomplishments and possible problems with coaches by email.

Organizational/ Time Management Skills

4. Student athletes will be encouraged to sit at the front of their classes if their teachers allow it.  They will also be taught organizational skills and encouraged to keep an agenda of their daily and weekly assignments for their position coaches and parents to look over.  Time management and planning strategies will be taught and encouraged by the coaching staff.

Coaches Policy Manual and General Coaching Duties

1. First and foremost, our job is to care about our players and be a positive role model for them.  We will not use profane language or down grade our players.

2. Become a positive liaison within the community about the game of basketball and communicate its value in developing successful student athletes.

3. Remain in contact (academically) with players in the off-season.  We are here to teach our young men about the game of life not just basketball.  We have an open-door policy as a basketball staff.

4. As a staff we must be able to communicate through constructive criticism.  We must be mature enough to handle the “coaching” that we do in the office.  We should be able to handle suggestions from other coaches on the staff.

5. As head basketball coach, I cannot be a mind reader. If you have a problem with anything concerning our program, it should be voiced to me.  We should never be critical of any facet of the program in a public arena.  (Band, cheerleaders, players, etc…) 

6. Disputes between coaches/techniques should never occur on the court in front of our players.

7. We do things the White Knoll way.  When we leave a staff meeting, all opinions should have been said; therefore, leaving no doubt that all coaches are working for the same goal.  Our players should believe that the White Knoll way is the best way to do it.

8. All techniques need to be approved by the head coach. 9. We are professionals- our players are a reflection of our coaching. 10. An assistant coaches’ value to the program can be measured by what he does beyond the

call of duty. 11. During every second that we spend on the court, we should be coaching.  If you are

standing around something is wrong.    12. Make sure players know your expectations- #1 being effort.   Make the players do

the little things. (no walking on court even at end of practice) 13. I would never ask you to do more than I am willing to do.  If you keep up the pace that I

set we will be successful.  In order to be a Championship program we must lead our kids to match our effort.  If you are willing to do more than you’re asked to do, we will have a Championship program!

14. Complaining about our players will not make us better.  We should convince those players who have worked hard that they are better than before.  We will be surprised that they will play up to there potential.

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15. Risk-taking decisions are my prerogative- your input will always be taken into consideration and we should never second-guess the decisions.

16. If you apply for another job or have been offered another job, please communicate with the head coach. I will help you any way I can as long as you are upfront and honest with me. 

Job Duties- General

1. We should attend any function (pre-season meetings, weekend meetings, off-season meetings, and clinics) dealing with our program- any problems should be discussed with the head coach. If you are taking classes, they should not conflict with your basketball duties.  All Coaches should attend and participate in meetings of our parents.

2. We should get involved in our strength training program especially in the summer- it will only make our program better!!

3. Be aware of the player guidelines and enforce them when appropriate.  The head coach will handle any matters with attire.

4. One coach will be responsible for wash.  Other coaches will rotate weeks of assistance in wash duty.  Wash duty coach will have lock up duty during the same week.

5. Be prompt for all meetings and practices.  Our coaches are expected to be in the office at least one- half hour before practice (pre-season practice).  ALL COACHES SHOULD BE ON THE COURT FOR PRE-PRACTICE (pre-practice routine, position shooting, defensive/offensive work, live work if needed, team shooting, discussion)

6. You should remain in the office/locker room after practice and games for staff meetings. (One coach will be responsible for lock up, wash, rides, etc…)

7. Our weekend staff meetings will last as long as long as it takes to get the work done. 8. Never leave our equipment rooms unattended. 9. We will have off-season staff meetings TBA. If you are coaching another sport, you are

not required to attend; however, you are asked to be aware of what is going on in the program.

10. All basketball coaches will be present at all summer strength workouts.  11. All coaches will wear the appropriate dress code to games.12. After practice or any basketball function, coaches should not leave until all players

have a ride home. 13. Assistant coaches will have various specific duties pertaining to practice/ game

management.  These will be a part of your specific duties. 14. On game night and pre-game meals/travel, all coaches should wear appropriate color

attire.  15. All coaches will assist in Max Outs. 16. Never leave players unsupervised anywhere at any time.  ( ex. Letting a player borrow

your keys to the locker room)

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OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY

