Parent’s Handbook: 2023-2024
West Hartford Girls Basketball League
President’s Message
SHAWN W. DALY, President
West Hartford Girls Basketball League
Thank you for entrusting your daughter to play in the West Hartford Girls Basketball league. As a member in our league, your daughter will learn valuable leadership skills through understanding the fundamentals of basketball.
To ensure we provide the best possible experience for your daughter, we have put together this “Parent’s Handbook” to distribute important information, create consistency and provide guidance.
This handbook will help ensure the league is in synch with parents so together, we can effectively deliver on teaching the 10 core tenets we believe help players become leaders. Please be sure to read this handbook thoroughly. Your influence and the experience you create is critical in the development of these young players. You are greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Meet the Board of Directors
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Shawn Daly
President
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Joe DeLutrie
Vice-President
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Doug Packard
Treasurer
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Jorge Valdez
Registrar
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Craig Tanner
Training and Development Director
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Ariane Dyson Ahmed
Assistant Director, Training and Development
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Bonnie McFarland
Secretary
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Eileen Daly
Assistant Secretary
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Rick Araya
Equipment Director
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Jessica Seifel
Director, Parent Perspective
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John Demitrus
Director, Public Relations
WHGBL: Our History
The West Hartford Basketball League was founded in 1988 to provide a place for girls to play basketball in the town of West Hartford. Dr David Weil, D.D.S. was the first president of the league that he created for his daughter, Marni, to play basketball.
The founding executive board members included John Pendergast, Cindy Jaworski, Bert Seiferheld, Dan Doyle, Kathy Doyle, Dave Handley, and Rod Steier. The league was established to promote the fundamentals of basketball through commitment, team work, sportsmanship, fair play, hard work, and fun.
Past presidents of the league include David Weil, Bert Seiferheld, Doug Packard, Susan Finnegan, Adela Bernard, Jim Buikus, Dana Gordon, Mike LaMarco, and Lynn Benjamin.
In 2005, the league began to offer a Summer Blacktop League. This opportunity was instituted by Leslie Ryan, Ed Connor, Kevin Connor, Jay McDonough, and Jim Buikus and has been managed by volunteers every summer from 2005 to present.
Our Mission
The WHGBL looks to teach the fundamental skills of basketball to girls from grade 3 through grade 8. Through learning these fundamental skills the girls learn important leadership skills that will lead to successful outcomes for them not only on the court but in life as well. There are 10 core tenet values we teach: Confidence, teamwork, sportsmanship, humility, character, respect, integrity, responsibility, perseverance and gratitude.
Eligibility for and Organization of Recreational League.
Subject to the grade level restrictions set forth below, to be eligible to play in the Recreational League, girls must either officially reside in or attend school, public or private, in the Town of West Hartford. The Recreational League consists of three (3) Divisions organized as follows:
(a) Minors Division: girls in 3rd or 4th grade.
(b) Juniors Division - girls in 5th or 6th grade.
(c) Seniors Division - girls in 7th or 8th grade.
Recognizing that extenuating circumstances may exist from time to time, the Board is authorized to consider requests for exceptions to the grade level limits to allow a player to play in a lower Division as set forth above with respect to their Divisions, provided that the requests must be:
(i) submitted in writing; and
(ii) must fully describe the extenuating circumstances.
Any such requests will be evaluated on their individual merits and subject to majority approval of the attending Board members at any regular or special meeting.
Player Team Assignments and
No Buddy or Carpool Requests
MINORS AND JUNIORS DIVISION:
New players in the Minors Division (3rd and 4th Graders) and the Juniors Division (5th and 6th Graders) - are assigned to teams by the League Registrar shortly after the end of the League’s registration period.
SENIORS DIVISION:
New players in the Seniors Division are drafted by coaches at a League Draft.
