Purpose
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Parent Code of Conduct is to establish a clear, respectful, and supportive partnership between the Edgewood Girls Basketball program and participating families.
By joining the program, parents and guardians acknowledge that participation is a privilege, not a right, and agree to uphold the values of teamwork, accountability, effort, and integrity while supporting coaches, athletes, and the mission of the program.
1. General Expectations
As a parent or guardian of an Edgewood Girls Basketball athlete, I agree to:
- Model respect and sportsmanship at all times toward coaches, players, officials, opponents, and other spectators.
- Refrain from coaching from the sidelines during practices or games. I will allow the coaching staff to direct and instruct the team.
- Cheer positively and never criticize players, coaches, officials, or spectators—verbally, through gestures, or on social media.
- Respect officials’ and coaches’ decisions even when I disagree.
- Support every athlete on the team, not just my own child.
- Maintain perspective: While competitive, youth athletics exist to promote skill development, character growth, and enjoyment.
- Follow all facility and event rules established by Edgewood Junior/Senior High School, the district, and tournament hosts.
2. Communication and Conflict Resolution
- Coaches are responsible for determining all playing time, positions, and strategy decisions.
- If I have a question or concern, I will:
- Wait 24 hours after a game or practice before initiating contact (“24-Hour Rule”).
- Communicate or request a meeting in a respectful manner and discuss the concern privately—never in front of players or during team events.
- Address the issue through the proper chain of communication:
- Step 1: Head Coach
- Step 2: Athletic Director (if unresolved)
- Step 3: Principal or School Administration (if further escalation is necessary)
- I understand that inappropriate, confrontational, or excessive communication with coaches, staff, players, or spectators may result in suspension of spectator privileges or my child’s removal from the program.
3. Sportsmanship and Behavior
- I will model positive behavior, communication, and attitude at all times.
- I will let my child play. I understand this is their experience to have—not mine. Youth sports provide a forum for learning and growth, and I will remain supportive of my child and the program regardless of mistakes, emotions, or coaching decisions that differ from my own views.
- I will never use profanity, threats, or hostile behavior toward any coach, player, official, or spectator.
- I will not engage in gossip or negative behavior that undermines the coaching staff or team unity.
- I will not approach the bench, scorer’s table, or locker room during games.
- I will not confront or communicate with officials at any time before, during, or after games.
- I will not use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs at any athletic event.
4. Digital Conduct
- I will not post negative or critical comments about players, coaches, officials, or opponents on social media.
- I will not share team communications, rosters, or strategies publicly without permission.
- I will promote the program online with integrity and respect.
- Any online post or digital communication that damages the reputation of the program, coaching staff, or players may be subject to disciplinary review.
5. Attendance and Commitment
- I will ensure my athlete arrives on time and prepared, at times directed by coaches or staff, for practices, games, and events.
- I will notify the coach in advance if my athlete must miss a team event and provide a valid reason when possible.
- I will encourage academic success and a healthy balance between school, athletics, and rest.
- I understand that repeated tardiness or unexcused absences may affect my child’s playing time or participation.
6. Volunteering and Support
A tremendous amount of work goes into operating and managing a successful athletic program, and parent involvement is essential to that success. Each family is expected to contribute their time and support to help ensure the team’s success both on and off the court.
- I will volunteer at a minimum of two home games to assist with game operations—such as working concessions, the ticket table, scorekeeping duties, or other assigned tasks. Volunteer opportunities will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and families are encouraged to sign up early to ensure compatibility with their schedules and full coverage at all events.
The Space Coast Basketball Club (SCBC) provides Edgewood Girls Basketball players with automatic membership at no cost to families. This partnership offers players additional training, development, and community opportunities. SCBC designates Edgewood Girls Basketball as the annual fundraiser beneficiary. All families are obligated to participate in this fundraiser, as proceeds directly support the program’s operations, equipment, and player experience.
I recognize that my active participation and support directly strengthen our program and create the positive environment our athletes need to thrive.
