FAQ - Sports and Recreation

If you have questions about the various sports programs offered by the City of Salem that you don't find listed here, contact us.

Can I register for youth sports programs over the phone?

Can a child move to another team?

I'm concerned my child is not receiving enough play time.

Will missing practices affect play time?

How are practice times assigned?

What size ball does my child need?

Does the City have insurance to cover my child while participating in a program?

How do you complete the team formation process?

(Basketball) Does the City use a 3-point basket?

(Basketball) Why does the referee sometimes move a player closer to the basket for free throws?

(Soccer/Basketball) Why is K-1st grade soccer and basketball play instructional?

How can I volunteer with Recreation Management Services?

Do I have to purchase a t-shirt?

Do I have to purchase a team or individual photo?

Can a child move to another team?

In general, no. Following team formation, however, parent requests for a team transfer will be addressed on an individual basis. All requests should be referred to the Recreation Specialist.

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I am concerned that my child is not receiving enough play time. What's the City's policy on this?

Staff/Coaches are to play every participant present at the games. Participants should play an equal amount of time or, at minimum, half of the game.

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Will missing practices affect play time?

Volunteer coaches do have the right to restrict play time should children miss practices. Children should not, however, be benched for an entire game.

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How are practice times assigned?

• Basketball: Practice time is assigned by the Division.
• Fall Youth Soccer: Volunteer coaches arrange and hold practices whenever and wherever there is open field space.
• Spring Youth Soccer: Same as Fall Youth Soccer Programs, except Little League baseball and softball programs have priority use of field space.

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Can I register for youth sports programs over the phone?

Unfortunately, not at this time. All sports program registrations must be made in person, and fees paid in full at the time of registration.

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Does the City have insurance to cover my child while participating in a program?

No. The child's insurance coverage is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. In the event of a serious injury, staff will follow through with established procedures.

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(Basketball) Does the City use a 3-point basket?

• Three-point baskets are not allowed for grades K-5th.
• Three-point baskets are allowed for grades 6th-12th (when gym markings allow).

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(Basketball) Why does a referee sometimes move a player closer to the basket to shoot free throws?

Officials at the K-5th grade level may use discretion to accommodate the player's size and ability.

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How do I volunteer with the Community Resources/Recreation Division?

Volunteers are always needed to help with delivering sports programs. If interested, please come to our office in the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, 555 Liberty Street SE, Room 300, and fill out a volunteer application. For more information, contact us at 503-588-6261.

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What size ball does my child need?

• Basketball: Recommended that K-3rd graders use a "junior" size ball, 4th-8th grade girls use a "women's-28 1/2" size ball, 4th-8th grade boys use a "regulation" size ball. Please label your ball with a permanent marker.
• Soccer: Recommended that K-5th graders have a size 4 ball, 6th-8th graders a size 5 ball. Please label your ball with a permanent marker.

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How do you complete the team formation process?

The League Coordinators will randomly establish teams by school in respective middle school areas and attempt to equalize teams by age and gender (coed leagues) whenever possible.

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Do I have to purchase a t-shirt?

Do I have to purchase a team or individual photo?

Team and/or individual photographs are an optional item for parents/guardians. Volunteer coaches have the option of purchasing team t-shirts through the local provider; team colors will be assigned.

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Why is K-1st grade soccer and basketball play instructional?

This program provides K-1st graders the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the sport in a noncompetitive atmosphere. Specifically, these youngsters are taught skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, rules, exercises, and player positions.

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