192 Vreeland Avenue
Paterson, NJ 07504
(973) 710-2779
www.njsparksbball.com
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Welcome to the New Jersey Sparks Family! We are so happy that you are joining a program that has served female
scholar-athletes in and around the Paterson community for over ten years. We have obtained our 501(c)(3) status and
are recognized as a non-profit organization. As a Paterson native, I grew up playing and watching sports and have always
appreciated the life lessons, discipline, confidence and friendships athletics create. Not only that, I know that athletics
can provide a way for young women to receive a scholarship to college, which makes them a powerful force on and off
the court.
There is no doubt that we are a competitive basketball program; the list of Sparks Alumni on our website will show you
that. What is just as important to us is that our players are scholar athletes—not athletes who go to school. We require
our players to submit their report card each quarter to hold them accountable for success on and off the court and to
emphasize that school is their number one priority. The New Jersey Sparks Program consists of twelve teams—from
eight to eighteen years old, and our core values of Sacrifice, Persistence, Attitude, Respect, Knowledge and Scholarship
(SPARKS) are a part of the entire Program.
In this packet, you will find information about Sparks Alumni, our Code of Conduct for Players and Parents, this year’s
schedule, expenses that are covered by your membership fee and fundraising expectations to cover additional expenses.
Again, we are so excited that you are joining the New Jersey Sparks Family and look forward to a great year of growth
and fun, too!
Sincerely,
Shane Gerald
Founder, New Jersey SPARKS
Sacrifice* Persistence*Attitude*Respect*Knowledge*Scholarship (SPARKS)
Code of Conduct
PHILOSOPHY
The New Jersey SPARKS is committed to promoting and developing the principles of fair play, accountability,
amateurism, and integrity among all players. We believe that athletics is an integral part of the student-athlete’s overall
educational experience and strive to educate all participants in athletic contests to conduct themselves with civility,
dignity and respect for themselves, officials, opponents and fans.
BASIC PRINCIPLES
As members of The New Jersey SPARKS, we agree to
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Adhere to all tournament rules;
Treat New Jersey Sparks members and all opponents with respect and dignity in victory and defeat;
Treat coaches and officials with respect and dignity;
Show maturity and integrity in conduct both on and off the field of play;
Place the welfare of the student-athlete at the forefront of our operating principles;
Observe and support the spirit and rules of the game;
Serve as gracious hosts to our opponents and exhibit conduct portraying ourselves as worthy guests; and
Encourage and promote a positive game environment and take appropriate action for any incidents that are
inconsistent with The New Jersey Sparks standards of conduct.
I. UNSPORTSMANLIKE AND UNETHICAL CONDUCT
The New Jersey SPARKS shall neither condone nor ignore unsportsmanlike and/or unethical conduct by student-athletes,
coaches, spectators, or officials.
Definition: Unsportsmanlike/Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to the following
1. Physical and verbal acts that would incite spectators or student-athletes;
2. Threatening gestures or words;
3. Obscenities, and race, religious, nationality, or sex-based statements whether spoken, signed, gestured, written,
or printed;
4. Public criticism of officials or organization personnel;
5. Confrontations between officials and student-athletes or their coaches;
6. Confrontations between student-athletes or coaches from opposing teams that exceed socially acceptable
behavior;
Sacrifice* Persistence*Attitude*Respect*Knowledge*Scholarship (SPARKS)
7. Any other act that would negatively affect the image and reputation of The New Jersey Sparks or individual
members of the organization; and
8. Conduct that results in a coach or player’s ejection from the game.
[Reference: NCAA Bylaw 10]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. Coaches: Coaches have the highest degree of influence over the student-athletes in their programs. Student-athletes
should be taught and follow high standards of sportsmanship and ethical conduct. It is imperative that the coach
demonstrate a good example of sportsmanship and ethical conduct. At no time should a coach engage in any type of
communication, verbal or otherwise, with fans and spectators.
The coach shall:
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Display appropriate sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
Teach and reinforce players’ proper sportsmanship and ethical conduct.
Review and discuss rules and regulations specific to basketball, including rules governing penalties for
misconduct, with the coaching staff and players.
Make every attempt to control the behavior of the coaching staff and players before, during and after the
contest.