ALL 3rd-Graders, NEW 4th-Graders all 5th-Graders and New 6th-Graders, all 7th-Graders and New 8th-Graders:
Please be specific in your registration to let us know if there is a day that your daughter cannot practice.
No requests to play with a friend or buddy is allowed and no requests to play with another player for any reason including carpooling reasons can be granted. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
Once a player is assigned to a team, they cannot change teams even if their schedule changes. Therefore, if a player’s schedule changes before they are assigned to a team, it is critical that the league Registrar and league President be informed immediately by emailing registrar@whgbl.org and president@whgbl.org
All Returning 4th grade, 6th grade and 8th grade Players:
Please Note: in most cases, we will attempt to place your child on the same team as the previous season.
No requests to change teams to play with a friend or buddy is allowed and no requests to change teams to play with another player for any reason including carpooling reasons can be granted. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
Once a player is assigned to their former team, they cannot change teams unless upon registration the league was informed of a practice day conflict and the player’s team practices on the conflict date.
PLEASE NOTE: Players who move up in divisions (e.g., from the Minors to the Juniors Division or from the Juniors Division to the Seniors Division will not be kept with the same teammates. The league only attempts to keep players with the same team when they are remaining in the same division the following season.
MANDATORY PLAYER ASSESSMENT FOR PLAYERS IN THE SENIORS DIVISION FOR THE FIRST TIME:
There is a mandatory player assessment for all players new to the Seniors Division (all 7th graders and only 8th graders who are brand new to the league). It is important for players to attend this session so that the coaches can assess their skills for the player draft. THIS IS NOT A TRYOUT. This is simply a day for coaches to assess a player's skill level. Please make every effort for your child to attend this assessment if they are new to the league. If a player cannot attend the assessment, they will still be drafted to a team but the coach will be blindly drafting the players.
Practices and Game Schedules
PRACTICES
MINORS DIVISION:
Minors Division teams practice one night each week for one hour. Practices are usually from 5pm – 6pm or from 6pm – 7pm. Practice days are subject to facility availability and coach availability for a team’s practice.
JUNIORS DIVISION:
Juniors Division teams practice twice per week for an hour and a half each practice. Practice start times may begin anywhere from 5pm to 7:30pm (e.g., for a 7:30pm start time, practices would end at 9pm). Practice days are subject to facility availability and coach availability for a team’s practice. When players are assigned to a team, the league will do it’s best to consider a player’s conflict dates provided to the league at the time of registration. The league will ensure a player can practice with a team for at least one night per week (assuming a team has an available practice date and time that is available for the player). However, depending on the player’s conflict dates, the league cannot guarantee that they will be assigned to a team where the player will be available for both practices.
SENIORS DIVISION:
Seniors Division teams practice twice per week for an hour and a half each practice. Practice start times may begin anywhere from 6pm up to 7:30pm (e.g., for a 7:30pm start time, practices would end at 9pm). Practice days are subject to facility availability and coach availability for a team’s practice. When players are assigned to a team, the league will do it’s best to take into account a player’s conflict dates provided to the league at the time of registration. The league will ensure a player can practice with a team for at least one night per week (assuming a team has an available practice date and time that is available for the player). However, depending on the player’s conflict dates, the league cannot guarantee that they will be assigned to a team where the player will be available for both practices.
GAME SCHEDULES
All games are played on Sundays and begin in early January and end in late February/early March.
Minors Division:
Games are played at Conard High School small courts on either side of the main court and are usually one hour in length. Game start times are usually between 9am and 11am. While scores are kept (unless a team has higher than a 20-point lead at the end of a quarter, in which case scores are reset to zero), wins/losses and league standings are not tracked in the Minors Division
Juniors Division:
Games are played at Sedgwick Middle School main large gym and are usually one hour in length. Game start times are usually between 11am and 4pm. Scoring, wins, losses and standings are tracked in the Juniors Division. The top 4 teams at the end of the regular season make the playoffs with a Championship Game at the end of the season. All other teams play in a one game, consolation game at the end of the season.
