About MYBA

Q1. Is MYBA open to non-Muslims or is it exclusively for Muslim youth?
MYBA does not discriminate against anyone based on religious affiliation. However, all clubs must be under the management of Muslims who are responsile for insuring that their players and personnel adhere to the Islamic principles in their conduct and in their interaction with MYBA members and affiliates.

Q2. How does MYBA cover the operating expenses associated with running quality leagues, tournaments, and other events?
MYBA activities are currently financed by entry fees and donations. Mutually-beneficial plans are currently being developed to attract corporate sponsors as well as generous private sponsors. A line of urban wear as well as marketing of basketball uniforms, shoes, and accessories on the MYBA website is also being developed.

Q3. Why does MYBA use a draft process for filling teams instead of just allowing players to form their own teams?
While sometime in the near future we expect to adopt the more traditional approach to filling team rosters, we wanted to avoid the "cliquishness" or other superficial divisiveness that permeates amongst some of the youth by mixing up the teams with players who are generally not familiar with one another. Our desire with this approach is to help develop the genuine spirit of brotherhood and unity that MYBA is about promoting. We also want to create the best experience possible for youth who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play competitive basketball.
NOTE: As of October 1, 2005, those who would like to register as ready-made teams can do so. In the future, only the MYBA Summer Developmental Leagues will continue to employ the draft process.

Q4. Why are all MYBA league games played at the Masjid Bilal Community Gym in North Houston when so many players live on the South side of town?
This is a concern that shelved the first attempt at launching MYBA. It is one that we hope that we will be in a position to address very soon. However, the decision to host all games at the North site was purely financial. There are many excellant sites that would facilitate MYBA games on the South side of town but they are very expensive to lease. As MYBA grows we expect that our ability to acquire cost-effective leasing of public gymnasium sites on the South side of Houston will accompany this growth. MYBA doesn't sanction outdoor play for health and logistical reasons.

Q5. Does MYBA plan to sanction sister's basketball league play as well as tournaments?
As an Islamic school teacher and basketball coach, MYBA's commissioner knows first hand, the zeal for competitive basketball that exists amongst Muslim sisters. Plans are underway to sanction a Fall league and tournament play for sisters, complete with female referees and guarded entrances and exits.

Q6. Is the scope of MYBA operations limited to the city of Houston and surrounding areas?
MYBA endeavors to first build a solid foundation at home here in Houston. The plan is to ultimately include Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, as well as Louisiana and Arkansas in a regional tournament before going nationwide with MYBA-sanctioned league play and events