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Athletics

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1. How are teams formed? (Listed below by priority)

1. Academic / scholastic grade (at the time of registration)
2. Team balance / skill level - beginning at third or fourth grade (depending on the sport), we hold
skill evaluations to ensure teams are equal and competition is fair.
3. School / neighborhood - Why is this important?
A. To bring together communities and familiarize families that attend the same school.
B. To provide participants with an opportunity to know more schoolmates.

2. What are skill evaluations?

• As recreation providers(compared to competitive), we want to ensure families that teams are equitably balanced.
• At third- or fourth-grade (depending on the sport), we conduct sport-specific skill evaluations to assess each player’s skill level.
• Third and fourth grades are when players begin displaying sound fundamentals and separation of playing talent is observable.
• Our goal is not to break up teams that have been playing together, our priority is to “level the playing field” to create balance in all programs.
• Balanced teams are able to play together until sixth grade.
• Exception: Hockey - evaluations are conducted every season due to the wide range of grade levels playing together.

3. Can my child play up?

Play-ups are not allowed for pre-K through second grade. Why?

A. Children rarely display exceptional fundamentals, listening skills or patience at before that time, which is not fair for kids they are trying to play up with. It also poses safety issues.

B. Focus should be on fun, sportsmanship, teamwork and basic fundamentals.
• Occasionally, play-ups are permitted (third grade and above, but only if / when a player displays
exceptional skills or physical development. Then, they can compete at the upper-tier level in the age group ABOVE their present level / grade. Why?

1. Our goal is to build self-esteem and leadership qualities in all players.
2. If a safety issue is present due to physical development.

4. What is the waitlist?

• It is a list of participants who are waiting for a spot in a particular program.
• Payment is required at the time of registration. It is totally refundable to those unable to get into a program.
• We cannot guarantee a spot in a neighborhood / school division or program but make every effort to not turn away a child who wants to participate.

5. How do I volunteer to coach?

• Contact the coordinator of your program to be placed on the coaches list.
• Attend the coaches meeting.
• Attend the coaches training.
• Pass a background check.

6. Do I get a discount when I register my child if I volunteer to coach?

• No, all coaches are volunteer. Why?
A. We encourage coaches to come forward because they are vested in the program and committed to helping the youth.
B. As a recreational provider, we strive to keep the cost to a minimum to ensure cost is not the reason a child cannot come out to play.

7. Is there a limit to the number of players on a team?

• Yes. It varies by sport; however, the younger the team, the fewer the players.
• We strongly believe by keeping the player-per-coach ratio low, it will help all players receive the attention they need to succeed in every sport.
• We encourage all coaches to put aside time for all players to receive one-on-one time to develop player success and to build self-esteem.

8. What equipment is provided?

• Each league provides the basic equipment and league shirts.
• All shirts are pre-ordered in bulk to save on cost.
• For specific equipment questions, contact your league coordinator and attend parent meetings.

9. Why do I need to attend the parent meetings?

• We believe in order to keep our small-town feel, it is important for you to know who we are and what we are about.
• We enjoy being able to put a face with a name and believe you do, too.
• To receive all the season information: dates, times, locations, rules, etc.
• Ability to make a request for a friend or coach.
• Ability for families to meet other families in the program.
• Enables the coordinator to answer a majority of parent questions so we can focus on developing teams and practice / game schedules in a timely manner.
• To understand our program philosophy.
• To learn about volunteer opportunities.