For YBL matches we are able to take as many as 12 players
to a match but this is simply too difficult to administer on the day and still
remain fair to all those present with regard to equality of playing time; so the
match day squad will be capped at 10
players. There will still be playing opportunities in CVLs and friendlies for
those that do not make it into the YBL team.
Some of you will be aware of how the selection process,
both for the match day squad and with regard to the game time minutes played by
each player has evolved with our Under 15s team. The Under 15s team are this
season’s ‘Focus’ team for the whole club. In essence this means that their
coach, Ian Robb, and his Assistant, Rich Davis, have been given the task of
producing a team that has a winning record (more wins than defeats) by the end
of the season. The same will not be true for the Under 13s team, where winning
is desirable but not at the expense of player and team development.
Initially the YBL U13s team will be very close in its make
up to that of the U12s CVL team from last season but this will change as the
season progresses. There will be a core of players who are selected for every
game with the remaining squad places shared out amongst the others within that
age category. The sharing out of the remaining squad places is not only to give
each player a taste of playing at a higher level than a friendly or CVL match but
also because of the competition rules regarding the post season play-offs. Were
the Under 13s to make it to the play-offs – and before a ball has even been
tipped we have to believe that there is a reasonable chance of that – only players
who have played in a regular season match are eligible to play in post season
play-off matches.
Also unlike the Under 15s for the ten players that are
selected the policy of as close to equal game time will continue. However, if a
regular season game goes into overtime then the focus will be upon winning that
match rather than each player being given equal share of the overtime minutes
available. The real difference will be if the team do qualify for the post
season play-offs; this will be between two and four extra matches and we will
switch into the mode of trying to win each game we play as a priority over that
of equal game time for each player, but let’s cross that bridge if (hopefully) we
come to it.
As a club head coach I am asking all parents of players
eligible to play for Leadonites Under 13s in the YBL to manage your child’s expectations
with regard to participation in that competition. If you feel that it will be
too upsetting for you child not getting initially selected or, later on in the
season, losing their place to someone else, then I am asking you now to tell me
that they are NOT to be considered for selection in the first place.
Matthew Chalkley
Leadonites Basketball
Head Coach.
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