Andover Boys Traveling Basketball 

Try-out Procedures    

1.     Try-outs are closed.  This means that only the players, evaluators, and potential coaches will be allowed in the gym. 

2.     NO TRAVELING UNIFORMS will be allowed to be worn at try-outs. 

3.     Players will be put through a series of drills and skill evaluations.  These evaluations will be a combination of objective and subjective criteria.  

4.     Players are encouraged to attend both try-out sessions.  The player’s best score will be used to determine the final results.  

5.     After the second try-out, coaches will determine which players will be invited back for the “callbacks”.   Twenty players will be invited, so at that point, players know they have made either the A or B team.  Pinnie numbers of the callback players will be posted on the website (http://www.atbb.org), as well as posted on the Andover City Hall front door by noon on Sunday.  

6.     At Sunday callbacks, the A coach will select his or her team based on scores and position needs.  The balance of the players will be on the B team.  The respective A or B coach will call players Sunday evening to invite them to play on their team.  

7.     C teams will be considered based on player turnout and practice space availability.   

8.     Players must be residents of the Andover Senior High School attendance area. 

9.   Injured player's policy:  If a player is deemed injured and unable to attend either of the try-out sessions, that player must provide the association with a written docter's note.  If the player previously participated in Andover Traveling Basketball, the player may be considered to play at the same level as they did the previous year with the current coach's and board approval.  In no case, may a player be moved up a level.

Playing Costs     

1.     Player fee of $270.00 which includes the ten tournaments and the gym time for practices.    

2.     Volunteer fee of $100.  Refunded at the conclusion of the season provided that a parent volunteers at least 5 hours.  

3.     Uniform fee if needed.  Generally players can wear a uniform for two seasons.  Estimated costs are $90.00 for top, shorts and warm-up top.  

4.     Gate fees are collected by the hosting tournament teams.  Generally $4 to $5 for adults. 

5.  $5.00 Try-out Fee.

ATB Playing Rule  

Playing traveling basketball in this competitive environment should be considered an honor and privilege.  The ATB association has spent many volunteer hours assuring that players receive a fair try-out with evaluators that are independent and experienced.  Our coaches are selected through a process that includes a panel interview, evaluations of prior year parent surveys, and a background check.  Therefore, when players try-out for traveling basketball with the ATB, they are expected to play for the team (A/B or C) that they are chosen to play on by the respective head coach.  Players or parents will not have the opportunity to play at lower levels unless there are extenuating circumstances, in which case it must be presented in writing and approved by the ATB board prior to the evaluations.  Players are also not allowed to "play-up" at higher age levels.  

SPORTSMANSHIP POLICY 

Young men who participate in ATB basketball learn more than just basketball skills. In practice and in games, they are exposed to situations that allow them to develop qualities such as leadership, discipline, physical fitness, mental toughness, and good sportsmanship that will last them a lifetime.  Discipline is learned by working as part of a team and respecting the unique contributions of each member of a team.

Basketball is a game, which includes players, coaches, officials, and fans.  Good sportsmanship means that persons in each of those four roles respect the separation of those roles.  When players are allowed to play, coaches are allowed to coach, officials are allowed to officiate, and fans are allowed to enjoy the games. With each segment respecting the other’s role, basketball will become an enjoyable experience for all who are involved.  Good sportsmanship is also defined as an attitude that acknowledges the rigors of competition, which permits the game to be decided by the skills and mental qualities listed above.  In addition, it encompasses a willingness to acknowledge these qualities in both opponents and teammates.  It also acknowledges that there are “winners” and “losers” in every game and that how you conduct yourself as a “loser” is just as important as how you conduct yourself as a “winner”.  

In light of this policy, ATB promotes the following behavior:   

1.       Respectful comments and behavior towards opponents, officials, and fans.  

2.       Full coach and player involvement in post-game handshakes with only congratulatory comments spoken to the opponent. 

