How do I use the iCal feature for my child's schedule?

When and where do teams play?

What are the different basketball divisions?

Can I request teammates?

How are 3-4 grade teams formed?

How are traveling teams formed?

What is the difference between in-house and traveling basketball?

 

 

How do I use the iCal feature for my child's schedule?

All basketball schedules are available via iCal.  Instructions to subscribe to your team's feed can be found in the Parent section of the MHAA website.  LINK

Each teams' link can be found on their team website.

 

When and Where do Teams Play?

Practices are scheduled at the different elementary, middle and high school facilities in District 197.  Gym time is not consistent, but every effort will be made to stick to the schedule outlined at the table below.  There will be exceptions.

Practice times will be between the hours of 5:30-9 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Saturday times as noted.

Gym time is reserved and scheduled in September and October.  It is possible throughout the season to be bumped from our original scheduled time for school functions.  We will do our best to reassign teams when this occurs, but sometimes it is not possible.

 

What are the different basketball divisions?

Kindergarten/First Recreation (Coed)

One day/week - Focus on individual ball skills, general coordination and athletic training, general appreciation for the competition of the game and to have fun.  Teams will be formed of 6-8 players, depending on registrations.

1-2 Grade Recreation 

​Two Days/week – Half the training time will be spent on individual skill and player development: (dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting), greater understanding of the game (defending, tactics, rules, teamwork), coordination and athleticism, greater appreciation for the game and the importance of competition, and of course to have fun.  The other half will be spent playing mini-games.  Games are played cross-court.  Coaches will instruct accordingly, and coaches will call fouls and violations accordingly.  Scores and standings will not be kept.  Teams will be formed of 6-8 players, depending on registrations.

3-4 Grade Girls and Boys In-House (two separate leagues)

At this level, the structure of training sessions will be similar to that of older players.  A greater level of coaching and time will be spent in developing a players technical (dribbling, passing, catching, shooting and defending) skills, as well as tactical knowledge (positioning, plays, defending, problem solving) and finally, athleticism (speed, strength, footwork, balance).  Evaluations will be conducted prior to the season in order to create teams that are relatively balanced.  The teams will then compete in a league setting, scores and standings will be kept.  An end of the year tournament or playoffs will finish the season.  Teams will be formed of 7-9 players, depending on registrations.

 

Traveling for 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Grade Girls and Boys 

Traveling basketball is a significant increase in time, commitment, training/practice and competition.  All traveling teams will usually practice 2 times per week and play in 8-10 tournaments on weekends.  The season runs from late October to early March.  Optional levels with lower cost and fewer tournaments will be offered in seasons where registration allows.

Can I Request Teammates?

Requests for K-2 grade should be made during registration.  Requests are not guaranteed, but we will try to honor all that we are able to.

Requests for 3-4 grade will not be accepted.  This level will have evaluations in early November, and a "draft" process will be done to create teams of more even playing ability.

 

How are 3-4 grade teams formed?

In order to attempt to create teams that are balanced and competitive, a "draft" system will be used at the 3-4 grade level.  Players will be evaluated and assigned numerical scores based on certain basketball skills.  Coaches will use these scores and personal observations to make their drafts/selections.  Teams will be created strictly from coach selections and not from player/parent requests.

 

How are traveling teams formed?

The number of teams, if any, at each age level will vary each year depending on the number of players participating.  Registration will begin in mid August with tryouts being held in early September.  Practices will begin in early October with tournaments starting in November and concluding with the State Tournament in March.  Coaches for each team will be selected by the Commissioner who will then provide the coaches with equipment, gym time and space, pre-set tournament dates and funds for additional tournament dates to be determined by the coaches.

Traveling teams are open to all eligible players (living or going to school in District 197, at or under the eligible grade or age, able to commit to practices and games, and a successful completion of the registration process).

Team Selection:

• Tryouts in September will be held by the evaluators and Commissioner.  Players will be evaluated based on the tryout and previous playing experience (coach evaluations from previous team/s in MHAA or consultation with a coach from another association if the player transfers into MHAA).
• Roster sizes and player selection will be determined in consultation between the evaluators, coach/es and the Commissioner.  Final decisions rest with the Commissioner.  Teams usually have 8 players.
• Players who make a traveling team, cannot play for an in-house team or any other basketball association.
• Traveling requires a significant time commitment from players and coaches.  Players must be available for the entire season and must commit to attending all scheduled practices and games.  If a player misses practices or games, playing time can be impacted.  If a player frequently misses practices or games, they could be removed from the roster after review by the coaches and Commissioner.
• Players who register late may be placed on a waiting list.  Placement will be based on availability and the discretion of the Commissioner.

 

What is the difference between in-house and traveling basketball?

• In-house basketball teams practice one to two nights a week and play one game every Saturday. 
• The number of In-House teams are determined by registrations, and age groups are usually combined. 
• Traveling basketball teams practice two nights a week and play in 8-10 (depending on roster size) weekend tournaments with an average of at least three games a tournament. 
• Traveling teams play at tournament levels appropriate for their team (A, B or C).  
• A competitive atmosphere, intensity of training, and the determining of positions and playing time are all significant differences between in-house and traveling.

Don't see the answer to your question here?  Send us an email.

That depends...  The SportsEngine App is available for Apple and Android.  It allows you to follow your team, view schedules and scores and chat with your team.  If you are only looking for the schedule, the iCal feed is easiest.   Here is a guide if you should decide to use the app: LINK