WGBA Travel 2016-2017 Parent Information
WGBA Travel 2016-2017 Parent Information We are proud that the WGBA is a top 5 program in the state by measuring number of teams, and success of teams in tournaments. The growth over the last 7 years is very encouraging. Summary Girls Registering Girls Playing Total Teams Overall Record Winning % Finishing in top 3 Teams w Winning Rec Teams that won a Champ Tournament Titles Top Division A Teams(#1) State Titles
2016-17 148 13-16
2015-16 148 137 14
2014-15 145 135 14
2013-14 156 144 15
2012-13 151 143 15
2011-12 132 127 13
2010-11 134 130 13
289-204
264-180
310 - 206
291-219
243 - 177
217-156
59% 48% 9 9 21 5 0
59% 53% 10 7 19 5 0
60% 51% 11 9 26 3 1
58% 48% 9 9 33 3 1
59% 45% 8 7 22 3 1
58% 42% 8 7 26 2 2
Grade Breakdown (148 registered players) 4th –33 girls – A, B and C teams (9-10,10,10) 5th – 25 girls – Goal is A, B and C teams (8,8,9) 6th – 34 girls – Goal is A, B1, B2 and C teams (8,8,9,9) 7th – 26 girls – Goal is A, B and C teams (8,9,9) 8th – 30 girls – A, B and C teams (9,9-10,10) Team Size - 8 -10. Prefer 8-9 on A teams and 8-10 on B and 9-10 on C teams. We will look at evaluation results looking for natural separation to help make final decisions for each grade. Travel Survey Feedback– 77 respondents (thank you – they all get read) – we have made improvements.
Review Tryout Process
Coaches Expectations and Selection
Parents Expectations
Playtime Guidelines
Practice Scheduling
Tournament Selection
Partnership with Varsity Program
Tryout Process –System created to be as fair and thorough as possible with several layers of checks and balances to help determine the most competitive teams. Use a ranking system that provides transparency for player and evaluators results. Old way - basketball camp coaches – No formal process or specifics on each player – just list of players on A, B, C and rumored huge bias to girls that attended their camps. Several associations have coaches in tryouts and allowed to fill in teams after first 7 rankings. No perfect selection/tryout process.
Evaluators – 4 for each grade – Pool from former WBBA and WGBA coaches, current WGBA coaches along with outside evaluators from MDB; all have experience in evaluating skill & basketball abilities. Day 1 - Rank players (each are graded 15-49) for each category - ball-handling and lay-ups, shooting, 3 on 3 offense and defense, intangibles Day 2 – Rank players (from 15-49) on 4 on 4 offense and defense and 5 on 5 offense and defense. NOTE: Defense is just as important as offense 4th grade will be one night only with Day 1/Day 2 combined(no 5v5) Each player will be given a numerical value from 2 day tryout(4th gd 1 day) to determine ranking. President, VP of Travel, Coaches and Evaluators meet to determine final teams based on rankings, coaches evaluations (bubble players/missed tryouts) and position needs of teams on Sept 22nd. Tryout Dates & Overview on website to review. Please arrive 30 min before scheduled time. New for this year…everyone will receive a reversible tryout jersey at check-in.
We will post teams by Friday evening Sept 23rd on the website by tryout number, first name and last initial *Players not making a Travel team will be placed on a Rec team with a refund for difference in cost. **Goal is to place each player at the appropriate skill level and maturity. Players will move up or down a level each year based on skill development/growth-maturity. ***Player placement is final once teams are posted. Any questions or concerns will be taken on following Monday. Travel Team Tryouts - What are the evaluators looking for? Shooting - Form, mechanics and arc, lay-ups, ball rotation, range, accuracy, catch and shoot – each girl will shoot off pass at varying distances Dribbling – Both hands, see floor while dribbling, under pressure, protects ball, speed, change of direction – change of direction drills looking at crossover, hesitate, spin, btb and btl and finish at the basket. Defense – On the ball defense, help defense, footwork, stance, positioning, close out, aggressiveness without fouling, anticipates, deny defense, hustles back on defense, blocking out, blocking shots, rebounding - 3 on 3 half-court, 4 on 4 and 5 on 5 full court Offense – Good decisions, court vision, passes to open player, catch in triple threat, shooting, faking, ball handling, penetration, scoring, off the ball v-cuts, moves without the ball, sets picks, rolls the proper way - 3 on 3 half-court, 4 on 4 and 5 on 5 full court Intangibles – TEAM PLAY, attitude, hustles, plays hard/aggressive, speed, quickness, strength, size.
