What is Almaden NJB Objectives?
To inspire our youth; regardless of race, color, creed,
or national origin. To practice the ideals of health,
citizenship and character. To implant the game
elements of safety, sanity and intelligent supervision;
and to keep the welfare of the player first, foremost,
and entirely free of adult lust for glory. To emphasize teamwork for all participants.
What is NJB?
The National Junior Basketball program is designed to introduce, teach and develop the fundamentals of basketball to our local youth – as well as to promote good sportsmanship, teamwork and healthy competition. We feel this creates a valuable learning experience for the children of our community. The program also promotes self-esteem through teamwork. National Junior Basketball is a non-profit organization. Our funding is entirely dependent upon the contributions of local businesses and individuals, along with registration fees.
What is Almaden NJB?
Almaden Valley National Junior Basketball League (AVNJB) located in the Almaden Valley area of San Jose and beautiful Santa Clara County California. Almaden NJB program operates youth basketball leagues for boys and girls from third grade through eighth grade. NJB is not a recreation district, government agency, or community program with a paid staff and its own gymnasiums. NJB is a group of parents dedicated to providing a fun, valuable experience for their children. The local chapter is affiliated with National Junior Basketball headquartered in Santa Ana, California (www.njbl.org).
Almaden NJB local territory consist of zip codes of 95120, part of 95118 South of Hwy 85, part of 95123 West of Santa Teresa Hills and part of 95124 East of Camden Ave and Hicks Road. For more specific details, please refer to Section Boundary Map available at Silicon Valley NJB Website. How much does it cost?
There is a registration fee of $320.00 per player. Additional Player (sibling) fee is $295.00 per sibling. Rookie league players cost is $145.00 In addition, parents are expected to contribute at least four hours of time during the season or they can pay the volunteer buyout of $55.
What does Almaden NJB provide?
If the registration are paid, each player will receive a full uniform consisting of professional-style jersey and shorts, a modest team photo, Participation trophy or medal for all players, use of local gyms for practices, use of local gyms for games, and officiating by trained, experienced referees.
How does the program work?
The program consists of two groups, Divisional Group and All-Net Group.
Divisional Group program is divided into Boys and Girls leagues, each having three divisions: Division I - 7th and 8th grades; Division II - 5th and 6th grades; and Division III - 3rd and 4th grades. Mandatory evaluations are held in September. A draft is conducted for each division and strict procedures are adhered in order to assure evenly matched teams. NJB emphasizes teaching basketball skills and sportsmanship through participation. Each player must play two full eight-minute periods in each five-period game. Each player must also sit out at least one full period in each game. Coaches and players are required to comply with a strict code of conduct or they will be removed from the league. Maximum participation for practices and games is crucial to ensure that players get most out of the season in terms of learning and having fun. All the teams participate in the playoffs towards the end of the season. Playoffs are single elimination.
All-Net Group consists of highly skilled players that want to play at a high level of competition. The group will consist of one team each for Boys in grade 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th. There is also an equivalent set for the girls All-Net team. Players are selected for the All-Net teams. Invitation-only and mandatory try-outs are held in October. All-Net teams play by high school rules with no guarantee of playing time. tryouts are invitation only and remove the line about the draft. Please note that there is a $50 additional cost to play all-net due to extra gym time and referee fees to cover cost of more games.
When does the league run?
Registration usually begins around the middle of August. Tryouts and evaluations usually happens around the end of September. The draft is completed in October. Practice begins in October. Each team usually will have a weeknight practice and a weekend practice. Practices will be held at Pioneer HS, Bret Harte MS or Castillero MS. League games will be played on Sundays in December, January, and February, for a total of nine games for Division Teams and twelve games for All-Net Teams. All the teams participate in the playoffs towards the end of the season. Playoffs are single elimination. The league rests during Christmas vacation and President Holiday Weekend. The times for practices and games are determined by which team your child plays on.
Can I request a division team or coach for my player?
No. The purpose of evaluations is to form teams with parity. Granting requests for certain teams or coaches disrupts the process in which the teams are formed.
NJB All-Star Teams.
At the end of the regular season, All-Star teams will be selected from each division. Each All-Star team competes with All-Star teams from other communities and have the opportunity to advance to the NJB National Tournament. Details of All-Star Team selection, additional costs and tournament dates will be communicated to players and parents during the season. For more information, contact Almaden NJB at www.almadennjb.org.
