Welcome TO the Lady cardinal's basketball

Lady Cardinals FAQ's

HOW MANY TEAMS WILL THERE BE?

We will host 1 or 2 teams, occasionally 3 or 4 teams, in each grade level.  The number of teams formed is determined during the tryout season.  We form teams when we have the appropriate level of competitive talent and experienced and qualified coaches who fit the Lady Cardinal philosophy.   

HOW ARE PLAYERS SELECTED?

Players are selected by a committee of coaches who lead the tryouts.  Players who demonstrate they are ready for travel level competition will be selected for upper-level competition.    For grades 7th through 11th, players are selected according to ability and commitment.   

When there are multiple teams in each age group, where developmentally appropriate and logistically possible, the teams will practice and work together as an academy.  If players are selected for a team within an academy, they may be given opportunities to play on a different inter-club team for leagues or tournaments. We believe this approach provides players the opportunity to build confidence and to develop and mature specific tactical or technical skills by playing on different teams with different skill levels allowing game-condition focus on skill areas needing development.  As the competition and skill level of tournaments or league increases, so will the criteria for playing on the teams that participate in them.  Selection to participate in those events will be mainly for the players that have demonstrated the commitment and ability to compete at the highest level.  Player skill, availability, development goal and tournament strength are key factors in determining the number of teams, player placement and player invitations to specific tournaments.  We will strive to take as many teams as possible to National, Regional, State and Local Tournaments. Any and all teams, if the coach feels it is developmentally appropriate, may participate in appropriate level National, Regional or State Tournaments.

For our highest-level team, Elite, players are selected by invitation and recruitment only.   Elite teams are only offered at the high school grade levels. 

HOW AND WHEN ARE PLAYERS NOTIFIED OF TEAM SELECTIONS?

Players selected to a team will be notified after the tryout or will receive notification by email from the coach.   Team selections begin after the last tryout date for the grade level.  Please continue to check primary and secondary email in-boxes for these emails.

Because players are selected in team order, the selection process can take up to a week, sometimes longer.   Coaches do their best to notify players as quickly as possible, but patience is required.

Once all team selections are completed for a grade level, an email will be sent from our Program Manager, notifying players that grade level team selections are complete.   Any player not selected for a team is encouraged to participate in our training sessions, Lady Cardinal Skills Academy, which are held every season.  Our Skills Academy is led by the top coaches and trainers and the best way for players to develop their technical and tactical skills sets and prepare for the next tryout season.  

HOW IS PLAYING TIME AND POSITION DETERMINED?

Players are guaranteed to play, on average, a minimum of 20% of each league or tournament game, and 40% of each scrimmage.   This minimum playing time may be adjusted higher based on the level of the specific team in the club.  If a coach sees fit to raise this minimum, it will be communicated to the team at the beginning of a season. All playing time concerns must be addressed by the player to the coach.  Additional playing time in league games will be determined based on:  1) Commitment, 2) Fitness, 3) Attitude, 4) Effort, and 5) Contribution to outcome of the game being played. 

WHAT IS THE COMMITMENT REQUIRED?

Coaches will discuss commitment expectations when offering players spots on a team.  We support and encourage athletes to play other sports, but during the spring season, which is the in-season for travel basketball, Lady Cardinal program expects full commitment from each player selected to a team.  Lady Cardinal program expects full commitment from each player selected to a team.  

WHEN AND WHERE ARE PRACTICES?

Practice schedules are not  determined until Director of the Lady Cardinals receives primary allocation of gym space and signed contracts. Often, this does not happen until a week prior to the start of the season. The number of practices and the requirement for attendance at practices and games will necessitate a very high degree of flexibility as well as dedication on the part of all team players and their parents.  If a player is selected and cannot make such a commitment, please do not accept a spot on the team. If you are accepted on the team and cannot maintain your commitments to the team, the coach may limit your playing time to reflect your level of commitment. 

WHEN AND WHERE ARE GAMES?

Coaches will provide tentative tournament schedules upon selection to a team.   In general, tournament schedules are not available until a few days before tournament start.  

In the summer, some teams play a combination of tournaments and leagues.  This will consist of weeknight and weekend play, both local and overnight.  

HOW MUCH DOES IS COST?

$150 Lady Cardinal Commitment Fee, due upon selection to a team.   This fee confirms player acceptance to join the team and must be paid within 24 hours of acceptance.  Failure to pay may result in release of roster spot.  This fee covers the administrative and operational expenses of the organization, including background checks, safety certifications, insurance, AAU, YBOA, and NAYS membership, etc. 

$110 Uniform Fee, due when uniform is ordered.

$450 - $950 Team Fees, due within two weeks of first practice.   To keep team fees as low as possible, team fees are determined by the coach and vary from team to team.  The fees are dependent upon the number of players selected, the number of practices per week, the tournaments selected, and coach and trainer fees.  Coaches will provide families with an estimate of team fees when inviting players to join a team. 

DO TEAMS FUNDRAISE?

Teams may fundraise to offset some of the team expenses.  As a member of a team, every player is expected to volunteer and participate in any fundraising activity. 

Financial refunds

Please be aware that financial refunds will not be given to any player, their family or associated person, partner, colleague or alike should the player choose to leave their Lady Cardinal team. Your acceptance of a place on this team is an opportunity many others would like to have, and all team fees are calculated on a per player basis. Therefore, you are expected to take financial responsibility for any monies owed to the team prior to your departure.  No refunds of any type will be given should you choose to break your commitment to the team. This includes corporate and/or individual donations and funds raised. Donations given to individuals are for the purpose of covering expenses while that player is on the team. If the player leaves the team, no monies paid, donated, or raised will be refunded.

If you have questions about team expectations that have not been answered here, please contact Program Manager, Keith Coleman, coachcolemen32@gmail.com .