1. Should schools have 6th, 7th and 8th grade teams?

 

2. How many players is a good number to have on each of these teams?

 

3. Do a lot of schools tend to force kids to play up in order to be able to fill out a roster even though this effects their ability to compete?

 

4. What should the goal be for each team (win, player development or everyone plays a set amount of time to keep everyone happy?)

 

Just curious to know what people think about these.

1. Should schools have 6th, 7th and 8th grade teams?

 

2. How many players is a good number to have on each of these teams?

 

3. Do a lot of schools tend to force kids to play up in order to be able to fill out a roster even though this effects their ability to compete?

 

4. What should the goal be for each team (win, player development or everyone plays a set amount of time to keep everyone happy?)

 

Just curious to know what people think about these.

 

1. I think that starting at the 6th grade level makes sense. Some schools do not (Highlands) and I am not sure why.

2. 10-12, any more than that and some kids will never see the court. Some schools (Campbell County) field two teams to allow more participation.

3. IMO, no kid should ever be forced to play up. In order to maximize the benefit, it needs to be a mutual decision between the kid, parents and program.

4. Player development should be the primary focus in practice but I think that you play to win. In crunch time, the best 5 should be on the court. If you are not happy with that, then find a rec team or work harder on your own.

1. Should schools have 6th, 7th and 8th grade teams?

 

2. How many players is a good number to have on each of these teams?

 

3. Do a lot of schools tend to force kids to play up in order to be able to fill out a roster even though this effects their ability to compete?

 

4. What should the goal be for each team (win, player development or everyone plays a set amount of time to keep everyone happy?)

 

Just curious to know what people think about these.

 

These are good questions.

 

1. Yes schools should have 6-8 teams and we all know Highlands doesn't field a 6th grade team which is a JOKE.

 

2. 11-12 maximum. I think they should field 2 teams in each grade and take your A-club and go play in the conference and a B-club and let a parent or volunteer coach them in another type of league. I know SOAS has a school league. Keeping 15-16 kids is a waste. With 6 minute qtrs the kids if they all do play will hardly play any minutes and it hurts the top 7 kids' playing time. Much time is spent in practice also leaning against the wall watching.

 

3. I don't think schools force kids to do anything but the coach will certainly request for them to play up. In the end its the parents' decision.

 

4. I think if they would go with the Team A and Team B format then player development should be the focus for both teams as well as trying to win. I am not opposed to kids developing over winning at these ages but I am opposed to kids only seeing the floor 8 out of 24 minutes because the coach feels like they should play all 14 or 15 kids. The only way you get better is to keep playing and playing. Trying to please every kid and every parent is never going to work. IMO at this age if you have to go through cuts then the goal should be to try and win and use practice time for development of all players. Without sounding like a win at all costs type person, I do feel that by the time you reach 8th grade you either have skills to develop or you don't.

There has been a lot said on here about schools not having 6th grade teams. The best thing I can tell you is call the school and find out Why!

Highlands nor Beechwood has a 6th Grade team, maybe it is for the same reason!!

How about the association thay receive academic accreditation through and their rules. Southern Association and their rules. It's about that and most parents would go for that, rather than 6th grade school sponsered sports. Make the call!!

NKY Catholic Schools only Field 7 & 8, except for IHM which starts at 5th grade. Most carry 9 to 11 on each team but, 11 is hard to work with in most close games.

 

Most private schools also field as many "B" teams as they can fill to allow as many as possible to play. These teams are usually coached by a parent and play a limited schedule.

There has been a lot said on here about schools not having 6th grade teams. The best thing I can tell you is call the school and find out Why!

Highlands nor Beechwood has a 6th Grade team, maybe it is for the same reason!!

How about the association thay receive academic accreditation through and their rules. Southern Association and their rules. It's about that and most parents would go for that, rather than 6th grade school sponsered sports. Make the call!!

 

Greenup County does not sponsor football or basketball at the 6th grade level. The kids play for the Junior league which sponsors programs from 2 to 6 grade.

1. Should schools have 6th, 7th and 8th grade teams?

 

2. How many players is a good number to have on each of these teams?

 

3. Do a lot of schools tend to force kids to play up in order to be able to fill out a roster even though this effects their ability to compete?

 

4. What should the goal be for each team (win, player development or everyone plays a set amount of time to keep everyone happy?)

 

Just curious to know what people think about these.

 

1. If the Middle School contains the 6th, 7th and 8th grade, there should be teams at each level. I would understand the lack of a 6th grade team if that grade was in the elementary schools.

 

Fort Thomas Independent moved the 6th grade to the new Middle School several years ago but did not start athletic programs for these kids, thus keeping it as it was when the 6th graders were housed at the 3 local elementary schools. Parents have asked the question for years. The answers have ranged from there is no gym time, there aren't the funds, there is not enough interest, etc... The good news is that there are enough involved parents to ensure that the kids have an opportunity to compete in rec and competitive leagues throughout N Ky and Greater Cinti.

 

2. Twelve. A managable number for both practices and games.

 

3. I don't think kids are forced to play up. I think when asked it is considered an honor and a boost to the ego (parent and child). I think way too many kids are asked to do so. There is nothing wrong with playing with your grade especially at Middle School age. The difference in the physical development of these kids 6th vs. 7th and 7th vs. 8th can be huge. It is even a larger difference for girls. I have seen several girls become disinterested after being asked to compete against girls so much physically their superior. If the kids are asked to play up to fill out a roster, it may be more beneficial to not field a team at one grade level and keep the majority of kids at grade level.

 

4. You play to win the game, that's why we keep score and why we have an end of season seeded tournament. Players are developed in practice and in the offseason. How many kids are we trying to develop? As the kids move up grade levels, the numbers shrink. You can only expect a max of 5 or 6 kids per class to compete as varsity players. The games I have seen this year at the Middle School level have mostly been one sided. The kids aren't developing because of the minutes played in these games, they are benefiting from the 4 or 5 days a week of practice.

Highlands has girl's 6th grade teams. Why not on the boys side?

Highlands has girl's 6th grade teams. Why not on the boys side?

 

Huh???????????

NKY Catholic Schools only Field 7 & 8, except for IHM which starts at 5th grade.

 

My son played on a 3rd grade team in a NKY Catholic Grade school last year in the IHM league against many other like teams. Heritage also has a league.

 

Beechwood, fields teams starting in 3rd grade as well.

My son played on a 3rd grade team in a NKY Catholic Grade school last year in the IHM league against many other like teams. Heritage also has a league.

 

Beechwood, fields teams starting in 3rd grade as well.

 

I was thinking he was referring to "A" teams. Pius used to only have 7th and 8th grade A teams but added 6th a few years ago. They have teams starting in 3rd grade. When I coached I believe Pius had about 35 teams.

10 kids on the A team MAX and you better plan on playing all 10. If you're not going to play them don't put them on the A team. Let them play B team ball and get better.

 

Focus is a mainly getting better (see above). If it's a non-playoff/tourney game it's about getting better. If it's a tourney game them I'm cool with winning being the focus.

 

Too many coaches try to validate themselves as basketball experts by focusing on winning.

Highlands has girl's 6th grade teams. Why not on the boys side?

 

I think this thread got merged. HHS has 6,7,8 teams for sometime.