Dear Coaches and Parents,

As we begin preparing for the upcoming season, we want to take a moment to address some common questions and requests we receive about player team assignments, specific teammates, and preferred game times. With over 1,000 players and 80+ games scheduled on weekends, our league operates like a complex puzzle—balancing skill levels, age groups, venue availability, and referee schedules. Due to the sheer size and logistics involved, outside of our high school teams, we are unable to accommodate individual requests for specific team placements, teammate preferences, or preferred game times.

Here’s why:

1. Team Balance: We strive to create fair, competitive teams by distributing players across each division as evenly as possible based on skill levels. This ensures everyone has an opportunity to develop and compete. Customizing teams based on friend requests would disrupt this balance and could lead to an uneven experience for some players.
2. Logistical Constraints: Our weekend schedules involve over 80 games across multiple venues, along with more than 250 referee assignments. Adjusting team rosters or game times to accommodate specific requests would create a domino effect that could impact countless other teams and players.
3. Fairness to All: Our goal is to create a fun and inclusive experience for every child. Allowing individual preferences to dictate team assignments or game schedules would unintentionally create an unfair advantage or exclusion for others.
4. Volunteer Double-Coaching Conflicts: Some of ourcoachesvolunteer for multiple teams or age groups, and while we deeply appreciate their dedication, this can create conflicts in scheduling. To minimize these conflicts, we are doing our best to avoid placing a coach on overlapping teams or game times which further complicates our dual game of Jenga and Tetris.

We understand it can be difficult when your child isn’t placed on the same team as their best friend, but we encourage you to see this as a valuable opportunity for growth. Basketball gives kids the chance to meet new teammates, build friendships, and learn important life lessons. Being part of a team is about more than just playing the game—it’s about working together toward a common goal. As kids practice, support each other, and face challenges on the court, they build strong bonds, develop perseverance, and learn to overcome obstacles. The shared experience of striving for success teaches teamwork, empathy, and resilience, helping kids form lasting connections that extend beyond the game.

We understand that these decisions can be disappointing, and we truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation. The main goal of our league is to foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill development—values that we believe can thrive even when friends aren’t on the same team or playing at the same time.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to another exciting season and are excited to see your child’s growth on the court!

Christie Shumadine
Great Falls Basketball
Commissioner/Director of Referees