About SNYB

What is SNYB?

The Swampscott Nahant Youth Basketball Association (SNYB) is a travel basketball program for boys and girls in grades 4-8 from Swampscott and Nahant. Our mission is to help players develop basketball skills, confidence, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship while competing in a positive environment.

What league does SNYB play in?

SNYB teams compete in the Cape Ann Basketball League, which includes communities throughout the North Shore and occasionally teams from other regions. The league is designed to accommodate a variety of skill levels and provide meaningful competition for all teams.

Is SNYB a travel basketball program?

Yes. SNYB is a competitive travel basketball league. Teams practice during the week and play games against neighboring communities on weekends.


Registration

Who is eligible to play?

Any boy or girl in grades 4-8 who resides in Swampscott or Nahant is welcome to register

When does registration open?

Registration typically opens during the fall. Specific dates and deadlines are posted on the SNYB website and communicated through email and social media.

How much does it cost?

The registration fee is intended to cover gym rental, referee fees , insurance and other operating expenses. Current registration fees are published each season during registration.

Is financial assistance available?

Families needing financial assistance should contact the SNYB Board confidentially at snybinfo@gmail.com. We believe every child should have the opportunity to participate.

Team Placement & Tryouts

Does everyone make a team?

Yes. Our goal is to provide a basketball opportunity for every registered player. Team placement and roster structure depend on registration numbers at each grade level.

Why do you players attend evaluations?

Evaluations help us create balanced and competitive teams and place players where they can best develop and contribute. They are not intended to be stressful and are only one part of the team selection process

How are teams selected?

The SNYB board considers evaluation results, player development, roster balance, and other factors to place players on teams where they will have the best possible experience and opportunity for growth

Can player request teammates or coaches?

Yes, but team placement decisions are made in the best interest of all players and teams. Requests may be considered but cannot be guaranteed.

Practices & Games

When are practices?

Teams generally hold practices twice per week. Practices are typically one hour long and are usually held at Swampscott Middle school.

When do games take place?

Games are generally played on weekends, beginning in early December and continuing through the regular season and playoffs end in the first or second week of March. Home games are always on Saturdays and always played at Swampscott High School. Not all Saturday games are home games. Any Sunday games are away games.

What size ball should I purchase?
  • Boys Grade 7&8 will play with 29.5
  • Boys Grade 4,5, and 6 will play with 28.5
  • Girls All Grades will play with 28.5

How much travel is involved?

Away games are typically played against North Shore communities, though some teams may travel beyond the immediate area depending on league scheduling

Can my child participate in other sports?

Many SNYB players participate in multiple sports and activities. Families should carefully consider schedule commitments before registering. Players are expected to make a good-faith commitment to attend practices and games

Playing Time & Competition

Is playing time guaranteed?

SNYB strives to provide a positive experience for all players while maintaining a competitive environment. Our goal is that all players have an equal experience but we recognize that this is a competitive program where staggered playing time is often necessary to remain competitive. Playing time decisions are made by coaches based on attendance, effort, player development, game situations, and team needs.

Are scores and standings kept?

Yes. Teams compete within the Cape Ann Basketball League and participate in league standings and playoffs

Do all teams make the playoffs?

Yes. The league playoff format is double-elimination.

Coaches

Who coaches the teams?

SNYB teams are coached by dedicated volunteers from our community

Are coaches trained?

SNYB provides guidance and support to coaches and emphasizes player development, sportsmanship, respect, and positive coaching.

How can I volunteer as a coach?

We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers. Prior basketball experience is helpful but not required. Please contact the SNYB Board if you are interested in coaching.

Communication

How will I receive team information?

Most team communication is managed through TeamSnap, including schedules, practice updates, and announcements.

What if a practice or game is canceled?

Coaches and league administrators will communicate changes through TeamSnap and other league communication channels as quickly as possible.

Who do I contact with questions?

For general questions, email: snybinfo@gmail.com

Expectations & Conduct

What are the expectations for players?

Players are expected to:

  • Attend practices and games consistently
  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship
  • Respect coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and facilities
  • Represent SNYB positively both on and off the court

What are the expectations for parents

Parents play a critical role in creating a positive basketball experience. We ask families to:

  • Support all players and coaches
  • Demonstrate respectful behavior at games and practices
  • Allow coaches to coach and official to officiate
  • Help create a positive environment for all particpants
Does SNYB have a code of conduct?

Yes. SNYB maintains high expectations for player, parent, and coach behavior. Unsportsmanlike conduct or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated

New Families

I’ve never played travel basketball before. Is SNYB right for my child?

Absolutely. SNYB welcomes players with a wide range of basketball experience and ability levels. Our goal is to help every player improve, build confidence, and enjoy the game.

What should we expect in our first season?
  1. Register online
  2. Attend evaluation (if applicable)
  3. Receive team placement information
  4. Begin practices
  5. Play weekend games
  6. Participate in playoffs
  7. Have fun and improve as a player
Still Have Questions?

Contact the SNYB Board at snybinfo@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help.