Frequently Asked Questions

This section of the website is a list of some of the most Frequently Asked Questions that we get at California PAL.

• Question: Why do some of the chapters say SAL or YAL instead of all of them just being PAL?

Answer: Some of our PAL chapters are comprised of entire counties. Imperial, Stanislaus, Kern and Kings Counties all have PAL programs but because the county Sheriff is the leading law enforcement authority, those programs are called Sheriff's Activities Leagues and usually the director will be a Sheriff's Deputy. They still have many of the same programs as other PAL chapters usually they operate on a wider scale, covering the entire county. Los Angeles County Sheriff actually has 14 independant chapters throughout Los Angeles County that cover the various LASD substations. Their PAL programs are called Youth Activity Leagues. In the end, no matter what a chapter is called, they are all still PAL programs at the core and a member of the California PAL community.

• Question: What makes PAL different from the Boys & Girls Clubs or the YMCA?

Answer: The Police Activities League was started by law enforcement and to this day, a PAL chapter cannot be a member of California PAL without the support of the local Chief or Sheriff.  PAL brings together "Cops and Kids" and truly makes an effort to reach the most "at-risk" youth that may not have the resources or opportunity to participate in any other programs. Many PAL chapters are no-cost programs which allow for those families that don't have the financial ability to otherwise get their kids involved with an organization that provides programs in a safe and supervised environment.

• Question: How can I get my kids to go to California PAL?

Answer: California PAL is a Member Serving Non-Profit. We serve over 100 member chapters throughout the state of California by providing Youth Programs, Training and many other opportunities and assistance. Our corporate office is located in San Leandro, CA. California PAL runs many youth programs, mainly in the form of athletic tournaments and educational conferences throughout the state. The youth that we serve mainly come from our local PAL chapters. In essence, all PAL kids throughout the state are California PAL kids and through our assistance and programs to their respective local chapters, they all benefit from a strong California PAL.

• Question: There is a PAL in my community but they are not on your PAL chapter map or listings?

Answer: Not all PAL programs in the state belong to California PAL. Some PAL chapters run programs of their own and do not wish to be a member of our organization from one reason or another.

• Question: I want my child to be involved in PAL basketball, what do I do?

Answer: The first step would be to check our PAL Chapter Locator Map. Once you find the nearest PAL chapter to your location, contact them either via phone or e-mail and find out how you can get your child involved. Not all PAL chapters run the same programs, some PAL's focus more on afterschool programs while some focus just on athletics. Ask your local PAL director what programs they run at their PAL chapter.