Seniors Division:
Games are played at Conard High School on the main large court. Games are usually an hour and a half in length and start times are usually between 12pm and 4pm. The top 4 teams at the end of the regular season make the playoffs with a Championship Game at the end of the season. There are no consolation games in the Seniors Divison
PLEASE NOTE: Practices and game schedules, playoffs and Championship Games are subject to facility permits provided by the Town of West Hartford and are subject to change at any time.
Our Leadership Core Values
The primary tenet of the WHGBL is that players learn valuable life leadership skills through teaching and helping players understand the fundamentals of the game of basketball.
Whether your daughter will be the next CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a founder of a future industry disrupter, a teacher, master plumber, electrician or scientist that keeps our country moving, a spirit that saves the world through charitable work or the next U.S. Senator from the great state of Connecticut, learning leadership skills is vital to her future success. At the WHGBL, our players learn the following Leadership Core Values through our clinics, practices and game play :
CONFIDENCE: Learning and mastering basketball skills boosts a child's self-confidence. Success in executing plays and contributing to the team fosters a sense of achievement.
TEAMWORK: Basketball is inherently a team sport, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and coordination. In our league, players learn to trust and rely on their teammates for success on and off the court.
SPORTSMANSHIP:Understanding and respecting the rules of the game promotes fair play, and winning and losing teaches an appreciation for equality and opponent competition.
HUMILITY: Basketball teaches individuals that success is often a result of collective effort rather than individual brilliance. Experiencing the thrill of winning in a mature manner and overcoming the challenges of keeping your head up in losses, encourages players to stay humble and continue improving.
CHARACTER: This sport requires players to make ethical decisions both on and off the court. Adhering to values and principles in the face of challenges builds a solid foundation for a personality that acts appropriately regardless if anyone is watching.
RESPECT: In the WHGBL, participants learn to respect coaches, parents, teammates, opponents, officials, staff, volunteers, board members and the game itself. In addition, recognizing and appreciating the diversity of players, playing styles and skills, contributes to a culture of respect.
INTEGRITY: Upholding the rules and values of the game demonstrates integrity. Through the game, we teach individuals to act with honesty and maintain a strong moral compass.
RESPONSIBILITY: Players learn to fulfill their roles within the team structure through taking care of personal equipment, following team strategies and being held accountable for their actions. They also learn that they are responsible for positively influencing others.
PERSEVERANCE: Facing challenges, setbacks, and defeats in basketball encourages players to never quit. Overcoming obstacles and continuously working to improve skills are essential aspects of the game.
GRATITUDE: Expressing appreciation for the support of parents, coaches, official, staff, volunteers, board members and teammates, fosters a grateful and positive mindset that influences others.
Chain of Communication
The WHGBL serves nearly 300 players and over 100 coaches each year. To best serve all of our WHGBL members, whether you are a player, a parent, a coach, or a volunteer, please utilize the following chain of communication for any questions or concerns.
Head Coach
All communication should be directed to child’s coach.
If there is a Division Coordinator
If a concern needs to be escalated, contact the player’s Division Coordinator.
WHGBL Board of Directors
If the concern still needs escalated, please contact the appropriate member of the WHGBL Board of Directors through the league contact form or the parent’s feedback form.
WHGBL President
If assistance is still needed, please contact the WHGBL President at President@whgbl.org. We're here to help!
Important Dates to Remember
We are excited to announce the important dates for the 2023-2024 season. This handbook serves as a comprehensive guide that provides essential information about our basketball program.
We would like to remind you that these dates are subject to change at any time. As we all know, unforeseen circumstances may arise throughout the season that require adjustments to our schedule. To ensure that you have the most up-to-date information, we strongly encourage everyone to regularly check our website for any updates or changes.
