Junior Guidelines

JUNIOR GUIDELINES

Introduction

The aim of the BDBA Junior Committee is to create a positive and supportive environment for each coach and young player to improve and develop. We will strive to achieve this through assistance, support and encouragement to all members including players, coaches, umpires, team managers and parents.

We aim to;

Provide all players with the opportunity to develop their skills in a safe friendly productive and enjoyable learning environment.
Develop a solid foundation of individual skills for the future development of basketball in our region.
Provide all players with high quality and well-structured training sessions.
Provide all coaches and umpires with guidance and opportunities to improve their skills.

1.0 Junior Competition

1.1 AGE GROUPS

Age group limits are determined by BASA.

Competition age groups shall be Mini Hoops (6-7 years, by 31^st December of that playing year), U10, U12, U14, U16. Children wishing to play summer competition need to be turning 8 by 31^st December of that playing year. The committee has the right to alter these age groups depending on the availability of players in a given age group to ensure a competition can take place.

All juniors must play in their respective age group first and may only play up or down an age group if numbers are required to have a competition therefore giving them an extra game. This can only be determined by committee. A fill in player from a lower age group should be a non-Association player if possible. A player cannot play in a higher competition only.

Alternatives may be made by the committee to make a viable competition.

1.2 GAMES

Times and nights to be determined by the committee.

1.3 TIMING OF GAMES

All junior games will consist of 4 x 10 minute quarters, at committee’s discretion alternatives can be made.
Training will be held prior to games, to be determined prior to the season by the committee.
Clock does not stop for time outs.

1.4 TEAM SELECTIONS

After registration a grading night will be held for U12 and U14’s to rate players to help with team formation. The committee will allocate selectors to each grade to rate each player. Association coaches (if appointed) will also be involved in this process.
U16 teams will be selected on prior knowledge.
After registration and grading night the committee will meet and determine player numbers for each age group and number of teams in each competition and create teams.
Teams will consist of the correct age and of like ability levels and height to create even teams. It is preferable to have, where practical, an even number of teams in each competition to eliminate byes.
Coaches will be appointed by the committee on completion of player allocation to teams.
Association teams may be permitted entry into a higher age group competition for training purposes only. Association teams are ineligible to participate in finals. Players must still compete in their own age group as well.
The committee reserves the right to make changes in extreme circumstances.

1.5 PLAYING CONDITIONS

All junior competitions are to play man on man at all times as set out in the guidelines from SA Country Basketball.
Mini Hoops to play with backboards down.
U12 to shoot free throws from shorter line.
No 3 point score in all junior grades.
Coaches are to liaise with regard to player numbers prior to games. If a team has 6 players and the other has 4 then teams should play 5 on 5.

1.6 FINALS

U12 competition will have a round robin to complete their season on their normal playing night. U14, U16 competitions will play knockout finals. (1 vs 4, 2 vs 3 with the winners playing off in a Grand Final).

1.7 DRAW

Draw is to be done by the committee.

2.0 Roles & Responsibilities

2.1 SCORERS

Two scorers are needed per game, one person controlling the clock and one person controlling the Ipad. Only the scorers should be on the table. Team Managers will draw up a scoring roster at the beginning of each season including all parents of the team members. Scorers for finals will be at committee’s discretion.

2.2 TEAM MANAGERS

Team managers will be appointed at the beginning of the season. Their roles include;

Distribution of uniforms.
Record uniform distribution.
Orgainise a scoring roster.
Collection of uniform and mark off returns at the end of the season.

2.3 REFEREES

Umpires are to come from our local pool. All persons involved in basketball are to be encouraged to participate in umpiring. Juniors are to be encouraged to take up umpiring and are to run with a senior umpire or someone with experience. It is best not to have juniors umpiring their own age group. All players and umpires are urged to attend umpire clinics when they are held in and around our district. Umpires will be paid at a rate to be determined by General Committee. Umpires are to be encouraged to wear appropriate clothing. Umpires need to supply own whistles due to current health regulations.

