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I missed registration. Is it still possible to get my child onto a team?
Registering your son or daughter during the published registration periods is the only way to guarantee a place on a team. Those who miss the registration dates should register at tryouts. If there are a sufficient number of coaches, those registrants will be selected onto teams. Those who register after tryouts may be placed on a wait list and assigned to a team at a time deemed appropriate by the age group coordinator, provided space exists. A late fee of $10 will be charged to all who register after the official registration period ends.
- Why is it necessary to attend tryouts if all players are placed on teams?
It’s true that all players who register on time are placed on teams. Tryouts allow coaches the chance to gauge ability to help balance the teams, with the objective of equal distribution of talent within each league. It’s important that all players attend tryouts to help us meet this goal.
- Is it possible for a player to play in an older league if he/she has the ability?
Merrimack Youth Basketball is a recreational program that welcomes players at all levels of ability. The purpose of our program is to promote sportsmanship and fun for players, coaches and spectators. The program has neither the expertise nor the interest in evaluating talent beyond efforts to achieve competitive balance within each league. Our leagues are aligned by grade to allow our players to compete with and against their friends and to be consistent with other area programs who sponsor tournaments. Travel and AAU programs (not affiliated with MYA Basketball) are available for those wishing to compete against older players.
- When do practices and games begin?
This year, practices begin the week of October 30. Each team will have one weeknight practice per team, always on the same night. During the month of November each team will have an additional practice on either Saturday or Sunday. League games begin December 2-3. Teams will play one game each weekend, except during Christmas vacation and the weekend of January 27-28, when the Merrimack Tournament will be held. In addition, there will be no practice the week of January 22 because of the Tournament.
- Can my daughter be on the same team as her friend? My son has music lessons on Tuesdays. Can he avoid that as a practice night?
Can my daughter play for the same coach as she did last year?
In a program that serves over 1,000 players, it’s impossible to avoid conflicts for everyone or to honor all special requests. Parents can note constraints or requests on the registration form and coordinators and coaches will do their best to accommodate them. Parents and players should understand that we offer no guarantees that any special requests will be honored.
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How are players notified to learn the time and location of the first practice?
Teams will be formed in late October and coaches will contact players by phone the week of October 23. If you haven’t been contacted by October 29, call your age-group coordinator. Coordinator names and phone numbers can be found on the flyer you received in the mail or on the website at www.merrimackonline.com/~basketball
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Do the Instructional Leagues follow the same schedule?
Instructional leagues form later than the competitive leagues and begin practice on December 2. Joint practices/games begin in January. Coaches will be in contact with players with details about the Instructional League Jamboree, which will take place on November 18.
- What is the practice cancellation policy and how will I be notified?
When schools are closed for vacation or holidays there will be no practice. Similarly, if school is cancelled because of bad weather, there will be no practice on those nights. On some nights, school activities occupy the gyms, requiring practices to be cancelled. Coaches will provide as much advance notice as possible via phone or email. In the event of a last minute cancellation, some coaches may have difficulty communicating the news to all the players. If you’re able, please volunteer to help the coaches with this task.
- Sometimes all after school activities are cancelled because of bad weather. Does this mean basketball practices are cancelled as well?
Not necessarily. Merrimack Youth Basketball is a community activity, not a school activity and the gyms are open if we choose to use them. Coaches determine whether to hold practice as usual or to cancel. As always, parents are the ultimate decision makers about transporting a player to practice. If you believe travel conditions are hazardous, in the interest of safety, please stay home.
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There have been times when I have found out about a practice cancellation only after I’ve arrived at the gym. Why does this happen?
Because communication is imperfect, occasionally some players or teams will not receive notification of a cancellation. We regret these inconveniences and appreciate your patience and understanding. If this should happen please don’t argue with school personnel, who are only following the direction from their supervisors. Return home and notify your coach or league coordinator about the confusion.
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I’m interested in officiating but have no experience. Is training available?
Yes. Experience is not needed, only enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Merrimack Youth Basketball has several Board-certified officials who conduct clinics for those interested in officiating. We’ll help you learn the rules, proper positioning on the court and we’ll pair you up with an experienced official so you can learn by watching.
- I have heard that MYA carries accident insurance. Can you explain the benefits?
Merrimack Youth Basketball carries accident insurance on all players and coaches. This is secondary coverage, meaning that benefits from your primary health insurance carrier provided through your employers are utilized first. MYA-provided insurance can then be applied to cover additional costs. If you have no health insurance, coverage provided by MYA becomes primary and is used to cover needed services, less a small deductible. Injuries requiring medical treatment should be reported to the coach and age-group coordinator, who will provide contact information if a claim needs to be made.