Community & Recreational Services
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Youth Basketball


Farmington Recreation's Youth Basketball Program, sponsored locally by Dick's Sporting Goods, for youth in grades K - 8 is generally scheduled December through late February or early March, pending facility approvals and weather. Registration begins in September.

Farmington Recreation's Youth Basketball Program thrives on good sportsmanship. 

Sportsmanship is fair and generous conduct or treatment of others, especially in a sports contest.

One demonstrates good sportsmanship when showing respect for yourself, your team mates, and your opponents, for the coaches, and for the referees, judges, and other officials.  Sportsmanship is a style, an attitude, and a mindset, and it can have a positive impact on everyone around you.

Recreation Basketball: Grades K and 1 - Jr. Basketball
  • Farmington Recreation's Jr. Basketball Program is an introduction to the game of basketball for those in grade 1. Clinic-like sessions will focus on the development of basic skills (dribbling, shooting, etc.) and the team concept. Our instructional program places players in an environment that encourages practical training, imagination, and self-confidence through age-appropriate coaching while fostering a competitive, professional, and enjoyable atmosphere. Reassurance and care from our coaches allows every player to gain a better understanding of the game of basketball.
  • Players will be provided with a Farmington Recreation Basketball Jersey and Coaching.
Recreation Basketball: Grades 2 - 8 General Information
  • Recreation teams will be created based on several factors including but not limited to the player's home address and the number of registrations received. Specific requests for team placement will not be accepted.
  • Players will be notified of their team placement one to two weeks prior to their first game.
  • Games will be held on Saturdays at West District School (Grades 2 & 3), Irving Robbins School, and West Woods School at random times between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Inter league play may be scheduled versus other communities in the Farmington Valley (Avon, Burlington, Canton, and Harwinton) which may result in away games. 
  • Recreation Basketball (Grades 2 - 8) practices will be held once per week at various times and locations. Practices may be held but are not necessary during weeks in which a game is not scheduled. Specific requests for practice days and times will not be accepted.
  • Farmington Recreation's Youth Basketball Program is led by volunteer coaches and therefore participants medical conditions (if applicable) will not be shared with our volunteer coaches by Farmington Recreation staff. It shall be the responsibility of parents/guardians to disclose information at their discretion. It shall be the responsibility of parents/guardians to supervise youth in need of supervision due to a medical diagnosis. 
Recreation Basketball: Grades 2 & 3
  • Games will be played with a size 27.5 basketball.
  • NFHS rules shall apply unless otherwise noted, with exception to the following:
    • Zone Defense is not permitted.
    • Double-Team is not permitted.
    • Stealing off of the dribble is not permitted.
    • Full-Court-Press is not permitted.
    • In lieu of free throws, players will be granted a lay-up attempt on shooting fouls.
    • Games will be played in four, eight minute quarters.
    • Two, thirty second timeouts per half.
    • Scores will not be recorded. 
Recreation Basketball: Grade 4
  • Games will be played with a size 27.5 basketball.
  • NFHS rules shall apply unless otherwise noted, with exception to the following:
    • Both Zone and Man-to-Man Defense are permitted.
    • Double-Team is not permitted.
    • Full-Court-Press is only permitted by one player during the last two minutes of each half. Teams shall not press if leading by 10+ points.
    • Games will be played in four, ten minute quarters.
    • Two, thirty second timeouts per half. 
Recreation Basketball: Grades 5 & 6
  • Games will be played with a size 28.5 basketball.
  • NFHS rules shall apply unless otherwise noted, with exception to the following:
    • Full-Court-Press is only permitted by one player during the last two minutes of each half. Teams shall not press if leading by 10+ points.
    • Three-Second-Rule: Verbal warnings shall be given for the first offense. Upon a second offense stoppage of play will occur per NFHS Rules.
    • Games will be played in four, ten minute quarters.
    • Two, thirty second timeouts per half.
Recreation Basketball: Grades 7 & 8
  • Girls, grades 7 & 8 games will be played with a size 28.5 basketball.
  • Boys, grades 7 & 8 games will be played with a size 29.5 basketball.
  • NFHS rules shall apply unless otherwise noted.
    • Games will be played in four, ten minute quarters.
    • Two, thirty second timeouts per half.
Travel Basketball: Boys Grades 4 - 8, Girls Grades 5 - 8
  • Girls, See Registration Link
  • Boys, See Registration Link
  • NFHS rules shall apply unless otherwise noted.
Coaches Corner: Helpful Tips for Volunteer Coaches

Grades 1 - 8 Training




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