Introduction
The basis of the club's operation is captured in the vision and values statements adopted when the club was established in 1997.
"St Michael's Basketball Club aims to provide children with fun times, development of self-esteem, and an understanding of teamwork and a sense of community through participation and the development of skills. The club is run by the parents for the children. It offers equality of opportunity for all, encourages sportsmanship and positive attitudes. It aims to complement but not rely upon the school."
Who can play
The competition is open to players of all ages and we particularly encourage registrations from players in all years who may not have played before but would like to give it a try. It’s a lot of fun and there are no minimum ability levels.
Kindy and U8s play a modified half court game of 3x3 with a reduced height ring.
U10s play full court with a reduced height ring.
U12 & U13 play full court with a full height ring.
Whilst SLSLCA exists primarily to support the participation of St Michael's Lane Cove students in local sports we are an inclusive community organisation and will accommodate non St Michael's players if possible.
Competition and Seasons
St Michael’s Basketball Club (SMBC) plays in the Northern Suburbs Basketball Association (NSBA) Miniball competition. St Michael’s teams play against teams from other clubs and schools.
Basketball runs year round with 3 seasons:
Miniball 1 runs usually 9 weeks throughout term 1
Miniball 2 runs usually for 12 weeks across term 2 (8 weeks) and term 3 (4 weeks)
Miniball 3 runs usually for 12 weeks across term 3 (3 weeks) and term 4 (9 weeks)
Skills and Drills fro Kindy and Year 1 runs in line with the Miniball 2 season
Training occurs each week of the competition. With sessions typically taking place on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. Each team will be allocated a 1 hour training slot based on numbers and availability run by our professional coaches that will focus on Miniball skills and game practice in which children train in their teams.
Uniform
All players are required to wear the SMBC badged uniform. Uniforms can be purchased through the Gear Shop or when you register and will be ordered in bulk several times through the year.
Playing arrangements
Games are typically played on Saturdays (due to court availability some teams may occaisionally be required to play on Sundays). The final round of each season will be a top two playoff for U12s and U13s but normal games for U10 and below.
Match times are from 8.00am (U8s) through to 7.30pm (U13s), with the U10s and U12s usually running between 9am to 5pm. These times fluctuate each season, as timing depends on the number of teams registering in each age group.
Games are usually played at one of the following venues: the North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre (36 Hume Street, Crows Nest), North Sydney Boys High School (127 Falcon St, North Sydney), Marie Bashir Mosman Sports Centre (1A Cross Street Mosman), Willoughby Leisure Centre (Small Street, Willoughby) or at Dunnett Hall, SCEGGS Redlands (Allister St, Cremorne). There is no guarantee on venue but the venue allocated to your division usually remains consistent across the season.
Training & Skills Program
In Miniball 1 and 3 training occurs each week of the competition. Sessions will take place on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. Each team will be allocated a 1 hour training slot based on numbers and availability run by our professional coaches that will focus on Miniball skills and game practice in which children train in their teams.
In Miniball 2 training is optional for each team.
SMBC also offers a popular introductory skills training program for Kinder and Year 1 children run after school during Miniball 2. The program includes key fundamental skills of basketball as well as game essentials designed to bridge the gap between skill training and the Saturday Miniball Competition. Our goal is to teach and reinforce fundamental basketball skills in the context of a game. Along with the individual and team skills learnt, participants will learn the rules and style of a Saturday Miniball game.