From the President

Welcome to the Tallahassee Comets, Inc., a Florida non-profit organization and active members of Youth Basketball of America (YBOA) and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). This organization is committed to developing student-athletes, providing an outlet to foster competitive basketball/physical activities, assisting the student-athlete with marketing their talent and support prevention/diversion of youth from the juvenile justice system.  Furthermore, this organization focuses on student-athletes between the grades of 3rd – 12th as basketball players for competition at the High School and NCAA College Divisions I, II, III, NCCAA, NAIA and NJCAA levels. Through the years, we have developed a scouting database of basketball college coaches, in which we market our players to these coaches on a regular basis. This provides continual “college exposure” to our players and assistance in furthering their education at the collegiate level.  Click here to watch Comets Basketball video!

The Tallahassee Comets, Inc. (Comets Basketball) was incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation on April 10, 2000. The Board of Directors are subject to the by-laws of the corporation and have full control and management of the affairs of the Comets; have the power and authority to adopt or amend by-laws, policy, guidelines, or procedures of the Comets; appoint coaches for all teams; and handle all operations of the corporation.

Comets Basketball desires to make your experience as rewarding and productive as possible. Through hard work and commitment you will continue to develop your basketball skills and realize your potential. This program is not for recreational purposes! The key to success is players, parents and the organization working together. This will ensure a memorable, enjoyable and exciting experience! Ultimately, it is up to YOU to develop your basketball abilities!

Comets Basketball’s mission is to build the individual character of each member, to blend team members into a harmonious and successful unit and to optimize both personal and team potential. This organization is committed to creating growth opportunities for student-athletes through exposure to competitive and sanctioned events; skill development by providing experienced qualified coaching staff in a positive constructive environment; providing services that support the prevention and diversion of youth from the juvenile justice system and encouraging and rewarding academic achievement.

Goals & Objectives

Event Management:
1. Provide professional organization, planning and management of events;
2. Provide professional staff with experience, strong administrative and financial management skills needed to effectively manage events;
3. Employ teamwork and creative thinking to influence all aspects in managing events.

Community Youth Programs:
1. Provide volunteer youth crime prevention programs;
2. Provide youth guidance and information for healthy eating and lifestyle coaching and mentoring;
3. Enhance positive communications and relationships between youth and family members;
4. Promote and encourage community-wide interest to assist with economic opportunities; sustaining families; delinquency prevention and intervention programs; and homelessness and poverty;
5. Promote and enable youth to further their education; build self-esteem; leadership development; and establish personal, professional, social and family relationship skills.

Code of Ethics:
1. Understand and accept the rules and regulations of the game.
2. Respect the integrity and judgment of the directors, coaching staff, and game officials.
3. Always demonstrate friendly and courteous attitudes toward coaches, all players, opponents, and officials.
4. Exhibit good sportsmanship and play fair.
5. Players shall play for the love of the game – winning without extreme ego, losing without excuses, & never quit.
6. All players will attend practice sessions and tournaments.
7. All players and parents will provide a commitment of time to the organization’s events.

Comets’ Philosophy: Involvement in an YBOA & AAU basketball programs should be a positive experience for coaches, parents and most importantly players. Comets Basketball’s approach to competitive basketball is to provide each player an opportunity to develop her basketball skills and become a better player. Emphasis is on skill development and fundamentals! This is accomplished by practice sessions and scheduling of tournaments and games against the highest level of competition. This competition coupled with a player’s sincere commitment to basketball and a diligent work ethic will produce positive results.

An advantage of playing a competitive schedule is that college coaches are drawn to the games to evaluate the talent of players. This exposure to college coaches is an integral part of the competitive basketball experience. A successful YBOA & AAU experience happens when parents, coaches, and players keep their priorities in proper order and work together.

FDLE Volunteer & Employee Criminal History System Program: Comets is approved qualified entity of the FDLE program who’s goal is to protect children, the elderly, and the disabled.  This program provides state and national criminal history record checks, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on employees and volunteers through submission of electronic fingerprints pursuant to the National Child Protection Act of 1993, as amended and section 943.0542, Florida Statutes (1999).