Welcome to Runcorn Rockets 2026

Term 1 “Tournament”

Our Club

We’re a not-for-profit club run entirely by volunteers. All the money we collect goes towards supporting your children's basketball activities. Below is key information for all Rockets members.

Communication

All communication will be via your team’s WhatsApp Group.

Please join using the invite link provided in ‘Welcome to Your Team’ email.

Download WhatsApp from the App Store or Google Play.

All parents/guardians are required to join the WhatsApp group chat.

Training

Training begins the week of 26th January 2026.

Your team’s training day and time will be available in your ‘Welcome to Your Team’ e-mail and on our website before the start of the season - Training Schedule.

Bring a water bottle and a basketball to every training session.

Rockets basketballs can be purchased for $15 from our Online Shop.

New Format

From March 2026, South West Metro Pirates are moving the junior competition (Optus Juniors) to a clearer Winter / Summer model. Runcorn Rockets will align all our junior teams with this structure.

Key changes:

•A Term 1 pre-season tournament in 2026 (NCAA “March Madness” style)

•A shift to Winter (Terms 2 & 3) and Summer (Term 4 & Term 1) seasons

•A new U23 age group to bridge juniors and seniors

More detail is below and on our website at our Programs & Updates Page.

Games

Games begin Friday 30th January & Saturday 31st January 2026.

Game times and venues available via:

• Basketball Connect App - download from the App Store or Google Play)

Login to app, search for ‘Runcorn Rockets’ and team code Eg. RRB1201

• Basketball Connect Fixtures

Grading Games

The first three weeks are Grading Games which do not affect the ladder positions. These games allow for necessary adjustments to players and teams before the official competition begins.

Please note changes to team allocations may occur during this period.

Score Bench Duty

Each team must provide a parent/guardian/sibling to help score each week. If no scorer is provided, penalties may apply. Team Managers will create a roster ensuring each family shares the score bench duty. It's easy and fun, and assistance will be available for those who need it. If necessary, the Rockets can arrange someone to score for approximately $10 per game.

Volunteers

Coaches

All of our amazing coaches are volunteers. Please introduce yourself to them!

Some teams may need an Assistant Coach, so if you're interested, please let us know.

Managers

Every team needs a Manager to ensure singlets are handed out and collected, the score bench is set up, player names are entered into the iPad, and to support the coach with team communication. If your team doesn’t have a Manager, we’d love you to help!

We also need help with fundraising and sponsorship opportunities so please contact us at info@rocketsbasketball.com.au to get involved.

Key Dates for Term 1, 2026

News & Socials

The Rockets Report Newsletters with important club information will be sent via email. If you're not receiving them, check your spam folder. All newsletters can also be found on our website Notice Board.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly updates and images.

Our Sponsors