Frequently Asked Questions about Upward at St. Luke's

As we go toward the start of the season I have put together some frequently asked questions that are asked every season about the league or by numerous individuals.

1. Why are referee's so strict on the younger kids?
2. Why do we have 8 a.m. games, or 4 p.m. games or 5 p.m. games?
3. Why do we have 4:30 practice or 7:30 practice...that is too early or too late?
4. Why do we not keep score or league standings?
5. Can't we play full court at the older grades?
6. Why can't the practice devotion be longer?
7. Why do some teams seem to have more taller players?
8. Can the season start earlier?
9. Why have I seen the coaches referee and coach their own game?
10. Can we practice more then once a week?
11. What is the rotation system for the players?
12. How can I get involved with UPWARD I do not know anything about Basketball, Cheerleading or Soccer?

1. Why are referee's so strict on younger kids?

We believe that Upward is correct in saying that the children should learn right away what the rules are regarding ball handling. If a child thinks that it is OK to walk without dribbling then: (A) They don't see why they have to dribble (B) Become more confused as the season goes on and they then get called for not dribbling. So the referees have been advised to call traveling, double-dribble right from game one.

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2. Why do we have 8 am games, or 4 pm games, or 5 pm games?

It's not like we really want to either, believe me we have to be at St. Luke's an hour before everyone else and stay an hour after everyone leaves. We only have the gym until 5 o'clock on Saturdays so to fit all the games in we have to start at 8:00 a.m. Actually we start at 5:00 on Friday play to 9:00 p.m. then restart at 8:00 a.m. the next day to get all the games in.

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3. Why do we have 4:30 practice or 7:30 practice? That is too early or too late. Why do we have 4:30 and 7:30 practices, can't we practice earlier/later?

This year we have 53 Basketball teams. Every team has to practice and we all have to do it Mon-Thu. The older kids practice on the later times (We obviously could not put Kindergarten there) and the younger ones at an earlier time.

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4. Why do we not keep score or league standings?

A key part of the UPWARD philosophy is "Making Every Child A Winner". The absence of published scores help maintains that stance. Coaches are asked to explain to a child who ask about score or who boast about a game. Last year we kept scores at certain levels and were asked by parents to not do so.  This year we may keep score at the scoring table for 3/4 and 5/6 leagues but the scores will remain unpublished and be given to the coaches.

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5. Can't we play full court at the older grades?

Although we would like to we do not have enough gym space and game time to play at full court.

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6. Why can't the practice devotion be longer?

The devotion is meant to be about 5 minutes in length.

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7. Why do some teams seem to have more taller players?

The computer program takes their basketball skills drill scores and height into consideration. The emphasis is placed on the score. In many cases a player that is not quite as tall as another can still defensively play a taller player if coached to do so.

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8. Can the season start earlier?

We look at this every year to see if we can make it work. Unfortunately, the Holiday activities shut down the gym for most of December. So getting practice time before game days becomes a concern.

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9. Why have I seen coaches refereeing their own game?

Again this is not something we want to do, but it happens because of lack of volunteers at that time. Ideally coaches should never have to referee the game they are coaching.

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10. Can we practice more then once a week?

The UPWARD philosophy is to not over extend a family commitments to the program so one hour for practice and game day is what is planned for each player and team.

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11. What is the rotation system for the players?

The rotation of players into the game is pre-determined by the National UPWARD Organization.  Each coach follows this plan same plan.  All kids will play an equal amount of time over the season. At no time should a kid sit out for more then one period.

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12. How can I get involved with UPWARD I do not know anything about Basketball, Cheerleading, or Soccer?

The UPWARD ministry team could use all kinds of assistance during the year. We need helpers to track student hours, help at the concession stand, run the score clock, etc.  No experience in a sport is necessary.

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