Calwest Basketball is a volunteer run, non-profit organization that provides basketball training and competition for boys and girls ages 7 to 18. We are a member of the Calgary Minor Basketball Association (CMBA). We have both highly competitive and purely recreational level teams and believe in equal playing time for all.
Our Mission:
To provide a fun and challenging environment for children of all skill levels to learn and develop their basketball skills.
Our Goal:
To develop sportsmanship, basketball skills, teamwork, life skills, competitiveness, and a love of the game of basketball for all our players.
Our Players:
Calgary West Basketball is a non-profit volunteer organization. Our primary goal is to accommodate every player who wishes to play but the number of players accepted each year may be limited by the number of gym times available to us and by the number of volunteer coaches and administrators available. In seasons where registration exceeds the number of teams available, priority is given to families who have volunteered for Calgary West Basketball in the past or currently, priority is then on a first come first serve basis. We do not give priority to players based on ability.
U11/U13/U15 Boys and Girls:
The Calwest Basketball Season runs from September to early March with teams playing one game per week on Saturday (occasionally Friday evenings for the older age groups) and practicing one or two times per week (most teams will practice once per week). Games are scheduled by Calgary Minor Basketball and are therefore played at locations throughout the city. Please refer to the "General Information / Practice Gym Addresses" tab of this website for a listing of Calwest practice gyms. Players aged 9 to18 years participate in evaluations where they will be placed on teams with players of similar skill and experience (there are no "cuts".) All teams will participate in a seeding round to ensure they will be competing in divisions with other teams of similar skill and ability. Players and teams competing with similar players and teams ensures maximum fun and skill development! Every team will play in divisional playoffs at the end of the season, with teams in Divisions 'A' having the potential opportunity to compete in the Youth Provincials.
Note that practice days/times/locations will be set at the end of September for the U11, U13, U15 and High School age groups - after evaluations and the determination of teams. Please take note of our withdrawal/refund policy in the "Registration Information" section of this website: most notably, withdrawals after evaluations have been completed will not be considered for a refund.
The U18 High School age groups (15 to 17 years) have two abbreviated seasons in order to allow these players to try out for their high school teams. The first season runs from September to early November and the second, Winter, season will run from January to March for players who do not play on their high school teams.
Please Note - If you are U15 player, in high school, and plan on playing for your high school team, you must register for the U18 High School division (Sept-Nov season only). ASAA rules prohibit players to play for another club/organization while playing high school basketball.
Our Tyke program, for 7 & 8 year olds, is a great introduction to basketball with an emphasis on fun and basketball fundamentals. This weekly one-hour program runs mainly on Saturday mornings (with rotating start times) with the odd Monday and Friday night (depending on gym availability) from late September to February. There are separate divisions for boys and girls. Each one hour session consists of 30 minutes of skill introduction and development and 30 minutes of "scrimmaging" (non-competitive games.) It is not necessary to evaluate Tyke players as this is a non-competitive, development program. Each player will receive a team T-shirt and basketball which they will be able to keep.
Basketball is a team sport so players are expected to attend all games and practices.
CMBA Participation Agreement:
It is a requirement of the CMBA and the Calwest Basketball Association that all parents and players read and agree to the CMBA participation agreement. This agreement will be incorporated into Calwest's online registration process.
Uniform & Volunteer Requirements:
As the Calwest Basketball Association is a volunteer run organization it is required that every player provides a volunteer to Calwest. A detailed list of volunteer positions and descriptions are found on the Calwest Website. At the time of registration parents may check off specific areas of interest to them.
Your child will be provided with a Calwest uniform. Do not put the uniform in the dryer. Uniforms must only be worn for games only, not for practices or for other recreation.
Calwest's volunteer/uniform deposit is $100. Should no one from the player's family volunteer in any capacity, then we will process a $100 charge to the credit card used for online registration. Likewise, your credit card will be charged at the end of the season if your child's uniform is lost, or is not returned in good condition.
Consequences:
The Calwest Basketball Association reserves the right to refuse registration to any player or family that does not abide by the rules and policies of Calwest and the CMBA, or has not respected the rights of other players, coaches, volunteers or officials of Calwest Basketball and the CMBA, or has in any way abused equipment and facilities.
The Calwest Basketball Association also reserves the right to ask a player or family to withdraw from the program, without refund, for serious or continuous violations of CMBA or Calwest Basketball rules and policies by either players or family members.
Gymnasiums :
There is a significant shortage of gym space in our area of the city. Abuse or misuse of gym equipment can lead to Calwest Basketball losing the right to rent a gym in the future.
Without gym space the number of teams and players is limited and fewer players get to play!!
Please ensure all players, parents, and coaches, abide by these rules:
1. Water is the only beverage allowed in the gyms.
Do not provide juice, Powerade, or any other beverages with sugar in it for players and spectators. Parents please do not bring coffee, etc. into the gymnasium area.
2. Wear clean, appropriate footwear.
Shoes worn on the basketball court should not be worn outside. Soiled shoes from players or spectators, including siblings and parents are a slip hazard during games and practices
and may damage the floor. Players, parents, siblings and other spectators should remove outdoor footwear at the front door.
3. Treat the facilities with respect.
Calwest rents the gymnasium, only. Players, parents and siblings must not be wandering around any other part of the facility, bouncing balls or playing with any other items outside of the
gymnasium. Do not climb on or use school facilities or equipment outside of the gymnasium space. Do not let children into the washrooms unattended.
Please refer to the "Venues" tab of our website for a listing of Calwest's practice gyms.
Additional Tips for Parents:
Be appreciative of the time spent by others for your children. The coaches and other volunteers will feel more positive about their efforts if they get proper feedback from parents. If you have any concern, please talk to your coaches first. If an issue is not resolved feel free to contact your division co-ordinator or Mark Rideout (President).
Please be timely when dropping off and picking up your children for games and practices. If you know you are going to be late please let your coaches know in advance or make arrangements with another parent. Coaches are often held up waiting for parents after games and practices.
Try to attend as many games as possible to cheer on your child's team. Learn to keep score or be a timekeeper for games. There are instructions in the coaches CMBA handbook or on the CMBA website.
Try to attend some practices, especially at the younger age groups. We prefer at least two adults in the gyms at all times. It is hard to maintain discipline and teach players without parent supervision. Ask the coach what you can do to help, or think about being an assistant coach. It's a great way to spend time with your child, and get fit too.
Dress regulations:
All jewelry and watches are strictly prohibited at games and practices. This is a safety rule. Players must also have running shoes on to participate in practices and games. Uniform tops are to be tucked in. If a player wears a t-shirt under their uniform, the t-shirt must be white.