WINTER 2024
Thank you for joining us this Winter. We are excited to have your child participating in our Youth Basketball League. As we strive to create a Godly environment that nurtures the best possible avenue to help our kids learn, it’s imperative that we have the support of the parents. We ask that you would support the staff, coaches, and volunteers in making this the best league possible.
Shepherd Sports -Core Values Achieving Excellence Strong Positive Character Building Relationships Teamwork Integrity Biblical Instruction |
General League Information
The mission and objective of our Youth Sports Programs
At Shepherd Sports we are dedicated to providing a safe non-threatening environment in which children have fun, build character, learn to practice sportsmanship, develop skills, and Godly traits that will help them become responsible productive citizens for their generation.
Team selection process
Our goal is to make every team as balanced as possible to ensure that all participants have fun. To help us achieve this goal, your child may be placed on different team within the first two weeks of play if they were unable to attend the skill assessment day.
Behavioral expectations
Parents are responsible for both their own actions as well as the actions of their guests in attendance. If conduct is outside the lines of league policies and standards, there will be a warning and possible removal from the gym and/or league. This applies to parents, coaches, officials and volunteers.
*No Parents allowed on the player’s bench/or scorekeeping area.
Team Parents and League Volunteers
We could not run programs like this without generous and dedicated volunteers. You are the backbone of this ministry. If you are looking for a place to serve, please reach out to us or your coach. Email us at: youthsports@theshepherd.org
Coaches Corner
After every practice, each coach will conduct a short 5-10-minute encouraging, motivational, and character-building devotional. Attendance by the players is highly encouraged.
League Expectations
Parents should follow the following…
• Make sure your players arrive on time to all practices and games.
• A parent or guardian needs to be at all practices and games.
• Inform the coach if your child cannot attend a practice or game.
• Encourage your child and the team, but do not insult or discourage the other team.
• Acknowledge the other team’s accomplishments.
• Support and do not criticize the referees.
• Support and do not criticize the coaches.
• Be positive at all times, promoting a spirit of sportsmanship.
• Enjoy the game and have fun! | Players should be encouraged to…
• Be ready to practice, and play when you step in the gym.
• Perform to your best potential - have fun learning basketball – honor God.
• Show respect for the coaches and referees. Ask questions when appropriate.
• Show respect for the other team.
• Display the values of good sportsmanship.
• HAVE LOTS OF FUN!
| Coaches are encouraged to…
• Model Character Building and Sportsmanship
• Make it Fun
• Build the child, Build the league, and Build your team
• Improve Player Skills
• Communicate with Parents
• Be on time for practice and games
• Encourage and be positive when correcting and instructing
• Listen to the players
• Be flexible, understanding, and cooperative with officials and league coordinators |
League Breakdown
Bitty Ball
• 5 – 6-year old's o Practice & Game: Fridays Time: 4:30pm & 6:00pm | Little Ballers
• 7 – 8-year old’s o Practice & Game: Sundays Times: 4:15pm, 5:45pm. | Jr. Division
• 9 – 10-year old’s o Saturday games Times: 9am & 10am. .
| College Div.
• 11 – 12-year old’s
o Saturday games Times: 10am & 11am | Pro Division
• 13 – 15-year old’s
o Monday games Time: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm. |