Basketball Q + A

What does the WAC do?
What league does the WAC play in?
When does the season start?
How long does the season last?
What are the different age levels?
Do you hold tryouts?
How much playing time will my child get?
How do I volunteer to be a coach?
How do I volunteer to be an umpire?

What does the WAC do?

The Weare Athletic Club is a non-profit organization that organizes a winter Basketball season for children in Grades 1-8. We do not organize the Weare Middle School teams. See the About The WAC page for information about the club and how you can help.
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What league does the WAC play in?

Grade 1-2 and 3-4 teams will play 'in-house' against the other WAC teams at their level. WAC teams at the grade 5-6 and 7-8 levels are entered in Merrimack Basketball league, in either the B or A Division. The B Division is a recreational league that enforces equal playing time. The A Division is a competitive league, and does not require equal playing time.
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When does the season start?

Practices for grades 3-8 start practicing in mid-November, and games start in December. Grade 1-2 teams will begin practicing in December and start games in January.
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How long does the season last?

The regular season ends in late February for grades 1-4, and early March for the Merrimack League.
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What are the different age levels?

Grade 1-2: The grade 1-2 program is the only coed grade level. The teams play games 'in-house' against other WAC teams. Teams use Youth size balls (27.5 inches), baskets are lowered to 8 feet, and no full-court defense is allowed. Teams practice and play games on Saturdays. All players receive equal playing time. Games are not scored.

Grade 3-4: Grade 3-4 teams also play 'in-house', and are split into separate boys and girls teams. Teams use Youth size balls (27.5 inches), the baskets are lowered to 9 feet, and rules regarding full-court defense are modified. Teams generally practice once a week, with games on Saturdays. All players receive equal playing time. Games are scored.

Grade 5-6 and 7-8: Merrimack Basketball League teams travel to other towns, and there are no restrictions on half-court defense. Teams use full-sized balls (28.5 inches for girls, 29.5 inches for boys). Teams generally practice once or twice a week, with games on Saturdays. Players on B division teams receive equal playing time, but this is not the case for A divisions teams. Games are scored.
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Do you hold tryouts?

The Weare Athletic Club is primarily a recreational organization, and every player who signs up is placed on a team. We do, however, use evaluations to ensure that our teams are evenly matched, and to select an A division team if the club decides to enter one.
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How much playing time will my child get?

All players in the grade 1-4 'in-house' program and and 5-8 Merrimack league B Division teams receive equal playing time. However, players on the grade 5-8 A Division teams are not subject to equal playing time rules.
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How do I volunteer to be a coach?

The Weare Athletic Club is always looking for volunteers to coach our kids. Contact the WAC basketball director for details.
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How do I volunteer to be a referee?

The Weare Athletic Club is always looking for volunteers to referee Basketball games. Contact the WAC basketball director for details.
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Weare Athletic Club 2008