What is Fire Basketball Rep program?
Our Rep basketball program is meant to provide a competitive basketball environment for the players that are selected to participate. The level of play is higher than that of recreational or house league basketball. The schedule consists of a minimum of two practices a week, as well as scheduled games across the GTA, three to five weekend tournaments which could be held across Ontario, and concludes with the Ontario Cup Provincial Championship at the end of the season. The program requires a high level of commitment from both the players and the parents to ensure attendance at practices, games, and tournaments as well as a larger financial cost compared to the Fire Basketball Leagues. With the nature of this program being competitive, it does not follow an equal play guideline beyond the Major Atom age category. Coaches make every attempt to play all players but playing time is not guaranteed.
What is included in the membership fee?
The membership fee for the Rep program includes:
· Ontario Basketball player membership and insurance
· Personalized Uniforms (Home, Away, Warm-up Jersey, and Practice Jersey)
· Two practices/week
· Home and away games
· Minimum 4 tournaments
· Ontario Cup Provincial Championship Tournament
What are the qualifications of the coach(es)?
Ontario Basketball has mandated that all coaches must achieve specific coaching certification requirements. All Coaches must complete specific National Coaching Certification Program qualifications depending on the level of team being coached. All coaches and volunteers are also required to complete a Police Record Check. Regardless of their experience, coaches are volunteers that bring knowledge and enthusiasm to your child’s experience.
When is the season?
The Rep season begins immediately after the teams are selected in early October and concludes with the Ontario Cup Championships held in April and May depending on the age category of the team. Team practices begin within two weeks of the teams’ selection with some games played in November and December, but the majority of games and tournaments will occur from January to May.
What is the schedule for practices?
There will be two scheduled practices a week on prearranged days and times which will range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours in length. Each teams practice schedule will include one practice during the week and another on the on weekend. There may be occasions were practice times and dates are changed due to gym availability, but these are exceptions and parents and players will be notified of changes as early as possible. As practices are crucial in the development of players and the team, the expectation is that all players attend all practices. Therefore; it is important that your family consider the level of commitment to the team and balance it with your child’s other activities if they want to play basketball at this level. It is unfair to both the coaching staff and the team when players regularly miss practices.
What is the schedule for games?
Games will occur throughout the season (November – May) with other Ontario Basketball affiliated member clubs. However, the games are not scheduled in advance of the season but rather organized by the individual team Coach or Manager throughout the season. Coaches will make every effort to inform the team and families two weeks in advance of any games and weeknight games will be limited to the GTA (locations within one hour traveling time). It is the parents’ responsibility to arrange transportation to and from games.
What about Tournaments?
There will be a minimum of four tournaments (including the Provincial Championships) that each team will participate in. Some of these tournaments will be scheduled outside of the GTA and will require hotel accommodations. It is the parent’s responsibility to arrange transportation and hotel accommodations for the player. Any costs associated with travel, accommodation, food etc for tournaments is not covered in the membership fee and must be paid by the player. We do make every attempt to participate in some local tournaments but in order to ensure that we are competing with the best and prepared for the Provincial Championships out of town tournaments are required. The location of the Provincial Championship tournament is mandated by Ontario Basketball (we do not have any say in where it will be located) and could potentially be any where in Ontario. In the past we have traveled to London, Windsor, Ottawa etc. We make every attempt to organize tournaments early in the season and should be able to provide a listing of tournaments early in January. We encourage all parents to attend all tournaments.
Will there be any fundraising required?
Each year we organize fundraising activities throughout the season to support the program. Raising funds to participate in additional tournaments or helping to minimize the cost of away tournaments have been some of the goals. In the past these activities have ranged from raffles to dinners with the expectation that each and every family participate. We are currently establishing the fundraising committee for this season and look to the parents to volunteer and come forward with fun and creative ideas.
Where can I get answers to additional questions?
Contact Fire Basketball Rep Coordinator Deryck Dyal at ddyal@firebasketball.ca.
