Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SWYBO?
The Southwest Youth Basketball Organization Ltd. was formed to provide opportunities for boys in grades 3-8, who reside in the Green Bay Southwest school district boundaries and intention on attending Southwest, to play basketball at a league/tournament level. Please don’t confuse these teams with your son’s school team. SWYBO teams play a higher level of competitive basketball.
How does the SWYBO operate? How are decisions made? Who selects the coaches?
SWYBO is a nonprofit organization and we operate under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. The club has a board and is advised by the boys high school coaching staff from Southwest High School. The coaching staff at Southwest helps the board decide who coaches the youth teams.
What is SWYBO’s purpose and mission?
To further enhance and provide our boys the opportunity to compete and play at the highest level of youth basketball in the immediate area. In striving to play at this level, it is our hope that our players improve their overall basketball skills and have fun doing so. The members of this organization will try to reach a balance between being competitive in league/tournaments and teaching basketball skills.
May my son play in the SWYBO if he attends a school outside of the Southwest school district boundaries?
Our teams are intended for boys who plan on attending Southwest High School. If your son doesn’t plan on attending Southwest, he is encouraged to play on the appropriate youth based basketball team for the district of his future high school.
How are teams selected for the SWYBO?
Team selections are generally held in the fall of the year. It is a privilege (not a right) to play on a SWYBO team and players and parents should treat it in that manner. Players should be dedicated to working hard and attending all practices and games. The Southwest High School coaches, with input from the grade level coach, will choose the players for each team. There may be restrictions on the number of players and teams; these restrictions include practice time and space availability, financial resources and available coaches. If there aren’t enough coaches, enough gym availability or too few players, cuts could unfortunately be made. If there are multiple teams in a particular grade there might be a “Blue” team and a “White” team formed. That decision will be left up to the high school coaches and the youth coaches involved.
I have questions about playing time, who do I contact?
The SWYBO doesn’t guarantee any practice or playing time to anyone and playing time is left up to the discretion of your son’s coach(s). These are tournament based teams and should not be confused with your son’s school based team. Parents should understand that equal playing time in tournament games is not the goal of this club. Generally, playing time is earned in practice. Parents should understand this before they commit their son into the program.
How much does it cost for my son to participate in the SWYBO?
The registration fee for participation in the SWYBO is currently set at $75 for grades 3- 4 and $125 for grades 5-8. These fees may be adjusted on an annual basis and fundraising may be required.
Does my son have to pay for his uniform?
No. SWYBO provides your son’s jersey and shorts, which are required to be returned at the conclusion of the season. Any additional uniforms or outfits are the sole responsibility of the parents.
Does the SWYBO cover travel expenses to any tournaments?
No, travel expenses are the responsibility of the parents. There is usually a charge for around $5 to attend BADL games.
When are the practices held?
Each team’s scheduled practice times will vary from week to week based on gym availability and tournament schedule. Practices are generally held during the weeknights, but on occasion there might be some weekend practices. Your son is required to attend these practice sessions unless there are justifying circumstances. If missed practices becomes a recurring theme it will affect your son’s playing time and might lead to dismissal from the team. The majority of our practices are held at Southwest, Lombardi and King.
How many games will my son play in?
We compete in a competitive BADL league and some tournaments. It will vary by grade the actual number of games played however it could be from ~10-20+ total. BADL will be played Dec-Mar depending on grade/session with tournaments generally played on weekends also to supplement the league season. Some of the teams may play into the late part of March if that is what's desired.
How do I get directions to the tournaments?
The coach of your son’s team should provide directions, if not please contact him as most tournaments provide these directions in their entry packet.
Can my son miss a tournament or practice for family or personal issues?
Yes. It’s a long season and we don’t want the kids to miss out on family related issues (vacations, etc...). However, if this becomes a recurring theme (every practice or every other weekend) it will affect your son’s playing time and might result in his dismissal from the team. Your son made a commitment to his team and is expected to follow through on it.
How does the SWYBO raise funds?
We will raise funds through hosting youth tournaments, through the collection of player fees, and fundraising. The Southwest High School Boys Basketball Program also helps us with staffing at our SWYBO tournament(s)/league and they share in the net proceeds as well but on a pro-rated basis.
What about basketball camps?
You are encouraged to enroll your son in the various summer basketball camps that have been recommended by your son’s coach(s) and/or the Southwest Varsity Coach. This obviously includes any Southwest Youth Basketball Camps.
How can I get involved with the SWYBO?
Anytime, Anyway, Anyhow! The success of the SWYBO is tied closely to the involvement of our parents. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved and we are always open to new ideas and suggestions.
Who do I contact with any concerns?
Please e-mail Craig Decker at craig.m.decker@gmail.com with any concerns or questions.