Parents Hub
Game Day, Simplified
Everything Lions families need in one place: when to arrive, what to bring and what to do when the weather gets wild.
Game day
Game Day Guide
Game day is the best day of the week. A few easy habits keep it calm and fun for you and for your Lion.
Before you leave the house
-
Check the jersey
Each upcoming game on the schedule says whether to wear white or green.
Open the schedule -
Pack the bag
Sneakers, a water bottle with your Lion’s name on it and a small snack for after.
See the packing list -
Arrive 20 minutes early
Warm-ups are part of the fun. Early Lions have time to tie shoes, find friends and stretch.
At the gym
Where to sit
Families sit on the side of the court with the Lions bench. Please keep the sideline clear so coaches and little players can move safely.
Cheering tips
- Cheer for every Lion, not just your own.
- Celebrate passes and hustle as loudly as baskets.
- Leave the coaching to the coaches. Little players can only hear one voice at a time.
- Be kind to the other team. They are somebody’s little ballers too.
The high-five line
After the final whistle, both teams line up to trade high-fives. Join in with a big smile. Snacks and hugs come right after.
Practice
Practice Basics
Practice is where Lions learn the moves, make friends and burn off a little energy.
-
Day
Wednesdays
-
Time
5:30 PM
-
Place
Home Gym
Our first practice is Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Practice takes a break for holidays, so a few weeks have no practice.
See every practice date on the scheduleWhat practice looks like
Stations
Small skill stations for dribbling, passing and shooting on lowered hoops. Each one is short, so nobody gets bored.
Games
Playful games keep everyone moving and laughing while they sneak in lots of practice.
Water breaks
We stop for water often. Hydrated Lions are happy Lions, so please send a full bottle.
Pickup
When practice ends, come find a coach so we know who is going home with whom. Players only leave with a parent or guardian. Parents are welcome to stay and watch from the sideline.
What to bring
Pack the Bag
The Lions packing list is short. Most of it you already have at home.
-
Team jersey
Lions wear both colors over the season. Each game on the schedule says white or green.
-
Shorts
Comfortable shorts or athletic pants that are easy to run and jump in.
-
Sneakers
Closed-toe sneakers with laces tied or velcro fastened. No sandals or boots, please.
-
Water bottle with a name
Write your child’s name on it. We take water breaks all the time.
-
A small snack for after
Something small and easy to eat. See the snack notes below.
-
Child-size basketball
OptionalGreat for dribbling in the driveway, but never needed at practice or games.
Snacks
Snack Rotation
After the final whistle, every Lion earns a snack and a cheer.
How the rotation works
- One family signs up for each game, so no one family carries the whole season.
- Bring small, easy-to-share snacks for the team, plus a few extras for siblings.
- Water is the drink of choice. Extra cups or bottles are always welcome.
Allergy awareness
- Food allergies are common at this age. Check labels and bring the package so other families can read it.
- Keep team snacks free of peanuts and tree nuts.
- If your child has an allergy, tell the coach ahead of time so we can plan together.
The sign-up link will be added to the snack rotation post as soon as it is ready. That post also has a few easy snack ideas.
Weather
Weather & Cancellations
Arizona weather is usually kind to us, but sometimes plans change. Here is how we keep you in the loop.
Rain or shine
Games in the gym are played rain or shine. A shower outside does not change the plan, unless the gym itself has to close.
How we tell you
If a game or practice is cancelled or moved, we post it in the news and update the schedule page. Check both before you leave home.
Make-up games
Postponed games get a new date when the league and the gym allow. Some games cannot be made up. The schedule shows Postponed or Cancelled, and the league has the final word, so check with the league if you are unsure.
Heat and monsoon storms
Outdoor events, like a team party at the park, need extra care in Arizona. Pack water, hats and sunscreen. If extreme heat or a monsoon storm rolls in, we may shorten, move or postpone the event for safety.
FAQ
Quick Answers
The questions new Lions families ask us most. Tap a question to open it.
What age is PreK vs K?
PreK is the year before kindergarten, usually ages 4 to 5. Kindergarten players are usually 5 to 6. Age cutoffs come from Arizona Youth Sports, so check with the league if your child is close to the line.
Does my child need experience?
Not at all. Many Lions have never touched a basketball before. We teach everything one fun step at a time, from holding the ball to passing it to a friend.
What if my child gets shy or cries?
That is completely normal at this age, and it happens to lots of kids. Stay close at first, let your Lion watch for a bit and tell a coach. We will pair your child with a buddy, and they can join in whenever they feel ready. Tears often turn into giggles within minutes.
Can siblings come?
Yes. Brothers and sisters are welcome to cheer from the sideline. Please keep a close eye on them and keep the court area clear. Every gym has its own rules, so check with the coach if you are not sure.
Do you keep score?
We celebrate effort and teamwork first. Scoring follows Arizona Youth Sports rules, so check with the league for the details. When a score is recorded, you will see it on the schedule.
See the scheduleHow do I get photos?
Picture Day details are posted in the news, and photos from the season are shared on the Photos page as they are ready. Feel free to snap your own from the sideline. Please check venue rules, and ask other families before you post pictures of their kids.
Visit the Photos pageWhat if we miss a game?
Life happens, and your child is still a Lion. Let the coach know when you can so the team can plan, and then come to the next one. No stress and no guilt.
How do I contact the coach?
Email is the fastest way. You will find the address and the rest of our contact details on the contact page.
Go to ContactStill wondering?
Questions? We're here.
Send the coaches a quick email or check the schedule. We are always happy to help.