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New Members & Parent FAQ

Welcome to South Galway Stormers

Whether your child is brand new to basketball or already loves the game, we want them to feel welcome, included, and excited to be part of South Galway Stormers. This page answers the most common questions from parents and new players. If you are unsure about anything, please contact the club and we will point you in the right direction.

Quick Start Checklist

  • Comfortable sports clothes
  • Indoor runners or basketball shoes
  • A water bottle
  • A basketball, if you have one
  • Any required medication, such as an inhaler
  • A positive attitude and willingness to learn

Do not worry if your child does not have all the gear yet. For a first session, comfortable clothes and runners are enough.

Your child should wear comfortable sports clothing that allows them to run, jump, and move freely.

 

Good options include:

  • T-shirt or training top

  • Shorts or tracksuit bottoms

  • Indoor runners or basketball shoes

  • Hair tied back where needed

  • No jewellery during training or matches

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For safety, players should avoid jeans, boots, sandals, jewellery, or anything that could catch on another player.

Players should bring:

  • A full water bottle

  • A basketball, if they have one

  • Any required medication, such as an inhaler

  • A light snack for longer sessions or game days

  • Their club kit or training gear, once they have it

 

Phones and valuables should be kept to a minimum. The club cannot take responsibility for lost personal items.

As a general guide:

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Age Group                               Ball Size

U9 to U12                                Size 5

U13 to U14                              Size 6

U15 and older girls,              Size 6

U15 and older boys              Size 7

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This follows the general Basketball Ireland underage ball-size guidance, but your coach will confirm the right size for your child’s group.

 

For new players, do not worry too much at the start. If you are buying a ball, ask the coach first so you get the right size.

Yes. Beginners are very welcome.

 

Many players start with no previous basketball experience. Our aim is to help players learn the basics, build confidence, and enjoy the game in a positive team environment.

 

Depending on your child’s age and the time of year, they may join:

  • An academy or development group

  • An age-group training session

  • A team training group

  • A waiting list if the group is currently full

 

We will always try to place players where they can learn safely and enjoy the game.

Teams are selected based on a mix of factors, including:

  • Age group eligibility

  • Player numbers

  • Experience and development level

  • Attendance and commitment

  • Balance across squads

  • Safety and ability to participate at the level of the group

  • League or competition requirements

 

At younger ages, the focus is on development, enjoyment, and learning the game. As players move into older age groups and competitive leagues, team selection may become more structured.

 

Coaches make decisions in the best interests of the players, the team, and the club.

For younger players, we may ask a parent or guardian to remain nearby, especially at the start of the season or for new players.

 

For older players, drop-off is usually fine once the player is registered and the coach has confirmed arrangements.

 

Parents should always:

  • Make sure the coach knows their child has arrived

  • Return on time for collection

  • Let the coach or team manager know about any medical or support needs

  • Make sure emergency contact details are up to date

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Children should not be left at a venue unless a coach or responsible club adult is present.

All adults working regularly with juvenile players must meet the required safeguarding standards.

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Basketball Ireland states that staff and volunteers must complete Garda vetting where required, and its coach licensing process requires coaches to register through Sport:80 and upload vetting, safeguarding, and coaching certificates.

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The club also follows safeguarding and child protection procedures, including appropriate reporting through the Club Children’s Officer and Designated Liaison Person where concerns arise.

Club kit and merchandise will be available through the club shop or through club ordering windows.

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Kit may include:

  • Match jerseys

  • Training tops

  • Shorts

  • Hoodies

  • Warm-up gear

  • Optional supporter gear

 

Some items may be required for matches, while others are optional. The club will confirm what is needed for each team before orders are placed.

 

Please do not buy match kit until your team manager or coach confirms the correct item, size, and ordering process.

For normal team questions, please contact the team coach or team manager first.

 

Examples include:

  • Training times

  • Match details

  • Kit

  • Attendance

  • General team communication

 

For welfare, safeguarding, bullying, or child protection concerns, please contact the club’s safeguarding contact directly.

 

Club Children’s Officer:
[Name / Email / +353 85 777 2367]

 

Designated Liaison Person:
[Name / Email / Phone]

 

General club contact:
[Trish +353 85 777 2367]

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If there is an immediate risk to a child, contact the appropriate statutory authorities directly.

Your coach or team manager will usually send match details in advance.

 

This should include:

  • Venue

  • Arrival time

  • Tip-off time

  • Kit requirements

  • Opposition

  • Travel arrangements

  • Any table official or parent help needed

 

Players should arrive on time, usually at least 20–30 minutes before tip-off, unless the coach says otherwise.

 

On game day, players should bring:

  • Match kit (if not provided by the coach)

  • Basketball shoes/runners

  • Water bottle

  • Warm layer

  • Any required medication

  • A respectful attitude toward coaches, referees, table officials, teammates, and opponents

 

Parents are encouraged to support loudly and positively. Please remember that referees, table officials, coaches, and many club helpers are often volunteers or young people learning their roles.

Yes, there may be costs in addition to club fees.

 

These can include:

  • Club membership or training fees

  • Basketball Ireland individual registration

  • Match kit & optional club merchandise

  • Travel to away games

  • Tournament or camp fees

 

Basketball Ireland individual registration is handled online through the Sport:80 platform.

 

The club will try to be clear about costs before the season begins. If cost is a concern, please speak privately with the club. We want as many young people as possible to have the chance to play basketball.

We are happy to help.

 

Contact South Galway Stormers:
[Email address]
[Phone / WhatsApp]
[Facebook / Instagram]

 

Join the club. Support the club. Bring the Storm.

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