We’ve heard from a few parents of players in the Girls Under 13s and Under 17s comps that the 4:15pm games will be difficult/impossible for some parents and coaches to get to.
We discussed this issue at our most recent committee meeting, and wanted to share the response we gave one parent in order to provide some transparency about the predicament the comp is in at the moment, and what our options are.
To cut a long story short, the 4:15pm time slot is a challenge for all parents, we get that, no more or less for the 13s than the 17s, or any of the teams that play there.
Parents have to work whether their kids are 8 or 15.
But because the BARC closes at 9:30pm, we have to start games at 4:15 if we are able to fit in all the games and be out by then.
Tuesday and Wednesday are the only midweek evenings the basketball comp has access to all three courts. (Monday is soccer, Thursday is volleyball, and Friday is badminton.)
Conscious that the 4:15 time slot would be a problem for both the 13s and the 17s, we made an effort to at least share the load this season, so all parents would have some respite from the challenge of getting off work early. Trying to do the fairest thing for the most number of people.
We can see that’s not the ideal solution for all parents, and recognise that.
So, what are our options? The committee knows starting that early is a problem and is exploring what solutions might be available.
Here’s a few – some of them are terrible, some are very unlikely ideas, but others might be feasible if enough members are keen.
- Shorten the games by 5-10 mins so we can start later and still be done before 9:30. Not sure people would be keen on this.
- See if the BARC will stay open 30 mins later. That would require a well-organised community ask, but may not be feasible for them. We are asking them about this at the moment.
- There are two courts available (1 and 3) on Friday evenings after 6. We have heard from some parents that they aren’t keen on Friday nights, but if enough parents would prefer playing then to a 4:15 game on a Wednesday, then that’s an option.
I’ve laid these options out for you because we genuinely want the input of the parents and members in order to make the best decisions for the comp (and also so you can see the limits and considerations we are working with.) We’re all in this together.
Of course, the bigger picture is that we need more courts (and referees!) Be sure to encourage your councillors or MP to find funding for a new facility!
We’re keen to hear what parents think about Friday evenings, or any of the other options mentioned above.
Reach out to the BDABA committee at bdaba.com.au/contact/