Can I register part way through a quarter?

Yes, as long as there is availability in a program, parents can register their children.

Can I bring my child for a trial class?

Children may attend a trial class if they have never been in a Sportball program before. This is an excellent way for parent and child to experience the program and learn about sports and activities taught in the class. Parents may call 6250 1830 to request for a trial class. Parents who are concerned about their child experiencing separation anxiety or being comfortable in a new environment should keep in mind that it is often difficult to base a child’s response and participation on one trial class. Children often need time to familiarize themselves with the structure and activities of the program. Parents should use the trial class to determine that Sportball provides a safe and fun-filled environment for their child to learn valuable life skills.

Can I bring more than one child to a Sportball Parent and Child class?

Sportball cannot accommodate parents who want to bring more than one child to a Parent and Child class. Parents are asked to actively participate in the program with their child and our experience is that a child will benefit more from the program with the one-on-one attention of the parent or caregiver. There are also safety considerations behind this policy.

Are parents allowed to take pictures or videos during Sportball programs?

For privacy reasons, the use of video cameras is not permitted. Parents are, however, permitted to use cameras to take still photographs. We request that parents photograph only their own children.

Can I book a make-up class for my child if they have missed a class?

We offer make-up classes at any location for any missed classes.

Each child is allowed to have 1 make-up lesson per month. We require 48 hours notice for re-scheduling.

If Sportball cancels a class. Is a make-up offered?

If a Sportball class is cancelled as a result of rain, a make-up class will be offered.

What is your refund policy?

Refunds will not be issued for non-attendance at a scheduled class.

There will be no refunds if your child does not complete the quarter.

In order for deposits to be refunded, a one month termination notice is required.

Should Sportball find it necessary to de-register a child, a refund will be issued after deduction for classes already attended.

What is the transfer policy?

Transfers may be accommodated within the same quarter, subject to approval and availability.

What are the birthday party policies?

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your child’s party, a $150 cancellation fee will be applied. We will do our best to accommodate another date of your choice. If you cancel your child’s party within 48 hours of the party date there will be no refund. If the party is rescheduled a cancelation fee of $150 will be applied.

Rainy Day Policy: In the event of bad weather, the party will be run in the covered area. If you wish to reschedule we will do our best to accommodate an alternate day of your choice.

Can I bring food into a facility for my child?

Only water will be allowed. Nut-free snacks are only permitted at our camps.

How is my child doing?

Parents are encouraged to talk to the coaches about their child’s participation, progress and enjoyment of the program. Coaches can also provide information about their gross motor skills development and any particular areas where the child is excelling or having difficulty.

What happens if my child is crying?

Coaches will work with a crying child to make them feel comfortable and will allow a parent into the gym if a child is anxious and does not settle. This is a temporary solution. Coaches will work with the parent and child in order to encourage participation and a level of comfort. Parents are encouraged to talk to their child about the program before the class. Arriving at class early helps children ease into the start of the class and become comfortable.

What if my child is distracted and not interested in participating?

We see this situation most often when a child is new to Sportball. It is not uncommon for children to be a little unsettled at the start of a new season. Coaches offer excellent suggestions to help children transition into the structure of the program. Many children are distracted at the beginning of a program but do settle down after a few weeks. Usually children find comfort and security in the repetition of familiar routines in Sportball classes.

What is the role of the parent in the Parent and Child programs?

Sportball Parent & Child programs are designed to encourage parents to become their child’s personal trainer. The parent is required to participate with their child in all activities and challenge them according to their skill level. Our coaches will first demonstrate skills and provide the correct key words to explain the activity. Parents then practise with their children. We recommend that the same parent participates with their child each week. The ratio is one child to one parent.

I see my child is sitting and waiting some of the time; why is this?

Some sports and skills require more instruction than others in order for the coaches to teach the children correct techniques. Young children find it difficult to participate in 60 minutes of activity. In order to maintain children’s interest, activities are changed often. Children are required to sit during some changeovers. Instructions, however, are fast and coaches strive to minimize waiting times for children.

What do you do if my child cannot perform a specific activity/skill?

If a child is having difficulty performing an activity or skill, the coaches will assist them. Sportball methodology teaches all skills in sequence. We start with a physical demonstration, provide hand-over-hand assistance (if required), and give children an opportunity to practice. It is expected that children will not master all skills after a single demonstration. Children are given the opportunity to practice, refine, rehearse and repeat the skills in each class. Practice makes perfect!

What can we do at home to improve our child’s level of physical activity?

Parents can ask coaches which skills were practiced during class. Again, practice makes perfect and children will benefit from the opportunity to practice skills at home. The key to improving your child’s physical activity is to encourage healthy active living and when possible to engage in physical activities with your child.

What is the format of a typical Sportball class?

Classes follow the same structure each week. Sports, games and activities vary to best suit the needs of the children in the program. A typical class consists of: attendance, warm-ups, skill development, a water break and a game and/or cooperative games. Older children participate in a non-competitive game in order to implement the skills learned in class.

Does Sportball accommodate children with special needs?

