1.  Key Dates (subject to change)

9/21: Registration for Fall CLOSES and our waitlist opens

10/16: Rosters and practice schedules go live on AHPD - TeamSideline

10/23: Game schedules go live on AHPD - TeamSideline

10/26: First week of practices

10/31: First weekend of games

11/23-27: NO PRACTICES

Thanksgiving Weekend: NO GAMES

12/12: Last weekend of games

 2.   Key Practice and Game Locations

ARC - 660 N Ridge Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Betsy Ross School - 700 N. Schoenbeck Rd, Prospect Heights, IL 60070

Camelot Park - 1005 E Suffield Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Frontier Park – 1933 N Kennicott Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Greenbrier School – 2330 N Verde Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Pioneer Park- 500 S Fernandez Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Poe School - 2800 N Highland Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Recreation Park – 500 E Miner St, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

3.  How do I volunteer to coach?

If you are interested in coaching (or even just helping out throughout the season) please fill out our Coaching Interest Form! This will allow us to see any scheduling or coaching preferences that you may have.

We could not run our House League without the support of our volunteers, and always do our best to work with our coaches and find something that works for everyone!

Reach out to Teagan Boyle at tboyle@ahpd.org for more coaching information.

Coaches do not have to be parents! If you know someone over the age of 18 who would be interested in coaching a team for the season, please send them our way!

4.  How are practice schedules determined?

Practice schedules are based entirely on the schedules and preferences of each team's volunteer coach(es).

Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate specific practice requests during team formation, but if your child is assigned to a team that does not work with your family's schedule, we are happy to look for an open spot on a team that is a better fit. If you choose to request a schedule-based team change, we will not be able to accommodate any additional friend, team, or coaching preferences.

5.  How often do we practice?

1^st to 6^th grade teams will have one 1 hour practice per week. Kindergarten teams will have one 45-minute practice per week.

Practice cancellations are left entirely at the discretion of each team's volunteer coach(es). However, due to limited indoor gym space, we are not able to accommodate make-up requests.

6.  How are teams decided?

Team formations are primarily based on school and reciprocal friend requests. While we try our best to find every child a spot they will love, we cannot guarantee team, coach, or friend requests.

Coaches will always be assigned to the same team as their children.

7.  I missed the registration deadline, can I still sign my child up?

As soon as our standard registration closes, we begin forming teams and open a waitlist for each division. While we do our best to find a spot for everyone, we cannot guarantee a team placement for all waitlist registrants.

Waitlisters will be offered spots based on availability once initial team formations are complete.

8.  When will I find out my game schedule?

The game schedule will go live at AHPD - TeamSideline no later than October 23rd.

9.  How do we get our player jerseys?

Jerseys will be provided at the coaches' meeting for all players. Coaches are responsible for handing out jerseys at the first practice.

All jerseys not picked up at the coaches' meeting will be available for pickup at Pioneer Community Center during their regular business hours.

10. What if I need a different jersey size?

Additional jerseys in a variety of sizes will be available for pickup at Pioneer Community Center.

11.  What is covered in the Coaches Meeting on Wednesday, October 21st @ 7:15pm at the Arlington Ridge Center?

We review general topics such as league rules, our youth sports philosophy, general logistics, coaching tips, and more!

We will also hand out Coaches t-shirts, team jerseys, and criminal background check forms.

12.  Can my team practice together at Open Gym?

Teams/players will not be given free entry or reserved space during any of our open gym periods.

If players would like to pay entry (either through membership or as a daily fee) and use the available shared gym space, they are more than welcome to do so!

