Berryessa / Milpitas F.A.Q.S
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a waiting list sometimes?
Berryessa / Milpitas NJB is a part of the National NJB organization. We are required to follow the National NJB rules because we play against other chapters during the regular season and in post-season tournaments. We can only have 10 players on a divisional team to comply with the playing time requirements (each player must play in two of the first four “quarters”), per National rules. A team that shows up to a game with more players than that will be forced to forfeit the game. We have no flexibility on this requirement.
This causes us to have to put some children in some age groups on a waitlist. For example, if 53 boys sign-up for the 3rd/4th grade division of BAM NJB, we can form 5 teams of 10. In this example, 3 boys would have to be put on a waitlist. However, if we were to have 58 boys register, we would do our best to go with 4 teams of 10, and 2 teams of 9. We only do this to prevent a large number of children being on the waitlist as it is not ideal to have a team of 9. A team of 9 will not be able to have 5-on-5 scrimmages during practice and it makes it difficult to practice set plays on offense and defense.
In some instances (very rare), we have enough children register to form teams of 10, but we are unable to find volunteers to coach the teams. For example, we have 36 girls register for the 5th/6th grade division. If we can only find 3 head coaches, we would have to form 3 teams and put 6 girls on the waitlist.
As a board, we do our absolute best to ensure that everyone who signs up is given the opportunity to play. We do realize that some children are very passionate about basketball and some who register are indifferent or may be playing other sports simultaneously. When we do have a waitlist, we send out multiple emails to see if anyone would like a full refund and to voluntarily withdraw their child to open up a spot. We have found this to be helpful, but we do not want to have any children sit out if at all possible.
How is registration priority determined?
The priority order is as follows:
1. Child of Coach or Board Member
2. Returning player who lives in the BAM NJB Boundary
3. Sibling of returning player who lives in the BAM NJB Boundary
4. New player who lives in the BAM NJB Boundary
5. Returning player who lives outside of the BAM NJB Boundary (needs a waiver)
6. New player who lives outside of the BAM NJB Boundary (needs a waiver)
7. Date/time player registered (including payment made)
Please register as soon as you can. We also need to know how many children are in each age group so we know how many coaches we will need and how much gym time we need.
Where do the fees go?
Due to limited availability for Berryessa / Milpitas gym space, as well as increased gym rental & custodial fees, this season fees will be $225 for Rookies, $300 for Divisional & $525 for All-Net per player. There is a $13.50 annual fee paid to NJB National for membership, for which we have no control over.
Berryessa / Milpitas NJB has to rent the gyms we use and these rental fees are our biggest expense. We strongly believe that the children develop the most during practices, and not necessarily the games.
All players receive uniforms.
Two paid referees and two paid scorekeepers work at each game.
What is All-Net and how is it different than Divisional?
All-Net is like a pre-season All-Star team. Interested players may try out for the All-Net team in their respective GRADE (there is a separate team for each grade). All-Net begins with 4th grade for boys and 5th grade for girls. Teams play All-Net teams from other chapters.
All-Net teams will be chosen by impartial members of the board, our All-Net Coordinators, and/or coaches of other All-Net teams. We would like to emphasize that there is no entitlement to All-Net. Just because a child makes the team one year, it does not guarantee them a spot the next season. We realize that children grow, mature and improve from season to season and every child will be evaluated equally at the All-Net tryouts.
All-Net rules are different. There are no playing time requirements and they play high school rules. Berryessa / Milpitas NJB does strive to provide significant playing time for All-Net players.
Players who make an All-Net team have to pay an extra fee that goes back to the league. This fee is because All-Net has a few more games than Divisional teams, so we have additional game day expenses for gyms, referees, and scorekeepers.
Why does Silicon Valley NJB send out the schedule for games and tournaments so late?
There is nothing we can do about this as the game and tournament schedules come from Silicon Valley NJB. Often, the master schedulers run into issues when they send out the tentative schedule to each chapter for final approval. Sometimes they aren’t allowed to use a gym they were counting on and things need to be re-worked. We forward it to the coaches as soon as the final schedule is received.
Why wasn’t my child’s coach very knowledgeable?
Berryessa / Milpitas NJB takes great pride in the level of coaching provided to our players. There may be teams that have a parent volunteer coach In reality, with a given team, there isn’t always going to be a coach with a lot of basketball knowledge or coaching experience.
Silicon Valley NJB also has a mandatory coaching clinic where they go over practice plans and sample drills and explain each of the rules that are Division-specific. We encourage our coaches to go out and develop their coaching skills on their own as well. There are resources online, books, DVD’s, etc.
What if I don’t live within the Berryessa / Milpitas NJB Boundary?
We would love to take every child who signs up for the league, no matter where they live. Unfortunately, we have a limited number of teams we can provide space for due to the amount of gyms we have for practices and games. In addition, NJB rules require players to play within the boundaries of the Chapter in which they live. Chapter boundary maps are available on the Silicon Valley NJB web site. Please review the maps to determine what boundary you reside in. If you don’t live in the BAM NJB Boundary, you can play for the chapter in which you live, which may include Willow Glen, Saratoga, Almaden, West San Jose, or others.
If you want to play in BAM NJB, you can attempt to get a waiver from the chapter in which you live. Waivers need to be signed by that chapter, the BAM chapter, and Mel Robertson, who runs Silicon Valley NJB. In order to play All-Net or All-Stars, you MUST have a signed waiver before the season starts in order to play outside of your local boundary. There are no exceptions to this rule.
What is NJB?
National Junior Basketball is a nonprofit organization that was founded by Dennis Murphy, Jr. in 1984. Coach Murphy was previously a coach at Garden Grove High School in California when he had vision of a youth basketball league based on sportsmanship and player development.
