Are there try-outs for the youth programs?
For our in-house K-2 program as well as our Nashoba League 3rd-8th grade program, we welcome players of all abilities to join a youth basketball team. This is primarily a developmental program, designed to teach fundamental basketball skills and life-long lessons of team play and sportsmanship. We do conduct evaluations at the beginning of each season simply to create fair and balanced teams. Players will receive equal playing time in games, regardless of ability level. The Central Massachusetts Youth Basketball League (CMYBL) is a separate, highly competitive league that does involve tryouts. Equal playing time is not a requirement in games.

Is basketball a contact sport?
Yes! Basketball is most definitely a contact sport, where man-to-man defensive principles will be taught and where numerous physical encounters (bumps, elbows, body-to-body contact) will occur between your child and other children on the court. While every effort will be made to minimize unnecessary contact, basketball is a very physical sport and you can expect that your child will get fouled numerous times over the course of a season. If you are uncomfortable with the physicality of basketball, please consider if it is a good fit for you and your family. Additionally, any questions about mouth guards, knee pads, etc. should be asked of your child's
physician and not of your child's coach.

What equipment does my child need to purchase?
One of the things that makes basketball such a wonderful sport is that you only need a basketball and a hoop to play, both of which will be provided for your child! Your child should bring water to practices and games. During snowy months, we ask that your child change into his/her sneakers once inside the school so that snow isn’t tracked onto the gym floor, making it slick and unsafe.

Who referees games?
For our K-2 league, volunteer coaches will ref scrimmages. 3rd/4th Grade games are refereed by local high school students. Please keep in mind that these referees are young kids who are still learning the skills of refereeing and we always ask for your patience.
5th/6th Grade teams and CMYBL teams have professional referees who are supplied by the Nashoba and CMYBL Leagues.

My child just wants to play at a casual level. Will this be too intense?
While all youth sports have a degree of competition, the Nashoba Valley League is structured primarily for development, not winning. Coaches endeavor to give players equal playing time in games and great instruction at practices, across all levels of ability. First and foremost, we want to make sure children are in a safe environment where they are having fun and will want to return to the game of basketball season after season.

How will the K-2 and Nashoba League teams be formed?
Before the season begins, Harvard Youth Basketball leadership will conduct evaluations of all registered players so that coaches and league coordinators can ensure that teams are fairly balanced. These are not tryouts. We typically have players cycle through a series of stations (dribbling, passing, shooting, etc.) while HAA leadership observes and begins to get a sense as to how to evenly balance the teams.

My child wants to play on the same team as a friend. Can you accommodate special requests like that?
While parents may send special requests to their child’s league coordinator, the need for balanced teams is primary and we cannot always accommodate requests.

What is the weather policy regarding snow and games/practices?
For those participants in Grades 3-6, the weather policy is set by the Nashoba League. If the gym is open in the town where you are scheduled to play a game, then the game is on. If you are uncomfortable driving or feel it is unsafe in any way, please just let your coach know and do not hesitate to skip the game. We will do our very best to communicate in advance if there is a chance that a game or practice may be canceled.

I have more questions. Who should I contact?
Please refer to the attached document that will help guide you as to the appropriate person to contact for any additional questions or concerns.