7. Tryout Philosophy
Edgewood Girls Basketball operates under a unified philosophy emphasizing effort, accountability, teamwork, and personal growth at every level.
While all athletes are evaluated using consistent core values—such as work ethic, coachability, and commitment—the criteria and expectations differ between middle school and high school based on age, experience, and competitive objectives.
At the high school level, tryouts are highly competitive and selection is merit-based, determined solely by the coaching staff. Evaluations reflect who demonstrates the ability to help the team succeed and uphold program standards.
At the middle school level, tryouts serve as both an evaluation and learning opportunity, with emphasis on skill development, sportsmanship, and readiness. Middle school athletes who demonstrate readiness to compete at a higher level may be considered for high school participation, pending family consent.
All athletes are expected to approach tryouts with full effort, a positive attitude, and respect for teammates, coaches, and evaluators.
Evaluations are comprehensive and based on objective observation and professional judgment. Final roster decisions are made in the best interest of the athlete and the program and are not subject to negotiation or appeal.
7A. High School Tryouts and Team Selection
- Selection to the high school team is a merit-based process determined solely at the discretion of the coaching staff.
- No athlete is guaranteed a roster position, regardless of grade level or prior participation.
- Coaches evaluate athletes on effort, skill, conditioning, coachability, punctuality, teamwork, basketball IQ, and commitment to program standards.
- Final roster decisions reflect the coaching staff’s professional judgment of who best meets the team’s competitive and cultural needs.
- Athletes not selected are encouraged to continue developing for future opportunities.
- Coaches understand that not making a roster can be disappointing. Families may request a follow-up discussion or meeting for feedback in accordance with section 2, Communication and Conflict Resolution.
7B. Middle School Tryouts and Team Selection
- Selection to the middle school team is earned and determined at the discretion of the coaching staff based on overall athleticism, readiness, safety, and developmental potential.
- Evaluations include effort, attitude, coachability, fundamental skills, teamwork, and willingness to learn.
- While not every athlete may be selected, coaches aim to create a developmental environment focused on growth, confidence, and foundational skills.
- Coaches understand that not making a roster can be disappointing. Families may request a follow-up discussion or meeting for feedback in accordance with section 2, Communication and Conflict Resolution.
8. Playing Time and Competitive Philosophy
8A. High School
At the high school level, Edgewood Girls Basketball is a competitive program that emphasizes performance, accountability, and team success. Playing time is a privilege earned through effort, attitude, and readiness—it is not guaranteed and is determined solely at the discretion of the coaching staff.
Coaches evaluate factors such as:
- Effort and work ethic
- Attendance, punctuality, and preparation
- Coachability and positive response to feedback
- Team mindset and sportsmanship
- Basketball IQ, execution, and composure
- Skill proficiency and positional needs
- Impact potential and contribution to team success
Playing time decisions are final and made in the best interest of team performance and cohesion. Discussions regarding playing time should only occur through scheduled, private meetings after a 24-hour period.
8B. Middle School
At the middle school level, the program prioritizes development and learning while introducing competitive expectations. Playing time is determined by the coaching staff and influenced by attendance, effort, coachability, sportsmanship, readiness, and game context.
While playing time is not guaranteed to be equal, coaches will make every effort to provide each player with opportunities to participate when appropriate and when game conditions allow. Game situations that are highly competitive or time-sensitive may necessitate limited rotations based on strategy or player readiness.
9. Coach Authority and Autonomy
All basketball-related decisions—including roster selection, playing time, positions, lineups, practice plans, disciplinary actions, and team strategy—are made solely at the discretion of the coaching staff. These decisions are final and not subject to appeal. Parents and athletes are expected to respect the professional judgment of the coaches and support team direction at all times.
10. Conduct Toward Student-Athletes
Parents and guardians must demonstrate respect for all student-athletes in the program. Negative comments, comparisons, or criticism—whether directed at their own child, another player, or through social media or third parties—are strictly prohibited. Any conduct that undermines a player’s confidence, well-being, or standing with the team may result in immediate removal from program involvement.