Coaching: Expectations-Goals-Priorities 1. Developing team work & cooperation in a positive atmosphere 2. Developing individual player’s skills 3. Developing a winning record Coaching Guidelines Positive Coaching Behavior(90/10 rule) & Communication
We want a positive atmosphere for all the players but that doesn’t mean you can’t get on the girls for things like lack of effort, lack of intensity, lack of focus, disobeying team rules, and selfish play – pick the right times for maximum results. Understand the emotional/mental development of players is as important as the physical training. Coach and teach to build character, player’s confidence, and self-esteem. Be a good communicator and motivator in supporting the growth of each player in a safe and fun environment. Sportsmanship/Respect all players, families and coaches for both teams and officials. Follow the WGBA Coaches Code of Ethics & Double-Goal Coaching guidelines. Limit over-coaching during games-giving control to the players. Allow them to take action & make decisions. Be supportive in helping players understand mistakes will happen and to not fear failure.
Team Characteristics
Girls playing hard, aggressively and competing, playing together – unselfishly, being positive and respectful of coaches, teammates, other teams and referees and GIRLS HAVING FUN. Parent Coaches to not give special attention to own daughter(i.e. always the go to player) Positions, roles and playtime based on skill and overall ability shown in practice/games.
Individual and Team Fundamentals
50% of practice time dedicated to individual skill development and team fundamentals Develop all players in practice and allow for game experience when possible(i.e ball-handling) Encouraged to Limit Zone Defense(6th-8th only) to 20% of the time Encouraged to keep Set Plays on Offense to a minimum to promote growth & development of all player’s offensive fundamentals Expected Skills-website...will be included in coaches meeting to use as a guideline for practice planning MSOB all teams will rotate(3 each team) on Thursdays
Winning
It is important, players like to win but it’s not win at all costs. Winning (or losing) the right way by following the above guidelines is more worthwhile and fun. Measure a season’s success by the commitment to player development & opportunity to teach life lessons.
Coaches Selection WGBA strives to have the best-qualified coaches for our players. For the most part, WGBA relies on qualified parent coaches who are willing to dedicate their time and efforts to work with the girls. We are looking to add more non parent coaches to the pool with former Wayzata Girls Varsity players. Non-parent head coaches will be paid by WGBA. WGBA will provide background checks of all head and assistant coaches prior to their team assignment. Coaches must meet the following criteria:
Have a basic knowledge of basketball rules and fundamentals.
Have good communication skills.
Are able to teach and motivate players to develop specific basketball and relationship skills.
Are able to measure their own success based on their ability to improve all girls as basketball players and teammates.
All coaches will also be required to become certified under the MYAS Trusted Coaches program. This online training program provides our coaches with First Aid and Concussion Training & Certification, in addition to the Positive Coaching Alliance training. For all current coaches and future coaches, we look at basketball and coaching background, parent surveys, team success and interviews(if needed) in determining the best qualified coach for each team. Final coaching selection is made after tryout results. With the fact that the non-parent pool is limited, WGBA first matches qualified parent coaches, based on results, before placement of the qualified non- parent coaches.
