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WINTER BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Winter Basketball League is for youth in McLean County in grades K-8 to develop strong character traits through the discipline of youth basketball. Youth in grades K-8 will have weekly practices with one game per week. 

A chart showcasing the differences between our Competitive and Recreational Basketball Leagues

As part of an effort to make our Winter Basketball League an enriching and enjoyable experience for all, our Winter Basketball League has been split into a recreational division and a competitive division. Please see the above graphic and the FAQ section for additional information.

 

2024/2025 WINTER GAME SCHEDULES

2024/2025 Winter Basketball League Schedules will be available here as soon as possible!

SEASON INFO

Season runs from December 9th - March 1st, 2025

Practice days/times will be determined by coaches.

Games will be played on Saturdays. Game times are TBD.

REGISTRATION INFO

Open Registration closes November 8th. Late Registration begins November 9th.

Open Registration Fee, Members: $55

Open Registration Fee, Nonmembers: $150

Late Registration Fee, Members: $80

Late Registration Fee, Nonmembers: $175

REGISTRATION FOR OUR 2024/2025 WINTER BASKETBALL LEAGUE WILL CLOSE AT 8 P.M. ON NOVEMBER 17TH.

Questions about availability in your child's age division? Please contact Suzie, our Sports Coordinator, by emailing suzets@bnymca.org!

Note: The YMCA reserves the right to cap all rosters at 10 players. Any roster with less than 10 kids may have participants added to make it a full roster. The YMCA reserves the right to end the Late Registration period whenever we feel our program has hit its full capacity.

A coach talking to three kids on a basketball team.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE

The YMCA will never deny services due to financial hardship. Thanks to our generous donors, the YMCA is able to provide reduced rates on membership and programs to those who qualify through our Financial Support program.

LEARN MORE
basketball huddle

BECOME A COACH

Youth Basketball at the Y would not be possible without the support of our volunteer coaches! If you're interested in volunteering to coach this season, click the button below.

 

Become a Coach
A basketball sitting alone on a basketball court.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Are you interested in helping us provide the best possible experience in our Fall/Winter Basketball Leagues? Click the button below to view our sponsorship sheet!

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact us by clicking the "Email Director of Sports" button in the sidebar, or by emailing jonh@bnymca.org!

 

VIEW SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
What are the major differences between the recreational and competitive leagues?

Recreational:

  • K-8th
  • Referees will be hired by the Y.
  • Equal playing time is a requirement.
  • The focus of this league is on learning the sport of basketball.

Competitive:

  • 1st-8th
  • Referees will be IESA/IHSA Patched.
  • Equal playing time is encouraged, but not required.
  • The focus of this league is on putting those skills into practice with friendly competition.

 

How do I know if I should be signing my child up for the competitive league instead of the recreational league?

Your child should be placed into the competitive league if they meet the following criteria:

  • You (or your child) are involved in an established youth sports program outside of the Y.
  • Your child practices more outside of the allotted YMCA practice time.
  • Your child is looking for a more competitive setting in which their teammates will also possess some skills in the sport prior to registering.
I am unsure which league my child should be placed in. What should I do?

If you have questions or concerns during the registration process about your child being placed into the wrong league, please contact our Director of Sports, Jon Holmes at jonh@bnymca.org, or contact our Sports Coordinator, Darion Effinger, at darione@bnymca.org.

I feel as though my child/my team is in the wrong league. What should I do?

The Director of Sports and the Sports Coordinator have the final decision on which players/teams belong in either the recreational or competitive league, no exceptions. The Director of Sports and the Sports Coordinator also reserve the right to move a team from recreational to competitive at their discretion.

What would you recommend for my child's first year playing YMCA basketball?

If this is your child's first year in YMCA basketball, we would recommend enrolling them into the recreational league, unless your child is playing competitively outside the YMCA.

Can I sign my child up for both the recreational and competitive league?

No. These leagues run concurrently, therefore it is impossible to participate in both.

What if my child doesn't have a team?

If your child does not have a team, they will be placed on one at random based on the nights selected that work best for practices. We will also consider skill level when selecting their team.

What are the rules for each league?

 The rules for each league at each level (K-Junior High) can be found here:

K REC RULES 1ST REC RULES 2ND REC RULES 3RD REC RULES 4TH REC RULES 5TH REC RULES J-H REC RULES
  1ST COMP RULES 2ND COMP RULES 3RD COMP RULES 4TH COMP RULES 5TH COMP RULES J-H COMP RULES