The SYA basketball program offers a variety of opportunities for boys and girls to be instructed in everything from basic fundamental skills to advanced team competition. As a feeder program for Smithsburg High basketball, it has been designed to prepare area kids for what they can expect to experience as a part of a premier high school program.

Welcome to the 2008-2009 SYA Elementary Basketball Program. We are excited to have Tom Kissner join us as the new elementary director. Thanks to the Washington County Gaming Commission’s award of $3500, our youth league will be able to award scholarships to families that meet the qualifications set forth by our board of directors. Our goal is for every child to participate in our programs and we are proud to be able to continue this valuable opportunity! The registration deadline is November 1st..

Instructional League:

The instructional basketball program is intended to provide 2nd and 3rd grade boys and girls with the basic understanding of the rules of basketball. The program consists of 10 weekly 60 minute sessions which include individual instruction, group drills, and scrimmages. The 2008 Registration fee is $20. All practices and games are held at Old Forge Elementary School.

4th and 5th Grade League:

The 4th and 5th grade basketball program is intended to provide boys and girls with a second level of competition. The league meets twice a week for an hour. Although instructional based, games are refereed and scores are kept. The 2008 Registration fee is $30. All practices and games are held at Smithsburg Elementary School.

Middle School Basketball:

Welcome to the 2008-2009 SYA Middle School Basketball Program. We are pleased to announce that Lou Bachtell will continue her role as Basketball Director for the fifth year. Thanks to the Washington County Gaming Commission’s award of $3500, our youth league will be able to award scholarships to families that meet the qualifications set forth by our board of directors. Our goal is for every child to participate in our programs and we are proud to be able to continue this valuable opportunity. The registration deadline is October 15th.

Intramural League:

The SYA basketball program offers a variety of opportunities for girls and boys to participate in basketball team play. The intramural basketball league is designed for middle school boys and girls that want to test their skills and competition, but may never have played before or are not quite ready for the intense competition of the travel league. It is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Teams meet twice a week and stay local for practices and games. All players will play at least one half of every game. The 2008 Registration fee is $50.

Travel League:

Travel basketball is designed for the most promising and committed players in Smithsburg Middle School. Players selected compete against the top players from other schools. The season runs from November through March with teams meeting several times per week. Travel basketball is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th graders interested in a more competitive basketball level. Teams meet two to three times per week and travel to various locations for practices and games.

PLEASE NOTE: The amount of playing time each player gets is at the discretion of the coaching staff. Players must attend Smithsburg Middle School to participate, and will be invited to play based upon the results of the skills assessment clinics. Practices are at the Smithsburg Middle School. Girls' games are at various locations in Washington and Frederick County on Saturdays and Sundays. Boys' games are on Saturdays at the Broadfording Christian Academy.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: There will be an additional registration fee for players selected for the travel team.

All participants interested in playing middle school basketball must attend at least one of the skills assessment clinics for their age level. These clinics are used to select players for the travel teams, and to ensure that teams in the intramural league are evenly matched. The schedule is provided below. All girls clinics will take place at Smithsburg Middle School. All boys clinics will take place at Smithsburg High School.

Grade	Gender	Clinic #1		Clinic #2
Grade	Gender	Date	Time	Date	Time
6th	Boys	10/28	6:15 - 7:15 PM	10/30	6:15 - 7:15 PM
6th	Girls	10/28	6 - 7 PM	10/30	6 - 7 PM
7th	Boys	10/28	7:15 - 8:15 PM	10/30	7:15 - 8:15 PM
7th	Girls	10/28	7 - 8 PM	10/30	7 - 8 PM
8th	Boys	10/28	8:15 - 9:15 PM	10/30	8:15 - 9:15 PM
8th	Girls	10/28	8 - 9 PM	10/30	8 - 9 PM