Pre-Season Coaches Meeting to discuss WGBA mission, coaches and parents expectations, along with general guidelines for practice planning, game management and helpful information for a successful season. Practice Planning Guideline-website under Coaches Corner…more consistent teaching for all grades/levels Skills on website-Specific Grade Skills and fundamentals
Pre-Season Coaches Clinic with Scott Jankila who will serve as a liason for coaches throughout the season
Coaches Meetings-mid-end of season to help growth and development of coaches and share experiences
Parent Expectations 1. Be familiar with Playtime Policy and Communication Process as provided by WGBA. 2. Understand that the tryout process is in place to best match your daughter’s current skill & maturity. The best way to support your daughter is to accept her placement and encourage her to work hard this season to be the best player and teammate possible. 3. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by showing positive support for all players, coaches, and referees at every game and practice. Be grateful and praise the effort of your daughter, her teammates and coaches. 4. Have the right perspective and understanding of why your daughter is playing and what her goals are. 5. Grade Specific Skills- see Skills on website
Playing Time Policy- on website Wayzata Traveling Basketball has been established as a Developmental and Competitive sports organization. In order to clarify this position for both parents and coaches, the Board has established the following guidelines:
In general, 4th-8th grade Coaches are encouraged to give all players equal priority for first ~¾ of game (21-23 minutes). It is recommended to balance lineups based on skill & size/athleticism and rotate every 3-4 min. 4th and 5th grade teams strive for close to equal playtime over the entire season. 6th-8th grade strive for close to equal playtime early in season. C teams strive for close to equal playtime over the entire season. Minimum playtime goal for a 28 min stop time game is to average/game 10 min(10 players) or 11 min(8-9 players) for all grades. Minimum playtime goal for a 40 min running time game is to average/game 14 min(10 players) or 16 min(8-9 players) for all grades. In general, last 5-7 minutes of games/overtime playtime can be based on needs of team/matchups/performance/focus etc. Examples: close games, more competitive or championship games. All players should have a chance to start & finish games over the course of the season. WGBA reasoning for not having equal playtime is to motivate players to work on fundamentals in both off season and in season to improve and earn more playtime. Coaches consider team needs, matchups, performance and commitment/focus in determining playtime above the minimum requirement. Coaches can deviate from the guidelines under certain circumstances or situations such as a player repeatedly missing practice, player behavioral problems, player injuries, foul trouble, etc. During the season, basketball practices and tournaments should take precedence over all activities other than family, religious or school functions. If a player misses practices or games for other reasons, the coach is not required to abide by the above playing time guidelines.
By adhering to the these guidelines, WGBA should provide a fun and competitive opportunity to all participants who invest time and energy into the development of their skills.
Communication Process-website If you or your child has a concern related to playtime or coaching directly related to your child, please discuss the issue at great length with your child to get all the information possible. Secondly, make sure you are familiar with all the policies and guidelines for WGBA. If, at this point, you still have a concern, you must follow this line of communication. Any meetings should be set up outside of practice or competition times(“24 hour rule”) 1. Player meets with coach(7th-8th grade) 2. Player and parent meet with coach(4th-6th grade; 7th-8th if needed after initial meeting above) 3. Player and parent meet with coach and Travel director. Please note that the player is involved in each step. We do this for two reasons. First, it ensures that the player’s perception is clearly understood by both the parent and the coach. Second, it involves the player in real life problem resolution process, an important life skill. Please do not contact the Travel Director without first addressing any issues with your child and the coach. An exception to this rule is if there are general concerns related to coaching or parent behavior detrimental to the team. In this case, please notify the Travel Director early in the process.
Tryout-non participation The Wayzata Girls Basketball Association is committed to providing each player the opportunity to play at a level that is commensurate to her abilities. In the case of an absence during Traveling Tryouts the following policy has been established to determine specifically what team a player would be assigned (includes but not limited to injury, illness, etc.): A) Travel Director contacted and made aware of the non-participation. B) Excused player’s Coaches rankings and evaluations from previous year will be reviewed. C) If the player was a “top 5 player,” as determined by her previous year’s coach, she would be granted a spot on the same level team for the ensuing season. D) For those not ranked in the top 5 of their team, the WGBA Coaches familiar with the excused player will be
consulted before tryouts to obtain perspective of the players basketball abilities compared to others at the same grade. After tryouts are completed, the Selection Committee will consult the current year’s traveling basketball coaches to gain their perspective of the excused player’s abilities. Based on the perspectives gained above, excused players will be placed on the appropriate team. E) If a player starts the tryout process but is not able to complete the 2 day tryout due to illness, injury or an excused absence, the above will apply along with any additional information obtained from the current evaluator’s feedback/rankings etc. Playing up - It is the preference of the WGBA Board to have all girls play with their grade level during their tenure in the WGBA. Under no circumstances can a girl play down on a younger grade or the whole team would need to compete at the older age level. If a player and her family desire to play at an older level, they must meet the following guidelines:
Must petition to the WGBA Board of Directors Must be the unquestioned top ranked player in her class as identified by last year’s tryout evaluation and coaches post season evaluation or consensus of the WGBA coaches in her current grade Must try out for the older grade and be one of the top 3 players in the older grade based on that grades tryout evaluation forms If the player finishes as the 4th ranked player or lower, she will be placed on the A team of her own grade.
