Traveling Basketball (Grades 4-8)

Traveling Basketball is for boys and girls in grades 4-8 who are looking for more competition. More emphasis will be placed on performance and competition, although player development will still continue. The fee for traveling basketball is as follows:

• 4th Grade $185
• 5th-6th Grade $200
• 7th-8th Grade $225

Jersey fee is extra - $70 for jersey and short combo (new or replacement)

Rochester Catholic Schools (RCS) develops the spiritual, social, emotional, and academic growth of young people. RCS partners with parents and the Catholic faith community to nurture the development of a Christ-centered learning environment that fosters a culture of excellence where students grow in wisdom, courage and character. Rooted in Gospel values, RCS students are challenged and supported to become critical thinkers, collaborative problem solvers, creative visionaries and servant leaders who bring hope to the world.

RCS aims to teach basketball fundamentals, focusing on the development of team as well as individual skills, while learning to win and lose with class.

Grades 4-6

• There will be no more teams with individual school identities. Going forward, all RCS students will be playing together as Lourdes Eagles.
• Traveling players will not be required to play on the Lourdes 5/6 grade school teams.
• Traveling players have the choice to play for a Lourdes team if they wish and we would hope that they do so.
• Traveling player assignments will be based on total numbers, ability, and the uniqueness of the class.

ALL 4-6 GRADE BASKETBALL PLAYERS- THE NUMBER 1 PRIORITY IS FOR THE PLAYER TO ENJOY THEMSELVES AS THEY COMPETE, DEVELOP AND CONTRIBUTE TO A TEAM. Coaches will focus on the development of all players. Playing time will be as close to equal as possible for all teams. Over the course of a season, all players should receive ample playing time.

Grades 7-8

• ALL players will be required to play on the HVL Lourdes Team, but not required to play Traveling.
• Playing time will be as close to equal as possible for the HVL Lourdes teams. Over the course of a season, all players should receive ample playing time.
• Traveling will be separate from the HVL Lourdes Team. More emphasis will be placed on performance and competition in the traveling program. Coaches will continue to focus on development. Players will have playing time in both halves. Though every player is guaranteed playing time, this does not mean equal playing time in every game. Over the course of a season, all players should receive ample playing time.
• Team sizes will be based on the uniqueness of the class.

Overall

• A consistent practice schedule will be set up and given out ahead of time.
• An interview process will happen for all coaches. This will ensure that they follow the mission of RCS and guidelines set by the Basketball Committee. VIRTUS is mandatory and all coaches must be compliant with safe environment policies at all times. (https://www.dow.org/offices/safe-environment/index.html)

Eric Gapinski - Traveling Basketball Coordinator
Aaron Berg - Head Girls Basketball Coach
Eric Larson - Head Boys Basketball Coach
Steve Strickland - RCS Activities Director
Activities Office phone 507.289.3991

Players, coaches, fans and parents associated with Rochester Catholic Schools (RCS) basketball pledge the following:

• I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating the positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and fans and be a good representative of our organization and the community.
• I will not use profanity.
• I will not berate players, coaches or officials.
• I will not boast, insult or use harmful words towards players, coaches, officials, and fans..
• I will place the emotional and physical well being of other players, coaches, officials, and fans ahead of my personal desire to win.
• I will treat other players, coaches, officials, and fans with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.
• I will help create a safe playing environment for our teams that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and will refrain from their use and will demand that environment from my teammates.
• I will express my concerns through the proper channels in a dignified manner.
• I will control my temper, but if I do lose my temper; I understand that I will also be measured by how I handle the situation following the loss of my temper.
• I will remember that basketball is supposed to be above all FUN and that winning and losing are part of everyone’s experience.