Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is NoVa Youth Hoops?
NoVa Youth Hoops is a community-focused youth basketball organization serving families throughout Northern Virginia and the greater Loudoun County community. The program builds on more than 22 years of local youth basketball tradition and offers opportunities for players from elementary school through high school.
What grades does NoVa Youth Hoops serve?
NoVa Youth Hoops offers programs for players in grades 1–12, with programs designed for different ages, experience levels, and playing goals.
Where does NoVa Youth Hoops serve?
Our program primarily serves families in South Loudoun and surrounding communities, including Aldie, South Riding, Chantilly, Stone Ridge, and greater Loudoun County. Players from outside our primary school area are welcome to participate when eligible for the applicable program.
Does my child have to attend a specific school to play?
No. While we primarily serve families from our local Loudoun County schools, players from public schools, private schools, homeschool, and other school districts are welcome. Registration may require documentation confirming the player's school or eligibility.

Choosing the Right Program
What programs does NoVa Youth Hoops offer?
Our basketball programs include:
- Developmental Basketball — Grades 1–3
- House League — Grades 4–8
- High School House — Grades 9–12
- Travel / Select Basketball — Grades 4–8
Each program is designed for a different level of experience and commitment.
What is the Developmental Program?
The Developmental Program introduces younger players to basketball through age-appropriate instruction, fundamentals, skill development, and game play.
The program emphasizes learning and having fun while helping players build confidence and prepare for future competition.
What is the House League?
The House League is our recreational basketball program for players in grades 4–8. It combines skill development, teamwork, practices, and games in a positive and competitive environment.
It is a great option for players who want to play organized basketball without the commitment of a travel program.
What is the High School House Program?
The High School House Program provides a recreational basketball opportunity for students in grades 9–12 who are not participating in an interscholastic high school basketball program.
The program is designed around weekend games and does not include regular practices.
What is the Travel Program?
Our Travel Program provides a more competitive basketball experience for players ready for additional training and competition.
Travel teams typically practice twice per week and play primarily on Sundays, with opportunities for additional advanced training and league competition.
Choosing the Right Program
Consider your player's age, experience, interest, and desired level of commitment.
- Developmental is designed for younger players who are learning the fundamentals and building confidence.
- House League is designed for recreational players in grades 4–8 who want to develop their skills and enjoy competitive game play in a positive environment.
- Travel is intended for players looking for a more competitive experience, additional training, and a greater level of commitment.
All players participate in an evaluation to help us determine the appropriate program and team placement. Evaluations are conducted by experienced coaches and staff who assess each player's skills, experience, and readiness to help ensure they are placed in the environment that best supports their development.
If you're unsure which program is right for your player, we're happy to help. Contact us with any questions before registering.

Registration
When does registration open?
Registration dates vary by program and season. Winter registration usually opens in early August.
Visit the Registration page for current registration information and deadlines.
How much does registration cost?
The standard registration fee for the primary basketball season is $235 per player. Certain programs, training opportunities, or special events may have different fees.
Please review the registration page for the current season's pricing.
What grade should I register my child for?
For the Winter season, register your player based on the grade they will enter for the upcoming school year. If you are unsure which division applies to your player, please contact us before registering.
Do I have to live in Loudoun County or attend a Loudoun County school?
No. Players from outside Loudoun County are welcome to participate in NoVa Youth Hoops programs.
Some programs require documentation to verify player eligibility. Acceptable documentation may include a report card, class schedule, student ID, or other appropriate school documentation.
The exception is the Loudoun Middle School program, which requires players to be Loudoun County residents and attend the school for which they are zoned.
Can I register if my child attends private school or is homeschooled?
Yes. NoVa Youth Hoops welcomes players from public schools, private schools, homeschool, and other school districts, subject to the eligibility requirements of the applicable program.
Can my child register after the deadline?
Late registration may be available when space remains. Team formation, uniforms, scheduling, and other factors may limit our ability to accept late registrations.
Please contact us if registration has closed and you are interested in participating.

Season & Scheduling
When does the basketball season run?
Our primary basketball season generally runs from November through early March.
Exact dates vary by grade and program and are published as schedules are finalized.
When will practice schedules be available?
Practice schedules are finalized after registration and facility availability are confirmed. We publish schedules as soon as they are available.
When will game schedules be available?
Game schedules are published once team formation and facility scheduling are complete, typically in early November. Families should check the website and TeamSnap for the most current schedule information.
How often do teams practice?
Practice frequency depends on the program.
- Developmental: generally one practice per week
- House League: generally one practice per week
- High School House: no regular practices
- Travel: generally two practices per week
When are games played?
Game days vary by program.
- Development and House League games are generally played on Saturdays
- Travel games are primarily played on Sundays.
- High School House games are played on Saturdays and Sundays.

