Park & Recreation Department
Ayer Youth Basketball
Ayer Youth Basketball
Ayer Youth Basketball
2009-10 Registration
Registration deadline is October 15. Any registrations received after that are subject to a $10 late fee. No application will be accepted after November 1
Ayer Youth Basketball Players and Parents,
Welcome to another year of AYB basketball! Some of you may have been playing with us for many seasons while others may be starting for the first time. In either case, we hope to offer the best overall experience possible to those interested in playing hoops. In this packet you will find information about the program as well as registration material to help get you signed up. The registration deadline is October 15. Any registrations received after that are subject to a $10 late fee. No application will be accepted after November 1.
The AYB program is always in need of volunteers for coaching, especially at the K-2 skills and drills level. At these levels in particular, an ability to deal with and relate to children is more important than specific basketball skills. Coaching guidelines are offered to help those who feel they may not possess the necessary knowledge to instruct young players. Coaches at the travel and instructional levels, both lead and assistant, are also needed. Please consider volunteering for a coaching position when filling out the registration.
Players who are signing up for the travel basketball program (grades 5-8) also need to fill out a code of conduct form. This is a requirement for all players participating in the Nashoba Valley Youth Basketball League. Please be sure to return the completed form on the back of your registration.
Players in 7th and 8th grade who are planning on trying out for the Middle School team are encouraged to still register for the AYB program. If a player makes the Middle School team and then chooses not to play rec ball, they will be given a refund of their registration fee. It should be noted that in the past, most Middle School players have chosen to play both. The 7th-8th grade recreational format is designed to work in partnership with the school program and has minimal, if any, overlaps.
We look forward to seeing everyone this fall and having another great season of basketball! If you have any questions, feel free to call the Park Department office at 978-772-8217.
Contact
Phone: 978-772-8217 (Answering machine available 24 hours a day)
Fax: 978-772-8222
Email
Ayer Town Hall
3rd Floor
1 Main Street
Ayer, MA 01432
Welcome to another year of AYB basketball! Some of you may have been playing with us for many seasons while others may be starting for the first time. In either case, we hope to offer the best overall experience possible to those interested in playing hoops. In this packet you will find information about the program as well as registration material to help get you signed up. The registration deadline is October 15. Any registrations received after that are subject to a $10 late fee. No application will be accepted after November 1.
The AYB program is always in need of volunteers for coaching, especially at the K-2 skills and drills level. At these levels in particular, an ability to deal with and relate to children is more important than specific basketball skills. Coaching guidelines are offered to help those who feel they may not possess the necessary knowledge to instruct young players. Coaches at the travel and instructional levels, both lead and assistant, are also needed. Please consider volunteering for a coaching position when filling out the registration.
Players who are signing up for the travel basketball program (grades 5-8) also need to fill out a code of conduct form. This is a requirement for all players participating in the Nashoba Valley Youth Basketball League. Please be sure to return the completed form on the back of your registration.
Players in 7th and 8th grade who are planning on trying out for the Middle School team are encouraged to still register for the AYB program. If a player makes the Middle School team and then chooses not to play rec ball, they will be given a refund of their registration fee. It should be noted that in the past, most Middle School players have chosen to play both. The 7th-8th grade recreational format is designed to work in partnership with the school program and has minimal, if any, overlaps.
We look forward to seeing everyone this fall and having another great season of basketball! If you have any questions, feel free to call the Park Department office at 978-772-8217.
Contact
Phone: 978-772-8217 (Answering machine available 24 hours a day)
Fax: 978-772-8222
Ayer Town Hall
3rd Floor
1 Main Street
Ayer, MA 01432
2009-2010 Ayer Youth Basketball FAQs
What are the different divisions that are available for Ayer Youth Basketball?
Ayer Recreation Basketball is open to anyone from kindergarten to 8th grade. There are basically three divisions:
K-2 Skills and Drills (Saturday mornings)
Designed to introduce youngsters to the game and develop rudimentary skills while maintaining a fun atmosphere. All games and practices take place on Saturday mornings and last about an hour. The program runs from early December to mid March.
3rd/4th Grade In-Town (Saturday mornings, one week night practice)
Players are separated into boys and girls divisions. More advanced skills are introduced to help prepare younger players for competitive play. All practices and games take place on Saturday mornings and last about an hour and a half. Games are played with coaches refereeing. The program runs from late November to mid March.
