Thunder Basketball

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From James Naismith’s invention of basketball at the Y in 1891 to today, the Y has a rich tradition in sports played around the globe. We nurture the potential of youth through sports programming by strengthening character, engaging families and building lasting relationships. We are pleased to partner with the Oklahoma City Thunder to further our mission within our youth basketball league, now called the YMCA Thunder Basketball League.

Our Character Development League for youth basketball will have an emphasis on developing fundamentals and understanding of the game of basketball, while developing social skills and self-esteem. Youth basketball officials will be more lenient and assist in helping the child learn the rules as they play basketball games. The 2022-2023 will have 2 division groups, Young Athletes Fundamentals Division (Co-Ed 3 & 4 year-olds) and General Divisions for 5 - 12 Year-Olds. Please check out the FAQ included below for more details!

YMCA Thunder Basketball 2022-2023 Season FAQ

When will my child practice?

Practices will occur once per week for all divisions, Monday – Thursday nights, and games will happen on Saturday mornings. Practice night requests are offered at sign-up. We do our best to accommodate all requests, but they are not guaranteed. We will notify parents of their team assignments the week ahead of first practices for your division. Please ensure your email and phone number are current on your registration paperwork – this is how we will notify you of your team assignment.

When does the season start and end?

Young Athletes Division (4U) – Co-Ed Fundamental League			6U, 8U, 10U, and 12U Divisions
Registration Open	October 27^th – November 14^th ^{Late registration available through November 21st for additional $10}		Registration Open	October 27^th - November 28^th ^{Late registration available through December 5th – January 3rd for additional $10}
Week 1	November 14^th – 18^th	First Practices, Meet the Team	Week 1	December 5^th – 9^th	First Practices, Meet the Team
Week 2	November 21^st – 23^rd	Optional Practice, Thanksgiving Week	Week 2	December 12^th – 16^th	Practice
Week 3	November 28^th – Dec. 3^rd	Practice, 1st Game on Saturday	OFF	December 19^th – January 1^st	Winter Break – Practice Optional
Week 4	December 5^th – 10^th	Practice, Game 2 on Saturday	Week 3	January 2^nd - 6^th	Practice
Week 5	December 12^th – 17^th	Final Practice, Final Game on Saturday	Week 4	January 9^th – 14^th	Practice, 1^st Game on Saturday
			Week 5	January 16^th – 21^st	Practice, Game 2 on Saturday
			Week 6	January 23^rd -28^th	Practice, Game 3 on Saturday
			Week 7	January 31^st – February 5^th	Practice, Game 4 on Saturday
			Week 8	February 7^th – 12^th	Practice, Game 5 on Saturday
			Week 9	February 13^th – 18^th	Practice, Game 6 on Saturday
			Week 10	February 20^th – 25^th	Practice, Game 7 on Saturday
			Week 11	February 27^th – March 4^th	Practice, Game 8 on Saturday

What can I expect from this season?

YMCA Youth Sports are all about building strong character, community, and fundamental skills. Team sizes will be limited to 12 players so that each athlete has the greatest opportunity for skill development and play time while creating a safe and healthy environment for players, parents, volunteers, coaches, and referees. While families may request practice nights, teams, or coaches, we must make sure our teams are split up evenly to optimize each player’s experience.

Skill development will be the focus of this league. YMCA staff will provide coaches and parents with training, drills, and information to help their athletes improve. Volunteers must pass a background check and participate in a few trainings prior to the season. If you are interested in volunteering as a coach, assistant coach, or scoreboard operator for YMCA Thunder Basketball, please email our sports team at youthsports@noblecoymca.org.

What ages can enroll in basketball? Can my child move up a level?

This league works with youth ages 3-12 and will assign your athlete to the appropriate division based on their age on 8/31/2022. Participants may move to another division that best aligns with their skills, but it must be approved by a director.

Young Athlete’s Division (4U) – Co-Ed Fundamental Season for 3 & 4 Year-Olds
5 & 6 Year-Olds Co-Ed Division (6U)
Girls Divisions for 8U (7-8 year-olds), 10U (9-10 year-olds), and 12U (11-12 year-olds)
Boys Divisions for 8U (7-8 year-olds), 10U (9-10 year-olds), and 12U (11-12 year-olds)

What is the cost for the season?

Young Athletes Division (3 & 4 Year-Olds): $30 for members, $50 for nonmembers.

6U - 12U Divisions (5-12 Year-Olds): $45 for members, $65 for non-members per child.

Players are required to have a YMCA Thunder jersey, available for purchase at the front desk. Jerseys are $20. If a child already has a YMCA Thunder jersey, they are not required to purchase a new jersey.

What health precautions are in place?

Our goal is to provide as safe and healthy a sports experience as possible for our community. If you or your athlete is running a fever or has been ill in the past 24 hours, we ask that you stay home for your health and the health of your team. If you, your player, or anyone in your family is feeling ill or displaying symptoms of illness, we ask that you stay home.

How will the Sports Department communicate with me?

For initial communication, we will call and email the primary and secondary families listed on the registration form. Once teams have been assigned, each contact will be added to a group chat on the GroupMe App where you can communicate directly with fellow families and staff.

Where can I get a copy of the registration form?

Feel free to stop by the YMCA to pick up a registration form and FAQ or feel free to select the link here to download a copy for yourself!

I still have more questions!

Feel free to contact our Sports Department at youthsports@noblecoymca.org

THUNDER BASKETBALL

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