Congratulations to each and every one of our 2018 

Smithfield Summer League Champions!

The 2018 Smithfield Summer League will be remembered for the challenges the league faced in trying to put on its season.  With Anna McCabe Courts under construction league action was moved to the courts in Deerfield Park before a lack of daylight forced the league to host its final regular season week of play and its playoffs within the Johnston Rec Center.

Our thanks to the men and women of the SYBA Board of Directors for taking the action necessary to preserve the playoffs and to our coaches who showed a lot of flexibility, organization and patience in going with the flow despite this hardship.  It's because of them - and our parents and participants too! -that the 2018 Summer Season resulted in great success.

3rd/4th Grade Champions:

Ball Hogs - Rally Point Racquet Club 

Players: Noah Albert, Corey Blakely Jr, Maddox Canton, Lucas Desjardins, Dylan King, Ethan MacGregor, William MacGregor, Devin Ruggieri, Devon Smith, Ronnie Williams  Head Coach: Corey Blakely

In a highly anticipated match-up the #2 seeded Ball Hogs ended up pulling off a big upset over the previously undefeated and #1 seeded Box Out Beasts of Navigant Credit Union - only the second time in the five year history of the summer league, in any of our four divisions, that an undefeated regular season has been achieved.  The 25-22 final score was a tribute to their unselfish play and fantastic team work.  Congratulations to both the Ball Hogs on taking home the championship and to the Beasts on their undefeated regular season achievement! 

5th/6th Grade Champions:

Hoop Genies - Safe Spray

Players: Harry Arsenis, Jared Atkinson, Chris Bennell, Connor Catarina, Ben Cicchitelli, Tristan Kennedy, Hayden Patenaude, Evan Pereira, Sean Subedi.  Head Coach: Derek Cicchitelli

The only division Championship that didn't involve a #1 seed playing a #2 seed!  This competitive division - all five of these teams finished within 2.5 games of one another - saw Safe Spray's #3 seeded Hoop Genies run around, over and through the #4 seeded Hurricanes of McMillen Orthodontics 48-15. Both teams had, just two days earlier, scored huge upsets over higher seeded teams to earn their place in the Championship.  Congratulations to the boys on both teams on their terrific summer seasons!

7th/8th Grade Champions:

 Big Baller Brand - Trinity Sales

(Left to Right): Joey Smith, David Parenteau, Conner Fague, Head Coach Dave Russas, Domenic Mancino, Tyler Russas, AJ Hetu, Mikey Tartaglia.  Not Shown: Jameson Lytle, Luc Tremblay.

After splitting a pair of regular season games the boys from #2 seeded Trinity Sales' Big Baller Brand outlasted #1 seeded Droppin' Dimes of Anderson Winfield Funeral Home, 46-41 to take home the division Championship.  Our thanks to the participants and coaches from all five teams in this division for making this summer's playoffs a memorable one that saw some great basketball being played!

9th/10th Grade Champions:

Kyrie's Army - Navigant Credit Union

Front (L-R): Mac Campbell, Evan Erbe, Owen Sweirad.  Missing: Lance Medeiros 

Back (L-R): Rob Squillante, Chris Olean, Sean Santos, Nathaniel Segee, Ben Gardiner, Jayce Poland

Head Coach: Frank Swierad

After engaging in two close and competitve regular season games the boys from #2 seeded Kyrie's Army of Navigant Credit Union scored an Uber-dramatic, upset victory on a crazy, buzzer beating shot to score a 42-40 upset over Parma Doors' #1 seeded Warriors  and take home the division Championship.  Our thanks to the participants of all four teams for making the 2018 summer season of this division a fun division to play in!

Tuesday, August 22nd was a night for upsets as a lower seeded team worked some summer magic to defeat the top ranked team in EVERY division.  It just goes to show you that anything can - and most likely will - happen during Smithfield Summer League...

Congratulations to all of our 2017 Summer League Champions!

