What is the Difference Between the Provincial and Recreational Programs?
Our goal is to provide accessible basketball opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels, while ensuring each player is appropriately challenged and able to enjoy the game in a supportive environment.
REC (Recreational): Designed for players who want to enjoy basketball in a more casual setting with less time and financial commitment. Typically includes one local practice and game per week. Program details depend on registration numbers and interest.
PROV (Provincial): Designed for players looking to take their game to the next level. Teams have two guaranteed practices plus a third weekend session for a game, tournament, or practice. The level of competition and commitment is higher, with travel and tournaments throughout the year, including the Basketball New Brunswick Provincial Tournament. Additional costs apply for uniforms, travel, referees, and other expenses.
What Does the Registration Fee Cover?
Your registration fee covers all the costs of running the participants basketball team from October until the end of the regular season which ends the week before March break. For Provincial players, there will be additional costs for uniforms, travel, referees, etc.
Are your teams co-ed?
Our U5 Multisport program is co-ed. All divisions U7 and older are not co-ed and teams are divided based on gender.
Do I Also Need to Purchase a Uniform and a Ball?
Reversible jerseys are provided and are given to the U9+ (includes U9) players at the beginning of the season while U9 players also receive a basketball to keep.
- U7 receives a t-shirt and basketball to keep.
- U5 players receive a t-shirt to keep.
When Can I Expect Practices and Games to Begin?
After player evaluation sessions, team and coach selection are complete, teams are assembled, and you can expect practices to begin shortly thereafter. Practices will start at the beginning of October and games will begin mid-late October.
My Child has Other Activities During the Week. Can you Tell me What Night his/her Basketball Practice will be on so I Can Ensure There Will not be Conflicts?
Practice schedules are not typically available during registration in August and early September. Schedules are finalized after registration closes, evaluations are completed, and teams and coaches are assigned, normally in mid- late September or early October.
If your child has a specific, unavoidable conflict on a particular day, please include this information in the Special Requests section of the registration form or email us (executivedirector@monctonbasketball.ca) to let us know. We will do our best to consider these conflicts when building teams and schedules.
While we make every effort to accommodate scheduling conflicts, we cannot guarantee that your child will avoid a particular night or time slot. Gym availability is limited, and schedules must also take into account the availability and commitments of our volunteer coaches.
How Long is the Season?
The season runs from October until mid-February with play-offs or jamborees beginning shortly thereafter. The MBA Fall/Winter season will wrap up before March Break.
How are the U5 and U7 programs structured this year?
This year, our U5 and U7 programs will be offered in three separate sessions throughout the year. This format is designed to keep young players engaged, excited about basketball, and coming back to the sport throughout the years.
Fall Session: October 10 - November 28, 2026
Winter Session: January 9 - February 13, 2027
Spring Session: April 10 - May 15, 2027
Families can register for one, two, or all three sessions, depending on what works best for their family. Each session will provide age-appropriate instruction and activities focused on developing fundamental basketball skills while keeping the experience fun and engaging.
What is the U5 Multisport Program?
This year, our U5 program will be transitioning from Little Dribblers to a Multisport program. We made this change to better meet the developmental needs of our youngest participants and provide a fun, active introduction to sport.
The program will introduce children to multiple sports and physical activities, including basketball, through age-appropriate games and activities designed to develop fundamental movement skills, coordination, and a love of being active.
My Children are U7 and U9, will they Play Actual Basketball Games with Referees?
No, at this age, the training sessions focus on teaching the children the basics of the game of basketball per Basketball New Brunswick guidelines. However, we offer jamborees throughout the season that give these age divisions the opportunity for game play.
My Child has Never Played Basketball Before, and I am Concerned they will be on a Team with Seasoned Veterans and Never Touch the Ball. Is this Possible?
All players U11 and older will go through an evaluation process in order to make fair and balanced rec teams. In addition, MBA operates under fair play rules meaning that all youth who participate in basketball will have an even amount of playing time and support.
What do I do if my Child Cannot Make a Practice or Game?
We kindly ask you to please let a member of the coaching staff know of their absence. Coaches pre-plan practices thus knowing how many kids will be at each practice is very helpful in building their practice plan. If they miss any new concepts, they will be reviewed at the following practice.
Can You Inform me of Any Existing Subsidy Programs that Provide Registration Financial Assistance?
There are opportunities available to assist families with the financial costs of participating in youth basketball. If you require assistance, please contact MBA (executivedirector@monctonbasketball.ca).
Please contact our association if you have any other questions: executivedirector@monctonbasketball.ca
If my child is trying out for a Provincial Team, do I also need to register them for the Fall/Winter season?
Yes. If your child is registering for Provincial Team tryouts, you must also complete the appropriate U11 or U14 Player Registration package. Players should complete both the Player Registration and Provincial Team Tryout Registration. This ensures your child is registered for the Fall/Winter season regardless of the outcome of Provincial Team tryouts.