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FYB Frequently Asked Questions

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GENERAL

REGISTRATION

Uniforms

FEES & PAYMENTS

TEAMS

PRACTICES & GAMES

VOLUNTEERING

ANSWERS

All FYB games are played on a regulation floor with a scoreboard and players wear a full uniform. Referees are certified and many officiate at the high school level.

GENERAL

Q: Where can I find out the latest information about the FYB chapter?
A: Visit the FYB website About Us to find out the latest information about our program.

Q: Do I live within the FYB Program Boundary?
A: With the exception of high school teams (which have no geographical boundaries), FYB is for residents of Sunnyvale, Los Altos, a portion of Los Altos Hills, and Mountain View (see map). If you do not live in one of these cities, you will need to see if there is a NJB chapter serving your area. Please see the Silicon Valley NJB Section web site for more information on the other chapters and to see a chapter boundary map.

Q: What is the mailing address of FYB?
A: All mailing information can be found in the Footer of every page of the website.

REGISTRATION

Q: When can I register?
A: On-line registration for the winter season normally will open the 3rd or 4th Saturday in August after the bulk of our families have returned to school. The starting date and time for registration will be communicated in two ways: via the FYB email list (you can subscribe on the home page) and it will also be posted on the home page at the FYB website. There is no walk-in registration. All registration is done online only.

Q: What is the process for registering a new player?
A: The registration process for a new player is the same as that of a returning player. With the completion of online registration, guardians confirm player age, grade and address are all accurate. Parents must certify and verify that they live within the FYB program boundaries as defined by the Foothill Youth Basketball Boundary Map on the Silicon Valley website found here http://www.siliconvalleynjb.com/
FYB reserves the right to request any documentation for verification purposes. Any players who knowingly falsify their information to gain entrance into our chapter illegally will be expelled from FYB and may result in expulsion from other FYB Programs.
The parents of the new player will need to need to sign up on the mailing list using the link on the home page of this website. They will then be included in communication out to our current membership of families.

Q: Do I have to register online? What about using a paper form or attending walk-in registration?
A: We do not hold walk-in registration or use paper forms. All registration is done online.

Q: What things do I need in order to register?
A: When registering online it is recommended that you have your child’s medical and emergency contact information handy. You will also be asked for uniform size, which is explained below.

In order for your child to play All-Stars, if they make the team, the following player certification documents will be required (no originals please):

  • copy of the player's birth certificate or passport
  • copy of ALL of the pages of the most recent report card
  • copy of a current utility bill (only gas/electric, water, and garbage are acceptable) showing your name and current address as proof of residency

Q: What are the age limits for FYB?
A: Players are categorized by grade and are then assigned the appropriate division level (e.g. D1, D2). If a player in one of these divisions exceeds the age limits provided for that division by FYB then they will be contacted by our Chapter and notified of this. This is a very rare situation and in those cases the player is moved up to the next higher division.

The age restrictions are based upon your child’s age as of May 1st of the next year using the table below:

Division Age Requirement

  • D3 - Shall not turn 11 before May 1st of the next year
  • D2 - Shall not turn 13 before May 1st of the next year
  • D1 - Shall not turn 15 before May 1st of the next year

Q: I do not live in the FYB boundaries, however my child goes to school within the FYB boundaries. I would really like them to play basketball with his/her friends? Can I enroll my child in FYB?
A: We get this question often, and unfortunately the answer is No. We are limited in the number of teams we can offer due to the gym space available and we need to be able to serve our residents first.

Q: My child is on the wait list for registration, what should I do?
A: Players on the wait list will be notified if there is an opening at any time up to the third game of the season. After the 3rd game any players still on the wait list will have their payments refunded at 100%.

Q: I made a mistake when I did my online registration and I want to go back and correct it. How do I do that? How do I go back in after registering online to view the information I typed in?
A: You can only change your player's name, gender, date of birth, and picture (if you chose to upload one). You cannot change or view any of the registration information online. To change name, gender, date of birth, or picture, login to the system using the information you used to register your player, click your player's name under "My Players," and select the "Edit Info/upload picture" button. If you need to make other changes to your registration, you must delete your player's existing registration and re-register your player. Please note your player will lose their registration time stamp if you do this. If you notice your error immediately, go ahead and delete and re-add your player. If it's two weeks later, or if registration has closed, contact admin@foothillyouthbasketball.org.

Q: I made a change to my child’s name, gender, or date of birth online. Do I need to notify someone that I did this or have my registration form reprinted?
A: If you want to make a change to your registration information *after* the division evaluations then you must also send an email to admin@foothillyouthbasketball.org right away. Some of the information you changed may have already been copied from the database and is being used by other groups.

Q: I registered my child online and when I tried to login later as an existing member it said “Invalid Login”.
A: You are probably using a different email address than the one you registered your child with initially.