NJB has blossomed into a national youth league with over 25,000 participants in 6 states. The program offers four divisions for boys (grades 3 through 12) and two divisions for girls (grades 3 through 8). The Rookie Division is for 1st and 2nd graders, boys and girls, stressing fundamental skills and personal growth. The High School Program is for boys, grades 9 through 12.
What are the divisions?
• Rookies – K - 2nd graders, boys and girls (co-ed)
• Division 3 Boys – 3rd and 4th grade boys
• Division 3 Girls – 3rd, 4th and 5th grade girls
• Division 2 Boys – 5th and 6th grade boys
• Division 1 Boys – 7th and 8th grade boys
• Division 1 Girls – 7th and 8th grade girls
• High School Boys & Girls
What ball size should my child play with?
ROOKIES (boys and girls, 1st & 2nd grade) play with 27.5” balls
DIVISION 3 BOYS (3rd & 4th grade) play with 27.5” balls
DIVISION 2 BOYS (5th & 6th grade) play with 28.5” balls
DIVISION 1 BOYS (7th & 8th grade) play with 29.5” balls
DIVISION 1 GIRLS (6th, 7th, 8th grade) play with 28.5” balls
DIVISION 3 GIRLS (3rd, 4th, 5th grade) play with 27.5” balls
How long is the season?
Practice will begin in late October or early November. Games will begin first Sunday in December, and run through February. All-Stars, and All-Net play can take you into April.
What if sports seasons overlap?
You should make your commitment to the NJB season asap, and be upfront with your coach about the situation.
How are teams formed?
We do our best to form balanced teams according to skill, and physical attributes. All players must attend assessments. A player will not be put on a team without participating in our skills assessment / evaluation. Please see our schedule of events on our home page for dates and times.
Where will kids practice
Practices are held at local gyms. Typically at a local high school, Middle School, and Community Centers.
What time is practice?
You will likely have (2) practices per week. Weeknight practices can be between the hours of 6 PM to 9:30 PM for 1 or 2 hour duration depending on gym availability. If you have a younger child (3rd or 4th grade) we try and schedule you for the earlier time. Saturday practices could be at any time. Practice times and days are dependent on gym availability and our coaches schedule. Some of the practices can be held on outdoor courts.
Where are the games played?
Games are played at various gyms around the valley. You could have a game as far north as Redwood City, and as far south as Hollister.
What are the game times?
Game times vary from week to week. For example you could play as early as 9:00 AM or as late as 8:00 PM.
How many games can we expect to play?
You will play a minimum of 9 regular season games, and 1 guaranteed playoff games.
When would be the first game for the season?
Usually the first or second Sunday in December.
What if I have multiple children in the league?
You should expect the worst case scenario. A game for each at the same time. One in Hollister, and one in Redwood City. This is not always the case, but it could happen.
Do I get a discount if I have more than one child registered?
TBD
What is the Berryessa / Milpitas NJB district?
Overall boundary map: Click here
Do you offer scholarships?
TBD
Can I request for a specific team coach?
You can request but we cannot guarantee placement to the coach of your preference. Our main goal is to make sure we form balanced teams.
When will we get uniforms?
Uniforms or jerseys will be distributed prior to the first game of the season.
Can I trade an old uniform for a new one?
No, Sorry.
Can the kids wear t-shirts with jerseys?
Yes, but it must match the primary Jersey Color. Example, you would wear a white undershirt with a white uniforms, and a navy blue undershirt with Navy Blue uniform.
What is included in the BAM NJB registration fee?
Included in the BAM NJB registration fee are:
• NJB Membership
• Practices for the season
• 9 Regular season games and postseason tournament (fees paid by team) & (no player admission fee except during championship games)
Do I have to volunteer?
All parents are required to volunteer at least 4 hrs. Please note that we are a non-profit organization made up of parent volunteers. We have approximately 250 players with a 10-12 week regular season. It takes a lot to operate an organization of this size successfully. If you prefer to make a donation or provide sponsorship please let us know.
If I coach do I still need to volunteer?
No, coaching will satisfy your volunteer commitment. And we offer a rebate incentive if you coach.
Do you have All-Star teams?
Yes, your child can tryout and be selected to play All-Stars. You can accept or decline.
What is the difference between All-Net and Divisional?
All-Net is our most competitive level. Players are not guaranteed playing time. Coaches determine which players to play. Divisional is competitive as well and all players are guaranteed to play 2 out of 5 possible quarters per game.
Can I play both All-Net and Divisional?
Players can only play one or the other.
Are there additional fees to play All-Net?
Yes. You can ask about the additional fees at the All-Net tryouts.
Can parents pay for uniforms at the player assessments?
No. Uniforms must be purchased at time of registration.
Is there a refund policy if my child withdraws from the team?
Players who register and pay, then withdraw for any reason (including injury, moving, personal reasons, etc.), will be charged the $100 non refundable registration deposit fee and refunded the balance if they withdraw BEFORE the first team practice. Absolutely no refunds will be given after the first practice. If we cannot place your child on a team because of a lack of players or coaches, a refund will be at the discretion of the BAM board.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, If you cannot afford the registration fees, you can do one of the following:
- -Volunteer within the BAM NJB chapter (contact chapter for more information)
- -Ask local businesses, such as your doctor or dentist, to sponsor your registration.
- -Participate in BAM NJB fundraising.
- -Sell merchandise for BAM at home games (contact chapter for more information).
- -Ask the BAM NJB board about scholarships. A limited amount of scholarships may be available for families who can show need.
- -Request a payment plan (must be paid in full by the first game in order to receive a jersey and play).