2026 Player/Parent Handbook

SHERBROOKE SUNS CONTACT DETAILS

PRESIDENT – president@sherbrookebasketball.au

SECRETARY – secretary@sherbrookebasketball.au

DIRECTOR of COACHING
DOC@sherbrookebasketball.au

FEE CO-ORDINATOR
treasurer@sherbrookebasketball.au

UNIFORMS AND MERCHANDISE
uniforms@sherbrookebasketball.au

Welcome to the Sherbrooke SUNS Junior Representative Basketball Program.

Sherbrooke SUNS Basketball allows maximum involvement in each age group, from the under 12’s right through to the Big V Youth League and Senior Divisions. The skills and experience that the players develop in playing for Junior Representative Teams carries them through into the senior program. The links between the junior and senior programs are integral to players understanding their opportunities for progression.

As the Representative Basketball season runs across a ten-month period, a large degree of commitment is required from players, coaches and parents to achieve a successful season. This includes attending ALL training sessions and all games.

Sherbrooke SUNS was born out of the need for those playing Sherbrooke Domestic Competition to go to the next level and compete more broadly by representing their own association and playing representative basketball. It is mandatory for all junior representative players at Sherbrooke to also play in the Sherbrooke Junior Domestic competition. This doesn’t mean that players from elsewhere cannot tryout at Sherbrooke, this simply means that if a player is accepted into the representative program they must also commit to play in the Sherbrooke domestic competition. The club will manage team allocations for this purpose.

From Sherbrooke to You

Opportunity to play representative basketball at your optimum level
Quality training and coaching at age appropriate levels
A warm and inviting environment in which to learn and succeed
A pathway through to senior representative opportunities
The promotion of the benefit of team sport in preparing young people with life skills
Opportunity to develop relationships in the wider basketball community

From You to Sherbrooke

Try your utmost to reach your full potential
Show respect to all parties, at all levels
Fully commit to the betterment of the team as a whole
Fulfil obligations to assist at Big V games
Fulfil obligations to participate in domestic competition
Contribute to the continued development of growth at Sherbrooke Basketball

Sherbrooke SUNS takes the issue of cyber bullying very seriously. Parents should be aware of this and discuss it with their child so there is a clear understanding of expectations. Please see the attached policy regarding cyber safety for your children. NO SHERBROOKE SUNS TEAM IS PERMITTED TO SET UP A TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA SITE. The Club has an official monitored Stack Team App for all communications. The Stack Team App is the only platform allowed for communication at Sherbrooke.

Unlike domestic basketball, which is played in two seasons, Representative Basketball is played throughout most of the year in three phases.

Grading Phase 1 November to December

Grading Phase 2 February to March

Championship Phase April to August

Finals September

Under 20s will run: Grading Phase 1 mid March, then Season starts May to finals in August.

The Junior Representative Working Group takes direction from, and reports to, the Sherbrooke Board of Management, and is responsible for implementing necessary procedures to facilitate the operation of the program. Duties such as distributing uniforms, overseeing tryouts, ensuring players are registered, ensuring official paperwork for Coaches and Team Managers is in order, and that all teams have the required equipment and information. The Working Group are all volunteers that are working to provide a great basketball experience for players and their families. Functions performed by the Working Group include:

Team Manager Co-Ordinator
VJBL Representative
Uniform/Merchandise Co-Ordinator

Training sessions are held twice a week throughout the season. Training will be on Sundays and Wednesdays at Upwey High School stadium. Players need to arrive at training at least 15 minutes before the start time or as otherwise directed by the Coach. If there is a group training on your court when you arrive, do not take to the court until your appointed time.

Sherbrooke understands that some family events or illness can cause missed training sessions, but there are no other valid excuses. For example, sleepovers, parties, etc., are not acceptable reasons for missing training. If you are injured, you are still expected to attend training sessions and games. Please inform your Coach or Team Manager as early as possible, with a valid reason, if you cannot attend a training or game.

Games are played on a home and away basis on a Friday night. Games normally start from 6.40pm through to 9.40pm. Venues will vary depending on grading. Our home courts are Upwey High School. Under 20s competition for the 2026 season will be held on Sunday evenings at various venues within a reasonable geographical area, the U20s competition does not start until March, 2026.