2.4 COACHES

2.4.1 General responsibilities

Organise warm ups and allocation of bibs (U12 only) before the games.
Ensure each child’s name and number is entered in the Ipad before game begins.
During the game, substitute players in a way to ensure all players have a fair go.
Make the game an enjoyable one.
At the end of the game, collect bibs from players in a tidy manner and return to the Admin room. (U12 only)
Focus on the game i.e. don’t have unnecessary people with you on the bench that could cause distraction.

2.4.2 Defence

All junior teams must play man-on-man defence. This is junior policy.

Advantages:

® Pick up the idea quickly.

® Must learn to be committed to defence.

® Will see advantages of learning other skills. (e.g. blocking out)

Offensive players can:

® Experience dribbling against pressure.

® Use lay-up shot.

® See the advantages of other skills. (e.g. cutting in to the key way)

2.4.3 Getting your team to play the defense

Make it clear to each player, before they enter the game, which offensive player they are guarding. Emphasis that they are responsible for that player and must make every effort to stop that player from getting into a scoring position. (between the player and the basket)

Match up players on opposing team similar height, skill and speed.

Actively discourage:

Players chasing the ball around the court.
Players running back to defend the basket instead of the player.

No player is to leave his or her player to chase the ball. The only time you are to encourage players to leave their player is to pick up loose balls and when the ball is in the key way area (to defend the shot).

2.4.4 Guidelines

1. Give players as even amount of court time as possible – kids don’t learn much on the bench.
2. Trying to win is important but winning is not.
3. Try to be positive, kids have different skill levels and you must be tolerant of less skilled players.
4. Give each player an achievable goal to reach each game.
5. Try to correct bad habits and techniques. If you are not sure, ask your head coach.
6. Try to involve all players in tasks during a game.
7. Be aware of court balance at all times. Get your team to spread out.
8. Be a positive role model, DO NOT criticise umpires or other players.
9. Be firm with your players. Do not tolerate unsportsmanlike behaviour. Use your bench to discipline if necessary.

Remember

A good coach is encouraging, gives clear simple instructions and ensures the kids enjoy their sport.

2.5 PLAYERS

Play by the rules.
Respect referees, other players and coaches.
Give your best at all times.

2.6 PARENTS

Encourage your children to participate, do their best and have fun.
Focus on your child’s effort and performance, rather than on winning or losing.
Help coaches or officials where possible.
Model appropriate behavior.

3.0 Equipment

3.1 BALLS

Match balls are to be checked and replaced at the start of the summer season. There must be two good match balls.
Match balls must be returned to administration room after each game and locked in match ball cupboard after last game.
Leather size 5 balls are used for U12 competition, Leather size 5 balls are used for U14 and U16 competition apart from U16 Boys who use size 7.
Practise balls are to be checked regularly making sure they are in good order.
A minimum of 8 practise balls are needed.
Balls are to be returned to the locked storeroom after warm ups are complete.
No balls are allowed in stadium from home during junior competitions.
No balls are to be taken from storeroom during junior competitions unless used by coaches for training.
Umpires/Committee person/Coaches are encouraged to collect all balls before start of game and put back in store room/ball room or on hooks at bench.

3.2 UNIFORMS

3.2.1 Bibs

The BDBA provides bibs as uniforms for the U12 competition. An inventory is kept of the colour, size and number of bibs in each set.
Bibs are to be checked, sorted, washed and repaired (where necessary) on the completion of each season.
Replacement/Mending of bibs as required
Management of bibs:

® Bibs are to be returned to correct containers in administration room in bag provided.

® Coaches need to check that bibs are all accounted for before returning to administration room.

® Bibs are to be locked in storeroom at the end of competition.

3.2.2 Team singlets

Team singlets are issued to all U14 and U16 team members.
Team singlets are to be allocated by the team manager at the commencement of the season with parent/guardian signed consent. A hire fee is included in their subs. If the singlet is lost or damaged a fine will be incurred. Singlets are to be collected at the conclusion of the teams last game by the team manager, laundered and returned as a whole set to the stadium.
Upon return the singlets are to be checked and stored ready for next season. New sets or individual singlets to be purchased as required.

