Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
How do I register and pay for camp?
If I decide to pay by check, to whom should I write my check?
Can I register on-line (& pay by credit card)?
If I mail in my registration form, deposit/full payment, and medical forms (rather than register on-line), where should I address the envelope?
How much is my deposit?
When is my deposit due?
When is my balance due?
What forms do I need for camp?
Is it required that I have a “Physical” from a physician?
How important is my e-mail address to your records?
What should I bring to registration on the first day?
Should participants bring money to a teaching program?

GENERAL INFORMATION
What should I bring?
What will I receive at a given teaching program?
What is an “All-Day Camper” or “daily commuter?”
As a parent, when can I come and watch/observe?
How can I purchase BD Basketball School Gear?

CONTACT INFORMATION
How do I contact someone at the Ben D’Alessandro Basketball School?
What do I do if I need to contact someone (a coach or camper) at camp?

MEDICAL/TRAINING STAFF
Will there be trainers on site?
What if I have a special need or preexisting medical condition?

COACHING & INSTRUCTION
What is your coaching philosophy?
Are campers divided by age or ability?
How physically/mentally demanding are the various teaching programs?
Who makes up your coaching staff?
What is the camper to coach ratio at this camp?
Is there any free-time during a given teaching program?
Who conducts the day-to-day operations of a particular teaching program?
How many hours of instruction are there in a typical teaching program?
Does the teaching curriculum change from site to site?
What are the basketball philosophies taught at the BD Basketball School?

TERMINOLOGY
What is a "Teaching Program?"
What is a “Camp?”
What is a “Mini-Camp?”
What is a “Clinic?”
What is a “Course?”
What is a “Class?”
What is “Private Instruction?”
What is “Group Instruction?”

REGISTERING ON-LINE
How does online registration work?
Do I have to become a “Registered User” to register online?
How do I become a “Registered User?”
How do I log-in?
Once I become a “Registered User” how do I access or update my account information?
If I have registered for one program and would like to register for another, what do I do?
If I have to update my personal account information (I have relocated, my phone number has changed, my school has changed, etc.), how do I go about doing this?
If I have registered for a program and would like to see how much I owe to complete my payment, what do I do?
What is the minimum I have to pay to become registered for camp and create a personal account?
If I have paid my $75.00 non-refundable deposit (or another initial amount), how do I pay my balance online?
How do I confirm my online registration?
If I pay my deposit, but cannot pay my balance all at once, can I make more than one additional payment in smaller increments?
If I have mailed in a printed registration form, do I automatically become a “Registered User?”

CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS
What are your cancellation and refund policies?
If I have registered online, can I cancel my camp registration and receive a credit online as well?

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
How do I register and pay for camp?
There are many ways to register for a teaching program.  However, first, you must visit the website, www.BDbasketball.com.  Click on the yellow “REGISTRATION” button in the bottom right-hand corner of the  Main page and select either Option #1 (on-line registration) or Option #2 (print off and mail in a registration form).  You may either register on-line (pay with credit card) OR print off a registration form, fill it out and mail it in with a personal check or money order. Please note: registrants may not do a combination of both options.  In other words, you may not pay your deposit on-line and then your balance with a check - or vice versa.  You must choose and complete one of the two registration options.

If I decide to pay by check, to whom should I write my check?
Make all checks payable to “BD Basketball School.”

Can I register on-line (& pay by credit card)?
Yes.  Find the teaching program you would like to register for (click on “CALENDAR” or “REGISTER”) and follow the prompts.  Refer to “ONLINE INSTRUCTIONS” FAQs for more detailed information. 

If I mail in my registration form, deposit/full payment, and medical forms (rather than register on-line), where should I address the envelope?
Mail all pertinent information to the following address:
                BD Basketball School
                P.O. Box 2438
                Charlottesville, VA 22902

How much is my deposit?
The deposit amount for all teaching programs is $100.00 and is non-refundable.  For any program costing $100.00 or less, payments must be made in full, and no refunds will be made. 

