Q-1 |
1. What equipment do players need? |
A-1 |
At the recreational level, the club supplies each Atom, Bantam, Midget and Juvenile player with a uniform, which are returned at the end of the season. Each player is required to provide a uniform deposit ($115.00) and a ball deposit ($50.00). For Novice players, the club provides t-shirts. Basketballs are also supplied. The only equipment a player needs is a pair of basketball shoes and shorts. At the representative level, the club supplies each player with uniform and basketball, which are returned at the end of the season. Each player is required to provide deposit cheques for the ball ($50.00) and uniform ($250.00). If either or both are not returned in good condition (other than normal wear and tear) at the end of the season, the player will be responsible for replacing them. |
Q-2 |
How long is the season? |
A-2 |
Recreational teams start the week after mid-October and run until the end of March/mid-April, depending on the age group. All recreational players participate in a year end tournament. For Novice players, games start in early December. For representative teams, try-outs begin in mid to late September. Teams are formed by mid October. The season ends after the Ontario Cup Provincials which take place in late March, April or May depending on the level. |
Q-3 |
Is regular attendance required at practices and games? |
A-3 |
Yes. There is flexibility built in to the recreational program to accommodate other activities. Recreational teams practice once a week and play games on Saturday. Representative team players need to attend games and practices regularly in order to develop team play. Representative teams practice two or three times per week. We recognize that players may be involved in other sports/activities and we encourage all players to stay involved with them. Should conflicts occur, we ask that the player alternate between the practices (ie. attend basketball on first conflict and the other activity on second conflict). In the case of illness, the coach must be informed as soon as possible prior to the practice or game. In the case of injury, the player is usually required to attend games and practices to continue to learn. |
Q-4 |
What are the parental responsibilities? |
A-4 |
Parents are requested to ensure that their child attends all practices and games on a regular basis. A few times a season, parents maybe asked to volunteer with their child’s team. Parents can assist with timekeeping and scorekeeping at games, record game stats, provide canteen items (baked goods, drinks, hot dogs, etc.) to help team fundraising, and help with general administrative duties. For representative teams, parents and players must observe Basketball Ontario’s Fair Play policy. The GBA also has a 24 hour rule, therefore if you would like to discuss anything with the coach, please wait until 24 hours after the game has finished. Parent volunteers are a very important part to the success of the club and we are always looking for volunteers to help. If you are interested in volunteering please contact the Coach, Team Manager or the GBA President. |
Q-5 |
What is the difference between representative and recreational leagues? |
A-5 |
The Representative program gives interested players an increased level of competitive basketball and focuses on development of the player’s basketball and athletic skills. Representative teams are members of the Eastern Ontario Basketball Association (EOBA) and compete in games for placement within the region as well as the province. The commitment is generally greater, as teams practice more often, play more games and often travel to tournaments. The Recreational program exposes players to the game of basketball by providing a positive atmosphere to improve the player’s skills. Recreational players are members of the West End Basketball League (WEBL) and compete in local games. |
Q-6 |
How important is winning? |
A-6 |
The club’s position is that all coaches should have the long-term development of their players as the top priority. We encourage all coaches to teach motion type offenses where there are no designated post and guard players (especially at the younger ages). We also encourage coaches to emphasize man-to-man defenses. We believe that both of these are important to the long-term development of the players and team. Within this framework, coaches are free to use their own judgment. We suggest that you discuss this with the coach at the division you plan on participating in. |
Q-7 |
What does the registration fee cover? |
A-7 |
For recreational teams, the registration fee covers the cost of gym rentals, referees, basketballs, t-shirts, coach training, insurance and a year-end tournament. For representative teams, the registration fee covers the cost of all practice gym rentals, gym rentals for mini-tournaments, basketballs and other practice equipment, coach training and insurance. Players are responsible for all tournament entry fees, additional mini-tournament hostings (if applicable) and travel costs to out of town tournaments. |
Q-8 |
Are any of the clubs members paid? |
A-8 |
The GBA Executive are all volunteers and receive no payment as committee members. The GBA has two paid staff members, the Technical Director and the Chief Referee. |
Q-9 |
How many trips are made out of town? What are the costs associated with these? |
A-9 |
Only the representative teams travel out of town to overnight tournaments. Each team participates in approximately 3 away tournaments and each team is responsible for the costs associated with participating in tournaments and the provincial championships. The costs associated with out-of-town tournaments include, transportation, hotel accommodations, food and coach hotel expenses (when they don’t have a child on the team). |
Q-10 |
Are there sites, which I can visit that will explain how basketball leagues are organized in Ontario and in the Ottawa Region? |
A-10 |
Ontario Basketball Association |
Q-11 |
How can I purchase GBA Clothing? |
A-11 |
GBA clothing is available through our online store in October of each year. An email will be sent to all registrants to advise when the store is open. |
Q-12 |
Who do I contact for more information about the GBA? |
A-12 |
You can contact the GBA President |