Information
TRAVEL TEAM SELECTION
Tryouts are grade specific with independent evaluators and coaches scoring and ranking players on dribbling, shooting, passing, defense, and general knowledge of the sport at “game speed.”
The independent evaluators and coaches will present their top recommendations for each team and rank the players who participated in the tryouts. Each team will keep approximately 10 players based on the top recommendations.
All participants in the Travel Program must play with their grade level. The Program will field 1 boys team and 1 girls team per grade; each team will consist of approximately 10 players. The leagues and each subsequent division in which we compete subscribe to this format as well.
If a player who wishes to participate in the Travel Program is injured and cannot participate in the tryouts, they may request a tryout as soon as they are able to resume play as documented from the player’s doctor prior to December 20th. The player must still be registered by said deadline in order to receive a tryout. If the player cannot return to action prior to December 20th, they cannot tryout for Travel during that season.
If the player requests a tryout with the travel team, they will be invited to attend a full team practice and be evaluated relative to the other team players by an independent evaluator and the coach. If the player ranks among the top players, it will be the coach's decision whether to add the player to the roster. If the player does not rank among the top players on the court, they will not be offered a spot on the team. In no case will another player be asked to leave the team to accommodate the new player.
Boys League Travel Team:
Will be overseen by the North Jersey Junior Basketball League (NJJBL).
Girls League Travel Teams:
Will be overseen by the North/West Bergen/Passaic Travel Basketball League.
2024-25 Rec Bball Registration IS NOW CLOSED!
PLAYING TIME
Playing time will NOT be equal, guaranteed or predictable throughout the season.
Playing time is determined by the coach.
Playing time is typically earned on a weekly basis and awarded to players based on a combination of skill, attitude, effort, attendance, scheduled opponents and other factors that come up during the course of a season.
GAMES
Each team will play approximately a 16 game schedule with the possibility of an end of the season playoff tournament.
The games will be officiated by accredited Bergen/Passaic County basketball officials and follow the guidelines of Bergen County High School Basketball.
Games can be played any day of the week, including Saturday and Sunday, however the schedule will follow the Waldwick School District calendar and reflect school closures.
PRACTICES
Expect 1 or 2 practices per week throughout the season.
We hope to get into a predictable routine once the schedule is finalized but practice times may change weekly once the season begins so time flexibility is imperative.
Practices are typically posted on TeamSnap the week prior.
Practices are considered mandatory as we play in a very competitive and like minded league.
Practice will consist of skill development and the institution of offensive and defensive sets.
Practice will typically run in the neighborhood of 60 to 90 minutes depending on gym availability.
COACHES
The Travel Board will seek to have two coaches per team; either parent volunteers or a paid coach. All coaches will be approved by the Travel Board. The aim of the Board is to appoint coaches with prior coaching experience that can increase our children’s basketball skills by building teamwork and, above all, having fun.
If you would like to be considered as a coaching candidate, please volunteer at registration and you will be contacted via a separate email in the coming days.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any of the Waldwick Jr. Basketball Board Members. All coaches are required to be certified by the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y Clinic and must pass a background check.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Good sportsmanship and professional behavior are expected in all circumstances. Coaches, players, parents, all relatives and any spectators will be held in this regard.
We will not tolerate players that show disrespectful behavior on the court, on the bench or towards the competition and referees.
There should be no negative feedback with referees or coaches regarding a call or play.
Likewise, parents providing instructions or coaching from the stands is strongly discouraged.
Negative and disruptive behavior by parents are cause for disciplinary actions against said parents and possible banishment from our gyms.
However, there is no limit on providing positive encouragement for the kids by cheering them on throughout the games this season!
24 HOUR RULE
The 24-hour rule in sports is a guideline that encourages people to wait 24 hours before contacting a coach, team or league about a game or practice incident. The rule's purpose is to promote a more respectful and constructive approach to handling issues.
The 24 hour rule is a standard the WBA has put into place to prevent discussions regarding playing time, positions, tactics, or general decision making immediately following a game. It is essentially a cool off period that removes emotion from the conversation which allows both parties to collect their thoughts prior to speaking about the events.