If you have any additional questions about the season, please contact:

Teagan Boyle - Athletic Coordinator - tboyle@ahpd.org

Cameron Edelman - Athletic Manager - cedelman@ahpd.org

1.   Key Dates (subject to change)

9/21: Registration for Fall CLOSES and our waitlist opens

9/25: Deadline for submitting your Coaching Interest Form

10/16: Rosters and practice schedules go live on AHPD - TeamSideline

10/21: Mandatory Coaches Meeting 7:15pm @ ARC

10/23: Deadline for sending Introduction email to team

10/23: Game schedules go live

10/26: First week of practices

10/31: First weekend of games

11/23-11/27: NO PRACTICES

Thanksgiving Weekend: NO GAMES

12/12: Last weekend of games

2.   Key Practice and Game Locations

ARC - 660 N Ridge Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Betsy Ross School - 700 N. Schoenbeck Rd, Prospect Heights, IL 60070

Camelot Park - 1005 E Suffield Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Frontier Park – 1933 N Kennicott Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Greenbrier School – 2330 N Verde Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Pioneer Park - 500 S Fernandez Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Poe School - 2800 N Highland Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Recreation Park – 500 E Miner St, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

3.   How do I arrange my practice schedule?

ALL coaches, regardless of commitment level, must complete the Coaching Interest Form. This form allows you to request your preferred practice schedules and coaching partnership(s).

Your submission will be taken as confirmation that you would like to be assigned as a coach for the season!

4.   How are practice schedules determined?

Coaches will receive a "Practice Proposal" during the pre-season, which will list coaching teams, coach contact information, and a potential practice schedule based on your listed preferences.

Certain days, times, and facilities have very limited availability, so we cannot guarantee a preferred practice slot.

In order to get the best possible option, please connect with your listed co-coaches ahead of the season to coordinate your schedules.

In the event that team coaches have conflicting schedules, the Park District will prioritize coaches who listed that they are available enough to coach alone.

5.   How often do we practice?

Each team is given one 1-hour time slot per week to practice (45 mins for Kindergarten).

Practice cancellations are left entirely at the discretion of each team's volunteer coach(es). However, due to limited indoor gym space, we are not able to accommodate make-up requests.

6.   How are teams decided?

Team formations are primarily based on school and reciprocal friend requests. While we do our best to find every child a spot they will love, we cannot guarantee team, coach, or friend requests.

Coaches' children will always be assigned to the team that they are coaching.

7.   Who is the head coach vs. assistant coach?

We do not assign head coach or assistant coach positions. Please work with your co-coach(es) to determine everyone's role on the team!

8.   When will I know my game schedule?

The game schedule will go live at AHPD - TeamSideline no later than October 23rd.

9.   How do we get our player jerseys?

Jerseys will be provided at the coaches' meeting for all players. Coaches are responsible for handing out jerseys at the first practice.

All jerseys not picked up at the coaches' meeting will be available for pickup at Pioneer Community Center during their regular business hours.

10.  What if I need a different jersey size?

Additional jerseys in a variety of sizes will be available for pickup at Pioneer Community Centers.

11.  Is there any equipment provided for coaches?

Each facility will have multiple equipment bags available for use, including cones, polyspots, and a limited number of basketballs.

Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade teams will receive wristbands at the coaches' meeting that they will keep throughout the season.

12.  What is covered in the Coaches Meeting?

We review general topics such as league rules, our youth sports philosophy, general logistics, coaching tips, and more.

We will also hand out Coaches t-shirts, team jerseys, and criminal background check forms.

*The Coaches' Meeting will be held Wednesday, October 21st @ 7:15pm at the Arlington Ridge Center*

13.  Can my team practice together at Open Gym?

Teams/players will not be given free entry or reserved space during any of our open gym periods.

If players would like to pay entry (either through membership or as a daily fee) and use the space as general participants, they are more than welcome to do so!

If you have any additional questions about the season, please contact:

Teagan Boyle - Athletic Coordinator - tboyle@ahpd.org

Cameron Edelman - Athletic Manager - cedelman@ahpd.org

Coming Soon...

Coming Soon...

Once rosters and practice schedules are announced on October 16th, players will have the option to request a team change via our Team Change Request Form, which will be posted here.

We strongly recommend that players only request a change if they are unable to play on their originally assigned team.

Once we process your request, we cannot guarantee that you will have the option to return to your originally assigned team.

