2021 MORRIS MEMORIAL

BASKETBALL PROGRAM (Tentative)

This season, the Morris Memorial is tentatively planning to offer a skills and fitness based basketball program.  Our organization is facing many challenges this year resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please carefully read through the important season details below should we make the decision to proceed this winter.  

*IMPORTANT* – As an organization, we have not fully committed to offering this program.  As cases continue to rise, and with school districts waiting for further scholastic basketball guidance, we are organizing our season with hopes to roll out our program after the new year.  

Cost:

• To be determined depending on season layout.  
• Scholarships available on an assisted lunch program basis. Please contact Michael West:

Chatham Students Only:

As a safety measure, we are not allowing registration by students outside of the CCSD.

No School Gym Use:

Due to the current CCSD policy of not allowing any outside organization’s use of school facilities, we are limited to providing a program in the Morris Memorial’s small gymnasium this season.

No Spectators:

Parents will not be allowed to stay at the Morris facility during practices because of capacity limitations in our small facility.  People allowed:  Coaches, assistant coaches, team parents and players.  All adult volunteers must complete a background check ahead of season.

No Games:

Using an abundance of caution and following NYS guidelines for “high risk” sport, of which basketball is categorized, we will not be playing actual basketball games this season. 

Instead, coaches will be provided with lesson plans that will assist them in leading players through a series of skill and fitness activities specific to the sport of basketball.  Skills learned will be incorporated into a variety of games that will help players apply what they’ve learned in a fun and competitive manner to provide players with a positive experience.  (ex. Relay races, team shooting competitions, etc.)

Ball For Every Player:

Each player will receive their own basketball for the season to help avoid equipment sharing.  Players will be in charge of their ball for the season, taking it to each practice and then home with them.  Players will keep their ball at the end of the season.  Team Jerseys will not be included in this year’s program. 

We need your help!  (Parents can register themselves to a role during online player registration)

• Coach: Lead assigned team through practices following provided lesson plans – modifying as necessary.  Create a fun, educational and meaningful basketball experience for every team player by providing players with enthusiasm and feedback. – Receives 1 free registration.
• Team Parent: Check in players & disinfection protocol after practices.
• Assistant Coach: Without games and with more instruction, coaches will greatly benefit from parents becoming involved during practices.  Even if you are not a basketball player, assisting in ways such as helping to enforce coaching directions, helping small groups through tasks / games, and setup / pickup will be extremely helpful in managing practices.

Teams:

Each team will practice in our gymnasium separately to ensure capacity restrictions are met.  Teams will be limited to 8-10 players.  How we break teams down will depend on how many players register for the program from each grade level.  We may make teams by grade level or we may combine two grade levels as in past seasons – we will have to wait and make that determination as registrations are received. 

Tentative Schedule: 

Each practice would be scheduled for 45minutes.  This includes both Saturday and weekday practices.

Weekday Practices: 

Each team will be provided with a weekday evening practice time at the Morris Memorial.  This schedule would be established in part by volunteer coaching availability.

Drop off / Pick up:

• No spectators allowed.
• Parents may walk their child in for check-in, but will not be permitted to remain in the facility during practice.
• Players may also be dropped off without being accompanied inside by an adult. If coaches are present inside, the front door will be open.
• Parents may enter the building to pick up their child after practice.
• Parents must wear a mask any time while inside the Morris Memorial.

COVID Protocols for Athletes:

• Upon arrival, players will have their temperature checked using a touchless thermometer as part of their check- in for the day’s practice.
• Players must wear a mask at all times inside of the Morris unless they are having difficulty breathing.
• Each player will be provided with their own basketball. Players will be in charge of keeping their basketball between practices and bringing it with them to each practice. 
• Players must bring their own water as our drinking fountain is not in use.
• If a player or family member of that player has known contact with someone who has contracted the COVID-19 virus, parents must notify Michael West, Morris Director, immediately.
• If your child is not feeling well, please have them stay home.