Little Hoopers

Parent Guide

Our Mission

Welcome to Little Hoopers – the perfect introduction to basketball for our youngest players! This program is designed to help children fall in love with the game while learning skills, teamwork, and confidence in a fun, supportive environment.

Schedule

Age Groups

Focus

  • One day a week – Sundays only.

  • Simple and consistent schedule for busy families.

  • Each session includes skills development + gameplay.

  • Kindergarten: Skills clinics, group competitions, and fun activities each week.

  • 1st & 2nd Grade: Introduced to 3-on-3 gameplay beginning in Week 4, in addition to skill development.

  • Emphasis on development through instruction, repetition, and correction.

  • Players learn dribbling, passing, shooting, footwork, defensive stance and positioning, decision-making skills, and teamwork.

  • Small-sided games (3-on-3) allow for more touches, more decision-making, and faster skill growth.

Coaches

Parents & Families

Behavior Expectations

  • Volunteer coaches are needed to help lead teams and guide players.

  • Training and support are provided — no prior coaching experience necessary.

  • All volunteers must complete a background check and brief training to ensure a safe, positive environment.

  • Coaches focus on reinforcing fundamentals, encouragement, and fun.

  • 1st & 2nd grade coaches will help facilitate smooth, safe, and FUNdamental 3-on-3 play.

  • Parents are welcome to watch from the stands and cheer on players.

  • We ask that families support with positive encouragement only.

  • No sideline coaching — let the players learn, explore, and enjoy the game.

  • Parents are not permitted on the court during sessions, except in the case of emergency or if asked by staff.

  • Our goal is to create a fun, safe, and distraction-free environment for every child

  • If a parent sees his or her child being disruptive or unfocused, he or she is welcomed to pull the child aside briefly to help the child refocus.

  • Positive guidance and calm redirection will help keep sessions running smoothly for all players.

  • Gem City reserves the right to remove any player or parent whose behavior is unsafe, disruptive, or inconsistent with our values, without refund.

Safety, Liability & Waivers

Photos & Media

Cancellations & Weather Policy

  • All participants must have a completed registration form and signed waiver on file prior to their first session.

  • While Gem City prioritizes safety, families understand that youth sports involve inherent risks and accept responsibility for their child's health and well-being.

  • Parents/guardians must drop off and pick up players on time.  Staff and coaches are not responsible for children outside of scheduled program hours.

  • In the event of an accident or emergency, Gem City staff will follow standard safety procedures and contact the parent/guardian immediately.

 

  • By participating, families consent to their child’s photo and video being used for Gem City promotional purposes (website, social media, print) unless otherwise requested in writing.

  • If a session must be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, families will be notified by email.

  • Make-up sessions may be offered when possible but are not guaranteed.

Our Goal

Little Hoopers is not about wins and losses — it’s about building confidence, learning the game, and developing a love for basketball that lasts for years to come.

 

As part of Gem City’s mission, we’re committed to making basketball accessible, affordable, and fun for every child in our community. Together, we’re creating a foundation where every child can grow as a player and as a teammate.

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