If a fight occurs, do everything possible to keep uninvolved players out of the fight.
Reporting all incidents of unsportsmanlike or unethical conduct to the President of The New Jersey Sparks.
B. Student-Athletes: New Jersey SPARKS student-athletes must understand that they are the most representatives of
their organization, their families and themselves. Student-athletes are expected to treat opponents and game officials
with civility, dignity and respect. At no time should a student-athlete engage in any type of communication, verbal or
otherwise, with fans and spectators. There will be no tolerance for taunting, fighting or other acts of aggression that
demonstrate unsportsmanlike conduct or unethical behavior.
C. Spectators: The New Jersey SPARKS hopes and believes that the establishment of the principles outlined in this
policy will create an atmosphere that will attract more fans to our events and ensure a positive athletic experience. It is
expected that all spectators will behave in an appropriate manner. It is the responsibility of the host organization to
monitor the behavior of spectators and when necessary, take necessary action to promote a positive game
environment.
Sacrifice* Persistence*Attitude*Respect*Knowledge*Scholarship (SPARKS)
IV. PROMOTION OF SPORTSMANSHIP AND ETHICAL CONDUCT
A. Before each New Jersey SPARKS home game, a student-athlete from each team shall read the following statement to
spectators through a public address announcement, and the statement shall also be printed in the game day program:
Good (afternoon/evening) and welcome to the game between (HOME) and (AWAY). We promote good sportsmanship
and a positive game environment at all of our contests. We expect that you, as spectators will do the same. We request
that you cooperate and support participants, coaches, officials and fellow spectators in a positive and mature manner.
We encourage you to enthusiastically support your team! However, please refrain from using profanity, racial, ethnic or
sexual comments or any other inappropriate behavior including the consumption or possession of alcohol and tobacco,
because it will not be tolerated and is grounds for removal from this event. Thank you for your support and enjoy the
game!
(PLEASE PRINT)
Child’s Name: _________________________________________
Grade: __________
I have read the Code of Conduct and understand that I must abide by these expectations in order to continue on the
team. I understand that if I am dismissed from the Program because of unsportsmanlike behavior on the court or
inappropriate behavior off of the court, my parents’ money will not be refunded.
Child’s Signature:__________________________________________
I have read the Code of Conduct and agree to hold my child accountable to these standards. I agree to model this
behavior for my child and understand that if my child is dismissed from the Program because of unsportsmanlike
behavior on the court or inappropriate behavior off of the court, the money that I have paid in fees will not be
refunded.
Parent’s Name: _________________________________________
Parent’s Signature: ______________________________________
Sacrifice* Persistence*Attitude*Respect*Knowledge*Scholarship (SPARKS)
192 Vreeland Avenue
Paterson, NJ 07504
(973) 710-2779
www.njsparksbball.com
Fees and Fundraising Expectations
Our goal is to share as much information as possible with you at the beginning of the season to assist with your
planning and to ensure that all financial obligations of the Program are met. Parents’ participation in the fundraising
activities helps to defray the costs of the Program. Please make note of the deadlines and expectations and speak
with your child’s coach if you have any questions.
Fees and deadlines:
* This includes sneakers, shooting shirt, bags and tournament registration fees.
Fourth thru Sixth Grades*
$800
$400 due by March 15th
$400 due by April 30th
Seventh and Eighth Grades*
$1200
$600 due by March 15th
$600 due by April 30th
Sacrifice* Persistence*Attitude*Respect*Knowledge*Scholarship (SPARKS)
Ninth through Twelfth Grades**
$1500
$750 due by March 30th
$750 due by May 1st
**This includes sneakers, shooting shirt, bags, tournament registration fees, hotel and van. Please note that airfare is
not included; however, it is one of our fundraising goals.
Fundraising Expectations:
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Donate to concession stand for the two tournaments we host: Sports drinks, water, trail mix, granola bars, chips,
fruit, or yogurt, etc.