3rd/4th Grade Champions:

Bailey & Co. Warriors

Players (In Alphabetical Order): Lucas Bilotti, Corey Blakely, Benjamin Cichitelli, Ralph Farrar, William MacGregor, Evan Pereira, Sean Subedi, Jacob Sylvester, David Vallante Jr.  Head Coach: Dave Vallante

In the upset of the playoffs the #4 seeded Bailey & Co. Warriors knocked off the #1 seeded Smithfield Swishers of Rally Point in the semi-finals and then proceeded to take down the #2 seeded Cheese Weasels of Tucker-Quinn Funeral Chapel in a super-exciting 21-20 Championship Game nail-biter.  Way to go Warriors!

5th/6th Grade Champions:

Richard Appraisal Defenders

Players (In Alphabetical Order): Zade Abuzhara, Nick Collins, Nicholas Havey, A.J. Hetu, Brandon Ouimette, Owen Richard, Matthew Richardson, Michael Sands, Kirill Satsuk, David Zambrano.  Head Coach: Bob Richard

After splitting a pair of regular season games the #2 seeded Defenders defeated the #1 seeded Basketbrawllerz of 7-Eleven 27-16.  Congratulations to the boys on a well earned victory!

7th/8th Grade Champions:

Duxbury & Ray Insurance Thunder

Players (In Alphabetical Order): Hasan Alsawaf, Jackson Arcand, Travis Cobain, Alex LeBoeuf, Marcus Mensah, Aidan Sayles, Jackson Swallow, Luc Tremblay.  Head Coach: Jeff Swallow

In a highly anticipated match-up The Thunder didn't so much pull an upset as much as they ran over, across and straight through previously undefeated and #1 seeded Straight Outta Esmond of Cavanaugh Company.  The 41-14 final score was a tribute to team work as every kid contributed to the scoring.  Congratulations! 

9th/10th Grade Champions:

Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home

Players (In Alphabetical Order): Mac Campbell, Nick Rainone, Jack Stevens.  Head Coach: Kevin Rainone

Smithfield Summer League's brand new 9th/10th Grade Division saw four teams get to play some fun and competitive 3 on 3 basketball.  After splitting a pair of regular season games the boys from #2 seeded Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home scored a 48-37 upset over #1 seeded Laura's Grill to take home the division's first ever Championship.  Our thanks to the participants of all four teams for making the inaugural season of this division a great success!

Tuesday, August 22nd was a night for upsets as every division saw a lower seeded team work some summer magic and defeat the #1 overall seed in their division.  It just goes to show you that anything can - and most likely will - happen during Smithfield Summer League...

Congratulations to all of our 2017 Summer League Champions!

3rd/4th Grade Champions:

Bailey & Co. Warriors

Players (In Alphabetical Order): Lucas Bilotti, Corey Blakely, Benjamin Cichitelli, Ralph Farrar, William MacGregor, Evan Pereira, Sean Subedi, Jacob Sylvester, David Vallante Jr.  Head Coach: Dave Vallante

In the upset of the playoffs the #4 seeded Bailey & Co. Warriors upset the #1 seeded Smithfield Swishers of Rally Point in the semi-finals and then proceeded to take down the #2 seeded Cheese Weasels of Tucker-Quinn Funeral Home in the Championship Game in a super-exciting 21-20 nail-biter.  Way to go Warriors!

5th/6th Grade Champions:

Richard Appraisal Defenders

Players (In Alphabetical Order): Zade Abuzhara, Nick Collins, Nicholas Havey, A.J. Hetu, Brandon Ouimette, Owen Richard, Matthew Richardson, Michael Sands, Kirill Satsuk, David Zambrano.  Head Coach: Bob Richard

After splitting a pair of regular season games the #2 seeded Defenders defeated the #1 seeded Basketbrawllerz of 7-Eleven 27-16.  Congratulations to all the boys on a well earned victory!

7th/8th Grade Champions:

Duxbury & Ray Insurance Thunder

Any SYBA player looking to play a higher level of basketball has the opportunity to tryout for a

Smithfield Competitive Basketball Team.

--Teams are separated by school grade and will consist of approximately 8 to 12 players based on the coach’s discretion.  Team members are selected by the coaches and there is no guarantee that each player that attends tryouts will make the team. A second team may be formed should there be enough players and coaches.

--You need to be a player in the Smithfield Youth Basketball Recreational Program to be eligible to play.