When is my deposit due?
All deposits are due at least 21 days prior to the first day of camp.  However, if you have not paid your deposit by this cut-off date, you may e-mail and/or call to make sure there is still space available.  If space is available, you may send in a deposit at that time.  Paying your deposit reserves a space for camp.  Because camp space is limited, the sooner you send in your deposit the better. 

When is my balance due?
All on-line registrants (“Registered Users”) must pay their balance 72 hours (3 days) before the start of any teaching program.  For all paper registrants, the balance can be paid on the first day of any teaching program (i.e. “Registration Day’).  However, paying in full before the first day of a teaching program expedites the registration process.  For camps costing $100.00 or less, there is no deposit or balance; all payments are made in full with one payment. 

What forms do I need for camp?
The two forms you must have signed and completed are the (1) Registration Form and (2) Medical/Insurance Form with Parental Consent section. NOTE: The Medical/Insurance Form with the Parental Consent section should be mailed in prior to the first day of camp along with the Registration Form.  OR, if you register online, parents can complete registration information and Medical Insurance Form online, as well as agree to the Parental Consent form.  On-line applicants who click on “I agree” are, in effect. signing and agreeing to the Parental Consent Form.  Reminder!!  If the camper is arriving without his parent accompanying him (he is traveling with a friend, coach or team, etc.), his Parental Consent Form MUST be signed prior to his arrival (either mailed in or turned in on the first day) or completed online.

Is it required that I have a “Physical” from a physician?
No.  A “physical” is not required.  However, if you have a preexisting medical condition (asthma, diabetes, etc.), a “physical” is very important for our medical staff’s records.  Every camper with such a condition must be cleared by a physician to participate.

How important is my e-mail address to your records?
Each camper/parent’s e-mail address is extremely important to the camp database.  Information and updates will be sent out to registered campers and parents via e-mail.  Confirmation of each campers enrollment (payment received, etc.) will also be communicated via e-mail.  Therefore, PLEASE MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR REGISTRATION FORM, and check this e-mail regularly after completing registration. 

What should I bring to registration on the first day?
Participants should make sure to have the following items upon arrival: (1) Complete payment (2) Completed Registration Form (3) “Medical/Insurance Form” & “Parent Consent” section, signed and completed (4) Water Bottle. The registration process is vastly expedited if you have sent in all of your information (payment, forms, etc.) ahead of time or completed the information on-line prior to camp.

Should participants bring money to a teaching program?
Participants should bring money on the first day of any teaching program, specifically for Camp Store purchases.  On this day, each camper will make a deposit into the “camp bank.”  The “camp bank” will serve as a debit system, and campers will deduct from this initial deposit throughout the week of camp to purchase drinks, snacks, and camp apparel.  If a camper reaches a “zero balance,” he can deposit additional money at any time.  The purpose of the “camp bank” is to avoid the misplacing or loss of money or loose change.  Without the worry of “spending money,” campers can focus on their number one goal: getting better. 

What will I receive at a given teaching program?
Each camper will receive the following items at any teaching program:
(1) Top-notch, college-level instruction (2) Intense, purpose-driven teaching (3) Daily skill assessments  (4) Individual Skill Development Drills (5) Team Skill Development Drills
*There are many different types of teaching programs.  Please make sure to refer to specific FAQs for a particular teaching program for more information on what each program has to offer.

What is an “All-Day Camper” or “daily commuter?”
An “all-day camper” or “daily commuter” is a participant who does not stay overnight.  An “all-day camper” or “commuter” returns home each evening and provides his own transportation to camp each morning.  A participant who commutes does not receive breakfast or a room.  The term “all-day camper” or “commuter” will only be applicable to those teaching programs with an overnight option, spanning more than one day. 

As a parent, when can I come and watch/observe?
Parents are invited to watch any teaching program at any time.  Watching the teaching sessions can be educational and helpful to learning the game.  However, oftentimes observers can distract from a player’s concentration and may inhibit quick movement from station to station or drill to drill.  Parents, please keep these concerns in mind when considering observing the teaching sessions. 

