Dear Parents:

2006 was the start of our 3 year strategic plan to redesign and upgrade the MAA basketball program. The plan includes the following objectives per annum:

Year 1 = Set up coaches’ clinic, write a fundamentals book, upgrade and add equipment, schedule larger time slots for practice and games. (1st, 2nd, 3rd grade leagues)

Year 2 = Add to the fundamentals book and coaches’ clinic from 2006 to include 4th, 5th, 6th grade girls and boys, upgrade and add equipment for 4th, 5th, 6th grade boys and girls, evaluate the equipment added in 2006 for 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade coed basketball leagues, look at adding a practice night for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th grade leagues.

Year 3 = To be determined by the progress of year 1 and 2, along with, parent and coach feedback and gym availability.

This year, with the help of 2 Merton School parents who were former Big 10 and Big East players and high school coaches, we accomplished 3 of our 4 objectives. Due to available gym time, we were not able to give larger time slots for 2nd & 3rd grade coed league. The Merton School basketball teams get first priority for gym time.

A high percentage of the changes in all the MAA programs come from parents, coaches and team managers. As we end this season and our first round of upgrades, I would like your opinions on the current program and the future direction as laid out above.

Please complete a survey for the approriate age level and submit this survey no later than March 23, 2006. If you answer “no” to any of the questions, please share your suggestions for change.

Our programs are supported by sponsors and volunteers. THANK YOU to all of you for your time and commitment to the MAA programs and the children of the community. We would not have affordable programs without your support.

Krista Morrissey
Activities Director
Merton Athletic Association