What do you pay for gym time?

We have two programs here in Charlevoix, Mi... our girls and boys youth recreational leagues, and our AAU program. We are very fortunate in having a good relationship with the local schools. Our school principals, athletic director, and coaches have taken a positive attitude toward our programs, believing that our programs help develop the kids for high school play, and also gives them all the other benefits of team play, sportsmanship, etc. In addition, they believe that when our gyms are empty, they are not being utilized. We have our rec leagues use the gym on Saturdays, and AAU on Sundays. We use the gyms for free. We do our own clean-up work.

Maybe if you could enlist the help of the school's varsity coaches and AD, pointing out to them that you would like to work with them, and have their input in your league, you could rally their support and make a case with the administrators. Each year, before the leagues start, we have our high school coaches put on a "clinic" for all the rec league and AAU coaches, on what fundamentals they like to see taught in our leagues. They bring along a few of the varsity players and demonstrate drills, etc. This all helps create a sense of working together for the common good of your high school basketball progams and your community.

Good luck!
Coach Gels