The PAL operates four separate divisions of competitive basketball. The 2018 season included divisions for grades 3-5 and grades 6-8 for both boys and girls. Every child that registers for the League will participate regardless of skill level.
Based on enrollment, there are 4 to 6 teams per division that play scheduled games each week. All house league games are refereed. At the end of the season a bracketed playoff determines a winning team for each division.
Divisions
Grade 3-5
The 3rd grade to 5th grade division play’s competitive 5 on 5 half court games once per week with at least one team practice session per week. This division introduces official referee’s and keeping a game score. Instruction is given at the beginning of each quarter on the rules of play, to properly line up players and to matchup guarding responsibilities. Instruction is also given after violations and at the free throw line to ensure an understanding of the rules and player positions during free throws. Only half court man-to-man defense is allowed. Games consist of four 8 minute quarters but utilize a running time clock. Rules are in place to ensure ample playing time for all participants.
Grade 6-8
The 6th-8th grade division play competitive full court games once per week with at least one team practice session per week. Official referee’s work each game. Games consist of four 8 minute quarters with a stopping clock. Instruction is only given by coaches at this level and additional violations and concepts are allowed such as backcourt timeline, pressing defense and 3 point shooting. Rules are in place to ensure ample playing time for all participants.
Skill Assessment
Assessments sessions are held prior to the season start in order to rank player skill levels. Assessment sessions may be referred to as try-outs however all registered students will be placed on a team. Team drafts are held after assessments are completed in order to evenly distribute players based on skill, making sure teams are split fairly and competition is as fair as possible.