• Reinforce rules to increase team morale in practice and at games.basketball image by Marianna Poloskei from Fotolia.com
  
  In order to maintain order and discipline within a boy's basketball team, it is necessary to have a set of rules that govern all the players. An effective list of rules does not have to be too expansive, but it must cover the basics that help keep things in order.
  
  

Swearing and Back Talk

• Prohibit swearing at any team function, at any time. This includes before and after practice, in the locker room and at games. Swearing at a game can lead to technical fouls, which allows the opposing team to score extra points on foul shots and to gain possession of the ball after the free throws. Furthermore, basketball players should not be allowed to back talk to coaches, school officials, referees or fans. Players who talk back get the whole team in trouble.
  
  

Physical Play and Fighting

• Don't allow excessive amount of physical play. Some physical play is necessary in order to be a successful basketball team, but fights break out more often when play gets too physical. To eliminate this from happening, clearly define the difference between playing hard and playing violently. Fights between teammates can kill the team chemistry and make for a long season if players cannot reconcile their differences.
  
  

Criticizing Teammates

• Don't allow harsh criticism on and off the court. Criticizing teammates often creates ill feelings among players and can lead to selfishness. The coaching staff are the only people who should be allowed to constructively criticize the players on the team.
  
  

Alcohol and Tobacco

• Do not tolerate the use of alcohol and tobacco. It is against school policy, and a player who abuses his body will not be able to perform at his best during practices and games. Players caught using these substances should be suspended from the team, and their parents should be notified at once.