GOOD TO KNOW
GENERAL LEAGUE INFO
HOW DO I INVOLVE MY CHILD WITH NJB?
Start by locating your local chapter using the “Find Your City” button. Your local chapter will guide you through registration and next steps.
For additional help, contact your local director.
MY LOCAL CHAPTER IS FULL OR NOT RUNNING A LEAGUE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If your local chapter is not accepting new players, we recommend checking nearby chapters for availability.
WHAT GRADES CAN PARTICIPATE?
Most NJB chapters offer programs for grades Kinder through 8th. Check with your local chapter to see what grades are available to participate. If your child’s grade is not available in that chapter you can check availability in the chapter nearest to you.
WHAT DIVISION WILL MY CHILD BE IN?
Divisions are typically based on grade level:
D1: 7th–8th Grade
D2: 5th–6th Grade
D3: 3rd–4th Grade
D4: 2nd Grade
D5 (Rookies): Kinder–1st Grade
WHAT SIZE BASKETBALL IS USED?
D1: 29.5
D2: 28.5 (Girls max size)
D3/D4: 27.5
D5: 25.5
WHAT HEIGHT ARE THE HOOPS?
Kinder–1st Grade: 8 ft hoops
2nd–8th Grade: 10 ft hoops
HOW MANY GAMES ARE PLAYED?
Winter Season: Typically 9 regular season games + 2-game Championship Series tournament + opportunity to be selected to an all-star team
Spring, Summer & Fall: Typically 6 games + End-of-Season Tournament
WILL I HAVE TO TRAVEL FOR GAMES?
Yes, some travel may be involved. However, most games should be local.
WHEN ARE GAMES PLAYED?
Most locations play on Sundays. A few will play some Saturday games.
WHEN AND WHERE ARE PRACTICES?
Practices are once per week and are scheduled by the coach based on team availability. Practice details are shared after teams are formed. Teams can choose to practice at a local outdoor court or submit a team sponsorship to secure indoor practice time (based on availability in your chapter).
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY SCHEDULE?
Schedules are released no later than the Tuesday of Week 1 on the season calendar. Your chapter director and coach will keep you updated.
OFF-SEASON LEAGUES (SPRING / SUMMER / FALL)
WHAT ARE OFF-SEASON LEAGUES?
NJB offers Spring, Summer, and Fall leagues as shorter seasons designed to help players stay active, continue developing skills, and have fun year-round.
HOW ARE OFF-SEASON LEAGUES DIFFERENT FROM WINTER?
Off-season leagues are typically shorter and more flexible:
Fewer games (usually 6 + tournament)
Streamlined schedules
Great for skill development and staying game-ready
ARE UNIFORMS INCLUDED IN OFF-SEASON LEAGUES?
Yes, most off-season leagues include a full NJB uniform. Details may vary slightly by chapter.
CAN MY CHILD PLAY IF THEY DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN WINTER?
Yes! Off-season leagues are open to both returning and new players.
ARE TEAMS RE-DRAFTED FOR OFF-SEASON LEAGUES?
Yes, in most cases teams are newly formed each season to maintain fairness and competitive balance.
REGISTRATION & POLICIES
I JUST REGISTERED MY CHILD, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
As it gets closer to the start of the season, you will receive a message from your local league director inviting you to evaluation day, with the specific date, times and details of what to bring and expect. After evaluation day, your player will be drafted onto a team and assigned a coach. This information will be sent to you by your league director. Your coach will then touch base with you to schedule your first practice and issue uniforms.
WHEN IS EVALUATION DAY?
We put tentative dates on our flyer to get you prepared for the season. Sometimes we may need to change the dates depending on gym availability. You should receive an email a week before your evaluation date with location, date and time.
SIGNING UP LATE/ EVALUATIONS
If you sign up a day or two before evaluations take place, you will most likely be put on a waitlist
If you sign up on time but cannot make evaluations you will still be put on a team.
WHAT IF I MISS EVALUATION DAY?
Your player will still be placed onto a team. They will be placed at random.
WHAT IF I SIGN UP LATE?
You will be placed onto a waitlist. Your league director will update you on availability and the status of your team placement.
WHAT DOES THE REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDE?
Registration typically includes:
Season games
End-of-season tournament
Full NJB uniform
League insurance
Certified referees & scorekeepers
Site Director
Indoor games
Friendly and background checked staff
Dedicated league director for local support
Awards for top teams
NJB membership
(Winter season may also include a basketball and picture day.)
WHAT IS A TEAM SPONSORSHIP?
Any team who would like indoor practice time throughout the season is asked to submit a team sponsorship. This can be secured through a local sponsor, a team member sponsor or split amongst each team member. Sponsor fee varies depending on the cost of your local gym and practice weeks included in your season. You can find the fee amount and sponsor link on your local chapter website on the Sponsorship page, or contact your coach or local director for information.
Your sponsorship fee will go directly towards the cost of the gym.
NJB is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization serving the youth in your community, which means your contribution is 100% tax-deductible.
WHAT IF MY TEAM DOES NOT SECURE A SPONSOR?
You will not be given time in the gym to practice. Paying the sponsorship fee will ensure practice times and dates for your team in the gym throughout the season.
CAN MY CHILD PLAY UP A DIVISION?
In most cases, advanced players may request to play up one division. Playing down is not permitted.
ARE FRIEND OR COACH REQUESTS ALLOWED?
Requests are considered but not guaranteed, as NJB prioritizes fair and balanced teams. If there are multiple players that would like to stay together, we have options available. Ask your league director.
CAN I VOLUNTEER OR START A CHAPTER?
Yes! If there is no chapter in your area, you can apply to become a Chapter Director. Reach out to your local director for more information.
FOR SUMMER BALL WHAT GRADE SHOULD I REGISTER MY CHILD IN?
You should register your child in the grade they just promoted from. In the fall they would move on to the grade they are currently enrolled in. (example: If your child was in 5th grade before Summer, they should still register for 5th grade for Summer and in Fall they should register for 6th grade) Please feel free to reach out to your local director if you're still not sure.
AT WHAT AGE CAN MY CHILD PARTICIPATE IN THE ROOKIES PROGRAM?
Your child can participate in the Rookies Program when they are in Kindergarten-1st grade. Which would typically be between ages 5-6 years old. If your child is younger than 5 we suggest waiting until they are 5 for safety reasons since they will be playing against 5 and 6 year olds.
HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT I AM COACHING MY SON OR DAUGHTERS TEAM?
If you are volunteering to coach, you will be coaching your son or daughter.
DO YOU GIVE DISCOUNTS FOR STRUGGLING FAMILIES/ SINGLE FAMILY HOUSEHOLDS?
Please reach out to us so we can see how we can help. info@njbl.org
IS THERE A SIBLING DISCOUNT CODE?
Please email us regarding a sibling discount. info@njbl.org
IS THERE A PHONE NUMBER TO CONTACT NJB DIRECTLY?
The phone number is 888-623-0124
Text us at 714-340-2022
You can Call, Text or use the chat function on the NJB website.