What should I expect for my child in Grades K -2?
What should I expect for my child in Grades 3-8? Starting in 3rd grade, teams will start a tournament style league, which usually consists of 2 or 3 games one day on the weekend. BDL and DSL plays most their tournaments on Saturdays but some on Sundays. Each player should be scheduled to play in 6 tournaments. Some coaches may choose to add additional area tournaments to accomplish this goal if this can't be done during the league because of team size. Grades 4 & 5, playing time is nearly equal, depending upon practice attendance and effort. If more than one team is needed, player talent will be divided at the varsity coach/board’s discretion. Starting in 6th grade, skill becomes a more significant but not an overriding factor in playing time. Playing time depends on practice attendance and effort, dedication and skill. Every player will have some playing time in each half.
Do I need to order a new uniform? The only players that will have to order uniforms are 3rd grade players, new players to the program or if you need new sizes for your player.
What should I expect on tournament days when we are not hosting? A typical tournament or league day consists of 3 games (BDL) and 2 games (DSL). Leagues typically have tournament dates set in advanced at the beginning of the season but actual playing times are not set until 5-10 days prior. Tournament locations generally are within one hour drive. Most tournaments and leagues are trending towards half day schedules where your team would play the first half of the day or the second half of the day. Sometimes the venue doesn't allow for this schedule, and a full day is needed to get all three games in. When dates are released at the beginning of the season, it would be best to plan for the entire day just in case.
What should I expect on tournament days when my child's team is hosting? Our program will typically host 1 to 2 tournaments a year. All parents in grades 1st thru 8th will be responsible for signing up for a volunteer time slot of 1-2 hours. Tasks include setting up, running the admission table and concession stands and cleaning up at the end of the day. Generally, the high school basketball athletes will run the scorers tables but if they are unable, we ask a parent from the visiting and home team to run the scorer's table. Hosting these tournaments are a major fundraising event for our program. Parents are a vital part in making these tournaments a success.
There is a family maximum but the registration site isn't showing it after I added my second child? As you add your children, the family maximum will not show until the checkout screen when you enter payment. As you follow the registration prompts, the website will update and apply the discount automatically on the checkout screen before you confirm your registration.
Are uniforms part of the registration fee? No, each participant purchases their own uniform.
What is "school ball"? There is a difference between "Youth Basketball" and "School Ball". Youth Basketball is run by this nonprofit (Belleville Basketball Program, Inc.) and is for grades 1-8. "School Ball" is just for 7 & 8 grade boys and girls. The school runs and coordinates School Ball and requires a separate registration. There is some overlap in the seasons but School Ball plays their games in the evenings during weekdays and Youth Basketball plays in a tournament league format on weekends (Saturday or Sunday). When there is overlap in the seasons, School Ball usually only has practices and Youth Basketball doesn't to avoid putting too much on the kids schedules.