How to bracket a tournament

"Trust is built with consistency." --Lincoln Chafee

When brackets are released each summer and spring, we often get the questions, “How were teams seeded?”, “Why does this team get a first round bye?”, “Why is there so much time between games?” and more. 

After running 15+ large scale tournaments, we’ve learned a few things about logistics, game mapping and more. At this point in BAM Jam’s history, the teams have played before and keep coming back have learned to trust our judgement and believe we are doing the best we can for their experience.

Summer BAM Jam Champs for 2015

Here is a list of bracket champions for the 2015 Summer BAM Jam, presented by Treasure Valley Ford Stores. Thank you to everyone that participated!

You can tentatively mark March 19-20, 2016 down for next year's Spring BAM Jam. Be sure to check your email in the next month or so for information on registering your team.

Tick Tock Media won the 2015 Summer BAM Jam Men's Elite 6'0 and Over Division

2015 Summer Champs

Northwestern Mutual Men's Elite 6'0 Over - Tick Tock Media

Northwestern Mutual Men's 6'0 Under - STADIA

Northwestern Mutual Women's elite - Hapa Lolo

Beniton Construction Coed - Basketeers

AAA of Idaho 6'0 Over Recreational #1 - A Plus

Mountain West Bank 6'0 Over Recreational #2 - Lip Rippers

Old Chicago 6'0 Under Recreational - Scary Payton

Johnny's Fit Club 6'0 Under Competitive #1 - Ball Above All

BodyBuilding.com 6'0 Under Competitive #2 - Ruthless

BodyBuilding.com 6'0 Over Competitive #1 - JDB Three

Goldy's 6'0 Over Competitive #2 - Goldys

KM Engineering 6'0 Over Competitive #3 - NAIA Plus One

Eddie's Diner Girls 3/4 Grade - Check It Up

Mikasa Girls 5/6 Grade - Three Talls One Small

Design West Girls 7/8 Grade - Slam Girls

Goss Gustavel Goss Boys 3rd Grade - Shooting Stars

Goss Gustavel Goss Boys 4th Grade - TC Blaze

Bronco Shop Boys 5th Grade - Boise Slammers

Domino's Boys 6th Grade - HD Nation

Wright Brothers Boys 7th Grade - Boise Slam

Hampton Inn Boys 8th Grade - White Men Can Jump

State Farm Randy Klein Boys 9th Grade - Lapwai Hoops

Sports Authority Boys 10/11 Grade - Velociraptos

Pita Pit Boys 12 Grade - Knuckleheadz

Bucks Bags Girls 9/10 Grade - OC Ballin

Bucks Bags Girls 11/12 Grade - Victorious Secret

POWERADE Slam Dunk Championship - Ryan Grinnell

First Federal Bank 3-Point Challenge - Ryan Skurdal

Thanks to Treasure Valley Ford Stores for making the tournament possible and to Grind Modern Burger for creating a special court for some of our adult teams.

Ryan Grinnell wins the POWERADE Slam Dunk Championship

How are teams bracketed?

*This blog entry was originally posted in February of 2011. It has been updated

Teams are placed in brackets based
on the information they provide

A common question we get is "how are the teams bracketed?" Often, players are concerned that they will be placed in a bracket with players far better, much older/younger or less skilled then they are. Our goal is to create brackets that are balanced and fair to everyone in the bracket, based on the information that we are provided.

For youth and high school teams, the first step is to determine which grade they are as a team. Teams are considered to be in the grade of the player that is in the oldest grade. So if there is a player in the 7th grade and 2 in the 6th grade then that team is considered a 7th grade team. Ideally there are enough teams in the same grade to create bracket of the same grade teams. However, from time to time we have to combine two grades in to the same bracket, such as a 7th/8th grade bracket. Keep in mind that we will never combine teams that are more than one grade apart (ie a 9th grade team would not be in a 12th grade bracket). If there are enough teams in the same grade to have two brackets, teams are separated based on the experience factor listed by the players.

For adult brackets, the first separation occurs based on the division that teams elect to play for (recreational, competitive, elite). If there are enough teams to create multiple brackets in, say, the adult recreational division, we use age as the separating factor.

Keep in mind that it is absolutely impossible to create perfect brackets. We do the best that we can. All the brackets are based on the information that we are provided. And of course there is always the "get hot" factor, where a player that is normally average is "feeling it" during the tournament and performs better than expected (it goes the other way too). All in all, just remember that this is a community event, that the people working it are volunteers, the teams are all playing for t-shirts and come Monday we all have to go back to work!

Late registration will remain open until this Friday night so if you want to play, be sure to get your team registered by then. If the bracket you enter on the website lets you register, it means there should be room.

