Parent Info

Parent Guide

Mudsock Boys Basketball: Parent Guide

Helping You Support Your Athlete

Kindergarten Division

The kindergarten division focuses on putting the fun in fundamentals. Teams will be formed and wear NBA team logo jerseys. Each team will have a 45-minute practice followed by a 45-minute game on Saturdays.

Games begin in January 2026 and conclude in March.
There will be no evaluations for the kindergarten division.
Kindergarten plays on Saturdays only.

1st – 6th Grade Divisions

Teams in 1st through 6th grade will practice once per week and play games on Saturdays. Practices and games will take place at HSE school district schools.

Game Day Basics

Arrival: Please arrive 15 minutes early. Players should stay off the court until the prior game ends.
Warm-Up: Teams get 3 minutes to warm up before their scheduled game.
Start Time: Games start on time. If a team doesn’t have 5 players, the game is a forfeit — but we encourage teams to play 4-on-4 for fun anyway.

Ball Size and Hoop Height

Equipment by Grade
Grade	Hoop Height	Ball Size
Kindergarten	8 feet	28.5"
1st–2nd Grade	9 feet	28.5"
3rd–6th Grade	10 feet	28.5"
Jr. High	10 feet	29.5"

Playing Time and Substitutions

All players should get equal playing time during the season and playoffs.
1st–4th Grade: Substitutions happen at quarter breaks and a mid-quarter stoppage. If a team has more than 5 players then the coach must substitute at the quarter break.
5th–Jr. High: Coaches may substitute freely during clock stoppages.

Coaches and Referees

Kindergarten–1st Grade: A coach is allowed on the court to guide players. No referees.
2nd Grade: Coaches must stay off the court. One or two referees.
3rd–6th Grades: Two referees per game.
Referee decisions are final. Concerns should be shared privately with a league commissioner, board member, or the Mudsock Youth Athletics Office.

Sportsmanship and Conduct

Unsportsmanlike conduct (trash talk, rough play, yelling at refs) is not tolerated.
Coaches, players, or parents may be warned, ejected, or suspended for inappropriate behavior.
All adults are expected to model good sportsmanship. Encourage all players.

Food and Drink Policy

No food or drinks are allowed in the gymnasium.
Water fountains are available.
After-game snacks must be handed out outside the facility.

Facility Expectations

Stay in the gym area — do not roam schools or touch classroom materials. Parents are responsible for supervising siblings and guests.
For school and children's safety reasons, do not prop doors open.
Clean up all trash after each game or practice.
Show respect to custodians and school staff.
If we lose access to gyms due to damage or rule-breaking, the program is at risk.

Emergency Procedures

In case of a fire alarm, calmly exit the building.
Coaches and parents are responsible for helping children evacuate and ensuring everyone is accounted for.

Thank you for being part of the Mudsock Boys Basketball community. Let’s work together to create a positive, safe, and fun environment for every player.

If you have questions, please contact your coach, league commissioner, or the Mudsock Youth Athletics Office.