Wolverines FAQ's

What is the GCBA Wolverines Program?

The Wolverines program concentrates on developing basketball players who are interested in the sport at the competitive level. Teams travel to tournaments and play other competitive teams from the Ottawa area.

 Can anyone try out?

Tryouts are open to anyone registered in the GCBA. If you are not a registered member of the GCBA, you will need to register at one of the 2 OPEN Registration sessions held every season in September.

What is the time commitment for a Wolverine player?

Wolverines practice twice a week for 1.5 hours per practice at gym locations around the Orleans area. It is expected that players will commit to this amount of time and get to practices every week. In addition, there are 2-4 Saturdays/Sundays throughout the season where they play two games against other local competitive teams.These games around the region require a half-day commitment about twice a month. You can also expect 3-6 tournaments a season, depending on the season plan for each team. The number of tournaments is decided in consultation with parents.
 

How long is the season?

Tryouts begin in early September. Atom level teams (ages 10-11) wrap up shortly before or just after Easter. Other teams will play later in the year.  

Your GCBA Registration fee is $260 (for 2011-12) at Open Registration (less when you pre-register in February). In addition, individual teams set team fees ranging from $150 to $300 for the season. Some team coaches may wish for their players to purchase warm-up clothing for an additional $75-$100. There will be additional costs for travel, however sharing travel costs with other families reduces this season cost greatly.

 If I play high school basketball, do I have time for Wolverines too?

YES!!! The Wolverine program is designed so that there is only one light practice during the high school season for both girls and boys, and there are no tournaments during this time. Most of our players do both!  

 
It is very difficult to play competitive basketball and another competitive sport?

The Wolverines program is considered the priority sports commitment for our players.
 

What is the commitment from parents?

Gloucester Cumberland Basketball is a volunteer organization and every parent of every Wolverine player is expected to commit to a volunteer effort to help the teams run. This commitment need not be more than a few hours on an occasional basis, but it is essential. Your Managers (who are also volunteers!) will outline the volunteer jobs during the first team meeting. In addition, the Wolverines host a major tournament every year, and parents are expected to help that weekend.
 

What is the tryout process?

Every player is guaranteed two tryouts. Following the second tryout, some players will be released to House League. A third tryout will then take place, after which time teams are announced. All players are phoned by the coach and told of the outcome of their tryout.  

 How do you evaluate potential Wolverine players?

All players at all levels are evaluated by a team of 4-5 people. These are the two coaches at the level (where applicable), assistant coaches (IF they are non-parent coaches), former coaches, basketball experts from the community and the coaches from the level immediately above where your son or daughter wants to play.

Players are evaluated on a combination of basketball skills appropriate to their level, as well as game situations (assessed through scrimmages). Evaluation forms are used by the evaluators to aid in assessing players to determine strengths and weaknesses.

Is there a guarantee of playing time in Wolverines?

The Wolverines program is a competitive basketball program. There are playing time rules for the Atom level that require equal participation except during the last four minutes. At all other levels playing time is at the discretion of the coach. However, the GCBA encourages coaches to develop all the players they select to their teams.

Do I have to have competitive basketball experience?

Not at all! Basic skills, athletic capability, an understanding of the game and desire are all you need to try out.