Evaluations:  

November 13, 14, & 16, 2023

Required Evaluations are November 13, 14, & 16, 2023.  You will be given an opportunity to sign up for a specific time.  Evaluations should take 10-15 minutes plus wait time.   You will be able to measure for uniforms to make sure we order the correct size.


The evaluation will include drills which your evaluator will give each player a score for.  This will help us ensure each team is evenly-skilled as much as possible, making a better game experience for everyone.


Fees are:  $75/player.  (There is a $15 discount if you register BEFORE November 3.)


Basketball: Boys and Girls, 5 years old (by start of the season) through 8th grade

Cheerleaders:  Girls, 5 years old (by start of the season) through 5th grade


Our goal is to share the love of Jesus through sports ministry.  We help kids grow mentally, socially, athletically, and spiritually.  Upward Sports is a fun environment where children can learn the game, develop their skills, experience teamwork, and learn principles that will apply both on and off the court.


Practices begin:  the week of January 8, 2024

Games begin:  January 19 & 20, 2024

Final games:  March 8-9, 2024


Game Day Experience includes upbeat music, player introductions, half-time devotions, concessions and lots of fun!

Important 2023-2024 Dates:


  • You can get an early start on evaluations!  Register online first, then we will contact you for a specific time.

  • Registration fee goes to $75

  • Evals should take 10-15 minutes PLUS wait time.  Want a shorter wait time?  Wait until later in the evening.  Longer wait times at 4:30; shorter at 5:30.

  • Coaches play a vital role in Upward sports ministry!  Coaching requires that we give our best effort in teaching the sport and caring about people.  This training experience will equip to be organized, lead practice devotions, communicate with parents, instill sportsmanship, a competitive spirit, and a growth mindset.  We provide tools that help coaches succeed!

  • Each team will be assigned a weekday practice time each week.  Your team will have the same practice time throughout the season.  We schedule two teams to practice in the gym; one on the right side, one on the left side.  

  • Games will be held on Friday evenings and Saturdays.  Look at your team's "Team Page" for up-to-date schedules.  If we have to cancel or reschedule a game, we will text the number you give at registration.  Contact your child's coach for your "Team Page" link.  Game days are:

    Game Day 1:  Jan 19-20

    Game Day 2:  Jan 26-27

    Game Day 3:  Feb 2-3

    Game Day 4:  Feb 9-10

    Game Day 5:  Feb 16-17

    Game Day 6:  Feb 23-24

    Game Day 7:  March 1-2

    Game Day 8:  March 8-9

  • A highlight of the season, our Season Celebration will be at 3:00 in the gym.  Families are encouraged to attend and bring a friend or family member!  This year, we will host David Cain, Guinness World Record Holder and World Champion Juggler!   Video

We provide coaches with all the tools you'll need to succeed including:

  • training session
  • step-by-step guide for each practice
  • a standardized substitution system
  • online resources including instructional practice drill videos
  • devotional guide
  • guaranteed gym time

Age Divisions:

Upward Basketball uses a four-level age appropriate format that grows with each young athlete.  Each level of Upward Basketball is tailored to meet athletes where they are in their playing ability, allowing them to reach their full potential.  


Coaches will lead their teams in a practice devotional each weekday practice.

  • LEVEL 1:  5 YRS - KINDERGARTEN

    INTRODUCE THE GAME AND BASIC SKILLS

    • Goal height:  7 feet
    • Games consist of six, 6-minute periods and an 8-minute halftime
    • Score is not kept
    • Clock runs continuously
    • Coaches are allowed on the floor with players
    • Stealing the ball from the dribbler is not allowed.  This allows the offensive player to dribble with correct form without the pressure of having the ball stolen.
    • Violation is not called for having two hands on the ball while dribbling

  • LEVEL 2:  1ST & 2ND GRADE

    DEVELOP BASIC SKILLS WHILE LEARNING GAME RULES

    • Goal height:  8 feet
    • Games consist of six, 6-minute segments and an 8-minute halftime
    • Score is not kept.
    • Clock runs continuously
    • Coaches are allowed to walk the sidelines to encourage and instruct players
    • Stealing the ball of a dribble or pass is allowed

