November 7 th, 2015 Vernon Hills Park District, Sullivan Center

 Welcome  Introductions  Vernon Hills Feeder Basketball Background  NIGFBA League Overview  Practice / Games  Code of Conducts  Program Expectations  Special Events / Activities  Need your help…..PLEASE!  Questions / Answers

 Program started in 2000  Our primary focus is to prepare girls for Basketball at VHHS  We are the only Girls Feeder Program for VHHS  We are a competitive Basketball Program  We are a 501 (c) (3) organization, Not-For-Profit  Members of Northern Illinois Girls Feeder Basketball Association (NIGFBA)  Affiliate agreement with the Vernon Hills Park District.

Rocco Pesola, President Susan Bennett, Vice President, Secretary General Counsel Rick Binder, Vice President, Treasurer Stacie Brettner, Vice President, Operations Karen Bahlmann, Vice President, Marketing Joe Bruntmyer, Advisory Board Member, Vernon Hills Park District Contact information for Board Members, located at

Board Vernon Hills Lady Cougars 8 th Grade Stacie Brettner Karen Bahlmann Chris Bunning Team Parent Jeanine Sweeney 7 th Grade Derek Demas Don Proft Team Parent Liza Pappano 6 th Grade Rick Binder Lou Soto Team Parent Karen Perritt 5 th Grade Blue Garrett Self Joel Reyes Team Parent Katie Todd 5 th Grade Silver TBA Team Parent Katie Todd Program Director (VP-Operations) Stacie Brettner

 Official Girls Feeder Basketball Program for VHHS  NIGFBA Feeder Program of the Year recipient – 2008, 2014  Over 25 Tournament Championships  12 NIGFBA Division Championships o 5 th Grade – 2006, 2007 o 6 th Grade – 2006, 2007, 2008 o 7 th Grade – 2008, 2014, 2015 o 8 th Grade – 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010  Four NIGFBA Final appearances, 6 th Grade 2008, 7 th Grade 2008, 2015, 8 th Grade 2010  NIGFBA Conference Championship, 6 th Grade 2008, 7 th Grade 2015

 League rules require that players must live in and plan to attend their District High School  League follows all IHSA Girls Basketball Rules, with some exceptions. NIGFBA Rules will be available on our website.  Over 35 NIGFBA Feeder programs  Each feeder program must have 6 th – 8 th Grade team  Approx. 15 have 5 th Grade teams  Each team must play their divisional opponent twice, home and away.  Records (scores) are kept for all division games.

Our mission is to provide an opportunity for girls that will attend Vernon Hills High School to participate in an organized competitive basketball program for Grades 5 through 8, against similarly organized teams. We will develop each player to engage in a competitive level of basketball. We believe in giving girls a firm foundation in the many individual and team skills required to be a strong basketball player.

 Purpose of the progress reports is to provide the players with feedback regarding their skill development  Progress reports will be a one on one meeting with the player and coach or coaches.  Progress reports will be given in: o December - verbal o February - verbal o March- Each player will receive a final progress report (written) at the year end banquet.

 Coaches and players are expected to arrive at practice 15 minutes prior to start time and ready to begin on time.  Attendance is taken at the start of each practice  At least 50% of each practice is focused on skills and player development  Practices will take place at VHHS or Hawthorn School Gym.  Players are required to wear their practice jersey, bring a basketball ball (28.5”) and water bottle / sports drink to every practice.  Practices are expected to start and end on time.

 Only coaches and players are permitted in the gym during practice  Practice is an essential part of our program, what is learned at practice is implemented at a game.  Missing practice or games may affect playing time.  Players are expected to “bundle up” when arriving / leaving the gym (for games and practices). It’s a VHHS and Lady Cougar Feeder Basketball Rule.  Parents must notify the head coach, prior to the start of practice, if their daughter is not going to attend. One parent may not call out multiple players.

 5 th Grade can expect approximately 25 games  6 th – 8 th Grade can expect approximately games  All home games take place at VHHS  Away games may start as late as 8:30pm  Arrive at games 30 minutes prior to the start  Bring bottled water or a sports drink  Leave your basketball at home, no need to bring them

 Game uniforms are to be worn only at games  Game Uniforms o Home games – White jersey and blue game shorts o Away games – Blue jersey and blue game shorts  Always wear your shooting shirt to the game and during pre-game warm-ups.  A $120 replacement fee will be charged for lost or damaged game uniforms  A $30 replacement fee will be charged for lost or damaged practice jersey

 Playing time is not guaranteed at any grade level  Missing practices or games for any reason may affect playing time  Playing time is based on coaches discretion

 Each team will participate in the following tournaments o Lady Cat Invite – Libertyville High School o Lake Geneva – Badger High School o TBD o NIGFBA Conference Tournament – Libertyville Sports Complex (March 14-20, Spring Break is the week of March 20 th )  Each tournament may have their own set of game rules, except for the NIGFBA Conference Tournament  There is usually an admission fee for all spectators – Except for NIGFBA o Players - wear your blue game uniforms, bring white jersey o Leave basketballs at home o Parents / fans – please wear your Cougar Spirit Wear!!!

