WYBC Global Games — Age & Grade Eligibility (2026)
WYBC Global Games uses a clear, widely recognized youth basketball eligibility model for 2026 to keep divisions fair and competition balanced. Eligibility can be determined by our simple AGE BASED Division Rules:
(Please note that WYBC Global Games will NOT use AAU Grade Based Rules for this event. Only Age Based Rules and Divisions.)
- Age-based divisions (7U–19U)
Key dates (2026 season):
- Age cutoff date: August 31, 2026
How Eligibility Works at WYBC
Proof of Eligibility (What to Bring)
A) Age-Based Eligibility (Simple)
A player is eligible for an age division if they do not turn older than the division age on or before August 31, 2026.
Age based divisions (2026):
- 7U: cannot be older than 7 by Aug 31, 2026
- 8U: cannot be older than 8 by Aug 31, 2026
- 9U: cannot be older than 9 by Aug 31, 2026
- 10U: cannot be older than 10 by Aug 31, 2026
- 11U: cannot be older than 11 by Aug 31, 2026
- 12U: cannot be older than 12 by Aug 31, 2026
- 13U: cannot be older than 13 by Aug 31, 2026
- 14U: cannot be older than 14 by Aug 31, 2026
- 15U: cannot be older than 15 by Aug 31, 2026
- 16U: cannot be older than 16 by Aug 31, 2026
- 17U: cannot be older than 17 by Aug 31, 2026
- 19U: cannot be older than 19 by Aug 31, 2026
Proof of Age / Photo ID (bring one)
- Acceptable Examples Include
- Unexpired passport
- Birth Certificate
- DMV-issued ID (issued within 3 years)
- Military dependent ID
- Current-year school ID (with photo) + copy of birth certificate
- Electronic verification through National Sports ID
Proof of Grade (only needed for grade-based eligibility)
- If using grade-based eligibility, proof of grade may include:
- Letter on school letterhead from an administrator
- Electronic verification through National Sports ID
- National Sports ID grade verification
Proof of Eligibility (What to Bring)
Proof of Age / Photo ID (bring one)
- Acceptable Examples Include
- Unexpired passport
- Birth Certificate
- DMV-issued ID (issued within 3 years)
- Military dependent ID
- Current-year school ID (with photo) + copy of birth certificate
- Electronic verification through National Sports ID
Proof of Grade (only needed for grade-based eligibility)
- If using grade-based eligibility, proof of grade may include:
- Letter on school letterhead from an administrator
- Electronic verification through National Sports ID
- National Sports ID grade verification
Important Notes
Eligibility is designed to support fair matchups and a high-quality international tournament experience.
WYBC reserves the right to place teams into the most appropriate division based on eligibility and competitive balance.
Registration With National Sports ID
Simplifying Youth Sports Verification
National Sports ID (NSID) ensures fair play in youth sports through secure, AI-assisted verification and digital solutions for athletes, coaches, and teams.
Efficient Document Management
- NSID collects and verifies essential documents digitally, ensuring accurate eligibility verification for athletes and teams.
Modern Player Packet Management
- Our digital system simplifies player packet management with automated forms and secure e-signatures, making the process faster and more convenient. National Sports ID is dedicated to improving youth sports through reliable verification and modern digital solutions.
Fast Age & Grade Verification
- Our streamlined process verifies player eligibility through document submission, AI-assisted checks with human review, and issuance of a secure Sports ID. This ensures athletes compete in the correct divisions at NSID-verified events.
Coach & Team Verification
- NSID verifies coaches through certification checks and background reviews, ensuring only qualified coaches lead teams. AI-assisted roster verification also confirms team eligibility and promotes fair competition.
Easy Digital Registration
- Our platform replaces physical paperwork with a simple digital registration process, saving time and reducing administrative costs for teams and organizations.
Secure E-Sign Waivers
- Parents and coaches can sign required waivers electronically, improving event safety and providing legal protection for leagues and tournaments.
WYBC Global Games — Age & Grade Eligibility (2026)
Age cutoff date: August 31, 2026
|
Division
|
Age-based eligibility (Aug 31, 2026)
|
|---|---|
|
7U / 1st Grade
|
|
|
8U / 2nd Grade
|
Cannot be older than 8
|
|
9U / 3rd Grade
|
Cannot be older than 9
|
|
10U / 4th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 10
|
|
11U / 5th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 11
|
|
12U / 6th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 12
|
|
13U / 7th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 13
|
|
14U / 8th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 14
|
|
15U / 9th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 15
|
|
16U / 10th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 16
|
|
17U / 11th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 17
|
|
19U / 12th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 19
|
|
Division
|
Age-based eligibility (Aug 31, 2026)
|
Grade policy (grade as of Oct 1, 2025) + max age (Aug 31, 2026)
|
|---|---|---|
|
7U / 1st Grade
|
||
|
8U / 2nd Grade
|
Cannot be older than 8
|
2nd Grade + cannot be older than 9
|
|
9U / 3rd Grade
|
Cannot be older than 9
|
3rd Grade + cannot be older than 10
|
|
10U / 4th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 10
|
4th Grade + cannot be older than 11
|
|
11U / 5th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 11
|
5th Grade + cannot be older than 12
|
|
12U / 6th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 12
|
6th Grade + cannot be older than 13
|
|
13U / 7th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 13
|
7th Grade + cannot be older than 14
|
|
14U / 8th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 14
|
8th Grade + cannot be older than 15
|
|
15U / 9th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 15
|
9th Grade + cannot be older than 16
|
|
16U / 10th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 16
|
10th Grade + cannot be older than 17
|
|
17U / 11th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 17
|
11th Grade + cannot be older than 18
|
|
19U / 12th Grade
|
Cannot be older than 19
|
12th Grade + cannot be older than 20
|
FAQS
Age Eligibility
Age eligibility is based on a player’s age on or before August 31, 2026.
Grade-based eligibility uses an athlete’s grade as of October 1, 2025, along with a division-specific maximum age on or before August 31, 2026.
Age-based eligibility is based only on age by Aug 31, 2026. Grade-based eligibility can allow a player to compete in a division tied to their grade (as of Oct 1, 2025) even if they’re slightly older—if they meet that division’s grade-policy maximum age. WYBC is NOT using grade-based eligibility in this event unless otherwise indicated.
In most cases, players can compete in older divisions if the team chooses, but they must meet any division requirements and roster rules. WYBC may review placements to support competitive balance.
Teams should be prepared to provide proof of age and (if using grade-based eligibility) proof of grade. Documentation and/or NationalSports ID registration may be required.
Not in this event. Traditionally other tournaments have allowed for grade eligibility but WYBC is only allowing for age based eligibility unless otherwise indicated.
WYBC Global Games is independently operated and is not affiliated with AAU. WYBC’s 2026 eligibility framework is modeled after widely used youth basketball standards for clarity and fairness. For your reference please see the AAU eligibility rules here.