--Teams will compete in approximately 8 to 11 tournaments within the RI Youth Basketball Association throughout the season, (November – March) culminating in the State Championships the 2^nd week in March. Tournaments are held in a different RI town each weekend

--Teams are guaranteed to play a least two games each tournament, and have the potential to play up to 5 games in a weekend should your team advance to the tournament’s final game.  

--The cost to play on a team can be between $175 and $250 depending on the amount of tournaments a team participates in.  The cost includes a team uniform.  A weekend pass for adult admittance to each tournament is $5.00 

--Teams will hold one 90 minute practice session per week - Wednesday nights @ either Gallagher Middle School or Old County Road Elementary School.

--All players need to attend at least one of the tryout sessions to be eligible to play however, it is highly encouraged that players attend both tryout sessions.

--Should you have any questions regarding the Smithfield Travel Program, please contact Travel Coordinator Dan Snowman at dsnowman@ric.edu

Tryout Dates/Times/Locations:

4^th Grade - Dennis Dwyer

 Wednesday, 10/17 & 10/24, 6:00 PM at Old County Road Elementary School

5^th Grade - Dan Snowman

Wednesday, 10/17, 6:00 PM at Old County Road Elementary School

Wednesday, 10/24, 6:00 PM at Gallagher Middle School

6^th Grade - Roland Reed

Saturday, 10/20, 9:00 AM at Gallagher Middle School

Wednesday, 10/24, 7:00 PM at Old County Road School

7^th Grade - Sam Perry

Monday, 10/15, 7:30 PM at Old County Elementary School

Wednesday, 10/24, 7:00 PM at Gallagher Middle School

8^th Grade - John Fair

Wednesday, 10/24 & 11/7, 8:00 PM at Gallagher Middle School

Hello Smithfield families!  The Smithfield Youth Basketball Association is continuing to accept registrations for players and coaches for its 2018-2019 Winter Recreation League.  The cost will be $65.  Games and practices will be held throughout the season at Old County Elementary School and Gallagher Middle School.   

Divisions include: 

Under 8 Instructional Division held on Saturday Morning

Under 10 Division Games held on Saturday Morning

Under 12 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon

Under 14 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon  

Under 18 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon

All player registrations will be processed on the SYBA website and will close at noon on Monday, October 15th. We will not be accepting late registrations so get your spot now while there is availability. 

We look forward to seeing you all for a fun filled winter of hoops! 

No Plans This Weekend? 

 Come Support a Great Cause!

On Saturday, September 22, 2018, the SMITHFIELD HIGH SCHOOL BOYS & GIRLS SOCCER TEAMS will be playing in their annual PINK OUT games to raise money to help fight BREAST CANCER.

BOYS at 5pm vs. Burrillville

GIRLS at 7:30pm vs. North Providence

This fundraiser has been a long-standing tradition, and we hope that you are able to attend and support this great cause.  We have a bake sale featuring Jaswell’s caramel apples and hot cider, cake pops, cupcakes and more.  We’ve got incredible raffle prizes, including New England Patriots tickets, and even a 50/50 raffle.

Cancel your plans, bring the family, dress in PINK and show some love for the Smithfield High School 

BOYS and GIRLS soccer teams.

*All proceeds from the bake sale and raffles will go to the

Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer foundation.

Hello Smithfield families!  The Smithfield Youth Basketball Association is now accepting registrations for players and coaches for its 2018-2019 Winter Recreation League.  The cost will be $65.  Games and practices will be held throughout the season at Old County Elementary School and Gallagher Middle School.   

Divisions include: 

Under 8 Instructional Division held on Saturday Morning

Under 10 Division Games held on Saturday Morning

Under 12 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon

Under 14 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon  

Under 18 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon

All player registrations will be processed on the SYBA website and will close at noon on Monday, October 15th. We will not be accepting late registrations so get your spot now while there is availability. 

We look forward to seeing you all for a fun filled winter of hoops! 

On Monday evening, March 12th, SYBA celebrated Championship Monday!  Four teams were crowned their division's champion in what was truly a fun night of games for all involved. 

Congratulations to all of our 2017-2018 Winter Recreational League Champions!