To score as many points as possible  Utilize personnel effectively as possible  Encourage team play. Achieve results through cooperation and unselfish effort by all  Fast break at every opportunity  Concentrate on the high percentage shot with good offensive rebounding coverage  Use multiple offenses with a major emphasis on a free-lance offense, with rules  Some set an offense that utilizes talents of personnel (I’m a flexible coach, adapting

almost exclusively to the talents of my players)  Eliminate the element of surprise by thoroughly preparing team to meet all possible

defenses  Vary the offense throughout each game to prevent the defense from preparing too easily,

or becoming accustomed to a single style of play Offensive Conditioning Shape

DEFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY

Hard Defense at all times Be multiple in our alignments: 2-3, 1-3-1, 3-2 Attack principles up front with constant movement/ball/you man principals Create as much confusion as possible to offensive players/coaches Ability to play man coverage and zone (2-3, 3-2, 1-3-1) Be able to play the following coverage’s: full-court man, 2-2-1 full court trap and 1-2-1-1

full court trap (I’m a flexible coach, adapting almost exclusively to the talents of my players)

Create turnovers Run to the ball at all times –Penetrate under control- Close out- Defend Be smart defenders Defensive Conditioning Shape

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PLAYER GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS  

I. Academics

A. Be eligible by SCHSL standards and Lexington District One standards.B. During the season try to make-up test and complete other school work before

school, during lunch, or other times so that you do not miss valuable practice time.

C. Take the ACT/SAT during your junior year or before if possible. D. All seniors should complete NCAA Clearing House forms. E. If you think you are a college football player know what is expected of you in the

classroom (core GPA) in order to receive a scholarship.

II. Behavior on and off the field

A. Be aware of the WKHS Athletic Department Discipline Code -Criminal activity should be reported to the coaching staff and any decisions regarding discipline will be made after the head coach, AD, and principal meet with those parties involved (Minimum one week suspension for alcohol-related incidents.) All OSS will result in Game Suspensions, with in-season offenses carrying a heavier penalty than out of season offenses due to missed practices (JV players will miss both the JV game AND Varsity game that week if they are dressing with varsity.) ISS will be punished after practices. Any theft from teammate or coach will result in dismissal from the team. Any lie told to a coach or teammate will result in dismissal from the team.

B. Tardy policy 1. Every tardy will result in 25 hills/sleds/up downs2. If you are tardy to practice your position will run after practice 3. Excessive tardiness will result in individual punishment and

suspensions. C. If a player is to miss practice, preferably the player ( or parent ) should let a coach

know BEFORE practice….this is considered unexcused. D. Unexcused missed practices will result in suspensions. (1st offense- one week, 2nd

offense- two weeks, third offense- dismissal from team.)

Dress Codes

A. No clothing or other apparel that might be construed as gang- related.

B. No earrings or mouth grills while wearing Timberwolf gear (Game day, practice, workouts).

C. When you are representing WKHS in an official capacity, you should dress appropriately (no hats on sideways, etc…)

D. All game underneath shirts must be white.

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E. No writing on outside of uniform.

F. If you are injured you must attend practice and wear your practice shorts and jersey. To practice and complete an IR workout prescribed by your coach or trainers.

G. If you lose your practice uniform, you must pay for replacements ASAP.  If you quit you must return ALL WKHS issued equipment or pay for them. 

H. Our practice schedules are planned in such a way as to ensure that you will have ample time to stay ahead on your studies. Taping will take place no later than 10 minutes before practice in the training room.

I. Grooming. On game days all players are to shave all facial hair -- regardless of if they fit in the full beard or the peach fuzz category.

J. Practice Jerseys. Practice jerseys are to remain tucked in during practice. Lexington One High School Activities Association mandates this during games; we will abide by this rule in practice, as well.

K. Game Day Attire. Our dress for school on game days will be such that it sets us apart from the other students and focuses us for the contest near at hand. The two clothing options are team apparel (basketball warm-ups) or “best dress.”(slacks with a belt, shirt & tie, tucked in, ironed, non athletic socks, no gym shoes).

IV. Weight room/Locker room guidelines

A. Rack all weight in the weight room. B. WE always start together and WE leave together. C. Do not enter the weight room with drinks. D. Take care of your yard this is your house. E. Locker room…no one enters but team members. F. Do not write on lockers. G. Leaders control atmosphere- (music-No Cursing, cleanliness, noise) H. Do not enter equipment room unless you have permission. I. If you have a problem with your equipment, see the Coach in charge.

