As Tralee Magic continues to grow across all age groups, the club has confirmed that it will introduce a new Parent Assessment Evening as part of registration for the 2026/27 season.
The move comes after coaches felt “an increasing need to make sure all adults on the sideline fully understand the speed, pressure and split-second decision-making involved in youth basketball.”
Under the new system, one parent or guardian from each family will be invited to attend a short evening session where they will be assessed in a number of key areas, including:
basic layup technique
defensive footwork
scoreboard concentration under pressure
and the ability to remain calm after a refereeing decision they may not fully agree with
The club says the change is designed to support a more positive matchday environment, while also giving parents a better understanding of the skills being developed by players and the work being done by coaches, referees and volunteers each week.
Roy Bowler, Club Chairman, said the idea had been discussed for some time.
“As a volunteer-based club, we are always looking at ways to strengthen the overall environment around our teams. Our players are asked to listen, learn, stay disciplined and keep going when things do not go their way. We felt it was only fair that the adults might demonstrate a few of those skills too.”
The assessment evenings will reportedly include a short practical section, with parents asked to complete two layups, a defensive slide drill, and one full-court sprint without calling for a substitution. There will also be a theory component, including questions such as: ‘What is a travel?’ ‘When is a referee least likely to change their mind?’ and ‘Is shouting “hands up” from the stands actually helpful?’
Club officials believe the new measure could also help identify hidden talent among the parent group, particularly in areas such as table officiating, game management, and “offering tactical opinions at a volume suitable for indoor venues.”
The first of the sessions is expected to take place during pre-season, with families to be notified of their allocated times in due course.
April Fools 😄
In reality, we are incredibly lucky to have brilliant parents, coaches, managers, referees, table officials and volunteers who give so much time and energy to Tralee Magic every single week. This club only works because so many people muck in and play their part — and we never take that for granted 💙
The move comes after coaches felt “an increasing need to make sure all adults on the sideline fully understand the speed, pressure and split-second decision-making involved in youth basketball.”
Under the new system, one parent or guardian from each family will be invited to attend a short evening session where they will be assessed in a number of key areas, including:
basic layup technique
defensive footwork
scoreboard concentration under pressure
and the ability to remain calm after a refereeing decision they may not fully agree with
The club says the change is designed to support a more positive matchday environment, while also giving parents a better understanding of the skills being developed by players and the work being done by coaches, referees and volunteers each week.
Roy Bowler, Club Chairman, said the idea had been discussed for some time.
“As a volunteer-based club, we are always looking at ways to strengthen the overall environment around our teams. Our players are asked to listen, learn, stay disciplined and keep going when things do not go their way. We felt it was only fair that the adults might demonstrate a few of those skills too.”
The assessment evenings will reportedly include a short practical section, with parents asked to complete two layups, a defensive slide drill, and one full-court sprint without calling for a substitution. There will also be a theory component, including questions such as: ‘What is a travel?’ ‘When is a referee least likely to change their mind?’ and ‘Is shouting “hands up” from the stands actually helpful?’
Club officials believe the new measure could also help identify hidden talent among the parent group, particularly in areas such as table officiating, game management, and “offering tactical opinions at a volume suitable for indoor venues.”
The first of the sessions is expected to take place during pre-season, with families to be notified of their allocated times in due course.
April Fools 😄
In reality, we are incredibly lucky to have brilliant parents, coaches, managers, referees, table officials and volunteers who give so much time and energy to Tralee Magic every single week. This club only works because so many people muck in and play their part — and we never take that for granted 💙