How can I purchase BD Basketball School Gear?
Participants may either purchase gear on-line (visit “Camp Store”) or at a particular teaching program.  See prices by visiting the “Camp Store” online.

CONTACT INFORMATION
How do I contact someone at the Ben D’Alessandro Basketball School?
The best way to ask a question regarding camp and/or contact someone is through e-mail.  Below are the important e-mail addresses you may need.
GENERAL QUESTIONS:        info@bdbasketball.com           CAMP/MINI-CAMP QUESTIONS:          camps@bdbasketball.com
CLINIC QUESTIONS:            clinics@bdbasketball.com        COURSE QUESTIONS:                             courses@bdbasketball.com

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
What do I do if I need to contact someone (a coach or camper) at camp?
A 24-hour emergency contact number/hotline will be posted on-line prior to the first day of camp.  Refer to the camp contact information page on-line for this number.   

MEDICAL STAFF/TRAINING STAFF
Will there be trainers on site?
For all camps spanning four to five days, trainers will be on site to treat all minor injuries.  For any teaching programs spanning one to three days, in the event of a more serious injury, camper’s parent/guardian will be contacted immediately, and the camper will promptly be taken to the nearest hospital. 

What if I have a special need or preexisting medical condition?
For all camps spanning four to five days, it is imperative that every camper/parent visit with the trainer on the first day if there are any preexisting conditions or special needs to be attended to throughout the week.  It is our policy that trainers keep all medication and monitor dispensing for your child’s safety.  For any teaching programs spanning one to three days, it is imperative that every camper/parent visit with Coach D’Alessandro on the first day to inform him of any particular special needs or conditions a participant may have.

COACHING/INSTRUCTION INFORMATION
What is your coaching philosophy?
To gain an overall understanding of the unique approach to teaching this program provides, please visit the camp web-site and navigate through the “Coaching Is Teaching” and “Different Approach” scrolling menu items at the bottom of the page.

Are campers divided by age or ability?
Both. Campers are initially divided by age or grade level. Then, depending on the type of teaching program (after the first day of camp for mini-camps and camps), campers are moved according to their appropriate skill level. Detailed and thorough evaluations are made for each camper and careful placement follows; placements are not only based on these assessments, but also toward the individual camper’s attitude toward his improvement.

How physically/mentally demanding are the various teaching programs?
The overall philosophy and success of the BD Basketball School is centered around the level of difficulty of each of the teaching programs. Therefore, only those campers who are ready to work and are eager to endure a challenging, rigorous regimen of teaching drills should apply. We believe that the only way a person truly learns a fundamental skill is if he/she can execute it (1) Correctly (2) Quickly (3) Repeatedly AND (4) Under duress. Therefore, these programs are challenging for most. Typically, the longer the program, the more physically and mentally draining the program is. There may be no other camp in the country that demands as much from its campers. Campers are expected to work and strive to improve. On a typical day for a five-day camp, each camper will receive a minimum of 10 hours of detailed, intense basketball instruction. There is no wasted time standing at stations. If campers are not focused on getting better and are found wasting time or wasting others' time by misbehaving, etc., they will be promptly dismissed.

Who makes up your coaching staff?
The coaching staff is made up of college, high school and youth coaches from all over the country. In addition, college players are also employed. A large contingent of former campers, many of which have gone on to college playing careers, return to participate as camp coaches/counselors. Common among all coaching staff members is a deep, sincere interest in teaching and coaching. Throughout a five or four-day camp, coaches attend coaching clinics and teaching sessions to learn more about their love. As hard as the campers are pushed, the coaches work even harder to ensure learning is occurring and improvement is taking place with every participant (Visit the “Coaching Is Teaching” section on the web-site for more information on coaching at camp.).