Our website will serve as a reliable source of information throughout the season. It will be frequently updated with game schedules, practice times, cancellations due to inclement weather or other reasons, and any other pertinent announcements. By regularly visiting our website, you can stay informed and avoid any miscommunication or confusion regarding events and activities related to the basketball program.
We understand that keeping track of schedules and changes can sometimes be challenging, especially with busy family routines. However, your commitment in staying informed will greatly contribute to the success of your child's basketball experience this season.
| Event | Date | Date |
|---|---|---|
| First day of regular registration | Monday | 09/11/2023 |
| Last day of regular registration | Sunday | 10/29/2023 |
| Late registration begins | Monday | 10/30/2023 |
| Late registration ends | Friday | 11/10/23 |
| Minor division players are assigned to teams | Saturday | 11/18/2023 |
| Assessment day for new juniors and Seniors players | Sunday | 11/19/2023 |
| Senior’s division draft day | Monday | 11/20/2023 |
| Juniors division players are assigned teams | Thursday | 11/23/2023 |
| Uniform order date | Friday | 12/1/2023 |
| First week of practices begin | Monday | 12/4/2023 |
| Season opener: All divisions | Sunday | 1/7/2024 |
| WHGBL Photo Day | Sunday | 1/21/2024 |
| Regular season ends - Minors | Sunday | 3/3/2024 |
| Regular season ends - Juniors | Sunday | 2/25/2024 |
| Regular season ends - Seniors | Sunday | 3/3/24 |
| Juniors Division Playoffs | Sunday | 3/3/2024 |
| Seniors Division Playoffs | Saturday | 3/9/2024 |
| WHGBL Skills Competition | Saturday | 3/9/2024 |
| Juniors & Seniors Championship | Sunday | 3/10/2024 |
WHGBL BASKETBALL CLINICS
The West Hartford Girls Basketball League considers itself first and foremost a teaching league. As such, the league schedules, hosts and facilitates several basketball clinics throughout the season.
These clinics are designed to help girls develop their fundamental basketball skills. The clinics focus on:
· Individual ball handling
· Cross dribble
· Pivoting, triple threat and jump stop
· One on one using right and left hand
· Dribbling to get to open spots for a shot
· Correct lay-up footwork
The clinics are led by Coach Craig Tanner and Coach Ariane Dyson. Craig is a WHGBL Board member as the Training and Development Director. Ariane is also a WHGBL Board member as the Assistant Training and Development Director. Craig has been a Girls Varsity High School Coach for 20 seasons, has directed 20 years of summer basketball camps and is also a IAABO Board 6 certified Basketball Official.
In 2013 Craig was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. Craig currently referees in the WHGBL.
CLINIC REGISTRATION AND PROTOCOL
A) Each clinic will accept 25 total players for any player in the league at the division level of the clinic. 21 of the 25 spots are first come first serve. The remaining 4 spots are for coaches and their daughters. Their daughter player will participate in the clinic and the parent coach will assist the clinic Director coaching at the clinic. Note—these remaining 4 spots are reserved for head or assistant coaches and their daughter(s). The 4 spots must be filled for the clinic to run smoothly. If there are more registrants than available spots, parents may add their daughter’s name(s) to a waitlist. Parents are welcome to register their daughter(s) for up to 3 clinics, but no more. Parents register their daughter for clinics directly on the league website.
B) Each player should bring their own clearly marked basketball and clearly marked waterbottle.
C) Parents are requested to drop their daughters off at the gym 5–15 min before the clinic start time. After drop off the parents are asked not to stay in the gym but to return for pick up at the end of the clinic.
D) At the end of the clinic, the parents are asked to return to the gym for pick up.
E) If for any reason a parent needs to cancel their daughter’s registration, the parent is asked to promptly contact the league using the form on the clinic registration website, so that the next player on the waitlist may be given an opportunity to register.
Fee Waiver Request Process
The WHGBL believes that athletics offers many positive benefits for students and does not wish to place any undue burdens on parents/guardians who cannot afford to pay the registration fee for their children.
