FAQ's:

The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) are listed with answers to help our customer better understand Spartan Basketball.  Find your question and scroll down to that number on the page.  If you have a question, not answered here, please send an email to  .

1.  Who may participate in Spartan Basketball?

2.  When does basketball registration start?

3.  Why does basketball registration start so early?

4.  When does the season/practice start?

5.  How do I register for Spartan Basketball?

6.  What is the cost to play Spartan Basketball?

7.  What does the registration fee cover?

8.  What equipment will I have to purchase for my child to play Spartan Basketball?

9.  Where do we purchase Spartan Basketball jerseys and other equipment?

10.  What size ball is required?

11.  How is a new player assigned to a team?  Are there tryouts?

12.  How are returning Spartan Basketball players placed on teams?

13.  How many players are on each team?

14.  Can I bring a team, or partial team to Spartans?

15.  How are jersey numbers decided?

16.  Where, when, and how often is practice?

17.  How many games are played?  When and where are they scheduled?

18.  What if we have a family vacation scheduled during the season?

19.  What if my child decides after signing up that he does not like football and wants to quit?  

20.  Who can be a coach?

21.  How can I help?

22. What is the Refund Policy?

SPARTAN BASKETBALL FAQ – ANSWERS:

1.      Who may participate in Spartan Basketball?

Any child aged 7 to 14 (Grades 2nd through 8th), excluding high school students.  Spartans are a 40-year-old Member Club of the Arapahoe Youth League (AYL) and as a result have a specific geographic territory that we serve.  We service Aurora, East Centennial, and Unincorporated Arapahoe County.  However, players from outside this territory can still play within the Spartans Basketball program but are subject to a few additional requirements.  We have provided a map of Spartan territory on the Basketball Information page.  Should you wish to play Spartan Basketball, or you are unsure as to which Club Territory you live in, please contact one of the Spartan Basketball representatives.

2.      When does basketball registration begin?

Registration for Spartan Basketball begins on August 15th.  All registrations must be completed using the on-line system.  This allows our customers a more efficient registration process.  Please click on the registration link beginning August 15th.

3.      Why does basketball registration start so early?

The Spartans are a member of the AYL, which has more than 150 teams participating in youth basketball.  Each club must define and commit by the end of October each year as to the number of teams by age and division that will participate in the league.  This is required to allow time for the all-volunteer AYL Basketball Board to complete detailed plans for the season including game schedule, number of officials required, practice/game gyms, etc.  This also allows ample time for Spartans to place players on rosters and recruit additional coaches if necessary.

4.      When does the season/practice start?

Regular practices will begin between the last week in October and the first week in November.  Teams will practice 1-2 days a week, depending on gym availability.  Coaches will be allowed to contact players/parents on their rosters early to mid-October to discuss practice schedules.  The regular season start dates have not been determined, please refer to the calendar for updates.  The regular season will consist of a minimum of 10 games followed by a single-elimination playoff and a championship weekend.  The basketball season will typically end by the middle of February.  NOTE: Season dates will vary from year to year. It is best to view the current season calendar located in the Basketball section of the Spartan website.  We will update our dates as soon as we get them from AYL.  

5.      How do I register for Spartan Basketball?

Spartans use an on-line registration process.  This on-line system makes it far more efficient for parents and our organization.  Credit cards are the preferred way to pay registration fees.  Please use the registration tabs located throughout the site to register your child.

NOTE:  Registrations are not considered complete, until full payment has been received and acknowledged.

6.      What is the cost to play Spartan Basketball?

The cost for Spartan Basketball can change year-to-year.

Basketball registration cost for 2022-2023:

Early Bird Registration:  August 15, 2022 - August 31, 2022, at Midnight - $400.00

Regular Registration:  September 1, 2022 - September 30, 2022, at Midnight - $425.00

Late Registration:  October 1, 2022 - October 22, 2022, at Midnight - $450.00

*ANY registrations after October 23, 2022 - $475.00  

**Registrations received after September 30, 2022, will be placed on an as needed basis. *We reserve the right to close age groups earlier if teams are to capacity and another team cannot be formed.

7.      What does the registration fee cover?

The fee covers many items including (but not limited to):

·        Registration costs which are league fees, insurance costs, coach background checks, etc.

·        Practice costs such as practice gym usage & permits, coaching, and practice equipment.

·        Game costs such as game gym usages & permits, including weekly gym set up/tear down, official's cost, website scheduling and score reporting costs, and officials evaluation costs.

·        Spartan Basketball operating expenses such as bank fees, ongoing coaching evaluations and education, administration costs, copying costs, etc.

·        Team Picture/Memory Mate Photo Collage

8.      What equipment will I have to purchase for my child to play Spartan Basketball?

Each individual player is responsible for his own equipment and uniform.  The required equipment consists of a game jersey (reversible) and basketball shoes.  If purchasing a new shoe please consider purchasing a basketball specific shoe, which has tread and construction suited for basketball movement. It is also recommended, but not required, to bring your own ball for practice. Spartan game jersey and short designs are owned by Spartans and can only be purchased at our club store.

9.      Where do we purchase Spartan Basketball jerseys and equipment?
 

Uniforms:

You will need to purchase your uniform through our online store- open 24 hours CLICK HERE - always verify jersey number with your coach prior to placing an order.

**Game Jerseys need to be ordered by September 23, 2022, to guarantee size and player number.  Orders after September 23, 2022 will be assigned numbers based off availability in size needed. 

Other equipment can be purchased at Dick’s Sport Goods, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Play It Again Sports or any other sporting goods store.