What is the camper to coach ratio at this camp?
Most camps are concerned with making money and attracting a large number of campers - and the first thing to suffer is the ratio of campers to coaches. A good ratio of campers to coaches is 10 to 1. At this camp, the camper to coach ratio is a maximum of 7 to 1. Therefore, campers receive very close, individualized attention throughout the week, and there is no standing or waiting to participate.

Is there any free-time during a given teaching program?
No.

Who conducts the day-to-day operations of a particular teaching program?
Ben D’Alessandro will be present at all sessions of any teaching program, conducting all the operations of the program throughout the week. He is involved in every facet, its stations and teaching sessions, etc. For more on Coach D’Alessandro, please visit his page under the “Coaching Is Teaching” scrolling options in the lower left-hand corner of the program website.

How many hours of instruction are there in a typical teaching program?
Not only is the quality of instruction unparalleled by any camp in the country, but the hours of instruction and the intensity of those hours is beyond compare. A typical five-day camp will have as many as 45 hours of instruction; a typical two-day Mini-camp could have as many as 12 hours of instruction. The quality AND quantity of time dedicated to instruction is extremely important as a potential camper considers what he/she is receiving.

Does the teaching curriculum change from site to site?
No. The title of each teaching program will describe the content or curriculum to be taught. This curriculum will be consistent for any program with the same name no matter the location. For example, an Offensive Development Mini-Camp will be the same whether held in Norfolk, VA or Rochester, NY. Please see “Terminology” page for descriptions of all teaching programs and other pertinent terminology.

What are the basketball philosophies taught at the BD Basketball School?
No other camp in the country attempts to teach specific basketball concepts or philosophies to campers...except the BD Basketball School. The reason for this is that most camps find it exceedingly difficult to accomplish any specific teaching goals in a camp setting. However, the BD Basketball School focuses its basketball teaching on the Motion Offense and Man Defense. Teaching stations are not just pulled out of a hat and thrown together. All teaching stations are connected and build on the preceding station, all with the overall aim to accomplish true learning and ultimately consistent execution of these two basketball philosophies. We believe that if an individual camper is able to fully grasp these concepts, he/she will be better prepared to play in any system.

TERMINOLOGY
What is a “Teaching Program?”
A teaching program is any of the programs offered by the BD Basketball School (Camps, Mini-Camps, Clinics, Courses, Private Instruction).

What is a “Camp?”
The “Camp” division of the BD Basketball School focuses on individual and team skill development in a large group over a four to five-day period of time. Usually, a “Camp” has an overnight option and will cover a more comprehensive curriculum of skills and drills. Campers are classified as either “All-Day/Commuter” or “Overnight” and depending on which option he/she chooses will receive different dining/meal options. And, typically, a “camp” is a more physically and mentally challenging experience than some of the other teaching programs. It is important to keep in mind that a five-day camp will have over 40 hours of instruction as opposed to other typical five-day camps which dedicate less than half this amount of time to real instruction.

What is a “Mini-Camp?”
A “Mini-Camp” is any teaching program spanning two or three days. A “Mini-Camp” typically focuses on one area of the game (Offensive Development, Speed & Agility, etc.). A Mini-Camp may or may not have an overnight option, depending on the availability of facilities, and may or may not offer dining/meal options. Mini-Camps dedicate anywhere from 8 to 22 hours of instruction based on the number of days. All teaching sessions are conducted directly by Coach D’Alessandro.

What is a “Clinic?”
A “Clinic” is any teaching program spanning only one day, and always focuses on one, specific area of the game. Participants will be expected to bring their own lunch. Clinics dedicate anywhere from four to seven hours of instruction in one day. All teaching sessions are conducted directly by Coach D’Alessandro.

What is a “Course?”
A “Course” is any teaching program focusing on skill development over a number of short, one-day, weekly sessions, usually spanning eight to ten weeks. Basketball Courses are conducted in small groups (no greater than 20 athletes per session), and are typically divided by grade (in two-year increments). All teaching sessions are conducted directly by Coach D’Alessandro.