AHPD Youth Basketball Program Manual

IHSA Rules Apply Except as Modified Below

AHPD Contact Information

• Athletic Manager: Cameron Edelman, cedelman@ahpd.org

• Athletic Coordinator: Teagan Boyle, Tboyle@ahpd.org

• Athletic Supervisor - Pioneer: Jackie DeLaMora, jdelamora@ahpd.org

• Recreation Supervisor - Camelot: Kevin Keister, kkeister@ahpd.org

AHPD Youth Sports Philosophy

The AHPD recognizes that competition in and of itself is a part of life and, if placed in the proper perspective, it is something that an individual can learn from. The AHPD basketball program strongly supports the concept that competition must always be channeled into positive and educational experiences, never into degrading or harmful behavior patterns. Practice sessions should emphasize skills-building and be fun. In games, winning and losing will be de-emphasized whenever possible, with emphasis placed on participation, learning, and enjoyment. No one should ridicule or punish a player when correcting technique or behavior. We must remember that we are teaching skills, not recruiting or drafting players with superior skills.

In an effort to keep the recreational philosophy and to serve the greatest number of residents, athletic programs will be designed to encourage participation for the beginner and mid-level athlete. Although the AHPD offers programs in certain sports in which the competition intensity increases, the overall focus will remain on fun and learning. For certain participants, their skill level and competitive needs may exceed the capabilities of the AHPD program or resources and they may need to seek outside or private clubs and organizations.

Team Formation

- Teams are determined primarily based on reciprocal friend requests and school. While we always do our best to keep players with their friends and classmates, we cannot guarantee any requests due to the     limited number of spaces on each team.

- Depending on enrollment, the Park District may combine age or gender divisions.

- Late registrants will be placed on teams that still have space once initial team formations are finalized. On-time registrants will be given priority regarding all team, friend, and coaching requests.

Practices and Games

- Games are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays. Teams, particularly teams that play in a division with an odd number of teams, may have BYE weeks or double-header weekends.

- All team, practice, and game information will be published on AHPD - TeamSideline prior to the start of the season.

Uniforms

- All players will receive a numbered, reversible jersey every season. The cost of the jerseys is included in the league registration fee.

- Players must wear their jersey to every game so that referees and scorekeepers can keep track of fouls. Jerseys are optional for practices, but they make great pinnies for scrimmaging!

Inclement Weather

- If you think a game or practice may be cancelled due to the weather, please check the AHPD website or call the weather hotline, 847.577.3003, extension 6. We do not automatically cancel programs during snowy or stormy weather.

- The Park District may cancel programming or close facilities due to unsafe conditions at a facility or on the roads.

Players and Playing Time

- All team members should play for at least half of a game (2.5 quarters for 1st and 2^nd grade and 2 quarters for 3rd-6th grade).

- In order to start a game, both teams must have a minimum of 4 players.

- If a team does not have enough players to field a full lineup, the other team is still allowed to play at full strength. However, we highly encourage teams to "lend" players to a team in the event that one team does not have a full roster, and the other team has extra subs. This encourages sportsmanship and gives everyone more playing time!

 - If a team is not ready to play at the scheduled game time, the team will forfeit. If one or both teams do not have the minimum number of players, the coaches may elect to scrimmage. In the event that all coaches elect to scrimmage, the referee will not officiate.

- A team may not "borrow" a player that is not registered for the current season of basketball. Utilization of unregistered players will result in a forfeit.

General Basketball Rules and Information

Any rule may be changed, deleted, or added by the league supervisor. All coaches and players will be advised of any rule changes prior to game time.

Unsportsmanlike conduct from players, coaches, or fans will not be tolerated. Severe or repeat offenses will result in suspension or ban from the league.

If an official finds that an individual’s conduct is disruptive to the game:

First offense: a warning to the team coach

Second offense: a technical foul against the team

Third offense: forfeiture of the game

Kindergarten - Coming Soon!

1st and 2nd Grade - IHSA rules will apply with the following exceptions:

General Expectations: Teams should arrive at the court 10 minutes before game time.

Equipment: All players must wear gym shoes. Colored wristbands will be provided to assist with 1v1 defense/marking.

Game Time: Five 8-minute Quarters. Quarters 1 through 4 will utilize a running clock. Quarter Five will stop at the 4-minute mark for substitutions.

Scorekeeping: We do not keep score for 2nd grade and younger. We heavily encourage teams, families, and coaches to decentralize scoring, winning, and losing whenever possible.

