Rotary basketball coaches required to take clinic

Coaches expecting to guide young players during their campaign in this year’s Saipan Rotary Club Youth Basketball League must take part in a coaches clinic before serving as official team representative on the sidelines.

This according to league officials, who disclosed during a recent meeting that four clinic sessions have already been scheduled.

The first session will be held on June 11 from 9am to noon at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium conference room. Another session will be held on June 12 beginning at noon while the third session will be held on June 18 from 9am to noon. The final session will be held on June 19 beginning at noon.

Timeline for sessions beginning at noon depend on how long it takes for all instructions to be completed.

Meanwhile, nine teams have already showed interest in competing in the 18-and-under cage league, including the San Antonio Sixers I and II headed by veteran youth coach Ryan Nisperos, G-Rollers I and II under the guidance of Joe Diaz, Matansa Sparks I and II headed by George Cruz, San Antonio 69ers led by Ray Duenas, Ol’Aces, and Tanapag Warriors.

Other interested teams are still welcome to the register for the popular youth league.

All players listed on the team roster must not turn 19 years old before Oct. 30, 2005.

The league is tentatively set to unfold on June 20, with organizers setting the deadline for submission of all age verification documents, waiver forms, and $100 entrance fee on June 10. Entrance fee paid via check must be made payable to the Division of Sports and Recreation, which will be heading the organizing responsibilities of the league.

Age verification documents may be copies of birth certificates, passports, or driver’s licenses.

Organizers stressed that teams failing to pay the entrance fee will not be allowed to play under clearing the requirement.

Also, all teams are urged to begin placing orders for uniforms. League officials have also implemented a “no-uniform no-play” rule. Teams must have uniforms by the opening game of the season.

All teams are limited to just 15 players per roster, however, during the meeting, several coaches raised concerns on the limitation. The roster requirement will be addressed during a next meeting, set for May 30 at 10 am at the Ada Gym conference room. All teams interested in participating in the league must have a team representative, preferably a coach or manager, take part in the meeting as important issues regarding the requirements and the rules and regulations will be discussed.

All Ada Gym rules must be followed while using the facility for games. FIBA rules will also apply.

“Any concerns or protest not covered in the ground rules will be dealt with in accordance to the FIBA rule book,” officials said.

Led by playmaker Paul Magcalas, Makos hoisted the championship crown last year, defeating fellow powerhouse San Antonio Sixers in a winner-take-all finale.

For more information on the Saipan Rotary Youth Basketball League, contact Jovie Omar or Elias Rangamar at 664-2502.