Article Contributed on: 11/15/2008 2:03:29 PM
The City of Brighton Recreation Center is currently taking sign ups for their youth basketball program for 2009. The age groups are 6-7 year old (coed), 8-9 year old (boys and girls teams), 10 year old (boys and girls teams) and 11-12 year old (boys and girls teams). There also sign ups for volunteer coaches to cover the large number of teams expected. Volunteer officials are also needed to help the program.
The city program for basketball is a solidly structured one where all kids are guaranteed to play. It is a purely recreational environment where emphasis is on skill basics and FUN. Kids of all skill levels are encouraged to sign up. Practices are scheduled for 2 evenings during the week for each age group at specified locations set up by the school district and the Rec Center, with games held on Saturdays. Game locations vary for each age group so contact the Rec Center, (303-655-2200) for additional info. The first practices will be scheduled after the coaches meeting the first week of January with the first games played on the second Saturday in January. Once the rosters are set and in the coach's hands, they will be contacting the parents with the specifics.
Youth sports coordinator for the City of Brighton,
John Krumpholz, is looking forward to another banner year in 2009. "We have some of the best volunteer coaches that have been with the program for a lot of years and our officials are certified and well versed in the rules of the game. The number of boys and girls signing up has increased each year. At the moment I am looking at a base figure of approximately 600+ kids signing up for the basketball program alone."
A new wrinkle has been added this season to help a little in the sign up process. John adds, "I'm allowing coach requests from the child and /or parents for the 2009 season. I have had so many in the past for all my sports, that I felt it would not be a detriment to the program. It is good to have some familiarity and comfort for the parents and kids as it will keep them involved in the program and coming back." The issue of "stacking a team" isn't much of a concern due to the moving of kids into another age group or the aging out of the program at the 11-12 age group. It is the responsibility of the coaches to keep that aspect of it in check. John and his staff will also keep a close eye on things where that issue is concerned. Questions or concerns can be taken by John (Tue.- Sat., 8 AM-4 PM) or the Rec Center staff at 303-655-2200, (main desk, 7 AM to close)." This is strictly a recreational program, so no standings are kept and the scores are tossed out once the game is over.
There will always be the competitive side that comes out, but it is the responsibility of the coaches and parents to be sure that the Fun, recreational aspect of the game is first and fore most in the minds of the kids."
Sign ups will close out on December 11th so the time is now to get in and get your son's and daughter's signed up into the basketball program. For any information or questions concerning the Basketball and other programs available, please contact the Brighton Recreation Center at 303-655-2200.