Player & Parent Induction

Welcome to the McKinnon Cougars Induction Course!

This onboarding course is designed to ensure players and parents/guardians have a thorough understanding of the level of commitment and expectations of joining the McKinnon Cougars Representative Program. 

***Please ensure you complete this course with your child***

We hope by participating in this course, there will be more clarity, less confusion, and bring everyone together for a more harmonious season ahead.

The association was formed in 1996 to provide access to basketball programs and competitions for families in the Glen Eira, Bayside and Kingston Councils. From this small association, we have grown quickly to now featuring one of the largest Aussie Hoops program in Australia, a talented VJBL representative program helping send several athletes and coaches to colleges in the USA, NBL and WNBL, NBL1 and Big V teams, alongside one of the healthiest domestic competition in Victoria.

 

Each year, our club continues to go from strength to strength, with the depth, success and development in our program growing each year. The jersey you wear, you wear with PRIDE as one of only a few that gets to do so each year.

 

WE ARE MCKINNON 🐾

The Development Team is made up of: 

Nathan Geer - Basketball Development Manager - bdm@mckinnonbasketball.org 

Darren Anderson - Director of Coaching - doc@mckinnonbasketball.org 

Daniel Gianchino - Head Coach of VJBL Boys - vjblboys@mckinnonbasketball.org 

Peter Kotaridis - Head Coach of VJBL Girls - vjblgirls@mckinnonbasketball.org 

 

For each of you, your main contact is Daniel Gianchino for VJBL Boys and Peter Kotaridis for VJBL Girls. Should you have any questions or conversations to be had, you can contact them via email's above.  

The main adminstrator for our VJBL Program who works with you on registrations, payments and all administration queries is our Operations Manager, Daniel Gianchino - operations@mckinnonbasketball.org 

All players who commit to McKinnon’s Representative Program are required to attend two (2) compulsory mid-week training sessions each week, excluding school holidays. These sessions are predominantly held at Bentleigh Secondary College, Brighton Secondary College, or McKinnon Secondary College. Occasionally, when courts are unavailable, sessions may be moved to alternative venues.

 
Training schedules vary depending on age group and team. Sessions run across Monday to Thursday and are published via Stack TeamApp once teams are selected and coaches are allocated. Players are expected to bring a basketball, water bottle and notebook to assist with quality training standards. Coaches will assist in helping to remind them. 

 
While McKinnon Basketball Association encourages multi-sport participation—particularly in the early development years—it is an expectation that all Cougars athletes prioritise their representative commitments.

Training Uniform

All players must attend Cougars training in full training attire, which includes:

• McKinnon Cougars Reversible Training Singlet.
• Black McKinnon Cougars Training Shorts or non-branded black shorts.
• McKinnon Cougars Warm-Up Top or Hoodie.
    

Clashes & Commitment Issues

For the benefit of both the athlete and the team, it is not acceptable for players to miss training sessions on a regular basis. If a player has an ongoing clash or commitment—such as another sport or activity—that affects their ability to attend training, written correspondence must be submitted to the Basketball Development Manager, Nathan Geer (bdm@mckinnonbasketball.org). This will allow the Association to review the situation, determine the impact on the team and individual, and advise on the player’s continued involvement in the Representative Program.

VJBL Games are played on Friday nights ranging from a start time of 6:30pm for the younger age groups, through to a start time of 9:40pm for older age groups.

Venue locations for games will vary week-to-week as all teams will play at neutral venues through Grading Phase 1 and 2, as well as throughout finals. Through the Home and Away season, our Home venues are Bentleigh Secondary College, Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC) and Brighton Secondary College.

Time of Arrival

Players are expected to arrive 30-minutes prior to tip-off to allow adequate time for the team’s pre-game routine, which may include a team meeting, rolling, activation, and any unforeseen travel delays.

Dress Code

Players must be in full playing uniform, and wearing only McKinnon branded outerwear (Hoodie, Warm Up top, McKinnon t-shirt) to and from games. 

If a player chooses to wear compression, they must be black as per VJBL's accessory uniform guidelines.

If a player is injured and sitting on the bench, the player MUST be in closed-toe shoes (no crocs or birkenstocks allowed), black pants/shorts and a McKinnon outerwear top (Hoodie, Warm Up top McKinnon t-shirt).

