It’s been nice to have very even teams. Nothing is worse than when you are playing and there’s no competition. It is been a good season so far for our team and I would like to sign my son up to play more.
The girls from i9 volleyball that have been coaching, especially the one for my daughter, have been fabulous. They are really good at giving immediate individualized feedback and pointers. Very positive attitudes- you can tell they love the game as much as we do!
I love the tournament at the end. I love how points are kept and teams are ranked. It makes it more competitive and fun. I wish the girls basketball season was longer or another session. My daughter had so much fun and would like to continue. There is no other basketball league in the spring.
I like the combination of practice and games at the same time. I like keeping score even at the youngest age. Builds competitiveness and helps the kids understand the games.
I'm confused as to the role of the coach though. It seems like the refs are coaching during the game, but not all the time. The coaches can't really argue anything from what I saw, it's pretty much just whatever the refs want to do.
What I'm getting at is that while I like some of the rules implemented for 1st/2nd graders, some of the rules are head scratchers.
No stealing off the dribble. I'm okay with this as the girls are learning to dribble.
No fast breaks - I understand this, but I don't personally like this.
Out of bounds - seems to be loosely enforced. I saw a girl go 2 feet out of bounds and the coach called it out and the ref said "it's okay".
Travelling/double dribbling. 100% agree to not have these be turn overs. but I don't mind the ref stopping play if a girl walks 15 steps just to remind them they need to dribble and give it back to the same team.
15 minute halves. Seem short to me. Since it's running clock, why not make them 20? Makes substitutions easier and more fair.
Just a few of my notes. Overall I think it's a fun league and is clearly geared more toward the kids learning, which I can appreciate it.
We have previously tried the park district and the instruction they give is minimal to what my son has learned so far.
His coach has given him real game instruction as well as listening skills and confidence.
He actively engaged during the whole practice and it keeps his attention. I’m very happy we decided to try I9.