Yes, Sportball encourages the participation of children with special needs. The Sportball program is built on skills progression. Coaches are trained to assess and challenge children at their individual skill levels. A preliminary discussion with parents is required to assess the needs of the child. This is combined with a trial class. We encourage shadow workers to accompany children with special needs in the program. It is preferred that the same shadow worker remain with the child throughout the season. Coaches will guide support workers on how to assist children. Therapists are encouraged to visit classes and consult with Sportball coaches to provide suggestions and modifications for individual children.

Why is Sportball a drop-off program?

Sportball classes are structured. It is important that children become used to the structure and learn to follow the instructions as soon as possible to fully benefit from the program. Children are easily distracted by parents in the gym and this hinders participation and learning.

What safety measures and precautions are implemented in Sportball programs?

Sportball coaches are regularly required to participate in workshops that address safety procedures. Sportball has strict arrival and dismissal policies to ensure the safety of children. Children are always supervised. Safety is always a key consideration in selecting Sportball facilities. For outdoor soccer programs, parents are required to remain at the field side in a ratio of one parent to one child so that if a child needs to leave the program for any reason (parent support, washroom or other) the second child is always overseen. Parents of children with special needs must remain on site while the program is underway. At Sportball, we are committed to safe programming for all children and so request your support in helping to keep your children safe.

How do coaches assess children?

Coaches assess children based on what they see during the class. Lesson plans are modified according to the needs of the class and then more specifically to the needs of individual children. Sportball does not provide written evaluations on children’s progress, but coaches are more than happy to discuss the strengths and preferences of children with their parents. Parents can also request coaches to call at an agreed-upon time to discuss the progress of their child.

If I re-register next quarter, will the next year program have different skills and activities?

Sportball’s methodology is based on challenging the individual skills levels of children. Skills are only advanced once the child has had success at fundamental movements. Most importantly, children require repetition in movement skills in order to master techniques. Professional athletes follow a similar training pattern; they refine, rehearse, and repeat skills continuously. Programs are age-appropriate. As children get older the instructions and activities become more skill-based and complex. Each sport requires an increased level of control and expertise for advancement.

What do children do during the water break?

The water break is a time when children may use the washroom and have something to drink. Children have a chance to rest and prepare for the next set of activities. It is also an opportunity for the coaches to get to know the children in the program and for the children to talk to friends they have made. Coaches also may tell a short story, or talk about what children liked and what they have learned so far.

What are the coach’s qualifications, experience and training?

Each member of the Sportball coaching team has been carefully selected and thoroughly screened. Coaches undergo intense initial and ongoing training in Sportball methodology. Their love of teaching shines through, enabling them to help children of all ages and skill levels to succeed.

What is Parent Participation day?

Once a season, parents, grandparents or caregivers are invited into the gym to see their children participating in the program. Parents are able to see the activities and skills that their children have learned and how far they have progressed. It is an opportunity for parents to grasp a clearer understanding of our methodology and interact with their children.

Must I participate in playing with my child on Parent Participation Day?

Parents are encouraged to participate if they are physically capable. Children look forward to and are excited to have their parents in the gym playing sports with them. Coaches are understanding and will do their best not to make parents work up too much of a sweat!

Does my child need to be toilet-trained?

All children in the drop-off programs should be toilet-trained before entering the program. If parents prefer, children are permitted to wear pull-ups. However, parents of children wearing pull-ups must remain onsite at the program location in case the child needs to be changed. Very young children in parent-participation programs are not expected to be toilet-trained. Coaches are extremely sensitive towards children who have accidents. Parents who anticipate the possibility of their child having an accident are encouraged to leave an extra set of clothes with the coach. Parents who are concerned about their child coping on their own in the washroom should remain at the program venue to assist their child. Junior camp programs require parents to provide their children with a change of clothes and any toiletries that may be needed.

My child forgot his/her water?

Sportball does not supply or sell water for children.

Can my child bring sporting equipment to class?

Sportball does not permit children to bring sporting equipment to Multi-Sport classes. We provide all necessary equipment, which is designed to best suit the needs of children in the program. Jerseys are provided for Sportball programs and these should be worn to every class.

What is the difference between Multi-Sport and Parent and Child classes?

A Parent and Child class is a program where the parent or caregiver actively participates in the program with their child. At about age 3, children generally transition to a drop-off Multi-Sport program where parents or caregivers do not participate. When parents are not involved, children are able to participate independently with their peers, develop skills with the help of their coaches, and strengthen social interactions. During the class, parents are asked to either wait outside or leave the facility and return once the program is finished.

Are there places for the parents to watch or sit?

The waiting area for parents or caregivers varies from location to location. Sportball recommends that parents remain onsite during the class should their child require any support or assistance. For classes held outdoors, parents are required to remain at the field side for any reason (parent support, washroom or other).

What should my child bring to camp?

For snack time, each child must bring a small nut-free snack as well as a labeled drink in a non-breakable container. For outdoor camps, please provide your child with a labeled hat and labeled sunscreen. Ensure that sunscreen is generously applied prior to each camp day. A towel and an extra set of clothes are also required for camps with water play activities.

How can I arrange to have Sportball attend my child’s school or introduce programs to our community?

Please call or email our Sportball office.