  • LEVEL 3:  3RD & 4TH GRADE

    REFINE SKILLS AND LEARN TEAM CONCEPTS WHILE PREPARING FOR THE NEXT LEVEL OF COMPETITION

    • Goal height:  9 feet
    • Games consist of six, 6-minute segments and an 8-minute halftime.  
    • Score is kept
    • Coaches are allowed to walk the sidelines to encourage and instruct players
    • Clock runs continuously
    • Games are played cross-court
    • Free throws are awarded on all shooting fouls
    • Stealing the ball off a dribble or pass is allowed
    • Double dribble violation is called in all circumstances
    • Traveling violation is called in all circumstances

  • LEVEL 4:  5TH & 6TH GRADE -and- 7TH & 8TH GRADE

    IMPLEMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL RULES WHILE COMPETING AT A HIGH LEVEL

    • Goal height:  10 feet
    • Games consist of four, 6-minute quarters
    • The clock stops at each whistle
    • Teams are allowed on 30-second timeout per half
    • All games are played full court
    • Referees lead teams using a jump ball to start the game and overtime period
    • Zone and man-to-man defenses are allowed
    • Press defense is allowed in the backcourt during the last 2 minutes of the first half and last 2 minutes of the second half
    • All players are allowed five fouls each game.  After the 5th foul is committed, the player is out for the remainder of the game.
    • Three point shots are allowed

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please read through these FAQs.  If you have additional questions, please contact us at muhlenbergupwardsports@gmail.com


  • Are scholarships offered?  Yes, we offer scholarships to those who need help with the registration fee.  Simply come by the church office (M-F; 8:00-4:00 @ 217 W Depot St.) or download and print Scholarship_Application_2024.pdf

    • Practices are one hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.  Your team will be assigned a one-hour block on either the left or right side of the gym.
    • During the registration process, you will have the opportunity to exclude one of the above nights to avoid schedule conflicts.
    • We do NOT make up missed practices because every timeslot for practice will be filled.
    • We cancel practice on the night of Valentines Day
    • Our Upward practices and games are held in the Multi-Ministry Center (MMC).
    • Our address is 217 W Depot St, Greenville
    • Each team will have half the court for practice
    • If playing Level 1 through 3 (Pre-K through 4th grade), your game will be cross-court, allowing for two games to be played at the same time.  Your game schedule will indicate which side of the court when entering the main entrance; right or left.
    • Games are held on Friday nights and Saturdays.
    • Your team's game time will vary throughout the season.
    • Please show up 15 minutes before game time to warm up and get ready for player introductions.
    • We begin each game with players and coaches running through the inflatable tunnel.  Parents are encouraged to line up and give kids a high five as they run through.  
    • Player introductions begin 5 minutes before game time.
    • Lost and Found is located on the "Info Desk" just outside the gym.  Contact anyone in the concession stand if you need more info.
    • There is plenty of parking in the back of the building on Game Days.
    • We recruit volunteers to referee on game days.
    • Referees are experienced and go through training prior to the season.
    • Referees are trained to keep the game moving and spot basic penalties.
    • Please introduce yourself to the referee officiating your game.  They love Jesus, love people, and genuinely want the best for our Upward players!
    • Referees will not begin the season calling every penalty so players can have a chance to learn the fundamentals of the game.  As the season progresses, you will find the rules will become more strictly enforced as players begin to understand them.
    • Please show our referees grace.  It is difficult to catch all penalties, and refereeing becomes more difficult when placed under the pressure of coach's and parent's expectations.
    • Remember, people are always watching.  The way you respond to referees will be reflected in the way the players respond to referees.  We want to demonstrate good sportsmanship on and off the court for the duration of the season.
    • If you would like to be considered to help referee, please email us at muhlenbergupwardsports@gmail.com.
    • Uniforms are reversible!
    • Home team will wear the dark color.
    • Away team will wear the light color.
    • Coaches should wear their coaching shirts or a similar colored shirt on game days.
    • Basketball uniform 2024
    • Cheer uniform 2024