Purpose - The Greendale Basketball Club, Inc. (Club) supports competitive boys basketball in Greendale for grades 3 through high school.  The Club is not affiliated with the Greendale School District, however we utilize school gyms for practice.  A division of the Club is the "Jr. Panther" program for boys in grades 3-8.  At the Jr. Panther level, we offer a competitive basketball experience with an emphasis on teaching fundamentals and playing team basketball. The intent of the Jr. Panthers is to prepare boys for participation in the Greendale High School basketball program. The Club is operated by a board of directors composed of parents of current basketball players and selects the coaches for each grade level.

League/Tournament Play - Our teams participate in the Wisconsin Youth Basketball League (WYBL/WYBL - Wisconsin Youth Basketball League (wyblonline.com)).  The WYBL is a competitive boys basketball league, with different divisions (A, B+, B & C) for each grade level.  The 3rd grade team plays at the C level in the 4th grade league with other 3rd grade teams or second 4th grade teams from bigger communities.  The season runs from November to March and consists of a 16 game schedule with 2 games every other Sunday.  WYBL game sites vary but games are generally held in large high school fieldhouses.  WYBL does offer a year-end league tournament in March.  Teams will also participate in several tournaments throughout the season which are selected by the team’s coach.

Eligibility - Per the WYBL (and most tournaments) rules, players must attend Greendale schools or live in Greendale.  Interested participants who do meet these criteria will be excluded from participation.

Tryouts - Tryout information will be posted on the website, social media (facebook/twitter), and in the school newsletter.  Tryouts are held annually in mid-September for each grade level.  Registration is required for all players to try out for proper planning and all players trying out for a team must complete the waiver form in the registration process..

Team Selection Process - All players will be evaluated during the tryout by coaches and board members.  Players will be selected based on their basketball skills, size, speed, strength and other physical characteristics.  In addition, coaches will evaluate players on attitude and potential for improvement.  Coaches will also take into consideration the needs of the particular team.  For playing time purposes, the ideal number of players on a team is 10 or less.  Roster numbers are solely at the discretion of the coaching staff.   

Player Fees/Equipment - The player fee for 2023-2024 is $300.  The per player fee is established by the Board at their pre-season meeting.  Once a player has made a team more information on paying the player fee will be provided, but each player is responsible for paying the fee using Venmo (@Scott-VanLith), by credit card through TeamSnap (additional fees may apply), or via check (at parent meeting or send to Scott Van Lith).  The player fees include the cost of a shooting shirt and reversible practice jersey for each player, WBYL league fees, referee fees, administrative expenses (insurance, TeamSnap, school district fees etc), and a budget for 4-6 tournaments for each team.  If you need to set up a payment plan, please contact the Club at jrpanthersbasketball@gmail.com   

If you need to purchase a new jersey/shorts for your player (approx. $80), families will order them as part of the basketball spirit wear order through Burghardts in early October.  The only other required equipment needed for players are basketball shoes and an indoor basketball (28.5” for grades 3-6, regulation 29.5” ball for grades 7-8).

Playing Time/Practices - The Greendale Jr Panthers is a select basketball program, so there is no guarantee of playing time.  Teams are not based on an equal playing time format.  Playing time is earned in practices and games and the goal is to provide everyone with a positive basketball experience while maintaining competitive teams.  

Practices will begin in mid-to-late October. After players have been selected to be on a team, the coach will contact you to give you information about practices.  Most teams will use the TeamSnap app to communicate the schedule for practices, games, and tournaments.  It is important for your child to attend practices.  Practices will occur at a gym in Greendale or the immediate vicinity.  In general, we try to hold 2 practices per week during the season.

If your child cannot attend practice, you need to contact your coach ahead of time to let them know.  It is your responsibility to regularly check TeamSnap to make certain there are no changes or alterations to your practice, game, or tournament schedules.

Fundraisers/Volunteer Opportunities - The Club currently does not have any fundraisers or mandatory volunteer duties.  However, parents/family members are needed to serve as time or score keepers for games.

Player/Fan Expectations and Behavior - The Club expects all players, coaches, parents, and fans to treat teammates, coaches, referees, opponents, and other parents with respect at all times.  The Club expects that our players, coaches, parents, and fans represent the Club and our Greendale community with honor and respect.  Anything less will not be tolerated and could result in disciplinary actions (including those issued by the coaches for playing time etc) as follows:

• First Offense: Verbal warning to player and notification to parents

• Second Offense: Written warning to player and notification to parents

• Third Offense: Meeting with the coach/board members and possible removal from the Club (The players past behavior and attitude will be considered when issuing discipline)  

Parents are expected to allow the coaches to coach the team and refrain from coaching from the sideline as this undermines the coaches.  Any team questions or concerns, should be addressed with the head coach (after an initial “cool down” period to gain perspective).  If an unsatisfactory resolution is not achieved, parents are encouraged to reach out to the Club directly.  

Players are expected to follow the COVID policies and protocols established by WYBL, the Greendale School District, and the Greendale Health Department.  Players with any symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, should stay home.  Please notify your coach of a positive COVID case so we can work with the Greendale Health Department on any close contact issues within the team.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your coach or contact the board at jrpanthersbasketball@gmail.com.