and the administration work for all the teams and players,” Sayers said.
According to Sayers, the fee increase was necessary to cover these additional costs and ensure the smooth running of the competitions.
He also noted that the SBA is actively working to clear the waitlists for junior playing spots, which has been a source of frustration for many parents and players.
“We understand that there is a high demand for junior playing spots, and we are doing everything we can to accommodate as many players as possible,” Sayers said.
One of the initiatives being explored by the SBA is the expansion of their facilities.
“We are looking into the possibility of adding additional courts to our existing facility, which would allow us to increase the number of games we can host and consequently, accommodate more players,” Sayers explained.
The SBA has also considered hiring more referees to help with the increased demand.
“We understand that having enough referees is crucial for running a successful basketball competition, so we are actively recruiting and training more referees to meet the demand,” Sayers said.
Despite the fee increases, the SBA maintains that their game prices remain competitive with neighboring associations in Geelong and the Bellarine.
“While we understand that no one likes to see fee increases, it is important to note that our prices are still in line with what other associations in the area are charging,” Sayers stated.
He also highlighted the benefits that participants receive from being a part of the SBA.
“Our competitions provide players with a safe and inclusive environment to develop their basketball skills and build lifelong friendships,” Sayers said.
In addition to the domestic competitions, the SBA also offers representative opportunities for talented players.
“The fees for our representative teams are higher than the domestic competitions, but they provide players with the chance to compete at a higher level and potentially progress to state or national competitions,” Sayers explained.
SBA member Sam Wilson expressed his support for the fee increases and the efforts being made to clear the waitlists.
“As a parent, I understand that there are costs involved in running these competitions, and I am willing to pay a bit extra if it means my child gets the chance to play,” Wilson said.
He also acknowledged the challenges the SBA faces in accommodating all players.
“There is a high demand for playing spots, and it can be frustrating to be on a waitlist. But I appreciate that the SBA is actively working to address this issue,” Wilson added.
Overall, the SBA is standing by its decision to increase fees for domestic competitions, citing the need to cover additional costs and ensure the smooth running of the competitions. They are also exploring options to expand their facilities and hire more referees to accommodate the high demand for playing spots. Despite the fee increases, the SBA maintains that their prices remain competitive with neighboring associations. Participants also benefit from the safe and inclusive environment provided by the SBA, as well as the representative opportunities for talented players.
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