FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
UPWARD BASKETBALL AND UPWARD CHEERLEADING
When are practices held?
One practice a week beginning in December at the same place and same time each week. Players will always practice at the same time and same location all season long. Locations are: Vinewood church, Gracepoint Church, or First Baptist Church. Practice times are Sundays from 1pm til 8pm. Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays at 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 7:30 pm. Usually the younger divisions practice in the early time slots. Again only one practice a week lasting 1 hr.
We have other commitments in the evenings, can we request a practice time?
When you register you can choose one night of the week that does not work for your child to practice – we cannot 100% guarantee any other practice night request after that.
When are the games played?
One 1 hr game every Friday night or Saturdays (mid-January through Early March) between the hours of 8:30am – 7pm. K-4th grade game (1/2 court sideline to sideline) and 5th-6th grade games (full court) locations rotate between First Baptist Church, Gracepoint Church, and Vinewood Church.
I noticed most of the practices and games are at churches, do I need to be a member for my kids to be able to play?
No. Biblical truths are shared at every practice and game, but you do not need to attend a church to play Upward.
Who will coach my child’s team?
Most volunteer coaches are parents of a player on the team. If you as a parent sign up to coach you can pick the night and time you wish to practice. Coaches are given first priority when assigning practice nights and times. How about that for an incentive?! Yes, your child and any other player they are linked with through the registration carpool link will be placed on that coaches team.
Can beginners play?
Yes! Many players have never played organized basketball before.
Will my child actually get to play?
Everyone makes a team, and every player plays the same amount of time (K-4th grade).
What ages play together?
The divisions are:
Kindergarten (Co-ed),
1st & 2nd Grade (boys and girls division)
3rd & 4th Grade (boys and girls division)
5th & 6th (boys and girls division)
What do the players wear for the games?
High quality reversible game day jersey & shorts are provided with your registration fee. Most players wear their jersey and shorts for both practice and games.
How are teams decided?
After evaluation scores are entered, our computer software assembles teams using each players evaluation scores in an attempt to have all the teams be balanced so games are not lopsided. We average 800+ players each season, so there are a lot of moving parts with formulating teams.
Is there any other way for my kids to be involved?
We offer cheerleading also. These squads practice once during the week and cheer at games on Saturday. Use the same link to register for basketball or cheer.
When can I find out my child’s team/practice night?
Practice Schedules and Team Rosters will be emailed out after our last evaluation and player draft.
Cheer
K-1 Tuesdays 6-7pm
2-3 Thursdays 6-7pm
4-8 Mondays 6-7:30pm
Do I have to attend all of the evaluations?
No – Just one. Once your child is evaluated you are done, you will be notified of your team and practice schedules by email.
5th-6th grade Boys & Girls we do a LIVE Evaluation, we only have room for so many players on the court at a time, and so you will need to signup for an evaluation time for your player. (Link Below)
5th - 6th Grade Sign up Here
How can I coach my child’s team?
When you register, you can mark the box that indicates you would like to volunteer to coach your child’s team. That’s all there is to it! We have a coaches meeting in late November or early December. You will also be given an app that gives you step-by-step instructions on how to run a practice and coach a game.