Sports in general is a competitive activity. Every rec team is different, but for most cases, yes it's relaxed. At the 1st grade level, Refs don't call travel, double dribble, back court violation, etc. unless it's abused. The first few grade level is about learning and enjoying the game. There's always going to be an alpha (coach's daughter) that plays 90% of the time and usually the best player. Things change when you hit 4th/5th grade with winter travel/select teams. Usually all the best rec players try out for 10-20 roster spots (1 or 2 winter teams).