Youth Basketball FAQs

Registration Questions

When is this league offered?

We have a Summer season that is May - August and a Winter season that is November - February. 

What type of registration do you accept?

We accept individual registration only. We do not accept team registration. 

What is included with my registration fee?

Jersey and practice times are included with the registration fee.

Are all games played in The Colony?

A majority of the games will be played in The Colony. There is a chance for us to interleague with certain divisions in order for those divisions to make. In this case, the games might not be in The Colony.  

Who can register for the league?

Boys and girls ages 5-12 years old are eligible to participate in the league. Age qualification is determined by age on 9/1 of the current school year.

Can I apply for financial assistance?

Yes, we do offer financial assistance for our youth leagues. We determine financial assistance by the number of people in your household and income on your most recent tax return. For more information regarding financial assistance please email playtcsports@thecolonytx.gov.

How are teams formed?

The Colony Parks and Recreation Athletics staff form teams via coach/friend requests and other factors. Below are some of the factors that are used in order to form teams:

  • Friend Requests
  • Coach Requests
  • Number of participants registered
  • Number of teams we are able to make due to number of participants registered
  • School
  • Height, Weight, Age, Etc

When registering you will be able to submit requests and information that we go off of. 

Can I play my child up a division?

There are a few exceptions for a participant to play up. The following exceptions are allowed:

  • The participant is the qualifying age at the time of the start of the season. Example: My son was 8 on the aging date of 9/1/2024, but will be 9 by the start of the season. In this example, the child would be able to play in either the 8U or 10U division as he would be 9 by the start of the season. 
  • The parent of the participant will be the head coach of the team. 
  • A coach has requested the child to be placed on their team. In order for this exception to be approved, the coach would need to send an email to the Athletic Staff requesting the child to be on their team.

For any of these exceptions you would have to register over the phone with an athletics staff member. You would NOT be able to register online. 

What is the refund policy?

  • Refunds for PARD operated athletic leagues will not be considered after teams or schedules have been formed. 
  • A 20% administrative fee will be charged for all refunds requested for PARD operated athletic leagues prior to teams being formed or schedules being made. 
  • Medical refunds will be granted at a prorated amount for the portion of the program missed if a doctor's note is provided. 
  • Programs cancelled by PARD due to low enrollment or other circumstances will result in the patron's choice of full refund, transfer, or credit to their account for future registrations. 


Can I change my child's team?

No, once rosters are made we do not make changes to rosters. There is no exception to this policy and all requests will be denied. 

Coaching Questions

Why do we require volunteer coaches?

We require volunteer coaches for all of our youth leagues. This is due to us being a recreational league and in order to keep the registration price down for participants. If we hired coaches the registration fee would drastically increase. 

How do I apply to be a coach?

  • During the registration process selecting yes on the question about coaching
  • Clicking Here
  • By emailing playtcsports@thecolonytx.gov

Why doesn't my child have a coach?

All of our leagues rely on volunteer coaches due to this there is a chance that we do not have enough volunteers by the start of the season. If this is the case, we will send out emails to the team to find a volunteer and have a parent meeting. We do not offer refunds for teams without coaches at the beginning of the season. 

What qualifications do I need to be a coach?

  • No experience is needed to coach
  • All coaches must go through the background check process and fill out required paperwork

Season Questions

How many practices does each team get?

For the winter season each team will receive two 45 minute to 1 hour practices a week. For the summer season each team will receive one 45 minute to 1 hour practice a week. These practice times are set by the volunteer coach at the coaches meeting prior to the season. 

Why does my team only get one or two practices a week?

Due to gym space we only provide two practices per team a week. We only have one city gym and we utilize schools for extra practices on top of that. 

Where are practices located?

Practices will be at local schools or the Recreation Center depending on availability. 

Where are games located?

Games are located at local schools or the Recreation Center depending on availability. You can see your game location on the game schedule. 

What happens if I lose my jersey?

You can purchase a new jersey by reaching out to playtcsports@thecolonytx.gov for $10.

Can we wear our own jerseys?

We order jerseys specific to each child in regulations to the league. All teams are required to wear the City issued jersey. You may not wear a custom jersey of your own. 

What size ball do I need?

  • 6U Division - Junior (27.5)
  • 8U Division - Women's (28.5)
  • 10U Division - Women's (28.5)
  • 12U Division - Men's (29.5)

Do I need to provide my own ball?

Yes, we highly suggest you provide your own basketball. We do not provide basketballs for practices. 

What rules does the league go by?

We structure our rules off of the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation rules. 

You can find rules by CLICKING HERE

6U Rules

  • We do not keep score in the 6U division. This division is for basic development and we want our coaches and teams to focus on that. The basics of dribbling, shooting, court, and to be a team. 
  • 6U is played on a shorter side court. This way there is more opportunities to get near the basket and learn the fundamentals of shooting. 

How long is the season?

The summer season will consist of 6 regular season games and the top 4 teams in each division will result in a playoff tournament. The winter season will consist of 8 regular season games and the top 4 teams in each division will result in a playoff tournament. The 6U division will always consist of 6 games and no playoffs. 

Will there be double headers?

There is a possibility for double headers during the regular season and playoffs. Double headers might be required due to number of teams in certain divisions and the length of the season.

Do spectators have to pay to watch games?

No, entry is free for anyone wanting to watch games. Though spectators must be respectful and have sportsmanship themselves. All spectators are subject to the same sportsmanship rules as players and coaches. 

Are noise makers allowed?

Noise makers are allowed, confetti cannons are prohibited.

For more information contact the Athletics Team at playtcsports@thecolonytx.gov