Spurs Youth Basketball League Presented by Pizza Hut and Valero

Spurs Youth Basketball League is a socially-themed recreational basketball program in San Antonio and South Texas. Formerly the Drug-Free League (DFL) the new name brings an expanded focus to the players, "Positive choices" and "Respect for all." Both of the messages encompass being drug, alcohol and tobacco free and so much more. Kids today are faced with difficult choices at every turn and they need help making the positive choice. League registrations typically begin in November or early December with games starting in mid January. Kids Clinics are held late Jan to March.

If you are a parent who would like to register your child to play in the league, please contact one of the affiliated SYBL groups. These associations/groups are responsible for operating their leagues including registering players, recruiting coaches, determining playing sites and scheduling games. Player registration fees vary with each group.

Requirements of the League : To be an affiliate of the Spurs Youth Basketball League, associations/agencies must commit to the following league requirements:

1. All coaches and administrators must attend annual training on how to work with children in a sports environment.
   
2. Players and coaches must sign and pledge aloud on the court prior to the start of every game.
   
3. Coaches must talk to their team members a minimum of five minutes each week on making positive choices. Coaches use a specially designed handbook that contains eight weeks of easy-to-use lesson plans for them to follow.
   
4. Coaches and other adults directly working with participants must consent to and pass a criminal background check.
5. Rules may vary by organization but most organizations follow some of the guidelines published in the SYBL manual given to all coaches at the annual training.
6. Coaches also receive brochures explaining the league to give to all parents and guardians of players.

Admission of New Leagues – South Texas leagues, associations and agencies conducting youth basketball programs during the months of January through March may apply for membership in the league by completing the membership application form and sending it to the Kids Sports Network by September 1st. Decisions will be made by October 15th. Before applying, please read the Benefits and Requirements Summary.

Funding of the SYBL - The Spurs Youth Basketball League is funded by the nonprofit Spurs Foundation with financial support from Pizza Hut and Valero. The Kids Sports Network administers the league on behalf of the Spurs and acts as the liaison with the participating SYBL groups. The Spurs Foundation pays for player and coach jerseys, background checks, banners and a variety of other materials. Participating agencies pay for gym space, register players, recruit coaches, schedule games and practices and organize and operate their group's program.

History of the SYBL - The league (formerly called the Spurs Drug-Free League) was founded in 1991 by Spurs coach, Gregg Popovich, and KSN president/founder, Frank Martin as a way of promoting recreational youth basketball in economically disadvantaged areas of San Antonio. In February 1992 the league received a Point of Light from President Bush for its innovative programming and anti-drug efforts. The following year the league was awarded a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to expand the program to other NBA cities. In the mid 1990’s the league began an expansion to other South Texas communities. Today the SYBL includes nearly 25,000 participants playing games throughout South Texas.

For more information about the Spurs Youth Basketball League please contact the or call (210) 654-4707.