Lead. Teach. Inspire. Volunteer as an HBA Coach.
Coaching with the HBA
The Hopkinton Basketball Association (HBA) relies on volunteer head and assistant coaches to provide a positive, supportive learning environment for players. Our goal: to make the season enjoyable and rewarding for everyone involved.
HBA leadership supports coaches throughout the season — and in return, coaches are expected to:
- Lead their teams with fairness and respect.
- Promote good sportsmanship.
- Contribute to the overall success of the program (including occasional gym supervision).
Expectations for Coaches
All HBA coaches are expected to:
- Complete Required Training – Coaching instruction and concussion awareness.
- Foster a Positive Team Atmosphere – Communicate clearly with players and parents; run age-appropriate practices; set realistic expectations.
- Model Professionalism & Sportsmanship – Show respect to referees, opponents, and players; encourage athletes to do the same.
- Support the Program Beyond Your Team – Help with gym supervision during the Tap-Off Tournament and Metrowest season/playoffs.
Application Process
To be considered as a volunteer coach, you must submit the following:
- All Applicants (new and returning):
- New Applicants Only:
📧 Submission Options:
- Email scanned forms to: info@hopkintonbasketball.org
- Or mail to: HBA, P.O. Box 336, Hopkinton, MA 01748
👉 Note: CORI forms are unique to the HBA and cannot be shared with Parks & Rec, Hopkinton Public Schools or any other organization.
Training Requirements
- Concussion Awareness Course – A short, mandatory online course. See last tab for details.
- Coaching Instruction – The Metrowest League requires coaches to complete a short training course. Information on that will be sent to coaches as the season approaches.
The HBA expects its coaches to be aware of the seriousness of concussions and act cautiously when dealing with players who show any symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a free online training program that all HBA coaches are required to complete. Parents also are encouraged to take the course.
WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?
As explained by the CDC, a concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. Concussions also can occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth — literally causing the brain to bounce around or twist within the skull. This sudden movement of the brain causes stretching and tearing of brain cell, damaging the cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.
CDC training for coaches (required)
HOW COACHES SHOULD HANDLE CONCUSSIONS
If a coach suspects a player has suffered a concussion during a practice or game, the coach must immediately remove the player from the court. The parents are to be notified and encouraged to have the player checked by a doctor. If the player is diagnosed with a concussion by their doctor, the player will be held out of activities until documentation from the doctor clearing the player is provided to the coach/HBA.
Coaches must notify a member of the HBA board via email when they are informed that a player has been diagnosed with a concussion.
HOW PARENTS SHOULD HANDLE CONCUSSIONS
If you suspect that your child has suffered a concussion, you should immediately notify the coach, who will remove the player from the court. If your child has suffered a concussion outside the HBA, you also should notify your child’s coach. If a player has been diagnosed with a concussion by their doctor, the player will be held out of HBA activities until documentation from the doctor clearing the player is provided to the coach/HBA.
⚠️ Reminder: CORI must be resubmitted each year — even if you’ve already completed one for schools or other organizations.