Frequenlty Asked Questions
Type a question in the box below. Matching answers will appear as you type, drawn from every program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do basketball programs cost what they do?
Blue Mountains Basketball is a not-for-profit community organisation. Every dollar generated through registrations and program fees is reinvested into delivering and improving basketball opportunities across the Blue Mountains.
Your fees help cover a wide range of costs, including venue hire, coaching, equipment, Basketball NSW affiliation (where applicable), technology, competition management and the ongoing development of new programs.
Our goal is to provide the highest quality basketball experience possible while keeping participation affordable and accessible for our community.
Why do some programs have different registration fees?
All Blue Mountains Basketball programs are affiliated with Basketball NSW, however not every program falls under the same participation category.
Basketball NSW applies different registration and insurance requirements depending on the nature of the activity being delivered.
Programs focused on skill development and introductory participation, such as Aussie Hoops, are considered lower-risk activities and therefore attract a lower registration fee.
Programs that involve structured competition or game play, including domestic competitions, representative basketball and 3×3 competitions, carry a higher level of participation risk and therefore require the full registration fee.
This isn’t a decision made by Blue Mountains Basketball. It’s part of Basketball NSW’s participation and insurance framework. We’ll always make it clear on each program page whether a Basketball NSW registration is required.
Importantly, all participants in Blue Mountains Basketball programs receive the same level of insurance coverage. The difference in registration fees reflects the type of activity being undertaken and the associated risk profile, not the level of insurance protection provided to participants.
Why are some programs more expensive than others?
Each of our programs is designed differently and is priced to reflect the cost of delivering that particular experience.
As a not-for-profit association, our aim is to keep participation as affordable as possible while continuing to provide high-quality coaching, competitions and development opportunities for our members. Factors that influence pricing include:
- The length and number of sessions.
- Court hire requirements.
- Coaching and staffing.
- Basketball NSW registration and insurance (where applicable).
- Equipment and resources provided.
Whre possible, Blue Mountains Basketball actively seeks grants, sponsorships and other funding opportunities to reduce costs for participants or provide programs free of charge. These external funding opportunities allow us to introduce new initiatives and improve access to basketball for our community.
Whenever a program has been subsidised or fully funded through a grant, we’ll make this clear so participants understand how that opportunity has been made possible.
Where does any surplus money go?
As a not-for-profit association, Blue Mountains Basketball does not distribute profits.
Any surplus generated is reinvested back into basketball, including:
- Expanding development programs.
- Coach and referee education.
- Equipment and facility improvements.
- New competitions and participation opportunities.
- Supporting the long-term growth of basketball across the Blue Mountains.
Every registration helps us continue investing in the future of basketball in our community.
Are the Board Members paid?
No.
Blue Mountains Basketball is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who generously donate their time to oversee the strategic direction and governance of the association.
The Board works closely with our paid staff to ensure the association continues to deliver high-quality basketball opportunities for our community.
Why does Blue Mountains Basketball employ paid staff?
Most community sporting organisations rely entirely on volunteers to manage their day-to-day operations. While our Board remains entirely volunteer-led, we have deliberately invested in professional staff to ensure basketball in the Blue Mountains continues to grow and thrive.
Our Operations Manager and Development Officer allow us to:
- Deliver more programs for more players.
- Support and develop our coaches, referees and volunteers.
- Build relationships with schools, community organisations and sponsors.
- Improve communication with members.
- Plan for the long-term growth and sustainability of basketball in the Blue Mountains.
We believe this investment is one of the key reasons our association has grown significantly in recent years and why we’re able to offer such a diverse range of competitions, development programs and representative opportunities.
Why is court hire such a significant cost?
One of the biggest costs of delivering basketball in the Blue Mountains is venue hire.
Blue Mountains Basketball operates from the Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre, a community facility owned and managed by Blue Mountains City Council. Unlike many sporting organisations that operate under long-term lease or licence agreements, Blue Mountains Basketball currently hires the stadium on a pay-by-the-hour basis under the operating model established by Council.
This means that every game, training session, development program, clinic and representative training session we deliver incurs additional venue hire costs. As we continue to grow and create more opportunities for our community, those costs grow too.
