MASS COMMANDERS ICE BASKETBALL - FAQ's
WHY DID YOU CREATE THE MASS COMMANDERS/ICE BASKETBALL PROGRAM?
We wanted to support as many kids as possible to excel as student athletes and have the opportunity to play college basketball if possible/if they choose. The merger will allow us to advance this goal, through better competition, skill development, and exposure to college programs.
WHAT DOES AAU STAND FOR AND WHAT IS AAU?
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.
Are you a non-profit program?
No, but we have created a nonprofit arm which is MCIB & Friends Corp. which is a 501(c)(3).
Are you aregistered AAU program?
Yes.
What age groups do you have for teams?
The Mass Commanders/ICE Basketball program will have teams for 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and Varsity grade boys. To provide a full experience we will have multiple levels of teams for each grade as long as a team is competitive. Each grade will have a max of 3 teams.
How many players do you carry per team?
Each team will consist of 10-12 full time players and 2-4 development players. Development players only participate in practice.
Where can I follow the Mass Commanders Program?
We currently use Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Instagram – @MassCommanders & @IceBasketball
Twitter – @MassCommanders & @_icebasketball
Facebook – www.facebook.com/masscommanders
HOW COMPETITIVE IS CLUB/AAU?
Club/AAU is the highest competitive level of sports right before the collegiate level.
DOES THE MASS COMMANDERS/ICE BASKETBALL PROGRAM PARTICIPATE IN AAU REGIONAL/NATIONAL OR GRASSROOTS REGIONAL/NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS?
If a team gets a bid/invite to play for a national/regional title we will make every effort to go. Since the Mass Commanders/ICE Basketball program have started we have played at a National/Regional tournament from 2012 to present.
What's the difference between a full and practice/development player?
Full time players participate in all tournaments. Development players do not play in tournaments unless we are short players. Practice players do not receive a uniform.
What is the benefit of being a practice/development player?
Development players will benefit by being able to continue practicing at an extremely high level with knowledgeable coaches on-site. Also, development players get to participate in unlimited practices for 2 age groups.
What does my AAU porgram fee cover?
The fee covers, but is not limited to, the following: team tournament entry fees, uniforms, gym rentals for practices, practice insurances, coaching fees, AAU player registrations, AAU coach registrations, AAU administrators registrations, USA Basketball certifications, background checks, website maintenance, advertising/marketing, and business fees.
Where are the games and tournaments played?
Tournaments will be held in MA, NH, ME, VT, RI, CT, and/or NY. Some of our VARSITY, and 10th grade level teams have traveled to VA, NC, NJ, PA, TX, GA, and FL. In the future teams will travel to other countries.
Are there additional fees to participate in regional and national competitions?
There are additional fees which include tournament fees and gym rentals for additional practice time to prepare for nationals. The gym rental fee and the tournament fee for nationals will be paid for by the parents collectively. Parents will need to provide accommodations for their family as well.
DO MASS COMMANDERS/ICE BASKETBALL CAMPS COMPLY WITH MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF HEALTH REGULATIONS?
Mass Commanders/ICE Basketball do not run camps/clinics. Camps/Clinics are ran by Team RiB. Camps/Clinics comply with the regulations set forth by the Massachusetts Board of Health. Each camp location is individually licensed by each local Board of Health.
How often does the team practice?
Each team will practice on an average of 1.5-3hrs per week during the Spring and Fall seasons. Summer season teams will have a different form of practice.
What is the expected committment level?
We understand the Mass Commanders/ICE Basketball program will boast many multi-sport student-athletes. With that being said, we understand we won’t have a full roster every game. Again, please inform you child’s coach so adjustments can be made to keep the team strategically competitive.
Are the coaches qualified?
All of our coaches are qualified. CORI/SORI and OneSource checked. Each coach has CURRENT knowledge of todays basketball environment.