U10 Division Champions:

 UConn Huskies  Variety Collision Center

Players (Left to Right): Lawsen Fevrier, Noah Albaret, Christian Snowman, Jacob Mollis, Michael Blais, Brendan Carlson and Nick Gulino   Head Coach: Dan Snowman

In a highly anticipated match-up the #2 seeded UConn Huskies of Variety Collision Center upset the #1 seeded URI Rams of Parma Doors and captured the U10 crown with a 22-17 victory. The Huskies had to survive a thrilling, double overtime semi-final victory just to get to the Championship game so congratulations to the boys on a great playoffs and a very well earned victory!  Congratulations also to the Rams for their great season and to the rest of the U10 coaches and participants for both an educational and fun-filled year.

U12 Division Champions:

 Michigan Wolverines   Cavanaugh Company

Top (Left - right): Zade Abuzahra, Evan Pereira, Hayden Patenaude, Sean Smith,:Asst Coach: Derek Cicchitelli, Bottom: Head Coach: Frank Smith, Logan Siekiera, Michael Sands, Brennan Duquette, Ben Cicchitelli

The U12 Championship game ended as a coronation of sorts for Cavanaugh Company's Michigan Wolverines.  The team followed up a terrific 10-2 regular season record with a first round bye in the playoffs and a decisive 49-28 victory over the #3 seeded Rutgers Scarlet Knights of Richard Appraisal in the Championship Game.  Congratulations to Michigan, Rutgers and all of the U12 boys on a fine season! 

U14 Division Champions:

 Kentucky  Wildcats  Vision Associates

Top (Left - right): Head Coach Jeff Swallow, Jacob Waskiel, Matt Swain, Travis Cobain, Nick Collins, Jeff Orticerio :Bottom: Jackson Swallow, Chris Currie, Alex Nardolillo, Nate Gagner, Braden Crough

In what may have been SYBA's most competitive division this winter the #4 seeded Kentucky Wildcats of Vision Appraisal eeked out a 45-43 victory over the #3 seeded UNLV Runnin' Rebels of Sonic Drive-In.  The game was decided on a thrilling, last-second jump shot that gave them the Division Title.  The exciting, hard fought contest was just the latest in these playoffs as both teams barely escaped the semi-finals with razor-thin victories decided by four points or less.  Congratulations to the Wildcats, the Runnin' Rebels and to all of the boys who competed this season in U14!

U18 Division Champions:

 Warriors  Laura's Grill

Back (Left - right): Tom Frezza, Connor Safford, Head Coach Brian Meehan, Robert Bowker   Front: Allen Currie, Nick Cerroni, Mike Mancino, Andrew Ferragamo, Cole Meehan

Much like their NBA namesake the Warriors of Laura's Grill dominated the competition in U18.  Relying upon the same stout defense that had earned them a 10-1 regular season record and a first round bye in the playoffs they throttled the competition en route to capturing the title with a decisive 48-30 victory over the Celtics of Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home.  Congratulations to the Warriors, the Celtics and all of the high school age boys who competed in the U18 program for a fine season all around!

Hello SYBA Families!  The season is upon us. Games start tomorrow!

A few reminders as we head into Week One:

·       Your child does NOT need to bring their own basketball to a game.  The league provides the game ball and coaches provide any other balls that are needed.  Your child does NOT need to being their own ball.

·       Please do your best to keep your children off the courts in between games, during timeouts, between quarters, at the half, etc. We have a lot of games and a tight schedule and need to keep things moving as best we can.

·       Please, do not allow your child to shoot at the side baskets during games.  We have had incidents where loose balls have rolled onto the court after an errant shot and injured unsuspecting players.  It's best for the participants that no one be shooting at side baskets during games.

By remembering these few simple things we can insure a timely schedule and minimize the chance for injury.  We appreciate your help very much and wish everyone a great season and a lot of fun for players, coaches, and fans!

 .

Smithfield Competitive Travel Teams

Any SYBA player looking to play in a higher level basketball league has the opportunity to tryout for a Smithfield Travel Team.

--The teams are separated by school grade and will consist of approximately 8-12 players based on the coach’s discretion. Team members are selected by the coaches and there is no guarantee that each player that tries out makes the team. A second team may be formed should there be enough players and coaches.

