Frequently Asked Questions

All registration runs through Backspin, the Diocese's centralized platform, at stperpetua-cyo.backspin360.com.

• Parents click “2026–2027 Basketball.”
• Coaches click “Click Here to Volunteer”. See What's required to coach? below for the details.

Start by registering through the “Click Here to Volunteer” link on the registration site. This applies to head and assistant coaches alike, and each coach must register themselves.

Beyond registering, the Diocese requires all coaches to complete background screening and safe-environment training before working with players. We'll send you the instructions once you've signed up.

If you're unsure whether you can commit, register anyway. Knowing who's interested helps us plan coverage, and the number of teams we can field depends directly on how many coaches we have.

1. Proof of residency
2. Birth date verification

A clear phone photo or scan is fine for either one. Have them ready before you start — you won't be able to finish the form without them. If you're unsure whether a document qualifies, email the Registrar before the deadline rather than after.

Players must live within St. Perpetua Parish boundaries, attend St. Perpetua School, or attend Faith Formation at St. Perpetua Church.

If you have a Lafayette address or attend a Lafayette school, please go ahead and continue with the registration process.

The season follows the same rhythm each year: registration in August, player evaluations in late August and September, practices beginning in October, and league and tournament games running from November through February. Playoffs follow for qualifying teams.

Gym rentals, referee wages, and league fees have all gone up. The fee change reflects those costs directly.

Register for the waitlist. Historically we've been able to accommodate most waitlisted players, but we can't guarantee a spot. Every division has a player cap, and a new team is only added once at least nine additional players and a committed coach are confirmed. Late requests are handled case by case.

While registration is open, refunds minus the registration fees are available. After registration closes, refunds are subject to a 20% processing fee. No refunds are issued once teams are formed.

CYO youth basketball should not be a financial hardship for any family, and need-based financial aid is available. For information, contact our Registrar, Charlie Gaulke, at charliegaulke@gmail.com. Inquiries are handled discreetly.

Every CYO team is either American or National. Both are competitive; they differ in intensity and commitment.

American teams are for more advanced, experienced, and committed players, and play solely against other American teams. One American team is formed per division.

National teams are also highly competitive across our league, but at a somewhat lower intensity. Most players play National, and we field multiple National teams at each grade level.

National is not a consolation. Players from our National teams make high school rosters at every local high school each year, and players move from National to American within our program every season.

We ask American players to prioritize CYO over other sports and activities during the regular season. If your child can't make that commitment, please don't ask to be considered for the American team. See What is each player's time commitment? for what we expect of every player.

American teams are formed in 4th–7th grade for girls and 3rd–8th grade for boys. There is no American team for 3rd grade girls or 2nd grade boys, and 8th grade girls depends on how many players register.

CYO strives to form fair and balanced teams. Divisions are based on grade and gender.

Players attend their division's evaluation session so an independent evaluator and all prospective coaches can assess skill level relative to that division. One American Team, with the more skilled players in the division, is selected each year. All remaining players are placed on National Division teams through a draft.

No. We don't take requests for coaches, teammates, or teams.

Every roster is built through the evaluation and draft process.

One make-up session will be held after each evaluation date. Attending a make-up still counts toward American team eligibility, but please prioritize your scheduled full session when possible.

Players who attend neither session remain eligible for National Team placement through the draft.

All three come after evaluations, and generally by the end of September.

Teams are formed first, once evaluations and the draft are complete. Practice schedules follow, set by your coach around available gym time. Game schedules come from the league last.

Once rosters are set, team communication and scheduling move to TeamSnap, and your coach will be in touch.

Yes. The 2nd Grade Boys Division returns for the 2026–27 season, so 2nd grade boys register for their own division rather than playing up a grade.

Worth knowing before you register: like every CYO division, 2nd grade plays on full 10-foot baskets. If your son is new to the game, LMYA offers smaller teams on 8-foot baskets and can be a gentler first season.

Not this season. We are not fielding a 2nd Grade Girls division for 2026–27. Girls' divisions begin at 3rd grade.

For younger girls, LMYA runs a strong program with smaller teams on 8-foot baskets, and is a good place to start. We'd love to see her in a St. Perpetua jersey in 3rd grade.

No. Players play in the division matching their current grade.

Expect two practices and one game per week, from October through February.

We ask every player to commit to their team for the season. Plan on being at roughly three quarters of practices and games at minimum. This is particularly important for American players who may be limiting participation from other players who can commit more fully.

St. Perpetua CYO sponsors over 50 basketball teams each season, so gym time is a genuine constraint. Practices are held in gyms in Lafayette, Moraga, Walnut Creek, and Concord. Games are played at gyms throughout Contra Costa County, typically from Orinda to Martinez.

Ordering instructions are distributed after registration closes. You'll need a new uniform if your child is a new player, or if they're returning and last season's uniform no longer fits. Returning players may wear their existing uniform if it still fits.

All baskets are 10 feet from the floor, in every division and every grade — there are no lowered baskets at any age.

Ball size:

• Boys, 2nd–5th grade: 28.5
• Boys, 6th–8th grade: 29.5 (NBA regulation)
• Girls, all divisions: 28.5

Yes. Backspin handles registration only. TeamSnap remains our tool for team management, communication, and scheduling throughout the season.