Practice Schedule - Two practices a week most weeks. Generally Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, but we will have some Wednesday’s and Friday’s this year. Practice times can start as early as 6:00 and end as late as 10pm. We hope to have more gym space allocated to us this year to limit late practice times. Community Ed distributes based on WGBA, WBBA and other community needs as well. There are not enough gyms to handle all of the needs so please bear with us. We will do our best to have schedules out as early as possible. At times, we will look to have grades practice together to allow for scrimmage time and team unity within a grade(s) or skill levels. Practice starts the week of 10-3. Tournament Scheduling- sent out week after tryouts. 8 to 12 – the older girls get more tournaments; 6th-8th grade coaches will have some input in selection of tournaments this year above the designated 9(6th-1 ,7th-2, 8th -3). Preference to conference teams/western suburbs; Reciprocity 4th grade has limited B/C levels-requires some additional distance(Buffalo, Waconia etc) Rochester is our only stay over tournament(all grades except 4th) Match up teams to attempt to get right competition
Partnership with Varsity Program
Coach Schumacher’s Summer Camp – All high school coaches and most players there Summer Clinics – run by coaching staff, open to all travel players to attend Preseason Clinic run by staff Coach Schumacher attending parent meeting Coach Schumacher attending the coaches meeting to share what he expects Team of the night at every varsity game – travel team will get introduced and attend pre-game or half-time talk Youth Night/Poster Night is always a great event(Friday Feb 10th)
Board Members – Please contact Phil Gramlow, President of the WGBA at [email protected] if you would like to serve on the Board. If any concerns or questions for the Board please find listing on website. We meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7p.
In closing, I would like to recommend a book titled “Changing the Game” by John O’Sullivan. I would highly recommend everyone to read this at some point regarding transforming Youth Sports for our kids. 2 interesting take home points included below. Why do kids play sports? Have fun, do something they are good at, improve skills, exercise, be part of a team, excitement of competition. They do not play to win. They like to win but it’s not their focus. What do kids want out of sports? They want to have fun, to get better and to be with friends. They want parental support and encouragement. They want you to watch them play and praise them for their effort. They want you to be realistic about their ability. They want you to be present and interested in what they are doing. They don’t want you yelling at their coach, the officials and them. They don’t want you to be overcritical and putting extreme pressure on them. They want the game to be theirs (according to Dan Gould at the Michigan State University Institute for the Study of Youth Sports). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXw0XGOVQvw Thank You
2016-17 148 13-16
2015-16 148 137 14
2014-15 145 135 14
2013-14 156 144 15
2012-13 151 143 15
2011-12 132 127 13
2010-11 134 130 13
289-204
264-180
310 - 206
291-219
243 - 177
217-156
59% 48% 9 9 21 5 0
59% 53% 10 7 19 5 0
60% 51% 11 9 26 3 1
58% 48% 9 9 33 3 1
59% 45% 8 7 22 3 1
58% 42% 8 7 26 2 2
Grade Breakdown (148 registered players) 4th –33 girls – A, B and C teams (9-10,10,10) 5th – 25 girls – Goal is A, B and C teams (8,8,9) 6th – 34 girls – Goal is A, B1, B2 and C teams (8,8,9,9) 7th – 26 girls – Goal is A, B and C teams (8,9,9) 8th – 30 girls – A, B and C teams (9,9-10,10) Team Size - 8 -10. Prefer 8-9 on A teams and 8-10 on B and 9-10 on C teams. We will look at evaluation results looking for natural separation to help make final decisions for each grade. Travel Survey Feedback– 77 respondents (thank you – they all get read) – we have made improvements.
Review Tryout Process
Coaches Expectations and Selection
Parents Expectations
Playtime Guidelines
Practice Scheduling
Tournament Selection
Partnership with Varsity Program
Tryout Process –System created to be as fair and thorough as possible with several layers of checks and balances to help determine the most competitive teams. Use a ranking system that provides transparency for player and evaluators results. Old way - basketball camp coaches – No formal process or specifics on each player – just list of players on A, B, C and rumored huge bias to girls that attended their camps. Several associations have coaches in tryouts and allowed to fill in teams after first 7 rankings. No perfect selection/tryout process.