--You need to be a player in the Smithfield Youth Basketball League to be eligible to play on a team

--Teams will compete in approximately 10 tournaments in the RI Youth Basketball Association throughout the season, (from November – March) culminating in the State Championships the 2^nd week in March. Tournaments will be held in a different RI town each weekend

-Teams are guaranteed to play a least two games each tournament, and have the potential to play up to 5 games in a weekend should your team advance to the tournament’s final game.

-Each team member is guaranteed at least 3 minutes per game. 

-The cost to play on a team is approximately $250 which includes a team uniform.  A weekend pass for adult admittance to each tournament is $5.00

-Teams will hold one practice session per week - Wednesday nights @ Gallagher Middle School or Old County Road School.

-The final tryout will be held on Wednesday, October 25^th.  You need to have attended at least one of the tryout sessions - last week's or this week's - to be eligible to play.

-Should you have any questions regarding the Smithfield Travel Program, please contact John Fair @ 401-829-6158

Tryout Times/Locations:

4^th Grade – 6:00 PM at Gallagher Middle School

5^th Grade – 7:00 PM at Gallagher Middle School

6^th Grade –7:00 PM at Old County Road School

7^th Grade – 8:00 PM at Old County Road School

8^th Grade – 8:00 PM at Gallagher Middle School

Smithfield Competitive Travel Teams

Any SYBA player looking to play in a higher level basketball league has the opportunity to tryout for a Smithfield Travel Team.

--The teams are separated by school grade and will consist of approximately 8-12 players based on the coach’s discretion. Team members are selected by the coaches and there is no guarantee that each player that tryouts makes the team. A second team may be formed should there be enough players and coaches.

--You need to be a player in the Smithfield Youth Basketball League to be eligible to play on a team

--Teams will compete in approximately 10 tournaments in the RI Youth Basketball Association throughout the season, (from November – March) culminating in the State Championships the 2^nd week in March. Tournaments will be held in a different RI town each weekend

-Teams are guaranteed to play a least two games each tournament, and have the potential to play up to 5 games in a weekend should your team advance to the tournament’s final game.

-Each team member is guaranteed at least 3 minutes per game. 

-The cost to play on a team is approximately $250 which includes a team uniform.  A weekend pass for adult admittance to each tournament is $5.00

-Teams will hold one practice session per week - Wednesday nights @ Gallagher Middle School or Old County Road School.

-Tryouts will be held on Wednesday October 18^nd and October 25^th.  You need to attend at least one of the tryout sessions to be eligible to play.

-Should you have any questions regarding the Smithfield Travel Program, please contact John Fair @ 401-829-6158

Tryout Times/Locations:

4^th Grade – 6:00 PM at Gallagher Middle School

5^th Grade – 7:00 PM at Gallagher Middle School

6^th Grade –7:00 PM at Old County Road School

7^th Grade – 8:00 PM at Old County Road School

8^th Grade – 8:00 PM at Gallagher Middle School

TONIGHT WILL BE YOUR LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP YOUR CHILD FOR SMITHFIELD WINTER RECREATION BASKETBALL.  REGISTRATION WILL END AT EVALUATIONS TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11th.  

In an effort to make the teams as fair and balanced as possible youth participants are required to attend an evaluation in order to be placed on a team.   

u8 Division: Instructional Division. No Evaluation Necessary. 

u10 Division Evaluation: Wednesday, October 11th at Gallagher Middle School between 6pm and 8pm.  

u12 Division Evaluation: Wednesday, October 11th at Gallagher Middle School between 6pm and 8pm. 

u14 Division Evaluation: Wednesday, October 11th at Old County Elementary between 6:30pm and 8:30pm.  

u18 Division Evaluation: Wednesday, October 11th at Old County Elementary between 6:30pm and 8:30pm. 

Evaluations will be done alphabetically so if your child's last name begins in A-L please arrive promptly at 6pm for u10 and u12 and at 6:30pm for u14 and u18.  If your child's last name begins in M-Z please arrive in time for 7pm for u10 and u12 and at 7:30pm for u14 and u18.

