About the Travel/Select Program
WELCOME
I want to welcome you to the Mercer Basketball League 2008-09 Travel/Select Program. The Mercer Basketball League is committed to developing a high quality travel program that will prepare the advanced players for the next level of play. We are excited to partner with the Freedom High School Basketball program again this season, and the coaches at FHS are committed to helping our program grow and prosper
ABOUT THE PLAY
The travel/select program is a more competitive level of basketball. Playing time is earned with hard work, dedication, and development of skills. During the regular season, each player is only guaranteed 7 minutes of playing time per game, or the equivalent of one quarter of the game. The remaining playing time will be determined by the coach. Players should not expect equality in playing time. In addition to this, the coaches will evaluate the player’s ability to fill certain roles on the team. The player who grabs 15 rebounds a game, or steals 10 balls and defends well is just as important to the team.
ABOUT THE TEAMS
We will field one boys team and one girls team at each grade level (5th - 8th) to play in our travel/select program. In some cases, the Travel Commissioner may make the recommendation to field an additional team at a certain grade level. The factors that go in to the recommendation for a second team include the evaluation of the potential talent level of the group of kids and their ability to remain competitive at the higher level of play. A second team, if formed, will only be done after the selection of the initial squad has been completed. Additional evaluation/tryout sessions may be held to select the second team.
ABOUT THE TRAVEL FEES
The registration fees cover the officials for the league games, equipment, and a portion of the uniform costs. Each season, the travel players are asked to pay an additional fees (somewhere between $100 and $125) to offset the cost of the travel uniform package and tournaments. In addition to this travel fee, travel/select players and parents will be asked to participate in fundraising events throughout the season.
ABOUT THE COMMITMENT FROM PLAYERS
We are asking for our travel/select players to be committed to developing their basketball skills. With the help of the Freedom High School Staff, our travel coaches are dedicated to improving the skills of our players. We have put together an exciting program for our players this season – one that will help Mercer develop the kids. The following is what is expected from the travel players:
- Practices: The travel teams will practice twice per week. For the most part, the practice slots will be scheduled on consistent days; however, the schedules are subject to change based on gym availability. The travel teams will also be partnering with the FHS teams on extra skill development sessions, and the coaches will be encouraging players to participate in these sessions throughout the season.
- Games: The travel games will be on Saturdays or Sundays, beginning in December. The regular season continues through February and the playoffs will run through mid-March.
- Tournaments: In addition to the regular season, the travel teams will be participating in several tournaments, including:
o Mercer Invitational Tournament on Saturday, November 15 (Grades 6-8 only)
o Thanksgiving Tournament
o Holiday Tournament
- OffSeason: The Mercer program forms summer league teams for travel players to play in the Fairfax Stars program. In addition to this, there are several other opportunities to build skills through AAU programs and other tournaments. The off-season programs are not included in the winter registration fees.
ABOUT THE COMMITMENT FROM PARENTS
Parents, there is a level of commitment at your level as well. At each home game, volunteer scorekeepers are needed, and volunteer timekeepers are needed at each away game. In addition to that, you are expected to help your child maintain a schedule that will allow them to succeed both academically and athletically. It is imperative that the kids maintain their school work. At the high school level, kids who do not maintain their grades do not play high school sports period. We need you to help facilitate this environment so the kids can prepare themselves for the next level. In addition to this, please review the commitment discussed in the paragraph above. It is crucial to the team that all players are committed to making all of the practices, games and tournaments. The kids and their teammates will be counting on you to get them to their basketball! Remember, the coaches are volunteers who are giving their time to improve the skills of your child – please give them the respect by making every effort to meet this commitment.
