Reston Hoops · 2026–27 Winter Season

Winter House Basketball

A recreational basketball league for boys and girls in grades 1–12—from first-time players learning the game to returning athletes building their skills through friendly competition.

Grades 1–12 Boys and girls divisions
One Practice Weeknights for 1 hour
Saturday & Sunday Games Day varies by division; 1 hour of play
Local Gyms Reston/Herndon gyms

Registration Opens Mid-September 2026

A $35 late-registration fee begins November 14. Divisions may move to a waitlist when full.

Registration Details
About the Program

Learn, Compete, and Play Close to Home.

Winter House Basketball welcomes players who are new to basketball as well as athletes who want to refine their skills in a friendly, competitive environment.

The league emphasizes playing time, friend requests, school affiliation, and community involvement while working to create competitively balanced teams.

Balanced Teams Evaluations help divisions form competitive rosters.
Playing-Time Goal The goal is a minimum of two quarters per player.
Friend Requests Considered as part of the House experience.
Volunteer Led Community coaches make the season possible.
Reston Hoops youth basketball players and volunteer coaches in a local gym
Important Dates

The 2026–27 Season Playbook

Dates may be adjusted as gym permits and county schedules are finalized. Registered families receive program updates directly.

Skills Evaluations

Players in grades 1–8 attend one evaluation session after registering.

Teams Are Formed

Teams are formed following House League skills evaluations.

Late Registration Fees Begin

A $35 late-registration fee begins on this date.

Preseason Basketball

Practices, scrimmages, and the kick-off mini tournament.

Holiday Break

No scheduled basketball during the published holiday break.

Regular Season

Saturday or Sunday games plus weekday team practices.

Playoffs & Tournaments

End-of-year competition concludes the winter season.

Player Eligibility

Who Can Play?

Winter House divisions are organized primarily by each player’s current grade in school.

High-school players: Visit the dedicated High School Basketball page for division-specific information.

Grades 1–12

The House league offers boys and girls teams grouped by current grade.

Age Six by October 1

Participation for younger children may be considered individually by the division coordinator after an evaluation.

No Concurrent Select, Travel, AAU or High School Team

House players may not play for another organization’s Select, Travel or AAU team during the same season. High School players may not participate if playing for their high school team.

Out-of-County Fee

Players living outside of Fairfax County are required to pay an additional Out-of-County Fee assessed by the county, $75 as of 9/1/26.

The Weekly Rhythm

What the Season Looks Like

Exact schedules depend on county gym permits, division needs, and coach and team availability.

Weeknights

Team Practices

Practices are normally one hour on one weeknight, generally beginning between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. Younger divisions are scheduled earlier where possible.

Saturdays & Sundays

League Games

Games last approximately one hour, and the day varies by division. Grades 1–4 play on Saturdays only. Grades 5–8 may play Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or Sundays from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

New This Season

High School Schedule

High school games may be held Saturdays from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. and/or Sundays from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m. Our league is growing!

Before the First Game

Program Details

A few practical details help families know what to expect before teams are formed.

Skills Evaluations

Evaluations help the league balance teams within practical limits. Because skills can change significantly from year to year, every registered player in grades 1–8 must attend one evaluation session.

  • Registration is required before attending.
  • Players attend only one evaluation session.
  • No separate evaluation appointment is required.

Teams & Playing Time

Reston Hoops strives to form teams with approximately 9–10 players, although roster sizes may vary with registration and volunteer availability.

  • The league’s goal is at least two quarters of playing time per player.
  • Grade-placement requests remain subject to division approval.
  • Friend requests are considered but cannot be guaranteed.
Review Winter House Rules

Uniforms & Equipment

Reston Hoops provides reversible blue-and-white team jerseys after teams are formed.

  • Players provide their own shorts.
  • Players provide socks and appropriate gym shoes.
  • Bring a water bottle to practices and games.

Waitlists, Refunds & Scholarships

Waitlists begin when divisions fill and may also be used beginning in mid-November. No payment is taken until a waitlisted player accepts an offered space.

  • Refunds are no longer offered after teams are formed.
  • Qualified Fairfax County families may request financial assistance.
  • Required scholarship documentation must be submitted for reduced-fee participation.
Learn more about Financial Assistance
Help Power the League

Get Involved

Winter House Basketball depends on volunteer coaches and community support. Referees are trained and paid for their time.

Coach a Team

Adults and qualified volunteers age 16 or older may register to coach. Volunteers age 18 or older must complete a background check. Head coaches receive reimbursement for one player registration per team coached.

Coach Registration

Become a Referee

Prospective officials must be at least 14 years old by January 1 of the current year. Reston Hoops provides training, and referees are paid for officiating games.

Referee Application

Other Volunteer Roles

The league also needs division coordinators, assistant coaches, volunteer building directors, scorekeepers, and timers throughout the season.

Contact Reston Hoops
Quick Answers

Winter House FAQ

The most common questions from players and families.

Does my child need basketball experience?

No. Winter House is intended for players new to basketball as well as returning players who want to improve their skills.

Can we request a friend or practice night?

The league considers friend requests. The registration form also allows families to indicate available practice days, but team placement and practice schedules cannot be guaranteed.

Are skills evaluations tryouts?

No. The evaluations are used to help create balanced teams. All registered players in grades 1–8 attend one session.

Where do practices and games take place?

The league uses local gyms based on Fairfax County permits and facility availability. Practice times and locations depend on the space assigned to each division.

What happens during weather closures?

Fairfax County may cancel practices or games because of weather or facility issues. The league works to notify families when county closures affect scheduled activities.

Where can I find schedules and standings?

Current schedules, results, and standings will be available on the Basketball Schedules and Standings page.

Ready for Winter Basketball?

Find Your Team. Find Your Game.

Review the current registration options or visit the schedules page for season information once teams begin play.