A basketball club dedicated to the development of Farwell Area Schools girls

ABOUT US:

Email us at flames@hoopzonebasketball.com  

Club History
FLAMES BASKETBALL CLUB is a non profit organization which provides basketball opportunities to Farwell school girls during our “out of season” school time (winter).  Dee (Smedley) Yarger began this club in 1998 with a team of local girls for the first 5 years and since 2001 has expanded into 4 teams because of growing interest within the Farwell schools.  In the winter of 2005 Flames had 4 traveling Farwell teams.  A combined 2-4 grade, 6th grade, 7th grade and a JV team.   Each girl pays to play, based on league and/or number of tournaments.  Local businesses and the Farwell Sports Boosters have agreed to assist young athletes with scholarships when money is tight at home.  In 2006 Flames purchased their own uniforms, enough to suit up 4 complete teams at a cost of about $3000 thus eliminating buying new ones each year.  Many of the Farwell girls involved with Flames basketball also do volleyball; cheer or dance and we do our best to work around their school schedules for practices so they can pursue both interests.  In 2007 Flames has expanded to 6 teams!

Club Mission Statement
The mission of FLAMES BASKETBALL CLUB is to provide an opportunity for athletes to build character and success both on and off the court, to increase each player’s individual basketball skills and to give players an opportunity to foster new friendships through the competitive experience.  FLAMES BASKETBALL CLUB feels each player is a contributing member of the TEAM and everyone will be challenged in practice sessions and will be provided opportunities during game situations to display her basketball skills.  All players are expected to demonstrate a commitment to their team through hard work, hustle, mutual sacrifice and teamwork.  Parents are also encouraged to actively participate in the FLAMES BASKETBALL CLUB by helping to drive to and from events, statistician, timekeeper, etc.

Coaches Expectations
As players are expected to make a commitment to the FLAMES BASKETBALL CLUB, so are the team coaches. This commitment includes:

Being available for all practices and tournaments.
Showing respect for all players, officials and other coaches at all times.
Modeling integrity, sportsmanship and fair play.
Establishing player safety and welfare as the highest priority.
Using discretion when providing constructive criticism and reprimanding players.

Communicating with parents regarding the following:
Coaching Philosophy
Player Expectations
Parent Expectations
Locations and time of all practices and tournament games
Team Requirements
Injury incidents occurring during practices or tournaments

Setting expectations and requiring all players to abide by the FLAMES BASKETBALL CLUB Code of Conduct and Team Rules (form is located under “Forms” on the main menu).

Player Expectations
FLAMES BASKETBALL CLUB emphasizes individual development, team play and sportsmanship.  All players are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the FLAMES BASKETBALL CLUB through hard work, hustle, mutual sacrifice and teamwork.  Players are expected to be available for all scheduled practices and tournaments, and to give coaches as much notice as possible if unable to attend for any reason.
Players are expected to cooperate with team coaches by following directions and guidance offered by them.  Players are also expected to abide by the FLAMES BASKETBALL CLUB Code of Conduct and Team Rules (form is located under player forms on the main menu), and to hold themselves to high standards of conduct and to refrain from engaging in behavior either on or off the court which will reflect poorly on themselves, their coaches or FLAMES BASKETBALL CLUB.

Coaching Philosophy
Each player is a contributing member of the TEAM.  She will be challenged in practice sessions and will be provided opportunities during game situations to display her basketball skills.  While all players will receive playing time, some players may receive more than others.  The amount of playing time a player receives is determined by several factors such as:

- Match-Ups
- Foul Trouble
- Player Attitude
- Attendance at practices and games
- Work Ethic
- Knowledge of plays and 'coachability'

We ask that the knowledge, discretion and decisions of the coaches are respected and trusted by players and parents alike, and that both parents and players refrain from measuring the experience solely by the amount of playing time a player may receive.

Parent Expectations
Parental support is essential to success of FLAMES BASKETBALL CLUB.  Parents are expected to support not only their own daughter but also other team members and team coaches.  Some of the ways that parents are expected to achieve this are as followed:
- Treat all coaches, players and officials with respect at all times
- Ensure that their player abides by the FLAMES BASKETBALL CLUB Code of Conduct and Team Rules
- Take the opportunity to participate in club activities and committees
- Avoid public displays of criticism toward players, coaches or officials
- Provide time for post-game team meetings and discussions
- Provide suitable arrangements for transportation of their player to all practices and tournaments
- Support coaching decisions and direction

Communicate with coaches regarding the following:
- Mental, emotional or physical issues that will affect player abilities
- Ways to help their player improve
- Schedule conflicts
- Sickness or other physical issues your coach needs to know

Respect the discretion of the coaches and refrain from discussion regarding the following:
- Playing Time
- Team Strategy
- Play Calling
- Other Athletes

Parent Participation Opportunities
Parents are encouraged to actively participate in FLAMES BASKETBALL CLUB.  Some of the opportunities for contribution are listed below.  Please contact your coach if you would like to contribute in one of these or some other capacity.

Statisticians - During each game, each participating team may be required to provide either a stats keeper or timekeeper.  In addition to this requirement, we would like to keep "shot chart" to accurately track player and team performance.