The MBA season lasts for ten weeks, a minimum of 8 games and approximately 12 practices. Players enrolled in the MBA are allowed only 5 absences from either a practice or a game. On the sixth absence, unless there are unusual circumstances such as an illness or injury, the player may be dismissed from the MBA for that particular season.

     While this rule may sound too strict, there are several good reasons for it. First, we believe that it is important that players build relationships with their coaches and their teammates. This is difficult if players do not attend practices and games. Second, this League is designed primarily for learning. The skills that we teach are designed to build upon each other from the first practice all the way through the last playoff game. Players who miss games and practices fall behind. Teams with chronically absent players do not enjoy the full benefit of practicing and competing together as a “team”. Finally, we typically have a waiting list of players who we cannot accept into the League due to lack of space. If a player is dismissed from the League, a player on the waiting list will be given the opportunity to play.

     Parents can help by insuring they know when their child’s games and practices are scheduled and notifying the coach in advance of any absence.