Brookings Basketball Association

5th & 6th Grade Competitive Travel and Developmental Leage Team Policy

(Approved 11-14-24)

 

The Brookings Basketball Association (BBA) program is designed to give players the ability to develop skills, experience, knowledge, and a passion for the game of basketball. All BBA players must attend the Brookings School District or a private/homeschool in the Brookings community.

The Brookings Basketball Association (BBA) competitive travel team program is designed to give basketball players additional opportunities outside of the developmental league. The objective is to provide a competitive travel program for players to compete in local, state, and regional basketball tournaments. Travel teams will represent the Brookings community and the BBA.

Teams

Competitive Travel Team

  • One competitive travel team will be provided for both the girls and boys in each grade. Placement on a team is not guaranteed and tryouts will be used for team selection.
  • Teams will be selected to create the best opportunity for a competitive team environment and player development. Players will be selected based skill evaluations by experienced coaches, including Brookings School District and BBA coaches.
  • Tryouts for the travel team will be in November each year. The 5th & 6th grade teams will have two weeks of practice and the third week will be an evaluation period with the coaching staff. Competitive team practices will then start after Thanksgiving.
  • An evaluation of effort, attitude and commitment to the team will be considered during the selection process.
  • Travel teams will have 8-10 players per team.
  • Playing time for tournaments is equal for the first 2/3 of the game and the final 1/3 of the game the teams will be playing to win.
  • Each team will participate in a minimum of seven tournaments. Tournaments will be selected by the BBA and coaches prior to tryouts.
  • Additional tournaments beyond the BBA can be added by the coaching staff for an additional cost.

Developmental League Teams

  • For the players who are not selected for the basketball travel program or choose not to try out, the developmental league offers the opportunity to play in competitive basketball games.
  • The development league allows players to play in games against teams from other towns as well as intra-squad games.
  • Development league teams are split evenly among BBA players and playing time is equal. The teams are made by the coaches in their respective grades and may change throughout the season.
  • The developmental league dates and schedule will be provided after the season begins.
  • These games are included in the price of registration. There is no extra cost.
  • If interested, we encourage the developmental league players to travel to tournaments that fit their competitive level. The coaches and their 5th & 6th grade BBA director can help with this process.

Player and Parent Commitment

  • Registration opens approximately September 15th of each year. The registration fee is non-refundable once a player beings practice with their respective team.
  • Practices will be held up to three times a week based on gym availability. The practice schedule is available online prior to registration. Players are not required to practice during Christmas break, but coaches may schedule optional practices as they deem necessary through the BBA.

Coaches

The BBA is a parent run organization and requires that parents volunteer to coach their respective teams. Coaches are chosen based on availability, commitment, and experience. Coaches are required to do a background check prior to coaching. Each team may have a head coach and two assistant coaches. Each coach is expected to develop their teams, adhere to the objectives and philosophies of the BBA and Brookings High School coaches.

Equipment

The BBA provides each team with equipment needed for the season. Shoes, basketballs, and other apparel are purchased by each player and family. Uniform tops are required to be tucked in at all times. Uniforms can be worn to practices, games and school events that showcase the basketball program.

Team Objectives and Playing Requirements

In addition to previous mentioned commitments for players and parents, it is understood that the objective of the competitive travel team is to develop basketball skills and knowledge of the game under the following guidelines:

  • Each player who attends practice regularly and puts forth the effort expected by the BBA and their respective coaches will be rewarded with playing time to enhance the ability to develop their skill sets on the basketball court.
  • Expectations from the BBA and the Coaches will be communicated to the players and parents prior to, or at the first practice. This includes the coach’s plans for creating skills-based teams for the purpose of playing in tournaments.
  • Each player is part of a team that represents the BBA and the community of Brookings. It is the expectation that all players, parents, and coaches follow the BBA code of conduct.
  • Travel teams are a competitive environment and each player will be expected to accept their role within the team.
  • A players preferred position may not be the players position within the travel team; however, it is our goal to develop every player to have the ability to shoot, pass, and score from all areas of the basketball court.
  • Coaches, players, parents, and family members are expected to always maintain a positive attitude. Coaches are volunteers dedicated to the development of basketball skills within a team concept. No college scholarships will be awarded during the travel team season.
  • Should a player demonstrate unsportsmanlike conduct on the court towards the opposing team or his/her own teammates or coaches, get into foul trouble during the game, or receive an injury during a game, at the coach's discretion, a player may see less playing time than noted above.
  • The BBA or Coaches reserve the right to sit a player out a game(s) or tournament(s) for conduct or actions detrimental to their team or the BBA.