Next Level Development League - ensure you indicate your intention to try-out for the NLDL on Registration form.
The NLDL is a premier city-wide league specifically designed for Grade 5/6 and Grade 7/8 divisions, catering to both male and female athletes.
Minis:
- For grades 5 and 6.
- 4- 6 teams will be formed in both the girls and boys divisions.
- The season runs from mid-October to mid/late February, followed by playoffs in March.
Bantams
- For grades 7 and 8.
- 4-6 teams will be formed in both the girls and boys divisions.
- The season runs from mid-October to mid/late February, followed by playoffs in March.
Objective:
The overall objective of the NLDL is to improve the development of all basketball players in Saskatoon. For more experienced players, the NLDL offers a competitive environment to further hone their skills. For less experienced players, the community league provides a platform to build foundational skills. By ensuring that similarly experienced and skilled kids play against each other, we create an environment that maximizes development and enjoyment for all participants.
Evaluation and Team Formation in the NLDL:
Players will undergo independent evaluations. Those interested in joining the NLDL will showcase their skills at the Evaluation Camp held over 3 weekends in September. Players who are selected to playing the NLDL will be drafted onto a TEAM, regardless of home location within the city.
Training and Development:
Once teams are established, athletes will receive a minimum of two practice sessions per week. The minimum practice requirement will help enhance their skills and develop their basketball abilities further. A mid-season development camp is also held in December each year and will provide players with an opportunity to fine-tune their abilities and improve their overall performance.
Fees:
For the 2024-25 season, a $60 tryout fee applies to participate in the Pre-Season Evaluation Weekends. If selected, there is an additional $70 fee per player for the season, on top of regular fees for Minis and Bantams.
The NLDL aims to provide a platform for more experienced basketball players to consistently compete against similarly skilled players.
SMBA NLDL FAQs
- What is the reason for establishing the SMBA Next Level Development League (NLDL) The NLDL provides every player in the SMBA an equal opportunity to play at the most developmentally appropriate level, maximizing enjoyment and development in basketball. It creates competitive teams in each division (Girls-Mini, Boys-Mini, Girls-Bantam, Boys-Bantam) alongside the traditional Community League.
- How are the zones involved in the NLDL? The NLDL, governed by the SMBA Executive Board, operates in cooperation with the Saskatoon Community Associations. Input from each zone is considered in all SMBA programs.
- Who is eligible to play in the NLDL? Players within the SMBA geographic boundaries and of appropriate age for Mini and Bantam divisions can attend tryouts. Players from Martensville and Warman can also try out. New residents to Saskatoon after the registration deadline but before tryouts will be given a chance to try out without a late registration surcharge.
- How much will it cost for my child to play in the NLDL City-Wide League? For the 2024-25 season, a $60 tryout fee applies. If selected, there is an additional $70 fee per player for the season, on top of regular fees for Mini and Bantam.
- What does the registration fee pay for? The tryout fee covers participation in skill development and evaluation at the Evaluation Camp in September, where players undergo drills and scrimmages run by SMBA certified coaches.
- Are teams required to fundraise? Fundraising is up to each team. SMBA registration fees cover regular season and playoff gym times and officials. Additional team fees, if chosen, will cover tournaments, extra gym time, and team apparel.
- What if a zone holds players back in the Community League and stacks a team? While this is a possibility, it is hoped that players capable of playing at the NLDL level will not be held back and will be given the opportunity to try out and play in the NLDL.
- When does the season start and end? The season begins after the tryout process, scheduled to be completed by the last week of September for Mini and Bantam players.
- How many players will be on each team? Each team will consist of 10-12 players.
- How many games and practices per week will there be? There will be a minimum of one game and two practices per week.
- What qualifications do the coaches require? Coaches need appropriate certification, with the Head Coach requiring “Learn to Train” Certification or equivalent. More information is available on the SMBA, Basketball Saskatchewan, or Basketball Canada websites.
- Do players receive equitable playing time? The SMBA Executive mandates equitable opportunities for all players during league play throughout the regular season.
- Will non-selected players be posted on the website after tryouts? No. Only players moving on to the next stages of tryouts may be listed on the website.
- How will the team drafting process function? After evaluations, players are grouped by ranking. Coaches select players from these groups through a draft process to form teams of equitable skill level.
- Is there a guarantee for returning players in the NLDL? No, each player must try out each year.
- What happens if my child wants to switch back to their zone team after joining NLDL? Efforts will be made to find a spot on a team in their zone. If unavailable, a spot may be found in a nearby zone.
- Will the coaches be the same each year? No. Coaches are selected each season to ensure the best fit for the league.
- Will league stats be posted on the website or in the Star Phoenix? NLDL game results will be posted on the SMBA website. No statistics will be published in the Star Phoenix.
- Does the NLDL provide tax receipts for the government rebate? Yes, tax receipts are provided upon registration for the season. If misplaced, a duplicate copy can be requested for a $10 administration fee.