december 2025 UPDATE: indoor drop-in on hiatus.
Unfortunately, Island Hoops will NOT be running drop-in in the new year. In early November, Lauren found out that they'll need to undergo major knee surgery in early 2026 and will need to take time away from the League to prepare and recover. Depending how things go, we may have some non-playing events (Women's March Madness watch party anyone?) in the spring as well. Thank you for understanding - this is disappointing for us too. Hope to see you on the court soon!
******************************************************
indoor drop-in
All participants in IHBS programs are required to sign a waiver for insurance purposes.
Age 18+ (players turning 18 the same calendar year permitted)
Photos View More
(ON HIATUS) drop in @ NADEN
Time: on hiatus
Location: Upper Gym at Naden Athletic Centre, at CFB Esquimalt
Format: 4v4 full-court (smaller court)
Washrooms: Both women’s and universal washrooms/changerooms are located directly across the hallway from the Upper Gym.
***CHECK OUT "IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT NADEN" AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE...
Photos View More
faqs
- Basketball shoes or court shoes. Regular runners or cross trainers can be okay, but they will increase your risk of injury as they won’t grip the gym floor as well or cushion your feet in the right places.
- A reversible jersey or a light and a dark shirt (this helps with making teams, but isn’t crucial - we have clean spare reversible jerseys we can lend!).
- A water bottle.
- A size 6 (“women’s size”) basketball (optional). Island Hoops has a few basketballs, but not enough for everyone.
The facilitators help make teams at the beginning of the night. There is no draft/picking teams! You will be assigned to a team based on the vibe of the evening (could be by height, could be numbering off, could be personal preference, etc.). If you want to be on the same team as someone, please tell the facilitator and they'll do their best to make it happen. The goal is to make relatively evenly-matched teams.
How are games played?
Generally speaking, games are usually between 6-10 minutes running time with water breaks in between. We adjust game lengths based on attendance/number of players and fitness levels. Often, we will have enough players for 3 teams with a few subs per team. Two teams will play each other while one rests, in a "play 2 games / rest 1 game" structure.
Are there any special rules, other then 'standard' basketball rules?
- We permit player-to-player defence only (no zone). This allows matchups based on experience and ability, which improves inclusivity of beginner players.
- We are self-officiated; call your own fouls (either offensive or defensive players involved in the foul may call it).
- All violations and all fouls, whether in the act of shooting or not, result in the ball resetting to the top of the 3-point line. No free throws.
- During a stoppage of play (foul or violation) in the front court, ball will be checked at the arc (3-point line). This is how it is done in 3x3 / half-court games; we have adopted it due to lack of floor space outside the in-bounds areas at some gyms. This removes opportunity for sideline or baseline plays.
- 'Jump balls' go to defence. Always. Don’t fight for a jump ball – keep those shoulders in their sockets please.
It's been YEARS since I've touched a basketball, but I want to come play! What should I know?
We proactively build a welcoming environment for all abilities (beginner to experienced). If you are very new to basketball (e.g. haven't played since middle school, or maybe never), we recommend showing up a few minutes early. Our facilitators would be happy to do an orientation and introduction with you before everyone else arrives. If you can't make it early, that's ok! Our facilitators keep an eye open for new faces and will do their best to introduce themselves and answer any questions you have.
I've never played organized basketball - I've never been on a team, I don't know the rules... but this looks fun and I want to learn! Can I come?
Yes! Please do. Please self-identify yourself to the facilitators at the beginning, and we will do our best to help support you. From time to time we do skills workshops for part of the drop-in session - these are also great ways to learn the ropes. Island Hoops hopes to make its programs accessible to all abilities, but this is a work in progress - feel free to email us if you're curious if specific programs are more beginner-friendly than others.
important notes about naden:
- Government-issued photo identification: Naden Athletic Centre is on the navy base. This means that everyone age 16+ needs to present identification at the military base gate. Examples: status card, driver’s license, passport, BCID, BC healthcare card. The identification cannot be expired. The identification can be issued by any government (doesn’t have to be from BC). Note that the security guards working at the gate exercise a lot of discretion in what is permitted; sometimes they’re very strict, and sometimes they will bend certain requirements (e.g. accept expired ID or school ID). The requirement to produce identification is by the navy base and as such, not something we have power to change. That said, we invite anyone who considers this a barrier to contact us directly to see what may be possible.
- Google Maps will sometimes send you the wrong way, especially on a bicycle. Make sure that you come through the gate located off of Admirals Road at Woodway Road.
- Military Location: Island Hoops Basketball Society is not affiliated with CFB Esquimalt or the Canadian Forces. Naden Athletic Centre was simply the only gymnasium that offered us space to play. They have been accommodating and enthusiastic supporters of our programming, and we are grateful. However, we acknowledge that the military affiliation may be uncomfortable for some attendees. We invite anyone who considers this a barrier to contact us directly to see what may be possible.