11. Boundary and Communication Policy
- Parent–coach communication must remain professional and limited to appropriate times and topics.
- Unsolicited communication through personal texts, calls, or social media is not permitted and may not receive a response unless initiated or requested by the coaching staff.
- Concerns must follow the established 24-hour rule outlined in section 2, Communication and Conflict Resolution, and proper chain of communication.
- Harassment, excessive messages, or confrontational communication may result in administrative action.
12. Sideline, Locker Room, and Travel Boundaries
- Parents are not permitted in team bench areas, locker rooms, or restricted spaces before, during, or immediately after practices or games unless invited by the coaching staff.
- During away games or tournaments, team travel, supervision, and conduct fall under the authority of the coaching staff and designated chaperones.
- Parents must respect all team travel itineraries, schedules, and curfews.
13. Attendance and Participation
Consistent attendance and full participation in practices and games are essential to team success.
Practice attendance expectations:
- Attendance at practice is expected every weekday, Monday – Friday at all levels.
- Varsity/JV athletes are expected to be in the gym and ready to practice on time, according to the following schedule:
- Mondays – Thursdays: 5:15-7:00 PM
- Fridays: 4:15-6:00 PM
- Saturdays: 8:00-10:00 AM (JV may vary)
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Middle School athletes are expected to be in the gym and ready to practice on time, according to the following schedule:
- Mondays – Fridays: 6:30-8:00 AM
- Saturdays: Optional, TBD
Unexcused absences, tardiness, or lack of preparedness may result in reduced playing time or disciplinary action. We understand there will be times where an athlete is unable to attend an occasional practice or game due to illness, academic obligations, occasional work conflicts, or emergencies. Such cases must be communicated to the coach as early as possible for absences to be excused.
14. Health and Safety Acknowledgment
Parents are required to inform coaches of any medical, physical, or emotional conditions that could affect participation or safety both prior to the season and on an incident-by-incident basis should such conditions develop during the season. Athletes recovering from injury, illness, or concussion must provide medical clearance before returning to play. The coaching staff reserves the right to withhold a player from activity for safety reasons, whether physical or mental.
15. Media and Photography
Participation in Edgewood Girls Basketball constitutes consent for the use of photos, videos, and media featuring the athlete for promotional, educational, or social media purposes. Such media may be shared with the Space Coast Basketball Club.
Parents wishing to opt out must notify the Head Coach, General Manager, or Program Director in writing before the season begins.
16. Program Integrity and Non-Interference
Parents and guardians agree to support the Edgewood Girls Basketball program in good faith and refrain from any actions that disrupt team unity or program reputation. Negative recruiting, gossip, or encouraging athletes to transfer or quit mid-season is strictly prohibited and may result in removal from program involvement.
Parents and guardians are also expected to represent the program positively in all public and private conversations related to the team.
17. Administrative Authority and Amendment
Edgewood Girls Basketball reserves the right to interpret, revise, or enforce this Memorandum of Understanding and Code of Conduct as necessary to maintain the safety, integrity, and reputation of the program.
Final authority on disciplinary actions, roster decisions, or interpretation of this document rests with the Head Coach and school administration.
18. Consequences for Violations
Edgewood Girls Basketball reserves the right to report incidents to school administration and enforce the following actions for violations of this agreement:
- Verbal or written warning
- Temporary suspension of spectator privileges
- Removal from program participation or events
- Dismissal of the athlete from the team (for repeated or serious violations)
All decisions are final and made in the best interest of the team and program.
19. Acknowledgment of Understanding
By checking the acknowledgment box and electronically signing below, I confirm that I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the Edgewood Girls Basketball Parent Memorandum of Understanding and Code of Conduct.
I acknowledge that participation in this program is a privilege and that failure to adhere to these standards may result in consequences affecting both spectator privileges and player participation.
