Howell Jr Highlanders (Boys & Girls)

 Program Info and FAQ's

• Goal – Provide a quality, competitive atmosphere and learning environment for the Boys and Girls of the Howell school district.  Prepare the student-athlete for success at the high school level.
• Who is Eligible – Students who attend or reside within the Howell school district. Students must maintain a C average or better. 
• How many players comprise a team?  10 players is ideal, but teams could be between 8-12 players. 
• Games – Each coach will select a league which best suits their grade, talent and experience level.  If funds permit, each coach may enter their team into tournaments. 
• Location – Typically the leagues and tournaments are within 30 minutes of Howell.
• Cost – Varies depending on the cost of league, number of tournaments scheduled and uniforms.  Typically $300 per player covers the cost of an 10 player team, which includes leagues, 1 tournament and full uniform. 
• Funds Due – A deposit is due immediately upon making a team.   Checks should be made out to "Howell Jr. Highlanders". Please pay your coach the balance due within 14 days of the tryout date.  There are no refunds for league or uniforms if a player quits, a uniform is sized, or cannot play (injury, grades, illness, etc.).
• Practices – We typically practice twice per week.  Therefore, it is expected that the players make every effort to attend practice.  If a player repeatedly misses practices it will impact their playing time in games. A player must contact their coach if they will miss a game or practice.
• Season –
• Girls Grades 4, 5, and 6 typically run November through February.  Grades 7/8 begin  in early October and typically run through December. 7th and 8th Grade Middle School teams start in January.
• Boys Grades 4, 5, and 6 typically run from early November through mid-March.  7th and 8th Grade begin after the middle school season and typically run from early January through mid-March.
• Playing Time – This can be an issue.  In several grades we will have two teams.  Within those teams the goal is to play everyone equally, however, the program is designed to provide a more competitive atmosphere than CBC, YMCA or Parks & Rec programs.  We will try to win the games and tournaments.  The younger grades (4^th-6^th) will adhere closer to the equal play philosophy, while older grades (7^th-8^th) may not.  Please do not judge one game as a season.
• Coaches – All are voluntary and have experience.  They will do their best for the team as a whole.  If you have a coaching issue that cannot be resolved by talking with the respective coach you may contact Dave Kraft (Program Director).  Please utilize the "24 hour rule" to discuss coach/player issues.  Often an issue can be resolved by talking with your child first.
• Can a player play up a grade level?  No, unless they are trying to make the 4^th grade team.  After that, once in the program all players must play their grade level.
• Is this an AAU program?  No.  We do not recruit or allow players from other districts.  We consider ourselves more of a “club” with all players residing within the Howell school district.  Our goal is to improve the overall quality of Howell basketball.
• Tryout Results – Players will be notified immediately after tryouts whether they have been offered a spot on a team. 
• Can a player play between teams?  Typically no.  Consideration may be given if a team needs a player to compete (i.e. due to illness a team has a game but can only dress 4 players) or for tournaments. Some leagues require a fixed roster and players will not be able to "dual roster".
• Correspondence -  You must provide an e-mail that is accurate and read at least daily.
• Commitment – If your child is selected it is expected to be their core sport for this season, and  your commitment to this Travel Program is very important.  Practices and Games are #1 during this season.
• Clock/Scorebook – Involvement by parents will be requested whether you do it for the season or you alternate.
• Man-to-Man – Is our game, we will play limited zone defense.