by posted 03/28/2013
 
The SBSB Board would like to thank all the families who participated in the end of season survey.  Over 70% of participants responded, and we appreciate your feedback.  The Board has reviewed the survey results and will continue to use the feedback we have received to improve the SBSB program.
 
Overall, the program was viewed favorably with over 70% of respondents grading the program as good or excellent.  Additionally, 82% of respondents indicated they would likely return next year.  While we view this as a positive, we recognize there are many areas that we can improve based on specific feedback we received.
 
We also received specific feedback about each of the past season's coaches. Members of the Board will be meeting with each of the coaches to share this feedback (on a no-name basis), as well as get the coach's perspective of what went well during the season and their ideas for improvements that can be made to the overall program.  The coaching information will also be used when recruiting coaches for the program this fall.
 
Lastly, we wanted to address a few areas where we received concerns from multiple survey participants:
 
1 ~ Coaching Oversight:  This past season was the first year in which we had paid coaches for each of the teams (with one exception). Our survey results, when asked if families would like to continue to have paid, non-parent coaches, were overwhelmingly "yes."  We did however receive feedback that the Board needs to have better oversight, training and mentoring of our coaches.  The Board, primarily the board position of Director of Coaching, will take a more active role in overseeing the coaches during the next season.  The Board believes that our coaches should not be "micro-managed", but will hold coaches accountable for their commitments and also be available to provide guidance when needed.  Additionally, the Board will ensure next year that all parents have a contact to raise any coaching concerns that arise during the year.
 
2 ~ Team Size:  We received multiple comments about whether team size should be limited to fewer players (i.e., 9 or 10).  Parents should understand that SBSB is not an AAU program.  Our view is that SBSB is intended to provide a vehicle to ensure kids within the Skyline High School boundaries stay engaged in basketball while in middle school in part to ensure a successful high school program.  In that regard, the Board feels it is important to develop as many kids as possible every year.  If 24 kids show up for tryouts, we will likely take all 24.  However, playing time is not guaranteed.  While some coaches may coach to ensure more equal playing time, this is not mandated by SBSB or league rules.  There are certain minimum playing times that each player is guaranteed in each of leagues in which we participate.  However, beyond that, playing time is at each coach’s discretion.  Parents should also recognize that teams practice significantly more than they play in games.  This is where players develop.  Next season, we will communicate with coaches that more of their practice time should be used for scrimmaging to allow more kids to get more game experience.
 
3 ~ Cost:  Parents expressed concern that there was not enough value for the cost of the program.  The fee for SBSB was $575 for the season, which was 5 months (mid-October through mid-March).  The fee generally included two practices per week, along with up to 4 paid tournaments and 12 - 15 league games.  For reference, the cost of an AAU program (EBC, ECBA, FOH, Quickhandle, etc.) can range from $200 - $300/month, or closer to $1,000 - $1,500 for a winter season.  The Board feels that for the amount of practice, tournament and games provided by SBSB, $575 is a very reasonable price.  We do not intend to raise the price for next season.
 
4 ~ Player Development:  The Board recognizes the importance of individual and technical training to a player’s development.  However, because of limited availability of gym space, it is difficult to schedule technical training.  This past season, we attempted to provide paid clinics for kids that wanted extra individual skill training.  Unfortunately, we did not have enough interest to hold the clinics that we had organized.  We will continue to look for creative ways to provide individual training.  In addition, most AAU programs provide technical and individual training to players.  Most members of the Board also know of individuals who can provide private training.  We encourage all players to utilize these resources to assist in their individual development as we try and come up with creative solutions. 
 
5 ~ CTL:  The Cascade Travel League continued to be challenged in getting out game schedules to its teams.  We have passed along our concerns to the CTL director.  The Board will look into other alternatives for leagues for the Green teams to play in, but unfortunately there are limited options.
 
Thanks again to everyone who participated in our survey.  Please feel free to contact any of the SBSB Board members with questions or concerns about the program.  The board is busy planning for next season ~ we hope to see all our players back at tryouts in the fall.
 
Thank you.
SBSB Board