To ensure that we help those who are in need, we have implemented the following processes.
Automatic Qualification
Students who have been approved for free or reduced-price meals through the West Hartford Public School system are immediately eligible for consideration to receive a waiver of our registration fees upon request. We simply ask that the parent/guardian provide the league with a copy of their free/reduced price lunch confirmation letter from West Hartford Public Schools.
All Others, Follow The Application Process
Students who are not eligible for free or reduced-price meals from West Hartford Public Schools may still apply for a waiver of registration fees. As part of the due diligence process, to waive these fees, parents/guardians who have extenuating circumstances, cannot afford the fee, and would like to request a waiver should complete the form.
All information provided is kept strictly confidential and is only shared with members of the WHGBL Board of Directors for consideration of the registration fee waiver. Registration fee waivers will be provided based on eligibility and the ability for the WHGBL to cover the player’s registration fee.
Scholarship Programs
The WHGBL is proud to announce the availability of two scholarships for our players and families. Whether you are a rising star on the court or a dedicated team player, we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. Don't miss out on this incredible chance to pursue your dreams - apply today and let us help you soar to continue on your path to success.
The Scholarship Committee of the WHGBL will consider multiple factors when choosing the recipient for the scholarship. The goal is to provide a scholarship to a player that will greatly benefit from the scholarship and has best demonstrated how the basketball camp or clinic will improve their skills.
Our University / College Scholarship
Our university and college scholarship program provides a $1,000 scholarship to a qualified candidate chosen by the Scholarship Committee of the WHGBL. To qualify a person must be:
A current, enrolled high school senior at either a public, private or parochial high school in the Town of West Hartford.
A student that has applied to, plans to apply to or has already been accepted to a college, university, or post-secondary trade school.
A student that has previously been a player at any division within the WHGBL.
To be considered for the scholarship, two documents are required:
A fully completed and signed application – including a copy of your latest high school transcript (application may be downloaded from the league website)
A typed essay of 1,000 words or less that describes your time as a player in the WHGBL. The essay should focus on what the league meant to you as a player including how your experience has helped you in high school and how you expect it will help you in college.
Documents must be emailed to the league President no later than 11:59pm on February 29, 2024. The scholarship winner will be notified by the league before the Seniors Division Championship Game (currently schedule for Sunday, March 10, 2024). It is expected that the scholarship winner will be available and will attend the Championship Game to publicly receive their award.
PLEASE NOTE: The Scholarship Committee of the WHGBL will consider multiple factors when choosing the recipient for the scholarship. The goal is to provide a scholarship to a student that will greatly benefit from the scholarship and has best demonstrated how their time in the WHGBL has helped them in high school and will help them in college.
2. The Basketball Camp/Clinic Registration Fee Scholarship Program
The program provides a current WHGBL player with the opportunity to have a registration fee either partial or in full (up to $500) for any upcoming basketball clinic or camp they choose. The scholarship is available to any current player in the league in any division. The basketball clinic or camp must be held between March 12, 2024 and December 1, 2024. To be considered for the scholarship, the player is required to submit the following:
An application for the scholarship (application can be downloaded from the league website)
An essay of 500 words or less describing why the player wishes to participate in the camp/clinic, how they feel it will benefit them and what skill they feel the program will enhance.
Any marketing materials or information about the basketball program that the player thinks would be helpful for the Scholarship Committee to be aware of as they consider the player’s application.
Player parents may help their daughters (especially those with young players in the Minors Division) write the brief essay.
The completed documents must be emailed to the league President no later than 11:59pm on February 29, 2024. The scholarship winner will be notified by the league before the Seniors Division Championship Game (currently scheduled for Sunday, March 10, 2024). It is expected that the scholarship winner will be available and will attend the Championship Game to publicly be recognized for their award. The award will be paid directly to the clinic or camp when an invoice from the clinic or camp is received by the WHGBL.
