With the upcoming McDonald’s Senior All-Star games on the horizon this Saturday, we are nearing the end of high school basketball season.

When I coached high school basketball, this was always the time I dreaded most. My wife always said that I was a “tweener,” meaning I was between seasons, and, for the record, not a lot of fun to be around.

For the record, this time of year was actually the time I spent putting our offseason together. Win or lose, we put a lot of time into getting ready for the next part of the season. It was always hard to say good-bye to the kids, who were preparing for spring sports or getting ready to graduate.

I encourage coaches, athletic directors and parents to put together a great final banquet for these kids, especially for those who will end their high school athletic careers in the winter.

Next up, it’s time for coaches to prepare for the offseason.

For players, it’s time to get ready for the offseason, too, by preparing for what they will do to better themselves as future athletic participants. This may include looking at summer camps to enhance improvement, or it may include a stint with an AAU or YBOA team to help keep them sharp. The spring and summer of a junior year are also the times when kids, who wish to further their education, are on the road preparing to make important decisions regarding college or prep school.

For parents, the post-basketball days of high school may include becoming the referee for all of the aforementioned decisions.

Let’s break down each group and offer some suggestions which will, hopefully, provide some guidance for offseason decisions.

For coaches, there’s a lot of basketball work to be done.

Springtime without coaching should include professional improvement.

March and April are traditionally clinic months. There’s not an AD or a principal who will refuse to help or encourage his or her school district to pick up the tab for paying for a professionally run sports clinic for his or her staff.

I’ve run these events, I’ve attended them and I always encouraged members of our districts who coached with me to attend them. No one is too old to learn. Spring is clinic time, and all those involved in coaching should seek self-improvement.

Next up is organizing one’s summer program. Top job here is to understand that family comes first. Coaches, remember you have had these young people all winter. Whatever you schedule for your program, nothing should take precedent over any family activity. This includes team weekends, summer leagues, AAU participation, YBOA participation, leagues and mini-camps. Remember: A lot of these kids have to work to pay for school stuff and summer ball.

I’ve never known an employer who failed to work a schedule at his or her business around a summer sports schedule if given a month’s notice.

Self-improvement for players can be expensive. I generally told parents and players that they would be better off playing in our own program rather than choose a pricey camp or AAU weekends for two reasons.

First of all, chances were high that they would get more fundamental instruction in our gym. Second, there was usually minimal cost in our own camp or league.

And finally, parents need to be prudent about financial decisions regarding all of the above options in the summer.

In Maine, for most families, money is tight, and decisions for participation by kids are often based on money. Parents, be prudent, and don’t get caught in things you can’t afford. Good luck to all those who are currently deciding where their dollars will go.

30-Second Time Out

Will someone explain to me why Division I women’s basketball plays with a 30-second shot clock, while the college men use a less restrictive 35-second clock? This confuses me. Shouldn’t this be the other way around?

I even asked Joanne P. McCallie, Duke University’s head women’s coach, this question. Even she didn’t know.

That extra five seconds would make the women’s game less hectic and more manageable.

bdnsports@bangordailynews.net