Registration
How do I register my son?
- Basketball ACT registrations are managed through PlayHQ, with Marist Basketball registrations opening on Sunday 1 March.
- Details about Winter Season registration (including the PlayHQ link) and grading dates (for new players only) will be released through club emails and social media. Please subscribe for email updates from the club.
Can my son play basketball for Marist before starting at the College?
- Students who receive and accept an enrolment offer from Marist College Canberra, for the 2027 school year, are encouraged to join Marist Basketball for the 2026/27 Summer Season. Please subscribe from mid-2026 to receive email updates from the club about the Summer Season.
Winter Season 2026
When does the season start?
- Junior Premier League (JPL) Round 1 begins on Friday 8 May, with finals concluding Sunday 20 September.
- Juniors (Division 1 to 6) Round 1 begins on Saturday 2 May (U12 and U14) and Sunday 3 May (U16 and U19), with finals concluding Sunday 13 September.
Are there any breaks during the season?
- There are no games scheduled on the following weekends:
- King’s Birthday – 5-7 June
- ACT School Holidays – 26-28 June
- Basketball ACT recess – 10-12 July.
- Games are scheduled for all other weekends, including the remaining weekends of the Marist College Canberra winter break.
When and where are the games played?
- All JPL teams play on Friday night during the Winter Season.
- U12 and U14 Juniors (Division 1 to 6) teams play on Saturday.
- U16 and U19 Juniors (Division 1 to 6) teams play on Sunday.
- Game times and venues vary week-to-week for each team. Game details are available through the MyHoops App once the fixture is released by Basketball ACT. Download the App and follow your son’s team.
Training
When and where is training?
- Winter Season training starts the first week of Term 2.
- Teams train once per week, for an hour, in Marcellin Hall.
- Training is primarily conducted between 3.30-7.30pm, Monday to Friday. In exceptional circumstances, sessions may need to be scheduled before school.
- Training session details will be communicated to parents/carers by coaches or managers, including day, time, and court.
- Training times are based on the availability of our volunteer coaches.
Uniforms and equipment
What does my son need to play and train?
- Club jerseys: The club provides all players with a jersey (playing singlet) to use during the season. Jerseys are issued directly to each player at the commencement of the season (to ensure they fit) and are returned at the conclusion of the season (or on a player’s departure from the school/club if this occurs before the end of the season). Any unreturned jerseys will incur a $70 fee payable to the club.
- Jersey issue: Jerseys will be issued after-school during the first week of Term 2. All players must attend and collect their jersey per the schedule released by the club.
- Club shorts and socks: Marist Basketball shorts and socks are to be worn for all games. Shorts and socks are sold by the Marist College Canberra Uniform Shop and can be bought either online or directly from the shop.
- Basketball shoes: Although not compulsory, it is advised that players wear shoes designed for basketball during training and games; this will ensure they are provided with the stability they require. Runners are acceptable; however, black soled shoes are not allowed on Marist or Basketball ACT indoor courts at any time.
- Training ball: All players must take a basketball to their scheduled training session. Please consider the size (U12 = 5 and U14 = 6) and surface/s the ball will be used on (indoor and/or outdoor) when buying balls. Please ensure all balls are clearly labelled, in permanent marker, with the player’s name and contact phone number (to help in returning misplaced balls).
- Training singlet: Although not compulsory, it is preferred that boys wear a reversable singlet/shirt during training. The club sells old playing jerseys for the boys to use as training singlets (details of purchase opportunities will be advised by the club). If boys do not have a reversable singlet, they are welcome to wear their college or House sports shirts. Players should refrain from wearing professional basketball league or representative singlets during club training sessions.
- Club merchandise: The club will from time-to-time order or sell specific club merchandise, including warm-up or supporter tops. Merchandise opportunities will be communicated by the club.
Team selections and allocations
How are the teams selected?
- The team selection process involves multiple steps, involving:
- Grading (prior to Summer only)
- Feedback and recommendations from coaches (current/past season)
- Team balance (consideration of height and position-based skill in each team, when possible)
- Team list confirmations (by of our Team Selection Committee, in collaboration with the College).
- The Summer Season gives an opportunity for players to display their skills, particularly where players have moved up an age group. The Team Selection Committee will review player Summer Season performances, along with coach feedback and recommendations, to inform team selection decisions for the 2026 Winter Season.
- Requests for feedback about individual player allocations will be provided if time allows. The start of each season is extremely busy for all Committee members, and our priority of effort is directed towards ensuring players and teams are ready for training and the season. Requests can be directed to enquiries@maristbasketball.com.
Can my son change teams?
- No, we cannot accept requests for players to change teams. Given the careful consideration that goes into the selection of teams, player movements or team changes will not be made unless there are exceptional circumstances. Any such requests require approval from the College’s Sports staff.
- We encourage parents or carers to talk with your son about the importance of using this season to excel in their assigned team – emphasizing the significance of listening to their coach and being a supportive, team-oriented player to enhance a positive team environment.
Can my son play in a team with his friends?
- One benefit of school sport is giving boys the opportunity to meet boys outside of their usual peer and friend groups. The College has specifically asked that sports clubs do not take friendships into consideration when selecting teams. In preparation for each season, Marist Basketball grades about four hundred boys into 45-50 teams across the various age groups and divisions, which is a long process. It is important that players are graded into a division that suits their skill level, as it is not beneficial for players to have significant and varying skill level within a team.
- The Team Selection Committee does take College pastoral care reasons and coach feedback into consideration, where certain boys do or don’t work well together. Marist Basketball tries to ensure boys are placed into teams with at least 1 or 2 other boys from their year group and that new students are grouped with other new students where possible.
Can my son play two sports?
- This is a decision for each family consider; however, it may be helpful to discuss the alignment of each sport (games and training) with the College.
- Marist Basketball must field a minimum of five players, plus substitutes, for each game. While we try to allocate 8-9 players per team, it is common for teams to be affected by injuries and illness over the Winter Season. This can make it challenging for teams to cover the absence of multi-sport players.
- Our teams may incur forfeit fees and/or disqualification if they have insufficient players to take the court.
Coaches and Managers
How do I access my team list and player contact details?
- Once you have registered as a manager or coach in PlayHQ, the Registrar will grant you ‘view’ access for your team. This allows you to access your team (‘squad’), and player contact details. Access is as follows:
- Log into your PlayHQ account – If you have more than one account, log into the account associated with your registration as a coach or manager. Access is via your registration.
- Select the tab for your profile – If there are multiple profiles in your account (parents, children, or siblings), ensure you select your profile; the access is only available through your profile.
- Select the ‘My Teams’ tab – If you have multiple sports linked to your account, check you are viewing the ‘Basketball ACT’ teams (switch sports if needed).
- Select the team you are coaching/managing – If you have multiple teams, check you have accessed the right team.
- Select the ‘Squad’ tab.
- Select the ‘Arrow’ for each player individually to access their contact details. If you cannot see the arrows on the right-hand side of each player, please scroll across.
How can I volunteer to help with basketball?
- The only way our boys can play, is with the assistant of volunteer coaches and managers. Please consider coaching or managing one of our teams. You can register your Expression of Interest via our website.