Philosophy
Program Goals
Eligibility
Playing Time and Player Development
Tryouts
Coach Selection Process

 
Philosophy
  For those players interested in a more competitive level of play, a traveling league is offered. Traveling basketball is for those individuals who are interested in competing at a higher level. It requires a greater commitment, in that each participant is expected to attend all practices and weekend tournaments.
In grades 5 through 8 we offer a metro traveling program where we bring more focus on competition and developing skills. Metro teams are formed of our best players to compete with the best players from other communities in the metro area. Our goal is improvement in team and individual skills. We form up to 2-4 teams per grade, with an A-B-C or similar format with 8-9 players per team.

Each team will play in a minimum of 10 tournaments. We offer equal opportunity but not equal playing time. We may need to cut to obtain the proper roster size. Recognizing that individuals will have different skills and needs, a positive environment will be created to foster contribution, accomplishment, confidence and a feeling of self-worth in all players. Each participant will be treated fairly and know they are an important part of the team. All contributions are valued. In turn, players must make the CAYBBA team they are placed on their priority team if they play on multiple teams.

Emphasis is on skill development, teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship and respect for others. At the traveling age levels, more emphasis is placed on team development and equal playing time is not guaranteed. Winning is not the primary focus, however, more emphasis is placed on competing and striving to win.

Traveling programs are offered for grades 5 through 8. Teams are formed according to age guidelines set by the MYAS (Minnesota Youth Athletic Services). The boys and girls varsity basketball coaches conduct tryouts.

Availability of coaches and gym space will determine the amount of teams offered at each grade level. Currently, CAYBBA offers the following travel opportunities;

Girls Boys
5 - B, B, C 5 - B1, B1, B2, C
6 - A, B, C 6 - A, B1, B2, C
7 - A, B, C 7 - A, B1, B2, C
8 - A 8 - A, B1, B2, C

 
Program Goals
  * Provide effective, high quality training for players and coaches at all levels.
* Provide programs that are cooperative with, and respected by, other community programs.
* Strive to create a fun and entertaining environment for the players, families, coaches and community.
* Seek to maximize the potential of every player in the program.
* Develop players and teams that are able to compete at a top level.
* Encourage and foster player participation for the full length of a player's youth sports career.
* Foster the importance of teamwork and the understanding that all team members play an integral part in the success of the team.
* Promote skill development and create a positive self-esteem for every player.

 
Eligibility
  Players are eligible to participate subject to the following criteria:

* Must be a currently registered member of CAYBBA (living in District 112)
* Must have paid all applicable fees
* Must have completed all required forms
* Must meet age guidelines
* If living outside of School District 112 but you attend one of the schools, you are welcome to play if there is space available.


 
Playing Time and Player Development
  Equal playing time is position and team-age dependant and is not guaranteed.

Position
Not all players have the attributes required to play certain positions (for example, point guard or post).

Team-Age
The younger the age group (grades 5 and 6), the more individual player development and equal playing time is stressed. The older the age group (grades 7 -8) the more team development and placing the most competitive team on the court is stressed.

Over the course of the season each participant will get a fair and ample amount of playing time, but not necessarily at the positions the player desires. Each coach is responsible for assuring this happens. The coach has the authority to limit playing time due to unexcused absences from practices or games, or for other disciplinary reasons.

Playing time can also be limited due to one or more of the following:
* Disciplinary action is being taken (based on attitude, practice habits, etc.)
* The player has been suspended
* The player is injured or sick
* The player has unexcused absences
Guidelines for Playing Time * Players should play a minimum of 1 quarter per game
* Rotate in 1's and 2's; try not to do mass substitution; allow all players to play with each other
* With the 4 best players, try to keep 2 of the best 4 players in the game if the game is close.
* Play the 4th quarter to win with the players that are playing the best.
* In games where your team is far ahead or behind, try to equalize playing time.

A. Playing Time
1. There is no requirement that equality of playing time occur.
2. Once a team is selected, coaches shall treat all of the players on the team as part of the team. Coaches, particularly at the younger age levels, are encouraged to strive toward equal playing time.
3. Playing time is at the discretion of the Head Coach based on the following:
a. Need to develop depth of talent at every position.
b. Attendance of the players at practices, games and team meetings.
c. Effort of the players in practice and game situations.
d. Commitment of the player to improve her/his skills.
e. Skill level of the players on the team.
B. Position Play
1. Playing time should be arranged to enhance the development of skills for every player at more than one position.
2. Players should be given opportunities at positions where they will be successful and to build player confidence.