There is no door entry charge at any venues. The team game day fee covers players and spectators and is a lump sum determined by VJBL. Sherbrooke Basketball has incorporated these fees into our total fee structure so there is no need for further payment to cover game day fees. Sherbrooke Basketball pays all game day fees on behalf of each team. Details in the Fee Section

Contact Details

Please ensure you provide correct contact details to the club. If you change your details (telephone number, email etc) during the season, please go into your PlayHQ account and make the necessary changes in the system. If fees are to be paid by anyone other than the person whose email is registered as the contact point, this information must be provided via email to treasurer@sherbrookebasketball.au

Fees

Total cost of player registration and game day fees for 2026 for all players is $1250.00 inclusive of GST. We offer an early bird fee of $1150 provided the full amount is paid by 1st December 2025. The first payment of $500 is due before 1st December and is payable upon accepting a position in a team. The balance will be invoiced and payable by 1st February, 2026. Do not pay your fees until you receive an invoice. The invoice number MUST be the reference on your direct payment record. Once the fees are paid you will have no further costs associated with your child playing representative basketball unless:

you need to purchase a uniform

the team makes finals

the team enters a tournament

Final Payment of balance of fees must completed by the date indicated on your invoice (you can pay small amounts on a regular basis if that helps but you must include the invoice number and meet the deadline) DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE INVOICE IS OVERDUE BEFORE ADDRESSING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CLUB – IT WILL BE TOO LATE.

If fees are not fully paid by 15th March, 2026, players will not be permitted to take the court.

The account number to pay into is on the invoice you receive.

Please Note: Uniforms will not be handed out until full payment is received, EFT available at the stadium when Jemma or Pam are present.

Uniform

New player uniform pack is $300.00. Sherbrooke SUNS reversible gold and black singlet, gold shorts, warm up top, black training shorts and reversible training top . A $150 deposit is required at sizing up time for existing players and upon confirmation of entering a team for new players. Our exclusive supplier is IAthletic. The time and place for collection of uniforms will be advised by our uniform co-ordinator. New uniforms will not be issued until they are paid for in full.

For new players to Sherbrooke, loan singlets will be provided until your uniform is delivered. If a loan singlet is provided without loan shorts, plain black basketball shorts must be worn. During grading phases we are permitted to have a mixture of uniform styles within a team provided the colour is correct. The club will monitor this. In this case the Sherbrooke SUNS training shorts are suitable but otherwise shorts must be plain black with no logos or detail.

Sherbrooke SUNS Uniform Policy

Training” Official club reversible training singlet and SUNS training shorts.

Friday night games Gold singlet and Gold shorts, warm up top. If required for warmth, only the club apparel (BLACK tracksuit pants, BLACK hoodie etc.) is to be worn. Under no circumstances are players to arrive at games wearing “street wear” – only Sherbrooke approved uniform and merchandise.

ALWAYS wear the Gold singlet and Gold shorts at all Friday night games unless:

You are playing against: Knox, Wyndham, or Sherbrooke AND
You are the first-named team on the fixture, i.e. the ‘home’ team

If BOTH points 1 and 2 are ‘YES’, then you are to wear the reverse side of your singlet = BLACK SINGLET with the GOLD SHORTS (there is no variation acceptable). There will be some teams who never wear the reverse side of their singlet and others who may wear it two or three times in the season. VJBL uniform rules are completely different to other leagues – do not get them confused. Failure to wear the correct colour on game night will incur a fine issued by the League which Sherbrooke then passes on to the offending team for payment.

Compression Wear: Compression garments must be black without any visible commercial logos. Compression garments must be fitted to compress. Loose fitting compression wear is not permitted. If compression garments do not fit the VJBL’s criteria, you will be asked to remove them.

Club Merchandise

Is available through our online shop located on our website www.sherbrookebasketball.au

Game attendance

Teams are expected to play all fixtured games. This is not negotiable. If a team is short of players for a game, the Junior Representative Administration Officer must be notified so that a restructure can be organised. There are specific options available to teams in the event they are short of players, THE CLUB WILL MONITOR THIS according to the VJBL rules. All a coach needs to do is notify the club there is a problem.

Players are expected to be at games 30 minutes prior to the fixture starting time, or as otherwise directed by the Coach. Players must be in full uniform (singlet, shorts and warm up top) no visible street apparel and only black Sherbrooke merchandise. Attendance at games is compulsory even if you are injured or sick – but not if you are contagious. In the case of illness or injury, players are required to obtain a medical certificate, so that any games missed will still count towards a player’s eligibility for cross over games and finals. Medical certificates must be received by the Sherbrooke SUNS Junior Representative Administration Officer within 7 days of injury. The medical certificates will then be forwarded to VJBL by the Sherbrooke SUNS delegate. Back dated certificates will not be accepted by VJBL.

Technical Fouls – Zero Tolerance at Sherbrooke

VJBL has instigated a penalty process for VJBL players, coaches and spectators who behave badly. Details of these penalties are available on VJBL’s website. In addition to these penalties Sherbrooke SUNS will require anyone who receives a Technical Foul (and yes this is possible for spectators as well as coaches and players) to make a time for a meeting with our Director of Coaching to explain their behaviour. Further sanctions may then be taken by the Club based on recommendations by the DOC. It is in your best interests to proactively seek this consultation as all TFs are recorded by the referees on the game – you will be found!!

