NextGen Basketball is organized by grade level, with co-ed teams for younger players and separate boys and girls divisions beginning in middle school.
Level 1: Kindergarten: co-ed
Level 2: 1st–2nd grade: co-ed
Level 3: 3rd–4th grade: co-ed
Level 4: Middle school (grades 5–8)*

• Girls division
• Boys division

Middle school divisions will be organized based on registration numbers to create the best possible competitive and developmental experience. This may include different grade groupings or multiple divisions as needed.

Ball size:

• Kindergarten co-ed: 27.5"
• 1st–2nd co-ed: 27.5"
• 3rd–4th co-ed: 28.5"
• 5th-8th boys: 29.5"
• 5th-8th girls: 28.5"

Why the Change?
Through 4th grade (Levels 1–3), we use a wristband system to create balanced, competitive man-to-man matchups and support skill development.
Beginning in middle school (Level 4), gameplay expands to include full-court pressure and zone defenses, which introduce more advanced team strategies and ball pressure. As these elements are introduced and the wristband system is removed, we believe separating into boys and girls divisions creates a more appropriate and competitive experience for all players.

Every player needs to complete a skills evaluation test before being drafted on a team. At least two evaluation dates will be posted and available for each season. Players can be evaluated at any of our church campuses, not just your league’s campus. Team drafts are done by computer, and the skills test scores are the basis of the draft. This allows us to draft teams with parity and provides for a more balanced league. Team drafting adheres to the following request order:

1. Practice night exclusion
2. Coach request
3. Friend request

While we do our best to be as accommodating as possible, there are times where we may not be able to accommodate all requests.

NextGen Sports Basketball leagues are volunteer driven. It takes many volunteers to coach, assist, officiate, keep the score table, provide practice devotions, operate league evaluations and more. Please indicate on your child’s registration if you are able to volunteer this season.

Each team will have an assigned head coach and (ideally) an assistant. Coaches are parent volunteers and lead the team in their practice time and coordinate devotionals, game strategy, game day substitutions and more. Comprehensive training and coach’s materials as well as web-based tools are provided for each coach. All coaches are background checked and certified in our Safe Sanctuary training.

Officiating at Levels 1 and 2 will be provided by both volunteer officials and trained high school/college age Recreation Ministry staff.

Officiating at Levels 3 and 4 will be provided by certified TASO officials and/or officials accepted into a certified officials training program.

Level 1: Teams are a 30/30 format. On Saturdays, players will practice for 30 minutes prior to their game. Games last approximately 30-40 minutes.

Levels 2-4: Players will practice on campus for approximately one hour between the hours of 5:00 and 8:30 p.m. one night per week.

Each team will have a Scripture-based devotion time at each practice. This may be given before, during or after practice based on the coach’s discretion.

Each game will begin with league announcements, and a prayer. We do our best to operate games in a timely manner; however, each game must be played to completion, and games resulting in overtime or other factors outside of our control may result in a delayed start to games occurring later in the day. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

All teams will play at minimum six games per season. Should we have more than 4 teams playing in a division at Levels 3-4, the sixth week will either be a seeded mini tournament or a seeded game against the nearest seed based on league standings (i.e., 6v5, 4v3, 2v1). This provides for a fun and competitive finale for each team to end the season. League standings are based upon win percentage. Should there be a tie in win percentage, tiebreakers will be applied in the following order until the tie is broken:

• head-to-head record
• head to head point differential
• overall point differential
• coin flip

During each season we will provide a third-party photography service for team and individual pictures. There is no obligation to purchase pictures; however, we ask that all players prioritize being present for their team photo. Picture day dates will be communicated at the beginning of each season. A photo shoot schedule will be provided during the week leading up to pictures. Please be aware that in order to get every team photographed, you may be asked to arrive and take team photos well before your scheduled game time.

On the final Saturday of each season, we will host a “celebration.” Families are invited to come before or after their game to enjoy a fun area that includes bounce houses or other inflatable activities, other games and snacks. Players receive a gift at the end of each season provided by Upward Sports.