Youth Basketball League

Youth Basketball is Back!

The City of Ojai Recreation Department Youth Basketball program is back and set to tip off another exciting season! League play is available to those in the 2nd through 8th grade and a Skills Clinic is available for those in Kindergarten and 1st grade.

To register for the upcoming season, please click the link noted above. In addition to online registration, participants can register through the Department's main office located at Sarzotti Park, 510 Park Road, Ojai, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. For questions about the program, our staff may be reached by calling 805-646-5581 ext. 390

General Program Information

The City of Ojai Recreation Department offers a youth basketball program for children in the Second through Eighth grades each winter season. The program is designed for children of all abilities to learn the fundamentals of basketball, the game’s rules and regulations, good sportsmanship, fair play, and most importantly to have fun.

In the 10-week season, games and practices are primarily held at the Recreation Department’s gymnasium (John G. Martin Gymnasium) and oftentimes, are held at Matilija Junior High or other School facilities within the Ojai Valley. Practice times and locations are determined by volunteer coaches and teams are assigned according to school grades for fair play.

In addition to league play, the Recreation Department also offers a Basketball Skills Clinic for those in Kindergarten and First grade. The clinic runs concurrently with division play and is designed to help the little ones develop the necessary skills needed for league play.

The primary goal of both programs is for participants to enjoy themselves while developing skills to perform successfully in basketball and in life with an emphasis on respect, responsibility, leadership, and teamwork.

Youth Clinic

K-1st Grades Schedule (Tuesday's 4-5:00 p.m. January 9 - February 27, 2023)

League Divisions

Coed

2nd through 3rd Grades
- 2nd through 3rd Grade League Schedule (TBD)

Girls

4th through 5th Grades
- 4th through 5th Grade League Schedule (TBD)
6th through 8th Grades
- 6th through 8th Grade League Schedule (TBD)

Boys

4th through 5th Grades
- 4th through 5th Grade League Schedule (TBD)
6th through 8th Grades
- 6th through 8th Grade League Schedule (TBD)

Registration

Registration is now available! To register, please visit https://tinyurl.com/mry7ktkr. The cost to participate in the league is $105 per participant which includes a game Jersey. The cost to participate in the clinic is $70 per participant, which includes a program T-shirt.

Player Evaluations

Player evaluations are an important element of league play, as they allow the Recreation Department to evenly balance teams. This provides the opportunity for players to have the most success, as they develop their skills, but most importantly for them to have fun. All players must attend one (1) Player Evaluation. If a child is unable to attend either evaluation date, parents must call the Recreation Department prior to December 2, 2023.

Evaluation dates will be held on November 18th and December 2nd at the John G. Martin Gymnasium at Sarzotti Park (see the following times)

Evaluation Times (With a high amount of anticipated players, we ask that participants not come early)

Player evaluation times for November 18, 2023
2nd-3rd Grade: Coed at 9:00 am
4th-5th Grade: Boys at 10:00 am
6th-8th Grade: Boys at 11:00 am
4th-5th & 6th-8th Grade: Girls at 11:45 am
Player evaluation times for December 2, 2023

2nd-3rd Grade: Coed at 9:00 am

4th-5th Grade: Boys at 10:00 am

6th-8th Grade: Boys at 11:00 am

4th-5th & 6th-8th Grade: Girls at 11:45 am

Important Information

You will be contacted by a coach within two weeks following Player Evaluations.
The time and place of practices are determined by the coaches.
Game Jerseys (for league play) will be provided by the first game.
Games are primarily held at the Recreation Department’s gymnasium (John G. Martin Gymnasium) and oftentimes, are held at Matilija Junior High or other School facilities within the Ojai Valley.
Game schedules will be posted online and distributed prior to the first scheduled game.
Team practices begin after player evaluations.
Coaches and assistant coaches are nationally and locally background checked and required to attend a coach’s class to volunteer in this league.

Important Dates

Registration Deadline: November 23, 2023
Player Evaluations: November 18 and December 2, 2023
Team Announcement: December 13, 2023
First Potential Practice Date: December 16, 2023 (Practice determined by Coach)
Holiday Break (no practice): December 24 -26, 2023
First Game: Saturday, January 6, 2024
Picture Day: Saturday, January 27, 2024
League Playoffs Start Date: March 2, 2024

Volunteer Coaches

ORD youth sports are made possible by our wonderful volunteer coaches who positively impact the lives of children each season. Not only do coaches teach the fundamentals of the game, but they also serve as mentors and role models to young athletes. Coaching is a BIG responsibility that requires commitment, passion, and above all professionalism.

Coaches are responsible for teaching skills, managing competition, and communicating important information to parents.

If you would like to volunteer to be a coach for the upcoming season, please fill out an interest form or by scanning the QR Code in the flier below. Please note that all volunteer coaches will be required to pass a criminal history background check.

Reminder for Parents

We thank you for supporting the Recreation Department and our Youth Basketball program. Please remember this is a recreation program. Our league officials will do everything possible to ensure games are played in a fair manner and that all players and coaches conduct themselves in a professional manner.

If you notice anything of concern or would like to share a comment, please don't hesitate to contact us. We may be reached by calling 805-646-5581 ext. 390. Additionally, Luis Gomez, the Recreation Manager, may be reached directly by calling 805-646-5581 ext. 301 or via email at luis.gomez@ojai.ca.gov.