Evaluators – 4 for each grade – Pool from former WBBA and WGBA coaches, current WGBA coaches along with outside evaluators from MDB; all have experience in evaluating skill & basketball abilities. Day 1 - Rank players (each are graded 15-49) for each category - ball-handling and lay-ups, shooting, 3 on 3 offense and defense, intangibles Day 2 – Rank players (from 15-49) on 4 on 4 offense and defense and 5 on 5 offense and defense. NOTE: Defense is just as important as offense 4th grade will be one night only with Day 1/Day 2 combined(no 5v5) Each player will be given a numerical value from 2 day tryout(4th gd 1 day) to determine ranking. President, VP of Travel, Coaches and Evaluators meet to determine final teams based on rankings, coaches evaluations (bubble players/missed tryouts) and position needs of teams on Sept 22nd. Tryout Dates & Overview on website to review. Please arrive 30 min before scheduled time. New for this year…everyone will receive a reversible tryout jersey at check-in.
We will post teams by Friday evening Sept 23rd on the website by tryout number, first name and last initial *Players not making a Travel team will be placed on a Rec team with a refund for difference in cost. **Goal is to place each player at the appropriate skill level and maturity. Players will move up or down a level each year based on skill development/growth-maturity. ***Player placement is final once teams are posted. Any questions or concerns will be taken on following Monday. Travel Team Tryouts - What are the evaluators looking for? Shooting - Form, mechanics and arc, lay-ups, ball rotation, range, accuracy, catch and shoot – each girl will shoot off pass at varying distances Dribbling – Both hands, see floor while dribbling, under pressure, protects ball, speed, change of direction – change of direction drills looking at crossover, hesitate, spin, btb and btl and finish at the basket. Defense – On the ball defense, help defense, footwork, stance, positioning, close out, aggressiveness without fouling, anticipates, deny defense, hustles back on defense, blocking out, blocking shots, rebounding - 3 on 3 half-court, 4 on 4 and 5 on 5 full court Offense – Good decisions, court vision, passes to open player, catch in triple threat, shooting, faking, ball handling, penetration, scoring, off the ball v-cuts, moves without the ball, sets picks, rolls the proper way - 3 on 3 half-court, 4 on 4 and 5 on 5 full court Intangibles – TEAM PLAY, attitude, hustles, plays hard/aggressive, speed, quickness, strength, size.
Coaching: Expectations-Goals-Priorities 1. Developing team work & cooperation in a positive atmosphere 2. Developing individual player’s skills 3. Developing a winning record Coaching Guidelines Positive Coaching Behavior(90/10 rule) & Communication
We want a positive atmosphere for all the players but that doesn’t mean you can’t get on the girls for things like lack of effort, lack of intensity, lack of focus, disobeying team rules, and selfish play – pick the right times for maximum results. Understand the emotional/mental development of players is as important as the physical training. Coach and teach to build character, player’s confidence, and self-esteem. Be a good communicator and motivator in supporting the growth of each player in a safe and fun environment. Sportsmanship/Respect all players, families and coaches for both teams and officials. Follow the WGBA Coaches Code of Ethics & Double-Goal Coaching guidelines. Limit over-coaching during games-giving control to the players. Allow them to take action & make decisions. Be supportive in helping players understand mistakes will happen and to not fear failure.
Team Characteristics
Girls playing hard, aggressively and competing, playing together – unselfishly, being positive and respectful of coaches, teammates, other teams and referees and GIRLS HAVING FUN. Parent Coaches to not give special attention to own daughter(i.e. always the go to player) Positions, roles and playtime based on skill and overall ability shown in practice/games.
Individual and Team Fundamentals
50% of practice time dedicated to individual skill development and team fundamentals Develop all players in practice and allow for game experience when possible(i.e ball-handling) Encouraged to Limit Zone Defense(6th-8th only) to 20% of the time Encouraged to keep Set Plays on Offense to a minimum to promote growth & development of all player’s offensive fundamentals Expected Skills-website...will be included in coaches meeting to use as a guideline for practice planning MSOB all teams will rotate(3 each team) on Thursdays
Winning
It is important, players like to win but it’s not win at all costs. Winning (or losing) the right way by following the above guidelines is more worthwhile and fun. Measure a season’s success by the commitment to player development & opportunity to teach life lessons.
