Some suggestions for VYBA board, participants

A Spectrum, by Ken and Mary Hutchinson

We would like to take this opportunity to make some suggestions to past and present Valley Youth Basketball Association (VYBA) board members and to address the participants -- kids, coaches, parents, etc. -- of this year's 2001-2002 season.

Some of these suggestions may sound familiar, but were not followed as originally established prior to season start:

Make upcoming election ballots accessible and equally distributed to the community.

Select nominees for positions based upon the number of votes received from submitted election ballots from the whole community. Have election ballot counts performed by unbiased people, such as the older participants [kids] of this program.

Make the attempt to communicate with the community and notify them of all upcoming events related to the association.

Avoid any closed or unadvertised board meetings. Give advance notification and encourage the community to attend and get involved.

Promote a newsletter that doesn't segregate fund raising for specific schools or events -- this is a nonprofit and non-school affiliated program.

Set rules that will promote equality for all participating teams, and stick by them.

Place kids equally, based upon their age and grade.

Don't allow hand picking of teams by coaches, parents and especially board members.

Don't allow selections of teams based upon school district zoning. We have enough problems with school zoning issues in our community already.

Allow volunteer coaches to randomly draw their team players -- other than their own child -- at the initial meeting scheduled for all coaches of that grade level and age group. Coach information packets can be prepared in advance, with the exception of team players.

Equally allocate practice time [gym use] among all teams.

Give coaches a copy of all rules and regulations, game and practice schedules prior to entering into a season.

If you're going to create an older age bracket division -- which is a great idea -- plan and implement this or any other new program at the beginning of the season and promote it openly and accordingly.

Ban any promotions based upon school affiliations, unless sanctioned by the school, borough and the entire league.

Appointed directors and board members should act as unbiased supporters and offer their assistance to all parents and children without showing prejudice or preference. Which should include not refereeing games, score keeping or even coaching teams unless a shortage occurs.

Don't allow appointed officers-board members to officiate any games where their children are participating.

Referees could be high school-appointed students, and given proper preseason training by outside experienced individuals.

Teams should not be allowed to stage grandstand entries upon arriving at the game, such as music intros, school cheers. Again, this is a non-school related activity and should be treated as such. Besides, it's really tacky and shows poor sportsmanship.

Award one M.V.P. for each team, thus creating an "All-Star Team" compiled of top players from every team. Two nominees to be selected by their teammates and voted on by all coaches in that division. This method could be used for other awards also, such as sportsmanship.

All teams and parents in a division should attend closing ceremonies and be recognized and praised for their achievements and efforts equally.

Don't allow directors and officers of the association to vote for any selection of player or team achievement awards.

Publicly thank each and every one for their support and assistance in a successful season. Awards or recognition should not be given unless agreed upon by the whole league.

Most importantly, always keep in mind that this league was created as a fun, nonprofit, non-school related, safe and healthy alternative activity for our children to learn proper sportsmanship through healthy competition and to have an opportunity to make new friends.

We parents are contributing -- not just financially -- for the support of this league as a whole, not for individual schools or teams.

A lot of hurt and disappointment by many children, parents and coaches alike has resulted from what transpired this season, but, hopefully, by initiating rules/guidelines such as the suggestions above, we can avoid a repeat of the pitfalls that were allowed to occur this 2001-2002 season.

Most of all, we as coaches, volunteers, parents and friends want all participating kids to know that we think all of you are the best, deserve to be truly recognized for your personal achievements, are very proud of you and support all of you 100 percent, regardless of what school you attend. After all, this is what the Valley Youth Basketball League is supposed to be all about -- positive support for our children, promotion of good sportsmanship, development of the team concept while improving your personal best, an opportunity to make new friends and most importantly, having fun!

Ken Hutchinson and Mary Hutchinson are proud parents, previous coaches, volunteers, lifelong Alaskans, and lifelong Valley residents.