FAQs - CLUB VALUES & PHILOSOPHY
What is the Balwyn Blazers development philosophy?
1
Balwyn Blazers focuses on long-term player development, enjoyment of the game, and building good people through basketball. Winning is important, but development, effort, and character come first.
Is Balwyn Blazers focused on elite or social basketball?
2
We cater for a wide range of players, from beginners through to representative pathways. Our goal is to place players in the environment that best supports their development.
How do you balance winning and development?
3
Coaches are encouraged to prioritise skill development, confidence, and learning, particularly at younger age groups. Winning is a by-product of good development, not the sole objective.
FAQs - TEAM SELECTION & GRADING
How are teams selected?
1
Teams are formed based on skill level, physical development, confidence, attitude, coachability, and player goals to create balanced and supportive teams. Age group coordinators, director of coaching and numerous members with basketball experience on the committee all contribute to selecting teams with this goal in mind, its never just one person’s decision.
Is team selection mandatory?
2
No. Team selection is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to help coaches place players appropriately.
What happens if my child does not attend team selection?
3
Players will still be placed in a team, however coaches may have less information when forming balanced teams. If you do not attend, please send through as much information to the club about your child; height, speed, strengths, development points and any behavioural insights to how they peform in a team environment.
Can parents request specific teams or coaches?
4
Requests can be submitted, but placement decisions are made in the best interest of overall team balance and development. We consider requests closely, it must also be reciprocated by the other party. Once boys and girls reach the U15 age group, they are able to form friendship teams but they do come with certain conditions.
Are teams regraded during the season?
5
Grading takes place within the first 6 weeks of each season in accordance with the EDJBA guidelines.
FAQs - COACHING & PLAYER EXPECTATIONS
What qualifications do Blazers coaches have?
1
All coaches are volunteers who receive club support, guidance, and access to development resources. Many coaches have significant playing or coaching experience. Coaches over 18 must have a valid working with children check (WWCC). All coaches are required to complete the community coaching course that is provided by Basketball Victoria. This community coaching course is available at the start of every new season. The Blazers also offer the opportunity to complete the Club Coaching course run by Basketball Victoria.
What is expected of players at training and games?
2
Players are expected to show respect, effort, and a willingness to learn. Positive behaviour toward teammates, coaches, referees, and opponents is essential. You are expected to commit to training sessions and games. It is expected that you notify the club or team of any absences with respectable notice. This can be done via the team group chat or contacting the club.
How is playing time managed?
3
At junior levels, coaches aim to provide fair and meaningful playing time. As players get older, playing time may reflect game situations, effort, and development needs. Training commitment will impact your court time and your behaviour at trainings and games will impact your court time.
What should I do if I have concerns about coaching or playing time?
4
Concerns should be raised respectfully through the appropriate club channels, not during or immediately after games.
FAQs - PARENTS & SIDELINE BEHAVIOUR
What is expected of parents on the sideline?
1
Parents are expected to be positive, respectful, and supportive. Coaching from the sideline or criticising players, coaches or officials is not acceptable.
Can parents speak to referees during games?
2
No. Only referees, coaches and venue supervisors should communicate during games. Abuse of officials will not be tolerated. If you have specific feedback, please send it to the club in writing within 24 hours of the incident.
How can parents best support their child’s development?
3
Encourage effort, learning, and enjoyment. Focus on progress, not statistics or outcomes.
FAQs - REFEREEING, COURT SUPERVISION & SAFETY
Who are the referees in EDJBA competitions?
1
Referees are accredited officials, many of whom are young developing referees supported by the association. If you see a green whistle, it indicates that this referee is under the age of 18 (minor). There are various grades to refereeing and for many this is their first opportunity to develop their workplace skills and earn some $$ while doing so.
Why are referee calls sometimes inconsistent?
2
Referees are human and are also developing their skills. Respect and patience are essential. They cannot see everything, sometimes they get it wrong, sometimes they get it right. Your viewing angle from the sideline is different from theirs on the court. Just because they are wearing stripes does not give you the permission to vent and yell. Remember this is a human being.
How does the club support referees?
3
Balwyn Blazers strongly supports referees and expects all members to treat them with respect at all times. Our court supervisors are there to support, our committee is there to support, our TOC is there to support. Anyone who is interested in becoming a referee for the Balwyn Blazers can reach out at anytime.
What is a court supervisor?
4
Court supervisors ensure games run smoothly, manage timing, manage parental behaviour, manage any first aid requests, and support referees and teams on game day. As a coach or parent, please wave down the nearest court supervisor for any support you need and they will do their best to meet the desired outcome. For example - if you have a question regarding the rules or policies of the EDJBA, the court supervisor is the best person to ask first.
Who do I speak to if there is a game-day issue?
5
Please speak to the court supervisor, not referees or opposing teams.
What safety policies are in place?
6
Player safety is a priority. Injuries, unsafe behaviour, or concerns should be reported immediately to coaches or court supervisors. The EDJBA inherits all Basketball Victoria safety guidelines of which the Balwyn Blazers follows as well.
FAQs - EDJBA COMPETITION DETAILS
EDJBA (Eastern Districts Junior Basketball Association) runs weekly competitions for junior basketball clubs in the eastern suburbs and is the largest junior competition in Australia, boasting over 1,500 teams & close to 12,000 players.The competition runs all year round and plays at indoors venues only.
1
What is EDJBA?
Games are played on Saturdays. Teams play at home or away during the season.
2
When are games played?
Seasons generally run for approximately 14–16 rounds plus finals, depending on the season.
3
How long is the season?
No, finals eligibility depends on age group and grade.
4
Are there finals for all teams?
FAQs - COMMUNICATION & POLICIES
How does the club communicate with families?
1
Communication is predominantly via email. Follwed by Instagram, Facebook and Whatsapp.
What is the club’s policy on complaints or escalations?
2
Concerns should be raised respectfully and through official club channels. Public or social media complaints are not appropriate.
What is the club’s approach to behaviour breaches?
3
Balwyn Blazers follows a clear code of conduct. Behaviour that does not align with club values may result in warnings or further action.