FAQ's
1. Who is eligible to play in the NBA?
Any child that is either a resident of the Town of Needham, or attends any grammar school in Needham, is eligible to play in the NBA. At this time, the NBA does not accept applications that do not meet this criteria, although we have a number of such requests from neighborood communities over the past few years.
2. What age group does the NBA support?
The NBA is for boys and girls in grades 1-4. First and second graders play together and third and fourth graders play together. Boys and girls play in separate divisions.
3. When and how is registration conducted?
In the past, applications were distributed through the school system, but the School Department has banned this process beginning in 2009. Stay tuned for notices published in school bulletins and local newspapers. The application can be downloaded from this web site. Registration is by mail only on a first come basis and they are generally due during a one week period in late October and early November
4. Can I request that my child be placed on a team with a group of his/her friends, or to assist parents in car pooling to games?
NO - The NBA honors no such requests, other than in the case of siblings, where they are always are placed on teams together. Our experience has taught us that is best for children to mingle with other children in an effort to further develop socialization skills. Also, the very large number of participants we have would make this totally impossible to manage. (note: last year we had 750 players and half of those applications had such requests)!
5. How are players notified as to what team they are on and schedules, etc.?
Players begin receiving phone calls from coaches regarding their team assignments and schedules in early December. Anyone who has not been contacted by the Holidays should leave a message via this web site. PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS.
6. When does the NBA start?
NBA starts on the first Saturday in January and runs for ten weeks. Schedules vary from week to week. Practices and Games occur only on Saturday or Sunday and the season terminates with the March Madness Tournament during the second week of March. Our schedule runs through the February vacation period also.
7. What is the format for basketball games/practices:
For the first few weekends, there will be only practices conducted at the scheduled time. The NBA format thereafter consists of a 20 minute practice at the beginning of each session, followed by a 40 minute game or controlled scrimmage.
There are no practices scheduled during the school week.
8. Does the NBA offer "scholarships" to current participants?
Yes. The NBA Board approves several scholarships. In certain circumstances, fees are waived based on personal or economic need. Additionally, the NBA offers a substantial scholarship each year to a graduating senior who played in the NBA as a youngster.
9. Can METCO students participate in the program?
Yes. Just note the Needham school that the child attends on the application form.
10. Who is the NBA affiliated with?
The NBA has no affiliations with any other public or private entity, or religious group, and is not associated with any other local or national basketball program.
11. Can Special Needs children enroll in the NBA?
Yes. The Board of Directors needs to be informed of the situation in writing and will work with the child and parents in an effort to provide a positive learning experience. We encourage such participation, as our experience has found that in a number of cases, dramatic strides are possible.
12. How many children play basketball in the NBA
The NBA has approximately 750 players, of which approximately 320 are girls. We have one of the larger programs in the area for 1-4 grade girls.
13. How many players are on a team?
The goal is to have teams with 10 players. A few teams may have 11 players, but there will never be 12 players on a team. Playing time is equal for all participants.
14. Is the NBA competitive?
The NBA maintains a delicate balance in this area. We do not actively promote competition, but we do not inhibit kids from excelling, as long as it is not to the detriment of the league or other players. We try to introduce the concept of healthy competition. As our season progresses to our annual tournament, the improvident in the level and intensity of play is obvious.
15. How does the NBA deal with disciplinary problems?
With regards to disciplinary problems with children, the NBA will work with the parents of the child to do what is in the best interest of the child. Also, no coach, parent or fan is allowed to disrupt the program. Such incidents, when they arise, are dealt with swiftly on a case-by-case basis by the NBA Board of Directors.
16. Who coaches in the NBA?
Over the course of our existence, we have had the benefit of outstanding volunteer coaches, many of who have been with us for many years. We have several coaches who play on high school teams and have returned to the NBA to coach in the league they once played in as youngsters. Please indicate on the application form if you wish to be considered as a coach or assistant coach. Due to the number of volunteers, not all volunteers can be accepted as coaches or assistant coaches.
Coaches selected will be notified after Thanksgiving and there will be a coaches only meeting in early December to go over logistics and rosters.
17. Can high school students participate as volunteers to get Community Service Credits?
Yes. In the past, we have had a number of former players who have returned to the NBA as high school students in order to earn Community Service Credits for graduation. Please provide us the appropriate paperwork required by NHS in order to get your hours approved in advance.
18. What happens to the schedule in the event of inclement weather?
The first thing to do is check the NBA web site to view any announcements. Always assume that our schedule remains in tact unless there is a notice on the web site. In worst case scenarios, perhaps the first two time slots may be cancelled, but usually the DPW is very good at clearing snow from school parking lots. If the latter situation develops, individual coaches will be contacted and informed as to any cancellations.