V. On the court guidelines

A. Put cups in the trash.

B. Never walk on the court between drills.

C. When a Coach is talking look at him.

D. No showboating or taunting.

E. When a steal, substituting being made, scoring a layup or a dunk takes place in the game everyone on the bench celebrates or praise your teammate.

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F. If a fight breaks out… do not leave the bench.

VI. Media Relations

A. Speak very highly of your opponent. B. Be proud of your teammates and school. C. Do not say too much. D. Be aware of your image and protect it… You never know who is watching you. E. All parents and players should be aware that they should make it known to the

head coach if the DO NOT want their likeness or image published in any media outlet. Failure to do so gives WKHS the right to allow media outlets to publish video or still photographs as well as interviews of all student athletes.

VII. Coaching policy

A. We are here for you. “Let us take you where you can’t take yourself”

B. We all have an open door policy. If you need us, call us.

Expectations and Responsibilities of the Basketball Community

My beliefs:

1. Students earn the right to participate in the program based upon how they behave and perform in school.

2. Players earn the right to play based on how they perform in practice ( A player regularly missing practice will meet with his coach ). At that time a plan to move forward as it relates to his attendance should be established. If that cannot be met, he is subject to dismissal.

3. Good coaches teach during practice and coach during the games. 4. It is the child’s experience. (turn your child over to me)

   Team rule:

1. Choose to do the right thing all the time.

(Think about the consequences before you make a decision!) 

Roles:  

1. Head Coach and Assistants

Serve as a responsible role model for your child. Believe that this is an educational experience that all students involved will benefit from.

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Represent our school and community with pride. Prepare the players for competition. Treat each child as if he was their own.  

 Players:

Understand that you are a “student athlete”

Be at every practice unless they are sick or have a medical/family emergency. If you are injured, you should be at practice to get treatment or physical therapy. You communicate with the coaches. (especially concerning missing practice) Be loyal to your teammates and coaches. Represent your family, school, and community with class. Realize that you control two things everyday: you’re Attitude and your Effort. MAKE EFFORT A HABIT!!  

 Parents:

Provide positive support to your child. Be supportive of the coaches and staff. Support the program. (Volunteer, etc...)

 Concerns Appropriate for Parents to Discuss with the Coaches.

Mental and physical treatment of your child. Ways to help your child improve. Social, academic, or health concerns.

 Inappropriate Topics for Parents to Discuss with the Coaches

Playing time/position. Team strategy Other team members (unless it’s an emergency that I need to know about.)

Playing Time Criteria   Every one of you wants to start on our basketball team.  Unfortunately, not all of you will.  The coaching staff must determine who will start.  Consequently, I feel it is important for you to understand how we will decide on Depth Charts as practice progresses.  The following five points will be evaluated: 

I. Knowledge of Assignment-We cannot and will not play people who do not know their assignments.  The coach will spend extra time with you if you so desire.  Everyone can and should know their assignments.  

II. Hustle & Effort-Everyone will be expected to give 100% at all times.  Your teammates will be giving 100% and they will expect you to give it also.  Effort wins games not X’s and O’s. Everyone can give 100%.  

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III. Mental Toughness- Basketball is a contact and mentally sport and it must be played with a high level of intensity and mental toughness. Everyone can give toughness.  

IV. Contribution to the Overall Team-The player that motivates his teammates to do better and that is always enthusiastic will make a greater contribution than the one that does nothing.  The one that hates to lose is an invaluable player. Everyone wants to win, but we are looking for people that will not accept losing and that will work harder after a loss. Everyone can be a team player.  

V. Talent- If the above four characteristics are equal and they should be, then the young man who has the most talent and makes the biggest plays in practice/game, will start.  However, talent will not enter into our evaluation until we look closely at the first four qualities.  Obviously if you are injured it will be difficult for us to evaluate you.

  My main concern is to be as fair as possible with you and to be truly honest.  If you do not feel you are being treated fairly, see assistant coach.  In the event you are still not satisfied, then come see me. We are here for the same reasons you are:

1) See that you get an education and a diploma.

2) See that you mature and grow as a man.

3) See that we have the best basketball team possible. 

Consequently, the best basketball players, according to the criteria previously mentioned, will start.  In closing, let me reiterate that our starters will be determined on the court by your performance and not by the coaches.  I have great respect for you and believe that you will know your assignments, give 100%, play Hard Defense, and be a team player.  I will continue to believe this until you prove me different. 