ATB discourages the following behavior:   

1. Play intended to physically harm an opponent. 
2. Disparaging fan, player or coach comments towards any official.
3. Bench comments or on-court behavior intended to disrupt the opposing team.   
4.  Non-constructive or disparaging comments made by a fan, parent, player or coach towards any player, opponent or teammate.   

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS AND COACHES 

Players, coaches, fans and parents associated with Andover Traveling Basketball pledge all of the following:   

1.       I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating the positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and fans and be a good representative of our organization and the community.  

2.       I will not use profanity.  

3.      I will not berate players, coaches or officials.   

4.       I will not “trash talk” my opponent.  

5.       I will place the emotional and physical well being of other players, coaches, officials, and fans ahead of my personal desire to win.   

6.      I will treat other players, coaches, officials, and fans with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.   

7.      I will help create a safe playing environment for our teams that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and will refrain from their use and will demand that environment from my teammates.  

8.       I will express my concerns through the proper channels in a dignified manner. 

9.       I will control my temper, but if I do lose my temper; I understand that I will also be measured by how I handle the situation following the loss of my temper.   

10.     I will do my best to remember that basketball is supposed to be above all FUN and that winning and losing are part of everyone’s experience.

THE TRAVELING COACHING STAFF  

Please Note: We need one parent volunteer per team to act as a liaison between the board/committee chairs and family participants to relay information.  Responsibilities include team correspondence, coordination and distribution of uniforms and pictures, and coordination of volunteers when needed. Attendance at monthly board meetings is encouraged. 

COMMUNICATION PROCESS  

This procedure should be followed to voice any needs or concerns:  

1.       If a parent has a need/concern they should set up a meeting with the coach to review the concern.  

2.       If a need/concern cannot be resolved with the coach, the parent is encouraged to contact a member of the Board to review the concern.  This step may require a meeting between the parent and the coach with the board member serving as a facilitator. 

3.       If a need/concern is not resolved via step 2, the parent should contact the board of directors to present the concern to the board for a final resolution.  

PRACTICE GUIDELINES  

1.       Practice Arrival   

          Players are expected to be on-time for practice.  If a player is going to be late or miss a practice the coach must be notified as soon as possible. Players with continued unexcused missed or late practices can expect to lose playing time.   

2.       Unexcused Absences  

          The coach or assistant coach must be notified in advance.  If you are unable to contact them in person, leave a voice message on their answering machine with the date and time of your message.  

            Unexcused absences will result in the following discipline:   

•          First incident – one game suspension.  
•          Second incident – two game suspensions.  
•          Third incident – suspension from the team, pending review with the coach, Board member(s), and parent. 

3.       Change in Practice Time           

Coaches or the Team Parent will notify players of changes or cancellations in practice times.   

ATB PLAYING TIME GUIDELINES   

Grades 4 – 6  Coaches will focus on the development of all players.  Coaches will attempt to schedule fair playing time for all players.  As a general rule, coaches will play all players in all four quarters of a game. Over the course of the season, all players should receive ample playing time.  

Grades 7 & 8   More emphasis will be placed on performance and competition. Coaches will continue to focus on development, but greater emphasis will be placed on how a player is performing to earn playing time.  Practices will be more intense and competitive.  As a general rule, coaches will play all players in the first three- quarters and use the fourth quarter to compete to the best of the team’s ability.  

DISCIPLINE  Our coaches will have the authority to bypass playing time guidelines if they see a need to discipline.  In these cases, the coach is expected to meet with the parent and player and explain the cause of the discipline as soon as possible. Coaches are encouraged to discuss any issues with the parent and child prior to any suspension. If the coach needs to take extensive action (suspension beyond one game) he/she should review his/her recommendation with the ATB Board. 

Examples of incidents, which could result in disciplinary action, are:

*        Disrespect shown for coaches, teammates, opponents, or referees. 

*        Unexcused missed practices.