Team Around the Game (TAG)

Team Around the Game (TAG)


We’re excited to announce a refreshed and more impactful structure for the Under 14 National League this season.  Team Around the Game (TAG) is part of a broader strategy to elevate player, coach, and referee development across Scotland. 

We will focus our efforts on using the competition environment itself to drive meaningful, inclusive, and consistent development.  These new requirements and opportunities will be phased in over the next few years.   The implementation of the first stage will be piloted with Division 1 teams in 2025.


This new format will:

  1. Offer more competitive games for U14 players.
  2. Create shared learning and fun environments with coaches, referees, and players all present.
  3. Provide real-time development, feedback and mentoring during tournament days.
  4. Strengthen connections across clubs.
  5. Ensure consistent messaging between clubs, players, and basketballscotland.


New Requirements – What’s Expected from Your Club

All Division 1 clubs must commit to participating in the following structure | September – March

  1. Monthly U14 Tournament Days (1 Sunday per month – refer to Competition Calendar).
  2. Non-attendance at tournament days will be taken as Non-completion of a Fixture, as per the basketballscotland rules.  Therefore, clubs will be subject to £50.00 fine.
  3. Each session runs 3–4 hours, including:
  4. Multiple games (non-league, development-focused)
  5. Guest Coach to set the theme and game conditions.
  6. Conditioned games with learning objectives.
  7. Intro sessions/check-ins to assess understanding and set the tone.
  8. Coach development discussions during the event.
  9. Selected referees will receive real-time feedback and mentorship.
  10. National League games will be played as usual (in line with the dates highlighted in the National Calendar )


In Summary – This Year’s U14 League Will:

✔ Provide more games in meaningful contexts

✔ Create a safe, structured space for coach and referee development

✔ Support player identification and talent development

✔ Encourage cross-club collaboration and knowledge sharing

✔ Help standardise and raise the quality of basketball across Scotland


We believe this approach will offer a richer experience for everyone involved in the U14 game and create strong foundations for the years ahead. We look forward to your club’s active involvement in making this a success.


Questions You May Have

Q. Why is it called TAG?

A. Team Around the Game (TAG) refers to some of the key stakeholders involved in developing our game – coaches, officials and players. This programme provides an opportunity for this team to develop and learn together.


Q. What has happened to Regional Academy? 

A. Our current Regional Academy model has not delivered the desired impact in player or coach development. Attendance has been inconsistent, and engagement from coaches has been limited. As such, we are re-focusing our efforts on using the competition environment itself to drive meaningful, inclusive, and consistent development.


Q. Can any coach attend TAG?

A.  All sessions will be open to coaches who want to come along and learn.


Q. What are the costs to attend?

A. After the team league entry fee, there are no additional costs to attend TAG.  Players selected for National Academy will need to pay to attend as well as those selected to go to the Home Nations Invitational tournament.


Q. Who will be attending TAG?

A.  All Division 1 U14 teams.  As it’s a pilot, we are not extending this to Division 2 teams this year.  We hope those players will continue to enjoy their basketball with the same number of games as last season.  We will look into extending the invite to Division 2 players in future seasons. 


Q.  Can Division 2 players be selected for National Academy?

A.  There will be opportunities for Division 2 players be selected for National Academy based on their performance during the season and selection for National Teams first Camp in December.


Q. What are the theme game conditions?

A.  These themes will be set and shared with clubs before the season starts.  There will be opportunities to discuss these at the TAG days.