Hello players, coaches, team managers, and families,

On behalf of the club’s executive committee, welcome to St Christopher’s Junior Basketball Club for the 2023 winter season. Whether you’re new to the club or an existing player, we hope you enjoy being part of our special Saints family.

This season, our club has 490 registered players, split across 65 teams with 21 girls teams and 44 boys teams. It’s great to see so many kids involved with the great sport of basketball and part of our club.

Winter season begins / grading games
Winter season starts this week with teams training and our first grading games being played this weekend. Fixtures are available on TeamApp.

These games are to ensure the teams are placed in appropriate divisions. The Mercy Rule doesn’t apply during grading games.

All players need to be in club uniform. Please contact Brad, uniform coordinator 0414 638 391 if you need a uniform.

Good sportsmanship
We expect our members whether players, coaches, or spectators to be examples of good sportsmanship. We have codes of conduct and the KBA Participant’s Behaviour Policy to provide guidance on expected behaviours. Please remember that your actions reflect not only upon yourself but also upon the team and our club. When we all adhere to the codes and guidelines, basketball will be enjoyable for all involved and we will create a positive and safe environment for our children, referees, and coaches.

If controlling your behaviour is an issue, remain outside the venue – get a coffee, catch up on emails, go for a walk – let our children enjoy basketball.

We do not want to see our members on the foul register, and we do not want to spend our time investigating and following up on issues raised about the behaviour of our members. This time can be better spent working on initiatives that all our members can benefit from!
Play hard, play fair, play like a Saint! (Coach and spectate like a Saint too!)

Referees
Please respect the referees and the decisions they make. While you may not agree with their decisions, there is absolutely no reason to abuse and intimidate referees, particularly junior referees.

Remember, this is a community-based children’s basketball game. If you can’t control your behaviour – leave the venue immediately.

Several referees are young players from our club, our club has always been well-represented in the referee branch and we want this to continue. The Keilor Basketball Association are always looking for people to become referees, please speak to them if you’re interested.

Communication
The club uses TeamApp (News tab) for all important notices.
You’ll also receive emails from the boys, girls and training coordinators, so keep an eye out in your Inbox.

Follow us on social media where you’ll see team photos plus important notices.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/junior_saints_bball/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stchristophersjuniorbasketballclub

If you have any team photos or stories you’d like to share with the rest of the club, please send via email to comms@stchristophersjbc.com.au or via social media DM.

Team managers usually set up a group chat either via WhatsApp or TeamApp chat.

Active Participation and Contribution
Our club is a community-based club, self-supporting, entirely run by members who donate their time to benefit all members. I encourage our members to support the committee and to participate and help in any way you can. It takes a lot of work to operate the club and the more people actively engaged and participating, the better our club will be.

Wishing you an enjoyable start to the winter season and we look forward to seeing you out on the courts!

Have fun, play fair, play like a Saint.

Anthony Palmieri
President SCJBC
E: president@stchristophersjbc.com.au
M: 0488 221 378