Tell me about Mason Youth Basketball!
The goal of the youth basketball program is to provide an opportunity for all boys and girls to enjoy the game of basketball. We offer numerous programs – one for children in elementary school grades 1-2 (Instructional), a recreational basketball program for grades 3-12 and an athletic program for girls and boys in grades 4th-6th. The current youth basketball program was formed in 2004 by the Mason Community Center in partnership with Mason Youth Basketball (MYB).

What is instructional basketball?
A basketball program offered for first and second grade boys and girls. All teams play on an 8 foot or 9 foot  rim.  The main focus is on instruction. The league is meant to develop skills, sportsmanship and a sense of fair play and teamwork. No scores or standings will be kept by the league. The clock is not stopped except for time outs and when the referees stop and explain skills and rules to the kids while they are playing. Each player will receive a participation award.

Who is MYB?
Mason Youth Basketball is a non-profit organization in Mason that began in 1995 to give area girls an opportunity to compete in an organized league both at the recreational and athletic level. In 2004, MYB joined with the Mason Community Center and expanded to include boys teams as well. Last year we had over 130 teams participate in the program and expect to have over 130+ again in 2016-2017.

What is the Cincinnati Premier Youth Basketball League (CPYBL)?

CPYBL (http://cpybl.com/) is a league is made up of teams from all parts of Cincinnati. More information can be found the website noted.

When do practices and games start?
Practices for the athletic teams typically begin the third week of October in preparation for the preseason tournaments in mid-November. Practices for Instructional and Recreational teams begin the first full week of November. Games for all teams will begin the first weekend in December.

How often do teams practice and play games?
Instructional teams will typically practice once each week, during the week, and play one game each weekend on Saturday mornings at the Community Center.

Athletic teams will typically practice twice each week, during the week, and typically play two games each weekend at numerous locations and times (Fri-Sun).

Recreational teams in grades 3-12 will typically practice once per week, during the week, and play one game each weekend at numerous locations and times (Fri-Sun).


How many games will we play?
Instructional Teams will play a 10 game schedule beginning in December and ending in late February. Recreational teams will play a 10 game regular season schedule followed by a season ending tournament in March. Athletic teams will typically play a 20 game schedule beginning in December followed by a season ending tournament in March.

There are no games scheduled for the Christmas holiday.


Where do we practice and play games?
Practices will take place at the Mason Community Center, the Mason school gyms and multi-purpose rooms, as well as possibly some other locations. In previous years we have used space in the Mason Intermediate Campus and the Mason School facilities. We are grateful for all the support that the Mason Schools have given to our program.

The primary home gym for all games is the Mason Community Center Field House. Our athletic teams may play their home games on weekends in a school gym, historically the Mason Intermediate School.

How and when do I register?
On-Time registration begins mid July and rolls through September. You can register on-line at www.imaginemason.org or at the Mason Community Center (229-8555).

What if I missed Registration but still want to play?
Please register anyway. If space permits, we will place your child on a team.

How are teams selected?

Instructional Grades 1-2.  All teams will be formed via blind draw with a balance of first and second graders.  A Head Coach may select one Assistant Coach.

Recreational Grades 3-6:  Core teams (at least 5 returning players) are permitted to stay together from the season prior (provided they were not formed via tryouts).  These teams will be placed in High or Low Recreational based upon their previous years record.    Teams may form with their friends and submit a full team at registration (at least 8 nor more than 10 players).   These teams will be required to play in the High Recreational division.   No teams that are formed via tryout outside of MYB are eligible.  MYB reserves the right to assign individual players to a formed team if there are less than 10 players on that team.   A Head Coach may select only one Assistant Coach

Grades 7 and higher: Are encouraged to form a team with their friends and submit their team as one upon registration. Teams must have at least 8 players but no more than 12. MYB reserves the right to assign individual players to a formed team if there are less than 10 players on that team. If a 7th grade and higher student does not have a team assembled MYB will do everything it can to place them on a team, but cannot guarantee placement. 

Athletic Grades 4-6: Athletic teams will be formed by tryouts only (run by the Mason High School coaches), normally during September each season.  Coaches of these teams will be selected by the MYB Board.

Can I request a specific coach?
For Grades 1-2, since teams are formed via blind draw, coach requests will not be permitted.  For Grades 3-6 Recreational teams, you may request your prior year coach and the request will be accommodated if possible.  Note that due to the number of participants in the program and changes that may happen year to year, MYB may not be able to honor requests for specific coaches.   See above team selection question for Grades 7 and higher.

How many players are on a team?
We attempt to size all recreational teams to be at least eight (8) players and no more than ten (10) players so that each player will be able to play at least one-half of the game. Athletic teams will be sized at eight (8) players and each player will be required to play at least one-half of the game (12 minutes)

If a participant doesn’t make the athletic team, are they automatically placed on a recreational team?
Yes, unless a parent calls and says their child doesn’t want to play on a recreational basketball team.

What are the chances of getting on a team if there is a wait list?
Chances are very good! We are trying very hard not to turn anyone away.

What if my child makes the school team?
You must enroll in MYB by the current deadline of September 30, 2016 if you want to ensure space on an MYB team. If your player makes a school team, then a refund will be issued through a household credit.

How do I become a coach?
MYB relies on the enthusiastic participation of many volunteers to assist in coaching and managing each team. We are always looking for experienced coaches, but will also provide coaching resources and training to dedicated volunteers. Details on the requirements to coach can be found on the Coaches Info portion of the main page.

What size basketball should I purchase my child?
Boys, grades 1-8 and all Girls teams will use a 28.5” (Intermediate) Ball.

Boys, grades 9-12 will use 30” (Regulation) Ball

What does the league registration fee cover?
Each player will be issued a reversible game jersey and shorts as part of their registration fee. The league registration fee offsets costs associated with facilities, equipment, uniforms, referee fees, league fees and insurance.

Spirit wear items will be will be available for teams to purchase at their option at a discounted rate from our spirit wear partner.

Will there be a snack sign-up sheet for after games?
No, teams should not provide or sponsor a parent sign-up for snacks to be distributed after each practice or game due to facility rules, food allergies and to keep the focus on basketball.

How can I get more information?
Please contact any of the MYB Board members listed on the MYB board section of the main page or call the Community Center at 229-8555.