Frequently Asked Questions - Junior Registrations:

What is the correct age group for me?
2004 and later - miniball/aussie hoops (Under 12's if playing in competition)
2002 and 2003 - under 12's
2000 and 2001 - under 14's
1998 and 1999 - under 16's
1996 and 1997 - under 18's

What is the difference between participating and non-participating clubs?
There are 5 participating junior clubs - Aspley Devils, Brendale Bobcats, Chermside, North Lakes Hawks and Southern Cross, who field teams in all genders and age groups.  These clubs are eligible to vote at the Wizards AGM, have a say in how our competitions and association are run, and have a standard club fee structure.  Non-participating clubs, independent teams and school teams usually only have a small number of teams, their own fee structures and do not have a say in how our competitions and association operate.

Which club should I join? 
It depends on your location, and your needs.  You can view the website for each participating club here to check their sign-on dates and other information.

My child wants to play in 2 age groups.  How do we advise our club? 
Please email the relevant club registrar:
For Aspley Devils aspleydevils@gmail.com
For Brendale Bobcats mjbsjh@bigpond.net.au
For Chermside Basketball Club chermside@northsidewizards.com
For North Lakes Hawks northlakes.hawks.basketball@gmail.com
For Southern Cross sctbc.registrar@gmail.com
For non-participating clubs or independent teams please contact your team organiser.

The fees seem so much higher this year.  Why is that?
The Northside Wizards fee has increased $5 from $115 to $120.  The Basketball Queensland component increased by $2 to $54, and the Association component by $3 to $66.  This is a modest increase in line with CPI.
In previous years our junior clubs charged their fees per season.  The administrative work associated with this is significant and does not allow the clubs to manage their annual budget.  The actual increase for most clubs is minimal, $10 or less. 

Is there any way I can reduce my fees?
Northside Wizards and participating clubs have implemented a volunteer rewards and recognition scheme that offers free or discounted registration fees to club executives, coaches and team managers.  Please contact your club president or email administrator@northsidewizards.com for more information.  Your child may also be eligible for assistance under the Qld Government's "Get in the Game" initiative.  Check here for more information.

I only want to play for part of the year, why do I have to pay for the whole year?
Basketball Queensland, together with most other sporting organisations, has moved to an annual fee structure.  The main driver for this is an annual insurance component, which comprises almost 50% of the registration fee. The single annual fee also makes it much for feasible for clubs to plan and manage their annual budget, and significantly reduces the workload on volunteers compared to multiple registration dates, processes and fees.

How do our fees compare with other associations and clubs?
Some other clubs offer a weekly or per-season fee.  Some also offer a cheaper registration fee but higher game, training and/or nomination fees.  This may appear to be a cheaper option, however when you calculate the fees over the course of a year it actually becomes more expensive than what our clubs and association are charging.

Isn't basketball an expensive sport?
Recent comparisons include:
Hockey $280 (winter season only) plus uniforms and weekly game fees of $12
Soccer $120 per season (twice per year) plus weekly game fees of $12
Netball $235 (winter season only) plus uniforms -$60/dress, $8/socks, and $10/visor.
Netball $180 (summer season only) plus uniforms - $90/dress
Rugby Union $210 (winter season only)
AFL $180 (12 week season)

Can I pay by instalments?
Only in exceptional circumstances.  Email administrator@northsidewizards.com with a proposed payment plan.

How and when do I have to register?
All players will need to register online on or before their club junior sign-on day (see club websites for details). The quickest and easiest way to complete your registration is to select our online registration form from your home or work computer, or at your club sign-on day (using our computer - please allow an extra 20-30 minutes as there may be a queue). Payment can be made by either Visa Credit Card or Mastercard.

If you are joining a participating club, you need to register on or before sign-on day, as team lists will be organised and submitted electronically by 4^th February 2013. This will allow sufficient time for the competition draws to be completed ahead of the first games on Saturday 9^th and Sunday 10^th Feb. If you have not registered with an affiliated club on or before sign on day, there are no guarantees that your club will be able to place you in a team.  

If you are playing in a non-participating club or team, you need to register online, on or before the date of your first game.