BARRINGTON YOUTH BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
PROGRAM GUIDE
Mission Statement:
Barrington Youth Basketball Association (BYBA) is a non-profit organization committed to providing youth in the Town of Barrington (Grades 3-8) an opportunity to learn, participate, and enjoy the game of basketball. It is our hope that participating youths will not only develop as basketball players, but also the experience will instill confidence, teach teamwork, promote good sportsmanship, and allow them to embrace competition.
Recreational League Program:
The Recreational League Program allows youth who are both new to the game and experienced and are interested in learning the fundamentals, to continue to learn new skills, while participating in a fun atmosphere. This commitment is optimal for families who travel on weekends during the winter months, but whose child is still interested in playing the sport of basketball. Playing time will be equal among all players.
Players who are also interested in competing on the Metro West Competitive Travel Team, must make a commitment to participate in 60% of recreational league games. An exception will be made for players also playing on the Barrington Middle School Team.
The season will begin end of November and end February 10th with an end of season playoff tournament. Registration for BYBA will begin the end of August. Divisions in the recreational league program will be divided by grades (3/4), (5/6), (7/8). Each team will have one practice during the week and a game on Saturday. We have arranged for at least one game a season to be played away against a recreational league from a nearby community.
Please note, as this is our first season of introducing a recreational league to our community, we are ONLY allowing residents of the Town of Barrington to participate.
Competitive Travel Program:
The Competitive Travel Program provides an opportunity for players in Grades 3-8 that have experience playing basketball, advanced skills, and are seeking an opportunity to play in a highly competitive league. Players and families must be willing to make an increased time commitment for practice and games, as well as understand that playing time will not be equal.
The Barrington Competitive Travel teams are chosen after competitive tryouts are completed for each grade level. Youth will be evaluated at three separate player tryouts by evaluators with no affiliation to the grade level team and a BYBA Board Member. Tryouts will be uniform for all grade levels with same drills, stations, and scrimmage. Youth will be evaluated on participation, sportsmanship, skills, game readiness, and coach ability.
Players will only be eligible to be placed on a team for the grade level they are currently enrolled in. If your child has skipped a grade please reach out to the league. Please do not inquire about players moving up a grade level, this will only be permitted if the team above cannot fill a full roster. The decision to do so will be made by those evaluating tryouts and the BYBA Board.
The tryouts are scheduled for the weeks of September 18th and 25th with two sessions per grade. Attendance at both tryout dates is strongly encouraged, and a third date may be offered if there are extenuating circumstances. The season begins November 13th and runs until mid-March. All teams will play in post-season tournament that begins in early March. Teams may participate in additional tournaments throughout the season, which are typically held during school vacation weeks. There will be two practices a week and regular season games on Sundays. This includes games on each Sunday of February break.
Players are required to also participate in the Recreational League and participate in 70% of recreational league practices. An exception will be made for players on the Middle School Team.
Please note that the Competitive League Registration Fee ($450) includes the Recreational League Fee.
Competitive Travel - Team Tryouts:
TRYOUTS are scheduled for the weeks of September 18th and 25th with two sessions per grade. Attendance at both tryout dates is strongly encouraged, and a third date may be offered if there are extenuating circumstances. A tryout schedule will be posted on the league website (www.bybahoops.com). Those that have signed up for the Recreational League will also be notified via email. There will be a $40 fee to register for tryouts, if your child does not make the team, it will be refunded. If your child does make the team, the fee will be deducted from your overall cost of the program. There will be three tryout sessions for boys and girls in grades 3-8. It is encouraged that players attend all sessions.
There is considerable thought and discussion that goes into the selection process for each travel team. The BYBA Board will approve all final team rosters. Factors that are considered include performance in the current tryout, prior years’ performance in both recreational and travel program (if applicable), prior years’ commitment to both the recreational and travel program (if applicable), athletic ability, sportsmanship, basketball competency, as well as the player’s ability to work within a team concept.
The BYBA Board will select coaches and assistant coaches only after the teams are formed. Individuals interested in being considered for this should visit the league website and complete and submit a form. The Travel Coordinator will make recommendations and the Board will have the final vote on a coaching staff.
Competitive Travel - Game Rules:
** Rules for Grades 3/4 -- click here
** Rules for Grades 5/6 -- click here
** Rules for Grades 7/8 -- click here
Coaches:
It is the goal of BYBA to provide an environment that promotes team work, good sportsmanship and player confidence through the game of basketball. We are committed to ensuring that our coaches focus on player development for all ages. It is critical that coaches understand we are committed to creating a pipeline for youth to play basketball within our community and ensuring all players learn fundamentals, gain valuable experience, and have fun.
Recreational program coaches are responsible for providing a positive environment for kids to learn basketball and to provide opportunities for them to be successful. This is done by being prepared, have a practice plan, get everyone involved, make it fun, communicate- schedules, league information and objectives with parents. Playing time will be equal and players should all have an opportunity to play different positions on the court.
Competitive Travel program coaches should be familiar with the fundamentals, strategies, and rules of basketball. Coaches for grades 3-5 should strive for playing time amongst players that is fair not equal. At this grade level, youth are still growing, developing, and gaining confidence. Youth continue playing sports that are fun, and it is fun to play in games! We encourage coaches to rotate players into different positions and allow them all an opportunity to gain experience in different roles. We also understand that it is a competitive league and that certain circumstances may require a particular line up at the end of a close game. Fair but equal ensures that players showing up for both practices a week, paying attention at practice, and are respectful to coaches and teammates may deserve more minutes of play. Coaches in Grades 6-8 may focus more on playing to win, but should still be ensuring that all players play no less than 10 minutes a game.