Upward Basketball and Cheerleading begins for boys and girls in Kindergarten to 8th grade each fall. We have weekly practices and Saturday games where volunteer coaches and referees serve to provide kids with a positive environment where they can develop their skills at playing and cheering. Keep checking our website for updates and information on registration. If you have any questions or would like for your child to get involved, call us at the Family Life Center. (417) 877-9316
Here is some information and answers to frequently asked questions regarding the 2010-2011 Upward Basketball & Cheerleading Season. Registration will start in September 2010:
How are the groups divided?
(These divisions are tentative depending upon the number of players that sign up)
Boys Girls
K-1st grade K-1st grade
2nd-3rd grade 2nd-3rd grade
4th-5th grade 4th-5th grade
6th-8th grade 6th-8th grade
Cheerleaders are mixed together for practice and performances.
How do I register my child?
Before September 22nd: We can take your name and address and send you a form when registration begins.
After September 22nd: We can mail you a registration form or you can stop by the FLC and pick one up.
How much does it cost?
Registration is $49.00
-the money helps to cover the cost of the jersey and t-shirt/cheerleading uniform, devotionals, star patches (awards given at games to put on uniforms), and the party at the end.
There are also basketball shorts and cheer mock turtlenecks available for an additional $12.00. Purchasing these is optional.
How are the kids assigned to teams?
For the elementary aged kids, they will come to an “evaluation night” where they will go through a series of skills tests (shooting, ball handling skills, etc.). They will be put into a computer system which will try to evenly balance out the teams based on their scores.
There will be a total of 5 “evaluation nights” to choose from (you only need to come to one). They will take place in the month of October and then practice will begin the first week of November. (Please call for specific times of evaluations or check on your registration form)
For middle school kids, there will be 2 “scrimmage nights” to choose from. The kids will come and scrimmage one another while coaches watch and evaluate. They will then be placed on teams where there is a balance of skill levels. (Please call for specific times of scrimmages or check on your registration form)
Cheerleaders do not have to come to an evaluation night. They will be mixed together with other ages and will have an orientation on their first night of practice.
Can my child be on a team with his/her friends?
Your child may request one friend to be on a team with. We will do our best to accommodate the request; however, we can make no promises as sometimes evaluation scores make this difficult.
How many kids are involved?
Last year there were around 300 signed up K-8th grade for basketball and around 45 signed up for cheerleading. There are usually 9-10 kids per team.
How many games will they play?
Each team will play a total of 8 games. All games take place on Saturday.
When are the games?
Games are on Saturdays beginning in December. Younger kids play earlier in the day beginning at 8am. (Note: Each team will usually only have about TWO 8am games for the whole season). Older kids play later in the day and the last game is at 5pm. Games last one hour each. The last games will be in February followed by the Upward Basketball Party.
How can I be involved?
As a parent, you can either help coach a team or, if you have a little experience, help us referee the games. Call the Family Life Center if you are interested.