Court Time

Court time is at the discretion of the Coach and is decided by several factors. These include: attendance at training, work ethic, skill level and on-court match ups. It is therefore possible that some players will get little or no court time in some games.

Finding the right time to talk to your child’s Coach can be tricky but never attempt to do this straight after a game. At Sunday training there is generally more time for discussion. If you find this option difficult, ask the Team Manager to try and arrange a meeting time for you to speak with the Coach. Do not discuss your concerns with the team manager, as this is not their responsibility. Coaches volunteer their time and expertise for the benefit of your child. Encourage your child to communicate with the coach directly if they have any queries or concerns about their game. This is often a more productive avenue of communication and can serve to develop a healthy and respectful relationship between Coach and Player

If your child has a diagnosed condition which may impact on their ability to participate at the required level it is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to advise the coach and the club.

All players must play 40% of their fixtured games during Grading Phase 2 and championship phase combined to qualify for finals. Exemption is only granted based on documented medical reasons previously supplied within the correct time frame.

Tournaments: Sherbrooke has in the past supported the Dandenong/Eltham tournament (January) and the Nunawading Spectres King’s Birthday weekend tournament (June). Teams pay the cost of entry for these tournaments themselves.

Permission must first be obtained from the Board of Management, in writing, if a coach wishes to attend another tournaments. If approval is given, all associated costs are the responsibility of the team.

All teams are expected to assist with court duties for the Sherbrooke SUNS Senior Representative Big V games between March and August. Advance notice of your team’s specific date for duty will be given to your Team Manager when the Big V fixture is released. Attendance and participation is compulsory for all teams. If a team cannot fulfil their rostered duty it is up to that team to negotiate a swap with another team. Duties include: floor wiping, fetching and carrying as required, packing up of chairs and equipment.

Team Manager

The Team Manager is the link of communication between the Club and parents/players, and the Coach and parents/players. It is the key role in providing team contact information to each member of the team and to the Club, checking fixtures, ascertaining colour clashes, making scoring rosters, issuing information throughout the season from the Club and completing scoring information prior to the game. Team Managers have nothing to do with player selection, court time or game strategies and you must direct any such queries to the Coach. Parents/players may discuss these aspects with the Coach at an appropriate time BUT NOT on game day.

The role of the Team Manager does not have to be a one-person role but can be shared between two or sometimes three people working co-operatively. Good communication, computer and internet proficiency and score bench knowledge are the main components required. Please note: There is no requirement for the Team Manager to perform first aid, but we would ask that you use common sense if a player is injured or requires help. Each team is provided with a basic first aid kit for players/parents to access through the Team Manager as/if required. The Club will supply each team with one Team Manager’s bag containing, one or two basketballs, a blood shirt and a first aid kit. One of the balls is the game ball and must be provided by the home team for home matches.

In case of a colour clash, the Team Manager needs to notify the Coach and players that they are required to wear their black singlet. (only if you are playing Knox, Wyndham or another Sherbrooke team and only if you are the home team).

All Team Managers are required to have a current ‘Working with Children Check’ card, provide a Member Protection Declaration and supply a copy of each to the Junior Representative Administration Officer. This information is then forwarded to the VJBL by the Sherbrooke SUNS delegate.

Under no circumstances are Team Managers to contact the VJBL directly. If you have any questions, they must be sent to the Junior Representative Administration Officer for the matter to be followed up with the VJBL.

Scorers

Each team is required to provide two (2) competent scorers each week. For home games U16, U18 and U20 teams must provide a shot clock operator as well as a time keeper. It is expected that each player provides a scorer (parent or other adult) on a rostered basis. This means that if you have two or more children playing; either in different teams or the same team you are given a roster per child (not per family). You may need to advise your Team Manager/s of your multiple duties so there are no clashes. If you don’t know how to score, please let your Team Manager know. There is a manual and video on the VJBL website showing how to score. There is normally at least one competent scorer in each team who can teach others. Everyone needs to take their turn at scoring as it is unfair on other parents when people refuse to do so. Please be diligent in this role, as this is a part of your child playing basketball. The Guidelines are as follows.

