2021 Season Information
2021 Season Update (1/25/2021)
The 2021 GRABA season will be as follows:
K-2 House season has been canceled.
3-6 House League - Teams will be organized as follows:
3rd/4th Grade Girls
3rd/4th Grade Boys
5th/6th Grade Girls
5th/6th Grade Boys
Teams and coaches are being organized and practice will start the week of February 1. Coaches will contact players as soon as possible. Games will begin Feb. 13 and run for 5 weeks.
Travel League
Based on registrations and interest we were only able to form a 6th Grade Boys team. We did not have enough registrants to create additional travel teams at the other levels. There is a potential for other grade levels to travel after the house season, but that will depend on interest. Travel season will be approximately 6 weeks with max of 4 tourneys and tourneys will be most likely in the metro area.
TRAVEL LEAGUE VS. HOUSE LEAGUE
| Travel League | Thunderhawk League | House League | 2021 Travel Season | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COST | $325 | $200 | $85 | $210 |
| COMPETITION LEVEL | Play to win while developing team and player skills | FIRST play house league THEN travel league | Emphasis on team and player development | Play to win while developing team and player skills |
| GAME LOCATIONS | Most games are located outside the Grand Rapids area | Most games are located within the Grand Rapids area | All games are held at RJEMS | Metro Area |
| GAMES/TOURNAMENTS | 9 weekend tournaments with some 2-day tournaments | 5 weekend tournaments | 2 games per week; held on Saturdays | 4 Tournaments |
| PLAYING TIME | Playing time may not be equal | Playing time will be fair | K-6 equal playing time | Playing time may not be equal |
| PRACTICE TIME | 2-3 nights per week | 2-3 nights per week | 1-2 nights per week | 3 nights per week |
| LENGTH OF SEASON | 5 months (November-March) | 3 months (January-March) | K-2: 4-5 weeks; 3-6: 5-6 weeks | 6 weeks |
| UNIFORMS | Parents pay $25, GRABA pays the difference for 1st time GRABA athletes. | Parents pay $25, GRABA pays the difference for 1st time GRABA athletes | Uniforms included with registration | Parents pay $25, GRABA pays the difference for 1st time GRABA athletes. |
GRABA MISSION STATEMENT, PURPOSE, & PHILOSOPHY
Our mission is to create a fun, fair, and safe basketball environment that focuses on developing respect for others, self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, and basketball skills in our Grand Rapids Area student athletes. We strive to provide the best competition at all grade levels while maintaining the highest degree of participation and sportsmanship.
GRABA Purpose:
To promote, foster and perpetuate the game of basketball at the youth level.
GRABA Philosophy:
Basketball should be a fun and rewarding experience for all: players, coaches, spectators, and referees.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
I would like to welcome everyone to the Grand Rapids Area Basketball Association’s website. It is the GRABA board’s hope that this website will provide information that is useful and informative.
Since 1996, GRABA has proudly served all the children, grades K-6, who reside in the Grand Rapids School District. The primary goal of GRABA is to sponsor traveling teams in the GRABA Traveling League and administer the elementary school program in our grades K-2 and grades 3-6 House Leagues.
The GRABA board recognizes there are times when issues arise that may cause concerns. If at anytime any of our members have a concern, we urge them to communicate their concerns with a coach, board member, or the board of directors. The GRABA board meetings are open to the public and attendance is encouraged.
As an organization, we are committed to our children and I entrust that all adults who have a role in mentoring, whether a coach, volunteer, board member, or parent on the sideline, will strive to lead by example. GRABA also supports all athletics and activities in Grand Rapids, and encourages our athletes to play multiple sports. GRABA does not support sport specialization.
Lastly, I ask everyone to remember, winning is important, but it is secondary to our mission of striving to mold our children of today into the mentally sound and well-adjusted men and women of tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Matt Wegwerth
GRABA President