 
Tryouts
Metro Tryouts Tryouts for Metro Teams are held in late September - early October. The varsity staff of the boys and girls high school basketball programs conducts the tryouts (when possible). They typically run for two - three sessions. Players are assigned to a team based on the skill level determined by the staff. All decisions by the varsity staff are final.
Injury Or Illness Absence Players who have registered for tryouts and cannot participate due to an injury or illness will be excused upon delivery of a doctor's note describing the player's limitations. Players excused due to injury or illness must present a signed doctor's release indicating that the player is medically fit before they will be allowed to participate in any CAYBBA activities. Players, who miss the scheduled tryout sessions due to illness or injury, will be assigned to a team based on the player's past playing experience. The varsity staff and the CAYBBA metro coordinator will determine this, with input from past coaches.
 

  Tryouts are mandatory. Not attending all of the scheduled tryouts could affect your placement. Failure to attend any of the tryouts will eliminate you from taking part in the Metro Traveling Program. All teams are final once they are posted.

Team Descriptions If numbers permit, there shall be one or more teams. There will be an "A" team, followed by two (2) "B" teams and one (1) "C" team if numbers and space permits for boys and an "A" team followed by a "B" team for the girls.

"A" Team
* The team shall be made up of the top 8-9 players.
* Players shall be determined by a number of factors including try-out results, playing experience, past year's performance, needs at skill positions, and the determination, commitment and desire to improve by the player.
* This team will compete at the top A level available.

"B" Teams
* The B teams shall be made up of 8-9 players from the players available after selection of the A Team.
* This team will compete at the A and B level.

"C" Teams (if space and numbers allow)
* The C teams shall be made-up of 8-10 players from the players available after selection of the A and B Teams.
* This team will compete at the B and C level
*** Players may be moved from A to B or B to C teams if they are not meeting practice criteria, i.e. numerous unexcused absences, numerous missed games, etc (see consequences for unexcused absences).
Extra Player If a team needs an extra player due to a schedule conflict, sickness or injury, the player must come from within the CAYBBA. The head coach has the option to select the player. The coach will select from the next level down in the same age group. If no one is available, they are then allowed to proceed to the next age group down. The appropriate Metro Coordinator, prior to asking participant, must approve all selections.
Registration Registration for youth basketball is held from late August - mid September. We encourage sign up on our web site (CAYBBA.com). Flyers are available through some schools or at the Chaska Community Center and the Chanhassen Recreation Center.
Fees and Expenses The registration fee is $395 for metro. It must be paid in full before trying out for a team. A refund will be made if you do not make a team. The fee covers the following expenses:
* General administration fees (copying costs, storage shed and monitor fees, gym space rental, etc.)
* Equipment expenses
* Tournament fees
* Uniforms
* Web site

Additional expenses may include:
* Extra tournament expenses
* Travel expenses to and from games
Playing Up Playing up means that a player desires to play on an upper grade team - playing on a team older than their current grade level

The CAYBBA board discourages players playing up but an individual player can play up to fill a vacancy due to lack of participants or if the varsity coach recommends a player. In this situation the varsity staff and Metro Coordinator will determine who the individual will be. The roster will be expanded to accommodate this person and the team will play in an extra tournament.
A player cannot play down for any reason.
Refunds Refunds if necessary can be obtained by contacting the program coordinator.
-Full refund prior to first tryout.
-If you attend any or all of the tryouts and then decide not to participate, you will be charged a $30 administrative fee.
-No refunds if program has started (once tryouts are completed and teams are posted), due to uniform and administration costs, with the exception of a participant who may move up to high school teams. If that is done after the season is started then a refund may be prorated.
Space Allocations Gym space is prioritized by the age and level of the team. Older age groups get the larger facilities and A travel teams get priority for practice time if space becomes an issue. Space allocations are determined by Chaska Community Education and are subject to change. The CAYBBA program will try and obtain as much space as possible in the district to fulfill all of our programs.

 
Coach Selection Process
Coaching Selection Anyone interested in coaching a team must check the appropriate area on the registration form. We encourage everyone to get involved. In the event that there are multiple people interested in being the head coach, the Metro Coordinator, President, and or Vice-President, will evaluate the candidates on their commitment to coaching, previous coaching experience, knowledge of the game, and coaching philosophy to select the head coach. The head coach and Metro Coordinator will select assistant coaches based on the same criteria.
Selection Criteria Selection Criteria includes at a minimum the following items:
* Previous youth coaching experience.
* Knowledge of the game of basketball.
* Ability to teach players of all skill levels.
* Attendance and active participation in coach and player clinics.
* If the applicant has previously coached, feedback from prior seasons.
* Ability to provide positive reinforcement to players in both practices and game situations.
* This must be the coaches top priority and only Metro team.