What is a “Class?”
A “class” is one, individual session of a “course.” Individuals may sign up for an entire eight-week course or choose individual classes.

What is “Private Instruction?”
“Private Instruction” is a series of private lessons done on an individual or small group basis taught solely by Coach D’Alessandro. Groups may be as small as one and as large as six. Cost per hour will be divided by the total number of participants.

What is “Group Instruction?”
“Group Instruction” is typically a series of “team practices” conducted over the course of four to eight weeks. AAU teams, youth league teams, middle and high school teams have Coach D’Alessandro conduct practice sessions and/or film sessions in an effort to prepare for the up-coming/on-going season. Team members each receive close individual skill development teaching as well as important team skill development as well. Coaches will also be able to observe and assist as the best “system” and team philosophy is implemented throughout the teaching sessions.

ON-LINE REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
How does online registration work?
The BD Basketball School has created an easy and secure way to register online. Click on the yellow “REGISTRATION” button in the bottom right-hand corner of the web-site Main page (www.BDbasketball.com), and choose Option 1 to register online. Then follow the prompts. You will be able to select your program (camp, mini-camp, course, etc.) of choice and enter all of the personal information necessary to become registered. There is no filling out of paperwork or mailing in of forms. This process is quick, simple and easy and will provide you a permanent, secure account in the event you plan on attending more programs in the future.

Do I have to become a “Registered User” to register online?
Yes. Creating your account is the first step to the registration process.

How do I become a “Registered User?”
To become a “Registered User” you must create your personal account online. Simply click on the yellow “REGISTRATION” button in the bottom right-hand corner of the web-site Main page (www.BDbasketball.com) and click the first light blue choice (option 1) to “Register online now.” After selecting the programs you would like to participate in and entering in your information, you will “Create your account” and be prompted to enter a User ID/E-Mail and Password.

How do I log-in?
In order to Log-In you must be a “Registered User.” You must have already registered for a program to have created your own personal account. Click on the “Log-In” button in the upper left-hand corner of the web-site home page, and enter your User ID & Password. For more specific instructions for “Registered Users” see the FAQs section on “Paying Balance.”

Once I become a “Registered User” how do I access or update my account information?
Once you have created a personal account, you are now a “Registered User” and you may simply Log-In to access your account information (see LOG IN instructions above). You may now see for which programs you have registered. You may either (a) Choose to add another teaching program to your selections and/or (b) Update your personal account information (c) Update your insurance information or (d) Change your User ID or Password

If I have registered for one program and would like to register for another, what do I do?
Click on the red “LOG-IN” button in the upper left-hand corner of the web-page. Log in by entering your User ID and Password. Logging in will take you directly to your personal User Homepage. Click on the “Add Program” button. You may select an additional program. Make sure NOT to select a teaching program for which you have ALREADY registered!!

If I have to update my personal account information (I have relocated, my phone number has changed, my school has changed, etc.), how do I go about doing this?
Click on the red “LOG-IN” button in the upper left-hand corner of the web-page. Log in & click on the “Account Information” button on your User Homepage. Make the appropriate changes & click on the “UPDATE” at the bottom of the screen . By completing this page, your information is automatically updated.

If I have registered for a program and would like to see how much I owe to complete my payment, what do I do?
Click on the red “LOG-IN” button in the upper left-hand corner of the web-page. Log in by entering your User ID and Password. This will take you to your own personal User Homepage which will display the programs you have registered for AND the payments that have been made, balance(s) due, etc.

What is the minimum I have to pay to become registered for camp and create a personal account?
The minimum payment for any program is a non-refundable $100.00 deposit per program.

If I have paid my $100.00 non-refundable deposit (or another initial amount), how do I pay my balance online?
Log in (see above for log-in procedures). Find the program for which you have already paid a deposit (or another initial amount). Click in the button for The “Pay Balance” bullet will already be selected for you. Scroll to the bottom of this page, click on “Proceed to next step” button and re-enter your credit card information and click “PAY NOW.