If you know your child is going to have a conflict with attending an evaluation please contact SYBA President, Damien Edsall at damienedsall@gmail.com  so an alternative can be worked out. 

THANK YOU!  WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A FUN FILLED SEASON OF HOOPS!

Hello Smithfield families!  There is exactly 1 day remaining to sign up your child for the Smithfield Youth Basketball Association's 2017-2018 Winter Recreation League.  The cost is $65 and both the games and practices will be held throughout the season at Old County Elementary School and Gallagher Middle School  .     

Divisions include: 

Under 8 Instructional Division held on Saturday Morning

Under 10 Division Games held on Saturday Morning

Under 12 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon

Under 14 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon  

Under 18 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon

 All player registrations will be processed on the  SYBA website and will close at 2pm on Wednesday, October 11th.   All player participants will be required to attend an evaluation to be held on the evening of Wednesday, October 11th times and locations of which can be found on the website's home page.  Get your spot now while there is availability. 

We look forward to seeing you all for a fun filled winter of hoops! 

Hello Smithfield families!  There is exactly one week remaining to sign up your child for the Smithfield Youth Basketball Association's 2017-2018 Winter Recreation League.  The cost is $65 and both the games and practices will be held throughout the season at Old County Elementary School and Gallagher Middle School .    

Divisions include: 

Under 8 Instructional Division held on Saturday Morning

Under 10 Division Games held on Saturday Morning

Under 12 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon

Under 14 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon  

Under 18 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon

All player registrations will be processed on the  SYBA website and  will close at noon on Wednesday, October 11th.  All player participants will be required to attend an evaluation to be held on the evening of Wednesday, October 11th times and locations of which can be found on the website's home page.  We will not be accepting late registrations so get your spot now while there is availability. 

We look forward to seeing you all for a fun filled winter of hoops! 

No Plans This Weekend?

 Come Support a Great Cause!

On Saturday, September 30, 2017, the SMITHFIELD HIGH SCHOOL BOYS & GIRLS SOCCER TEAMS will be playing in their annual PINK OUT games to raise money to help fight BREAST CANCER. 

BOYS at 5pm vs. Burrillville

GIRLS at 7:30pm vs. Mount St. Charles

This fundraiser has been a long-standing tradition, and we hope that you are able to attend and support this great cause.  We have a bake sale featuring Jaswell’s caramel apples and hot cider, cake pops, cupcakes and more.  We’ve got incredible raffle prizes and even a 50/50.                          

Cancel your plans, bring the family, dress in PINK and show some love for the Smithfield High School BOYS and GIRLS soccer teams.

*All proceeds from the bake sale and raffles will go to the

Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer foundation.

Hello Smithfield families!  The Smithfield Youth Basketball Association is now accepting registrations for players and coaches for its 2018-2019 Winter Recreation League.  The cost will be $65.  Games and practices will be held throughout the season at Old County Elementary School and Gallagher Middle School.   

Divisions include: 

Under 8 Instructional Division held on Saturday Morning

Under 10 Division Games held on Saturday Morning

Under 12 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon

Under 14 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon  

Under 18 Division Games held on Saturday Afternoon

All player registrations will be processed on the SYBA website and will close at noon on Monday, October 15th. We will not be accepting late registrations so get your spot now while there is availability. 

We look forward to seeing you all for a fun filled winter of hoops! 

Hello Smithfield families!  The Smithfield Youth Basketball Association is accepting registrations for players, coaches and sponsors for its 2017 Summer League.  The cost is $65 and will begin on Monday, June 26th.

There will be one game played per week and there are no practices.  All games will be played on Monday or Wednesday evenings at Anna McCabe Elementary School and will end on Monday, August 28th.   

Divisions will include: 

 3rd/4th Grades (Games tip at 6pm),

5th/6th Grades (Tipoff at 7pm),

7th/8th Grades (Tipoff at 8pm).  

***************All new 9th/10th Grade Division!! (Tipoff at 9pm)***************

All summer player registrations will be processed on the SYBA website in the same manner as winter registrations and will close at the end of the day on Tuesday, June 13th. The demand for playing in the Summer League has never been greater and we will not be accepting late registrations so get your spot now while there is still availability. 

We look forward to seeing you all for a fun filled summer of hoops! 

