Brett Lane

Winners in the Character Counts! Championship

Throughout the Jr. NBA/WNBA season at the Camarillo Family YMCA, teams in divisions 2-4 were awarded for extraordinary efforts that went beyond learning basic basketball fundamentals, and instead focused on the aspects of Character Counts!, which helps teach children character building assets.

Instead of earning points for making baskets and being ranked by teams who scored the most, points were also earned in five different categories. Category One was being ready on time, which included being in uniform, lined up, and ready to play at the beginning of each game and after breaks and time-outs. Category Two helped increase parent and sibling involvement in the season, as teams were awarded for securing scorekeepers to tally points and fouls, and keep track of the time. For Category Three, teams were scored on their sportsmanship, both for their interaction within their own team and other teams. Category Four was based on the respect from coaches and spectators, which encouraged them to focus on cheering for the teams, rather than being "backseat referees." Category Five was a bonus category, where points were given for exemplary acts, such as helping an opposing teammate off the ground, or picking up trash after the game.

These categories provided teams with extra point opportunities for a fresh take on the game of basketball, and further rewarded players who demonstrated the 6 pillars of Character Counts!- trust, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. "The entire season was so exciting with the added element of the Character Counts! program," says Brett Lane, Youth Program Director at the Camarillo Family YMCA. "Players and spectators went all out to get points- both on the court and off- and the best part was that they were helping each other. Character Counts! really teaches children and parents to be the best person they can be."

Though each team was a success with Character Counts!, at the end of the season, the two teams with the most points from each division qualified to participate in the Character Counts! Championship on Friday, May 16th. The teams who played in the tournament were the Celtics v. Spurs (Division 2), Mavericks and Spurs (Division 3), and Pistons and Spurs (Division 4). The games they played were three of the finest games ever played in the league's history. The scores may have said one thing, but everybody left the Camarillo Family YMCA gymnasium winners that night.

The Camarillo Family YMCA is located at 3111 Village at the Park Drive. For more information on sports leagues or other programming and events available at the Camarillo Family YMCA, visit www.ciymca.org, or call 805-484-0423.