Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I sign-up for basketball?

Basketball sign-ups are always the last two Saturdays in October and the first Saturday in November.  For the 2011-2012 Eatern Basketball Season, the sign-ups are October 22, October 29, and November 5 at Cove Park. Please sign-up one of the 1^st two weeks.

The Board will select coaches after the second week of registration (i.e. October 29th).

What do I need to sign-up for basketball?

If your child has not played a sport at Eastern before, you will need to take a copy of their birth certificate to registration and fill out the complete registration form.

If your child has played a sport at Eastern before, there should be a pre-printed registration form at the park during registration. If you are not sure that your child is in the City Sports database, please bring a copy of their birth certificate to registration.  It sometimes takes a couple of seasons for the city to update their database.

How much does basketball cost?

Registration for Basketball is $75 for the 2011-2012 Season.

How are ages determined in basketball?

The League Age for Basketball is their age on September 1^st of 2011.

What ages can play basketball?

There are teams for boys and girls ages 5 to 17 (when numbers permit). 

The 6U division is coed.  The boys and girls play together.

The boys divisions include 8U boys, 10U boys, 12U boys, 14U boys, and 17U boys.

The girls divisions include 8U girls, 10U girls, 12U girls, 14U girls, and 17U girls.

Can 4 year olds play in the 6U division?

No.  All players must turn 5 before September 1st of 2011 to play in the 6U Basketball.

How do I sign-up to coach?

If you would like to be added to list of candidate coaches, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . There will also be a sign-up for coaches at the 1^st two weeks of Registration (October 22 and October 29).  You will also need to complete a “volunteer application” either email it or drop it off at registration.

The Board will select coaches after the second week of registration (i.e. October 29th for 2011).

Can I request a specific team or coach?

We do not allow request for specific teams or coaches.  Our primary goal is to create balanced teams in all age groups. 

I have two children in the same age group.  Will they be on the same team?

Yes. We always put siblings that are in the same age group on the same team.  Please make a note on both of the registration forms to make sure that we realize that they are siblings.

When does the basketball season start?

The basketball teams start practicing in mid-November.  The pre-season tournaments are expected to start on December 3rd.  The regular season is expected to start on January 5th. 

Since the 6U teams do not play in the pre-season tournament, the 6U teams will probably play a couple of regular season game in December.

When does the season end?

The regular season ends in the middle of February.  The All-Star tournaments will be last couple of weeks of February.

 
What are basketball evaluations?  What will the kids be asked to do at evaluations?

Evaluations are used by the coaches and the league to try to create even and balanced teams. During evaluations, each child will be asked to perform a few simple drills.  These drills normally consist of dribbling down the floor, shooting a layup, and shooting a few shots.  Evaluations typically take about 10 to 15 minutes per child.  It is very important that each child sign up for an evaluation time when registering.

When are basketball evaluations this year?

For the 2011-2012 Basketball Season, evaluations will be on Sunday, November 6th, 2010 at the Hampton Cove Middle School and Elementary gyms. It is very important that each child show up for their evaluation.

Where do the basketball teams practice and play games?

We use the Hampton Cove Elementary School gym, the Hampton Cove Middle School gym,  the Goldsmith Schiffman School Gym and the Monte Sano School gym.  The 6U Coed, 8U Boys, and 10U Boys will play most of their games at one of these gyms.  The other age groups will play games at gyms city wide.

How many times per week do the teams practice or play games?

Before the season starts, most teams practice 2 to 3 times per week.  Once the games start, most teams will play 2 games per week and practice 1 or 2 times per week. 

When do the teams practice or play games?

Will the teams have any practices or games on Sunday?

Do I need to buy any special equipment (balls, shoes, etc)?

A pair of basketball shoes is recommended for kids 7 years old and older.  The basketball shoes protect their ankles and do a much better job than regular tennis shoes of gripping the floor to keep their feet from sliding.  For the 6 and unders, basketball shoes or a good pair of tennis shoes are fine.

Basketballs are not required.  However, it is recommended that you get a basketball the correct size for their age group so that they can practice dribbling and shooting at home.  See the question below about basketball size and goal height.  Some coaches will ask the kids bring their balls to practice to have extra balls for drills.

What size basketball and goal do they use?

Does basketball have a minimum play rule?

Yes. There is a minimum play rule in all age groups except for the 17U age group and Rec Plus teams.

During the first three quarters of the game, each child will play at least half of the quarter.  At the three-minute mark of each of the first three quarters, the horn will sound to stop play and all substitutes will enter the game.  During the fourth quarter, substitutions may be made at the discretion of the coach.

 Where can I get a copy of the rules for Eastern Basketball?

The 2010-2011 Basketball Rules are available for download by clicking HERE.

Who can I ask if I have additional questions?

If you have additional questions, please email your question to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and someone will try to answer your question.