FAQ

What is IBA?

Indianola Basketball Association is a governing body made up of a volunteer board who organize, administer, and coordinate the opportunity for Indianola’s youth to participate in a competitive basketball environment. This includes organizing player assessments, forming teams for those not already on a team, scheduling practice time, managing insurance and financial resources, and general point of contact communication for all Indianola youth basketball teams.

Is IBA different than “The League”?

IBA hosts a league every season. Those players who are identified through assessments to participate at a competitive level will be placed on a team that will then be entered into The League. We encourage all players to go through assessments at least once, but preformed or existing Indianola teams may enter as a team into The League without going through player assessments. The League is made up of Indianola teams as well as other area school teams who enter as a team. The League plays on Sunday(s) for 5 weeks (2 games per day) and then concludes with a 1-day tournament.

When are The League game dates for 2024?

November 3, November 10, November 17, November 24, December 8. December 15th is a single elimination tournament that is included with registration into The League.

Do I sign up as an individual or as a team?

Indianola residents may sign up as an individual if they are new to IBA or want to be assessed for placement on a team. Going through the assessment does not guarantee placement on a team. Formed teams may also enter The League.

Is IBA only for Indianola residents?

IBA is intended to be for youth players that live in the Indianola community.

Do I have to play in The League to get practice time?

We encourage all of our teams to participate in The League. However, IBA understands that there are times when this is not feasible. If a team comprised of all Indianola players chooses to not participate in The League but wants practice time, this may be coordinated through the Commissioner of their division. A $150 fee is required for practice time for those not participating in The League to cover insurance requirements. All basketball practice times for Indianola youth are to be coordinated through IBA and their coaches and should not contact the schools directly.

When is registration for Indianola residents to participate in assessments?

Registration opens on August 12, 2024, and closes on September 8, 2024. During registration, each player will be charged a non-refundable assessment fee. Late registration is from September 9, 2024, through September 18, 2024, and an increased fee is required. Registration closes at 5 pm on September 18, 2024.

When are the assessments and is there a make-up date?

Assessments: 3rd and 4th grade (boys and girls) will be assessed on Sunday, September 22nd at the Blake Fieldhouse located at Indianola Middle School (Courts 1-4).

  • Boys – 3rd and 4th Grade: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • Girls – 3rd and 4th Grade: 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm

Make Ups: All efforts should be made to make the primary assessment. Make-up should only be used if there is an unavoidable conflict.

  • 3rd and 4th Grade and all older players not on a team: 7:30 – 8:30 pm

How much do assessments cost?

A non-refundable assessment fee of $10 will be charged for all players signing up as individuals during the registration window of August 12, 2024 – September 8, 2023. A late assessment fee of $30 will be charged for all players who sign up during the late registration window of September 9, 2024- September 18, 2024. Registration closes at 5 pm on September 18, 2023. No day of assessment registrations will be accepted.

Does every player who goes through assessments get placed on a team?

  • It is the intent that all 3rd and 4th grade players that register will be placed on a team if there are enough players and coaches. After assessments are complete, if it is determined that a player is not development ready and/or a safety/behavior concern, IBA may help identify alternative options for the player to develop.

  • Players in 5th-8th grade, existing team coaches will register teams for the League. If a player is not currently on a roster, they can sign up as an individual and go through assessments. Existing coaches will be made aware of all new players and determine if additional roster spots are available. If there are enough new players and available coaches to form additional teams, IBA will work with those players and parents to find the best opportunity for them

If my player is placed on a team, how much does it cost?

For practice, uniform, and entry into The League:

    3rd and 4th grade can sign up as a team or individual:

  • Total: $150 per player + $10 Assessment Fee (no uniform/use last year) or $200 per player + $10 Assessment Fee (includes jersey)
  • Practice time
  • 10 league games
  • 3-4 single day tournaments Oct-Feb as determined by coach

5th and Older:

  • Sign up as a team – coach to set roster

Who are the coaches?

IBA relies on volunteers with basketball and coaching experience to lead the teams.

Can my player choose to “play up” with a different age group?

IBA encourages all players to play with their age group. If during the assessments a player’s skill level is identified as being capable of playing with an older age group, the commissioner will discuss this with the parents of that player and the best decision for player development will dictate player placement.

Can my player choose to “play down” with a different age group?

No, all players must play at or above their grade level.

Can my player be on multiple rosters?

No, a player may only participate on one roster of League play.

Does IBA provide uniforms for the players?

  • Uniforms will be ordered through IBA which will be included in the total fees (in addition to the $600 League registration fee)
  • 3rd and 4th grade will be provided a reversible jersey. The player is to provide black shorts.
  • 5th-8th grade will be provided a custom reversible jersey and shorts.
  • The quality of these uniforms is such that 2 years of play should be the goal for each player to help spread the cost across multiple seasons. Please order accordingly. IBA is committed to having the same uniform for multiple years going forward.

What are the season dates for practice and The League?

  • Practice dates are TBD and will be finalized and communicated by your coach, but they will start around the week of October 14th.
  • League dates are November 3, November 10, November 17, November 24, December 8. December 15th is a single elimination tournament that is included with registration into The League.

Are there other tournament opportunities for my player to participate in addition to The League games and how is this coordinated?

  • All players must be committed to playing 3-4 tournaments in addition to the League games. Additional fees will apply depending on the number of tournaments entered. Those fees will be communicated, collected, and coordinated by your coach.