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TEAM MANAGER HANDBOOK

OVERVIEW

Thank you for volunteering to take on the role of Team Manager with the Eltham Wildcats Basketball.

This handbook has been created to support volunteers managing domestic teams competing in the Eastern District Junior Basketball Association. It aims to provide clear guidance, practical tools, and helpful information to make your role manageable and rewarding

As Team Manager, you are the central communication link for your team. The club will provide key updates and information to you, which you will then share to the coach, players, and families. By overseeing the administrative responsibilities of the team, you allow the coach to focus fully on the team

This handbook will help you: Understand your responsibilities and expectations Manage team administration effectively Navigate challenges and resolve issues when they arise

Your time, organisation, and commitment are greatly appreciated The role you play is essential to creating a smooth, positive, and successful experience for coaches, players and families throughout the season.

Eastern Districts Junior Basketball Association

The Eastern Districts Junior Basketball Association (EDJBA) is the largest junior basketball competition in Australia, with more than 1,500 teams and nearly 12,000 players participating each season.

It allows for players in Under 8’s to Under 21’s (Summer Season) and Under 9’s to Under 21’s (Winter Season) to play on Saturdays at venues across the Eastern District.

The EDJBA is committed to being an inclusive and community-focused association, delivering a high-quality competition that caters to players of all abilities. Its priority is to promote participation in a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment where young athletes can develop their skills and love for the game.

For Winter 2026 the dates are as follows:

Regular Season:Saturday, 2nd May 2026 – Saturday, 22 August 2026

Semi Finals:Saturday, 29th August 2026

Prelim Finals:Saturday, 5th September 2026

Grand Finals:Saturday, 12th September 2026

WINTER 2026 CALENDER

Monday, 20 April 2026 School Term 2 – First Day

Saturday, 25 April 2026 No game – Anzac Day

Saturday, 2 May 2026 Round 1

Saturday, 9 May 2026 Round 2

Saturday, 16 May 2026 Round 3

Saturday, 23 May 2026 Round 4

Saturday, 30 May 2026 Round 5

Saturday, 6 June 2026 NO GAME – King’s Birthday weekend

Monday, 8 June 2026 King’s Birthday holiday

Saturday, 13 June 2026 Round 6

Saturday, 20 June 2026 Round 7

Friday, 26 June 2026 School Term 2 – Last Day

Saturday, 27 June 2026 Round 8

Monday, 13 July 2026 School Term 3 – First Day

Saturday, 18 July 2026 Round 9

Saturday, 25 July 2026 Round 10

Saturday, 1 August 2026 Round 11

Saturday, 8 August 2026 Round 12

Saturday, 15 August 2026 Round 13

Saturday, 22 August 2026 Round 14

Saturday, 29 August 2026 Semi Finals

Saturday, 5 September 2026 Prelim Finals

Saturday, 12 September 2026 Grand Finals

Friday, 18 September 2026 School Term 3 – Last Day

WINTER 2026 AGE GROUPS

AGE GROUP

BIRTH DATE RANGE

U09 Born 2017 & after

U11 2015 – 2016

U13 2013 – 2014

U15 2011 – 2012

U17 2009 – 2010

U19 2007 – 2008

U21 2005 – 2006

TRAININGS

Training and Supervision

Training is an essential component of a successful basketball season. As Team Manager, you play an important role in ensuring that each session runs efficiently, safely, and in line with Club expectations.

Weekly Training Sessions

Teams train once per week. Training days, times, and venues will be confirmed at the beginning of the season

Please provide weekly reminders to families via your preferred communication platform (e g whatsapp) to ensure attendance

Supervision

In line with child safety requirements, at least one non-coaching parent must be present at every training session. This ensures appropriate supervision in the event of injury, illness, or behavioural concerns

If supervision responsibilities are falling to the same families, consider implementing a Training Supervision Roster to distribute the responsibility fairly across the team

Supervising parents are not required to participate in training activities; however, they must remain nearby and available throughout the session.

Injury and First Aid

Players should bring their own clearly labelled water bottles and advise the coach or Team Manager of any existing or ongoing injuries.

A basic first aid kit (including ice packs and bandages) should be provided by the team. Most venues will have ice available or other first aid supplies if required

In the case of a serious injury, notify the Club as soon as possible and complete an Injury Report Form in accordance with Club procedures

Player Expectations

To ensure sessions begin on time and run effectively, players should:

Arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time

Wear appropriate Wildcats training apparel and suitable footwear

Remove all jewellery and watches prior to training

Demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to learn and improve

Your organisation and communication will help create a safe, professional, and productive training environment for all players.