Parent Involvement – Scoring & Team Support

It is an expectation that parents support the team by undertaking roles on game day. These roles will be organised by the Team Manager via a rostering system.

Roles may include, but are not limited to:

• Scoring Duties (PlayHQ input via iPad or the Game Clock Scorepad).
• Shot Clock (for teams competing in the Victorian Championship Division, higher grade U14 competitions and all divisions in age groups U16 and above).
• Filming Games (this is not a requirement, but may be requested by the Head Coach of your child's team).

 
To assist families in learning how to score, the McKinnon Basketball Association has developed an Online Scoring Course, which can be viewed here.

PlayHQ has also developed an Electronic Scoring Guide, which you can view here. 

Your support as families for your childs basketball experience is paramount.
If you have any questions about the above, please contact Daniel - operations@mckinnonbasketball.org 

The player pathway is work in a pyramid model, with more athletes in U12’s and less in U18’s. The program is fluid and players may be added, moved or removed throughout depending on team/program needs and player behaviour, particularly up until Grading Phase 2, typically commencing at the start of February.

 

 

Representative (VJBL) basketball is regarded as the highest level of junior basketball in the state, which in turn, generally requires players to participate in extra training (outside of their representative training) if they want to improve at an appropriate rate.

Extra training can be participated in via the following options:
- McKinnon Holiday Programs
- Private Training Providers
- At-Home Practice (Most crucial to development) 

Here are some general guidelines in regards to at-home practice:

Player Goals	Extra Practice
Players seeking to maintain a position in the Cougars Rep program	Approx. 2 hours per week (400-600 shots, plus ball-handling and 1v1 play)
Players aspiring toward State/National program selection	Approx. 4 hours per week (1000+ shots, plus ball-handling and 1v1 play)

The VJBL Season

The VJBL season runs from the end of tryouts in October until August with finals in September, with breaks during school holidays and public holidays. The VJBL Season is made of 5 phases - Pre-Season, Grading Phase 1, Grading Phase 2, Regular Season and Finals.

To view the full VJBL Calendar for 2025/26, please click here.

Tournaments

• 8+ athletes from the listed team available to participate (not including fill-ins).
• Commitment from the Head Coach (or Assistant Coach, if approved by the Basketball Development Team) to coach for the duration of the tournament.

If a team requires fill-ins (players or coaches) to be able to participate, this MUST be approved by the Basketball Development Team prior to registration.

For the 2025/26 season, all teams will be registered by MBA's VJBL Administrator after a request has been made by the relevant teams Team Manager, and payment has been made.

Court Time Policy

Representative basketball is considered an elite development program and, as such, does not operate under the same guidelines as domestic competitions.
Court time is not guaranteed for any player.

Court time is determined by two main parameters:

1. Game Environment

• The level of competition.
• The player’s role and/or performance within in each game.

2. Disciplinary Factors

A coach may reduce a player’s court time for clear disciplinary reasons, including:

• Failing to regularly attend scheduled training sessions.
• Failing to consistently apply effort during trainings and/or games.
• Missing training without directly notifying the Head Coach.
• Demonstrating poor sportsmanship towards teammates, officials, opponents, or spectators.

Parent Communication Protocol

If a parent has concerns regarding their child’s role or court time, they should email the Coach and/or the VJBL Head Coach to arrange an appropriate time for respectful discussion.

Please be reminded that a 24-hour cooling-off period applies following all games before raising any concerns, in accordance with the parent code of conduct.

McKinnon Cougars Representative Players are selected from current registered players within the McKinnon Basketball Association’s (MBA) Domestic Competition. This is the pathway provided by the Association for eligibility to play representative basketball.

Eligibility Requirements

• Players representating the McKinnon Cougars within U10-U16 must be currently registered and actively playing in the MBA Domestic Competition to be eligible for tryouts and selection.
• These players must continue to participate in both the Summer and Winter domestic seasons to maintain their eligibility throughout the representative year.
• New players from outside the MBA may trial for the program. If selected, they must register with an MBA Domestic Club by the start of the Winter 2026 Season to remain eligible.

Exemption Requests

Any request to be exempt from participating in MBA domestic basketball must be submitted via email to the Basketball Development Manager, Nathan Geer (bdm@mckinnonbasketball.org), prior to the start of each domestic season.

