This is a existing program in the Peachtree Ridge community so we want to provide as many answers to questions as possible so we provide a lot of detail in this section. If you have any questions that are not answered in these details, please contact the PRYAA Basketball Director at basketballdirector@pryaasports.com or donisha@pryaasports.com.
Q. Since PRYAA Basketball is a recreational program, does that mean you’re noncompetitive?
A. No it does not. We still keep score, there is still a winner in each contest, and we still have placings and rankings. However, our rules are designed to be fair and allow every participant to learn fundamentals and be a part of the team with guaranteed playtime.
Q. Can my athlete play on a school or GBL/AAU team and play PRYAA basketball?
A. Yes, however, the demands of practicing and playing on multiple teams may be challenging. Use good judgement if making the decision to participate in both.
Q. Why did the registration fee increase and why fundraisers?
A. We don't want to change the registration fee every season - however some seasons require additional expenditures than others for items such as gym fee, new/replacement equipment, officials, maintenance fees, trophies, etc., so we have fundraisers to cover these costs.
Q. Will you be charging an admission fee to games this year?
A. Yes, a nominal fee will assess for admittance to games this season during the playoffs and Allstar games. When games are at Best Friends Park there is a fee for all regular season and playoff games.
Q. How are teams created?
A. Prior to the start of the season, we will have evaluations based on age groups. During evaluations, an evaluation committee made up of PRYAA coaches will rank players based on their current ability.
Once players are evaluated, the evaluation committee will form teams. This is to balance out teams, ensure there is no stacking of teams and provide balanced competition. No exceptions will be made for preferred practice days, “riding with another player to practice” or coach’s selections. Exceptions will only be made for coaches and their children to be placed on the same team. No other exceptions.
Q. Can I request a coach?
A. No. The only player a coach can save for a team is his/her own son/daughter (s). We do not allow requests either from coaches or parents as to team placement. Again we strive to make teams as balanced as possible and remove any temptation to create advantages for any team.
Q. How are ages decided for team placements and can my child “play up?”
A. We use September 1st as an age date. The reason for this is to mirror Gwinnett County Public Schools and allow friends, classmates, teammates in other sports to stay within the same age groups. This does not mean they will be on the same team. We do not allow players to “play up”. A player must play within the age group which he is designated by birth date.
Q. Can my player pick his/her number?
A. No. Basketball has a limited number of legal numbers. We order jerseys and numbers based on sizing and the number your player gets for the season will be decided by the coach based on uniforms received. Uniforms will be sized during evaluations.
Q. What equipment does my player need for basketball?
A. Your player should have basketball shoes, a mouthpiece (optional, but advised), access to a basketball (for practice) and a bottle of water/water bottle.
Q. You mentioned two tournaments at the end of the season. What are they?
A. We will hold an end of season internal PRYAA Basketball tournament to determine the top teams in every age group. Every team will participate and regular season records or random draw. This currently includes the following teams: Peachtree Ridge, Lanier, Collins Hill, North Gwinnett and Norcross.
Q. Will every player get a trophy?
A. Yes and No. We give our metals or trophies to each player and plaques or trophies to only the top two teams. We do not give each player an award/trophy for participation. Only the top two teams – the teams that play in each age group for our internal championship will receive first and second place awards. This does not preclude teams from purchasing awards for their individual teams. We encourage each team to recruit parent volunteers to organize snacks and other end-of-season team events to make the season more rewarding for each athlete.
Q. Does PRYAA Basketball participate in All-Star programs, such as GRABB?
A. While PRYAA Basketball has been represented in GRABB in past years, we will not be participating during the season. We do not participate in other all-star programs at this time.
Q. What does the PRYAA Basketball provide with my registration fee?
A. In addition to providing each athlete with a uniform, your PRYAA Basketball registration and fundraisers hosted pay for insurance, marketing, school facility usage fees for practices and games, school custodial staff, referee costs and equipment. Budgeted at roughly $30,000 per season, facility rental from Gwinnett County Public Schools is our largest expense.
Q. Jr. Hawks program has been referenced, any additional information on what that is?
A. The Atlanta Hawks partner with local youth athletic associations to provide additional benefits to youth basketball programs and help keep kids interested in the game. For a small participation fee, PRYAA Basketball will receive uniforms through the Hawks program at a discounted price. Athletes will also get tickets to a select Hawks game. We are excited about this partnership.
Q. Do you offer scholarships or registration fee assistance to parents in need of support?
A. At this time, PRYAA Basketball does not offer a scholarship or assistance program. A limited number of scholarships are available through Gwinnett Youth Recreation Scholarship Program. Please contact them directly by visiting their website at www.yogwinnett.org.
Q. Does PRYAA Basketball offer payment plans for registration?
A. No. However, you may contact basketball-director@pryaasports.com or donisha@pryaasports.com for more information.