Mariemont Recreational Basketball FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Tell me about recreational basketball!
The goal of recreational basketball in Mariemont is to provide an opportunity for all boys and girls to enjoy the game of basketball. The association offers two programs – one for children in elementary school grades 2-6 and the second for grades 7-12. We are a non-profit association and are part of the Mariemont Recreation Association. Hal Northrop (northrop@fuse.net) and Marty Zack (zackm@mason.k12.oh.us) are the coordinators.

Which league does the teams play in?
We are associated with the Greater Cincinnati Youth Basketball League www.gcybl.com/. This league is made up of teams from all over the eastern side of Cincinnati and offers both recreational and athletic play for children in grades 2-12.

How often do teams practice and play games?
Elementary school teams in grades 2 and 3 will typically practice once each week, during the week, and play one game each weekend. Teams in grades 4-6 will typically practice twice each week, during the week, and play one game each weekend. Teams in grades 7-12 typically practice once per week, at all different times, and also play one game each weekend. Practice begins the first week of November for grades 2-6.

How many games will we play?
Each team will play a 10 game regular season schedule. Games typically begin the first week in December and continue through the end of February. There are no games scheduled for the Christmas holiday. Normally there are 5 home games and 5 away games.

Where do we practice and play games?
Practices will take place at Mariemont Junior High School (Dale Park), Mariemont Elementary School and possibly at the Mariemont High School facilities. The home gym for all regular season games is the Mariemont Elementary School gymnasium.

How and when do I register?
Registration begins in September and ends the second week of October for grades 1-6. Grades 7-12 begin at the same time but end concluding the first week of school team selections at the Jr high and High School level, typically by the middle of the second week of November.

What if I missed Registration but still want to play?
Please register anyway. We can normally add players prior to Thanksgiving weekend without issue. If we wait any longer than that the new players will have a hard time learning the plays of the team and the whole team could slow down. The coaches alternate taking new players as they go through late registration.

How are teams selected?
Elementary school children are evenly divided after registration by the coaches with the intent to have equal teams. Junior and High School teams are asked to form a team with their friends and submit their team as one upon registration. If a Jr/Sr High student does not have a team assembled we will do everything we can to place them on a team.

Can I start a “select” team?
The Mariemont Recreational Basketball program is intended to support recreational basketball. We are able to accommodate select/athletic teams with the following:
- gym time after all recreational gym time slots are filled (no guarantee)
- assist with team registration
- provide a facility for home games

Select teams are required to purchase their own uniforms or use the remaining uniforms after recreational uniforms are distributed. They also pay their own league, referee and tournament entry fees. Select teams typically play in the Athletic Division of the Metro League http://www.mbahoops.com/metro/index.html or the Southwest Ohio League www.swohiosports.com . Please let the coordinator know if you have interest in forming a select team

What about tournaments?
Each recreational team will play in an end of the season tournament hosted by the Metro Athletic League. Teams are placed in brackets depending upon their regular season record to allow them to play teams of the same skill level.

Mariemont hosts an annual tournament called the Mariemont Holiday Classic. This tournament is for recreational teams only and is played the first two weekends of January at the elementary school. Each team is automatically entered into this tournament for grades 4-6. There are typically 4 teams in each bracket with separate brackets for boys and girls by grade level. Teams can register by clicking on the Holiday Classic Tournament on the home page.

Recreational teams are welcome to play in other tournaments throughout the season. Please notify the coordinator of any tournaments entered and we will reimburse you for your entry fees. Some other tournaments are:

Kings Pre-season Tournament
St. Cecilia Pre-season Tournament
Deer Park Pre-season Tournament


Are the coaches knowledgeable?
The coaches all have a working knowledge of the game but most importantly they are committed adults who are willing to volunteer their time for the kids to learn a great sport and to be able to compete. We do offer a coaching clinic hosted by the Mariemont Varsity Coach, Steve Ellis, to help with the fundamentals and to be sure the teams understand the high school basketball philosophy.

If you would like to be a coach please contact the coordinators to receive additional information: Hal Northrop (northrop@fuse.net) and Marty Zack (zackm@mason.k12.oh.us) are the coordinators.

How can I help/volunteer?
There are lots of ways to help out. Each parent will volunteer a couple of hours during the Holiday Classic Tournament. We are always looking for people to help coach, be the administrator for the league, update the web site, referee, recruit referees, recruit for the Holiday Classic Tournament, manage the uniforms, keep the books, manage gym schedules, and be the assistant coordinator. If you have any interest please contact the coordinators Hal Northrop (northrop@fuse.net) and Marty Zack (zackm@mason.k12.oh.us.

Do we get uniforms, can I pick my number?
Each recreational team receives a uniform. All grades receive a complete uniform (jersey and shorts). Specific numbers need to be worked out with your coach and may not be available. All grades are required to return their uniforms each year.

When will the schedules be posted?
The schedules are posted towards the end of the month of November and can be found by looking under the Metro web site, schedule section, then by the coach’s team name (Mariemont-Jones) at the web site http://caybl.org/Default.aspx

What are the rules for different age groups?
For the most part we play using Ohio High School rules. Grade 2 and 3 teams play with an 8 foot rim and have a smaller lane, grade 4 teams have a backcourt press rule and no double team outside of the paint rule, all games have a backcourt press rule when up by a certain number of points, normally 10. Check out the complete set of rules at http://caybl.org/Rules.aspx

What are the fees – are scholarships available?
The Mariemont Recreation Association charges $55 prior to October 3rd and $65 after to participate in the basketball program. Scholarships are available. Contact the director to inquire Hal Northrop (northrop@fuse.net) and Marty Zack (zackm@mason.k12.oh.us).

How can I help my kids get better - which drills can help them?
A couple of terrific web sites are listed below providing coaching content and basketball training aids:
www.guidetocoaching.com
www.hoopaids.com

Are there year-round basketball opportunities for the kids?
Yes but they are not sponsored by the Mariemont Recreation Commission. Visit the following sites for additional information.

For girls www.ehgbl.org For girls and boys www.swohiosports.com

I am an adult and I love the game – where can I play?
There is an adult program available at the elementary school on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 8:30-10:00 through the adult education program. A nominal fee is charged to play. Just show up and enjoy the game!