Register today by clicking here.

Registration open; brackets already filling up

Registration officially opened last Monday, January 9 and brackets are already starting to fill up. As we see the teams coming in it starts to paint a picture of how the overall tournament is going to look.

[CLICK HERE to register - CLICK HERE to see tournament details]

A common question we get is "how are the teams bracketed?" Our goal is to create brackets that are balanced and fair to everyone in the bracket, based on the information that we are provided.

For youth and high school teams, the first step is to determine which grade they are as a team. Teams are considered to be in the grade of the player that is in the oldest grade. So if there is a player in the 7th grade and 2 in the 6th grade then that team is considered a 7th grade team. Ideally there are enough teams in the same grade to create a bracket of the same grade teams. However, from time to time we have to combine two grades in to the same bracket, such as a 7th/8th grade bracket in order to have enough teams to play. If there are enough teams in the same grade to have two brackets, teams are separated based on the experience factor listed by the players.

For adult brackets, the first separation occurs based on the division that teams elect to play for. If there are enough teams to create multiple brackets in, for example, the adult recreational division, we use age as the separating factor followed by experience.

Keep in mind that it is absolutely impossible to create perfect brackets. We do the best that we can. We tweak the process each year. All the brackets are based on the information that we are provided. And of course there is always the "get hot" factor, where a player that is normally average is "feeling it" during the tournament and performs better than expected (it goes the other way too). All in all, just remember that this is an event that was created for fun, that the people working it are volunteers, the teams are all playing for t-shirts and come Monday we all have to go back to work!

Brackets are now available for viewing

Here is a link to brackets. CLICK HERE

For teams that were not able to be placed, an email has been sent to team captains with details.

Remember, team check in is Thursday from 6-9pm at StoneHouse in Boise. They are located at 665 Park Boulevard, Boise, ID 83712 (208) 345-6790. A team representative needs to be there. If you can't be there, please arrange for someone to come in your place.

Emails are being sent out to bracketed teams with details on the team check in, how to make player changes, when the tournament starts, what to do at the event, parking, admissions, etc. Our server is very slow so please be patient (and we mean VERY SLOW!) Based on our initial estimates teams should have their check in emails with their team numbers by 8:30 AM Thursday morning. If you receive multiple emails regarding the same team it is likely because the email listed for your teammates was a duplicate.

If you did not receive an email, please first check your spam or junk folder, as sometimes these email can end up in there.

Update 2:25 AM
At approximately 2:00 AM our email server crashed with only about half the emails going out. We are going to continue to resolve this and get the rest of the emails out. Please know that if your team is listed in your bracket than you are in the tournament and should plan on meeting at StoneHouse Thursday between 6-9pm for team check in. 

Here is the email that you would have received (you can look your team number up at check in)

Greetings [your team name would have gone here]

 
Welcome to the second annual Fast Eddy's Spring BAM Jam. Below is the check
in and schedule information for this Saturday's Fast Eddy's BAM Jam! There
is a lot of info but IT IS IMPORTANT! Please be sure to read this carefully
so that you are aware of the goings on for the event.
 
Team number: [your team number would have gone here]

You will need this number in order to check your team in prior to the
tournament. Please print this email and bring it with you. [or you can look it up at team check in]

Team check in 
Team check in is at the StoneHouse next to The Ram, located at 665 Park Blvd
in Boise. Check in is on Thursday, March 10 goes from 6-9pm. TEAM CHECK IN
IS MANDATORY! This is where you will get your player wristbands that will
get you on the floor. Team captains are responsible for distributing
wristbands to their team. It is your responsibility to not lose these
wristbands. Each player on your roster will receive a wristband. Youth teams
(grades 3-8) will be given one extra wristband for a designated coach.
PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR EXTRAS as we will not be able to accommodate you.

If your team captain or a team member is unable to attend, please make
arrangements with someone else to attend in your place. Only 1 team
representative needs to be present at the team check in; the entire team is
not required to be at the team check in.

While the first games will begin at 8:00 AM, the doors will open at
approximately 7:45 AM.

Wristbands - new this spring 

Due to safety and security reasons, only players wearing the designated
player wristbands will be allowed on to the Taco Bell Arena main floor. For
youth teams (grades 3-8) you may designate one person as your coach that
will also receive a player wristband (please do not ask for extras). These
wristbands will be given to team captains or a team representative at the
team check in on Thursday night. They will only be issued to players on your
roster. If your team plays in Bronco Gym or on the US Marines courts, your
player wristband will get you in there as well.

