BBA Philosophies & Guidelines
BBA Philosophies & Guidelines
I. Brookings Basketball Association Team Structure
The Brookings Basketball Association (BBA) will divide each participant into their respective grade level for practices and games. Each respective grade will practice as one team, the Brookings Bobcats; however, it may be necessary to divide the participants into smaller teams for tournaments and games to ensure appropriate playing time for each participant.
Aspects of practice may require break-out sessions in which participants will practice in smaller groups for preparation for tournaments and games. The coaches at each respective grade level are expected to clearly define expectations to the parents and players.
II. Playing Time
To enhance the skill development of the youth athletes participating in basketball under the guidance of the BBA, the following standards have been set by the BBA Board of Directors:
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- Each player who attends practice regularly and puts forth the effort expected by the BBA and their respective coaches will be rewarded with playing time to enhance the ability to develop their skill sets on the basketball court.
- Expectations from the BBA and the Coaches will be communicated to the players and parents prior to, or at the first practice. This includes the coach’s plans for creating skills-based teams for the purpose of playing in tournaments.
- Grade K. It is not recommended that participants in grades K participate in games or tournaments.
- Grades 1-3. BBA recommends that participants in the 1st-3rd grade play a minimal number of games that are not highly competitive in design. Play provided through the BBA league is a good example of the types of games appropriate for Grades 1-3. All players should receive equal playing time.
- Grades 4-6. The BBA encourages teams at this level to seek opportunities to play games and participate in competitive tournaments. Effort will be made to supply all players with equal playing time.
- Should a player demonstrate unsportsmanlike conduct on the court towards the opposing team or his/her own teammates or coaches, get into foul trouble during the game, or receive an injury during a game, at the coach's discretion, a player may see less playing time than noted above.
- The BBA or Coaches reserve the right to sit a player out a game(s) or tournament(s) for conduct or actions detrimental to their team or the BBA.
- Each Team’s head coach will determine the number of games their team will play each season.
III. Competitive Teams
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- While maintaining consistency with the Playing Time Guidelines as detailed above, coaches at each respective grade level have the option of dividing players in to teams based on skill to compete in tournaments that compose an appropriate level of competition for the players. Players who choose to participate should be guaranteed playing time.
- Criteria used to organize into skills-based teams should include measurable skills test. In addition, coaches should factor in observations from games/scrimmages. Selecting teams is not an exact science and can be rather subjective. The coaching staff's decisions are final.
V. Season Ending Dates
The BBA season typically starts around the first week in November. Grades will end their seasons based on the following schedule:
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- Grade K - Practices every Sunday in January
- Grades 1-2 – Start in December and end practices mid-February
- Grades 3-4 – Start in November and end practices the end of February
- Grades 5-6 – Start in November and end practices the end of February
Grades may extend their practice schedule if they plan to compete in tournaments that take place after their established ending date. Coaches must notify the BBA president if they intend to extend their season to ensure that gym space is available.
VI. Uniform Policy
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- Players will only wear their uniforms to games, tournaments, and BBA events.
Revised: August 10, 2025