ACC Buffalo Grove Hersey Huntley Prospect Rolling Meadows Saint Viator Big East Evanston Glenbrook South Highland Park Maine South Red New Trier Green Niles North Niles West Big Ten Barrington White Deerfield Glenbrook North Maine South White Maine West New Trier Blue MAC Antioch Carmel Grant Grayslake Central Grayslake North Lakes Wauconda PAC-10 Barrington Red Fremd Lake Zurich Palatine Stevenson Schaumburg SEC Lake Forest Libertyville Mundelein Round Lake Vernon Hills Warren Waukegan

MAC Deerfield Grant Grayslake Central Libertyville Orange Rolling Meadows Wauconda PAC 10 Barrington Fremd Lake Zurich Palatine Prospect Schaumburg SEC Buffalo Grove Evanston Libertyville Black Mundelein Vernon Hills Blue Vernon Hills Silver Warren

 6 th – 8 th Grade, all games at Vernon Hills HS o 8 th Grade games Main Gym o 7 th Grade games Fieldhouse Court A o 6 th Grade games Fieldhouse Court C  Following programs will participate o Carmel, Wauconda, Lake Zurich and Antioch  This is not a tournament, no awards will be given.  Each team will play two games, on December 12 th and 13 th  December 12 th will be a Toys-For-Tots Toy Drive  Concessions will be available on both days – Need your help please! o Staff the concessions stand with 5 th Grade parents o 6 th -8 th Grade will be assigned donation items for the concession stand. Donations are very much appreciated.

 Be a positive role model  Set good examples of sportsmanship and leadership  Represent the Vernon Hills community in a positive fashion  Come to each practice prepared to teach: o Player / skill development o Basketball fundamentals o Game strategies  Provide playing time to the players that attend practices, and have met their team commitments  Keep the team and parents informed of program activities related to practices, games, events and expectations  Respond to questions or concerns from players or their parents

 CPR / AED Certification  Illinois State Police Background Checks  VHHS Coaches Clinic hosted by Coach Paul Brettner, Girls Varsity Coach

 Be a positive role model  Demonstrate good sportsmanship as a fan  Represent the Vernon Hills community in a positive fashion  Be supportive of the coaches, your daughter and all her teammates  Communicate fairly and openly with our coaches  Major concerns and issues should be documented in writing, to your Head Coach and / or Girls Basketball Program Director  Notify coaches of any schedule conflicts in advance  Volunteer to help with various activities / events  Respect the 24-hour post game rule

 Be a leader and a positive role model  Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all games, practices and group events  Represent the Vernon Hills community in a positive fashion  Be supportive of your coaches and teammates, be coachable and have a positive attitude  Arrive to each practice and game on time and ready to play  Communicate with your coach. Your coach is here to help you.  Attend as many practices, games and events as possible throughout the season  Set realistic and challenging goals, learn from your mistakes. Do not compare yourself to your teammates. Focus on your skills and personal development.  Girls playing in this program are required to attend practices and games ahead of all other sport programs  Missing basketball practice for any reason may affect your playing time.  Your parents must notify the Head Coach if you will not attend a game, practice or event.

 We are all representing the community of Vernon Hills.  Please do not shout advice to your daughter during a game. Your advice may be in conflict with what your daughter’s coach has instructed.  Please do not harass the referee. It creates a potentially embarrassing situation for yourself, the team and for your daughter.  If you experience any issues with fans during games please talk to your coach or program director  Head Coaches are ultimately responsible for the behavior of their coaches, parents and players.  Game ejection (coaches, parents, players) will result in a minimum two game suspension (one by NIGFBA and one by VHLC). In the event of a parent, player or Asst. Coach ejection, the Head Coach is also ejected from the game and will serve a one game suspension.  Do not direct negative comments at the opposing team players, coaches, or fans.  Parents are not to approach their daughters coach after a game, to discuss playing time or coaching strategies. Constructive dialog rarely takes place after an emotional game. Please respect the 24-hour “Cooling Off” period.  After 24 hours - contact the head coach to schedule a time to meet and discuss any issues. Your daughter will be required to attend and be part of the discussion.

 Coordination of Program Events / Activities ◦ Vernon Hills Round Robin – Concessions ◦ Pasta Party – Coordinating with High School Parents ◦ Season ending party –  Year End Season Highlight Video  Team Photographer (one per team) – Pictures for Website and Year end DVD  Scorekeeping – Book and Scoreboard / Clock Operator as required ◦ Must be 18 to sit at scorers table ◦ Home Games – One score keeper (Book) and One Clock Operator ◦ Away Games – One score keeper ◦ The scorers table is considered a neutral location

 Ultimate Screening Fundraiser  A portion of all items sold will be donated back to the Vernon Hills Lady Cougars Program  Orders must be placed by November 30 th.  A link to Ultimate Screening website will be posted to our website by November 12 th.

