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

Vernon Hills Lady Cougars Season Kickoff Meeting

November 7th, 2015Vernon 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

Lady Cougars Feeder BasketballAgenda

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsBackground information

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.

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsBoard Member Introductions

• 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 www.VHHSFeeder.com

VHLC Organization ChartCoaches / Team Parents

BoardVernon Hills Lady Cougars

8th Grade Stacie Brettner

Karen BahlmannChris Bunning

Team ParentJeanine Sweeney

7th GradeDerek Demas

Don Proft

Team ParentLiza Pappano

6th Grade Rick Binder

Lou Soto

Team ParentKaren Perritt

5th Grade Blue

Garrett SelfJoel Reyes

Team ParentKatie Todd

5th Grade SilverTBA

Team ParentKatie Todd

Program Director (VP-Operations)

Stacie Brettner

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsBackground information (cont.)

Official Girls Feeder Basketball Program for VHHS

NIGFBA Feeder Program of the Year recipient – 2008, 2014

Over 25 Tournament Championships

12 NIGFBA Division Championshipso 5th Grade – 2006, 2007o 6th Grade – 2006, 2007, 2008o 7th Grade – 2008, 2014, 2015o 8th Grade – 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010

Four NIGFBA Final appearances, 6th Grade 2008, 7th Grade 2008, 2015, 8th Grade 2010

NIGFBA Conference Championship, 6th Grade 2008, 7th Grade 2015

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsNIGFBA League Overview

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 6th – 8th Grade team Approx. 15 have 5th Grade teams

Each team must play their divisional opponent twice, home and away.

Records (scores) are kept for all division games.

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsOur Mission Statement

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.

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsPlayer Development Progress Reports

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:oDecember - verbalo February - verbaloMarch- Each player will receive a final progress report

(written) at the year end banquet.

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsPractice Structure 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.

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsPractice Structure (cont.)

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.

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsGames

5th Grade can expect approximately 25 games 6th – 8th Grade can expect approximately 35-40 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

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsGames

Game uniforms are to be worn only at games

Game Uniformso 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

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsPlaying Time

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

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsTournaments

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 20th)

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

HerseyHuntleyProspect

Rolling MeadowsSaint 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 CarmelGrant

Grayslake Central Grayslake North

Lakes Wauconda

PAC-10Barrington Red

Fremd Lake Zurich

Palatine Stevenson

Schaumburg

SECLake Forest LibertyvilleMundelein Round Lake

Vernon Hills Warren

Waukegan

NIGFBA Divisions6th – 8th Grade

MAC Deerfield

GrantGrayslake Central

Libertyville OrangeRolling Meadows

Wauconda

PAC 10Barrington

FremdLake Zurich

PalatineProspect

Schaumburg

SECBuffalo Grove

Evanston Libertyville Black

MundeleinVernon Hills Blue

Vernon Hills SilverWarren

NIGFBA Divisions5th Grade Grade

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsVernon Hills Round Robin December 12th & 13th

6th – 8th Grade, all games at Vernon Hills HSo 8th Grade games Main Gym

o 7th Grade games Fieldhouse Court A

o 6th Grade games Fieldhouse Court C

Following programs will participateo Carmel, Wauconda, Lake Zurich and Antioch

This is not a tournament, no awards will be given.

Each team will play two games, on December 12th and 13th

December 12th 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 5th Grade parents

o 6th-8th Grade will be assigned donation items for the concession stand. Donations are very much appreciated.

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsCoaches Expectations

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 developmento 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

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsCoaching Requirements

CPR / AED Certification Illinois State Police Background Checks VHHS Coaches Clinic hosted by Coach Paul

Brettner, Girls Varsity Coach

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsParent Expectations

Be a positive role model

Demonstrate good sportsmanship as a fan


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

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsPlayer Expectations

Be a leader and a positive role model

Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all games, practices and group events


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.

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsGame Etiquette

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.

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsWe need your help!

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

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsFundraisers

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 30th. A link to Ultimate Screening website will be posted to our website

by November 12th.

Spirit Wear LogoUltimate Screening

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsSample of items available for purchase

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsFundraisers

Buffalo Wild Wings (Vernon Hills) – January 7th

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 guidelineso 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”.

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsHead Injury

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

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsInjuries (cont.)

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.

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsLine of communication - process

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

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsTeam Parent Roles / Responsibilities

Vernon Hills Lady CougarsSpecial Events 5th – 8th Grade

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 (5th – Varsity) Level Pasta Party and Team activity at

VHHS Fieldhouse / Cafe. Group Outing, NU Women’s Basketball, and 8th 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 Email Notifications on schedule changes, such as

games and practices

Single location for all program updates and news

Lady Cougars Feeder BasketballOfficial website www.VHHSFeeder.com

Website Features◦ Print capabilities of team schedules

◦ Compatible with most Internet Browsers

◦ Automated notifications (Email 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.

Lady Cougars Feeder BasketballOfficial website www.VHHSFeeder.com

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 Emails / Text messages will be sent from the website. Please do not respond to the email messages.

Lady Cougars Feeder BasketballOfficial website www.VHHSFeeder.com (cont.)

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, emails may also be issued to the parents.

Changes to practice and game schedules will be communicated to the parents via the automated email system.

If you are having messages sent to your cell phone, please check with your service provider regarding Text Message rates.


NEXT STEPS - Email / Text Message Notifications

◦ Parental / Coaches email and cell phone numbers are uploaded to the website.

◦ During the next few days you will receive a message (Email / 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 email [email protected] with the following information

Your Email 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 11th.


NIGFBA: www.NIGFBA.com

◦League Standings, Division Standings

◦Records for all 5th – 8th Grade teams

◦Conference Tournament Information VHHS Girls Basketball: www.VHHSCougars.org Ultimate Screening – www.ultim8screenprinting.com

Lady Cougars Feeder BasketballOther websites to check out!

Following documents will be available online for viewing and printing until November 30th.

◦NIGFBA League Rules

◦Basketball Scorebook Procedures

◦A copy of today’s presentation

Lady Cougars Feeder BasketballPlease visit www.VHHSFeeder.com

Lady Cougars Feeder Basketball

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

Lady Cougars Feeder BasketballWhat’s Next