Registration ends October 1 

**SW6-8 Player Evaluations - Oct 8

Our Southwest 6th–8th Grade League will kick-off on Sunday, October 8 at Wayzata High School (Gym 1-4) with our Player Evaluation sessions.  Please see scheduled times by grade below:

Please arrive promptly at your start time to allow for check-in and warm-up.  Players bring their own basketball (28.5 size for 6th grade and 29.5 size for 7th-8th grade) and a water bottle.  Evaluations will be based on 2 skill stations (dribbling and shooting) and 2 game play situations (1 v 1 and 5 v 5).  Results will be used by coaches to select teams and all registered players will be placed on a team.  It is preferred that all players participate in the evaluation process but if you are not able to attend please email to the Southwest League Director (swdirector6-8@wayzatabasketball.org) with advance notice.

At the check-in desk we will have a sign-up sheet for those interested in volunteering to coach a team this year.  Please consider this opportunity as the success of our WBBA basketball program is highly dependent on our ability to find coaching commitments for the group.  Advantages of coaching are you’ll be involved in the selection of teams, you’ll receive a Wayzata Boys Basketball Coach’s Shirt, and you’ll earn the satisfaction of giving kids in our community the chance to play basketball this year.

SOUTHWEST LEAGUE INFORMATION

The WBBA participates in the Southwest League which is run by the Eden Prairie Boys' Basketball Association (EPBBA) for 6th – 8th grade teams. Each team will play in a league against the same grade level.  This is a recreation level league with game play rules that promote equal playing time.  Other communities in the league include: Eden Prairie, Chaska, Chanhassen, Minnetonka, & Shakopee.

Number of Teams, Players per Team, and Team Makeup:

All WBBA eligible players with a paid registration by the deadline will be placed on a team at their grade level.  The total number of teams in each grade level will be determined by the number of players who register.  Each team will generally have between 8 and 12 players with volunteer coaches.  Coaches will select teams based on player evaluations to be held prior to the start of the season.

Players participating in their middle school basketball program are also eligible to play in the WBBA Southwest League.  Players participating on a WBBA Travel team are not eligible to play in the WBBA Southwest League during the same season.

Playing Time:

The Southwest League is an equal playing time league enforced by league rules and the use of “equal play scoresheets” at all games. However, playing time may be reduced for a player based upon attendance at practices and/or games, attentiveness during practice, and disciplinary issues.

Player Commitment:

Players are expected to attend all practices and games. Parents should make every effort to ensure this. WBBA understands that occasional conflicts may arise due to religious, educational, health, or family matters. A paid registration is required prior to participation in any practices or games – no pay, no play.

Player Evaluations: 

Players are expected to participate in a 90-minute skills evaluation session (shooting, dribbling, game-play, etc.) prior to the start of the season. This is intended to offer coaches a basis of information to form parity teams within the program. The only play-with requests that will be considered will be with the coaches and their players, and sibling sets within a grade.  NO OTHER PLAY-WITH REQUESTS WILL BE CONSIDERED.  If you are not able to participate in the scheduled evaluation session you are expected to notify the League Director ahead of time.

Coach Selection:

WBBA coaches are volunteers (often parents) giving of their time and energy. WBBA provides an equal opportunity to anyone who would like to coach a team. A good understanding of basketball plus good organizational and communication skills are needed. Teams may have a head coach and one assistant coach (or co-coach). A criminal background check will be required of all head and assistant coaches prior to participation in practices/games. All coaches are required to participate in two mandatory coaches meetings prior to the start of the season – one conducted by EPBBA (regarding league philosophy and rules) and one conducted by WBBA (equipment handout, WBBA specific information, final background check form collection).

Practices: 

Practices will begin in November for grades 6-8.  There is generally one to two practices per week beginning in November for SW 6-8 at Wayzata school gyms. Possibility of teams sharing gyms if lack of available court time dictates. Practices generally last between 75 and 90 minutes each, and may occur any day of the week. Before games begin, there is the possibility of additional practices on some Saturdays. Players should arrive to practices 5-10 minutes prior (a coach must be present as well). Players who cannot attend a practice due to a conflict are expected to contact their coach in advance. Practice schedules will be communicated by coaches and also posted on the WBBA website.

Games:

Saturdays beginning in December. Games may be home or away. Away games involve travel to other communities participating in the league (e.g. Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, etc.). There may be additional games Fridays and/or Saturdays on a limited basis if gyms are available. These additional games do not count in the official league standings but will be used to break ties for the purpose of seeding teams at the end of season league tournament. Players should arrive to games 15-30 minutes prior based upon the preference of the coach. Players who cannot attend a game due to a conflict are expected to contact their coach in advance. League game schedules and rules will be posted at www.epbba.com prior to the start of games.  10 Game Regular Season with expected dates noted below unless team has a scheduled bye.  Exact times and locations TBD.

End of Season League Tournament:

An end of season tournament is held March 3-4. There are multiple brackets (e.g. A, B, C) due to the number of teams and based upon team records.  Planned tournament dates are March 3-4 at Eden Prairie locations.

SW6-8 League Rules:

For more information please review copy of the League Rules posted below.

LOOKING FOR SOME EXTRA GAMES?

If you are looking for some additional games for your team you can check out the MYAS tournament options for Rec teams, including the Rec State Tournament.  Teams will need to sign-up for these optional MYAS tournaments on their own and the WBBA will reimburse the registration cost for a max of two tournaments per team including the State Rec Tournament sponsored by MYAS.  If you choose to participate in more than one tournament and the State Rec Tournament, any additional expenses will need to be covered by the team.   Click on the participation guidelines document below for more information.

MYAS Rec Tournaments: http://myas.org/basketball/rec-state-tune-ups/

MYAS State Rec Tournament: http://myas.org/basketball/rec-state-basketball-championships/