Probably the biggest reason playing time varies quite a bit is because we are trying to develop every player on the team as much as we can. If we give everyone “equal” playing time in each game, that will hinder the development of the best players, the average players, and the below average players. For improvement to occur, every player needs to be challenged (they need to fail a little bit) — but not too much. So we adjust playing time to match players up against appropriate competition. We won’t be perfect, but by the end of the season, everyone should get mostly equal opportunities. 2) NO coaching or shouting out instructions from the stands. Parents stick to cheering, clapping, and positive comments only. Leave the coaching to the head coach and the assistant coach on the bench. This is important for lots of reasons…. For one, it’s hard enough to get the players to hear their coaches voice and instructions. When you add a bunch of parents shouting out instructions, it gets really tough for the players to hear and/or process what their coach is saying. Second, sometimes parents yell out instructions that contradict what the coach is telling them. Third, parents yelling out instruction becomes contagious. wet happens all the time. wet starts out with one well intentioned parent (or grandparent) yelling instruction. And before you know it several other chime in and it’s just a blur of too many voices. The players need ONE voice (their coach). We know this is really hard to do. we have been there. And we realize that sometimes the instruction is helpful and you’ll see something the coaches are missing. But the negatives of allowing this clearly out weight the positives. Just relax, have fun, and stick to cheering. 3) Don’t complain about the refs calls. Look, the refs are going to make bad calls. That is just part of youth basketball and what we signed up for. So just accept it and don’t even pay attention to the refs. We want our players to be resilient and we don’t want them worrying about things they can’t control (the refs). When they hear the parents complain, they start to think it’s justified and the refs must be treating them wrong. Then the excuses start to follow. That type of attitude does not fit into our core values and the character skills we are trying to develop with this team. So please don’t complain about the refs or complain to them. Our players are going to be resilient and play through what ever happens on the court. No excuses. Some of the teams we play are going to complain and shout and you name it. Don’t worry about what they do. As most of you already know, things can get ugly in the stands — obnoxious behavior, yelling at kids/coaches/refs, parents getting kicked out. No matter the circumstances, that will NOT be the Midwest coaches, parents, or players! 4) Don’t bother complaining… but please DO give us feedback. We strongly encourage feedback, communication, questions, etc. If you have suggestions, please give them to us. We want to improve as coaches and improve things for our team!! Constructive feedback will help with that. 5) Choose convenient times to talk (not during practice, right before games, or right after games) We always have an “open door policy” for players and parents. We just ask you choose convenient times for this communication. Giving us feedback right before a game, after a game, or before practice probably is NOT a good time! Wait for some down time or even better, let’s schedule a time for us to chat. If you have any questions, let me know. Thanks.

Head Trainer- Sharde' Pratt

Manager/Team Parent

- John Mullins