As we continue to look for ways to improve the level of coaching within our Association, the DVBA’s Mentoring Program was recently introduced. The DVBA has more than 3,700 junior basketball players in its Northern Junior Basketball League, resulting in an increase in the Associations Junior Eagle’s Representative teams competing in the VJBL.

We are fortunate to have several resourceful coaches committed to our Junior Championship system and the program is designed for them to share their knowledge with other coaches. This is an ideal way to do what we can to further develop and enhance the coaches that are responsible for working with our young players.

The DVBA have identified twelve coaches within our Association that are suitable to be a Mentor. Collectively, they are responsible for working with 21 of our coaches currently in charge of teams competing in either VJL or Regional. The mentor sits on the coach’s bench once per month and is on the practice floor with their coach once per month. Mentors communicate their visits with the coach, DOC’s, JCC and DVBA office via a Coach’s Appraisal Book, which is completed after every visit. This educational tool requires the mentor to write down any areas of improvement that the coach can work on with their team before the next visit. A copy of the appraisal is given to the coach, the DOC, the JCC and the DVBA office. The mentor will also keep a quick note on each of the players they are viewing in an effort to assist our coaches at the time of trials and selections for next season.

The program has encouraged strong relationships within our coaching fraternity and it gives all coaches the opportunity to ask questions, bounce ideas off and simply communicate with the mentor away from the court.

We believe this will result in more experienced, highly skilled coaches across the board which will benefit all of our Junior Eagle’s players.