Starts/Restarts: A jump ball will begin each quarter. Jump balls will also restart the game under the alternating possession rule.

Minimum Playing Time (per player): 2.5 Quarters. No player shall play more than three quarters of a game when their team has seven or more players at a game.

Coaching Assistance: One coach from each team is allowed on the field to instruct players.

Substitutions: In between quarters, with an additional substitution break midway through the 5th.

Free Throws: No

Time-Outs: 2 per team per game

Hoop Heights: 8 ft

Ball Size: 27.5 (Juniors)

Defense: No zone defense, only 1v1. Defense is allowed to pick up at the top of the key BUT they must drop back below the top of the key. No pressing.

Double-Dribbling, Palming, and Traveling: Turnovers will be called at the discretion of the official. Officials will be lenient and consistent.

Stealing: No stealing off the dribble, no reaching in when players pick up their dribble anywhere on the court. Players may steal when the opposing team is passing the ball once they pass the defending line.

At Pioneer, the defending line is red. At Camelot, the defending line is green.

3-Seconds in the Lane: Will not be enforced, but coaches should instruct their players on the rule for future play.

Ball Screens: Only one player can set a screen on a ball. Screening away from the ball is prohibited. Players are allowed to switch screens. Double, triple, and quadruple screens are illegal.

Fouls will be called for setting illegal screens, and the ball will be awarded to the defense.

3rd to 6th Grade – IHSA rules apply with the following exceptions:

General Expectations: Teams should arrive 10 minutes before game time. Teams will get 5 minutes from the scheduled start time to field a team.

Equipment:

Hoop Height:  3rd Grade - 9 feet     4th, 5th, 6th grade - 10 feet.

Ball Size: Girls 3rd-6th grade and Boys 3rd-4th grade - 28.5 (Women’s) Ball | Boys in 5/6th grade - Official Sized Ball

Game Time: Games will consist of four 10-minute quarters. Quarters will have a running clock, stopping only for timeouts and injuries. In the last minute of the 2nd and 4th quarters, the clock will revert to official time, and the clock will stop on all whistles. There will be a one-minute break at quarters and a three-minute break at half-time.

Equipment/Uniform: Players must wear official AHPD jerseys and gym shoes. We recommend shorts rather than sweat pants or jeans.

Scorekeeping: Scores will be displayed. If a team is up by more than 30 points in the second half, we will stop posting scores. Coaches must give the scorekeeper their roster prior to each game.

Playing Time: All players must play a minimum of two quarters, unless the player fouls out. No player shall play more than three quarters of a game when their team has seven or more players at a game.

Substitutions: Substitutes must report to the scorer’s table before entering the game. The scorekeeper will whistle or buzz substitutes into the game.

Third Foul Rule: If a player picks up three fouls in the first quarter, he or she may be substituted.

Fatigue Rule: if a player becomes exhausted in any quarter, he or she may be substituted.

Once a player enters as a substitute, he or she must play the remaining length of the quarter without being substituted. Players should play a full quarter at a time.

Time-Outs: Each team is allowed two time outs per half.

Defense: No zone defense, only 1v1 defense

Double-Teaming: No double teaming above the free throw extended is allowed. The first offense is a warning. The second offense is a team foul.

No Press Rule: The offensive team may bring the ball down court across the center line without any defensive interference. The dribbler is not considered across until both feet and the ball cross the center line.

 All opposing players must return to their defensive court when:

1.  A basket is made
2. A defensive player has gained possession of a rebound
3. A defensive player is in-bounding the ball in the opponent’s defensive court.

If players violate the no press rule, the first offense is a warning. The second offense is a team foul. The offensive team will have ten seconds to bring the ball across half court.

Ejections/Forfeits: If a team receives three technical fouls during a game, it will result in a forfeit. Any coach or player who is ejected from a game must leave the gym immediately. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit. If a coach or player is ejected from a game, he or she is ineligible for the next game.

Free Throws: Fouls committed in the act of shooting will result in two free throws for a missed shot and one free throw for a successful shot. A bonus one and one free throw will be in effect on the 7th team

foul per half and two bonus shots on 10th team foul per half. Two free throws and the ball will be awarded for all technical fouls.

