Broken Arrow Youth Basketball Signups Continue

The deadline for recreational division registration is October 9, 2015.

Online registration for the recreational division of the 2015 season of the Broken Arrow Youth Basketball Association continues through October 9, while space is available, according to Jessica Welch, vice president. “The program – this year attracting approximately 650 Broken Arrow boys and girls – is all about the kids,” explained the mother whose children also participate in the program. “My children and I love this program.”
The youth program “is a great opportunity to keep the kids active while building character and camaraderie,” she adds. Jessica also finds it exciting to observe and hear how the older players become positive role models for the younger players. “That is so important in our society today.”
Jessica pats everyone on the back for all the hard work they contribute to make the association successful. “Sometimes we don’t realize how important this program can be,” she said. “It is a wonderful tool for kids to gain social skills and improve athleticism. It’s good for the children, and it’s also good for the coaches and us as parents.”
An activity this large and encompassing naturally brings changes. “This season we have added a boys only group of teams from combined grades nine and ten,” she said. The one change that affects everyone is increased registration fees. The cost for the first child has been bumped to $155 to help pay for a uniform (game jersey and shorts from Midwest Sports) and will complement the Broken Arrow Tiger look. Fees for a second child will be $145 and $105 for a third.
Children living within the Broken Arrow Public School district are eligible. All players that are subject to the draft must attend a combined practice tentatively scheduled for October 25. Eighth, ninth and tenth graders trying out for their school team should sign up to reserve a spot; those making the school team will have their fees returned in full. Eligibility is subject to verification.
Both boys and girls teams will hit the hardwood through two leagues, recreational and select (competitive), beginning this December. Games hosted in Broken Arrow are played at the Broken Arrow Community Center gyms. Parents can expect about half of the season to be in town and the remainder at the opponents’ club facilities. Gate admission at all venues will be $3 for adults and $1 for students and senior citizens.
“Broken Arrow Youth Basketball is a participating member of the Indian Nations Basketball Conference,” Jessica said. “This association was designed to provide a playing season running from December into March. Post-season playoffs are scheduled for a championship. Boys’ teams and girls’ teams (not co-ed) consisting of first through tenth graders can begin team practice sessions the first week in November. Recreational league rules state that each player on a team will receive playing time in each game.”
Some of the clubs Broken Arrow teams will be competing against include Sand Springs, Coweta, Metro Christian, Bartlesville, Jenks, Owasso, Collinsville, Claremore, Wagoner, Liberty, Bixby, Berryhill, Pryor, TYAA, CARA, and Tulsa, as well as other Broken Arrow teams.
Sean Dolan, a graduate of Broken Arrow High School, serves as president of the organization and board member of the Indian Nations Basketball Conference. “We’re looking forward to another fun and successful season and hope to see you and your children at the games,” he said.
Visit www.bahoops.com for online registration information.