DES MOINES DEFENDERS BASKETBALL VOLUNTEER GUIDE

Welcome to the 2026–2027 Des Moines Defenders basketball season!

To help ensure a successful season for all of our athletes and families, please take a few minutes to review this volunteer guide. It includes all the ways your family can fulfill your commitment to volunteer this season.

Because we continue to see remarkable growth, we have added several teams this year and have already scheduled close over 160 games.

In order to ensure that families are able to see their child play, please consider volunteering during a game before or after your child’s game. Not only does this allow you to watch your child play, but it also:

• Allows other families to enjoy watching their child’s games

• Gives kids an opportunity to cheer on our larger Defenders team

• Gives our younger players a chance to see more advanced skills and game speed

• Allows our older players to encourage their younger teammates

OUR VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT

Please remember that The Defenders is a cooperative, and all families and players are required to participate in some way.

We encourage parents to get involved—it is a great way to connect with other families! However, if parents are unable to volunteer, another family member, such as an older sibling, can also volunteer to fulfill your family’s commitment.

If a family is unable to fulfill their volunteer responsibilities this season, an opt-out option is available. Please contact our Athletic Director, John Schuster, for more information.

BASKETBALL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Below is a list of the different ways your family can volunteer this basketball season, along with descriptions and time requirements.

Please note: Some positions are for Home Games only, while others are needed for both Home and Away Games.

1. SET UP — 30 MINUTES

Home Games Only

Arrive 1 hour before the first scheduled game to help:

• Set up chairs and benches

• Set up the admissions table

• Sweep the floor

• Assist with other game-day setup needs

2. ADMISSIONS — 1 HOUR

Home Games

Welcome families and players and collect payments from non-Defenders families.

This is also a great option for older siblings/players!

Important: Admissions for the first scheduled game begins 30 minutes prior to the posted arrival time.

3. SCOREBOARD — 1 HOUR (12U/14U) | 1.25 HOURS (HIGH SCHOOL)

Operate the scoreboard, including:

• Keeping accurate game scoring

• Running the game clock

• Timing time-outs

Not sure how to use the scoreboard? We can show you! It is very simple.

Volunteer requirements: Adult or high school player only.

4. SCOREBOOK — 1 HOUR (12U/14U) | 1.25 HOURS (HIGH SCHOOL)

Arrive 15 minutes prior to game start.

Responsibilities include:

• Collecting team rosters

• Recording player numbers

• Recording starting lineups

• Tracking points scored

• Tracking player substitutions

• Tracking team time-outs

• Tracking player and team fouls

• Recording official warnings, penalties, or sanctions

• Verifying the final score and game results

We are happy to teach anyone willing to serve in this area!

Volunteer requirements: Adult only.

5. STATISTICIAN — 1 HOUR (12U/14U) | 1.25 HOURS (HIGH SCHOOL)

Track various statistics during the game, including:

• Rebounds

• Assists

• Steals

• Turnovers

• Other game statistics

We are happy to teach anyone willing to serve in this area!

Volunteer requirements: Adult only.

There will be two volunteers serving as statisticians.

6. VIDEOGRAPHY — 1 HOUR (12U/14U) | 1.25 HOURS (HIGH SCHOOL)

Livestream a game to the Des Moines Defenders Facebook page.

The volunteer will need to:

• Use their own phone to record and upload the game

• Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the game

Tripods can be provided.

7. CONCESSIONS — 1 HOUR

Home Games Only

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing food

• Serving food

• Cleaning the concessions area

• Handling payments

This is a great option for younger players who wish to serve.

There will always be two volunteers working in the concessions area.

8. TEAR DOWN — 30 MINUTES

Home Games Only

Stay after the final game to help:

• Put away chairs

• Take out garbage

• Sweep floors

• Clean bathrooms

• Put away tables

• Complete other cleanup tasks

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP & GAME DAY

The Monday prior to Game Day, game information and a link to the volunteer sign-up form will be sent by email.

The sign-up form will show the available volunteer opportunities.

Please make sure you are receiving these emails.

Prefer to receive a text message instead? Let us know and we will make sure you receive those notifications.

When selecting a volunteer opportunity, you will need to leave a note indicating who in your family will be fulfilling the job.

PLEASE ONLY SIGN UP FOR A POSITION YOU INTEND TO FULFILL.

On Game Day, there will be a sign-in sheet at Admissions for Home Games.

For Away Games, please check in directly with Amanda Boots.

Volunteer hours will only be counted if they are signed off on Game Day.

QUESTIONS?

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator:

Amanda Boots
Phone: 319-540-3996
Email: wonderfullymadegifts2019@gmail.com

CIHC & SPECIAL EVENTS

Each November, we host the Central Iowa Homeschool Classic (CIHC) in Ankeny for Junior High and High School teams from around the region.

This is always an exciting weekend and a lot of fun for our players. This year, we have more teams participating as well as additional contests for individual players.

All of this can only happen with the help and support of our amazing families who dedicate their time to help ensure everything runs smoothly and successfully for our players and guests.

Please watch for more information and prayerfully consider how you might be able to serve during this year's CIHC tournament.

OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS

Throughout the season, there are additional events and activities where families may wish to serve, including:

• Annual Christmas Party — December

• Senior Night — February

• End-of-Year Banquet — March

If you are interested in serving at any of these events, please reach out to Amanda Boots for more information.

THANK YOU FOR SERVING!

We are so excited for this season and know that God has big plans for each player as they continue to work on their skills and grow into their identity in Christ.

As we partner together to work toward a great season, please know that we appreciate all the time families give to ensure a successful season.

Thank you for serving and being part of the Des Moines Defenders family!

For His glory,

Amanda Boots
The Des Moines Defenders
Email: wonderfullymadegifts2019@gmail.com
Phone: 319-540-3996