DIVISIONS & TEAMS

How will grade levels be grouped?

Depending upon the number of boys who sign-up to participate in each grade, Stamford Peace BBL plans to group divisions, as follows:

A10 - 1st & 2nd grades
Big East - 3rd & 4th grades
ACC - 5th & 6th grade

NBA - 7th & 8th grade

All divisions will be run by a commissioner, who will be guided by specific SPBBL Rules & Regulations. Commissioners will be given sufficient latitude to be able to adjust rules appropriately; but they will report directly to Lenwood Latta, Stamford Peace’s Director of Basketball Operations.

How will specific teams and players be chosen?

While everyone will of course “make” a Stamford Peace BBL team, each player will be evaluated/rated at an initial clinic to help ensure that the players are allocated among teams as evenly as possible. Balanced competition where every player benefits and takes pride in his personal role and development is a primary goal of the new league.

What if my son cannot attend the initial clinic/evaluation for any reason?

Please notify us at [email protected] with as much advance notice as possible if a player is unable attend the initial clinic. In that instance, we will let you know whether we already have sufficient knowledge of your child to fairly place him with a team, or otherwise whether a replacement evaluation date will be needed. 

GAMES

Where are games being played?

Games will be played on Saturdays at the Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Avenue and Sundays at the Stamford YMCA, 909 Washington Blvd. Game times will start at 9:00am and run throughout the day. Over the course of the season – and in order to accommodate players of all different religious faiths and Sabbath observances – teams should expect to play a combination of Saturday and Sunday, morning and afternoon games.

Will everyone on a given team receive equal playing time?

To the maximum extent possible, yes. Unlike travel teams, where playing time decisions are discretionary with a primary goal of "playing to win", the goal of the Stamford Peace BBL is for every player to have fun, develop their so-called "Basketball I.Q." and skills, and initiate a lifelong love and passion for basketball.  Playing time is allocated in 4 minute increments, pursuant to a simple formula. Using an 8-player roster and 4-on-4 play as an example, playing time will be distributed as follows: 

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter
First 4min/players #1,2,3,4,  #6,7,8,1 #3,4,5,6 #8,1,2,3
Second 4min/players #5,6,7,8 #2,3,4,5 #7,8,1,2 #4,5,6,7 

Generally, what rules will the league be following?

Games will be played 5-on-5 – founded on a belief that developing an understanding of on-court “spacing” is as important as any individual skill for an aspiring basketball player. 1st – 2nd graders will play on 9’ baskets, while 3rd grade & up will play on regulation baskets. Games will be four 8 minute quarters long.

COACHES

How will coaches be chosen?

Generally, coaches will be comprised of parent volunteers and experienced former players/coaches with whom Stamford Peace has a relationship. While we do our best to ensure quality coaching, 

Can I request a specific coach?

Requests to play for a specific coach may be made in writing as part of the initial registration process. While we will do our best to accommodate all reasonable requests, satisfying individual player preferences must be secondary to our goal of fair and balanced competition for all. As a result, the granting of specific coaching requests cannot be guaranteed.

REFEREES

What level of referees are used in Stamford Peace BBL contests?

While Stamford Peace BBL will sometimes use experienced high school and middle school referees, more often than not we prefer to employ junior referees from our area high schools. Despite their lesser game experience, these referees often bring more enthusiasm, energy and passion for the game – and can more easily relate to our young players. At the elementary school level, games will be officiated by only one referee; while at the middle school level, games will be officiated by two referees.  If you wish to recommend someone you know for a referee position, please do not hesitate to contact us.

REGISTRATION

As of when may/must I register for this winter’s Stamford Peace season?

Registration is open now, and will be accepted through October 31st. After that, further registrations may be permitted, but subject to a Wait List and a $25 late fee.  Given the strong positive feedback the league received last season from parents, kids and local community leaders, we are expecting the league to be at full capacity soon. As a result, we strongly encourage you to register your child and reserve a spot right away. 

How do I register?

In order to ensure the accuracy of players’ personal information input into our system, we much prefer that you register with us on-line. Payment may be made either by electronic check or credit card at the time of registration (our preferred method), or else you may mail a check to us at Stamford Peace Basketball Club, 925 Long Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06902.

To the extent you’re put on our Wait List, and no spot later opens up, we will promptly refund to you your previously paid registration fee.

Are scholarships or other financial accommodations available?

Given our objective of affordability and opportunity for all, we have determined to make the following discounts available.

Subject to satisfactory proof of enrollment in the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Free and Reduced Price School Meals/Milk program:

1. (1)  *Free school meal/milk beneficiaries are eligible for a full league scholarship;

2. (2)  Reduced price school meals/milk beneficiaries are eligible for a 50% league scholarship.

*Free school scholarship recipients will be required to pay the SPBBL a modest one- time $25 uniform fee at registration.
Please note that a limited number of scholarships will be available, please inquire with the Stamford Peace office.  

FCBL TRAVEL TEAMS

Last winter, my son played on one of Stamford's travel basketball teams in the FCBL. How does a decision to play Stamford Peace BBL this year affect his ability to play "Travel" basketball?

Stamford Peace is offering only a “house” league alternative, not any winter travel teams, etc. This is intentional, as in our opinion organization’s like the Stamford JCC and the Stamford YMCA already do an excellent job on the travel basketball team front.  

MISCELLANEOUS

I noticed that the Stamford Peace BBL is for boys only. Is there a new Stamford Peace program also being offered for girls?

No. In our view, the recently announced changes to the Stamford Youngtimers girls basketball program will meaningfully enhance the overall quality of that league. As a result, since Stamford Peace's only interest is in seeing our community's youth basketball programming rise to the level of its potential, we have no present intention of offering a similar Stamford Peace house league for girls.

WEATHER CANCELATION POLICY 

How will i know if a practice or game is cancelled due to inclement weather?  

In the event there is inclement weather on a week day, we will follow the Stamford Pupil Schools closure schedule. If school is closed or there is an early release due to weather conditions all Stamford Peace Boys Basketball League practices will be cancelled. Game cancelations will be determined by the Stamford Peace office  in the event there is inclement weather on a Saturday and/or Sunday. All cancelations will be posted to the Stamford Peace website and will be emailed to league participants.