Dundas Dynamo
Fair Play vs. Equal Play

Dynamo players, parents, and coaches who are new to the Dundas Dynamo Basketball Club must be aware of our organization Philosophy in terms of the Travel Team Program. This Philosophy was developed to ensure the overall skill development of all players in the program. Each player is not as dedicated as the next, therefore those players who attend summer camps, practice on their own, and are striving to improve themselves during practice will be a better player. This is why our organization has adopted the practice of “Fair Play” over the idea of “Equal Play”.

“Equal Play” suggests that all players should play the same amount of time as their teammates regardless of skill, attitude, and attendance at practices and games. In other words, if you pay and show up, you play. This Philosophy is used in our house league program. OBA rules state each girl must play a minimum number of shifts. This is mandatory at the Novice, Atom, and Major Atom levels of Provincial play.

“Fair Play” was developed to encourage all players to strive to improve their skill level. If players attend all practices, work hard, and learn new skills and plays, they will be awarded court time regardless of their current ability. All coaches try to run a practice that is as close to game speed as possible, however each player must see real game action to develop their skills, and put those skills they have learned into practice in a real game situation.

The Dynamo Philosophy of “Fair Play” incorporates 2 principles. All players who attend practice and work hard with a good attitude should be awarded court time throughout the game, to reward them for their dedication, and allow them to use the skills they have developed. The second principle used within the confines of fair play would be to further reward those players who have achieved a higher level of play by making the second half a time when the best players are going to see more time than the others. Ideally, we hope that all the players will see the floor in the final quarter if only for a minute, however all players play to win and have fun, so the coaches must use their best discretion to balance the needs of all the girls.

If a player misses practices and/or games, they should not expect to play as much as the rest of the team. Each practice is important for the skill development of the players, and teaching of the team plays, therefore the player who misses practices will be behind the others.