 Buffalo Wild Wings (Vernon Hills) – January 7 th  TBD - February  Restaurant Fundraiser Coupons will be available on our website at least two weeks prior to the event. Please distribute the coupons to your family, friends and co-workers. Their support is greatly appreciated.  Coupons may not be distributed at the restaurant (indoors or outdoors)  Coupons must be presented at the time you pay your tab Please note that participation in any of the fundraisers is not required however we do greatly appreciate your support!

 The Lady Cougars Feeder Program will use the following guidelines o Player safety and well-being is the number 1 priority o If a player sustains a head injury they are done playing for the entire day, practice or game(s) o Parents will be contacted unless they are present o Player may return the following day only at the parents discretion and only if the player can participate at 100% o Parents may pull their daughter from a game at any time o Same guideline applies to the players whose parent is a coach o Not sure if they sustained a head injury? “When in doubt, pull them out”.

 Basketball at any grade level will be very physical.  The Lady Cougars Feeder Basketball Program strongly recommends the following precautions. ◦ Mouth guards – especially for players with braces ◦ Sports glasses  Jewelry may not be worn including starter earrings  Metal hair barrettes are not allowed

 Communication between player and coach to resolve problems or conflicts.  Communication between parent, player and coach to resolve problems or conflicts.  Communication between the Program Director, parent, player and coach to resolve problems or conflicts.  Communication between the Program Director, VHLC Executive Board, parent and coach to resolve problems or conflicts.

 Communicate to the parents on behalf of the head coach and program director  Assist with the coordination of several events  Compile volunteer lists for events and activities  It is not their role to bring problems / concerns to the attention of the head coach or program director

 Attend VHHS Girls Varsity Home Games  Team Picture Day, at the Vernon Hills Sullivan Center. Schedules will be posted on the Feeder Website.  All Grade (5 th – Varsity) Level Pasta Party and Team activity at VHHS Fieldhouse / Cafe.  Group Outing, NU Women’s Basketball, and 8 th Grade Game vs. Carmel  Feeder Night at VHHS vs Grant  Season ending banquet (Sullivan Center) Dates and times for these events will be posted on our website

 Information about our Program  Team Home Page for each Team  Complete Practice and Game Schedule (effective 11/21/2015)  Google Map Directions to all game locations  Team Rosters and Team Pictures  Program announcements and events  Automatic Notifications on schedule changes, such as games and practices  Single location for all program updates and news

 Website Features ◦ Print capabilities of team schedules ◦ Compatible with most Internet Browsers ◦ Automated notifications ( and Text messages) to parents and coaches regarding Program News and Team schedule changes ◦ All Documents are viewed (PDF) on the Program Home Page ◦ Program Scheduled events are viewed on the Program Home Page ◦ Link to all game and event locations with Google map ◦ iCalendar download capabilities ◦ Mobile device friendly ◦ Photo Album capabilities, by Program Home Page and / or Team Home Page site. ◦ “Program News”, “Save the Date” and “VHHS Girls Varsity New” all located on the Program Home Page.

 Announcements that affect the entire program (all Grade levels) will be noted on the Program Home Page, for example: ◦ Group Outings / Events / Fundraisers ◦ Team Picture Day ◦ Tournament Announcements ◦ Pasta Party, VHHS Girls Varsity Games  Announcements that affect a specific team, will be noted on the Team Home Page, for example: ◦ Practice / Game Schedule Updates ◦ Tournament Game Schedules ◦ Automated s / Text messages will be sent from the website. Please do not respond to the messages.

 Every effort will be made to post the announcements on the website with at least a three day lead time.  Tournament schedules are normally published 2-3 days prior to the start of the tournament. In addition to posting the schedules online, s may also be issued to the parents.  Changes to practice and game schedules will be communicated to the parents via the automated system.  If you are having messages sent to your cell phone, please check with your service provider regarding Text Message rates.

 NEXT STEPS - / Text Message Notifications ◦ Parental / Coaches and cell phone numbers are uploaded to the website. ◦ During the next few days you will receive a message ( / Text) for a “TEST” Game schedule update with the following information. Date: November 12th at 4:00pm Lady Cougars vs Carmel Location VHHS – Main Gym All four teams will receive the test message You’ll see the TEST Game on the website. ◦ IF YOU DO NOT receive the Website Automated Game Schedule message, Please with the following information Your address Cell Phone Number with Service Provider ◦ The same message (Game) will also be available for viewing on each Team’s Home Website Page – Until November 11 th.

 NIGFBA: ◦ League Standings, Division Standings ◦ Records for all 5 th – 8 th Grade teams ◦ Conference Tournament Information  VHHS Girls Basketball:  Ultimate Screening –

 Following documents will be available online for viewing and printing until November 30 th. ◦ NIGFBA League Rules ◦ Basketball Scorebook Procedures ◦ A copy of today’s presentation

 Meet with your head coaches  Turn your forms into your head coach or team mom