1. Who may participate in Hawks Basketball?
Any child in grades 2nd - 8th Grade. A 1st grader may play up in the 2nd grade division

 
2. When does basketball registration occur?
Online registration for Hawks Basketball typically opens August each year.  Previous year players will receive an email reminder about when online registration begins. Registration will close September 18, 2022. You must be registered for the wait list to attend evaluations. No registrations will be taken after September 18, 2022.

3. Why does basketball registration occur so early for this Winter sport?
The Parker Hawks is a member of the AYL which has over 300 teams participating in youth basketball. Each club must define and commit by the end of October each year as to the number of teams by grade and division that will participate in the league. This is required to allow time for the all-volunteer AYL basketball board to complete detailed plans for the season including game schedule, number of officials required, game gyms, etc. This also provides ample time for Hawks to acquire and train quality coaches to fill any coaching vacancies.

4. When does the typical basketball season run?
Typically practice begins the First week of November with a 1 – 2 week pre-season practice schedule. This allows time for the players to get into "basketball" shape. The regular season starts with the first games being played in November with 8-10 regular season games and a end of season championship. Our season ending Championships are completed by mid February. The season calendar varies year to year by as much as one week.

5. How do I go about registering my child for Hawks Basketball?
Registration is done online via waitlist. Waitlist Registration will open in late August and close September 18th. All players must be registered and on the wait list to attend evaluations.

PLEASE NOTE: Putting your child on the waitlist DOES NOT guarantee a spot on a Hawks Basketball Team

 
6. What is the cost to play Hawks basketball?
The cost for Hawks Basketball can change from year-to-year primarily based on our gym provider’s adjustments in gym usage fees. Once you are asked to join a team the cost to play basketball for the 2022-23 season is $325 plus uniform (reversible jersey/short and shooting shirt $120 +tax) if needed. Any registration after September 18th will incur a $25 late fee. NO PAYMENT IS REQUIRED UNTIL WE HAVE A ROSTER SPOT FOR YOUR CHILD.  At that time, if your child is selected for a team you will be instructed to log in to submit payment. Payment will be required within a week of notification.

7. What does the registration fee cover?
The fee covers may items including but not limited to:

♦ Registration costs which are league fees, insurance costs, coach background checks, admin costs, etc.

♦ Practice costs such as practice gym usage & permits, coaching and practice equipment.

♦ Game costs such as game gym usage & permits, including weekly gym set up/tear down, official’s costs, website scheduling and score reporting costs, and official’s evaluation costs.

♦ Hawks Basketball operating expenses such as bank fees, ongoing coaching evaluations and education, administration costs, copying, postage, etc.

8. What equipment will I have to purchase for my child to play Hawks Basketball?
Each individual player is responsible for purchasing his/her own uniform (reversible jersey/short and shooting shirt -$120). An email on purchase will be emailed once on a team and (if coach requires) basketball shoes. If purchasing a new shoe please consider purchasing a basketball specific shoe, which has a better base specific for basketball play.

9. Where do we get sized for basketball game uniforms?

Once you are fully registered and paid you will receive further instructions from your coach.

10. How is a new player assigned to a team? Are there tryouts?

All New Players must attend Evaluations. 

All coaches with open positions will evaluate the child for team placement and open spots. Again, registering on the waitlist DOES NOT guarantee your child a spot on a basketball team.

11. How many players are on a team?
Team size can vary depending upon the number of kids registering to play but the max roster size is 10 kids. Hawks has target roster sizes, varying by competitive division of play to ensure minimal financial requirements are met. A typical roster will have 10 kids per team/division.

12. How are jersey numbers decided?

Hawks will take requests for jersey numbers thru the coaches.  Returning players from the previous season will get higher priority to keep his/her number.  Duplicate jersey numbers are not allowed on a roster.

13. Where, when and how often is practice?
The Hawks pay for permits for practice gyms primarily from Douglas County Schools located in Parker.

Most teams will practice 1-2 times (depending on availability) per week in the preseason. Once the regular season starts, teams will typically practice 1 time a week generally running 90-120 minutes long. The start and end time for practices is determined by the Hawks and generally takes in to account the coaches work schedule as well as the school schedule our players are under. Practice days and times are not guaranteed.

14. How many games are played? Where and when are, they scheduled?
The AYL regular season generally consists of  a minimum 10 games including one preseason, eight regular season and one playoff game. All teams qualify for single game elimination playoffs. The number of games played during the playoffs can vary based upon the number of teams in a grade division.

The AYL is comprised of Member Clubs establishing teams in the South Metro area communities of Littleton, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, SE Denver, South Aurora, Parker and Castle Rock. Games can be played in any of these locations at specific gyms.

Regular season games are scheduled for Fridays (5-10PM), Saturdays (9AM-9PM) and Sundays (9AM-9PM). The regular season runs through the end of January/early February. Post season playoffs begin immediately following the conclusion of the regular season and continue with the AYL Championships schedule for mid February. Please understand that games may be postponed by weather, gym issues or other problems at any time. Games are typically rescheduled ASAP and can be played on any day of the week. 

15. What if we have a family vacation scheduled during the season?
Basketball requires significant preparation and practice as well as a strong commitment to the team. Family vacations during the season are highly discouraged. Depending upon team rules, playing time may be impacted because of the time your player misses due to a vacation. You are encouraged to schedule your vacations prior to or after the season to avoid playing time impacts. If you must schedule a family vacation during the season, please inform your head coach as soon as possible to understand how your team is impacted. 

16. What if my child decides after signing up that he does not like basketball and wants to quit? What is the refund policy?
Please email us at   or see the Parker Hawks Home Page for further details.

17. Who can be a coach?
Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to be a head coach or an assistant coach. All coaching candidates will go through a recertification process. The process involves undergoing a background check and completing an interview with the Hawks Basketball board. All Hawks coaches are required to attend any mandated yearly AYL coach trainings and are encouraged to attend any local coaching clinics if they can as well. All Hawks Basketball head coaches will be evaluated annually both by their parents/players on their team as well as the Hawks Basketball representative. Retention as a Hawks Basketball head coach is offered on a year to year basis based on these evaluations. 

18. How can I help?
There are many volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering your time to the Hawks organization, please contact us at  .

19. Can I bring a team or a partial team to Hawks?
Depending on the timing of the discussion/request we are usually able to accept full or partial teams.  If you are interested in doing this, please contact the Hawks basketball director at   for more information.

20. If I have additional questions who do I contact?

Kevin Lawrence, Basketball Director