GET IN THE GAME THIS WINTER!

Volunteer coaches introduce youth participants to the fundamentals of playing basketball through weekly practices and weekend games. The league emphasizes proper techniques, knowledge of the rules, team strategy, participation and fun.

Enrollment in the winter league is limited, so please register early.

Youth Basketball League

The league relies on volunteer coaches for each team. If you are interested in coaching a team, please contact our recreation manager, Dan, at Schaffer@plfdparks.org.

The forms to apply and for the required background check can be found below.

Volunteer Application

Background Check Form

Each player will be provided a jersey:

• Grades K-2 will receive a t-shirt
• Grades 3-8 will receive a reversible jersey

Team jerseys must be worn at all the games and coaches may encourage players to wear the reversible jersey at practice.

Games will be played Friday-Sunday at Prairie Activity Recreation Center and School District 202 schools. The Park District reserves the right to change game days based on enrollment.

Friday evenings: 7^th-8^th Boys & 5^th-6^th Girls

Saturdays: K-4^th Grade

Sunday afternoons: 5^th & 6^th Grade Boys

* The Park District reserves the right to change game days based on enrollment.

Practices:  Practices will take place at School District 202 schools. Practices will be one night a week beginning the week of December 2^nd.

Teams are formed by PPD staff based on the following criteria:

1. School Attended
2. Balance of Gender
3. Roster Size
4. Mutual carpool/friendship request

Our goal is to keep players from the same school on the same team. Should enrollment numbers and roster maximums not accommodate the practice, schools may be combined to form teams. Team maximums are based on enrollment numbers at the time of the registration deadline.

Players enrolled in grades 5^th-8^th grade will be asked to attend an evaluation night.

Evaluation Dates will take place the week of November 18^th at Prairie Activity Recreation Center

• 5^th Grade Boys will be November 18^th at 6pm
• 6^th Grade Boys will be November 19^th at 6pm
• 7^th & 8^th Grade Boys will be November 21^st at 6pm

Teams will be chosen by a coach’s draft, with all players being placed on a team. If a player cannot attend the evaluation night, they will be placed on a team in a blind draft at the conclusion of the draft.

Volunteer coaches must attend the evaluation night. A draft will take place the same night.