Early Bird Classic Schedule

Dear Coaches and Team Representatives,

Boo and Hell-o! Welcome to the Etobicoke Thunder's Early Bird Classic, taking place November 1–2, 2025 at Michael Power CI (105 Eringate Dr, Etobicoke). We’re excited to kick off the 2025/2026 season and look forward to an outstanding weekend of basketball!

Please review the following information carefully and share it with your players, parents, and team staff.

🏀 Event Overview
*Dates: November 1–2, 2025
*Venue: Michael Power CI – Etobicoke, ON
*Divisions: Girls U10 and U11
*Game Guarantee: 3 games minimum
*Schedule: Available on Exposure Events and in the Etobicoke Basketball app

💲 Entry & Admission
*Spectator Fee: $10 weekend pass per person (cash preferred)
*Free Entry: Coaches, players, and children under 12
*Check-In: Teams should arrive 30 minutes before their first scheduled game

📱 Stay Connected with the Etobicoke Basketball App
Download the free Etobicoke Basketball app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to access everything in one place:
*Game schedules, directions, and live results
*Super Sunday match-ups, available Saturday evening once all Saturday scores are confirmed
*Downloadable scoresheets shortly after each game’s completion
*We strongly encourage all coaches, players, and parents to use the app throughout the tournament to stay informed in real time.

🗓 Game Format & Rules
*The tournament follows Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) playing regulations.
*Equal Play Rules apply for all age divisions in accordance with OBA policy.
*OBA Shifting Format will be used:
*Games are divided into eight equal shifts.
*Substitutions occur only at the end of each shift, except for injuries or fouls.
*No full-court press is permitted at U10.
*U11 teams may press only during shifts 7 and 8.
*Fall-Back Rule: When a team leads by 15 or more points, players must fall back behind half court until the margin drops below 15.
*Standard FIBA rules apply for timing, fouls, and possession where not otherwise specified.

🏃‍♀️ Uniforms & Equipment
*The away team (listed first on the schedule) will wear dark uniforms, and the home team will wear light uniforms, unless otherwise agreed upon by both coaches and officials prior to game time.
*Please note that the U11 East York Eagles will be playing in their away uniforms for all matches this weekend.
*Teams are asked to bring their own basketballs for warm-up.
*The home team will provide the game ball for each match.

👯‍♀️ Spectator Behaviour & Sportsmanship
*We ask all parents, supporters, and coaches to help create a positive and respectful environment for players and officials.
*Only positive encouragement from the sidelines — no coaching or negative remarks directed at referees, players, or opposing teams.
*Zero tolerance for inappropriate language or disruptive conduct.
*Referees and tournament staff reserve the right to remove any spectator or team official whose behaviour does not meet OBA’s standards of respect.

🚫 Bench Conduct & Discipline
*Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their bench and spectators.
*Any technical fouls for unsportsmanlike behaviour may result in removal from the tournament at the discretion of the convenor or TABO officials.
*Please ensure your team cleans up your bench area after each game and vacates promptly so the next team can settle in and prepare for their match.

🚗 Parking & Facility Notes
*Parking at Michael Power CI is limited — please allow extra time for arrival.
*Do not park in fire routes or staff-reserved areas; violators may be ticketed or towed.

🚑 Safety & First Aid
*Teams are responsible for bringing their own first-aid kits and supplies.
*Emergency contact numbers and health cards should be readily accessible.
*For any lost items or on-site assistance, please check with the tournament desk near the main entrance or contact the convenor at jaypea69@gmail.com.

🕊️ Sportsmanship & Alignment with OBA
*This event is sanctioned by the Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) and all games will be officiated by TABO-certified officials. We appreciate your cooperation in upholding the standards of fair play and sportsmanship that define our basketball community.

🌐 Acknowledgement of Policies
*By participating in this event, all teams and spectators agree to abide by OBA and Etobicoke Thunder tournament rules. Tournament policies, including Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Refund Policy, are available through the Exposure Events registration portal.

Thank you for supporting youth basketball and helping us provide a safe, fair, and enjoyable experience for every athlete. We wish all teams the best of luck and look forward to an exciting weekend of competition!

Best regards,
John Panagiotopoulos
Etobicoke Thunder Tournament
📧 jaypea69@gmail.com