BANMI, Rotary meeting tomorrow

The Basketball Association of the Northern Mariana Islands will hold an important meeting today at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium conference room.

According to Division of Sports and Recreation director Tony Rog-olifoi, the gathering will focus on ongoing leagues headed by the association as well as upcoming activities. It was originally set for yesterday evening, but was rescheduled.

BANMI currently holds the 25-and-under Basketball League. Upcoming activities include the Masters Basketball League and the $1,000 grand prize Budweiser Cup, both expected to get underway this month.

Meanwhile, the Saipan Rotary Summer Youth Basketball League is tentatively scheduled to raise its curtains on June 20 at the Ada Gym.

League officials had earlier discussed hosting mandatory coaches clinic for all individuals who will head a team. The topic will also be discussed during the BANMI meeting this evening.

A meeting strictly for the youth league will be held at 6:30pm tomorrow at the Ada Gym conference room.

So far, 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, Garapan 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 register for the popular youth league.

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

Also, the deadline for submission of all age verification documents, waiver forms, and $100 entrance fee is 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.

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.

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