Winter League FAQ
GENERAL
What makes the Halo League different from other leagues?
1. We make the game age-appropriate! Young players need to have time to grow into the adult game. We’ve modified the rules and equipment to fit young players as they grow and learn the fundamental skills. As players experience success - they score a lot in the Halo League! - they’re encouraged to continue playing correctly. The additional practice sessions, group workouts and clinics give players the opportunity to receive quality coaching and guidance.
2. We provide an atmosphere that encourages people to live for God. We value relationships, especially the coach-player relationship, and use them to help young people take on the challenges that come with playing basketball. We believe this translates directly to real life situations.
Is this a church league?
No, this is a community league. We welcome players from the community, as well as from churches. We encourage kids to play with their friends - from scout troops, neighborhoods, churches or any other groups.
What does the player fee go toward?
Player fees cover the cost of facility rentals, referees (Halo or state-certified), game balls and other supplies, awards, team jerseys, Christian message booklets and overhead.
Are the Winter League jerseys the same as Summer League jerseys?
No, the jerseys for the Winter League 2009-2010 are a new product. They’re the jerseys worn by our Excel travel team players for practices last spring. The jerseys are 2-ply, nylon/poly mesh, V-neck. Sizing is typically the same as a tee shirt.
What kind of ball do the Youth League players receive?
The ball is a rubber, junior-sized ball (27.5 inches) which is the same size used in games.
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?
- 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…
- 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.
- 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.
What is your refund policy?
Refund policy
Do you offer any scholarships?
Yes. You can apply for a Winter League scholarship by e-mailing info@halohoops.com and requesting an application. Applications must be received by Oct. 19 in order to be eligible.
REGISTRATION
What if I request a coach or teammates for my child and the team is already full? The League Director checks the Coach’s preliminary roster and consults with the Coach. If the player’s request(s) cannot be met, other information on their registration form is used.
PRACTICES
How can my child get ready for practices?
- Wear comfortable tee shirt, shorts, athletic shoes
- Eat a light snack, allowing time for good digestion
- Arrive 5-10 min. early
- Use the restroom a few minutes prior to the start
What if my child can’t make the designate practice times?
If your child will regularly miss practice times due to another obligation, notify the coach immediately. The coach and league director will try to find another team for your child to join.
GAMES
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.