As games resume and programs kick off across Iron Tigers, we’ve had a lot of similar questions come through this week. This update is being sent to our full mailing list, including players who may not currently be placed in a team.

Below is a FAQ-style overview to help clarify what’s happening and what your options are.

Is this a new season or a continuation?

• Terrigal teams:
The Terrigal competition runs from October through to April (Term 4 and Term 1).
For Terrigal teams, this is a continuation of the same season, not a new competition.

• Niagara Park and Bateau Bay teams:
These competitions run from February through to July (Terms 1 and 2).
For Niagara Park and Bateau Bay teams, this is a new competition commencing.

• Lake Haven teams:
Lake Haven competitions are run by Central Coast Council, with three competitions per year, each lasting 10 weeks.

When do competitions commence or resume?

• Terrigal:
– Under 9s and Under 20s resume Wednesday 28 January
– Under 11s resume Thursday 29 January
– All other Terrigal teams resume from Monday 2 February

• Niagara Park and Bateau Bay:
Competitions commence Tuesday 27 January

• Lake Haven:
Competition commences Friday 13 February and runs through until May

What days do teams play?

Terrigal competition
• Under 15s and Under 17s – Mondays
• Under 13s – Tuesdays
• Under 9s and Under 20s – Wednesdays
• Under 11s – Thursdays
• Fridays may be used as an alternate game day for all age groups when additional court space is required

Niagara Park competition
• Under 12s and Under 14s – Wednesdays
• Under 16s and Under 18s – Tuesdays

Bateau Bay competition
• Under 9s and Under 11s – Tuesdays
• Under 14s – Fridays

When does training start?

• Team training across the club commences from Monday 2 February
• Lake Haven team training commences Sunday 8 February

What is Stripes Academy and when does it start?

Stripes Academy is our skills-based training program for players who want additional development, or who may not currently be placed in a team.

• Academy training commences the same week as team training
• It runs at the same venues and on the same days as team training
• Players can participate in Stripes Academy with or without being in a competition team

If you’re not currently in a team, Stripes Academy is the best way to stay on court, keep developing, and be considered for future team opportunities.

Do I need to pay training fees?

• Terrigal teams:
Training fees for Term 1 are now due if you intend to train with your age group.
Sign up here:
https://irontigersbasketball.com.au/product/iron-tigers-team-training-casual-attendance-terrigal/

• Niagara Park, Bateau Bay and Lake Haven teams:
Training fees are already included in your registration.

• Stripes Academy:
Academy participants register separately via the website or links shared for each venue.

Why is RSVPing important (training and games)?

Please RSVP yes or no to all training sessions and game fixtures in Stack Team App.

RSVPs allow coaches and team managers to plan sessions properly and confirm we have enough players available for games. Competitions have strict rules around minimum numbers and replacement players, and late changes are difficult to manage.

If a team is forced to forfeit at short notice due to insufficient players, competitions will often fine the club. These situations are largely avoidable with timely RSVPs and early communication.

Replacement player rules can be found in the Documents section of Stack Team App.

What if I’m not in a team but want to be?

If you’re not currently placed in a team and would like to be considered:

• Reply directly to this email to let us know your age group and preferred location
• Join Stripes Academy to stay active and visible
• We’ll contact you if a suitable opportunity becomes available during the season

Please note that team placements are dependent on numbers, competition rules, and coach capacity, and not all age groups will have immediate openings.

Do teams need a team manager?

Yes. All teams require a dedicated volunteer team manager, including our newer teams at Niagara Park and Bateau Bay.

If you’re able to help, please email:
amanda@irontigersbasketball.com.au

Why aren’t my fixtures showing yet?

Each competition uses a different system to manage fixtures. We consolidate fixtures and add them to Stack Team App as soon as they are released.

If fixtures are not yet visible, it may simply mean the competition hasn’t released the draw yet. Your team manager can assist.

Uniforms

• Most should have received uniforms by now. You can wear the same uniform to represent Iron Tigers across multiple competitions
• We’ll distribute outstanding uniforms as quickly as possible where they have been paid for and stock is available
• Size swaps or number duplicates (subject to stock) can be requested via:
uniforms@irontigersbasketball.com.au
• If you haven’t yet received your uniform, please contact:
amanda@irontigersbasketball.com.au