FILL-IN PLAYERS

Requesting a Fill-In Player

If your team has fewer than five available players for a standard round game, you may request a fill-in player by completing the official Fill-In Player Request Form

Fill in Player Form

The Eltham Wildcats Basketb w p yer availability by the Friday prior to the scheduled game.

Important Information

This request process applies to regular season games only (Rounds 1–14).

Submission of the form does not guarantee that a fill-in player will be available

All fill-in players must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the By-Laws of the Eastern Districts Junior Basketball Association, including Section 11 – Fill-In Players.

FINALS ELIGIBILITY

If your team is entering Finals and has fewer than six qualified players available, special approval must be obtained from the EDJBA to use a fill-in player

This is a separate process from regular season requests. If this situation arises, please contact the Club directly for guidance and support

To qualify to play finals matches with a team, a player must be registered and have played five rounds with that team, except in the case of medical evidence of unavailability in which case the EDJBA may give a permit.

For more information, please refer to the EDJBA By- Laws.

CHILD SAFETY AND WELLBEING

At the Eltham Wildcats Basketball, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. All children involved in our programs have the right to feel safe, respected, and supported at all times.

We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to maintaining a child-safe and child-friendly environment where young people are valued, heard, and protected All decisions and actions within the Club are guided by the best interests of the child.

All members of our community - including coaches, volunteers, staff, team managers, and parents - are required to comply with the Club’s ethical and legal requirements, including (Click the name to view the page):

Basketball Victoria Codes of Conduct

Basketball Victoria Member Protection Declaration

Victorian Working with Children Check requirements

Eltham Wildcats Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy

Your Role as a Team Manager

Team Managers play a vital role in supporting the Club’s commitment to child safety. You are often one of the most visible and accessible adults within the team environment and are trusted by both players and families.

As a Team Manager, you are expected to:

Promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful team culture

Be approachable and available to players

Ensure appropriate supervision at training sessions, including the presence of another non-coaching parent

Model respectful behaviour and uphold Club standards

Respond appropriately to concerns or disclosures and seek guidance when unsure

CHILD SAFETY AND WELLBEING CONT.

Reporting a Concern, Allegation, or Complaint

If a child discloses information to you, or if you observe or become aware of behaviour that raises concern, you are responsible for reporting it.

Matters that must be reported include:

Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or neglect

Grooming or boundary violations

Bullying or harassment

Inappropriate behaviour by adults or children

Breaches of Club or Basketball Victoria policies

Contact details:

Email: welfare@elthambasketball.net.au

Phone: (03) 9439 5686

If a child is in immediate danger, contact 000 or Child Protection services directly.

Forms and Resources

Injury Report Form

Feedback or Complaint Form – Eltham Wildcats

Child Protection Reporting Guide – Victoria

Maintaining a child-safe environment is a shared responsibility. Your leadership and vigilance are essential in ensuring that every child can participate in basketball in a safe and supportive setting

SCORING ROSTER

As Team Manager, your responsible for organising a scoring roster Each team is responsible to provide one scorer, with the first team responsible for the iPad and the second team listed for the score box. The below is a snapshot of an example and page has is a template that can be used

HELPFUL TIPS

The Team Manager role requires organisation, communication, and problem-solving You are central to ensuring the team operates smoothly throughout the EDJBA season, supporting both the coach and families behind the scenes.

Keep the following items accessible, either digitally or in a hard-copy folder:

A complete list of player details, including names, dates of birth, and parent/guardian contact information

An up-to-date fixture and venue list (updated weekly via PlayHQ)

Scoring roster and training supervision roster

Basic first aid supplies, such as bandages, strapping tape, and disposable gloves

Timing rules relevant to your team’s age group, in case clarification is required by scorers or referees

A record of opposition uniform colours (confirm weekly to avoid clashes)

Uniform Clash

Always confirm uniform colours prior to each game If a clash occurs, the team listed first on the official fixture is required to change singlets.

Managing Feedback or Conflict

If concerns arise from players or families, encourage respectful and appropriate communication pathways Formal feedback or complaints can be submitted via the Eltham Wildcats Feedback and Complaint Form through the Eltham Wildcats Basketball.

Thank You

Your contribution goes far beyond administrative tasks. As Team Manager, you help build team culture, support families, and contribute positively to each player’s experience

The Club appreciates your time, energy, and commitment throughout the season and is available to support you whenever needed.