(March 28th to 30th and May 16th to 18th)
Work at the concession stand during the two tournaments we host
(March 28th to 30th and May 16th to 18th)
Sell Tricky Tray tickets (June 2nd)
Donate/secure items for Tricky Tray baskets/raffle
Participate in other fundraising events that are not listed here, to the extent possible
Sacrifice* Persistence*Attitude*Respect*Knowledge*Scholarship (SPARKS)
NEW JERSEY SPARKS NIKE 2014 AAU SCHEDULE
*SCHEDULES ARE BASED ON THE COLLECTION OF ALL FEES AND ARE SCHEDULED TO CHANGE
NEW JERSEY SPARKS 9U, 10U & 11U SCHEDULE
SHORE SHOTS SPRING SHOWDOWN
MARCH 22-23 SOUTH JERSEY
NJ SPARKS BASKETBALL CLASSIC
MARCH 28-30 PATERSON,NJ
NJ STATE TOURNAMENT
APRIL 4-6
NEW JERSEY
NJ STATE TOURNAMENT
APRIL 11-13
NEW JERSEY
NORTHEAST CHAMPIONSHIP
APRIL 26-27
MAHWAH,NJ
TEAM MILLER SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA MAY 3-4
SOMERSET,NJ
NJ SPARKS SUMMER BLAST OFF
MAY 16-18
PATERSON,NJ
NJ SUPER SHOWCASE
MAY 31-JUNE 1 ATLANTIC CITY,NJ
NY/NJ TRI-STATE CHALLENGE
JUNE 7-8
UNION,NJ
PRE-FATHER’S DAY SHOOTOUT
JUNE 14
UNION,NJ
CHALLENGE OF THE CHAMPIONS
JUNE 28-29
PHILADELPHIA,PA
NEW JERSEY SPARKS 12U & 13U SCHEDULE
SHORE SHOTS SPRING SHOWDOWN
MARCH 22-23 SOUTH JERSEY
NJ SPARKS BASKETBALL CLASSIC
MARCH 28-30 PATERSON,NJ
NJ STATE TOURNAMENT
APRIL 4-6
NEW JERSEY
NJ STATE TOURNAMENT
APRIL 11-13
NEW JERSEY
NIKE BOO WILLIAMS
APRIL 25-27
HAMPTON, VA
NIKE ROSE CLASSIC (13U ONLY)
MAY 3-4
BROOKLYN,NY
TEAM MILLER SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA(12U) MAY 3-4
SOMERSET,NJ
NIKE ROSE CLASSIC (13U)
MAY 10-11
BROOKLYN,NY
NJ SPARKS SUMMER BLAST OFF
MAY 16-18
PATERSON,NJ
QUEENS OF NEW YORK
MAY 24-25
NEW YORK,NY
NIKE ROSE CLASSIC PLAYOFFS (13U)
MAY 31-JUNE 1 BROOKLYN,NY
PTT SUMMER TIP OFF
JUNE 7-8
PHILADELPHIA,PA
GYM RATZ
JUNE 14-15
ALBANY,NY
CHALLENGE OF THE CHAMPIONS
JUNE 28-29
PHILADELPHIA,PA
U S JUNIOR NATIONALS
JULY 6-8
LONG ISLAND,NY
U S JUNIOR NATIONALS
JULY 25-28
WASHINGTON,DC
Sacrifice* Persistence*Attitude*Respect*Knowledge*Scholarship (SPARKS)
NEW JERSEY SPARKS 14U, 15U, 16U & 16U ELITE AAU SCHEDULE
NJ SPARKS BASKETBALL CLASSIC
RIVERSIDE HAWKS SHOWCASE
THE TAKEOVER SPRING INVITATIONAL
NIKE BOO WILLIAMS
NIKE ROSE CLASSIC
NIKE ROSE CLASSIC
NJ SPARKS SUMMER BLAST-OFF
QUEENS OF NEW YORK
MIDWEST SHOWDOWN (15U ONLY)
NIKE ROSE CLASSIC (PLAYOFFS)
NIKE ROSE CLASSIC (PLAYOFFS)
TBA
CHALLENGE OF CHAMPIONS
RUN FOR THE ROSES
NIKE SUMMER SHOWCASE
U S JUNIOR NATIONALS
NIKE NATIONALS (16U ELITE ONLY)
PEACH STATE JAM (14,15,16)
MARCH 28-30
APRIL 4-6
APRIL 12-13
APRIL 25-27
MAY 3-4
MAY 10-11
MAY 16-18
MAY 24-25
MAY 24-26
MAY 31-JUNE 1
JUNE 6-8
JUNE 14-15
JUNE 28-29
JULY 6-8
JULY 10-12
JULY 23-25
JULY 27-29
JULY 27-29
PATERSON, NJ
LONG ISLAND, NY
WASHINGTON, DC
HAMPTON, VA
BROOKLYN, NY
BROOKLYN, NY
PATERSON, NJ
NEW YORK, NY
