FAQ

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Money is tight for a single parent. Is financial assistance available?

Yes. For families that qualify, the local YMCA will fund up to 2 activities per semester through the YRASP Program while funds last.

Call: 519-336-5950 x5523 to find out if you qualify.

JumpStart also funds players.  Visit their website to apply for assistance:

https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca

Otherwise, occasionally a private sponsor may provide payment of fees to enable a child to play.

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How do I pay my child’s fee?

Payment of fees is by cheque or in cash on the first night of play. Online payments can be made at time of registration.

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Will I be informed about start-up for the next session?

Yes, but only if you are on the mailing list. To get on the list for information, simply register online. Make sure you stipulate “Mailing List Only” in the “Special Requests” box. It costs nothing to do this. You will receive advance notice every time HOOPS has something coming up for your child’s age group.

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Can my child start today, or must I wait for the next full session?

Player registrations are accepted after a league is in progress as long as there is space.  Fee is pro-rated based on number of remaining games.

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When are HOOPS programs offered during the year?

HOOPS house leagues for JK-Gr.8 boys and SK-Gr.8 girls operate continuously from mid-September to mid-May as well as three 1-week, full day Summer Camps (July). Parents simply choose the times of the year that best fit their family schedule and sign up on a pay-as-you-go basis. No pre-payment of fees.

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Do HOOPS’ Summer Camps meet the needs of travel calibre players?

Yes they do, and the needs of their parents, too. Elite camps are available in centres that are a distance from Sarnia. This involves either daily travel or overnight accommodation. Because HOOPS Camps include all age groups in the same week, travel players can get the faster paced competition they need by simply playing up an age group. By playing against boys their age, girls get that additional challenge, too. This format takes driving out of the equation for parents, fees are tax deductible and a fraction of those demanded by elite camps and their kids sleep in their own beds.

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Is the HOOPS program co-ed?

Our Summer Camps are co-ed so that parents can work family vacation plans around one week instead of two. Sons and daughters attend the same session. Our house leagues are separate for boys and girls at all grade levels (JK-Gr.8.)

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Is HOOPS a travel program?

At times. HOOPS is a competitive program, an instructional program and in introductory program all in one. Not surprising that many travel players in the Sarnia area started out in HOOPS. Most of our coaches and officials have background in travel basketball. HOOPS gives your child a positive introduction to basketball, skills development, instruction in game fundamentals and competition without the stresses and expense of travel.  When there is an opportunity to form a select team, it may be by invitation or by open tryouts (coach's discretion.)  We avoid overnight tournaments. There are plenty of opportunities to play single day tourneys.

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How does HOOPS meet the needs of children who are timid about sports or who choose basketball later than their peers did?

Youngsters who already play a sport catch on to basketball fairly quickly. For those who have not played a sport, are still trying to find a sport that fits them or are just timid about getting after the ball, the first objective is to establish a “comfort level” at which they can enjoy early success and fun at the same time. We often place them on a team with a friend, a classmate or neighbour - even a relative- who is already playing in HOOPS. Occasionally, placement on a team that is one year younger is effective in that early success is more likely in a slower paced game. That success and the confidence it brings bolsters their desire to learn what’s next.