The home team (first named team on the fixture) does the timekeeping (buttons).
The home team does the short clock (U16, 18s, 20s)
The visiting team (second named team on the fixture) does the computer.
Ensure you are familiar with the timing rules before the game starts
If you put the home team score on the left of the scoreboard and the visiting team score on the right of the scoreboard, then the scoreboard will reflect the same image as the computer.
Scorers are on the same team as the referees – when in doubt about a call, press the buzzer at a stop in the game, and ask for clarification from the referees.
At no stage do you call out, barrack, berate or express an opinion about the game when you are on the score bench – you are in neutral territory
Constantly – that’s CONSTANTLY – communicate with the scorers from the opposition team, verbalise to your colleagues what the referees are calling. At time-outs and quarter breaks, cross check the computer with the scoreboard. If there are errors on the computer, they must be fixed immediately.
The computer represents the final result of the game (not the scoreboard).
Do not leave the score bench until the referees have confirmed the game on the computer

Player Anti-Discrimination and Social Media agreement

Basketball Victoria and the VJBL is committed to providing a safe environment for all participants.

Unfortunately, we regularly receive reports of young people using discriminatory language during games, as well as reports of concerning online messages being shared between young people on social media, inappropriate comments being made on online posts and adults inappropriately contacting young athletes.

Some of this is coming from very young age groups, including under 12s and 14s as well as older age groups. We aim to prevent as much of this behaviour as possible with proactive discussion and education. Abusive and bullying behaviour not only impacts the victim and their family, but can also have significant consequences for the young people involved, including significant suspensions from the game they love.

All players must read the below.

Anti-Discrimination

Discriminatory language includes racist, sexist, ableist or homophobic language.

It is important that everyone can play basketball in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. You should feel accepted and free to be yourself while you are playing and extend this respect to the referees and players on the opposition team.

Basketball Victoria has rules in place that mean there are consequences for anyone who uses discriminatory language. We understand that during games you may feel frustrated or upset but it is never OK to take out your frustrations on other players or the referees by using hurtful words and language.

When people use discriminatory words to insult or make fun of other people it can affect people’s mental health and feelings of safety and belonging, sometimes for a long time after the incident.

It is up to all of us to create a sport where everyone feels safe and included.

If someone uses language that is discriminatory towards you or one of your teammates at basketball it should be reported to an adult.

Please be aware that if you use language that is discriminatory there could be big consequences for you, including being suspended from playing, refereeing, or even being banned from entering basketball stadiums.

Social Media

We understand that social media and talking to your friends and teammates online is important and a big part of life, but Basketball Victoria want to remind you that it is important to show respect when using social media.

It is important that you show the same respect for people online that you are expected to show when you are playing basketball or when you come to watch a game. If you wouldn’t say it on the court or as a spectator, don’t say it online. It is important that you think about who else might see what you are posting. Even if you think you are in a private chat or that your post will disappear, people can screen shot and share what you are sending or posting online.

Inappropriate images and messages that are discriminatory, threatening or could be taken as bullying are unacceptable.

If you are found to have acted inappropriately on social media regarding a basketball related matter or about anyone who is associated with basketball, including against opposition players, your teammates, coaches or referees, you may be suspended, meaning that you may not be able to play or referee the game you love.

If something happens online or on social media that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please tell an adult. People from basketball cannot make fun, bully or threaten you even if it is outside of basketball or online.

If your friends and teammates are posting things that you do not think are OK, it is OK to tell them and to remind them of the possible consequences. You should also tell an adult.

If we become aware of bullying, threatening or discriminatory behaviour online, we have to alert your parents or caregivers. Before you post or write online, think about whether it is something you would feel embarrassed or ashamed of if your parents, coach or other adults who you respect and look up to, saw it.

If someone has written or posted something about you that you feel is bullying or harassing you can report it to your parents, coach, or another adult in the association, as well as to Basketball Victoria.

Adults from basketball should not send you friend requests or contact you online without including your parents or caregivers in the message. If this happens you should tell your parents or another adult.

Please do not comment in a bullying or discriminatory way on someone else’s post online from an account that you think is anonymous or think that people won’t find out it was you. If you make discriminatory or threatening comments on other people’s posts it can have impacts on you in basketball, even if you think you are posting anonymously. Basketball Victoria has access to investigative technology that can identify anonymous posters and you will be found.

You may be reported to a Tribunal or have other consequences placed on you for the comments that you make publicly online.

Be mindful of the of images, videos or words you use in your posts or chats. Are they truly reflective of who you are and how you want people to see you?

Your online presence fuels any perception of your personal brand. Whether you like it or not. Does your social media identity match your real identity? Remember, when you post something online it is no longer in your control and can come back to impact you in the future.

Talk to a safe adult.

If you have experienced something that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at basketball or online there are people who you can talk to.

You may have experienced something during a game, training or online that you don’t think is OK. If this happens you should speak to your Parents, Coach, Team Manager, your Associations Child Safety Officer or the Basketball Victoria Child Safety Officer (phone number 9837 8025 or email child.safety@basketballvictoria.com.au)

VJBL Resources – direct link

https://www.basketballvictoria.com.au/resources/competition-resources/vjbl

FINALLY – under no circumstances is anyone to contact the VJBL office directly. All enquires must come from the club.