The SYBA website is now accepting registrations for players, coaches and sponsors for its 2017 Summer League.  

Opening Night is slated to begin on Monday, June 26th and all games will once again be played on Monday and Wednesday evenings at Anna McCabe Elementary School between 6pm and 10pm.  The League will run until August 28th with one game being played per week and no practices.  The cost will be $65. In addition to our regular divisions, the 3RD/4TH Grades, 5TH/6TH Grades and the 7TH/8TH Grades, this summer we will be accepting registrations for a 9TH/10TH Grade Division for high school kids of those two grades to compete in.

Again, all player, coaching, and sponsor registrations will be processed on the SYBA website in the same manner as winter registrations and player registration will close on Tuesday, June 13th. The demand for playing in the Summer League has never been greater and we will not be accepting late registrations so get your spot now while there is availability! 

Thank you all very much.  Here's to a fun summer of hoops! 

Parents in the Stands

What can be better than watching your child play in a youth sport? It’s a special time in the lives of you and your child that should be cherished. The problem is this magical experience is getting ruined by parents in the stands. This week we’ll discuss five rules for parental support from the stands.

In my ten years of coaching I have seen and heard about almost anything you can think of when it comes parental behavior. I’ve broken up fights, witnessed verbal abuse, and have seen the impact it has on kids. Before coaching, I was a referee for youth basketball for several years and again witnessed horrendous behavior by adults in the stands. This needs to change, as it is tarnishing the innocence and splendor of youth sports.

Parents, the games are about the kids, not you. Be a proud parent, not an obnoxious one. Support your child without overwhelming them. Give them some breathing room to be a kid and enjoy the experience. Here are five guidelines to follow as a parent in the stands.

1)      Don’t coach from the stands. Be seen and heard only shouting or cheering positive words. Your child doesn’t need you to coach from the stands; they already have one on the bench. Smile at your child during the game. You’d be surprised what a smile and simple nod of approval will do for your son or daughter’s esteem. Parents must trust the coach and allow him or her to do the job at hand. They don’t need your help from the stands during game. If you don’t trust the coach, it’s time to find another team.

2)      Don’t belittle other players or the officials. No parent would stand for another adult calling out or criticizing their child. This is how many fights start in the stands. So let’s just avoid this altogether and stop critiquing other people’s children. After all, they’re just kids, not professionals. As for officials, the vast majority of them are in it for the right reasons. They love the sport and want to give back while making a little bit of money. I know from firsthand experience as a youth official how awful parents can be in the stands. Officials will miss calls– they are human– so don’t work yourself up into a frenzy arguing calls the entire game; it’s embarrassing for your child. When was the last time a call was overturned because of some parent’s complaint during the game? I don’t remember one either.

3)      Provide positive support after the game. The last thing your son or daughter wants or needs after a game is for you to criticize everything they just did. Unfortunately I have seen this take place and the negative psychological effect it has on kids. Parents should avoid critiquing other players and coaches after game. Doing so is not going to foster sportsmanship or a team-first attitude with your child. However, parents should discuss the positives from the game and any life lessons that can be learned from it. Emphasize the fun of the game at every opportunity and if your child is not having fun, it’s time for a serious discussion as to why. Do they no longer enjoy it? Is there too much pressure on them? Find out.

4)      Remember that it’s all about the experience. The ultimate goal of participating in youth sports should be for all involved to have a positive experience. It’s not about the wins and losses. Rather it’s about the memories made, life lessons learned, and the relationships built. Sports can do so many positive things for kids throughout their lives. We cannot ruin this opportunity for them. It’s about the kids and making their experience memorable for the rest of their lives. It’s not about the adults.

5)      Model the behavior you expect. Would you be proud of your child if they sat in the stands and ridiculed others, shouted verbal obscenities, and started physical confrontations? Of course not. So then why do we think it’s okay for us as adults to do so? It’s really rather simple, we must model the behavior that you expect from your own child. Our lasting legacy will be measured through the generations that will follow us. We can use sport in a positive way to raise another great generation.

What are some other parental guidelines you feel are appropriate for youth sports?

As always, thanks for reading, have a great week, and be an RGP today!

~Kyle