Q: I forgot my password to the new registration system and I need to sign-in. How do I reset my password?
A: There is a "forgot password" link on the login page that will allow you to reset your password.

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UNIFORMS

Q: Why is the uniform ordering process changing?
A: We are changing our uniform vendor to provide you with a wider range of uniform options and greater flexibility in choosing uniforms for your child. Please visit our uniforms page for more information.

Q: When and where can I order uniforms for my child?
A: Uniform ordering will be available through our new vendor's website, which will be provided on our league's website and in our communications. We will notify you when the website is live and ready for orders.

Q: Do I need to provide sizing information during registration?
A: No, starting this season, we will no longer collect sizing information during the registration process. Instead, you will select and order uniforms directly from the vendor's website, allowing you to choose the sizes that best fit your child.

Q: How do I pay for the uniforms?
A: The league fee includes the cost of the uniform (Jersey and Shorts). You will be provided with a coupon code that you can use at the vendors site. Any other items you purchase and the shipping cost will be your responsibility. They will provide various payment options for your convenience.

Q: Can I still use the uniforms from previous seasons?
A: No, With the change in vendor, we are taking this opportunity to change the design and material of the uniforms. This will require all players to purchase the new uniform.

Q: What if I have questions or need assistance with the new ordering process?
A: If you have any questions or need help with the uniform ordering process, please don't hesitate to contact our uniform coordinator. uniforms@foothillyouthbasketball.org We are here to assist you and ensure a smooth transition.

Q: Will there be a deadline for ordering uniforms?
A: The vendor's website will specify any ordering deadlines to ensure that uniforms are ready in time for the season. We will communicate these deadlines to you through our website and emails.

Q: Can I exchange or return uniforms if they don't fit or have issues?
A: The vendor's return and exchange policies will apply to all uniform orders. Please review their policies on their website or contact their customer support for specific details.

Q: Is there a uniform requirement for all players?
A: Yes, it is mandatory for all players to wear the league's official uniform for all the games, scrimmages and tournaments. There is no requirement to wear the uniform for practices.

Q: How will I know when the new vendor's website is live and ready for orders?
A: We will notify you through our league's website, emails, and social media platforms once the new vendor's website is live and ready for orders. Be sure to stay tuned for updates.

Q: Can my child wear a t-shirt under the jersey?
A: FYB players wear the light (white) side of their shorts and jerseys when they are the home team and the dark (blue) side of their shorts and jerseys for away games. This can be done because both the jerseys and the shorts are reversible. The only blue t-shirt that can be worn under the dark side of the jersey is the one provided by FYB, because the color needs to match exactly. Shooting shirts and white t-shirts are optional and they are available at an extra fee. Shorts can be reused in future years but Jerseys have to be purchased every year.

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FEES AND PAYMENTS

Q: How much does it cost to join FYB?
A: Currently, the registration fee is $595. An additional $100/- is collected up front and will be refunded if you volunteer for atleast 4 hours. FYB is a non-profit organization run by parent volunteers and all participants are expected to volunteer at least 4 hours during the season to fulfil their commitment. Players selected for All-Stars pay an extra fee TBD (~$100/-) to cover extra practice time and tournament games.

Q: What do I get as part of my registration fee?
A: In addition to a season of fun and action, each player receives a uniform jersey, a navy blue FYB undershirt, and a Memory Mate Photo. Players will be able to reuse uniform shorts from previous years.

Q: Do you offer financial assistance?
A: Yes, we have a Financial Assistance Program to help offset a portion of the registration fees. Learn more by clicking here.

Q: Online registration said that my child gets a Memory Mate as part of their registration fee. What is a Memory Mate?
A: A Memory Mate is the photo package that is provided as part of the registration fees. It consists of a 3x5 individual player photo and a 5x7 team photo. It is mounted on a cardstock mat.

Q: What is the refund policy for registration fees?
A: 100% of registration fees less $25 are refunded if the request is submitted to admin@foothillyouthbasketball.org prior to the player drafts. A 50% refund of registration fees is provided after the draft and prior to the first game. After the first game no refunds given. Full details of the refund policy are here.

Q: Can I pay my fees with a check?
A: Sorry, we only accept credit card payments through the online registration site.

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TEAMS

Q: What teams does FYB have?
A: FYB has teams for different age groups and genders. FYB does not have co-ed teams.

The regular "Division" teams are divided as follows:

     Division 1 - 7/8th graders - separate girls and boys teams
     Division 2 - 5/6th graders - separate girls and boys teams
     Division 3 - 3/4th graders - separate girls and boys teams
     High School JV Division - 9th/10th grade boys
     High School Varsity Division - 11th/12th grade boys

Q: Can I request that two kids be placed onto the same team if they are friends? What about if they are siblings?
A: No, we do not accept any friend request due to our draft process. As for siblings, we do allow for them to be drafted together onto the same team if this what the parent desires and their ages qualify them for the same division. A parent can also request that they not be on the same team.

