What is the Jr. NBA?
The Jr. NBA is the official youth basketball participation program of the NBA. The Jr. NBA includes a free, membership-based program for existing youth basketball leagues/organizations. The membership is to help encourage and support youth basketball participation at the grassroots level and improve the overall youth basketball experience for all participants. The Jr. NBA aims to develop a lifelong passion for the game of basketball in boys and girls ages 6-14 by teaching them the fundamentals of the sport while instilling core values including teamwork, respect and sportsmanship.
Who can become a Jr. NBA member organization?
Any organization that has a youth basketball program/league/event that serves kids ages 6-14. This includes community-based youth organizations (e.g. Boys & Girls Club, Police Athletic League, Jewish Community Center, YMCA/YWCA, Parks & Rec organization, etc.), schools, and youth basketball programs on military installations.
How do I purchase discounted uniforms for my league?
Please visit our “Outfit Your Program” page to learn more. This will take you directly to the site providing uniform options and discounts associated with being a Jr. NBA member organization. Please submit an inquiry online and a representative will be in touch about specific discounts and printing options for your league.
How do I get my league/organization involved in NBA special events and player appearances?
The first step is to register your league with the Jr. NBA. Once you are a registered Jr. NBA member, you will be invited to participate in special events in your area. The Jr. NBA will keep you posted on all opportunities that become available in your area.
How do I get access to the Jr. NBA grant funding?
As a Jr. NBA member, you are eligible to apply for the Jr. NBA Program of the Year award. You will receive information on how to apply when applicable. Information about previous award winners can be found here.
What are my responsibilities as a league director/member of the Jr. NBA?
League administrators that register their organization(s) for the Jr. NBA are required to endorse the Jr. NBA Pledge. There are no costs or formal requirements associated with being a member of the Jr. NBA.
How can I use the Jr. NBA marks and logos to promote my affiliation?
A complete guide to Jr. NBA logo Usage can be found here. Please email the Jr. NBA at jrnba@nba.com if you have any further questions.
Do my children need to play in a Jr. NBA league to be a Jr. NBA member?
No. Any family with children between the ages of 6 and 14 may register as a Jr. NBA parent. Jr. NBA parents are encouraged to have their local youth basketball program(s) sign up as official Jr. NBA organizations, or join a Jr. NBA member organization in your area.
How do I find a Jr. NBA league for my child(ren) to play?
The best way to join a Jr. NBA league in your town/community is to approach the local organization in your area and encourage them to register their league for the Jr. NBA at www.JrNBA.com.
As a Jr. NBA member, will I receive discounted tickets to NBA games?
Discounted tickets are not a core offering of the Jr. NBA. However, NBA, WNBA, and NBA Gatorade League teams are interested in connecting with Jr. NBA member leagues located within their communities. If you are interested in being connected with your local NBA, WNBA, or NBA G League team, please register for the Jr. NBA at www.JrNBA.com.
FOR COACHES
Do all my coaches need to be licensed by USA Basketball certification to coach in my Jr. NBA league?
No, but it is highly encouraged. Jr. NBA member organization coaches will receive a discount towards coach licensing from USA Basketball.
What is required to get a USA Basketball Coach License?
The coach license requires three components:
Background Screening
USA Basketball Youth Development requires background screening for all potential coaches and administrators. Background screening is one step to help ensure a positive and safe environment. The cost of the background screening is included in your registration fee, unless your county of residence requires an additional fee to process the background check.
For more information on the background screening, including additional fees per county:
http://usab.site-ym.com/?page=BACKGROUNDSCREENING
USA Basketball Youth Development Coaching Course
This course provides both experienced coaches, as well as those new to teaching the game, with tools to improve coaching skills and techniques. The course is foundational and tailored to any coach that instructs youth. It is focused on helping coaches teach the game positively, impart playing the right way competitively, and with enjoyment all while making the wellbeing of young athletes a top priority
For more information on the coaching course, visit http://usab.site-ym.com/?page=COURSEWORK
SafeSport Course
The SafeSport program was created by the United States Olympic Committee to address misconduct in sport and the practices to use to protect athletes. The SafeSport course addresses six types of misconduct and how to affectively deal with each. Learning about the types of misconduct is an important step to recognize, reduce, and respond effectively to inappropriate and harmful behavior.
For more information on the SafeSport course: http://usab.site-ym.com/?page=COURSEWORK
How long does a USA Basketball Coach License last?
The USA Basketball Coach License for 2019-2020 will last from September 1, 2019 – September 30, 2020.
More Questions?
Email: jrnba@nba.com