Coaches Selection WGBA strives to have the best-qualified coaches for our players. For the most part, WGBA relies on qualified parent coaches who are willing to dedicate their time and efforts to work with the girls. We are looking to add more non parent coaches to the pool with former Wayzata Girls Varsity players. Non-parent head coaches will be paid by WGBA. WGBA will provide background checks of all head and assistant coaches prior to their team assignment. Coaches must meet the following criteria:
Have a basic knowledge of basketball rules and fundamentals.
Have good communication skills.
Are able to teach and motivate players to develop specific basketball and relationship skills.
Are able to measure their own success based on their ability to improve all girls as basketball players and teammates.
All coaches will also be required to become certified under the MYAS Trusted Coaches program. This online training program provides our coaches with First Aid and Concussion Training & Certification, in addition to the Positive Coaching Alliance training. For all current coaches and future coaches, we look at basketball and coaching background, parent surveys, team success and interviews(if needed) in determining the best qualified coach for each team. Final coaching selection is made after tryout results. With the fact that the non-parent pool is limited, WGBA first matches qualified parent coaches, based on results, before placement of the qualified non- parent coaches.
Pre-Season Coaches Meeting to discuss WGBA mission, coaches and parents expectations, along with general guidelines for practice planning, game management and helpful information for a successful season. Practice Planning Guideline-website under Coaches Corner…more consistent teaching for all grades/levels Skills on website-Specific Grade Skills and fundamentals
Pre-Season Coaches Clinic with Scott Jankila who will serve as a liason for coaches throughout the season
Coaches Meetings-mid-end of season to help growth and development of coaches and share experiences
Parent Expectations 1. Be familiar with Playtime Policy and Communication Process as provided by WGBA. 2. Understand that the tryout process is in place to best match your daughter’s current skill & maturity. The best way to support your daughter is to accept her placement and encourage her to work hard this season to be the best player and teammate possible. 3. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by showing positive support for all players, coaches, and referees at every game and practice. Be grateful and praise the effort of your daughter, her teammates and coaches. 4. Have the right perspective and understanding of why your daughter is playing and what her goals are. 5. Grade Specific Skills- see Skills on website
Playing Time Policy- on website Wayzata Traveling Basketball has been established as a Developmental and Competitive sports organization. In order to clarify this position for both parents and coaches, the Board has established the following guidelines:
In general, 4th-8th grade Coaches are encouraged to give all players equal priority for first ~¾ of game (21-23 minutes). It is recommended to balance lineups based on skill & size/athleticism and rotate every 3-4 min. 4th and 5th grade teams strive for close to equal playtime over the entire season. 6th-8th grade strive for close to equal playtime early in season. C teams strive for close to equal playtime over the entire season. Minimum playtime goal for a 28 min stop time game is to average/game 10 min(10 players) or 11 min(8-9 players) for all grades. Minimum playtime goal for a 40 min running time game is to average/game 14 min(10 players) or 16 min(8-9 players) for all grades. In general, last 5-7 minutes of games/overtime playtime can be based on needs of team/matchups/performance/focus etc. Examples: close games, more competitive or championship games. All players should have a chance to start & finish games over the course of the season. WGBA reasoning for not having equal playtime is to motivate players to work on fundamentals in both off season and in season to improve and earn more playtime. Coaches consider team needs, matchups, performance and commitment/focus in determining playtime above the minimum requirement. Coaches can deviate from the guidelines under certain circumstances or situations such as a player repeatedly missing practice, player behavioral problems, player injuries, foul trouble, etc. During the season, basketball practices and tournaments should take precedence over all activities other than family, religious or school functions. If a player misses practices or games for other reasons, the coach is not required to abide by the above playing time guidelines.
By adhering to the these guidelines, WGBA should provide a fun and competitive opportunity to all participants who invest time and energy into the development of their skills.
Communication Process-website If you or your child has a concern related to playtime or coaching directly related to your child, please discuss the issue at great length with your child to get all the information possible. Secondly, make sure you are familiar with all the policies and guidelines for WGBA. If, at this point, you still have a concern, you must follow this line of communication. Any meetings should be set up outside of practice or competition times(“24 hour rule”) 1. Player meets with coach(7th-8th grade) 2. Player and parent meet with coach(4th-6th grade; 7th-8th if needed after initial meeting above) 3. Player and parent meet with coach and Travel director. Please note that the player is involved in each step. We do this for two reasons. First, it ensures that the player’s perception is clearly understood by both the parent and the coach. Second, it involves the player in real life problem resolution process, an important life skill. Please do not contact the Travel Director without first addressing any issues with your child and the coach. An exception to this rule is if there are general concerns related to coaching or parent behavior detrimental to the team. In this case, please notify the Travel Director early in the process.