Teams & Playing Time
Are teams formed based on school?
We consider school and geographic information when forming teams, but team placement also depends on program structure, player numbers, coaches, and other scheduling considerations.
Can I request that my child play with a friend?
Unfortunately not. Due to the size and structure of our league, we can not guarantee friend and teammate requests. Team formation depends on the number of players, coaches, schools, skill levels, and other factors.
Can siblings play together?
Yes. Whenever possible, siblings can be placed on the same team to help families coordinate practice schedules and simplify transportation. Team placement is subject to program and team structure.
How is playing time handled?
NoVa Youth Hoops is committed to providing a positive developmental experience for every player. Playing time expectations vary by program and age group.
Our Playing Time Guidelines provide additional information about expectations for coaches and families.
Are there evaluations or tryouts?
Yes. Evaluations are used for players in grades 4–12 to help ensure appropriate team placement and create competitive, balanced teams.
Travel and Select programs use player evaluations as part of the tryout process to identify players for competitive teams.
House League evaluations help us create balanced and competitive teams based on player experience and ability.
Developmental players in grades 1–3 do not participate in evaluations.

Coaches & Volunteers
Who coaches NoVa Youth Hoops teams?
Our programs are supported by dedicated volunteer coaches as well as experienced basketball coaches and trainers. Depending on the program, coaching staff may include area high school coaches, assistants, experienced youth coaches, and community volunteers.
Can I volunteer to coach?
Absolutely. Volunteer coaches are an important part of NoVa Youth Hoops.
If you are interested in coaching, please contact us or complete the appropriate coach registration.
Do coaches need basketball experience?
Not necessarily. We welcome volunteers who are willing to support player development and create a positive basketball environment. You don't need extensive coaching experience to become a successful NoVa Youth Hoops coach.
We provide our coaches with the tools and support they need throughout the season, including a coaches clinic, practice guidance, helpful drills, and coaching resources. Our goal is to give every coach the knowledge and resources needed to feel prepared and have a successful season.

Rules, Safety & Policies
Where can I find NoVa Youth Hoops rules and policies?
Our Rules & Policies resources include important information regarding:
- Playing time
- Grade-level rules
- Game and league rules
- Concussion protocol
- Player and parent expectations
- Code of Conduct
Families should review these resources before the season begins.
What is NoVa Youth Hoops' concussion policy?
Player safety is a priority. NoVa Youth Hoops follows established concussion protocols designed to identify potential concussions and ensure that players are appropriately removed from play and returned to basketball safely.
Please review our Concussion Protocol for complete information.
Does NoVa Youth Hoops have a Code of Conduct?
Yes. Players, coaches, parents/guardians, officials, volunteers, and spectators are expected to demonstrate respect, sportsmanship, integrity, and appropriate behavior.
Families are required to acknowledge the applicable PRCS Code of Conduct as well as the NoVa Youth Hoops Code of Conduct as part of registration.

Financial Assistance
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. NoVa Youth Hoops is committed to helping every player have the opportunity to play basketball.
Financial assistance may be available to qualifying families who need help with registration costs.
What is the Bryan Bielecki Scholarship Fund?
The Bryan Bielecki Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Bryan Paul Bielecki. The fund helps provide financial assistance to families who might otherwise be unable to participate in NoVa Youth Hoops programs.
How do I apply for financial assistance?
Families seeking financial assistance should review the Financial Aid information on our website and complete the applicable request process.
All requests are reviewed individually and assistance is subject to available funding.
Can I make a donation to support financial assistance?
Yes. Donations help NoVa Youth Hoops provide opportunities for more players to participate, including through the Bryan Bielecki Scholarship Fund.
Please see our Support NoVa Youth Hoops page for more information on how you can help provide an opportunity for basketball in our local community.

Facilities & Games
Where does NoVa Youth Hoops play?
NoVa Youth Hoops uses a variety of school and community facilities throughout the South Loudoun and greater Loudoun County area.
Visit our Facilities page for the current list of gym locations.
Will my child's practice location be the same every week?
Yes, your child's practice location will be the same each week. However, there are rare times in which holidays, school events, and weather impact gym availability and schedules require a pivot in order to get practices in during the week.
How will I know where my child's game is?
Game locations and schedule are published in TeamSnap. Families should always check the most current schedule before heading to a game.

TeamSnap & Communication
How will NoVa Youth Hoops communicate with families?
NoVa Youth Hoops uses TeamSnap as an important communication and scheduling platform.
Families should make sure their contact information is accurate and monitor TeamSnap for schedule updates, team communications, and announcements.
Where can I find my child's schedule?
Practice and game schedules and other team information are available through TeamSnap once teams have been formed and schedules have been published.

Parents & Spectators
What is expected of parents and spectators?
We ask every parent and spectator to help create a positive basketball environment.
Cheer for the players, respect coaches and officials, encourage good sportsmanship, and remember that youth basketball should be about development, competition, teamwork, and fun.
Who should I contact if I have a question or concern?
Start with the appropriate coach or program contact whenever possible.
For questions that cannot be resolved at the team level, contact NoVa Youth Hoops directly through our Contact Us page.

Still Have Questions?
We are happy to help.
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, contact NoVa Youth Hoops and our team will point you in the right direction.
Questions about registration? →
Registration
Questions about a specific program? →
Programs
Questions about rules or safety? →
Rules & Policies
Need help with financial assistance? →
Financial Aid
Looking for a gym location? →
Facilities