If you are not a player you will be able to purchase admission to the event
at Lobby 3 or at the Bronco Gym entrance for $3 (children 7 and under are
free). You will be issued a spectator wristband at that time. The first
3,000 paid spectators will also be able to redeem their wristbands at the
Fast Eddy's convenience store in Meridian for a free 16oz Monster energy
drink! (Must redeem by April 30)

If you are watching games in the Bronco Gym or on the US Marines courts,
your spectator wristbands will get you in there as well.

Brackets 
Brackets will be posted online at www.idahoselect.org/brackets.shtml on
Wednesday night. Please note that these brackets are tentative. Updated
brackets will be available at team check in and the official brackets will
be posted at the Jacksons Master Scoreboard located in Lobby 4. NOTE: It is
the team's responsibility to be sure that you are in the correct bracket and
know your correct start time. The brackets are created based on the
information that was submitted. You will also receive an event map with
court locations and your team's t-shirts at team check in.

Brackets for 3-8 graders will have volunteer court monitors to call fouls.
Remember that they are volunteers and will do the best that they can. Please
show the proper respect. For those players that are showing great
sportsmanship you may receive the Idaho Stampede Sportsmanship Award from a
court monitor. They will have something special for you!

Forfeits/Protests
Teams that are more than 5 minutes late for their game may be forfeited. It
is at the court monitor's discretion. Also, if you decide to protest a game
for an illegal roster, you must do so prior to the start of your game.

Bracket Champions Shirts
Please note, if you win your bracket your team will be issued official BAM
Jam Champion Shirts. These shirts are for the team members listed on your
roster only. Coaches are not provided a shirt.

Event Parking
There will be parking in front of Taco Bell Arena for a fee as well as the
parking garage down the street. There is also limited street parking near
the arena. Please keep in mind that there is a lot of construction going on
so you may want to arrive a little early for your games.
 
At the event
If you need really good and affordable food, My Family Tradition BBQ will be
in the Player's Lounge (near Lobby 4). Their menu (breakfast, lunch and
dinner) is posted on our website under "News" www.bamjamboise.com

Players and spectators can compete in the Jackson & Jackson Insurance
3-Point Challenge through out the day (in between Lobby 1 and Lobby 2). They
are giving out t-shirts and the top shooters will compete at center court
for the championship.

If you are interested in competing in the Wild 101 Slam Dunk Championship,
be sure to sign up at the STADIA booth in Lobby 3. The champion will get
some cool prizes and achieve legendary status like former champs Reggie
Larry and Kelvin Jones (just type their names into YouTube along with BAM
Jam). 

Also at the STADIA booth they will be letting anyone spin their prize wheel
for a chance to win free shirts, water bottles, Idaho Stampede tickets and
more. Details are available at www.bamjamboise.com under the "News" link.

If you are injured at the tournament, St. Luke's will be providing trainers
in Taco Bell Arena, Bronco Gym and on the US Marines courts.

Player Changes
If you need to add, delete or change a player you will need to utilize the
Player Change form, available under the "Play" link on the BAM Jam website,
www.bamjamboise.com. There are a lot of teams with only three players listed
so if you want a fourth you need to add them by Thursday (they need to be on
your roster to get a wristband). Please note that player changes need to fit
your division. For example if you are playing in the 6' and under your
replacement/new player needs to be 6' tall or under. If you are on a 7th
grade team your replacement/new player needs to be in 7th grade or younger.
You get the picture. We will be paying special attention to team rosters
this year as our insurance hinges on having accurate rosters.

Volunteers
We are still in search of a few great volunteers to help out at the
tournament. Since you are playing you may not be available but you might
know someone that is. There are tons of benefits to being a court monitor or
usher. Check them all out at www.bamjamboise.com and click on "Volunteers".
Or send an email to jmatsushita@idvsa.org or call him at (208) 371-8242.

Thank you for your participation in Fast Eddy's BAM Jam. Please remember to
always be respectful to your court monitors and other Fast Eddy's BAM Jam
volunteers. They are giving back to the community from the good of their
hearts and deserve your respect at all times.
 
See you Thursday and at the arena!

Brackets are full

As of yesterday (Monday), all brackets have completely filled. Several brackets actually filled up last Saturday. As we mentioned, there is very limited space at Taco Bell Arena so we filled space on a first come first served basis based on bracket needs. Like last year, there are several teams that did not register in time and will be given a full refund for their teams.

Within the next day (by Wednesday night) all team captains will be receiving an email about the tournament. It will either be an email informing you that your team was not able to be placed and how you will receive your refund OR it will contain information on what bracket you are in, team check in and other important tournament details.