Tryout-non participation The Wayzata Girls Basketball Association is committed to providing each player the opportunity to play at a level that is commensurate to her abilities. In the case of an absence during Traveling Tryouts the following policy has been established to determine specifically what team a player would be assigned (includes but not limited to injury, illness, etc.): A) Travel Director contacted and made aware of the non-participation. B) Excused player’s Coaches rankings and evaluations from previous year will be reviewed. C) If the player was a “top 5 player,” as determined by her previous year’s coach, she would be granted a spot on the same level team for the ensuing season. D) For those not ranked in the top 5 of their team, the WGBA Coaches familiar with the excused player will be
consulted before tryouts to obtain perspective of the players basketball abilities compared to others at the same grade. After tryouts are completed, the Selection Committee will consult the current year’s traveling basketball coaches to gain their perspective of the excused player’s abilities. Based on the perspectives gained above, excused players will be placed on the appropriate team. E) If a player starts the tryout process but is not able to complete the 2 day tryout due to illness, injury or an excused absence, the above will apply along with any additional information obtained from the current evaluator’s feedback/rankings etc. Playing up - It is the preference of the WGBA Board to have all girls play with their grade level during their tenure in the WGBA. Under no circumstances can a girl play down on a younger grade or the whole team would need to compete at the older age level. If a player and her family desire to play at an older level, they must meet the following guidelines:
Must petition to the WGBA Board of Directors Must be the unquestioned top ranked player in her class as identified by last year’s tryout evaluation and coaches post season evaluation or consensus of the WGBA coaches in her current grade Must try out for the older grade and be one of the top 3 players in the older grade based on that grades tryout evaluation forms If the player finishes as the 4th ranked player or lower, she will be placed on the A team of her own grade.
Practice Schedule - Two practices a week most weeks. Generally Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, but we will have some Wednesday’s and Friday’s this year. Practice times can start as early as 6:00 and end as late as 10pm. We hope to have more gym space allocated to us this year to limit late practice times. Community Ed distributes based on WGBA, WBBA and other community needs as well. There are not enough gyms to handle all of the needs so please bear with us. We will do our best to have schedules out as early as possible. At times, we will look to have grades practice together to allow for scrimmage time and team unity within a grade(s) or skill levels. Practice starts the week of 10-3. Tournament Scheduling- sent out week after tryouts. 8 to 12 – the older girls get more tournaments; 6th-8th grade coaches will have some input in selection of tournaments this year above the designated 9(6th-1 ,7th-2, 8th -3). Preference to conference teams/western suburbs; Reciprocity 4th grade has limited B/C levels-requires some additional distance(Buffalo, Waconia etc) Rochester is our only stay over tournament(all grades except 4th) Match up teams to attempt to get right competition
Partnership with Varsity Program
Coach Schumacher’s Summer Camp – All high school coaches and most players there Summer Clinics – run by coaching staff, open to all travel players to attend Preseason Clinic run by staff Coach Schumacher attending parent meeting Coach Schumacher attending the coaches meeting to share what he expects Team of the night at every varsity game – travel team will get introduced and attend pre-game or half-time talk Youth Night/Poster Night is always a great event(Friday Feb 10th)
Board Members – Please contact Phil Gramlow, President of the WGBA at [email protected] if you would like to serve on the Board. If any concerns or questions for the Board please find listing on website. We meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7p.
In closing, I would like to recommend a book titled “Changing the Game” by John O’Sullivan. I would highly recommend everyone to read this at some point regarding transforming Youth Sports for our kids. 2 interesting take home points included below. Why do kids play sports? Have fun, do something they are good at, improve skills, exercise, be part of a team, excitement of competition. They do not play to win. They like to win but it’s not their focus. What do kids want out of sports? They want to have fun, to get better and to be with friends. They want parental support and encouragement. They want you to watch them play and praise them for their effort. They want you to be realistic about their ability. They want you to be present and interested in what they are doing. They don’t want you yelling at their coach, the officials and them. They don’t want you to be overcritical and putting extreme pressure on them. They want the game to be theirs (according to Dan Gould at the Michigan State University Institute for the Study of Youth Sports). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXw0XGOVQvw Thank You