Distance for Free Throws: 3rd and 4th/5th grade – 12 feet

Offensive Lane Violations: 3rd and 4th/5th grade – 5 seconds

3-Pointers: Allowed in 5th/6th Grade

Blow-Outs: If your team is up by 30 points or more, please challenge your team to slow the play down and complete more passes before shooting or bring your defense back to the free throw line instead of half court. It is an excellent opportunity to teach your players good sportsmanship!

AHPD Youth Sports Program Objectives

Arlington Heights Park District sports programs strive to achieve the following:

1.     Programs will be designed to promote positive learning experiences that enhance physical, psychological, and social development.

2.     Programs will emphasize fun, developing new skills, fair play, and sporting behavior.

3.     Programs will be conducted with the safety of all participants in mind.

4.     Programs will be designed to promote positive self-esteem and self-confidence of the participants.

5.     Programs will be comprehensive in nature and offer a variety of levels that match available resources. If resources or facilities are limited, accommodating the needs and interest of the majority of the participants will take priority.

6.     Programs first serve the need of the Arlington Heights Park District residents. Non-residents may participate if openings still exist after the residents have been served. 

7.     Programs will decentralize winning, losing, and scoring whenever possible.

Code of Ethics for Coaches

·        I will place the emotional and physical well-being of the players ahead of a personal desire to win.

·        I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.

·        I will do my best to provide safe playing situations for all players.

·        I will promise to review and practice the basic first aid principles needed to treat player injuries.

·        I will not allow a youth to play in a game, or continue to play in a game, if there is any doubt as to the seriousness of his/her injury.

·        I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging, providing growth opportunities in skills for all players.

·        I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sporting behavior.

·        I will be knowledgeable in the rules of basketball, and I will teach these rules to my players.

·        I will use coaching techniques appropriate for the skills I am teaching and the level of development of each player.

·        I will remember that I am a youth sports coach and that the game is for children and not adults.

·        I will provide opportunities for all players to participate in both practice and game situations, allowing the players to apply new skills and demonstrate their abilities.

Guidelines for Coaching

Ages 5 to 12 years are ideal for learning basketball skills. During those years, children are energetic and enthusiastic. Coaches should channel this energy into positive development at a pace and level that is physically and emotionally appropriate to players’ ages.

·        Hold a parent orientation before the season starts. Explain the league rules, team goals, and your coaching philosophy. Set a time parents may contact you with questions or concerns

·        Gain their cooperation. Be tactful.

·        Accentuate the positive. Criticism should be constructive and sandwiched with positive comments.

·        Make practice fun. Use a variety of exercises and drills and break them up by introducing games.

·        Demonstrate sporting behavior and communicate to your players that you expect the same behavior from them.

·        Be alert to individual needs, and be flexible. Praise players’ strengths and practice their weaknesses. This may require one-to-one coaching.

·        Coach yourself before you coach others. Practice your skills so that you can give competent demonstrations.

·        Encourage players to compete against their own past performance rather than against the performance of others. Set realistic personal and team goals.

·        Teach skills, tactics, and rules in practice and apply those lessons in games. Do not expect players to execute new instructions given during a game.

·        Complexity is confusing. Explain moves using clear, specific explanations with appropriate terminology.

·        Do your homework. Come to practices and games prepared with drills, games, and rosters.

·        Keep your team organized, both on and off the court.

·        Make sure everyone plays. Research has shown that children would rather play on a losing team than sit on a winning team.

·        Avoid prolonged lectures on theory and strategy. Most coaching should be done at practices. Allow players to learn from mistakes at games. During games, takes notes about what needs improvement, and use them to plan your next practice.

·        Do not “psych up” your team before games. Chances are they are nervous enough. Play down the importance of winning, and praise new skills and effort.

·        Be aware of your players’ stage of physical and mental development. They will vary in age and ability.

·        If you are having difficulty with a player, first talk to his or her parents. If you continue to have difficulty, or have difficulty with a player's parent(s), contact AHPD staff.