WHAT IS CHAMPIONSHIP JUNIOR BASKETBALL?

Championship Junior basketball is a series of competitions of advanced standard, played between the various associations principally in the metropolitan area. Whereas local basketball teams are for all players to participate, teams at championship level are selected on the basis of ability and commitment.

The top level of the Championship competition is called Victorian Junior Competition, and it does include a few country teams. Very few beginners reach this level in their first season.

The Metropolitan Championship consists of three grades. Then follow the regional grades that still have strong and intense competition, both over a more restricted area and at a lesser standard than Metro. There are two regional competitions "Eastern Qualifying" and "North West Conference". Games are played broadly on a home and away basis.

The new season commences in November with some practice games to help teams with selection and information about their level. Early in the New Year grading series are conducted. After Easter the major season commences.

PURPOSES AND TARGETS:

The purpose of the Eltham Wildcats Championship Programme is to develop teams, coaches and individual players to the maximum level that their ability permits.

The programme is designed for those who are committed to achieve, and prepared to work hard and make sacrifices to stretch their ability.

At Victorian Championship level the Club aspires to win premierships and gain representation in finals series. The Club has a proud record in regard to the latter and in its consistent achievement of representation in the top grade. Its teams over a twenty-year period have been among the top six in Association performance.

It also means facilitating the possibility for individuals to achieve State representation, to train with elite squads and to prepare for playing in elite senior leagues.

At all levels the Club aspires for its teams to realise their potential, to qualify for as high a grade as possible and to enjoy success in their grade. We believe the variety of opposition, the prestige of the competition and the more stringent demands of championship competition at Metro and East level, provides special opportunities for development over and above those provided by domestic competition.

That is why Eltham Wildcats provides more teams at most other levels than any other Association. We are proud of the quality of most of our third onwards teams in an age cohort. They have performed consistently well against higher ranked teams from other Associations.

PLAYER AND FAMILY COMMITMENTS:

Championship basketball is only for players with a serious intention to achieve and to contribute to team performance even when this involves some sacrifices to the individual. Consequently, the following are expected:

1.Attendance at all games and practices except where illness or important family obligations necessitate otherwise. 2.A dedication on the part of the player to training hard, learning new skills, and fitting into a team pattern. Team training should be supplemented with individual practice of fundamentals during the week. 3.Co-operation in the observation of championship and team rules relating to uniform, warming up and conduct on the court and bench.

It is important that the family supports the players in these commitments. There are rules concerning continued involvement in Saturday basketball that should be consulted.

SPORTSMANSHIP:

Basketball is a tough game with quite a lot of legitimate physical contact and eager team spirit is encouraged. However all actions when representing Eltham Wildcats must be within the bounds of sportsmanship. The Club disapproves and will penalise conduct that is undisciplined, dangerous or degrading to other people. Vilification of any kind is disallowed. Players must respect referees. Supporters are asked also to observe the Club Philosophy.

SELECTION OF TEAMS:

Selection of Championship teams is a process over time in which the official trials are one very important aspect.

Coaches are encouraged to watch players in previous Championship teams (usually appointment is early enough to allow this), in Saturday competition and at tournaments. They are also encouraged to consult with other coaches. That does not make trials irrelevant as many players have been noticed for the first time or demonstrated further abilities within the championship trials context. Where the championship schedules permit, various combinations are tried out in a practice game situation before official selections are concluded.

The Club reserves the right to alter selections at any time. However, while this is normal during the practice phase and the early part of grading, it is only done where necessary at a later part of the championship year.

TOURNAMENTS:

Tournament involvement is an important part of the Championship Programme. Except in the case of long term family commitments, all players are expected to be available for the Eltham tournament in late January. It is also expected that players give high priority to the other two or three tournament involvements of the team. Teams are encouraged to make plans early so families are aware of the expectations.

COMMUNICATION:

Families involved in Championship basketball have as their first point of communication the Team Manager, although issues such as court time should be discussed at a non-stressful time with the coach.

There are appointed members of the Committee with whom to raise wider issues, of which due notification is given. Fixtures come through these people to team managers.

The Club seeks to publicise the successes and major events of teams through the Club newsletter "Prowl", the noticeboards and other bulletins. General information concerning venues, a weekly association bulletin, results and ladders are posted on a championship noticeboard.

GOVERNMENT:

The Championship Boys and Girls Programmes are controlled by a Championship Committee consisting of administrators, coaches, parents and players. In turn it is ultimately responsible to the Eltham Club General Committee.

ENQUIRIES:

Boys:
Kathy Maffei - 9439 5686

Girls:
Cathy Cukier - Phone/Fax: 9438 1676

E-mail: Cathycuk@aol.com

Paula Hogan - Phone/Fax:9444 7616

E-mail: Paulahogan_13@hotmail.com