How long is the basketball season?
Generally mid September - late February early March.
Juvenile Program ends mid November.
What's the difference between Community and Pride?
Community Basketball is a co-ed and gender specific program where all games and practices are held between Spruce Grove and Stony Plain area. Teams are split up as evenly as possible after all players have completed the evaluation process.
Parkland Pride is a gender specific program where game locations vary between Edmonton and the surrounding area. Players must tryout for these teams as they compete in the upper divisions of the EYBA.
Why do we have the seperate Pride and Community Programs?
The separate programs were created to allow athletes to develop at their desired pace and competition level.
Removing some of the more competitive players from our community league has allowed all athletes the opportunity to be challenged and grow in the appropriate environment for their skill, and or desired level.
Participation at the Community level is an important and essential step towards achieving the skill required to play on a competitive Pride team.
Why are there more Pride teams in the Spring than the Fall?
The spring Pride program was created to allow athletes of all levels the opportunity to get as many ball touches and game play situations as possible.
Skills training, conditioning, and improved decision making abilities is our primary goal for spring athletes.
There are far more programs, leagues, tournaments, and camps offered in the spring for this type of play then there are in the fall.
Fall players are split between our local Community League and the EYBA's more competitive divisions.
I have a concern with a coach, volunteer, player or parent, what are my options ?
PCBL want's feedback good and bad!
PCBL has a discipline policy and procedure in place to ensure the best interest of all its members.
Send your concerns to our Commissioner: discipline@parklandbasketball.ca
Our commissioner will take your concerns and forward them to a neutral committee of coaches and or volunteers to review. Having multiple divisions and programs allows us to select a committee removed from the immediate team or program.
The committee will then provide their recommendations or choose the appropriate discipline as per our bylaws and rules.
The commissioner will then enforce the ruling of the committee.
Our number one goal is a positive experience for all. No volunteers, players, coaches, or members of our board are above reproach.
All questions, concerns, and complaints will be taken seriously and addressed accordingly.
What is the Parkland Jr. Program?
Parkland Jr. is an introductory skills camp for those ages 5-8.
It consists of 10, one hour sessions over the course of 5 - 8 weeks.Players will use balls and nets designed specifically for their age.
This years program starts in September and run for 10 sessions. We only accept 30 registrants for the program.
It is on a first come registration basis.
Each camper receives a ball and camp shirt.
This program is separate from all league play. Those eligible to join the community league can do both programs.
What night will my son or daughter play or practice ?
Game and practice nights vary. Both Community League and Pride teams will have one practice on a weekday evening.
Community league games are on Saturdays.
Parkland Pride games vary:
-Teams playing in the A & B division "bantam and midget" will primarily play on weeknights. Any Bantam or Midget teams playing in any other division, including all Juveniles, will play on Saturdays and the odd Friday.
Boys Bantam - Midget:
Tuesday's and odd Thursday
Girls Bantam - Midget:
Wednesday's and odd Thursday
Community league players have the option of selecting one night that can NOT practice on their registration form. This is done to try and accommodate those with other commitments.
What are the ages for each division ?
U9 / Formerly Mites / 2011-12'
U11 / Formerly Mini's / 2009-10'
U13 / Formerly Bantam / 2007-08'
U15 / Formerly Midget / 2005-06'
U18 / Formerly Juvenile / 2002-04'
Division ages are the same for both Community and Pride Basketball.
What is the $17.00 Alberta Basketball Membership For?
CANADA Basketball and the Alberta Government Appointed Alberta Basketball as the Governing body in our sport.
The $17.00 applies to players, coaches, officials, basketball camps, leagues and the directors of any basketball organization. It covers the appropriate insurance, as well as membership for all. Parkland will be covering the $17.00 for each volunteer coach.
All basketball organizations require sanctioning by AB to be properly protected, and or retain the services of certified officials recognized by Alberta Basketball Officials Association. It’s also allows coaches to obtain recognized NCCP certification and further training.
Basketball organizations that choose not to be members in good standing with AB are not eligible for any government subsidy funding or fundraising licenses from AGLC, Alberta Gaming & Liquor Control. These are crucial in keeping costs down to our direct members. The $17.00 is a small trade off to be able to apply for casinos and other fundraising to keep costs down and help those having trouble to pay.
Alberta Basketball has been putting on free and or discounted clinic’s to members. Another benefit to all members is annual membership, and not just for the basketball season. So if your son our daughter decides to participate in a basketball camp, spring league, or skills session offered by any other sanctioned organization they will not have to pay it twice. Many of these groups offer discounted rates to members.
The province want’s to be able to police all sports. Basketball was behind many of the other sports as far as alignment and governance. The membership will allow for disciplinary actions to follow a member who is in violation of any rules or bylaws. Meaning if a member assaults somebody, or is in violation of any other set rule or bylaw, at a school game the suspension would follow them to any other sanctioned basketball event.
The athletes will eventually be getting membership cards that provide perks and an athlete number that follows them much like soccer and hockey. It will also help identify those with provincial, national or post secondary aspirations. There is a lot of work going into protecting the kids and making the sport better.