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Week #4 Update: Fostering Progress and Values

Dear ,

We're thrilled to be in week #4 of our league games, and it's been fantastic to witness the great progress across all teams and divisions. Each team is developing uniquely, mastering skills at different paces. We ask for your patience and support as your daughters and their teams grow throughout the season.

While we do keep track of standings in the Juniors and Seniors Divisions, along with playoffs and a Championship Game, our primary focus remains on instilling core leadership values through basketball fundamentals for your daughters. These values—Confidence, Teamwork, Sportsmanship, Humility, Character, Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, Perseverance, and Gratitude—are central to that mission.

Improving coaching consistency has been a priority for the league to optimize your daughter's basketball experience. We've enhanced our Training and Development programs and provided coaches with training videos, sample practice plans, and a skills assessment checklist. You can access the videos under the Coaches Resources section of the league's website and you can view the sample practice plans and skills assessment checklist under the Coaches Guidebook section of the website.  Be sure to check these out so you can see these coaching support programs yourself.  You can even use these to help your daughter master their skills outside of practice at home.

Last week's "Picture Day" was a success, and the photography studio will notify you as soon as the photos are ready.

A few facility logistical notes:

• For parents of Minors and Seniors Division players who play their games at Conard High School: Please note that the girls' bathroom in the gym lobby is out of order. Alternative facilities are located through the doors on the other side of the gymnasium.
• For parents of Juniors Division players who play their games at Sedgwick Middle School: The girls' bathroom near the gym lobby is also out of order. Please use the facilities located to the left as you exit the gym, then take another left and a right down the corridor.

Attention Minors Division parents: The Town of West Hartford has rented the Conard small gymnasium for a parent/child beginners basketball clinic on Sundays from January 26 to February 23.  The gym will be used from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Therefore, the small gym will not be available for warm-ups for Minors Division players. Please ensure your players arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled game time to warm up in the gym lobby.  Players for the 9:00am games may still warm up on their game court.

A crucial reminder for Juniors and Seniors Division parents: It's essential that players arrive at least 30 minutes before game time. Head Coaches must submit player rotations, and tardiness without communication may result in reduced playing time or inability to play. Respect, teamwork, character, and responsibility are core values linked to punctuality.

Some players have excused absences from certain practice days for other commitments.  In addition, we understand unforeseen circumstances arise, such as family emergencies or illness. Please communicate directly with your daughter's Head Coach as soon as possible to ensure team integrity and the best possible experience for all players when your daughter must miss or will be late for a practice or game.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the West Hartford Girls Basketball League. Together, we're creating an enriching basketball journey for our young athletes.

Take care,

Shawn Daly