Dear ,

Last Sunday, January 11, marked Photo Day for the West Hartford Girls Basketball League, with team and individual player photos taken just prior to the start of games. For those parents who ordered individual photos for their daughters, those photos will be mailed by Bishop Photo directly to the player's homes in the next couple of weeks.

As expected, Week Two ran more smoothly, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as our league continues to find its rhythm early in the season.

As we turn our attention to Week Three games this Sunday, January 18, we strongly encourage parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends to attend and support our players. The energy in the gym makes a difference—our athletes notice it, and it reinforces the community-based spirit that defines the WHGBL.

📰LEAGUE LINES

⛹️‍♀️Game Attendance by Players
Based on feedback from players, parents, and coaches, the league added exhibition games and halftime scrimmages this season to increase playing opportunities for all athletes. Most games have been on the schedule since mid-December, providing ample time for families to plan accordingly.
Please make every effort to attend all scheduled games, including exhibition games and halftime scrimmages. If a player absolutely cannot attend, coaches should be notified as early as possible. Consistent attendance supports player development, team cohesion, and fairness across the league.

💺Seating Safety
Spectators are reminded that seating is only permitted in open stands. Sitting or standing in the wings presents a safety risk to both spectators and players. The league takes personnel safety extremely seriously and appreciates your cooperation.

🔒Security Authority
Spectators who fail to follow directions from league officials, staff, or board members may be ejected from the facility and could face further disciplinary action from the league’s Disciplinary Committee.
Please review the league’s DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES for additional information.

⏳Scorekeepers and Timekeepers
The WHGBL employs high school and college students to serve as scorekeepers and timekeepers for Juniors and Seniors Division games. Some timekeepers are new this season and may be slower when updating the scoreboard or managing the game clock. We ask for patience as we continue training our personnel to enhance the overall league experience.

📞Parent Communication of Player Availability
Parents are reminded that failure to confirm game and practice attendance with coaches through the league website may result in reduced playing time. Additionally, arriving late to a game may result in no playing time for that game, at the discretion of the Head Coach.

😇Player Behavior at Practice
Parents are asked to speak with their daughters about appropriate behavior during practices. The league has received reports of disruptive behavior, which will not be tolerated. Such behavior violates several of the WHGBL’s core leadership values, including teamwork, sportsmanship, character, respect, integrity, responsibility, and gratitude.
Players who are consistently disruptive may face disciplinary action, including reduced playing time, suspension from games, or suspension from the league.

🛡️Defense, Double Teams, and Help-Side Defense
There was some confusion among spectators last week regarding when a “double team” exists.

• In the Juniors Division, a double team requires clear evidence that a defender has left a covered offensive player. However, when two offensive players are close together, defenders may legally attempt to steal the ball.

• If a player drives toward the basket, a defender may leave their player to provide help-side defense.

• Referees are more lenient in the Minors Division as players are learning defensive fundamentals.

• In the Seniors Division, double teams are permitted during the second half.
  Please view the league’s HELP-SIDE DEFENSE video for further clarification.

🤩All-Star Teams and Games
The league is in the process of forming Juniors and Seniors Division All-Star teams to compete against the West Hartford Magic on Saturday, January 24. These teams will also represent the WHGBL at the February Frenzy Tournament (February 12–16) at Corpus Christi Middle School in Wethersfield. Coaches will be notifying selected players and parents this week.

🏀COACHES’ CORNER

↪️Player Rotations for Injuries
If a player is injured or must leave the game during their rotation, the coach must replace that player with the next athlete listed on the league rotation sheet. Substitutions may not be made at will.

⛔No Rotation Sheets for Minors Division Games
Minors Division coaches are not required to submit rotation sheets to the scorer’s table.

↔️Spreading the Floor
Coaches are encouraged to emphasize floor spacing on offense. Players who hover near the ball handler draw additional defenders and invite legal help-side defense. Using the full half court improves offensive efficiency and player decision-making.

⚖️RULES REMINDER

🤕Technical Fouls
When a technical foul is assessed, the coach may choose which player will shoot the free throws.

🌠Foul Shooting Violations
Foul shooters may not step toward the rim after releasing the shot until the ball makes contact with the rim.

🌟SPONSOR’S SPOTLIGHT

Precise HVAC Home Services

We are grateful for the continued support of our league sponsors, whose generosity helps keep WHGBL accessible and community-focused.

Precise HVAC Home Services is a family-owned and operated heating, cooling, and home comfort company proudly serving homeowners throughout Connecticut. Built on a foundation of quality workmanship, honesty, and exceptional customer service, Precise HVAC believes in operating every day as if your home were their own. From the first phone call to the final walkthrough, their team is committed to doing the job right — with care, respect, and attention to detail.

Precise HVAC offers a full range of residential services, including heating and air conditioning repair, system replacements, water heaters, indoor air quality solutions, and routine maintenance. They are recognized heat pump and ductless experts and are a registered contractor with Energize CT, helping homeowners navigate energy-efficient upgrades, available rebates, and long-term savings. Their highly knowledgeable technicians stay current with the latest technology and best practices to deliver dependable, efficient solutions tailored to each home.

What truly sets Precise HVAC apart is their consultative approach. They believe in providing clear options and practical solutions — never ultimatums. Customers consistently praise the team for honest recommendations, transparent communication, and a no-pressure experience focused on long-term comfort and reliability.

As a locally rooted company, Precise HVAC takes pride in building lasting relationships within the communities they serve. Whether it’s an unexpected breakdown or a planned comfort upgrade, you can trust Precise HVAC Home Services to treat your home with the same care they would their own.

💭PARTING PERSPECTIVES

Thank you for helping make the WHGBL a positive, safe, and development-focused environment for our players. As we head into Week Three, we strongly encourage families to fill the stands this Sunday and support the tremendous effort our athletes and coaches are giving each week.

Please remember to visit the WHGBL League Apparel Store to show your league pride and support our programs. Your involvement—whether cheering from the stands, volunteering, or supporting our sponsors—makes a lasting difference.

We look forward to seeing you at the gym this Sunday.

Warm regards,

Shawn Daly

"Teaching leadership skills through the fundamentals of basketball"