FAQ OBA ROCKIES
Q: Can I form my own team for the regular season?
A= The answer to this question is no. We hold evaluations and evaluations are what help to create teams. When it comes to Spring basketball, we hold evaluations as well and do not currently allow coaches to form their teams without holding evaluations.
Q: We live outside of Okotoks and we have problems getting into town for practice, what can I do?
A= In this case, we would allow a team to form. Please contact Ken Zelez for more detail.
Q: Can my son or daughter play with one of their friends on their team?
A= The short answer to this question is yes and no. The long answer is it all has to do with how kids evaluate. We put similarly skilled kids on each other's team. If it so happens that kids do end up on the same team and have friends on that team then that is based on skill level.
Q: I have siblings of similar age. Can they play on the same team?
A= In this case, the answer is maybe. Once again it comes down to skill evaluation. If siblings evaluate at the same skill level, then yes they can be on the same team. If there is a discrepancy in skill level the higher level athlete can play on the lower level athlete’s team.
Q: When are evaluations?
A= Evaluations are announced as soon as we have gym confirmations from the town. They will be announced through Twitter, Facebook, and posted on our website. If you have subscribed to our website or have registered, you should get an email.
Q: How do evaluations work?
A= We will be running two to three evaluation nights with evaluators who are very experienced basketball people. They will be evaluating skill level and gameplay situations. We run a very objective tryout system where we use ranking numbers and skill evaluation numbers in a spreadsheet format as well as discussions with executive members.
Q: I don't think my son or daughter was evaluated properly. What should I do?
A= We take our evaluation procedures and policies very seriously. We have loads of experience in creating teams. Therefore, we don't allow movement after evaluations. We understand that some athletes will not evaluate to their potential. We also understand that some athletes may have an off night or an off session, that is still part of the process.
Q: What if we miss the evaluations?
A= In this case, an unknown athlete will be placed on the lowest team in the division. An athlete that we may know about, will be placed on a team that we feel fit and that is fair to all other athletes who were at evaluations.
Q: How are teams selected?
A= Teams are selected based on skill evaluation during the sessions where we are evaluating the athletes. Consideration will be given to skill level, ability level, basketball knowledge, offense and defensive skills, and basic positioning needs such as guards and posts. For example, we will do our best to distribute skill level amongst all the possible positions in basketball on each team. The top ranked players will be on the top ranked teams as per CMBA policies.
Q: Who are the coaches?
A= We want you to get to know your coach. Coaches are normally parents or family members coaching their son or daughter. In some instances, there is no relation to the team. All of our coaches are volunteers.
Q: I would like to learn how to coach or assistant coach how would I do that?
A= We have systems in place to help out new coaches as well as experienced coaches please contact coach@okotoksbasketball.ca for more information.
Q: What certifications do your coaches have?
A= Some coaches have many certifications whereas others have limited certifications. All coaches need to take a course in order to coach within our organization. All coaches will have a police check.
Q: What if we don't like the coach who is coaching the team?
A= You should speak to the coach, then speak to our director of coaching, Blake Husky, to find solutions to remedy this problem. You are free to leave the association.
Q: Does OMBA offer other opportunities?
A= Yes, we offer Academy Nights, clinics, guest speakers, guest coaches, community contacts, spring basketball opportunities and summer camps. We are a year-round program offering lots of basketball opportunities to the athletes in our area. Although we are a year-round association, we do encourage kids to play ornery sports and we do not believe in single sport athletes. We are also involved in community initiatives.
Q: I'm having some issues coming up with the fees for the season, what do I do?
A= Please use Kids Sport or Jump Sport and apply for funding. As another solution, please contact Yvonne Sellars who is our Registrar and she will be able to make arrangements with you.
Q: How is playing time allocated?
A= Playing time is the number 2 issue in sport after the number 1 issue of evaluations. Playing time is allocated individually per athlete. We don't promise equal playing time as that is basically impossible. We do promise that athletes will get in and out of the game as per the CMBA rules as well as the best interest of your son or daughter on that chosen team. We highly encourage all of our coaches to get as much playing time for each athlete. Individual coaches may make decisions based on practice attendance as well as disciplinary or injury issues.
Q: What nights and times will my son or daughter practice?
A= Practice nights will be either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. Traditionally, Tykes have practice on Thursday evenings. Practice times are allocated with the earliest times given to our youngest teams. Practice times for individual teams are not announced until after evaluations where we have all of our gym time needs as well as coaches availability.
Q: Where can I find league rules?
A= You can find them on the CMBA website.
Q: How can I volunteer with the OBA Rockies?
A= Please contact Ken Zelez for more information.
Q: I would like to offer a donation to the OMBA Rockies, how do I do that?
A: Please contact Ken Zelez President of OMBA to discuss opportunities.
If your question has not been answered, please contact one of the Executive members or our general information email here.