BURLINGTON YOUTH BASKETBALL - JULY 2021 UPDATE

The Burlington Youth Basketball Association‘s primary focus is on travel basketball for athletes in grades 4-8.  We work closely with the Burlington Recreation Department to develop programming for younger kids, too. The Recreation Department comes out with an online brochure each season where you can find information about registration for their programs. Here is their website so you may stay informed about youth programs:  https://www.burlington.org/162/Parks-Recreation

Registration has not yet started for Burlington Youth Basketball. Toward the end of the summer, we should have more information about any sports regulation changes (due to Covid) as well as more information about the availability of local gyms for tryouts, practices, and games.  We are hoping that this year will run as close to normal as possible. Basketball is mostly a winter sport. In a typical year, we hold tryouts in late September or early October.  Teams are selected and then practices begin in November/December with games starting soon after that and running through March.

Travel Basketball requires a commitment from players and their families to attend practices and games and to wear the Burlington uniform with respect and pride.  The BYBA counts on players and their families to make certain commitments when joining the travel basketball program as individual actions reflect and impact the BYBA.  

Because rosters are small, teams are disrupted if players are unable to make the necessary commitment.  Basketball should be your child’s primary sports commitment during the winter season.  Players who routinely miss practices or games may realize less playing time during games.  Being a committed teammate is lifelong skill for athletes. Good sportsmanship is an essential part of this commitment and violations of the Code of Conduct will be enforced by both BYBA and the participating league.

By registering for travel basketball, families commit to the team and the demands of travel.  While the BYBA makes every effort to minimize the distance to games, some leagues have limited options but to travel farther.  Families are also encouraged to contribute time to the team by helping coach (or assist), keep books, or run the clocks at games.  Family members volunteering through BYBA are subject to appropriate background checks to keep players safe.  Volunteers are role models for players, serving as examples of a positive attitude and self control while also being held to the standards of the Code of Conduct as stated by the BYBA and participating league.   

Travel players are highly encouraged to play for the in town recreation league, although it is understood that there may be scheduling conflicts at times with priority given to the travel program.  Any opportunities to work on fundamental skills like dribbling and shooting beyond practice time will pay dividends on overall player improvement.

We hope you will become part of the Burlington Youth Basketball Association.  See you on the courts soon!