3.2.3 Competition nights

Uniform required for U12 Competitions is white or light coloured T-shirt, no pockets and nil or minimal writing etc, and for all junior competition, black or dark coloured shorts with no pockets. No pockets on shorts to be stressed each season and children should not be permitted to play with pockets on shorts because of the injury factor. Appropriate sneakers to be worn at all times. Nails to be cut and hair tied back. No jewellery to be worn.

3.3 FIRST AID FACILITIES

First Aid facilities are supplied by the General Committee and are located in Umpires/Administration Room.

4.0 Meetings

Junior committee meetings are to be held monthly, or as required. Meetings will be held in the administration room.

At the B&DBA Annual General Meeting, usually held in August, the Chairperson of the Junior Sub Committee gives a report on the previous year. A new Junior Sub Committee is elected and this group meets afterwards to appoint its office bearers for the next 12 months.

5.0 Junior Pathways

5.1. Association/Squad teams

5.1.1 Selection

Refer to attached policy

5.1.2 Coach

Appointed by the committee as per guidelines

5.1.3 Carnivals

The committee encourages teams to nominate for carnivals in Naracoorte, Millicent, Mount Gambier and the Country Championships in Adelaide. The carnival director will liaise with the coaches regarding nominations and fees. Other carnivals are optional at the discretion of the coach.

5.1.4 Responsibilities of team manager

Uniforms - the giving out and collecting of uniforms and keeping a record of who has what uniform.
Team sheets – to be filled out prior to first game.
Collecting of monies – uniform hire, door entrance fee etc.
Encouraging all players to bring drink bottles and have extra water on hand
Have first aid kits at games.
Check draws on arrival at stadiums for changes.
Check score sheets have correct names and numbers prior to all games.
Be a support person for coach.
Ensure team has a ball, spare uniform and set of bibs in case of colour clash.
Obtain phone numbers of players and coaches for accommodation details.
Distribute contact numbers to coach and players.
Ensure medical forms are completed and checked prior to each carnival.

5.1.5 Association/Squad uniforms

Association uniforms are available for teams competing in Association tournaments. Use at other times is at the discretion of the committee.
A hire fee decided upon by the committee is to be charged on Association uniforms. General Committee needs to be informed of amount collected as hire fee for uniforms.
Uniforms are to be under the control of the TEAM MANAGER. That person is responsible for the handing out and collecting of uniforms. No uniforms are to be released until records of numbers and sizes are taken.
Uniforms are to be handed to team managers at the completion of the last game at carnivals. Under no circumstances are players to take the uniforms home with them. Team managers are to ensure that all uniforms taken are returned and have been laundered.
Uniforms are to be stored in team bags (U12 Girls, U12 Boys, U14 Girls, U14 Boys, U16 Girls, and U16 Boys) which are locked under the stadium seats. Uniforms are to be checked after Country Championships and any need for repairs or replacement reported to Junior Sub Committee.
If the Junior Sub Committee gives approval for uniforms to be used for school purposes, eg SAPSASA, hire fee per uniform will be charged.

5.2 ETP/DNSP

The B&DBA participates in the following SA Country Basketball programs:

5.2.1 DNSP (Development Network Squad Program)

The DNSP head coach is appointed by the SA Country's Development/High Performance manager upon recommendations from the Association.

DNSP is monitored by the South Australian County Basketball Head Coach. The program is run on a weekly basis for 90 minutes during the school terms. The aim or set goal would be to complete 40 hours of team concepts and individual instruction for each player over this period with the prime objective being to develop, educate and improve.

Selections for this program are made by the DNSP coach.

The selection criteria is identified talent in athletic ability (height, speed, quick hands, strength), attitude and desire to become a State or National team representative, potential to be socially compatible and display a sense of team ethic within a group, be highly receptive to coaching, with a strong desire to succeed.

5.2.2 ETP (Emerging Talent Program)

The ETP program is an underpinning program to the DNSP program that adds an emphasis in teaching base level skills, and team concepts to emerging talent in the U12 age group.

Selection is done in a shared role between the DNSP Head Coach and the local Association.