While this arrangement has enabled us to continue delivering basketball in the Blue Mountains, we recognise it presents challenges for a growing indoor sporting organisation. We are actively working with Blue Mountains City Council to explore a more sustainable long-term operating model that better supports community sport while ensuring basketball remains accessible and affordable for local families.
We appreciate Council’s ongoing support of community sport and remain committed to working collaboratively to identify a model that benefits both the community and the long-term future of basketball in the Blue Mountains.
Where are the sessions held?
All Aussie Hoops Skills sessions are held at Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre, Catalina Avenue, Katoomba. When you arrive, head into the basketball stadium and look for our Blue Mountains Basketball coaches. Sessions are held on either Court 1 or Court 2 – check your program details above for your allocated court.
Is there a discount when moving from Aussie Hoops into a competition?
Yes! If your child has completed Aussie Hoops and is ready to move into our 3×3 Competition, U13 Development League or Junior Local Competition, they may be eligible for a discount on their Basketball NSW Player membership.
This offer is available to players purchasing their first-ever BNSW Player membership. You can receive either:
- the full cost of a 6-month BNSW Player membership waived, or
- the equivalent value of a 6-month membership deducted from a 12-month BNSW Player membership.
Use code AHUPGRADEFREE2026 when registering.
Important: The discount must be applied at the time of registration and cannot be retrospectively applied or refunded after registration has been completed.
What happens after Aussie Hoops?
There are plenty of opportunities to keep playing! As players develop, they can progress into other Blue Mountains Basketball development programs and junior playing opportunities. Our coaches can also help you work out the best next step for your child.
My child is moving from Rookies to Rising Stars. Are they a new participant?
No. If your child already has their Aussie Hoops gear and is moving from Rookies to Rising Stars, register them as a Returning Participant.
Can my child change to another session during the term?
If you need to change your regular session, please contact us. Changes may be possible depending on available places, as we cap session numbers to maintain appropriate coach-to-player ratios.
Can I bring a friend?
Do parents need to stay during the session?
Parents and carers are welcome to stay and watch from the spectator areas. For our younger Rookies participants, we recommend that a parent or carer remains nearby during the session.
What happens if my child misses a session?
That’s okay – we understand that families are busy and children may occasionally miss a week. However, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for individual sessions missed during the term.
Can my child try a session before we register?
Yes. We offer a free trial session so your child can experience Aussie Hoops before committing to the term. Please contact Blue Mountains Basketball to organise your trial.
Does my child need basketball experience?
Not at all! Aussie Hoops is designed for beginners as well as returning and developing players. Our coaches adapt activities to suit the age and ability of the players, with a focus on learning skills, building confidence and having fun.
How early should we arrive?
We recommend arriving around 5–10 minutes before your session so your player has time to get organised and be ready to start when the session begins.
What does my child need to bring?
Please bring your Aussie Hoops basketball and a clearly labelled water bottle to every session. New participants receive an age-appropriate basketball as part of their Core Pack.
We’re new – when will we receive our Core Pack?
New participants will receive their Blue Mountains Basketball Core Pack, including a reversible singlet and age-appropriate basketball. Packs can be collected at your session. To collect the Core Pack see the Coaches prior to the session – singlets can be tried on ensure a good fit.
What should my child wear?
Players should wear their Blue Mountains Basketball Aussie Hoops singlet, comfortable shorts and suitable sports shoes. New participants will receive a reversible singlet as part of their Core Pack.
What is the representative player cap for Spring 2026?
The representative-player cap for Spring 2026 is based on 2026 Representative selections. Players selected for the 2027 representative program do not count towards the cap until the 2027 Summer Competition.
- U15: 2026 representative players who turn 13 or 14 in 2026. This includes top-age U14 and bottom-age U16 players. Players who turn 12 in 2026 are eligible for the U13 Development League and are considered to be playing up in U15, so they do not count towards the U15 cap.
- U17 boys: Only top-age players from the 2026 U16 team count towards the cap. BMBA did not field a U18 boys Magic team in 2026.
- U19 boys: The cap does not apply, as BMBA did not field a U18 boys team in 2026.