How do I confirm my online registration?
As soon as you have gone through and registered online, a confirmation e-mail will instantly be sent back to you with all of the information you have entered. Print this off and save for your records. You may also Log-In and view your User Homepage at any time.

If I pay my deposit, but cannot pay my balance all at once, can I make more than one additional payment in smaller increments?
Yes. After you pay the $100.00 non-refundable deposit, you have up to three additional payments that you can make at any time to complete your total payment. Your balance must be paid by the first day of camp.

If I have mailed in a printed registration form, do I automatically become a “Registered User?”
No. In order to create your own personal account and become a “Registered User” you must do so online. Your information will be updated/added by our staff into our online camp database - but this does not make you a registered user.

If I mail in a registration form with a check for my initial non-refundable deposit, can I pay my balance on-line?
No. Once you decide to print off a registration form and mail it in with the medical information and deposit, you must complete the payment process with a check via mail or on the first day of camp. You cannot create a personal account and attempt to pay on-line. Maintaining proper records would become problematic if this were to occur. You must decide before you register if you would like to utilize the online options or mail in a printable registration form, Medical/Insurance information, etc. and complete the process this way. You may, however, register for an additional program through online registration, and this will create your personal account and make you a “Registered User.”

PAYING YOUR BALANCE ON-LINE (on-line registrants only).
If you have registered on-line AND you have an outstanding balance, please read carefully. If you have paid in full, you may disregard this information. If you paid by check and mailed in your form, you may also disregard the information below.

Due to potentially long registration lines on the first day of any teaching program, it is highly recommended that campers register on-line and all on-line registrants who have an outstanding balance, pay this balance before arriving on the first day. Those participants who have paid in full will be directed to the “Express” Registration table to simply check attendance and then be admitted into camp (estimated wait time 1 minute).

PLEASE FOLLOW THE SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW TO MAKE YOUR FINAL PAYMENT:

(1) Go to the camp web-site (www.BDbasketball.com) and click on “Enter Main Site.”
(2) Click on the “Log-In” button in the upper left-hand corner of the Main Homepage.
(3) Enter your User ID and Password in the spaces provided (the same User ID and Password you chose when you registered the first time). If you have forgotten either your User ID or Password, you may e-mail info@bdbasketball.com and request a new password to be reassigned to your account (or click on the “Forgot Password” option, if provided).
(4) Click “Yes” to the security question.
(5) You have now entered your permanent, personal “User Homepage” where you can see the program(s) you have chosen, make updates to your personal information AND make any final payments. You will be viewing your “Account Info” first.
(6) For all programs with a remaining outstanding balance, the bullet to “Pay Balance” will already be selected for you. Click on “Proceed to next step” button at the bottom of the page.
(7) You will now be on the “Submit Payment” step. Confirm your payment information, enter in your credit card information and click on “Submit Payment.”

CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
What are your cancellation and refund policies?
Deposits ($100.00) are due 21 days prior to the start date of the teaching program and are non-refundable.  If you sign up for a program which costs $100.00 or less (one-day clinic, etc.), this payment will also be non-refundable upon payment. Any cancellation that takes place more than 21 days prior to the event will receive a refund, minus your deposit.  No refunds will be given if you cancel within 21 days of the start of your session and no refunds will be given once your session begins. In the event that a camper decides to leave during camp or is dismissed, he will NOT receive a refund of any kind.

* Are you a ”LAST-MINUTE APPLICANT?”  Do not panic!  In the event that you are just finding out about our unique basketball teaching program and would still like to register, please contact us directly via e-mail at info@bdbasketball.com.  We will check our enrollment and put you on our waiting list.

If I have registered online, can I cancel my camp registration and receive a credit online as well?
No.  All cancellations must begin with either a direct telephone call or an e-mail (see “CONTACT” page on web-site).  You will be personally contacted and a refund mailed (or  credited back to your account) provided the above conditions.