Survey shows strong coach support for Escalon basketball; commissioners press for courts, practice access and open‑gym options

Staff presented the 2026 basketball season survey results and a dashboard summarizing coach and parent feedback. The coach sample included 16 responses with an overall coach experience score of 4.25 out of 5; equipment scored 3.69, scheduling and communication about 4.0, 88% of coaches said they felt supported, and about 69% planned to return (staff cautioned that return intent can reflect age‑outs rather than program satisfaction).

Commissioners and staff reviewed specific comments. Multiple speakers said practice access and court availability were consistent themes in the feedback; facility constraints (few indoor courts and limited lighting) force reliance on community partners (staff said the city arranged use of El Portell courts on a first‑come basis). Commissioners suggested convening coach meetings to clarify substitution rules and recommended exploring open‑gym sessions by age group, tighter age divisions and an all‑star addition as ways to enhance satisfaction and offer competitive goals for participants.

Staff said it would follow up on specific survey items cited in the packet (including a couple of complaints that warranted investigation), continue contact with referees via the RUD referee organization, and return to the commission with options such as an all‑star format and possible fee/practice scheduling changes.

Quote from staff: "Keep it simple, make it fun," the presenter said, describing the guiding philosophy used in interpreting survey comments and prioritizing changes.

Next steps: staff to follow up on flagged complaints, compare peer cities on fees and operations, and return to the commission with options including open‑gym pilots and further scheduling fixes.