- U19 girls: All 2026 representative players who turn 15, 16 or 17 in 2026 count towards the cap. This includes top-age U16 players and all U18 players.
When are junior competition games played?
From Term 4 2026, U15, U17 and U19 play on Friday evenings.
Players aged 10–12 participate in the U13 Development League on Saturday mornings.
Why is the junior competition structure changing?
BMBA is introducing a new junior structure from Term 4 2026. The changes respond to feedback from players and families about combined age groups, the difficulty of forming summer teams before representative selections are finalised, and requests for players with late-year birthdays to stay in their current age group during summer.
The Board believes these changes will support more balanced competitions and clearer pathways for players.
Does my child need to be an experienced basketball player?
No. Our local competition includes players with a range of basketball experience.
If your child is completely new to basketball and you’re unsure whether Junior Competition is the best place to start, please get in touch. We can help you decide whether Junior Competition or one of our development programs would be the most suitable pathway.
My child has finished Aussie Hoops. Can they move into Junior Competition?
Absolutely! Junior Competition is one of the pathways available to players who are ready to take the next step after Aussie Hoops.
Players who have completed Aussie Hoops and are purchasing their first-ever Basketball NSW Player membership may also be eligible for a discount on their BNSW membership.
The offer can be used in one of two ways:
- The full cost of a 6-month BNSW Player membership is waived, or
- The equivalent value of a 6-month membership is deducted from the cost of a 12-month BNSW Player membership.
Use code AHUPGRADEFREE2026 when registering.
Important: This code must be applied at the time of registration and cannot be retrospectively applied or refunded once registration has been completed.
Can I use an Active and Creative Kids voucher?
Yes! Active and Creative Kids vouchers can be used towards our Junior Competition registration fees.
When completing your registration through Basketball Connect, enter your voucher number during the registration process. Look for the Discount Voucher section and enter your voucher details before completing payment.
We recommend having your voucher details ready before you begin your registration.
What happens if our team can’t play a game?
If your team needs to forfeit a game, please let us know as early as possible by emailing .
Please include your team name, age group/division, scheduled game time and date.
The earlier we know, the better. This allows us to notify the opposition and referees and, where possible, make adjustments to the schedule. For late forfeits, we may still need to cover costs such as referee and court fees.
Can my child play up or play in more than one competition?
Yes. Players can play in their age-eligible division and one division above, subject to eligibility and competition requirements.
For example, a U15 player may play for a U15 team and also play up with a U17 team. Players cannot play for two different teams within the same age division and cannot play down into a younger age division.
A multi-competition discount is also available for Representative players who play in their Rep competition as well as two local competition divisions.
If your child intends to play in more than one competition, please contact us at before registering so we can confirm their eligibility and provide information about the applicable discount and registration process.
How do I know which age group my child should play in?
Junior competitions are U15, U17 and U19. For the Term 4 2026 Spring Competition, a player’s age as at 31 December 2026 determines their age group:
- U15: Born 2012–2013. Games are on Friday evenings.
- U17: Born 2010–2011. Games are on Friday evenings.
- U19: Born 2008–2009. Games are on Friday evenings. U19 gives players another year of junior eligibility.
Players aged 10–12 participate in the U13 Development League, the entry point to 5×5 basketball within our development programs. The league is conducted as a competition, with teams, weekly fixtures and a season ladder.
Girls competitions for Spring 2026 and Summer 2027 are U15 and U19. There are not currently enough players for a separate U17 girls competition, so U17-aged girls play in U19. Players moving out of the current U14 age group will be eligible for U15.
Spring 2026 is a 10-week transition competition. From 2027, U15, U17 and U19 run as a Summer Competition across Terms 1 and 2 and a Winter Competition across Terms 3 and 4. This removes the mid-year age-group change.
For 2027 competitions, the age groups will be:
- U15: Born 2013–2014
- U17: Born 2011–2012
- U19: Born 2009–2010
For example, a player turning 14 in 2026 can play U15 in Spring. As they will turn 15 in 2027, they will move to U17 for the 2027 Summer Competition.