Basketball Game Rules
The WHGBL follows the National Federation of High School Basketball Rules. However, there are certain addendums to these rules specific to each WHGBL Division. The league rules and the rule addendums can be found in the rules section of the league website.
Spectator Code of Conduct
Spectators are required to sit in and remain in designated stands provided by the league unless exiting the arena to use the building facilities. There is absolutely no standing and watching games from areas other than the designated stands. The league and its Facility Security Staff reserve the right to limit spectators based on the capacity of the stands.
To protect the floor of the court, spectators may not walk onto the playing floor at any time, including before, during and after games. Spectators must never throw objects or materials onto the floor and must enter at the beginning of a game and exit at the conclusion of the game in an orderly manner.
Spectators must follow all building rules and regulations, always respecting the property of others.
There is no shooting at baskets by spectators at any time. Only players during warm up and games may be on the court shooting. Spectators should NEVER bring any basketballs into a gym.
Spectators must respect game officials and refrain from questioning their decisions or from addressing them in a disrespectful or abusive manner.
Spectators should cheer for their team in a positive, supportive manner, always refraining from making hostile, negative or abusive remarks (including profane language) about any player, coach, official or other spectator.
Spectators are required to adhere to all instructions from the Facility Security Staff and/or League Board Members and League Officials.
Spectators will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and wellbeing of other players, coaches, officials or other spectators.
To ensure the principles of sportsmanship and a positive playing environment for our players, coaches, officials and staff, it is important that all spectators adhere to this code of conduct. By registering your daughter and by entering any playing facility for a West Hartford Girls Basketball League game, you agree to abide by the following rules:
Failure to follow this Spectator Code of Conduct could result in the removal of the spectator from the arena by league officials or local authorities. In addition, such conduct could subject the spectator to disciplinary action by the West Hartford Girls Basketball League Disciplinary Committee. Such disciplinary action could include but not be limited to suspension or outright ban of the spectator from entering the facility to view future games.
Emergencies and Player Safety
Emergencies Requiring First Aid: How to Respond
During sporting events, officials and the coaching staff are responsible for administering first aid to any ill or injured player.
The first responder to the situation needs to be the highest certified and trained person on site where the injury occurs. The first responder will most often be the specific team Head Coach, although other personnel may fill this role if their certification and training is greater than that of the Head Coach (i.e. if the bystander is a Certified Nurse, Emergency Medical Technician, Doctor).
It is vital that first responders keep the environment calm so that athletes don’t panic. Coaches should also make sure they complete all the steps on the First Aid Checklist below. By following this procedure, coaches allow medical personnel to easily respond to the scene and help care for the athlete.
First Aid Checklist
Check the surroundings for safety hazards and stop all activity near the emergency
Check the injured athlete’s injury and determine a plan of action
Do not move the athlete if there is a possibility of head or neck injury or if the athlete is unconscious.
Have someone contact a parent/guardian. Some cases may also require 911 to be contacted. Coaches should use their judgement skills to properly judge the severity of the situation.
If EMS responders determine that the athlete is in an emergency, a coach can transport the injured athlete.
Player Safety
The WHGBL takes important steps to ensure the safety of players in the league. First, all coaches are required to complete a successful and clear background check. The league uses www.safecoachbackgroundchecks.com to run a criminal and sexual offender background check.
Second, we also require all coaches to complete and earn a concussion training certificate through the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/index.html
Third, the league follows the State of Connecticut Public Act No. 21-64 concerning the Governor’s Task Force on Justice for Abused Children in Connecticut. In cooperation with this initiative, all WHGBL Board Members, Coaches and Staff that have direct contact with players are required to read the State’s SafeSport information, which is located on our website. https://portal.ct.gov/DCF/GTF-CJA/HB-6113
In addition, we also require a minimum of two adults present at every practice and girls are required to use restroom facilities in pairs at all practices.