Basketball Australia has developed three stages of participation which represent Aussie Hoops. These stages have been developed to ensure that for each age group, participants are participating in drills and games that are relevant to their physical and mental capabilities. The stages have been developed as a guide to effective delivery. The underlying purpose of Aussie Hoops is to provide an opportunity to participate. With this in mind, in some scenarios participants may participate in a stage program that is not linked to their age due to factors such as program size or ability. In these scenarios those decisions are made by the Local Centre Coordinator or Coach in consultation with the parent or caregiver.
Aussie Hoops Rookie has been developed for 5 and 6 year olds as an introductory program that ensures all participants develop the fundamental skills to participate in and draw satisfaction from Basketball.
Aussie Hoops Starter has been developed for 7 and 8 year olds providing a transition from basic motor and basketball skill development into game sense application.
Aussie Hoops All-Star has been developed for 9 and 10 year olds and provides participants with a game sense focused program in preparedness for next step basketball programs at local associations.
Participants can start Aussie Hoops at any age between 5 and 10 years. It is important to note that the Rookie program is not a prerequisite for the Starter program, and the Starter program is not a prerequisite for the All-Star program. In reinforcing the emphasis of participation and enjoyment, the ability to place participants in the most applicable and comfortable group is designed to provide a positive basketball experience. It is also important to note that the number of staged programs (Rookie, Starter, All-Star) and frequency of delivery may be different at each local centre dependant on the local population, demand for the product and availability of facilities such as a metropolitan association versus a rural association.