FAQs
What is the Bucks Mission?
We are committed to fostering a Christ-centered community for homeschooled students and their families, providing competitive teams where athletes can use their talents, abilities, and hearts to glorify God.
Are you a Christian organization?
We are a Christian organization. If you come to our games and practices, you will often see coaches praying with the team, prayers before our games, and coaches talking about godly values and character. Our athletes are not required to sign a statement of faith.
What ages can play?
We offer both high school and middle school sports. Each sport is a little different and typically what we offer is based on need and interest. For athletes younger than middle school, we occasionally offer camps and clinics.
What days and times are practices?
Practice days and times will be set as soon as possible, taking into consideration coach and gym availability. High school teams will practice three times a week and will likely be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Middle school will practice twice a week and may have more flexibility – Tues/Fri afternoons, or Mon/Thurs evenings for example. There will be fewer practices once games start for all teams.
When is registration open for each sport?
May: Girls Volleyball
June: Pom
Aug: Winter Sports – Boys and Girls Basketball
Dec: Spring Sports – Boys high school Volleyball, Boys middle school baseball, Girls high school softball
Jan – Football
How do I register to play a sport?
We use the Playmetrics app for registration and scheduling, and communication. Find registration links for each sport on each sport page.
What should I expect at evaluations?
During evaluations, coaches will run athletes through a series of drills, watching for attitude, effort and skill. Players have indicated their intention to play for the Bucks by registering and will be placed on a grade and age appropriate team. Teams will be communicated within two weeks of evaluations.
What if I need to withdraw?
If you need to withdraw your athlete from our program after your initial registration, the following will apply:
- If withdrawing before evaluations, you can receive a 100% refund.
- If withdrawing after evaluations but before practice begins, you can receive a refund less $50 plus the cost of uniforms if ordered.
- Contact us if you need to withdraw after practice begins
What if I can’t afford to play?
While we try to keep our costs as reasonable as possible, we understand that it can still be a strain for some families. If the cost to play is a burden, please reach out. We have scholarships available. Communication for scholarships stays between you and our treasurer do just email nobaa.treasurer@gmail.com.
Who do you play against?
We play other schools (both public and private) and other homeschool sports programs. For varsity football we only play other homeschool or club varsity football teams.
What are player expectations?
- Attitude and effort are paramount
- Arrival times for practices and games – Players are expected to be READY at the time listed on PlayMetrics unless the coach says otherwise.
- Practices are mandatory. We of course understand that exceptions need to be made for vacations, funerals, etc. but it’s not acceptable to skip practices. Coaches are TEACHING players during practices and if you miss, you will be behind.
How is play time determined?
- Play time is earned based on skill, hard work, and attitude and play time guidelines are tiered based on age.
- At the 12u level, all players will play in all games but play time will not be equal.
- At the 14u level, coaches will endeavor to play all players in all games but that may not happen in certain games that are closer or more competitive.
- At the high school level, the primary goal of the game is team success. Coaches will be coaching to win games and play time will not be equal. This is similar to what athletes would experience on a school team. There may be players who have very little play time. Coaches will use wisdom to try to get players in when they are able.
- If players have questions or concerns about their play time, the PLAYER needs to talk to the coach. In particular, at the high school level, parents shouldn’t be reaching out to coaches about play time.
- Athletes asking about play time is a great lesson for life and future jobs, etc. It welcomes feedback and allows them to gain confidence.
How are teams structured?
With enough players, we will have two middle school teams – 6/7th grade and 7/8th grade, and two high school teams, JV and V. With more players, we may make another team if we need to – 7/8 Red and 7/8 Blue for example. We must follow age parameters for tournaments and some games we participate in, which are tiered every other even year starting at 12 (12U, 14U, 16U (JV), 18U (V)). Ex: You must be 12 or under on August 1 of the current school year to be eligible for the 6/7th grade team.
How can I help?
Many hands make light work! We need help with things like organizing equipment, ordering uniforms, fundraising, helping with our Golf Outing fundraiser, doing research, making phone calls, marketing – all the things it takes to run a successful organization.
Please consider your talents and contact us at northoaklandbucks@gmail.com!
Do you do fundraisers?
We do! Our primary fundraiser is an annual golf outing which supports our scholarship fund as well as helping pay for equipment and other costs. Visit our Golf Outing Fundraiser to register!