PROGRAM PURPOSE

Tri-City Basketball has received a great deal of feedback over the past few years regarding the challenges players in SD43 experience when transitioning from middle school to competitive grade 9 high school basketball. Because SD43 schools, which the majority of registered participants attend, implement and offer a participation / non-competitive model for five to six weeks each school year, students do not experience the same level of development that 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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To address this shortfall, Tri-City Basketball launched a Grade 8 Competitive League program for Grade 8 boys and Grade 7/8 girls in 2024.

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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. ​

• Each player will also have one 1.5-hour skill and development session per week with assigned coaches and their team coaches based on availability.

• 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 at the Grade 8 level.

 - Win/Loss Record: A record of wins and losses will be maintained throughout the season.

 - End-of-Season Tournament - All Grade 8 boys and Grade 7/8 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. 
   

It should be noted TCYBA does realize there are participants from schools in some 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 8 Competitive League.

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FAQ'S

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Will the cost to participate in the Grade 8 Competitive League be higher than the current TCYBA grade 7/8 program?

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Yes, since the amount of gym time will be greater and overall costs will be higher, the fees will be set at a slightly higher cost to cover those expenses. Read more about registration fees.​​

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Do coaches need to coach at both practices?

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Head coaches and assistant coaches will be running team practices as usual. Professional coaches will run the skill development training sessions. We prefer team coaches be at the training sessions as well so you can reinforce the skills we teach in training sessions at your practices. Your attendance will help you improve your skills as a coach but if you can't be there you don't have to.​

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