Halo Hoops

What makes the Summer League different from the Winter League?

• Shorter season (5 weeks of games instead of 10 weeks)
• Games are shorter in length (2 mini-games per hour instead of 1 game per hour)
• All games are 4-on-4  (only Youth is 4-on-4 in Winter League)

What does “no formal practices” mean?
Halo Hoops doesn’t arrange or include practice time in the player fees.  A coach may hold optional practices.

Are the Summer League jerseys the same as Winter League jerseys?
Very similar, except they’re a different color and there are no numbers.  We only count team fouls.

Where do you get your coaches and are they paid?
Our coaches are volunteers.  Most of our coaches are parents of kids who play in the league and some are people who simply love to encourage and improve kids!  They receive no financial payment but enjoy the many rewards of working with young people and their families.  In addition, coaches must have a basic knowledge of the game and receive Halo training prior to the season.

Why don’t you conduct tryouts?
We believe young players have a great experience when they play with their friends in a competitive environment.  We use narrow age divisions and often separate teams within a division into flights to further enhance the competitive experience.

Don’t leagues that hold tryouts avoid blowouts (one team ahead by a lot of points)?
Actually, all leagues have blowouts.  You can never predict injuries or sicknesses or how young players will perform on any given day.  Although blowouts are uncomfortable, they are an opportunity to learn - for both teams. We use the blowouts as a teaching tool and train our coaches to teach their players how to respond, whether they’re on the winning or losing side.  Halo coaches have options of what they can do during a blowout, depending on the situation and the divisional rules.

What are the three types of players?

• Beginners have little or no experience with organized sports.
• Intermediate players have a few years of experience playing organized sports, including basketball.
• Advanced players have at least a few years of experience with organized basketball and have developed individual basketball skills.  Most have experience playing on school and/or travel teams.

How can parents help out during the season?

1. Support the coach. A good rule of thumb is to treat the coach how you would want to be treated.  If you disagree with the way they’re handling a situation, deal directly with the coach.  Set up a brief private meeting or speak with them on the phone.  Please do not approach a coach before or after a game to discuss a potentially difficult issue.  Do not criticize a coach in front of your child.  If you’re interested in helping, offer to help the coach during practice times - keep kids organized, be a passer, etc…
2. Respect the officials. During games, don’t worry about the referees- just focus on cheering and encouraging the players! It’s more fun for everyone. Help the Halo coaches teach the players to be concerned only with what they can control - their own response.
3. Encourage the players and their families. Immediately after the game, compliment your child and their teammate on what they did well and how the team improved. If you want to offer helpful criticism, talk with your child about it later in the day. Then, open the discussion by asking them first what they think they need to improve upon.  You can also organize a team meal or activity, and enjoy getting to know the other families.

GAMES

Are the rules different in the Summer League than in the Winter League?
Yes, the rules are slightly different.  Be sure to read the rules for your child’s age division listed on the information page.
How can my child get ready for games?

• Wear team shirt, shorts, athletic shoes
• Eat a meal or snack, allowing time for good digestion
• Arrive 15 min. early
• Use the restroom a few minutes prior to the start

Where do you get your referees and are they paid?
For the 6-7 yr olds and the 8-9 yr olds, the referees are adults who enjoy the game and working with young people.  They have experience working with young basketball players and enjoy helping them learn to play the game correctly.  For the 10-18 yr olds, the referees are state-certified officials with high school officiating experience who also enjoy the game and working with young people. They receive pay comparable to referees in other sports in the area.

What happens when one team is beating another team by a lot of points?
This is commonly referred to as a “blowout.” Although blowouts are uncomfortable, they are an opportunity to learn - for both teams. Halo coaches are trained to take certain measures during a blowout situation, depending on the situation and the divisional rules. Their main goal is to teach their players how to respond, that you can always continue striving to reach goals and improve, no matter what the situation.

END-OF-SEASON TOURNAMENT

What does the term “round robin” mean?
Round robin means that every team in the division plays every other team one time.

What does the term “single elimination” mean?
Single elimination means that once a team loses one game, they’re done playing in the tournament.

Is there a guarantee that my child will be placed on a team?
No, there is not a guarantee.  The Halo Hoops league directors do their best to place every child on a team.  In certain rare situations, this may not be possible and your fee is fully refunded.