10.   What size ball is required for my child?

2nd and 3rd grade: Junior 27.5” ball or size 5

4th and 5th grade: 28.5” ball or size 6

6th grade and Higher:  Girls - 28.5” ball or size 6, Boys - 29.5” ball or size 7

11.   How is a new player assigned to a team? Can I request to play with a friend or coach?  Are there try-outs? 

A basketball player is assigned to a team based upon grade, school, and experience. Grade is determined by the grade level your child will be enrolled in for the Fall of the current school year.  We attempt to place new players on a team with similar experience levels.  Then if there are multiple choices, we will try to match the new player with a team that has other players from the same school the new player attends or within the middle school feeder system. Priority for placement is based on the actual registration date and time from our on-line system.

New Spartans basketball players may request to play with a friend or a particular coach. This can be noted on the registration form. If a team preference is indicated on the registration form, Spartans will endeavor to grant that preference. However, there are other factors such as team level of competitive play, specific team roster openings, etc, that affect that placement.

Spartans do hold evaluations for Division 1 as necessary.  However, as there is no current separation of Divisions, Spartans will NOT be having evaluations for the 2022-2023 season (U.N.O).

12.   How are returning Spartan Basketball players placed on teams?

Returning players who are registered and paid in full by September 8,2022 of the current year will automatically be assigned to the same team they played on the previous season (unless otherwise requested).  The jersey number used by that returning player will also be guaranteed if the registration is paid for by September 8, 2022.  Should a returning player fail to register and pay by September 8, 2022, there is no guarantee that they will be placed on the same team's roster. 

Should a returning player wish to change teams, for any reason, please contact the Spartan Basketball Director at  .  Please do this as soon as possible so we can advise and assist you in making the requested change.  Please understand that a returning player that wishes to change teams should still register by September 8, 2022. If your child is placed on a new team, you may need to purchase a new uniform if their pervious roster number is not available.

13.   How many players are on each team?

Team size can vary depending on the number of kids registering to play.  We try to keep the rosters between 10-12 players.

14.   Can I bring a team, or partial team to Spartans?

Yes, depending on the timing of the discussion/request we are usually able to accept full or partial teams.  If you are interested in doing this, please contact the Spartans basketball director directly ASAP to work through any issues that may arise.

15.   How are jersey numbers decided?

During registration you will make a number request.

Returning Players:  Must be registered and paid, no later than September 23,2022 to guarantee uniform number.  This is only guaranteed if you are planning to return to the same coaches’ roster as the previous season.  If you register and pay later than September 23, 2022, you may have to buy a new jersey if that number is no longer available.

New Players:  Requested roster numbers of uniforms will be considered and will be given if available.  

16.   When, where, and how often is practice?

The Spartans pay for practice gym permits from Cherry Creek Schools.  Most teams will practice

1-2 evenings during the week.  The start and end time of practice is determined by the Head Coach.

17.   How many games are played?  When and where are they scheduled?

The AYL regular season generally consists of ten games (NEW for 2023: AYL will try to have a 12 game season with multiple weeks of double headers).  All teams will also play in a single elimination playoff.  The number of games played during the playoffs can vary based upon the number of teams in an age division.

The AYL is comprised of Member Clubs establishing teams in the South Metro area communities of Littleton, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, SE Denver, South Aurora, Parker, and Castle Rock.  Games can be played in any of these locations at specific gyms.

Regular season games are scheduled for Friday (5:00-10:00pm) or Saturday (9:00am-9:00pm). The first regular season game will be scheduled for Friday or Saturday around the middle of November.  The regular season runs through the end of January/early February.  Playoffs begin the week following the end of the regular season and continue with the AYL Championships completed no later than the end of February.  Note: Some playoff and/or championship games may need to be played on Sunday to be certain the entire playoff and championship schedule can be completed prior to the mandatory end of season date.  Please understand that games may be postponed by weather, gym issues or other problems resulting in game cancellations.  Games are typically rescheduled ASAP and can be played on any day of the week (including Sunday).

18.   What if we have a family vacation scheduled during the season?

Basketball requires significant preparation and practice as well as a strong commitment to the team.  Family vacations during the season are highly discouraged.  Depending on team rules, playing time may be impacted because of the time your player misses during your vacation.  You are encouraged to schedule your vacations prior to or after the season to avoid playing time impacts.  If you must schedule a family vacation during the season, please inform your Head Coach as soon as possible to understand how your team may be impacted.

19.   What if my child decides, after signing up, they do not like basketball and wants to quit? 

After the season starts, we have a no-refund policy.  Registration fees are based on a variety of costs.  These fees are determined by AYL player costs, permits, insurance etc.  Due to our sports seasons accruing costs prior to the start of the season, we pay in advance for our players.  Player withdrawals still result in an out-of-pocket cost to the Spartan Youth Club.  So, NO refund will be issued after the start of a season.  No exceptions!

20.   Who can be a coach?

Anyone can apply to be a Head or Assistant Coach.  All coaching candidates will go through a certification process.  The process involves filling out an application and undergoing a CBI background check.  All Spartan Coaches are required to attend any mandated AYL Coaches Training sessions and are encouraged to attend local coaching clinics if they can as well. 

All Spartan Coaches must complete the NFHS Concussion Training Course annually.  We encourage parents to take the concussion course to become familiar with the signs and dangers of concussions as well.  The course information can be found on the NFHS site:  www.nfhs.org

21.   How can I help?

Each team will need help with a variety of jobs throughout the season.  Please communicate with your head coach about helping with keeping score, team mom, etc.

22.   What is the refund policy?

Spartan Youth Club understands that occasionally, a player may need to withdraw from registration due to unforeseen circumstances.  Refunds must be made in writing and submitted to April at .  We can issue refunds requested prior to the start of a season (first regular season practice), minus a $25.00 administrative fee.  Any refund requested on or after the season starts will not be accepted.  The Spartan Youth Club is a 501C3 nonprofit organization.