"WHERE IT ALL BEGINS"

PROGRAM PURPOSE

Students in SD43 are only offered a participation / non-competitive model for five to six weeks each school year up to Grade 8. Athletes do not experience the same level of development the majority of students from across the province enjoy when they attend grade 8 to 12 high schools in other school districts.

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Tri-City Basketball is addressing this gap with a competitive Grade 7/8 division for both girls and boys teams to better prepare athletes for high school ball.

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PROGRAM STRUCTURE

• Each team will have a weekly 1.5-hour team practice, focusing on tactics and strategies with their head coach. 

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• Each player will take part in seven high-impact, 1.5-hour Competition Enhancement Sessions, working closely with both assigned program coaches and their team coaches (based on availability). These sessions bring the game to life—immersing players and coaches in the latest Canada Basketball and NBA-endorsed, decision-based style of play designed specifically for this age group.

 

• With guidance from trained coaches, athletes won’t just run drills—they’ll build true game understanding. Players will develop strong, transferable foundations and decision-making skills that elevate performance now and prepare them for success at every level of the game.

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• Games will be played on Friday evenings.

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GAME FORMAT

• Two x 25-minute running time halves.

• Tri-City Basketball’s fair play rules for substitutions will remain in place but coaches will be allowed to structure their lineups as they choose in the last 10 minutes of the second half. 

• Scoring: Scores and fouls will be recorded during games.

• Rules: High school rules will apply.

• Win/Loss Record: A record of wins and losses will be maintained throughout the season. The possibility of tiering for the second half of the season beginning in January is possible to balance the level of competition.

• End-of-Season Tournament - All Grade 7/8 boys and girls' teams will participate. Seeding for this tournament will be based on the standings and results that occurred during the regular season.

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PROGRAM GOALS

• To replicate, as closely as possible, a grade 8 high school experience that athletes in other school districts where high school begins at grade 8 participate in 

• To enhance player development and preparation as they transition to competitive high school basketball. 
   

TCYBA does realize there are participants from schools in areas we serve who do participate in school-based grade 8 basketball programs. Those athletes are welcome to participate in both their school-based programming and TCYBA’s Grade 7/8 Competitive League.

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FAQ'S​​​

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Do coaches need to coach at both practices?

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Head coaches and assistant coaches will continue to lead their team practices as usual, while professional coaches will deliver the skill development training sessions. We strongly encourage team coaches to attend and take an active role in these sessions so they can reinforce the decision-making and competition-based drills covered in training during their own practices. Your presence will not only support player development, but also strengthen your growth as a coach and help ensure the program’s required style of play is consistently reinforced.