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     Basketball Team

CLUB BASKETBALL - The Key to the Growth and Development of Basketball in Sask.

By Greg Jockims

Club Basketball is the key to the growth and development of basketball in Saskatchewan. Growth requires an increase in playing and coaching opportunities in all areas of the province. Development requires an increase in the number of quality coaching and playing experiences available. In other words, growth and development will occur by increasing the number opportunities for players and coaches to compete in high-level competitions. A club system has and can accomplish this goal. Firstly, a Club Model has been very successful in our province in the sport of volleyball. Secondly, basketball club systems are thriving in other provinces like Alberta. Thirdly, a club system can fill the void that the school system cannot, which is creating a place for players and coaches to develop outside the high school season. Lastly, a Club Model consisting of a spring and summer club tournament schedule meets the requests, interests, and requirements of today's basketball players and coaches.

The volleyball Club Model in Saskatchewan has been very successful in expanding and developing the sport. Volleyball is played throughout the province extensively at a high level. In addition to being played within the larger centers like Saskatoon and Regina, the sport of volleyball is played in virtually every rural region in the province. As a result, large numbers of kids are playing at a high level with the ultimate result being the development of many outstanding players.

Club basketball in Alberta has experienced a similar amount of success. The Association of Youth Basketball Clubs (AYBC) was recently created in Alberta. The AYBC is an independent organization in the province that runs five major club tournaments in the spring and summer. They boast that they have over "800 advanced athletes" competing in their club programs. That number of participants competing in high level competitions has given many kids a chance to develop and has lead to the growth of basketball in Alberta.

Similar to Alberta, a club system is needed in Saskatchewan. This is due to the fact that "season of play rule" in high school disregards the needs and interests of today's aspiring elite basketball players. The high school sport system has strict seasons for all their sports thus promoting participation in all activities. This recreational model fulfills an important role in the school system; however, the kids who request to focus on and excel in basketball year round are neglected. A Club Basketball Model can meet the kids' request by complimenting the high school season. A Club Model can give the aspiring player the opportunity to compete at a high level outside of the high school basketball season. This is what today's basketball player is interested in.

As has been stated, growth and development of a sport requires a large base of coaches and players competing at a high level. Currently, elite provincial teams have tried to meet this need however the present paradigm only properly services 10-12 kids at a particular age group during the spring and summer. A Club Model that runs a 5-plus tournament circuit around the province in the spring and early summer with many teams from all areas in all age groups competing would increase the numbers of players and coaches exposed to high-level competition. This Model would meet the requirements of today's players and coaches as the sport continued to develop.

This type of Club Model does not mean the end of provincial teams. This Club Model could work cooperatively with provincial teams. Provincial team coaches could travel to the club tournaments and observe. At the end of the tournament circuit approximately 15-20 players at each age group could be invited to a week-long training camp which could lead up to the departure for the national championships. This cooperative idea would allow for a large number of kids to play at a high level (who could all be under the provincial umbrella) throughout the spring and early summer while maintaining quality provincial teams. In addition, provincial coaches would be given an opportunity to evaluate the players throughout the spring and summer in competitive situations, thus making player selections much easier.

In summary, a club system would create a situation where more teams were competing in the spring and summer, which means more coaches coaching, more kids playing and more quality game experience. These factors are the foundation of the growth and development of basketball in this province.