IMPORTANT UPDATE: PRIMARY SCHOOL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT MOVED TO TERM 1
The basketball association is changing the Schools Basketball competition from Term 4 to Term 1 in 2025. This is a fabulous opportunity for students who play basketball but does require parental involvement for it to take place. Please read the information attached and if you are able to commit to supporting this please contact the school. When the information is finalised we will contact you directly.
A Strategic Change for a Smoother Year
As we start planning for next year, I wanted to give you an early heads-up about an important change to our 2025 tournament schedule, specifically regarding the Primary Schools Tournament. After careful consideration and input from schools, we’ve decided to move the tournament to Term 1, and I believe this will help alleviate some of the stress on the Term 4 calendar.
Here’s why we think this is a positive move:
- Term 4 Calendar Relief:The Term 4 calendar for basketball is already overflowing with activities, and we found it increasingly difficult to accommodate all tournaments without overloading the schedule. By moving the Primary Schools Tournament to Term 1, we can better manage the calendar and avoid scheduling conflicts
- Reduced End-of-Year Pressure:Term 4 is often a hectic time for schools, with many competing priorities like end-of-year assessments, celebrations, and other events. Shifting the tournament to the start of the year means fewer disruptions and less stress for schools trying to juggle multiple events.
- Referee Recruitment and Retention: One of the key benefits of this change is the opportunity it provides for referee recruitment and retention. By moving the tournament to Term 1, we can focus on building and training new officials earlier in the year, giving them more time to develop throughout the season. This early start also helps new referees feel more confident, which improves retention rates and keeps more officials engaged in the sport long-term.
- State Championships Opportunity: Moving the tournament to Term 1 also opens space in the basketball calendar to explore the option of reintroducing the State Championships for grades 5/6. This is still being explored and if confirmed will be a date in Term 4.
We did a survey with schools that participated this year, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with most schools indicating that the change would work for them. We understand this may not be ideal for everyone, but we believe the benefits of this change outweigh the challenges and will ultimately lead to a smoother, more manageable year for all involved.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we make this transition. We’re confident that this will lead to a more balanced and less stressful calendar, and we look forward to continuing to work together to create great experiences for our students.
