What is SAC Basketball?
SAC Basketball is a non-profit organization serving over 700 Boys and Girls living in the Sycamore Schools Community. SAC Basketball provides children in grades 2nd - 6th the opportunity to experience basketball, emphasizing skill development, sportsmanship, and fun. All of SAC Basketball’s coaches and administrators are volunteers.
There are two leagues coordinated by SAC Basketball. One is a Recreational league in which all children may participate. The other is a Select league in which boys and girls in 4th through 6th grades may try out for a select number of spots on more competitive teams. (See more information on Recreational vs. Select below.)
Who can play?
SAC Basketball coordinates both boys and girls teams for children in 2nd grade through 6th grade. Children living in the Sycamore School District or attending Sycamore schools may participate.
How does it all work?
SAC Basketball provides uniforms, basketballs, and gym time for each team. Children in grades 2-6 are assigned to teams and matched with coaches.
Boys in 2nd and 3rd grades play Recreational intra-league games against other Sycamore teams. Teams are coached by parents, and referees are provided by SAC Basketball. All games are played at a Sycamore elementary school gym. The games are played on 8-foot rims.
Girls in 2nd and 3rd grades play in a Recreational League against teams from nearby communities. Games are played at Sycamore gyms and at opponent’s gyms*. Teams are coached by parents, and the League provides referees. The games are played on 8-foot rims.
Boys and girls on the 4th-6th grade Recreational and Select teams are enrolled in the Cincinnati Area Youth Basketball League (CAYBL) in divisions based on skill level. The CAYBL sets the rules and regulations, schedules games and tournaments, and provides referees. Games are played at Sycamore gyms and at opponent’s gyms*.
* Opponent’s gyms include Indian Hill, Madeira, Mason, Lakota, Glen Este, Terrace Park, Milford, and others.
What does it cost?
Registration fees are $85 per child for Recreational teams (up to a maximum of $275 per family). Each player on a Select team must pay an additional $105.
These fees cover all costs associated with the program, including facility rental, league dues, referees, uniforms, basketballs, postage, facility damage, insurance, etc.
Who provides uniforms?
SAC Basketball provides uniforms. These uniforms are due back to SAC Basketball at the end of the season. Uniforms not returned at the end of the season will be charged back to the family at a cost of $20 per pair of shorts and $20 per jersey.
Are there any other costs to participate?
Your child will need a pair of basketball shoes and some comfortable clothes for practices. Other organizations may charge admission to games, so be prepared to pay a small admission fee at some away games.
Some Select teams may decide to buy warm-ups, but these are optional at the parents’ discretion.
How can I register to participate?
Registration forms are sent home via backpack the 2nd week of school for 2nd through 6th graders attending Sycamore Schools. Registration is available online by clicking here. Online registration is highly preferred. When registering online, you may pay by credit card, or by mailing a check.
If registering by mail: After completing and signing the registration form, include a check for $85 payable to SAC Basketball, and mail it to:
SAC Basketball
7972 Shelldale Way
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Registration is due by 9/30/2010, but please register as soon as possible. Registration is on a first come/first served basis. Space is limited, and unfortunately boys and girls have been turned away in the past. A $10 late fee applies to any registrations received after the due date.
When do practices start, and where are they held?
Practices will begin in late October. Your coach will notify you when and where your team will be practicing.
Practices are held at one or more of the following Sycamore School gyms: Symmes Elementary, Mapledale Elementary, Blue Ash Elementary, Montgomery Elementary, E. H. Greene Intermediate School, and Sycamore Junior High.
How often are practices?
Recreational League teams practice once a week, and Select League teams practice twice a week.
When do games start?
Games usually start the first weekend in December. Some Select teams may play in a pre-season tournament that usually begins the second weekend of November.
How many games will we play?
2nd and 3rd grade Recreational teams play about 10 regular season games.
4th through 6th grade Recreational teams play 10 regular season games and participate in an end-of-season tournament that could result in as many as four additional games.
Select teams play about 20 regular season games, and participate in a pre-season tournament as well as two end-of-season tournaments. Select teams also play in our own SAC Holiday Tournament. Select teams can expect to play 30-35 games in total.
Are there any other time commitments?
Yes, in the Select program there is a Holiday Tournament which all Select teams participate in. This year's tournament is during the January holiday school break (December 28-30 - pool play and January 2 - playoffs). Many volunteers are needed to make this popular tournament a success. While it is not essential that your child be at all tournament games, it is encouraged that you plan your travel schedule with these games in mind.
May I coach a team?
New coaches are needed every year. Anyone interested in coaching should contact the SAC Board here or indicate your coaching interests on the registration form.
You don’t have to be a basketball genius to coach, but some knowledge of the game is needed. Coaches should be well organized, and they must be able to work well with children.
Coaches for Select teams do need a greater knowledge of the game, and they should be prepared for a greater time commitment.
All head coaching assignments are made by the SAC Board.
What is Recreational, and what is Select?
Recreational is for those children interested in playing basketball and learning the fundamentals of the game. Select basketball is for the more advanced player looking for additional playing time and a more competitive environment.
Select players are chosen at a tryout run by the SAC Board. Usually there are two Select teams at each grade level. The selection process will change versus previous years as SAC Basketball will now create two balanced teams in order to align the process more closely with the Jr. High selection process.
If your child does not make a Select team, he/she will be automatically placed on a Recreational team.
When and where are Select tryouts?
Select team tryouts will be held at the E.H. Greene Middle School during the week of October 4th. See the website for exact times and dates.
Please arrive 15 minutes before scheduled time to sign-in and warm up.
What happens if my child does not make a Select team?
Any child not making a Select team is automatically put on a Recreational team.
Can my child play up a grade?
Playing up a grade is allowed under certain circumstances, but only at the SAC Board’s discretion.
Do you have any teams for older players?
SAC Basketball organizes and supports teams through the 6th grade. However, we may be able to help older teams with their league registration, insurance coverage, contact information, etc. Click here to contact a SAC Basketball board member for more details.
How can I help run SAC Basketball?
Parent volunteers provide much needed assistance during tournaments and throughout the season. Help is needed in many different areas such as scheduling gyms and games, picture day, tournament coordinators, website manager, and uniform distribution. Some jobs require ongoing assistance while others are short-term. Since parent volunteers run SAC Basketball, Board positions may become available as children move on to the Junior High.
Click here to contact anyone on the SAC Basketball Board if you are interested in helping in any way.