5th/6th, 7th/8th Grade Travel (Saturday games, 1-2 weeknight practices)
Players are separated into boys and girls divisions. Teams play Saturdays against other town teams from Shirley, Littleton, Lancaster and Groton. Standings are kept and there is a playoff format at the end of the season. The program includes 1-2 practices per week and runs from mid November to mid March.
Why is the cutoff date for registration (October 15) so early?
Uniforms and equipment need to be ordered at least a month prior to the season’s start in order to assure on time arrival and distribution. Teams must also be formed early enough to allow a game and practice schedule to be drawn up.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available to anyone who needs assistance. Please note that funding for Ayer Recreational Basketball is based on registration fees and excessive F/A requests can lead to a reduction in the quality of the program. For more information on how to acquire F/A, contact the Ayer Parks Department at 978-772-8217
How are coaches selected? How are teams formed?
Coaches and assistants are chosen by the Ayer Youth Basketball Board in mid October from a pool of those who have shown interest. Selection is based on experience and basketball knowledge. Those who have coached in the previous year get priority.
In the first few weeks, coaches at each level have a player evaluation session to get a look at the players in their division and an idea of the best way to balance teams. Teams are then selected for the upcoming season.
What if a player wants to be on another team after being selected?
Because the goal is to balance the teams when they are being formed, it is difficult to move a player after they have been placed. It is suggested that you make any requests regarding team placement before teams are made. If there is a clear reason for moving a player (conflict with the coach/other players, etc.) every effort will be made to make a switch. Please call the Park Department at 772-8217 if this is an issue. Any changes in the travel divisions must be made prior to the season’s first game. If you foresee any potential conflicts or schedule issues, please include them in the provided space of the registration form.
What are the different divisions that are available for Ayer Youth Basketball?
Ayer Recreation Basketball is open to anyone from kindergarten to 8th grade. There are basically three divisions:
K-2 Skills and Drills (Saturday mornings)
Designed to introduce youngsters to the game and develop rudimentary skills while maintaining a fun atmosphere. All games and practices take place on Saturday mornings and last about an hour. The program runs from early December to mid March.
3rd/4th Grade In-Town (Saturday mornings, one week night practice)
Players are separated into boys and girls divisions. More advanced skills are introduced to help prepare younger players for competitive play. All practices and games take place on Saturday mornings and last about an hour and a half. Games are played with coaches refereeing. The program runs from late November to mid March.
5th/6th, 7th/8th Grade Travel (Saturday games, 1-2 weeknight practices)
Players are separated into boys and girls divisions. Teams play Saturdays against other town teams from Shirley, Littleton, Lancaster and Groton. Standings are kept and there is a playoff format at the end of the season. The program includes 1-2 practices per week and runs from mid November to mid March.
Why is the cutoff date for registration (October 15) so early?
Uniforms and equipment need to be ordered at least a month prior to the season’s start in order to assure on time arrival and distribution. Teams must also be formed early enough to allow a game and practice schedule to be drawn up.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available to anyone who needs assistance. Please note that funding for Ayer Recreational Basketball is based on registration fees and excessive F/A requests can lead to a reduction in the quality of the program. For more information on how to acquire F/A, contact the Ayer Parks Department at 978-772-8217
How are coaches selected? How are teams formed?
Coaches and assistants are chosen by the Ayer Youth Basketball Board in mid October from a pool of those who have shown interest. Selection is based on experience and basketball knowledge. Those who have coached in the previous year get priority.
In the first few weeks, coaches at each level have a player evaluation session to get a look at the players in their division and an idea of the best way to balance teams. Teams are then selected for the upcoming season.
What if a player wants to be on another team after being selected?
Because the goal is to balance the teams when they are being formed, it is difficult to move a player after they have been placed. It is suggested that you make any requests regarding team placement before teams are made. If there is a clear reason for moving a player (conflict with the coach/other players, etc.) every effort will be made to make a switch. Please call the Park Department at 772-8217 if this is an issue. Any changes in the travel divisions must be made prior to the season’s first game. If you foresee any potential conflicts or schedule issues, please include them in the provided space of the registration form.