,

Dear ,

Here are some Week 1 Highlights

The league has officially wrapped up our first week of practices! We hope your daughters are enjoying their basketball experience so far. Let’s dive into this week’s updates:

OFFICIAL GAME SCHEDULES ARE POSTED

The league has officially posted the game schedules for all league teams and divisions.  You can see your daughter's game schedule through our website's "Schedules & Standings" section.

PRACTICES AND GAME CANCELLATIONS

We’ve already encountered our first snow day last Thursday, which caused a practice cancellation. To ensure everyone stays informed, here’s how our league handles closures:

• Facility Usage: Practices are held in West Hartford Public School gymnasiums. If schools are closed due to weather or other reasons, practices are also canceled.
• Notifications: Once notified of a closure, we will:
  • Email all Head Coaches.
  • Post updates on our website (www.whgbl.org) and Facebook page (WHGBL Facebook Page).

👉 Action Item: Please bookmark our website and follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.

Makeup practices are rarely possible due to the high demand for facility space. If a cancellation occurs due to events like concerts, we’ll communicate as soon as we are informed. Thank you for understanding!

EQUIPMENT REMINDERS

League coaches are provided with practice equipment (e.g., basketballs, pinneys, discs/cones, first aid kit/ice packs), but players are encouraged to bring their own basketballs. Here’s a quick guide to make sure you have the right sized basketball if you want your daughter to bring her own ball to practice:

• Minors Division (3rd & 4th Grade):

  • Spalding multi-color "Rookie Gear" Basketball (Size 5).
  • Weight: 14 oz. | Circumference: 27.5".

• Juniors (5th & 6th Grade) and Seniors (7th & 8th Grade):

  • Standard Women’s Basketball (Size 6).
  • Weight: 20 oz. | Circumference: 28.5".

These basketballs can usually be purchased at your local sporting goods store or online at organizations like Amazon.com.

Tip: Encourage your daughter to use her basketball for at-home practice! Equipment details can also be found under the FAQs section on our website.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Want to know what your daughter is learning? Check out the Coaches Resources and Coaches Guidebook sections of our website. It includes:

• Skill videos.
• Sample practice plans.
• Our 10 Leadership Values—confidence, teamwork, sportsmanship, humility, character, respect, integrity, responsibility, perseverance, and gratitude.

We’re committed to helping players grow both on and off the court.

UNIFORMS

Uniforms are expected to arrive by late December. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Minors Division Uniforms: League t-shirts and shorts.
• Juniors & Seniors Division Uniforms: Reversible basketball jersey sets.

Reminder: Have your daughter try on her uniform immediately upon receiving it. Adjustments are extremely limited, so prepare her for possible minor sizing issues.

HOLIDAY BASKETBALL OPPORTUNITY

Looking for extra game experience? Check out this event (not sponsored by,  endorsed by or connected with WHGBL):

Holiday Showcase Games

• Dates: Friday, Dec. 27 & Monday, Dec. 30.
• Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM.
• Location: Sedgwick Middle School - Large Gymnasium
• Ages: 11-13.
• Cost: $50.

For more info, visit On the Court.  To register your daughter for the event, visit and log into the West Hartford Parks & Rec website Holiday Showcase Game.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:  NO JEWELRY

For safety reasons, jewelry is strictly prohibited during practices and games.

• Medical ID items are allowed but may need to be taped down.
• If your daughter recently got her ears pierced, she will not be able to wear them for practices and games - NO EXCEPTIONS.

Thank you for ensuring a safe experience for all players!

We’re excited for a great season ahead and hope you are too! If you have any feedback or suggestions, please contact Jessica Seifel, Director of Parent Perspective, at directorparentperspective@whgbl.org.

See you on the court!

Take care,

Shawn Daly