The Polo Shirt Rules

Some thirty-plus years ago, I attended my first ever coaches clinic.

With notepad and pen at the ready, there was great anticipation about the new drills and the latest out of bounds plays I was about to learn.

But no, what was presented was far more valuable and impactful. For the next hour, we learned what I have referred to for 30-plus years as “The Polo Shirt Rules”.

Here is the crux of it, albeit with some minor updates along the way. Most of it still rings true today and is a valuable check list for young coaches.

Coaches have at practice -

• a written practice plan

• a watch

• a floor towel over their shoulder

• a whistle

• a notepad on scorebench for coaches to write observations between drills

Coaches wear -

At practice -

• a polo shirt

• predominantly white shoes and socks

• shorts with pockets

In Games -

• slacks

• polo or button down

• dress shoes

Coaches don’t -

• sit down during practice

• wear caps coaching

• address players by their surname

• look at mobile phones during practice

Coaches do -

• use the score clock to stay on time (as well as their watch)

• start and finish on time

• bring copies of the practice plan for assistant coaches and team staff

• greet players as they arrive on the floor

• shake hands often (or high 5/fist bump)

• ensure any balls not being used in the drill are on racks

• “sweep the sheds” at the end of practice

In game -

• don’t engage in conversation with opponents once ball goes up

• don’t talk to opposition players in game

• have their own water ready so  managers can focus on players

Assistant coaches at practice -

• check and inflate balls

• sweep the court pre-practice

• have any equipment ready

• ensure video and technology is ready

• check scoreclock is functioning