CINNCINATI, OH
BROOKLYN, NY
BROOKLYN, NY
PHILADELPHIA,PA
LEXINGTON,KY
CHICAGO,IL
WASHINGTON, DC
AUGUSTA,GA
AUGUSTA,GA
Sacrifice* Persistence*Attitude*Respect*Knowledge*Scholarship (SPARKS)
NEW JERSEY SPARKS AAU ALUMNI
NEW JERSEY SPARKS PLAYING AT THE NEXT LEVEL……………………………………………
ASHUNAE DURANT – HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
IMANI TILFORD – GEORGIA TECH UNIVERSITY
DREW WINTER – LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY
IYONNA CRENSHAW – LASALLE UNIVERSITY
KATHERINE HAINES – SACRED HEART
MYISHA HINES-ALLEN – LOUISVILLE
LORENA HUBBARD – FLORIDA A & M UNIVERSITY
BRITTANY STONE – DOMINICAN COLLEGE
REBECCA RIBIERO – DOMINICAN COLLEGE
KAYLA GIBSS – UMASS – LOWELL
KIERONA MORTON – UNC-CENTRAL
KATE RYAN – COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
ALEXA GIULIANO – COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
CORRINNE POITEVEIN – LEMOYNE INSTITUTE
JACKIE MARSHALL- IONA UNIVERSITY
RAE CORBO- NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY
LAUREN MINCEY- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
SHANICE HAWKINS- IONA UNIVERSITY
ESSENCE TOWNSEND- MARYLAND
ERIKA BROWN- UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
KYLLA CHAMPAGNE- MANHATTAN
REBECCA SPARKS- ST. PETER’S
AFRICA WILLIAMS- MONROE JC
DEJA GABBIDON-DOMINICAN COLLEGE
NAQAYYIAH TEAGUE-UNC-WILMINGTON
AHNYYAH JACKSON- RHODE ISLAND JC
NAJAH CHAMBERS- UDC
ALYSSA LAWRENCE- SAN DIEGO ST UNIVERSITY
TAYLOR MANNING-DRAKE- TCU
SHAYNA GERALD- WILLIAM PATERSON
COBY JACKSON- PCCC
JAVEE ARTIS – ESSEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SHANIQUA BACOTE- BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE
TATIANA CRAWFORD- ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
STARR BREEDLOVE- LOUISVILLE
DIJANELLE FOWLER- BETHUNE-COOKMAN
TIFFANY BARRENTINE- KENTUCKY STATE
BRIANNA COOK- ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
ELAINE SWABY- SETON HALL UNIVERSITY
ALISHA BROWN- BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE
SHAQUANNA MARSHALL- RUTGERS-NEWARK
KIANNA BRIGGS- NJCU
I’INDIA DAVENPORT- RAMAPO COLLEGE
SHAKIR NEGRON- WILLIAM PATERSON
JAKELLE GILCHRIST-KING- HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
TEANA MULDROW – WEST VIRGINIA
EBONI WOOD- KEAN UNIVERSITY
TIANNA SMITH- BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE
DEJAH TAYLOR- LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
VANESSA SANTANA- BARUCH COLLEGE
ASHLEY BURROUGHS- SUSQUEHANNA COLLEGE
SHANICE PERRY- DOMINICAN
MARCIA SENATUS- ST. PETER’S
DANIELLE ROBERTS- GEORGIA SOUTHERN
JOHNNAH JOHNSON- ROBERT MORRIS
ROBIN PERKINS- RIDER
JOHANNA MCMILLAN- UNC-WILMINGTON
MORGAN TAYLOR- BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE
Sacrifice* Persistence*Attitude*Respect*Knowledge*Scholarship (SPARKS)