FYI, all brackets are expected to begin at 8:00 AM on Saturday. This does not necessarily mean that you will be playing at 8:00 AM, just that the first games will begin then. Brackets are expected to go until 8:00 PM for those teams that keep winning. Until the brackets are out (probably Wednesday night) we cannot give more detailed information.

For more details on brackets, player changes, team check-in and floor access click here.

Schedule, Team Check In, Player Changes, Arena Floor Access

Captains and teams - here is an update on your brackets and team check in.

Brackets
Tentative brackets are expected to be out late Wednesday evening. These will be close to final but are subject to change. Please look them over and make sure that you are in the correct bracket. These brackets are posted just to make sure you are in the correct bracket, not an opportunity to change your schedule. The tentative brackets will be available at www.idahoselect.org/brackets.shtml.

Team Check In
All team captains are required to be at the team check in on Thursday, March 10 between 6:00-9:00pm at the StoneHouse by The Ram, 665 Park Boulevard, Boise, ID (208) 345-6790. If your team captain cannot make the team check in PLEASE ARRANGE FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO COME IN THEIR PLACE. At check in captains will receive their player wristbands (required to get on to the arena floor), team shirts, updated brackets and other registration items. There will be drink and food specials as well so come with an appetite!

Player Changes
If you need to add or change a player, please use the Player Change Form which you can download in a .pdf by clicking here. Please fill out completely and fax to the number on the form. Please be aware that any team found using an illegal player will be disqualified from the tournament. It may seem severe but our insurance carrier insists!

New this year, players only on the floor
Due to security and safety concerns, this year inside Taco Bell Arena only people wearing their official Player Wristbands will be allowed on the arena floor. Spectators in the arena will need to sit in their designated seating areas. Directions and ushers at the event will help you know where to go. We have been working with the arena staff to insure the safety of all players and spectators for the best event possible!

Brackets are now available

CLICK HERE or go to www.idahoselect.org/brackets.shtml to see this year's brackets.

Clinic of Champions, Game Times, Team Check In, Player Changes

A couple of reminders:

The Clinic of Champions is Wednesday night from 6-8pm and will be at Timberline HS outdoor courts. This clinic is for players looking for inside strategies from guys that have won major 3 on 3 tournaments. All the details are available by CLICKING HERE.

Brackets are being finalized and should be available sometime on Wednesday. A link to the brackets will be posted here on the BAM Jam website (under the "News" link) or you can go www.idahoselect.org/brackets.shtml. The earliest games start is 5:00 PM on Friday.

Team Check In is Thursday evening at The Sports Authority on Milwaukee from 4-8pm. It is mandatory that at least one team representative check their team in. Teams will get the most up to date brackets, their shirts and can take their shot at winning a new 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. All the details can be found by CLICKING HERE. Anyone can come down and it is going to be a lot of fun!

If your team needs to make a change due to injury, sickness, travel, change of plans or whatever you need to use the BAM Jam Player Change Form, available for download under the "Play" link on the BAM Jam website.

This year's Fast Eddy's BAM Jam is the biggest yet! We can't wait for the weekend!

Fast Eddy's BAM Jam Bracket Champions

Bracket #1(Fast Eddy's Center Court) - Men's Elite - IPC
Bracket #2 (US Marines #2) - 6'0 and Under Elite - Long Shots
Bracket #3 (US Marines #3) - Boy's High School Elite - Zimm
Bracket #4 (96.9 The Eagle) - Women's Competitive - Loafy Girls
Bracket #5 (Eddie's Diner) - Men's Competitive - Vertical
Bracket #6 (Kissin' 92) - Men's Competitive - Fab Four
Bracket #7 (1350 KTIK) - Men's Competitive - The Penetrators
Bracket #8 (Idaho Sports Medicine) - Men's Recreational - Goldy's
Bracket #9 (Pro Image) Men's 6'0 and Under - Reckless Abandon
Bracket #10 (US Marines #4) - Boy's High School Competitive - Barking Spiders
Bracket #11 (US Marines #1) - Boy's High School Competitive - Bricklayers
Bracket #12 (93.1 Hit Music) - Girl's High School Competitive - We Be So Cool
Bracket #13 (AAA Idaho) - Boy's 8th Grade - Vallivue
Bracket #14 (Larry Miller Auto) - Boy's 6th/7th Grade - Boise Ballers
Bracket #15 (CBS-KBOI) - Boy's 6th/7th Grade - Three Plus One
Bracket #16 (Helly Hansen) - Boy's 5th Grade - AZONE
Bracket #17 (96.9 The Eagle) - Boy's 3rd/4th Grade - ZAPP
Bracket #18 (Rossman Law Group) - Girl's 8th Grade - Eighth Wonder
Bracket #19 (Rossman Law Group) - Girl's 6th/7th Grade - Starbursts
Bracket #20 (Pro Image) - Co-ed - Team Boyd

Idaho Select Basketball Slam Dunk Champion - Kelly McCarty
Jackson & Jackson Insurance 3-point Shootout Champion - Marty Okamura

Pictures will be coming soon. And remember to mark your calendars now for summer BAM Jam, August 6-7 in downtown Boise!