Consideration may be given for:

• Athletes selected to represent in their sport at State or National level, and have a regularly increased training and competition workload.
• Athletes who reside more than 40km from the MBA office, but choose to represent McKinnon in the VJBL

Please note: Exemptions do not carry over from one season to the next. A new application is required for each domestic season, and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

McKinnon Cougars Senior Big V Program - Guard of Honour

During the Big V Season, each U12 and U14 Junior Representative team will be rostered on to be the Game Day Guard of Honour for select BigV Home Games.

Duties will include forming a Guard of Honour when welcome to the Senior team on to the court, floor sweeping duties for the duration of their rostered game, and the opportunity to attend Senior trainings in the lead up to their rostered game.

This opportunity is extended to the Coaching Staff of each Junior Representative team in the form of Coach Education at both trainings and their rostered game.

This is an exciting experience for our Cougar Juniors to be involved in our Senior Cougar program and helps them understand the pathway to semi-professional leagues.

 

End-of-Season Awards Night

At the end of each season, the McKinnon Basketball Association organises the McKinnon Cougars Awards Night. This is a great opportunity for all genders and age groups that representate the McKinnon Cougars to get together and celebrate and acknowledge the year that was. This event is usually held in mid-September.

 

Parents are essential partners in the representative basketball journey. Their support, encouragement, and conduct play a vital role in shaping a positive, respectful, and high-performing environment for all athletes.

Parents are also responsible for the supervision of their children when they are not actively participating in training, games, or team activities. Promoting accountability in young athletes begins with strong parental involvement—encouraging independence while maintaining appropriate oversight and support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Process: Understand that representative basketball focuses on long-term development. Support your child’s growth through challenges, team roles, and coach-led decisions.

• Let Coaches Coach: Trust the coaching staff to manage playing time, tactics, and team dynamics. Avoid sideline instructions or post-game critiques that may undermine coach-athlete relationships, or potentially negatively impact the parent-athlete relationship.

• Model Respect: Set the standard for respectful behaviour towards referees, opposition, coaches, and other families—especially during high-pressure games.

• Be Consistently Reliable: Ensure your child attends all training sessions, games, and team events, and communicate any absences in advance. Punctuality, communication and commitment matter.

• Promote Accountability: Encourage your child to take responsibility for their preparation, communication, and performance. This may include packing the bag for trainings and games, dressing correctly in uniforms, filling water bottles pre-session, etc.

• Focus on Effort, Not Just Results: Emphasise attitude, effort, teamwork, and resilience over points scored or games won.

• Follow the Communication Pathway: Raise any concerns through the correct process (e.g., 24-hour rule, coach first, then program lead if required) to ensure respectful and constructive dialogue.

• Celebrate the Experience: Value the opportunity your child has to represent their club and association—enjoy the journey and support the team culture.
   

By embracing these responsibilities, parents help build a strong, unified, and development-focused environment that benefits every athlete in the program. Any behaviours outside of the above, may result in disciplinary action. 

As a representative athlete, you are not only playing basketball—you are representing your club, your teammates, and your community. With this opportunity comes a responsibility to uphold the values and standards of the McKinnon Cougars program both on and off the court. 

Key Responsibilities:
 

• Commit to the Team: Attend all games, training sessions, and team events. Notify your coach in advance if you are unable to attend.
  
  
• Give Your Best Effort: Always bring a positive attitude, high work ethic, and willingness to learn—regardless of your role or the scoreboard.
  
  
• Respect Everyone: Show respect to coaches, referees, teammates, opponents, and yourself at all times.
  
  
• Be Coachable: Listen, take feedback positively, and apply it. Follow team rules and instructions from coaching staff without complaint.
  
  
• Represent with Pride: Wear your uniform and McKinnon colours with professionalism. Conduct yourself respectfully in public, online, and during team travel.
  
  
• Be a Good Teammate: Support and encourage others. Celebrate team success, share responsibility in defeat, and help create a positive team culture.
  
  
• Take Ownership: Be responsible for your equipment, punctuality, and personal preparation for games and training.
  
  
• Balance Your Commitments: Manage your time effectively to balance school, basketball, and other responsibilities.

Being a McKinnon Cougars representative player means more than just making a team—it’s about embodying the standards of excellence, integrity, and community that our program values.

Social media has become the norm in the way in which we communicate and interact with each other, but with it comes some considerable risks when used without considering the potential consequences it can create.

It is important players and parents agree to the following:

1. Do not use social media to be critical of teammates, coaches, officials, administrators, volunteers, spectators, or opposition.
    
