FAQs
Got a question?
Find quick answers to the questions we get asked most, from key dates and registration to competition essentials.
Entering the Competition
Who can enter?
Primary Schools
- Mixed teams from Years 5 and 6
- Teams must include a minimum of two girls
- At least one girl must be on court at all times
- 6 children per team
Secondary Schools
- Years 9 and 10
- Schools can enter both a boys' team and a girls' team
- 6 children per team
Do pupils need previous basketball experience?
No. Jr. NBA 3v3 is designed for both beginners and experienced players. The format is easy to learn and encourages participation from all pupils.
Is there a cost to enter?
No. Entry to the competition pathway, including borough, area and finals events, is completely free.
How do schools enter?
Schools can register via the official Jr. NBA platform when entries open. Once registered, schools should inform their local School Games Organiser (SGO) that they have entered.
Competition Pathway
How many players are in a team?
Schools should enter teams of 4–6 players.
During matches:
- 3 players are on court at any one time
- A maximum of 4 players can participate in a game
How long are games?
Games are designed to be quick and engaging.
Matches are:
- 10 minutes long, or
- First team to reach 21 points
How does the competition pathway work?
1. School Registration
Schools register and select their teams.
2. Borough Competitions
Schools compete locally to determine borough champions.
3. Area Competitions
Winning schools progress to area competitions.
4. Finals
The top teams compete at the finals for the title of Jr. NBA 3v3 Champions and the chance to win championship rings.
Equipment & Facilities
What equipment is needed?
Most schools can deliver 3v3 using existing PE facilities.
Required equipment includes:
- Half basketball court
- One basketball hoop
- One basketball
Ball sizes:
- Primary Schools: Size 5
- Secondary Girls: Size 6
- Secondary Boys: Size 7
Do teachers need basketball experience?
No.
We provide:
- Free teaching and coaching resources
- Downloadable lesson plans
- "How To" videos
- Teacher training and coaching sessions
Everything has been designed to help schools deliver the format confidently.
Key Dates
London
- Entries Open: September
- Entry Deadline: End of October
- Borough Competitions: October - March
- Area Competitions: May
- Primary Finals: June (UEL SportsDock)
- Secondary Finals: July (Trafalgar Square)
Manchester
- Entries Open: September
- Entry Deadline: End of October
- Borough Competitions: November
- Area Competitions: December
- Primary & Secondary Finals: January
Information for Teachers
What do I need to do as a teacher?
Before the competition:
- Register your school team(s)
- Send waiver links to parents/guardians
- Keep in contact with your local SGO regarding competition dates and venues
At competition events:
- Accompany pupils throughout the event
- Ensure players wear appropriate PE kit
- Encourage pupils to bring a reusable water bottle
- Prepare pupils for weather conditions where relevant
What kit do players receive?
Players will receive:
- Event tops at Area Finals
- Full playing kit at the Finals
Changing facilities will be available at competition venues.
Parent & Guardian Information
What do parents or guardians need to do?
Parents and guardians are required to complete the NBA waiver form before their child can participate.
Schools will provide the waiver link directly.
Who completes the waiver?
The waiver must be completed by a parent or legal guardian for every participating player.
What should my child wear?
- School PE kit
- Suitable trainers for indoor or outdoor courts
- Additional warm clothing for time between games
Does my child need special equipment?
No. Basketballs and all competition equipment are provided.
Event Safety & Accessibility
Is the event safe and supervised?
Yes.
All events are delivered in line with:
- School safeguarding policies
- School Games Organiser protocols
- Venue risk assessments
Events are staffed by trained adults and supported by appropriate safeguarding procedures.
What happens if a child is injured?
Qualified first-aiders are present at events. Schools will follow their normal medical and incident-reporting procedures where required.
Can parents / Guardians attend?
This varies by venue.
Bourough events have limited capacity, so they are unable to accommodate spectators
Area finals have limited capacity, so they are unable to accommodate spectators
Finals events welcome spectators and encourage teams to bring their whole class to support.
Is parking available?
Parking arrangements vary depending on the venue. Where possible, attendees are encouraged to use public transport.