Baseball
We separate our players by age but acknowledge that some may need to be moved into a group that is more appropriate for their level of ability. Parents are encouraged to discuss concerns with organizers. Players will be issued a uniform which is to be worn at all games. Teams will not have more than 12 players. Each player is assigned a buddy for the game who assists them. Their job is to: •Protect the players •Assist the players, but only as needed allowing the player the opportunity to play as much as possible. •Encourage players and keep them engaged in the game. For players who require specific attention, a parent or aid is asked to participate and provide the above. There are two innings per game. •Each player bats once per inning, either from a pitch or a T, until they hit the ball •Each player runs the bases and scores in each inning •No one strikes out and no outs are called. Game times run from 45 minutes to an hour. Coaches use age and ability appropriate equipment. Balls are typically the soft, wiffle type for the younger groups and padded soft-core for the older teams. Coaches will huddle kids before the game for a cheer and organize a ‘high five’ line opposite their opponent at the end of the game as an example of good sportsmanship. Parents are encouraged to cheer for all players.
Basketball
Due to the large differences in the athletic and skill levels exhibited by the athletes in Playmakers Basketball, modifications are made to the basic rules in order to facilitate team play, encourage participation, and to aid teaching skills, game concepts and sportsmanship. The specific rule modifications for Playmakers are: •The health and safety of the athletes is the most important consideration of the League. Coaches shall ensure that the games are conducted in a safe manner. •Athletes shall not wear any jewelry (e.g., rings, earrings, necklaces) during practices or games. Players must wear athletic shoes on the court. •Total court time is 60 minutes and will be used as approximately as follows: o5 minute Stretching o15 minutes of practice with water breaks, as needed. o10 minute period o3 minute water break o10 minute period o3 minute water break o10 minute period oEnd of game -High five line A timeout will be called at the midpoint of each period for a water break and substitutions. Otherwise, the clock will run continuously throughout each quarter with the exception of injuries or situations deemed necessary by the referee or Athletic Director. •At the start of the season, games will be played on a half court. As the season progresses, the coach will evaluate player skills and will likely switch to full court games especially for the older divisions. •Coaching will be done from the court if necessary. Only one coach from each team (acting as referees) is allowed on the court. Assistant coaches will engage players sitting on the bench, verbally teaching basketball basics and strategies. •If an athlete is injured, the health and safety of the athlete is the most important consideration. A substitution will be made immediately and the injured athlete attended to on the sideline. •The ball will be put into play at the start of each period by alternating teams. •The offensive team must complete a minimum of two touches by different athletes before shooting the ball. The primary intent of this rule is to foster team play and prevent a single skilled athlete from dominating a game. Coaches should work diligently to ensure that all athletes touch the ball and have an opportunity to shoot a basket. All player will play a minimum of two periods in each game. •A parent or assistant coach will be responsible for keeping score and time. Prior to beginning the game, the opposing coaches will agree on the official timer. Dominating Team/Athlete. While every attempt will be made to balance the talents of players, conditions may arise where one team dominates another. Lopsided scores are counter to the purpose and goals of Playmakers. At the same time, the League does not want to discourage athletes from participating because they are too talented. This will require coordination between the coaches, as well as each coach employing strategies to expand the role of talented athletes beyond scoring all of the team's points. The coaches will work together to avoid large separations in the score.
Dance
Many parents had observed their children relating to and expressing themselves best through music and dance. We began our program for that reason and while it is structured, it is also fun. Our instructor gauges the ability of each group and choreographs a dance routine that fits their abilities. Dancers are taught a series of steps and moves set to music the children recognize and like. Each session begins with warm-up stretches. These also serve as body awareness lessons which differentiate, for instance, the right arm vs. the left and up vs out. Moves are repeated as much as necessary and the instructor always models them and verbally describes each. Participants are highly encouraged to attend each week because a routine is built upon one week to the next. Dancers are taught how to address an audience and are also taught and practice being good audience members. At the last session, a ‘recital’ performance is presented to parents, family and friends. It is a highlight of the year. Depending on the number of students enrolled, we separate them into groups by age and/or ability. No one is excluded and everyone is appreciated to doing the best they can, whatever that may mean.