2. Do use social media as a positive outlet to promote players, teammates, teams, clubs, and others involved in basketball.
    
3. Show respect when using social media – consider it your personal brand and anything you post or comment on is a reflection of you.

The Codes of Conduct are intended to assist players, coaches, administrators, parents and spectators to obtain the maximum benefit and enjoyment from their involvement in basketball.

A breach of the Player & Parent Code of Conduct & Expectations may result in disciplinary action by the MBA Committee, a Tribunal, or the VJBL and may result in team omission, suspension, or de-registration.

To read the Player and Parent Code of Conduct, please click here.

Player Registration = $600 1st child, $580 2nd child, $560 3rd child

Registration Fees include:

• Administration Resources
• Court Hire for tryouts
• Court Hire for VJBL Training
• Try-out costs
• Basketball Victoria’s VJBL Registration Fees
• VJBL Insurance
• Coach uniform, education & training
• Equipment costs
• Trophies

A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required at the point of registration to confirm your acceptance within the program. 

 

Team Sheet Fees (Game-day Fees)

This cost is in addition to the Player Registration Fee and covers the game fee, door entry for players and spectators across practice games, grading phases, and regular season (October-September), and a contribution to a coach honorarium payment at the end of the season to cover the coach's travel and commitment to the program.
  

Payment Software 

The McKinnon Cougars take combined payments for both Player Registration and Team Sheet Fees through PayThen payment software. Families will have the option of choosing to pay upfront in full, or via monthly direct debits.

Families will also have the ability to monitor their payments, update their credit card, and pay off fees early using this payment platform.
 

Uniform Requirements 

All new players are required to purchase the following items, once registration is
completed at the Induction evening:

• McKinnon Cougars Reversible Training Singlet
• McKinnon Cougars Training Shorts
• McKinnon Cougars Reversible Playing Singlet
• McKinnon Cougars Playing Shorts
• McKinnon Cougars T-Shirt
• McKinnon Cougars Hoodie 
• McKinnon Cougars Backpack / Duffel Bag

Total cost of compulsory uniform: ~$375.

McKinnon Basketball Association will not credit or refund a player that chooses to withdraw from a Cougars representative team during the season which includes grading, for the following reasons which include but are not limited to:

1. Disapproval/dislike/not satisfied with the team they have been placed in.
2. Disapproval/dislike/not satisfied with the grade the team has been placed in.
3. Disapproval/dislike/not satisfied with teammates that they have been placed with.
4. Disapproval/dislike/not satisfied with the allocated coaching staff of the team.
5. Disapproval/dislike/not satisfied with the allocated team manager of the team.
6. Disapproval/dislike/not satisfied with other parents within the team.
7. Disapproval/dislike/not satisfied with the Association/Club or Officials.
8. Unavailable to train at the day/time their team has been allocated to. 
9. Other sport/social/work commitments.
10. Change of mind by players and/or parents.

A player that moves to a residence more than 25km from the McKinnon Basketball Association is eligible for a pro-rata refund minus a $50.00 administration fee with evidence of the relocation in the form of a utility bill.

McKinnon Basketball Association may upon application in writing to the General Manager grant a refund if a player has a serious injury that will prohibit them from training and participating in the VJBL competition for the remainder of the season.

If a refund is granted it will be calculated pro rata on the number of weeks that the player has participated minus a $50.00 administration fee.

A player withdrawing at any stage, fees in full or part will not be credited to the following season.

Where a player has registered to play the for the McKinnon Cougars in the VJBL competition, the MBA will only refund a player’s registration or pro-rata season registration on the following grounds:

• There is NO team available
• There is NO competition available

All McKinnon Cougars teams will use the McKinnon Cougars Team App to communicate with each other, their coaches, and receive important updates from the association.

The McKinnon Cougars Team app will also be used as a centralised hub for all information regarding the VJBL program, including:

• ALL Communication regarding VJBL/McKinnon Cougars.
• Fixtures and Results.
• Team Chat (replacement of Whatsapp etc).
• Online Store.
• Attendance Tracking.
• Payment Portal.
• Events.

Once you have accepted your position in the McKinnon Cougars Program, you will receive a link to download the McKinnon Cougars Team App and join your team at a later date. Please refrain from using Whatsapp or other communication platforms - Teamapp has a chat function.