What is Richland Youth Sports?
Richland Youth Sports is a recreational youth sports organization formed over 45 years ago and has been supported by parents who strongly believe that team sports should be encouraged at an early age. The program offers basketball to all Richland students in grades 3-6. Beginning in the 2018-19 season, 2nd graders are also invited to join RYS with our 3rd graders! RYS is not directly affiliated with Richland School District 88a. RYS is not considered to be an “A” travel team. No experience is needed to join. This program focuses on teaching fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a safe, fair, and fun environment.
When are practices and games?
It depends. Typically, practices are about an hour long and are held twice a week in the evenings for all athletes. If there are games scheduled during the week, then practices may or may not be held, as the games may conflict with regularly scheduled practices. Practice and game schedules are not available until registration has been completed, because we need to secure coaches for all teams and finalize game schedules with local schools. Practice schedules heavily depend on our volunteer coaches’ schedules, as well as the availability of our facilities (Richland School). Once teams and coaches finalized, we will be able to establish the practice schedule. Games can be held during the week, as well as during the weekend for tournaments (typically 3-5 tournaments per season).
What do the fees cover?
There are 3 fees associated with RYS registration. The player fee covers uniforms, equipment, facility rentals, and mandatory insurance. There is also a concession stand fee that helps to cover the costs of running our concession stands during home games. Finally, there is a $100 worker fee per family, which is fully refundable at the end of the season as long as the family fulfills worker requirements. RYS does not want to keep this fee! Your time and effort is much more valuable to the program.
Where are practices and games held?
Practices are held at Richland Grade School. RYS uses both gyms when available, and will try to rotate schedules so that each team will have at least one evening practice in the main gym. All home games will be held in the main gym. There will also be away games at area schools, primarily in Lockport. School locations can be found on this website. Transportation is not provided by RYS to away games.
Is there an activity bus?
There is not an activity bus available for students that participate in Richland Youth Sports. Parents or guardians are responsible for pick up and drop off to all practices and games.
How long is the season?
The season begins in October and ends in mid February.
You used to offer Cheerleading. Is it still being offered?
After a two year hiatus, we will be offering cheer again for the 2019-20 season! Open to all Richland students in grades 2-6.
You're offering basketball to 2nd graders now? How does that work?
Many of the area schools are starting to offer basketball to 2nd graders, so RYS felt that it was time to jump on the bandwagon! It's a great way to get your child involved early and prepare them for future school team sports. At this time, 2nd graders will be part of the 3rd grade teams, but this could change in the future. Player fees will be the same as 3rd grade ($65/athlete), plus all other applicable fees.