Recreation

The Recreation program offers structured basketball experiences for boys and girls in grades 3-8, divided into age-appropriate divisions. The 3/4 Grade Transitional division bridges the gap between clinic-style learning and competitive play, starting with skills development and progressing to balanced team play with 4v4 games. The 5th-8th grade divisions (5/6 and 7/8) focus on traditional team basketball with player assessments, regular practices, and games exclusively within Chester. This program emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and competitive play in a supportive and fun recreational environment.

The Transitional 3/4 Division was created to provide a more robust Basketball experience as the next step after the clinic environment. The program begins with an evaluation in an effort to assign even teams. Once teams are assigned, teams will begin practices and games. Practices are designed to enhance skills and teach fundamental concepts of the game.

Teams are parent coached, and interested parents can indicate their interest in coaching when registering their player and will need to complete the coaches registration.

Chester recreational basketball teams are offered for boys and girls grades five through eight, broken out into 5/6 and 7/8 divisions. Chester recreational basketball teams strictly play games versus teams within Chester. Teams are coached by Mendham High School students.

Player assessments take place in November, followed by practices, which start in December, then games, which take place through mid-March.

Teams are high school student coached. Interested coaches will need to complete the coaches registration.

Open to boys in grades 4 through 8 for the current school year who reside in Chester Township or Borough OR attend Chester Schools.

Girls recreational basketball is run through Mendham, please visit Mendham Basketball for more information.

Player assessments take place in November, followed by practices, which start in December, then games, which take place through mid-March.

(Subject to adjustment based on coach availability and gym closures)

Important Dates

• Registration Closes: Friday, November 21
• Evaluations: Saturday, November 22
• Teams Announced: Tuesday, November 25
• Practice Begins: Monday, December 1
• Regular Season (Saturdays): December 6 – February 21
• Playoffs:
• Semifinals: Saturday, February 28
• Championship Saturday: Saturday, March 7

Practice/Game Schedule (Subject to Change Based on Coach Availability)

• Girls 3/4: Practice Mon & Wed, 6:00–7:15 pm; Games Sat, 11:15 am–1:45 pm
• Boys 3/4: Practice Tue & Thu, 6:00–7:15 pm; Games Sat, 12:30–3:00 pm
• Boys 5/6: Practice Tue & Thu, 7:15–8:30 pm; Games Sat, 9:00–11:30 am
• Boys 7/8: Practice Mon & Wed, 7:15–8:30 pm; Games Sat, 11:30 am–2:00 pm

Gym Closures

• Teachers Conferences: November 6 – 9
• Thanksgiving: November 26 – 30
• Winter Break: December 23 – January 4
• MLK Day: January 19;
• Presidents Day: February 16