Where registrations allow, an age group may be split into divisions so games are more evenly matched. That is assessed each season from team numbers and the mix of players.
If you are unsure which competition your child should register for, please contact us before registering.
Do Team Admin and Coaches need a Working With Children Check (WWCC)?
Yes. All Team Managers and Coaches (aged 18+) involved in our Junior Competitions must hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC).
A volunteer WWCC is free to obtain, and your WWCC details must be added to your Basketball Connect profile so they are recorded against your registration.
If you are taking on a Team Manager or Coach role for the first time, please ensure your WWCC is organised and your Basketball Connect profile is updated before the competition begins.
Can I enter a new team?
Yes. New teams can be entered during the open registration period.
Your team will need a Team Admin, who registers the team and team name through Basketball Connect. Once the team has been created, the Team Manager will receive a team registration link to send directly to their players. Players then use this link to register into the correct team.
It is important that players register using their team link rather than registering through the general Basketball Connect homepage. This ensures they are correctly linked to their team from the beginning.
If you are interested in creating a team but are not sure where to start, please contact us and we can help guide you through the process.
What if my child doesn’t have a team?
Join the Player Waitlist and we will connect you with teams looking for players when a place is available.
Junior competition teams are community-created, so BMBA cannot place a player straight into an existing team. We cannot guarantee a place.
Does BMBA allocate players into teams?
No. Junior competition teams are community-created rather than association-created. Teams are formed and entered by players, families, coaches and Team Managers, rather than BMBA selecting and allocating players.
The U13 Development League is separate. In that program, players register individually and BMBA forms the teams.
Do players need to be registered before they can play?
Yes, all regular players must be correctly registered through Basketball Connect before taking the court.
However, if your child is trying basketball before committing to the competition, we do allow trial players. Please speak to BMBA staff before they play and email so we can make sure everything is organised correctly for their trial.
If they decide to continue after their trial, they will need to complete their registration before playing further games.
Where can I find our game times?
Fixtures, results and ladders are available through Basketball Connect. We recommend all players and parents download the Basketball Connect app and follow their team so they can easily access upcoming games, results and competition information.
What does my child need to bring?
Players should arrive ready to play in their team uniform, appropriate basketball shoes and bring a water bottle.
Team jerseys/uniforms are organised and provided by your Team Manager, not BMBA, so please contact your Team Manager directly to arrange collection before your first game.
We also recommend asking your Team Manager to add you to your team WhatsApp group. This is generally where teams communicate about game times, player availability and other team-specific information.
Where are Junior Competition games played?
Our Junior Competition games are played at Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre, Catalina Avenue, Katoomba.
How are U13 teams formed?
There is no need to organise a complete team before registering. All players register individually, and BMBA creates balanced teams for the season.
Players may nominate up to three friends they would like to play with. Nominated friends are grouped together wherever possible. Requests cannot be guaranteed and depend on overall registrations and team numbers.
Each team stays together throughout the term.
Can my child also play junior competition?
A player who turns 12 in 2026 may play in the U13 Development League, play Friday U15 junior competition, or do both.
Players who are already enjoying Friday junior competition do not have to move to the Development League. When the 2027 Summer Competition begins, players turning 13 in 2027 move into U15 junior competition.
What should my child wear for the U13 Development League?
All players wear an official Blue Mountains Basketball Aussie Hoops jersey.
If you do not already have one, you can buy one when registering online or at the stadium on game day:
- Aussie Hoops jersey: $35
- Basketball: $25
- Starter pack (jersey and ball): $50 (save $10)
If you already have an Aussie Hoops jersey, wear that each week. There is no need to buy a new one.
Are there finals in the U13 Development League?
No. There are no finals or playoffs.
Teams play weekly fixtures across the nine-week season, and results contribute to a season ladder. The focus stays on participation, learning and development for the whole season.
When and where does the U13 Development League run?
Games are on Saturdays from 11am at Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre, Catalina Avenue, Katoomba.
Term 4 sessions commence on Saturday 17 October 2026 at 11am. The season runs for nine weeks.
Who can play in the U13 Development League?
It is for boys and girls aged 10–12.