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Player Assumption Contract  

Assumption means “that which is taken for granted.” 

It is important that you understand that we as coaches are making four assumptions.  The program is developed with these assumptions in our mind.  The assumptions explain to you where the coaches are trying to go with the program.  If you are trying to go in a different direction, then you and the coaches will never be able to work together. 

1. We assume you want to be the best athlete you can be.  This is important because when our coaches’ look at you they see what you could and should become and will push you to achieve your maximum.  Our coaches understand that “Complacency is neglect of duty”.  You will never be allowed to settle for less than your best.  

2. We assume that you want to play on a Championship team. Our practices, our off season, and our summer program are designed to produce a champion. You understand that your decisions must be made with the priority being the team and the individual must come second.  Players must understand that the position they are playing is where they help the team the most and may not be where they or their parents want them to play.  

3. We assume you expect to graduate with highest grades that you are capable of making.  We will not simply try to keep you eligible. You will be pushed to make the highest grades possible.  You will be responsible to the team to turn in all assigned work on time.  You will have weekly progress reports that you will give to your position coach.

4. We assume you want to become a better person.  You understand that you represent our team. You may very well be the only athlete some people will ever know.  Your character is a direct reflection of our program.  We assume that you understand that you will always be a member of our athletic program, even after you graduate.  You will understand that there are many responsibilities that go along with being a part of this program. You will be held accountable for your actions.  We will help you become all you can be off the field as well as on the field.

I, _______________________________ (print) understand these assumptions and I am in complete agreement with them.   

Signature_________________________________            Date__________________ 

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Dear Parents, 

I want to start by saying thank you for the opportunity to work with your young men.  I am excited about the opportunity to lead the Timberwolves.  We will treat your sons like they are our own. Our program will focus on developing these young men into CHAMPIONS in all areas of their life, not just great basketball players.  The previous coaching staff has done a great job building a foundation here at White Knoll High.   My goal is to build an excellent program on that foundation.

This goal will take a “basketball community” to accomplish successfully.  The community is made up of the administrators, coaches, players, boosters and you, the parents.  You will be a vital part in our success.  As coaches, it is our job to make sure that our players are choosing to do the right thing in the classroom, on the court, in the weight room and out in the community.  We want to partner with you to help these young men make the right decisions.  I encourage you to keep the lines of communication open so that we can be proactive in this.  You can also help us by being a positive supporter of your son and our coaches.  Please get involved and volunteer if you are able to make this a great experience for these young men.  I look forward to working with you in order to build an excellent basketball program here at White Knoll High School.

As for the state of the program and the direction that we are headed, let me say that the ship has changed captains, but it is still on course.  My staff and I are planning and working hard to prepare our young men for an excellent year.  It is my hope to make this transition as smooth as possible. 

Parent Signature_________________________________            Date__________________

Sincerely,  

Coach Devin Liferidge

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Player ResponsibilitiesRights

1- You earn the right to participate in this program based on how you behave and perform in school.

2- You earn the right to play based on how you perform in the weight room, on the court and in practice.

Team Rule

Choose to do the right thing all the time. Think about the consequences before you act.

Academics

1- Understand that you are a student first and an athlete second.2- Work proactively to be eligible by the SCHSL and Lexington District

One standards.3- Try to make up tests and complete other school work before school,

during lunch or at times other than practice or workout times.

Weight Room/ Locker Room

1- Take care of our house- keep it clean and respect it2- We will start together and finish together- lift on command3- Keep all food or drinks outside of the weight room4- Rack all weight in appropriate areas5- Locker room—no one enters except team members and coaches6- Keep the lockers clean inside and out7- Leaders control the atmosphere (clean music, clean language, and clean

surroundings).

Dress Codes

1- No gang- related apparel.2- No earrings, mouth grills, or hats in gym area/ at practice.3- When you are representing WKHS in an official way, dress

appropriately.

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TIMBERWOLF MUSTS

1- Be present at every workout or practice unless you are sick, out of town, or have a family emergency. (Any missed practice that has not been communicated beforehand is a one-week suspension. A 3rd offense will result in dismissal from the team)

2- Communicate with your coaches (especially concerning missing practice/ workouts)

3- Be loyal to your teammates and coaches- We are a family.4- When someone is talking, respect them by giving them your eyes

and ears.5- Represent your family, team, school and community with class.6- Realize that you control two things everyday: your attitude and

your effort.

MAKE EFFORT A HABIT!

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