Basketball Programs
CAA Basketball offers these programs:
In House Teams
Girls: Grades 1-8
Boys: Grades 1-8
In-House basketball opportunities are offered for players in grades 1 - 8. Teams are formed at random or through a draft. Teams will be formed with talent as evenly distributed as possible.
In grades 1-3, we focus on developing skills such as footwork, dribbling, passing and catching, shooting, defense and rebounding. A structured league is played at most levels. Teams typically have one practice and one game per week. All players participate equally. Teams are selected through random placement. Reciprocal buddy requests are honored, as much as possible. Common jerseys give a sense of community and promote good sportsmanship. Season will typically run October through December, or January through March.
In grades 4-8 In-House, we continue to develop fundamental skills as we focus on the value of teamwork. Teams are selected by player evaluations and draft process. Balancing competition is the priority in selecting teams. Common jerseys give a sense of community and promote good sportsmanship. Teams typically have one practice and one game per week. Playing time is shared equally during the games. Season will typically run November into March.
Equal playing time is required and enforced, however CAA coaches are afforded a degree of latitude to temporarily reduce court time for players who display a distinct lack of commitment to the team. Coaches are required to communicate the specific reasons for court time reduction to the player and parents in a respectful manner, and to work with the player to help rectify the situation quickly. Coaches must keep the CAA Basketball VP of In-House informed of any reduced court time situations.
Travel Teams
Girls: Grades 5-8
Boys: Grades 5-8
Traveling basketball is offered for those individuals who are interested in competing at a higher level. It requires a greater commitment, in that each participant is expected to attend all practices and weekend tournaments. Teams will typically have two practices per week, and play in 30 or more games during the season.
In grades 5 through 8 we offer a traveling program where we bring more focus on competition and developing skills. Traveling teams are formed of our best players to compete with the best players from other communities in the metro area. Our goals are improvement in team and individual skills, emphasizing teamwork, equitable participation required, and exemplary sportsmanship. If number of participants dictates, we form multiple teams per grade, with an A-B-C or similar format and 8-10 players per team.
Tournament Teams
CAA Basketball will sponsor and support Tournament Teams comprised of CAA In-House players. Tournament Teams offer players the opportunity to participate in a more competitive environment that does not require the commitment of traveling basketball. Tournament Teams typically play in a limited number of “super-saver” tournaments. We request that Tournament Teams make every effort to register for tournaments that do not conflict with the CAA In-House schedule, such as those offered by Minnesota Youth Athletic Services, www.myas.org. You are free to fill your roster with any CAA In-House players you choose. Tournament teams are responsible for funding the cost of tournament entry fees and additional jerseys/uniforms. CAA will charge Tournament Teams a nominal fee to cover the cost of gym space for practices. Once you have formed your team of coaches and players, we will provide the following services:
- CAA sponsorship, ensuring adherence to tournament eligibility rules
- Team covered by CAA insurance policy
- Additional CAA jerseys, if necessary
- Tournament registration services
- Reserve gym space for practices
- Coaches encouraged to attend CAA Basketball coach clinics.
CAA Basketball programs are organized by grade. All participants must register and play within the program or league intended for their current grade in school. No one is allowed to "play up"
CAA Participation Philosophy