All players who commit to McKinnon’s Representative program are required to attend 2 x compulsory, mid-week training sessions each week, excluding School Holidays. Schedules for training sessions are published once teams are selected, and are scheduled between Monday-Thursday.

Whilst McKinnon Basketball Association encourages multi-sport athletes, it is an expectation that all McKinnon Cougar athletes prioritise Cougar representative commitments first and foremost. It will not be acceptable for athletes to miss full sessions every week.

On the occasion that another sport clashes with our trainings, written correspondence to highperformance@mckinnonbasketball.org is required to determine the effect this may have on the team.

Training sessions will take place at Bentleigh Secondary College or Brighton Secondary College. Players are to arrive 15-minutes prior to their scheduled training start time, allowing enough time to stretch, roll and prepare themselves for an intense and challenging session.

• Schedule: Friday nights, with younger age groups starting from 6:30pm, with the latest games beginning at 9:40pm for older age groups.

• Venues: Home games at GESAC or Bentleigh Secondary College; other venues vary weekly.

• Arrival: 30 minutes before tip-off in full uniform only.

All McKinnon Cougars players must be in McKinnon Cougars branded tops (hoodie, warm-up top) when coming to and from games. This must be their outer most layer of clothing. This helps to build our culture and represent McKinnon Basketball in a professional manner.

All new players are required to purchase the Compulsory Player Pack, once registration is complete, which includes the following items:

• McKinnon Cougars Reversible Training Singlet

• McKinnon Cougars Training Shorts

• McKinnon Cougars Reversible Playing Singlet

• McKinnon Cougars Playing Shorts

• McKinnon Cougars Warm Up T-Shirt

• McKinnon Cougars Hoodie

• McKinnon Cougars Backpack / Duffel Bag

• Total cost of compulsory uniform: ~ $325.

Additional McKinnon Cougars apparel and Support Gear are available for purchase via our online stores, such as socks, beanies, scarves and tracksuit pants!

The McKinnon Cougars is a representative program and, as such, equal court time is not guaranteed.

Court time is earned and remains at the discretion of the coach, with decisions primarily based on the 3 A’s:

• Attitude – Positive behaviour, coachability and being a great teammate.

• Aptitude – Performance, skill execution and understanding of team concepts.

• Attendance – Consistent attendance and commitment to training, games and team activities.

Coaches will also consider game situations, team balance and individual development when determining playing time. As athletes progress through the program, particularly within higher-level teams and finals, court time becomes increasingly performance-based.

The Fees and costs associated with the McKinnon Cougars VJBL program are subject to change year-to-year.

• Registration - $670.00 (1st Child), $650.00 (2nd Child onwards)

• Team Sheet Fees - $704.00

• Uniform Costs (Starter Pack) - ~ $325.00

• Tournaments - Approx. $30.00 (tournament dependant)

As part of playing Representative Basketball for the MBA it is important that all players show a commitment to the MBA domestic competition, as such all eligible junior players including new representative players that play representative basketball for McKinnon Cougars must be registered with a domestic club by the winter season.

Special consideration can only be granted in exceptional circumstances in accordance with the MBA Domestic By-Laws.

To apply for an exemption, please email highperformance@mckinnonbasketball.org.

If a player is new to McKinnon Cougars, they are required to be registered to a McKinnon Member Domestic Club by the Winter Season. Failure to meet these requirements may affect their eligibility to play for the McKinnon Cougars

Parental Role:

• Positive Support: Encourage players, coaches, and the team.

• Respect Coaching: Do not yell instructions from the sidelines.

• Uphold Respect: Do not undermine coaches or players in front of children.

• Respect Referees: No yelling, abuse, or disputing referee decisions.

• Supervision: Ensure children's proper behaviour and supervision at all times.

• No Gifts: Do not offer gifts or tokens to coaches or officials during the season; end-of-season team gifts are acceptable.

• Parent Code of Conduct: Must be adhered to.

Player Commitment:

• Code of Conduct: Adhere to the Player Code of Conduct & Expectations.

• Consequences: Breaches may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or de-registration.

These guidelines ensure a positive and safe experience for all members of the McKinnon Cougars community.

• Selection: From McKinnon Basketball Association’s Domestic Competition players or joining the MBA Competition following selection.

• Eligibility: Continuous participation in MBA domestic competition is required.

• Exemptions: Must be applied for via email and are considered on specific grounds (e.g., state-level sports).

• Player and Parent Onboarding: Must be completed, signed and adhered to throughout the season upon registration.