Brackets are Posted

It took us most the night but we now have brackets posted online at www.idahoselect.org/brackets.shtml. Please keep in mind that these are tentative. The final brackets will be given out at team check in on Thursday, March 11 at the Port of Subs on Benjamin and Emerald in Boise from 4-8 PM.

Teams, it is mandatory for you to check in at the Port of Subs. Don't worry, they have a special $5.99 foot long special menu for us! At team check in you will not only get your final brackets but also your team t-shirts and you can make final player changes. Bring cash for the changes because we won't be able to take credit cards.

If you see a problem with the bracket you are in please send an email to jmdewolfe@gmail.com and cc: vince@idahoselect.org.

Team registrations due this Friday!

If you want to play in Idaho's biggest indoor 3 on 3 basketball tournament, please note that registrations are due this Friday, March 5.

We start bracketing teams on Saturday, March 6 so if you want to be sure that you end up in the division of your choice, get your team signed up by this Friday.

Team Captains! Please read

Just a reminder, if you are the team captain (Player 1 on the registration form) you should receive a team verification email. It is absolutely critical that you review the information in this email and make any corrections necessary.

The most important items: be sure that your team is in the correct age group (youth, high school or adult), gender (male, female or co-ed), team height (N/A for youth, 6'0 and under, 6'0 and over) and division (youth, recreational, competitive or elite).

From there be sure that your team members all meet the requirements of your division (if you are in a high school division all players should be in high school, if you are in a co-ed gender bracket you should have at least one boy or girl, if you are 6'0 and under everyone should be under 6'0, etc.)

This is so important because this is how we bracket all teams. What may seem like a simple typo could affect the teams you play against. We rely on your accuracy to evenly match up teams.

If you see a mistake, simply respond to the email with the corrections. We'll take if from there.

If you have not received a verification email (it should be sent to you within 10 minutes of completing your registration) please send an email to service@idahoselect.org with your team name, captain's name and captain's email address.

Other information that is important: Player's 2-4 email addresses (BAM Jam does all communication through email so this should be accurate) and team t-shirt sizes.

Other notes: if you need to add/delete/change a player you can do so via the "PLAYER CHANGE" form available under the "Play" link on the main page.

The normal registration deadline is March 5. However, we are currently on pace to sell out early so if you are considering getting a team in, you may want to register ASAP. The Fast Eddy's BAM Jam is March 13 at Taco Bell Arena.

Team Check In / Player Changes

To all teams:

You should be receiving an email with the subject "BAM Jam Schedule" from Vince. In there is your Team Number. You will need this number to check in.

If you do not have this email, please do the following before sending an email:

1. Check your email inbox
2. Check your spam or junk folder (it may have gotten bumped in there)
3. Check with your teammates. For some reason, the email may have been sent to them. If they can't find it have them check their spam or junk folders

If none of these things lead to the email, send an email to info@idahoselect.org.

Team check in will take place at the Piper Pub in downtown Boise, 150 N. 8th Street. Check in is required and is where you will receive your team's bracket and t-shirts. You may check in either Thursday from 4-9pm or Friday from 11am-1pm.

Player changes are available. We know that plans change or injuries happen close to the start of the tournament and this is why we have made available the Player Change Form. Only fully completed Player Change Forms will be accepted. These can be found by rolling your mouse over the "Play" link above and clicking on "Player Change" when it drops down. Or just Click Here.

Late registration and brackets

If teams are still interested in registering for the 2009 BAM Jam, we still have some room. But complete your team registration ASAP (www.bamjamboise.com/play).

Now the bracketing begins! We are taking all the teams that have registered and matching them up based on age, ability and desired level of competition. This is actually a somewhat scientific process using spreadsheets and variables. Probably very boring to the average person we sure get into it!

Brackets will be posted Wednesday evening, August 5. Team check in will begin Thursday, August 7. Details coming soon!

Games will start on Friday no earlier than 5:00 PM.

Brackets / Schedule

Brackets are expected to be out the evening of Wednesday, August 5. These will include your team's schedule. Be sure to check back then with a link to the page that will have all of the 2009 BAM Jam brackets.