Changes to Venue, Days and Uniforms

We have just received the following information from Harbour Basketball that we think is important to share with our school basketball community. These changes are beyond our control, and we have given feedback to Harbour Basketball on how important the East Coast Bays venue is to our community.

I have included Harbour Basketball's full email below, but here is a summary of the main points:

• Year 3&4 will continue to play on Tuesdays, but ECB will not be a venue for this age group in 2026. ( Full venues listed below)

• Year 5&6 will now play on a Wednesday ( not Friday), where ECB is one of 4 possible venues that games may be played at.

• There is now a girls' only league played on a Tuesday.

• There is an update regarding uniform below the Harbour email, with aFORM to be completed by Monday, 24th Nov.

FULL RESPONSE:

We hope you and your teams have enjoyed your basketball experience at the East Coast Bays Leisure Centre. Over the years, this venue has hosted many memorable games, and we sincerely thank you for being an important part of our basketball community.

We are writing to inform you that basketball competitions at the East Coast Bays Leisure Centre will no longer operate as a stand-alone competition.

Moving forward, all players will have the opportunity to participate in the North Harbour-wide Primary School Basketball/Miniball competitions.

Benefits of the New Competition Structure

This change brings with it several benefits. By joining a larger competition, teams can be graded among a much broader pool, increasing the likelihood that each team will be placed in a grade with others of similar ability. This approach aims to create more balanced games, foster greater player development, and provide a stronger overall competition experience for everyone involved.

Venue and Scheduling Information

One change to note is that the venues for games will now vary each week. Our primary consideration when scheduling is the travel distance for teams. We understand that most players likely live near their schools, and we strive to minimise travel times where possible when allocating game venues.

Competition Grades and Game Details

•                 TUESDAY -Year 3—4 Miniball : These games are played on full-size courts with lowered hoops set at 8.5 feet, giving younger players a better chance to score and enjoy the game.

•                WEDNESDAY - Year 5-6 ( Boys & Mixed)Teams: These teams play on full-size courts with standard 10-foot hoops. ** Please note there is a competition for Y5/6 Girls only teams playing on a Tuesday.

All games will consist of 12-minute halves, with a one-minute break between halves.

Game Venues

Tuesdays: Year 3-4 and Year 5&6 Girls.

Eventfinda Stadium - Year 3-4

AUT - Year 3-4

YMCA – Year 3-4

SWISH Factory – Year 3-4 Boys

** ECB does not have the ability to have lower hoops on a full court at this time.

Murray’s Bay Intermediate School (MBIS) – Year 5 & 6 Girls

Transformation Academy – Year 5&6 Girls

Massey Uni - Year 5&6 Girls

Wednesdays: Year 5&6 Boys.

Eventfinda Stadium

East Coast Bays Leisure Centre

Murray’s Bay Intermediate School (MBIS)

SWISH Factory

We expect the cost to be approximately: $125-$140 for a Semester

UNIFORMS:

We have noted this year an increase in teams creating and wearing different basketball uniforms, which are not our school's sports uniform. Therefore, we have taken on board the school community's desire for a basketball uniform. We are in the process of having a slick new school basketball uniform designed with the hope for it to be in place next year ( possibly not ready until Term 2 - partway through Semester 1).

To assist us with this process, can you please complete this FORM by 9am Monday, 24th November.