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The Salvation Army Rookie Basketball Association is a developmental youth basketball league for girls and boys, grades k-8, in Duluth, Minnesota. Our focus is a holistic approach to training the body, mind (attitude), and heart (effort). Through a fun sports experience, foundational individual and team skills are developed to benefit youth in sport and in everyday life.
The league offers seasonal sessions, plus 3-on-3 player opportunities and clinics. For information on current league events view our most recent newsletter: Summer 2022.
Taking into consideration district 709, local and state recommendations and requirements, as well as, parent/coach survey responses, Rookie Basketball Association (RBA) leadership is currently discussing, researching, and planning programming.
All updates will be posted on the RBA website, Facebook Twitter and Instagram, and emailed to all of last year’s participants.
For RBA Covid-19 policy, please refer to Minnesota Department of Heath guidelines:
MN Close Contact à https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/close.html
MN Sick with COVID à https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/sick.html
Thank you for your patience as we navigate this unprecedented time.
Thank You To Our Partners
Winter basketball is led by a team of volunteer coaches focusing on fundamental development of basketball and character skills. These skills include change of speed and direction, handling the ball, passing, shooting, teamwork, sportsmanship and team offense and defense. Families interested in applying for scholarships must do so BEFORE registering. Registration will open in late August for the 2022-2023 season.
K1 GRADE SKILLS & SCRIMMAGE
Rookie Basketball Association Spring K1 Skills & Scrimmage is an exciting 4 week session focused on fundamental skills, learning teamwork, and to scrimmage play. Players will have the opportunity to get on the court and practice their basketball skills then put those to the test in a scrimmage. Two-thirds of the sessions will include focus on basic skills including running, jumping, change of speed and direction, handling the ball, shooting at the target. The final one-third players will be put on teams and scrimmage. All sessions are at The Salvation Army and facilitated by RBA staff. Sessions are 5:00-6:30pm, for the 4 Thursdays in April. Cost is $30.
2-7 GRADE 3 ON 3
Spring 3 on 3 will consist of staff led warm up followed by 3 on 3 play. Players should expect 3 games per session which are all at Lincoln Park Middle School. This league focuses on improving a youth player's fundamentals. 2-4 graders Mondays, 4:45-6:45pm. 5-7 graders Thursdays, 7-8:50pm. Cost is $45, includes t-shirt and 2 open gyms.
Scholarships are available and must be applied for and approved before registration.
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED AS ALL SESSIONS HAVE REACHED CAPACITY.
We offer summer basketball clinics for boys and girls in grades K-6. These clinics focus on developing basketball fundamentals, as well as character qualities of sportsmanship, teamwork and excellence. Players will develop their individual and team skills through training activities, participating in individual contests, and playing in games. Families interested in applying for scholarships must do so BEFORE registering. Clinics are 9:00am-4:00pm. Lunch, snack, and t-shirt are included in registration fee.
Summer clinic registration is open.
Scholarships are available for qualifying families (download a scholarship application). PLEASE NOTE: You must complete the application, submit it with proof of income and assistance, AND BE APPROVED before registering your child. Player placement is on a first come, first serve basis. Please sumbit your complete scholarship application early as the approval process can take up to 2 weeks. Families with more than one child participating will receive a discount for each additional child. For any questions, call 218-576-6174.
A number of basketball standouts partner with the program and practice with the kids, including the Bulldog men’s and women's basketball teams from UMD.
We also have a number of local businesses who support the program:
Future Sponsors ($5,000+)
League Sponsors ($1,000+)
Team Sponsors ($300 - $999)
Practices for league sessions are held at the following locations:
All games are on Saturdays at either The Salvation Army, 215 S. 27th Ave. W., The Encounter, 201 E. 1st St., Lincoln Park Middle School, 3215 W. 3rd St., or Superior Middle School, 3625 Hammond Ave.
If Duluth Public Schools are closed due to a holiday or inclement weather, practices or games will be canceled.
Coaches send players home with drills and skill work to practice at home. View player skill guide.
The Rookie Basketball program relies on volunteers to coach teams for each winter season. The time commitment varies from one to three hours per week. If you volunteered for this role last year, you will need to register but you do not need to fill out a new application. Registration for volunteer coaches for the 2021-2022 season will open on August 27, 2021. Thank you!
Each volunteer will need to complete the following:
View the Coaches Guide 2019-20 and official basketball signal chart. Our Rookie Basketball coaching resources may also be helpful.
2019-2020 Dale Stocke Coach of the Year
Larry Oleksa, pictured with his family
2018-2019 Dale Stocke Co-Coach of the Year
Julie Flotten, left, and Mia Thibodeau, right, with their team.
© Lynnette’s Portrait Design 2019
2017-18 Dale Stocke Coach of the Year
Jill Doberstein, recipient, with members of her team.
2016-17 Dale Stocke Coach of the Year
Mayor Emily Larson, Steve Williams recipient, St. Scholastica Head Coach David Staniger
Rookie Basketball lessons take place both on and off the court, with each parent’s involvement being key to the development of their child. The Rookie Basketball program has developed a Parent Guide, as well as the RBA Code of Conduct to help ensure the league is a positive learning and growing experience.
Curious what you’re missing out on? Miss seeing your Rookie in action? Check out the action in our Photo Gallery and view footage from our games and most recent practices below:
These are the highlights for the past winter seasons and our 2021 summer clinics. Watch to learn what our league is about and what a typical season is like.
Duluth Mayor Emily Larson congratulates players on a season well done and talks about her own children’s experience in the league.
For more information about the Rookie Basketball Association, please contact Kris Mallett at Kristin.mallett@usc.salvationarmy.org or 218-576-6174.