Q: Can I request a particular coach for my child?
A: Players are evaluated at division evaluations and then drafted by coaches. Therefore it is not possible to request a coach via our registration process.

Q: What division do I register for? What if my 2nd grader wants to “play-up” on a third/fourth grade team?
A: All players should register by grade (pick the appropriate selection based on gender and grade) during online registration. Players are not eligible to begin with us until third grade. Second graders are not eligible to participate in FYB and we encourage them to play at the Y or in SYBL. The intention is not to have a third or fourth grader on the wait list in lieu of allowing a second grader to play.

Q: What about a D2 or D3 player who wants to play up? Is that allowed?
A: If a D2 or D3 player wants to play up they must attend evaluations for both divisions. If they are ranked in the top 50% of the upper division then they can play up. If they are not in the top 50% then they must play in the division that corresponds to their grade level. The reason for this rule is that we don’t want players to play-up if they are going to be sitting on the bench for the fifth quarter. If they can compete with the older kids then it makes sense for them to move up, space permitting.

Q: Why does my child have to attend a division evaluation? Is it a try-out?
A: We have skills evaluation for the purpose of trying to make the teams as fair and balanced as possible. Players do not have to try-out to "make" the team. Experience has shown that unbalanced teams, either too strong or too weak, can discourage some players and parents. Although you cannot always tell which player is going to "bloom" during the season and exceed everyone's expectations, it is much more likely to get uneven teams when we place players on teams without seeing them. All Division players MUST attend one of their division evaluations to be drafted. If your child is injured, he or she still must attend the evaluation to be introduced to the coaches.

Q: How does the player draft work, and if it is really a draft then how can it produce balanced teams?
A: The player draft works the following way: coaches are given a rated player list 30 minutes prior to the draft. It has the normalized ratings of all players they may draft (no wait list players however). Each player's height and grade are included on the list. We will also include a notation if they played on All-Stars the previous year. Coaches are free to select anyone they want in any round. Only children of coaches (and assistants) are assigned rounds, based on where they were evaluated.

Q: How are Division teams created?
A: All players must attend one Divisional evaluation session. Each division will have multiple evaluation sessions and players can choose which session to attend. The evaluation is used to rate players for the draft, to create balanced teams. PLAYERS WHO MISS THE EVALS WITHOUT PRE-APPROVAL WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE PROGRAM.

Q: How do I make a request to have my child on the same team as a friend?
A: Players are drafted by coaches and therefore there is no opportunity to fulfill requests for friends to play on the same team. The only way two friends would end up on the same team is if the coached happened to draft both of them.

Q: I selected “Coach” as my volunteer job when I registered my child. What do I do next in order to let the chapter know I am interested in coaching?
A: Parents interested in coaching should email the Girls Player Agent for girls teams and the appropriate Division Coordinator for boys teams. You can find their email addresses here. You will also need to fill out a coach’s application, attend the Coaching Clinic and be fingerprint certified.

Q: What about assistant coaches? Do you allow assistant coaches to be teamed up with head coaches?
A: Often coaches are paired up prior to the draft. The first part of our process is contacting the head coach applicants to make sure we have enough for the number of teams we are planning. If we cannot find enough head coaches, we start contacting the people who volunteered to be an assistant coach to determine if they will step up to a head coaching position. Next we let all of the head coaches know who has volunteered to be an assistant coach. They can contact these volunteers to find their assistant coach that way. We typically have more assistant coach volunteers than spots.

This can also be done at the coaches meeting held prior to the draft. At this time there is often a pairing of coaches and assistant coaches. Some of the coaches already know each other and request to be placed together. If someone is new to the chapter and does not know anyone else then we introduce them to each other and make suggestions on who should coach together. We often have coaches who show up at the draft without an assistant coach and are able to find one there. Coaches then can make a request for one assistant coach at the draft. If the other coaches agree, then both children are treated as coaches’ kids for the draft. We have draft compensation rules if a coach and assistant's children rate in the same round of the draft to make sure no team gains an advantage by a partnership. However, we will not allow two first round drafts pick players to be placed on the same team. The information for doing these two steps can be found in the “Volunteer” section of the chapter homepage.

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PRACTICES & GAMES

Q: Can you tell me more about practices?
A: Division teams practice twice per week starting at the very end of October or the beginning of November. Practices run 1 to 1.5 hours and are typically at local middle schools (e.g. Peterson Middle School in Sunnyvale, Blach and Egan in Los Altos, and some private gyms in Mountain View). Typically, one practice will be held during the week and a second practice will be held on Saturday. Starting in January, the divisions practices go down to one per week. We are always looking for more gym space. If you know of available gyms, please contact our Gym Coordintor by sending an email to admin@foothillyouthbasketball.org.

