CYB Recreation Basketball: Frequently Asked Questions
We're looking forward to another season! CYB is run by volunteers, and we've gathered answers to the questions families ask most often.
How do I register?
Go to charltonbasketball.com, select the recreation registration program, and enroll your player for their current grade. Rec and Wildcats are separate programs with separate registration processes.
What are the fees and deadlines for 2026–27?
Regular registration runs through November 12. Fees are $65 for kindergarten–2nd grade and $85 for grades 3–12. Late fees begin November 13. Availability and final registration deadlines are shown in the registration program for your division.
When does the season start?
The season starts the first week in December. Your division director or coach will share your group's first session, location, and schedule once those details are finalized.
What is the weekly schedule for each division?
| Division |
Weekly schedule |
| Kindergarten |
Saturday, 8–9 a.m.; clinic style. |
| Girls grades 1–2 |
Saturday, 9–10 a.m.; clinic style. |
| Boys grades 1–2 |
Saturday, 10–11 a.m. or 11 a.m.–noon; clinic style. Each player attends one assigned session. |
| Boys and girls grades 3–4 |
One weeknight practice and one Saturday morning game in the 8 a.m.–noon window. |
| Boys grades 5–6 |
One practice per week; games on weeknights or Saturdays. |
| Girls grades 5–6 and 7–8 |
Division structure and schedule depend on registration numbers. These groups may be combined into a girls grades 5–8 division. |
| Boys grades 7–8 |
Weeknight practices and games. |
| High school |
Sunday games, times to be determined, plus one weeknight practice. |
Kindergarten through grade 2 meets only for the Saturday clinic sessions listed above. There are no separate practices. Boys grades 1–2 families will be notified of their assigned session.
For grades 3 and up, team assignments and specific practice and game times will be shared once finalized.
Why isn't my practice schedule available yet?
There is a lot of work involved in getting a season underway, and scheduling is one of the hardest parts—the final piece of the puzzle. Registration numbers, team rosters, coaches, and gym availability all need to come together before we can finalize practice and game times.
That is why we encourage early registration and apply late fees after the regular registration deadline. Late registrations can require changes to teams and schedules, making it harder to get everything ready for a smooth start. Registering on time helps our volunteers plan and share schedules with families sooner.
We aim to share team assignments and practice schedules by Thanksgiving week. We cannot guarantee specific practice nights, and game schedules will be shared as soon as they are finalized.
When will I hear about my team?
We aim to share team assignments and practice schedules by Thanksgiving week, once divisions and coaching assignments are organized. Watch the email used for registration, check your spam folder, and check TeamSideline. If the season is about to begin and you haven't received information, contact us with your player's name, grade, and registration email so we can check.
Are there tryouts or cuts for recreation basketball?
Rec does not use tryouts to select players for rosters. Some divisions hold assessments or balancing sessions to help make teams as evenly matched as possible. These are different from Wildcats travel tryouts.
What if my player cannot attend a rec assessment?
You do not need to notify us if your player cannot attend. Assessments help us create teams that are as balanced as possible and give every child a better experience, so attending helps us do that. If your player cannot make it, they will still be placed on a team using whatever information we have about them, even if that information is limited.
Is rec suitable for a beginner?
Yes! Rec welcomes players with different levels of experience. Our younger divisions focus on fundamentals, learning, and confidence. Kindergarten through grade 2 is run clinic style, with grades 1–2 introducing coached scrimmages as players develop.
Can my preschooler join kindergarten basketball?
Children must actually be enrolled in kindergarten. Eligibility is based on grade, not simply turning five. We look forward to welcoming them when they reach kindergarten.
Can families from outside Charlton participate?
Out-of-town players are welcome in the recreation program. Wildcats travel eligibility is separate; review the Wildcats information before registering for travel tryouts.
Can we request a friend, coach, or practice night?
You may include a request during registration, but we cannot accommodate every request for a particular teammate, coach, or team. Our priority is creating balanced teams and a positive experience for all players. Playing with new teammates is also a valuable opportunity for children to make friends and get to know other kids in the community. Please register with the understanding that placement requests are not guaranteed. We cannot guarantee specific practice nights.
Do players need their own basketball?
Basketballs are provided. Your coach or division director will share any other instructions for your sessions.
What if I cannot register or my player's grade is wrong?
Use the family sign-in on the website, rather than Admin Sign In. If you still have trouble, email us with your player's name, current grade, registration email, and the error you see. A screenshot helps. Please do not create additional accounts or duplicate registrations to work around the problem.
Should I download the TeamSideline app?
Yes! Please download the TeamSideline app for iPhone or Android. It gives families a convenient place to check team schedules, updates, and messages throughout the season.
Download TeamSideline for iPhone or Android.
Use the email address associated with your player's registration when signing in, and turn on notifications. Team information will be available once teams are set up and your player is assigned. If your team is missing after assignments have been announced, contact us with your player's name, grade, and registration email so we can check the setup.
Please continue checking your email as well—we also send league-wide announcements there.
Why am I not receiving emails?
Check spam and confirm that the correct email address is associated with your player's registration. If another parent or guardian needs communications, contact us so we can check the account setup. Being able to view team events does not necessarily confirm that you are receiving league emails.
What happens when school gym availability changes?
CYB uses school facilities, and gym availability can change. Watch your email, TeamSideline, and the CYB Facebook page for updates before heading out. Follow the specific cancellation or rescheduling notice for your session.
How is Wildcats different from rec?
Wildcats is our competitive travel program and has its own tryouts, commitments, and placement process. Start with Wildcats General Info to find the FAQ, current tryout schedule, registration, and player/parent contract. Registering for rec does not register your player for Wildcats tryouts. Wildcats payment and enrollment information is sent after a player is offered a roster spot.
Do Wildcats players also need to play rec?
For grades 4–6, rec participation is required in addition to Wildcats unless the player makes their middle school basketball team. The requirement does not apply to grades 7–8. Please review the Wildcats FAQ and contract for the full program expectations.
Who should I contact about an issue during the season?
Your division director is your first point of contact for any questions or concerns during the season.
How can I volunteer?
Let us know if you're interested in coaching, assisting, or helping the league. Include the grade or division you're interested in and how you would like to help. CYB depends on volunteers, and we appreciate your time.
How do I ask about financial assistance or a refund?
Contact charltonyouthbasketball@gmail.com with your player's name, grade, and the program involved. We will review your situation. Please wait for confirmation before assuming an enrollment has been canceled or a refund has been issued.
Still need help?
If your question is not answered here, email charltonyouthbasketball@gmail.com with your player's full name, current grade, Rec or Wildcats, and the email used to register. To help our volunteers focus on questions that need individual attention, questions already answered in this FAQ or our automatic reply will not receive a separate response.