It suits players who have completed Aussie Hoops or played 3×3 and are ready for full-court 5×5 basketball. It is also a starting point for players aged 10–12 who are new to competition basketball and want to learn the game in a welcoming environment.
Throughout the season, players develop:
- Teamwork and communication
- Court spacing and positioning
- Passing, dribbling and finishing
- Defence and rebounding
- Game awareness and decision-making
- Confidence playing in a structured competition
The emphasis is on participation, learning and enjoyment rather than results.
What is the U13 Development League?
The U13 Development League is the next step in the junior development pathway after 3×3. It introduces boys and girls aged 10–12 to full-court 5×5 basketball in a supportive, development-focused environment.
Players build their understanding of team play, court positioning and the rules of 5×5 basketball, while continuing to develop their individual skills, confidence and decision-making.
The league is offered within our development programs as the entry point to 5×5 basketball. It is conducted as a competition, with teams, weekly fixtures and a season ladder, so players can experience structured match play while they develop.
What is Glory League?
Glory League is an automated video recording platform that captures basketball games and provides players with access to full-game replays, individual highlights, player statistics, shot charts and more.
It’s a valuable tool for player development, allowing players to review their performances, learn from their games and enjoy their basketball experience beyond the final whistle.
Glory League is recognised and supported by Basketball Australia and Basketball NSW and is widely used by basketball associations across Australia and New Zealand.
Which games are recorded?
Glory League records games played as part of Blue Mountains Basketball’s domestic and representative competitions at Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre. It also records games at the centre that are part of other competitions our teams or members play in, such as Western Junior League, Youth League and the Blue Mountains Classic.
Training sessions and skills-based development programs, including Aussie Hoops, academies and school holiday clinics, are not recorded.
Can anyone watch my child’s games?
No. Glory League is a closed platform, and game footage is not publicly accessible.
Access is restricted to players and families associated with the two teams participating in a particular game, along with authorised BMBA administrators.
Footage is accessed through individual Glory League accounts rather than being published openly on the internet.
Can videos be downloaded or shared on social media?
Glory League includes tools that allow users to download and share video highlights.
BMBA has turned those tools off for our U13 Development League. Videos and highlights from those games cannot be downloaded or shared from inside Glory League.
Has Glory League been independently assessed for privacy?
Yes. Glory League’s privacy practices have been independently reviewed and found compliant with Australian privacy standards.
These arrangements have also been reviewed and agreed with Blue Mountains City Council, which manages KSAC.
Do players consent to being recorded?
Photography and video recording are covered under the Participant Terms and Conditions issued by Basketball Australia, which players agree to as part of their registration.
By taking part as a player, coach, referee or administrator, you consent to being recorded by the Glory League cameras. Footage may be used by Blue Mountains Basketball, other basketball organisations such as Basketball NSW, and Glory League for services aimed at players, coaches and officials. BMBA may also use footage for an official incident investigation or disciplinary tribunal.
BMBA’s Filming, Photography and Glory League Policy sets out how filming and game recordings are managed.
What if I don’t want myself or my child to be recorded?
We recognise that every family has different views about privacy, particularly when children are involved.
If you have concerns about yourself or your child appearing in Glory League footage, please contact BMBA so we can discuss your circumstances.
We will talk with you about your concerns. We want every family to feel comfortable participating in basketball.
Can footage be removed if there is a serious incident or injury?
Yes. BMBA may obscure, remove or restrict access to footage involving a serious injury or incident, in accordance with our Filming, Photography and Glory League Policy.
If you have concerns about a particular recording, please contact us.
Can Glory League footage be used to challenge a referee’s decision?
No. Glory League is intended for educational and recreational purposes and is not a video review system.
Referee decisions cannot be reviewed or appealed using Glory League footage.
However, footage may be used by BMBA as part of an official incident investigation or disciplinary tribunal, in accordance with our policies.
Where can I find out more?
For further information about Glory League, please refer to:
- BMBA Filming, Photography and Glory League Policy
- Glory League
- Contact Blue Mountains Basketball if you have any questions or privacy concerns.
Our priority is to ensure all players and families feel safe, informed and comfortable participating in basketball.
