Dear ,

Our first week of practices is officially complete!

We’ve already experienced our first weather-related practice cancellation 🌧️, so please remember to check your team’s "Team Page" regularly on the league's website for:

• Practice times

• Weather-related updates

• School-activity interruptions

• Rescheduled sessions

Click here to access the league website and see your Team Page under the "Teams" drop down menu.

Head Coaches will be using the Team Pages as their primary communication tool, but parents may also text or call coaches directly. Contact information is located on each team’s page.

In addition, all coaches would like to remind parents that on the Team Page, you can indicate your daughter's attendance to practices and games.  This is extremely helpful in letting the coaches know player availability.  Please use this feature.

📅 Game Schedule Update

The league is finalizing the season’s game schedules, and you can expect them to be available within the next two weeks. Thanks for your patience as we ensure all teams have a balanced season.

📘 Parent's Handbook Reminder

To make the most of your daughter’s WHGBL experience, please take a moment to review the Parent's Handbook on our website.  Click here to see the Parent's Handbook.  It covers game rules, conduct expectations, safety standards, and much more.

📸 Photo Day — Sunday, January 11

Save the date!

WHGBL will hold its official Photo Day on Sunday, January 11 with our partner Bishop Photo.

🕒 Team photos & individual photos will be taken 30 minutes before each team’s scheduled game.

A few reminders:

• An online pre-order option will be available soon.

• There is a cost for optional individual photo packages.

• All players should attend their team photo, even if they are not purchasing individual photos.

⭐ SPONSORS SPOTLIGHT

🔥 Revolution Basketball Training – Open House on January 10

One of our team sponsors, Revolution Basketball Training is hosting a FREE Open House on Saturday, January 10 at their Manchester and Milford, Connecticut locations.

This is a great opportunity for players to:
🏀 Experience the facility
💪 Try the training style
🚀 Build new skills for the season

Revolution’s mission is to empower young athletes in lacrosse, field hockey and basketball, to reach their full potential in skill, confidence, and character. They deliver world-class instruction, proven development regiments and a high-performance training environment built on intentional repetition and mentorship.

👉 Click here to learn more about Revolution
👉 Click here to register for the January 10 Open House (Free!)

🏀COACHES CORNER

Parents—did you know?
The WHGBL website includes sample practice plans for both:

• Minors Division - click here to see the Minors Sample Practice Plan

• Juniors Division - click here to see the Juniors Sample Practice Plan

These can help you understand what coaches are teaching each week.

📐 RULES REMINDER

During the first game or two, referees may be slightly lenient as players “get their feet wet.”
As the season progresses, officials will be more strict in enforcing rules. ⚖️

❓ Did You Know? — New NFHS Rule

For Juniors & Seniors Divisions, a new NFHS rule—Rule 7, Section 5, Article 3 (p. 55) of the 2025-2026 NFHS rulebook—adds new out-of-bounds throw-in areas for certain situations.

📖 Click here to view the 2025–2026 NFHS Rulebook and check out page 55 to see the out of bounds, throw-in rule.

🚫 Jewelry & Hair Bead Policy — Safety Reminder

To maintain a safe environment, jewelry is strictly prohibited during any WHGBL activity (practices, games, playoffs, championships).

❌ Not Allowed

• Earrings (including studs)

• Bracelets of any kind

• Necklaces, rings, anklets

• Jewelry taped over (not permitted)

We strongly recommend postponing new ear piercings until after the season.

✔️ Medical IDs

Not considered jewelry but must be securely fastened. Officials may ask they be taped down if unsafe.

💇‍♀️ Hair Adornment Guidelines

Allowed (if firmly secured close to the head):

• Barrettes

• Bobby pins

• Beads

Not Allowed:
❌ Hair charms or accessories designed as jewelry

Coaches, referees, and league officials have discretion in determining what is safe for play.

Click here to see the league's Jewelry/Hair Beads Policy in the Parent's Handbook section of the league's website.

📰 Did You Miss an e-Newsletter?

You can view every past WHGBL newsletter anytime on our website.
📂 Click here to visit the Newsletter Archive

🎄 Happy Holidays!

Wishing all WHGBL families a joyful and relaxing holiday season.
We’re off to a great start—and there’s so much great basketball ahead!

Shawn Daly

"Teaching leadership skills through the fundamentals of basketball"