What is RJ Hoops?
Red Jacket Junior Hoops Incorporated, is a NY state registered, not-for-profit organization. RJJHI is a community-oriented organization that works in partnership with the Red Jacket community, and Red Jacket schools to provide an encouraging and positive environment to learn the fundamentals of basketball, while placing emphasis on having fun. RJJHI encompasses teams playing in the Clifton Springs Area YMCA League (grades K-6), travel teams in the Finger Lakes Grape League (grades 5-8), travel teams in the Finger Lakes Girls Recreational League, and Jammer's Pee Wee program (ages 4-5 years old).

Who is eligible to register for membership?
All boys and girls enrolled in Red Jacket schools, between grades Pre K-8, are eligible for membership in Red Jacket Junior Hoops Inc. When a player registers for membership, that player becomes a member of RJJHI until September 30th of the following year. When a parent, family member, spectator, or fellow student signs up to volunteer for an activity, during the season, that person becomes a member whether it be signing on to a committee, coaching, or just chipping in to help out with a game or an event. All input and help is welcomed and appreciated whether it be from parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, students, or great Red Jacket Samaritans in the community that care about the children.

Is there a fee for players to register?
There are fees for registering, and those fees are based upon whether a player is competing on a travel team, or for an interleague Clifton Springs Area YMCA team. Money from registration is used to cover: building usage fees paid directly to Red Jacket Schools; insurance; uniform costs; tournament entry fees, referees; supplies, and general operating costs.

YMCA Players will receive a game jersey and an Intermediate Size 28.5 RJ Jr. Hoops Outdoor Basketball designed for intermediate development.
Travel teams will receive a Warm Ups Package. Player will keep these, and are generally shooter shirts with name on back organization printed on shirts. Jammer's Basketball Bunch will each receive a T-Shirt, an introductory Mini-Sized Basketball designed for ages 4-5 development.

What if my child wants to play for the Clifton Springs YMCA League?
All Red Jacket students wishing to play on a designated Red Jacket team in the Clifton Springs Area YMCA League must register through RJJH., per an agreement made between the CS YMCA and RJJH. Doing so will ensure that players from RJ teams will: practice at RJ schools; be covered by RJJH insurance; play several games at Red Jacket Schools.

Will my child be insured while playing for RJJH?
Yes. Red Jacket Junior Hoops carries "A" Rated Insurance coverage through Nationwide Insurance. The Clifton Springs Area YMCA also carries "A" rated coverage on the players. In case of an accident, the parent's/guardian's primary care coverage would cover the child, RJJH, or the YMCA's coverage would then cover any differences that the primary coverage did not cover. If a child is not covered through their parent/guardian, RJJH's insurance would then serve as the primary insurance coverage for the child. All coaches and team parents will be provided with detail in case of injury.

What can you tell me about RJJH Travel Teams?
There is a team for Boys Grade 5, and a team for Boys Grade 6. There is a team for Girls Grades 5&6 combined. There is a team for Girls Grades 7&8 combined. There is a 7th grade team for boys, and an 8th grade team for boys. Travel Teams will be determined by a process that is overseen by a panel of experienced Coaches. That process will involve practice session(s) in which player's appropriate skill levels will be evaluated in several areas including, but not limited to: ball handling skills, vision and court presence, passing ability, defensive skills, shooting skills, work habits on the court, team play abilities, comprehension, and coachability. Travel Teams will play half of their games at home at Red Jacket. They will compete in the Red Jacket Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament, and at least 1 away tournament during the season.

What if my child doesn't make, or want to tryout for a Travel Team?
Players that either aren't ready for, or do not desire to play in the the Travel Team environment can play in the Clifton Springs Area YMCA Interleague, where there is less focus on competition than is seen in the Travel League, and more of a focus on progressive learning of the skills and fundamentals of basketball.

Will YMCA teams be balanced, and how are YMCA teams chosen?
A panel of coaches will help in evaluating players skill levels in different areas. Rosters will then be drafted by coaches for the season. This will give each coach an opportunity to improve upon the equity of the teams at the time of the draft. It's important to remember that developing skills at the younger ages is the RJJH mission and that competition needs to come secondary at the younger age levels. While this is the mission, RJJH is also realistically cognizant that players and parents will often innocently lean towards competitiveness without often realizing it. Because of this, RJJH feels a need to balance the rosters to the best of the organization's ability.


If my child does not make the Travel Team this season, will it impact their ability to make travel teams or school teams in the future?
ABSOLUTELY NOT. The key to remember here is that Red Jacket Junior Hoops Inc. goal is to to develop as many players as possible to improve the basketball program for Red Jacket as a whole. Most of our children are playing at the junior level. We're not signing anyone up for the NBA or WNBA just yet. If a child is not quite ready for the travel level, our goal is to encourage that child to continue to work hard at improving their skill level while fostering a love of the game. Reminder: Michael Jordan didn't make his JV team, and we saw what became of him through perseverance and hard work.

Does RJJH think education is as important as athletics?
RJJHI firmly believes that education is of utmost importance, and has included in the Player Code Of Conduct that each player must be in good standing at school, and fully expects players to adhere to any and all mandated school regulations and activities. RJJH is committed to working in partnership with Red Jacket Schools to ensure that each student -athlete remains focused on their educational requirements.

What emphasis does RJJH place on civic and community responsibilities?
RJJH will do everything possible to teach players skills that can be utilized in athletics, as well as in every day life such as; setting goals and achieving them through hard work and dedication; working with others in accordance with rules and regulations to achieve a common and shared objective; respect for others, and for one's self; and perseverance to work through adversity. RJJH recognizes that athletics are an integral aspect of some children's growth, but will place importance on progression as a student/citizen, as well as an athlete.

Is volunteering for RJJH mandatory?
While volunteering for RJJH is not mandatory, we highly encourage parents and family member to consider participating when and where possible. Volunteering fosters a sense of togetherness between players and their family members, while helping RJJH to work in partnership with Red Jacket community members to give youth a safe and productive atmosphere to learn and play basketball. Volunteers are needed in many areas such as:
Coaching
Special Events Committee (plan and assist with Special Events)
Travel Committee (organize travel plans, directions)
Review Committee
Registration Committee (assist with registrations, tournaments, admissions, sign ups)
Keeping scorebook and Mid-Court Table during games)
Scoreclock
Facilities (assist with clean up, bleachers, etcetera)
Team Parents.

Does RJJH have a website?
Yes, and you are encouraged to utilize the website for general information as well as scores, standings, program contacts, forms, handouts, and much more. The website URL is rjhoops.org. For those that do not have access to the internet simply call 585-289-8718 with any questions or concerns.

RJ Boys Basketball
RJ Girls Basketball