NBA Development League: Albuquerque Thunderbirds Ball Kids Program

Albuquerque Thunderbirds Ball Kids Program

The goal of the Ball Kids is to help service the home and visiting team's benches as well as to give support under each basket. Thus, the Albuquerque Thunderbirds Kids will act in a professional manner at all times and they will be ambassadors for the Albuquerque Thunderbirds.

Age range for ball kids is ten (10) , maximum age seventeen (17) as of the first game of the 2009 - 2010 season. Ball Kids that want to participate in the program will need submit a copy of their most current progress report to put in a file with their contact information. (Download information form) This progress report will be used as a guideline, with frequent checkups throughout the season to make sure grades are not slipping.

The Ball Kids are a group of 8 to 10 kids who are volunteers to perform duties at Thunderbirds games as outlined in the ball kids rules sheet that will be given to the guardian of the potential ball kid and signed off with a contract/waiver stating they understand their outlined duties.

All ball kids will report directly to the Albuquerque Thunderbirds Manager of Marketing and Game Presentation for all matters including game day itineraries, special situations, and any scheduling conflicts. The regular season runs from November through April. Playoffs may extend the season based on seeding.

THUNDERBIRDS BALL KIDS RULES

Attire:

Wear Provided pants (No Shorts, Jeans, or Sweatpants)

Have a clean pair of gym shoes and they must be tied

Hair must be neat

The kids must keep up with their Thunderbirds required ball kid uniform.

Shirts must be tucked in

Behavior:

Represent the Thunderbirds in a mature, professional manner at all times.

Absolutely NO PROFANITY

No eating during the game

NO BEGGING for promotional items during game.

NO SHOOTING baskets or dribbling before, during or after the game.
Your job is to rebound for the players and give them water & towels during the time-outs.

Be courteous to other ball kids

Arrive at the Tingley Coliseum at 5:45 PM (Monday- Saturday games) or 1:45 PM (Sunday games) & sign in at Scorer’s Table.

48 hours notice will need to be given for any games missed

Other:

Hand out promotional items to fans at the doors

Keep the Tingley Coliseum floor dry and help the players and coaches on the visiting and home team benches

Assist with game-night operations as needed to ensure the evening runs smoothly

We need to remind you that your main focus is the game. If you are sitting under the basket, you should not be doing anything but watching the game, and wiping the floor when the players are at the other end of the court. If you are working the bench, please be prepared and assist the trainers / equipment managers with drinks and towels at time outs.

The Thunderbirds Ball Kids should never be observed; talking on cell phones, keeping scores, trying to get give away items during contests, or acting in a way that would be a distraction while working the games. This is not safe as your focus is on something other than the game. By doing these things, it does not reflect the professionalism that is an important part of the Albuquerque Thunderbirds Organization and the Thunderbirds Game Day Staff.

If you are not going to be able to make it to your scheduled game, please contact the office as soon as you know that you will not be at the game, so that we may find a replacement.

If these rules are violated, you will be sent home and not allowed to return until you are in compliance with the Ball Kids Rules. If you are in violation of these rules; 1st time will be a verbal warning, 2nd time will be a verbal warning with written notice of violation to parents/guardians and you will be rescheduled, 3rd time could result in suspension or removal from the team.

Download 2009-10 Ball Kids information form and mail it to:

Ball Kids Program
5604 Menaul Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110