Due to the number of players signed up, we will again have multiple teams at each age/gender level. In order to form teams that are most optimally structured, we will hold a player evaluation session so the coaches can get a feel for the kids before the teams are created.
We will be holding these sessions on October 24th and 26th at the St. John’s gym at the following times.
Note there are NO evaluations needed for 5th/6th grade girls.
| Date | Time | Group |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday October 24th | ||
| 8:30 am - 9:15 am | Grade 6 Boys | |
| 9:30 am - 10:15 am | Grade 3/4 Girls | |
| 10:30 am - 11:15 am | Grade 3/4 Boys | |
| 11:30 am - 12:15 pm | Grade 5 Boys | |
| Monday October 26th | ||
| 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm | Grade 7/8 Girls | |
| 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm | Grade 7 Boys | |
| 8:00 pm - 8:45 pm | Grade 8 Boys |
Questions
Why are evaluations needed?
Our goal is for all teams to be structured as optimally as possible to ensure a fun and competitive experience for all players. Seeing all the kids play helps us determine which team would provide the best likelihood of a great experience for each child.
How does it work?
It is run similar to a practice, with various drills and exercises to demonstrate different capabilities. It is very low pressure and there is no specific skill level required. Coaches of the teams, along with members of the Sports Association Board and others are present to provide impartial input and assessment.
Are these tryouts? Will they get cut if they don’t do well?
This is not a “tryout” to see if your child will make the team. Everyone will be on a team and everyone will play. This is just to get an overall picture of each player so they are placed appropriately.
How are the teams chosen? Are the best players always put together?
The coaches work together to draft teams that work best, with input from the SJSA. Numerous factors are considered including not just skill, but how each player complements each other, size of the team, age/grade distribution, the competition level of division each team is expected to be placed in, etc. It is important to keep in mind that we are NOT a travel/club/AAU program that selects the best and cuts the rest. We accept kids of all different skill levels and have a no-cut policy, so we do our best to give everyone a great experience where they can excel and have fun.
Can my child play with a specific player or coach?
With so many players and constraints we have to deal with, we are not able to take placement requests. There are no guarantees as to placement with a specific player or coach – even if you have previously been paired together. All team placements are final.
Is my child required to attend?
We strongly recommend every effort is made to attend so there is no “guesswork” when it comes to their optimal team placement. That said, all players will get placed on teams regardless of attendance.
What if my child cannot make it? Is there another date?
Unfortunately we are very limited as to when we can hold the evaluations due to gym and personnel availability, so we are not able to provide a makeup date. If your child absolutely cannot make it then we will do our best to assign them to the team that seems most optimal.
What should they bring/wear?
Just like a practice, wear basketball appropriate clothing/sneakers and bring a water bottle.
Can parents stay and watch?
No, this is a drop-off and pick-up event.