Basketball Frequently Asked Questions 2024/2025
1. Who may participate in Hawks Basketball?
Any child in grades 2nd - 8th Grade. A 1st grader may play up in the 2nd grade division
2. When does basketball registration occur?
Online registration for Hawks Basketball typically opens August each year. Our data base will receive an email reminder when online registration begins. Registration will close September 20, 2024 or when we reach capacity. Players will be placed on a roster first come. There will not be an evaluation day. You must submit payment to be placed on a roster.
3. Why does basketball registration occur so early for this Winter sport?
The Parker Hawks is a member of the Arapahoe Youth League (AYL) which has over 300 teams participating in youth basketball. Each club must define and commit to the number of team in the league by grade by early October each year. This is required to allow time for the all-volunteer AYL basketball board to complete detailed plans for the season including game schedule, number of officials required, game gyms, etc. This also provides ample time for Hawks to acquire and train quality coaches to fill any coaching vacancies.
4. When does basketball season typically run?
Typically, basketball practice begins the first week of November with a 1-2 week pre-season practice schedule. This allows for the players to get into "basketball" shape. The regular season starts in November with 8-10 regular season games and an end of season championship. Our season ending Championships are completed in mid-February. The season calendar varies year to year by as much as one week.
5. How do I go about registering my child for Hawks Basketball?
Registration is done online. Registration will open August 28 and close September 20. Registration may close early. Early registration is required. Payment must be submitted at the time of registration.
6. What is the cost to play Hawks basketball?
The cost for Hawks Basketball can change from year-to-year due to adjustments in gym usage fees. Registration fees are to play basketball and does not include the cost of uniform (reversible jersey/shorts) if needed. Uniforms are the same as in 23-24. The 2024/25 basketball fee is $375. Registering/paying after the registration closing date will incur a $50 late fee.
7. What does the registration fee cover?
The Registration fee is comprehensive and covers several items including, but not limited to:
League costs including insurance, coach background checks, and other league administrative costs.
Practice costs including gym usage fees, coaching and practice equipment.
Game costs including gym usage fees, gym set up, officials, officials evaluations, website scheduling and score reporting.
Hawks Basketball operating expenses such as bank fees, coaching evaluations and education, and other administrative costs like postage, copying, etc.
8. What equipment will I have to purchase for my child to play Hawks Basketball?
Each individual player is responsible for purchasing his/her own uniform (reversible jersey/short and shooting shirt ). An email on uniforms will be sent once a player is assigned to a team. Uniforms will be ordered through Locker Room Sports in Parker. Coaches may also require basketball shoes. If purchasing new shoes, please consider purchasing a basketball specific shoe, which has a better base specific for basketball play.
9. Where do we get sized for a basketball game uniform?
Once you are assigned to a team and fully registered (including payment) you will receive further instructions from your coach. All uniforms will be purchased at Locker Rom Sports.
10. How is a new player assigned to a team? Are there tryouts?
All players must register and pay online. You may request a coach or player in the registration. We will try to honor as many requests as possible but please understand not all requests can be honored. There are no tryouts.
11. How many players are on a team?
Team size can vary depending upon the number of kids registering to play. A typical roster will have 10 kids per team.
12. How are jersey numbers decided?
Hawks will take requests for jersey numbers thru the coaches. Returning players from the previous season will get higher priority to keep their number. Duplicate jersey numbers are not allowed on a roster.
13. Where, when and how often is practice?
Hawks Basketball reserves practice gyms primarily from Douglas County Schools located in Parker, Elizabeth or Franktown.
Most teams will practice 1-2 times per week (depending on availability) for the preseason. During the regular season, teams will typically practice 1 time a week generally running 90-120 minutes long. Practice start and end time is determined by the Hawks and generally takes in to account the coaches work schedule as well as the school schedule. Practice days and times are not guaranteed.
14. How many games are played? Where and when are, they scheduled?
The AYL regular season generally consists of a minimum 8-10 games and one playoff game. All teams qualify for single game elimination playoffs. The number of games played during the playoffs can vary based upon the number of teams in a grade/division.
The AYL is comprised of several member Clubs with teams in the South Metro areas of Littleton, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, SE Denver, South Aurora, Parker and Castle Rock. Games can be played in any of these locations at specific gyms.
Regular season games are scheduled for Fridays (5-10PM), Saturdays (9AM-9PM) and Sundays (9AM-9PM). Post season playoffs begin immediately following the conclusion of the regular season and continue with the AYL Championships schedule for mid February. Please understand that games may be postponed by weather, gym issues or other problems at any time. Games are typically rescheduled ASAP and can be played on any day of the week.
15. What if we have a family vacation scheduled during the season?
Basketball requires significant preparation and practice as well as a strong commitment to the team. Family vacations during the season are highly discouraged. Depending upon team rules, playing time may be impacted due to the time your player misses while on vacation. You are encouraged to schedule your vacations prior to or after the season to avoid any loss of playing time. If you must schedule a family vacation during the season, please inform your head coach as soon as possible to understand how your team is impacted. Forfeits by teams during the season will incur fines that can range between $250-$500 per occurance.
16. What if my child decides after signing up that he does not like basketball and wants to quit? What is the refund policy?
The PARKER YOUTH SPORTS REGISTRATION REFUND POLICY is on the Hawks Home Page for further details.
17. Who can be a coach?
Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to be a head coach or an assistant coach. All coaching candidates will go through a recertification process. The process involves undergoing a background check and completing an interview with the Hawks Basketball board. All Hawks coaches are required to attend any mandated yearly AYL coach trainings and are encouraged to attend any local coaching clinics if they can as well. All Hawks Basketball head coaches will be evaluated annually both by their parents/players on their team as well as the Hawks Basketball representative. Retention as a Hawks Basketball head coach is offered on a year to year basis based on these evaluations.
18. How can I help?
There are many volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering your time to the Hawks organization, please contact us at: basketball@parkerhawks.org or admin@parkerhawks.org
19. Can I bring a team or a partial team to Hawks?
Depending on the timing of the discussion/request we are usually able to accept full or partial teams. If you are interested in doing this, please contact the Hawks basketball director at basketball@parkerhawks.org for more information.
20. If I have additional questions who do I contact?
Sean Farley, Basketball Director
basketball@parkerhawks.org or Kristy Thomas admin@parkerhawks.org