Q: What level of team commitment is expected for practices and games?
A: We understand that most kids have many commitments to juggle and it is our sincere hope that FYB ranks high when families decide which activity to attend. This is especially important as we always have a wait list and we would rather have kids who are in attendance than kids frequently missing due to other conflicts. Families should be thoughtful of this prior to registration. Absent players impact the team chemistry & skill progression of the team. We want to be respectful of the time of our volunteer coaches and when kids are frequently absent this negatively impacts everyone involved.

Please be thoughtful of this when making family plans or scheduling vacations.

Q: Why must there be a female adult chaperone present at each girls practice? Does attending practices count as part of my volunteer hours?
A: The purpose of the female adult chaperone being present at the practices is so that there is never an adult male alone with a girl or girls. This rule originated from a policy to protect children, as did the rule that all coaches, assistant coaches, referees, and board members need to be finger printed and the results reviewed before allowing them to be with the players. Also, having a female adult present at practices is helpful in case one of the younger girls needs to use the restroom that is outside the gym (like at Egan and Blach). In this case the girl can be escorted by the female adult. The time spent chaperoning does not count as part of your four volunteer hours. You still must signup for a team or chapter job, as selected during online registration.

Q: When do the games start?
A: Games typically start the first Sunday in December. Regular season games are on Sundays usually at Bay Area schools. FYB has seven/eight Sundays of games for the Division teams' regular season. Accounting for holiday breaks, the regular season typically ends in mid-February.

Q: How long is the season?
A: Division teams practices start in late October/early November and games start in December. Regular season games are scheduled into February. Post-season games can last from February into March depending on how the team does.

Q: What size basketball is used for each division?
A:

  • D3 boys and D3 girls play with a 27.5 inch ball called a junior basketball
  • D2 and D1 girls and also D2 boys play with a 28.5 inch ball women's basketball called an intermediate basketball
  • D1 boys play with a 29.5 inch ball
  • The official basketball for California high school competition is the Spalding TF-1000 29.5 inch basketball for boys and the Spalding TF-1000 28.5 inch basketball for girls

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VOLUNTEERING

Q: Does FYB need my help?
A: Yes! FYB is a non-profit (501c3) volunteer-run organization. The success of the season rests on the involvement of volunteers. It takes a lot of work to run the league. Please consider helping us, and if you can't, please be patient with and appreciative of those that do. We always are in need of working committee members and coaches. You don't have to have children in the league to participate. You also don't have to be a working committee member or a coach to help out. There are always short-term tasks that can use volunteers.

Q: What types of volunteer jobs are available?
A: Board positions, coaches, assistant coaches, team parents, gym monitors, registration helpers, uniform/merchandise distribution helpers and Picture Day helpers. If you are a new parent to the league it is recommended that you do not signup as a registration helper since that job takes place early on before parents know if they have made it into the chapter or whether they are on the wait list.

Q: How can I be exempt from Volunteering?
A: Each player is required to have a parent take on a volunteer job for either the team or the chapter. A sign-up is done during online registration for this. A parent is exempt from volunteering when they donate $100 for each player in their family. If a family has two children in FYB then they need to do two jobs (approximately 4 hours per job) or donate $200 to FYB. There is an FYB rule that there must be a female adult present at each practice. Even if a family is exempt from volunteering, they still are required to attend practice(s) to fulfill this rule if needed.

Q: I am volunteering to help with FYB. Do I need to have fingerprinting done?
A: The following jobs require fingerprinting: board member, coach, assistant coach, and referee. This will be done at the cost of FYB and by the FYB approved vendor. If you have been fingerprinted by another organization (soccer, girl scouts, employer) sorry, you will still have to be fingerprinted by FYB. Ideally this will be once and your records will be good for your entire FYB volunteer time. Click here to find more information on fingerprinting.

Q. Why doesn’t the adult female chaperone for girls teams count towards fulfilling my volunteer obligation? Why can’t I opt-out of it since I paid the opt-out fee?
A: The adult female chaperone is not signed up for via our registration process. It is a job done at the team level. It will need to be managed by the coach. Coaches will either ask for or assign parents to make sure that there is an adult female chaperone at each practice. Even if a parent has opted out of volunteering, they still need to help with this. We created this policy to address the situation where there was one girls team where almost every parent had opted out of volunteering. This over burdened the remaining parent(s) who had to cover the team parent job as well as go to every practice.

Q: How do coaches know which parents on their team have opted out of volunteering so they don't assign them a job?
A: Each coach will receive a player roster before the season starts that includes (among other things) a list of which parents have opted out of volunteering. Note: Paying a fee and opting out of volunteering does not release parents on girls’ teams from attending practices. This must be done in such a way so that there always an adult female chaperone at all practices, and this includes parents who have opted out of volunteering.

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