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posted 05/30/2009
FAQ's
What can my child expect from the tryout?
The tryout process endeavors to evaluate individual and team basketball skills. Players can expect to be evaluated on shooting, ball handling, rebounding, passing, defense, etc. Players will scrimmage as well. Tryouts are expected to involve two sessions. Some players will be advised at the end of the first session that they are not candidates for selection, and other players will be invited to attend the 2nd session.
Candidates' fitness level should be adequate to allow them to fully participate in all drills and scrimmages.
What is GBA Travel looking for in a player?
Basketball ability is a significant consideration. However, other significant factors could be the player's size, hustle, speed, tenacity, instincts, etc. In other words, it is entirely possible that a player with less developed basketball skills than another could be selected if the evaluators project that the player's potential warrants their selection. We strongly encourage all boys and girls to not assume they won't be selected, particulalry due to underdeveloped basketball skills. Our goal is to develop those skills in players that have the potential.
How far do teams "Travel"?
The average drive to a road game is 20 minutes. Some rides can be as long as 45 minutes, some can be 10 minutes. No out of state games
What is the weekly time commitment?
The average number of practices are 2.75/week (most teams get 3, some 2, and this often hinges on gym availability). More often than not, teams play a game on both Saturday and Sunday.
Who does the evaluating?
Experienced GBA Travel administrators and their helpers.
Can my child try out for a team older than his/her grade?
No, there is no "playing up" contemplated in the team selection process, regardless of the skill level of the younger player. It is possible that an insufficient number of qualifed candidates tryout for a team, and GBA may consider an exception to this rule. There may be other extenuating circumstances. Such exceptions require the approval of the GBA Executive Board.
My child is involved in another activity during basketball season (snowboarding, soccer, hockey, music, etc.), and we'd like him/her to be able to split time among activities during the season. Is this OK?
This is not OK for Travel basketball. GBA serves approximately 1,500 players on a rec and travel basis, and those players who want to play basketball, but not to the exclusion of other activities, are encouraged to participate in our Rec program. A player can participate in multiple activities, including Travel basketball, but the commitment must be made up front that when the activities conflict, basketball is primary. Presently, GBA is discussing a very, very minor deviation to this policy, but the essence of basketball priority will not change.
Can a player participate in both Travel and Rec programs of GBA?
No. The rationale for prohibiting Travel players from participating Rec is that they could have a too-prominent role in the Rec games, taking away from the non-Travel players. We realize that it would be fun for the kids to play with and against classmates, but unfortunately it's not available.
When does the Travel season begin and end?
Rosters are set by the end of September, and practices for most teams begin usually around mid-October. Basketball practices held in October or early November do respect the priority of fall sports, so don't worry about finishing the soccer or football, etc., season. The season ends roughly mid-March.
Are there playing time rules?
Yes. Every player who attends practice and is generally in good standing on his team will play a minimum of 8 minutes per game, which equates to 25% of the 32 minute game. While most of the towns we compete with do not have such a requirement in their Travel program, we do. Coaches strive to exceed the minimum where possible, but the player has to earn the time.
I'm interested in coaching, how do I submit my application?
All prospective coaches, including those that have been coaching in the Travel program, should complete Coach Registration on this website. The prospective coaches' son/daughter must be a bona fide candidate for player selection.
Are families discouraged from going away during December and February vacations?
No. This is a gray area, but I think most coaches would have no issue with a player being unavailable during one of the school vacations. Being gone for both vacations would be viewed as pushing it, however.
What size basketball is used in the various grades and leagues?
Boys in grades 6-8 use the regulation size ball (approximately 29.5 inch)
Boys in 5th grade use the women's 28.5 inch ball.
All Girls use the women's size ball (28.5 inch).
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