Club Philosophy

 

The Club

 

Manchester Magic was formed in 1998 and had just 2 Under 17 National League Boys teams at that time.  We had no home venue, very few players and no money.

 

 

Since those days, we have made great strides in our development and, on an annual basis, we have more teams competing in the National League (Boys and Girls), than any other club in England, a very large community programme, both inside and outside of Amaechi Basketball Centre, Senior Magic and Mystics teams and we have our own 3-court Amaechi Basketball Centre in Whalley Range, Manchester.

 

 

 

 

 

We are a not-for-profit organisation and have charitable status.

 

The Club has formulated new documents on philosophy and new charters for players, coaches and parents.

 

 

 

CLUB PHILOSOPHY

• To provide basketball activities to all members, regardless of gender, ability, race, religion, sexual orientation or socio/economic status.
• To create conditions whereby all members have the opportunity to reach their full potential as players, coaches, officials and as people.
• To particularly stress the development of youngsters in their formative years.  To use sport as a vehicle to give youngsters good principles, values and disciplines, which will serve them well throughout their lives.
• To ensure that all members maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play at all times.
• To further the ideals of teamwork, friendship and self-discipline.
• To create a sporting environment which will benefit the individual, whilst always being aware that we are involved in a team sport and that all efforts should be directed towards the team.
• To recognise the partnership between players/parents and the Club. Both sides have their responsibilities to make the partnership mutually beneficial.
• To stress to coaches that leadership by example will always be superior to leadership by fear.  A positive approach by coaches will always be superior to a negative approach. Ultimately, the team will be a reflection of the coach. Intimidation or bullying by coaches, players, parents, staff or volunteers is wholly unacceptable.  
• To stress the philosophy for all players and coaches, that giving of their best is a victory, regardless of the score, and giving less than their best is a failure, even if a victory is attained.
• To stress the concept of loyalty throughout the Club, which will be much easier to attain by creating a caring attitude amongst all people connected with the Club.
• To stress the importance of education to go alongside any ambitions as a basketball player. 
• For our Club to be successful at all levels, we expect our players, coaches and parents to conduct themselves in a courteous and polite manner at all times.

Players, Parents, Coaches

 

The Club is a partnership between players, parents, coaches and volunteers.  It is vital that all partners know and understand the Club expectations at all times. 

 

Good relationships between the partners are essential to help the Club to function for the benefit of the youngsters. 

 

We expect our players, parents and coaches to represent the Club with pride, respect and good sportsmanship.

 

We expect that there is an appreciation by all that the education of the player takes priority over basketball and that the player has the complete support of all parties in this regard. 

 

Players

• Must be able to give total and absolute effort to the team at all times.  i.e. in games, practices and supporting from the bench.
• Must show respect towards their team-mates, coaches, referees and opposition players.
• Must conduct themselves in a respectful manner at all times and never do anything, on or off the floor, to bring discredit to the Club.
• Must appreciate that it is a privilege to be able to use Amaechi Basketball Centre.  It should never be taken for granted.

Parents

Parents should:

 

• Encourage the youngsters to give their very best at all times in representing the Club.
• Encourage the youngsters to play by the rules and never to cheat to gain an advantage.
• Refrain from adverse criticism of the players, the team and the coach – it rarely has a positive effect and can do significant damage.
• Appreciate that, in the main, coaches are volunteers and put a tremendous amount of time into the development of the players and the team.
• Be willing to volunteer for the many tasks required to enable the Club to function in an efficient and professional way.

Coaches

Coaches should:

• Be responsible for their own behaviour and the behaviour of the team, whilst representing the Club. Maintain a professional and disciplined attitude at all times.
• Lead by example and ensure that all team members play by the rules and respect the rights of other players, coaches and officials.
• Keep uppermost that improving the basketball skills of the players and of the team, is secondary to the development of values and disciplines which will serve them for life.
• Make decisions based upon putting the interests of the youngsters first at all times.
• Be totally honest with the players at all times.
• Give all players a fair and equal opportunity to find a role within the team.  Favouritism should not be a part of our Club ethos.
• Make the health and safety of the players a priority.  Never place winning over the safety and welfare of the players.
• Show who you are, what you stand for, your values and principles.  Always remember, good values attract good people.
• Form a relationship with parents which is mutually beneficial and from which the players can only benefit.
• Remember that school and family responsibilities should be respected.
• Try to make every member of the team feel valued.
• Try to avoid harsh, public criticism of the players – it rarely helps.

Players, parents, and coaches, these may help:

1.         Quote by Wilson Kipketer.  800 metres World Record Holder.  Kenya.

‘I want to pass on my love of running to younger athletes.  I would like younger runners to understand earlier than I did that winning a gold medal is not the difference between success and failure.

If you do anything in life to the utmost of your ability, you are always a winner, whether you come first or not.  Self-achievement is the key to happiness and well-being.  It is the key which has unlocked my life and I would like it to do the same for others’.

 

2.         A father writes:

Dear Coach,

I just read your letter to my son telling us of your expectations for your players.  Johnny’s mother and I couldn’t agree more.  We’ve long recognised the value derived from sports.  Judging from your records, you must teach the game very well.  But there’s another phase of coaching that’s even more important.  Let me explain.
We are giving you our most prized possession.  Throughout the next few years, our son will make you one of our prime household conversations.  He will tell us about your emotional half-time talk when you came from behind and won the Championship.  When we are hearing all this talk, our son’s eyes will shine.  You see, coach, he’ll idolise you.  We don’t have heroes any more.  Many professionals would sell their souls for a pound.  Some sportsmen made the news this year in a very negative manner.  We know all athletes don’t cheat or do drugs, but that’s what we hear about.  So, you are our son’s hero.  We are relying on you.  His muscles are nearly developed, but his mind is still fragile, and so impressionable.  Your responsibilities are great.  Accept them with our trust and faith in you.  The world is full of gangs, drugs and violence because a kid picked the wrong hero.  But you can change that, by becoming the right hero – for our son.