If you are new to the Upward Sports program, here are some important details to consider before registering your child:
- ALL activities related to Upward are held on-site at Battlefield Baptist Church except for the End of Year Celebration which is typically held at a local high school.
- The registration fee includes a complete uniform.
- The 2025 season begins with practices the week of January 6th, and ends with the End of Year Celebration on March 15th. We will run an 8-game season from January 18th - March 8th.
- Practices for basketball are for one hour on Mondays OR Thursdays. The younger your child, the earlier in the evening their team will practice. Practice start times are typically between 5:30 and 7:30pm.
- Because of the number of teams we have practicing each night, you will have a much better chance of participating if you register without any practice night restrictions. *There is a chance that you complete registration but still end up on a waitlist if you have those restrictions.*
- ALL practices for cheerleaders are only held on Thursdays.
- ALL games are one hour on Saturdays and can begin as early as 8:30am.
- Cheerleading squads will cheer at the same time every Saturday which is set at the Coaches meeting in early December.
- Every child will have the opportunity to participate in every game.
- Concessions are usually available during all practice times and on game days, and include items such as hot dogs, chips, candy bars, and a variety of beverages. Game days include breakfast items such as donuts and coffee.
- At least one parent or guardian is REQUIRED to remain on the premises anytime your child is also on the premises in the event of an emergency.
- Every basketball player MUST attend one of the Evaluation Sessions: Monday, October 21st OR Thursday, October 24th anytime between 6-8pm. This is our opportunity to evaluate various skills for each player. Children are given a number upon arrival {first-come, first-served basis} and are then called to proceed through various skills stations. The process should only take about 20 minutes once their number is called, but please be prepared to wait as we can't predict who shows up at what time or on which night. Basketball players need to wear appropriate athletic shoes and clothing. The information gathered at the evaluation is used by the Upward Sports software program to place children on teams based on gender, skill level, and grade so they are competitively balanced.
- Games are divided into three, 6 min. periods per half (total of 18 mins.) with a 6 min. halftime in between. Another distinct feature of Upward Basketball is that ONLY a man-to-man defense is taught and used.
- Each Game Day includes "Locker Room" time after a team's game, where each player will be presented with game-day stars for Best Effort, Best Offense, Best Defense, Best Sportsmanship, or Most Christ-like. They can also recite scripture memory verses to earn green stars. The stars can then be ironed onto the sleeve of their Upward t-shirt they will wear each game day under their jersey or displayed on their megaphones if they are a cheerleader.
We are confident you will be blessed through this ministry. Your children will have a blast and you will enjoy new friendships and the friendly competition!
Please do not hesitate to email our Administrative Commissioner, Megan Owens, at megan@battlefieldbaptist.org with any questions or concerns before or after you complete your registration. Just put "UPWARD" in the subject line.
Click HERE to visit our Children's Ministry Page