FAQs

The fall league begins in September and goes for 6 weeks until mid-October.

The winter league begins In January and goes for 6 weeks for grades K-2, and 8 weeks for grades 3-8. 

The games are played on Saturdays. Occasionally there might be a Sunday afternoon if the gym is not available.

The games are played at Big Valley High School Gym, 1020 Pelandale Ave. The gym parking lot is adjacent to the football field.

SNJ players come from many surrounding areas (Sonora to Tracy, Stockton to Merced), therefore weekday practice is not feasible. We practice before every game. Each week we focus on one specific basketball skill. This is overseen by an experienced league director. We begin each league with an instructional clinic. We also offer clinics and camps throughout the year which focuses more on skills. Players also have an additional option with our Step Up Training program that teaches skills in smaller groups and are grouped by grade and skill level. They meet once a week on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00. There is an additional fee for this. It is good to learn these skills but the league is still recommended so players can practice these skills in game situations.

The cost varies depending on the length of league and if a uniform is needed. See current application for specific cost.

Yes, we have had many girls play in the league. If she and the parents are comfortable with her playing with boys we welcome it.

Only parent and child or siblings in the same division are placed together. SNJ promotes that players meet and make new acquaintances. We feel that players can play with classmates and friends at school and home. This is a chance to make new friends. We strive for balance of teams to make for better competition. The exception to this is if players come from further areas (Sonora, Stockton, etc.)  then we can place 2 together.

We have a team placement day were all players are put through some drills and play for short sessions at a time. Experienced league directors evaluate the players and begin the team placement process. We also look at them again at the first clinic to adjust players as needed.

Every player plays in the game. Depending on the number of players on a team, each half is predetermined when the clock will stop, and the next rotation of players goes in. Each player is guaranteed a minimum of getting in the game twice during the first half and twice during the second half.

SNJ is a developmental league. It means we put the player first and want him/her to have fun. We believe that the most important thing is that the player develops a love of the game. We keep score but do not emphasize winning or losing. We do not keep individual stats, fouls or give out awards. SNJ philosophy is that players can learn while having fun. If they keep coming back, they will develop and improve naturally. There is a time to emphasize skill development, but it should not take precedence over having fun.

Yes, because we draw many players from many different areas and try our best to balance the teams, we usually have competitive games.

SNJ relies on volunteer coaches. Many return the next year and coach again. If a team does not have a parent/volunteer coach, then one of our league directors will coach the team.

Indicate that you want to be a coach on your child’s application. Also, make sure you approach a director on team placement day. We usually accept coaches who have coached before but there usually always is a need for more.

We have regular high school association officials for grades 5-8, and an experienced adult paired with a college/high school player for grades K-4.

Yes, our league is comprised of all different skill levels and we have focused organized practices that address all needs.

We do have some travel teams. It starts with a coach who wants to take on that responsibility and players for that team are generated from the leagues.

No, but we will work with you if you need a payment plan. Just let us know by calling or discussing it with us on Team Placement Day.

No, SNJ is a non-profit program. All the fees we generate go into the costs of the program. We do have an All-Star Game each season, which is a fundraiser. Everyone is invited to play, but participation is completely voluntary.

There is no charge for team placement or clinic days. But on game days there is an entry fee of $2 for adults, $1 for seniors and free for 17 and under.

Yes, we still accept players, providing we still have room. But our winter league is our biggest and fills up quickly. We usually resort to waiting lists, so don’t wait too long.

If you register and pay the fees, your child will be placed on a team. We prefer that players attend Team Placement Day so that we can put him/her on a team and strive for balance.

If you register, pay your fees and then change your mind about your child playing for any reason, you can get a full refund. We want you satisfied so there are no questions asked. All we ask is that you notify us before the league starts.