Partnering for Play! Introducing the Bridge Development League
This league is a partnership between the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and Lexington- Richland School District 5.
Designed to help children learn the rules of the game, develop fundamental skills, and prepare for future competitive play, this program offers a positive, supportive environment for young athletes.
Open to all children—regardless of school or district affiliation.
| Frequently Asked Questions | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How will teams be assembled? | Traditional ICRC evaluations and drafts will take place. Children will be drafted onto teams based on their zoned LexRich 5 Middle School. |
| Can children who do not attend LexRich 5 schools participate? | Yes, Bridge Development Leagues are open to all children regardless of school district or school they will be attending. |
| If my child doesn’t attend D5 schools, how will my child’s team be decided? | Whether these children will play on traditional school teams or their own “independent” teams will be dependent upon registration numbers as well as the number of volunteer coaches. |
| What sports and age groups will be part of the Bridge League for Winter 2025? | Basketball – Boys 11–12 year old league Basketball – Boys 13–14 year old league Basketball – Girls 9–11 year old league Basketball – Girls 12–14 year old league |
| How will the other basketball leagues be structured? (5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 15-18) | There will be no changes as to the structure of these age groups. They will operate the same as they have in previous years. |
| Will my child return to the same team? | ICRC will attempt to place as many returning players to their 24-25 winter basketball teams as possible. This will be dependent on their school location and in some cases the number of returning coaches we have. |
| Where will practices and games be? | Depending on availability, practices and games are planned to be held at both ICRC and LexRich 5 gymnasiums. |
| Will there be changes for coaches? | ICRC will still rely on volunteer coaches for Bridge League teams. Coaches Clinics, lead by D5 school coaches, will be scheduled to assist our volunteer coaches with running practices and assisting them with acclimating their players into the school’s system of play. |
| Will the Bridge League expand its age offerings in the future? | As a pilot year, we are limiting the age offerings in order to efficiently evaluate league structures, logistics and demand. We will reassess, in concert with LexRich 5, and if we recognize the need and ability to expand, this will be strongly considered. |
| Why has the price increased? | Bridge League participants will receive new and improved jerseys. The increase is to cover the additional cost incurred for these specialty jerseys. |
| Will children be allowed to play up in the Bridge Leagues? | Yes, with the parent’s consent, children who are no more than one year removed from their desired age group will be allowed to play up in that league. Example; a 10 year old will be allowed to play up in the 11-12 year old league, a 12 year old will be allowed play up in the 13-14 league, and so on. |
For additional questions, please contact Ashley Smith at 803-213-2012 or asmith@icrc.net.
