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Expectations
of PLAYERS
This is a competitive basketball environment; tryouts
will be held annually. Depending on the player’s
level of skill and commitment to the game of basketball,
he may become involved in Common Bond Basketball at one
or more different levels of engagement.
All boys and girls in grades 3 through 11 are invited to take part
in our Team Tryouts and Elevation Camp. Players who demonstrate
the requisite ability, attitude, work ethic, and respect
for other players and participants may be invited to be
a part of a Common Bond travel team. With this invitation
comes a set of expectations. The player’s time and
dedication are critical, along with a thorough understanding
of what it means to be a part of a team. Ascribing to team
pursuits requires that each individual participant must
at times adapt and adjust personal goals to fit within the
team concept.
A player’s positive attitude is crucial. Positive attitude
is evident not only in a player’s willingness to work
hard every day in practice and in games – as well as
off the court – but also in the way he treats his teammates
and respects his coaches, parents, teachers, and others.
Commitment to the game of basketball is important, but we
do not expect a player to play basketball to the exclusion
of other sports – especially in the younger age groups
– unless his participation in those other sports (or
any other outside endeavor, for that matter) conflicts to
such an extent with his Common Bond commitment that it inhibits
his basketball growth or becomes disruptive to his team.
Common Bond is closely involved with its brother organization
– the REACH Legends – an inner-city neighborhood
outreach program based in Detroit, Michigan. We also undertake
involvement in community projects on a volunteer basis in
events such as Ann Arbor Superball, Food Gatherers, and
Mott’s Children’s Hospital and we fully
expect all club members to take active part in these and
other events, and to enjoy doing so.
Those who try out for teams but are not invited to join a roster are invited to participate in our Developmental League.
Expectations
of PARENTS
A large time commitment is required. Depending on the
age of the team, seasons typically run from January through
July, though the season starts later for the older teams and
may be shorter for the younger teams. The expectation is that
each team will:
- Play in tournaments or league games at least 10 weekends
during the season.
- Practice at least once per week at a gym located in
or near Ann Arbor.
Travel is required. Though the vast majority of games
are played within one to two hours of Ann Arbor, Common Bond
teams play competitive basketball against other teams throughout
the United States and Canada, and our participants occasionally
travel with their teams to out-of-state venues. Older teams
usually travel the farthest – as they do each July, for instance,
to play in the Reebok Big Time tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Our teams are also invited annually to select Nike-sponsored
tournaments, and we play in state and regional tournaments
sponsored by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), as well as
the American Youth Basketball Tour (AYBT). We ultimately select
tournaments and competitions which afford our participants
the best opportunities for personal growth and development
– as basketball players and as people.
A financial commitment is required. Season fees for players who earn a spot on a team are approximately $500, depending on the age of the player and the length of the season, among other factors, and in some cases there are two half-seasons and the fee is split. All travel-related expenses for occasional out-of-town tournaments (most are within an hour or two of Ann Arbor) are also borne by the player and/or his family. Participation in the club’s ongoing fundraising efforts is also encouraged and appreciated (see
Fundraising). Financial assistance
and scholarships are available. Please contact Dennis Durco
at 734-812-1144 or directors@comonbondbasketball.org for more
information.
Your participation is expected. Parents or guardians are expected to participate in team and other activities in such roles as coordinators, managers, assistant coaches, and the like. it is also expected that parents will participate with their child in at least one community event or fundraiser.
Your cooperation is expected. Should you have any questions
or concerns about the behavior or decision-making of a coach
or other Common Bond representative at any time during the
season, we expect that you will address those issues directly
with the individual or individuals involved rather than discussing
them with others who are not in a position to rectify the
situation – which often includes your own child. Our coaches
must be sensitive to the needs of the team as well as those
of each of its individual players, and all welcome parental
feedback on any and all issues affecting the team as long
as it is offered in the proper spirit of mutual respect and
at the appropriate time and place. Those disregarding these
basic guidelines may be asked to leave the program.
Expectations
of COACHES
Each coach is expected to hold a meeting with the parents
and guardians of the team’s players at the earliest opportunity
to explain to them what they can expect of him – and to outline
what he expects of them. At a minimum, every coach is expected
to:
- Provide excellent coaching and help to develop the necessary
skills in the player to enhance his performance should
he compete at the high school or college level
- Provide guidance on individual camps and other player
development opportunities
- Give each player a meaningful and rewarding life experience through the game of basketball
Our Common pledge to you is that our coaches and our organization
will strive to give each player on a team the instruction
and feedback necessary to help them not only improve their
games but to also become confident and helpful members of
the community as well.
Expectations
of our PROGRAM
While Common Bond may not be for everyone, it is our hope
and expectation that those who do become involved will develop
a strong sense of pride in and loyalty to the program. Those
of us who participate in the program and share in its ideals
are committed to ensuring that all active members experience
this unique sense of devotion – and that even after
their playing or coaching or other active means of supporting
the program are over they will continue to look back fondly
and with great satisfaction that they once shared a special
association with the Common Bond Basketball club.
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