Frequently Asked Questions - Girls Travel Basketball
What is the travel basketball program?
What type of time commitment can we expect for travel basketball?
How much does it cost to participate?
Do the travel teams take the place of the Intermediate and Junior High school teams?
Does my daughter need to attend both the 2-day camp and the evaluations?
Should I sign my daughter up for the rec league if she is planning to play on a travel team?
Where can I go if I have additional questions?
What is the travel basketball program?
The girls travel basketball program was developed to provide 3rd-8th grade girls in the HSE/Fishers community with a higher level of competition and development. The teams are entered into a league that consists of dozens of teams from the central Indiana area and plays primarily on the north and east sides of Indianapolis. Additional opportunities such as holiday and year-end tournaments may allow the teams to gain even more game experience.
What type of time commitment can we expect for travel basketball?
Teams practice 1-2 times per week (one weeknight and/or Saturday morning) and play in two leagues, one that plays each Thursday or Saturday, and one that plays every other Sunday. The 7th and 8th grade travel season begins with evaluations shortly after school begins in August, and runs thru early December. The 3rd-6th grade seasons starts with camp and evaluations in September. League play runs from November thru January with a league tournament in February.
I hear "travel" and think of long drives, hotel stays, and weekend-long tournaments. Is that the case?
Not at all - the "travel" name in this case is a bit of a misnomer, but is used to distinguish the program from our recreational program, Intermediate/Junior High programs, and spring/summer AAU clubs. Our teams play in the Indy Girls Hoops League, which plays every other Sunday at host schools around Indianapolis, including Fishers,HSE, and other Hamilton County schools. We also play in a weekly league at the Indiana Basketball Academy in Carmel.
How are teams selected?
Players are separated based on grade, and are split into Fishers and HSE teams based on the current high school boundaries. Teams are chosen during evaluations in August (for 7th and 8th graders) and September (for 3rd-6th). Players are evaluated based on individual skills and attitude. Teams are generally kept to 8-10 girls, and an effort is made to accommodate all girls who want to play.
How much does it cost to participate?
The cost to participate is approximately $150-200 per player, depending on grade. This includes league fees, school usage fees (for practices), insurance, etc. A uniform (shorts and reversible jersey) costs approximately $35, and the same uniform is used each year. Shooting shirts are optional and are available for $22 each.
How are coaches selected?
Interested parent coaches and independent coaches should submit their names to the appropriate travel coordinator. Coaches are selected by the travel coordinator and varsity coach based on experience, feedback from prior seasons, and an interview if necessary. All coaches and assistants must pass a background check performed by SPORTS.
Do the travel teams take the place of the Intermediate and Junior High school teams?
No, the intermediate school teams and the travel teams are mutually exclusive of one another. Your daughter may play for either of the two teams or both of them. The decision is totally up to the player and her parents. The Junior High travel season ends before or shortly after school tryouts. The 6th grade travel season overlaps the school season, so 6th grade travel teams do not have weeknight practice once the school teams begin practicing.
My daughter is not the best player, but she works hard and loves playing. Should she play on the travel team or in the recreational league?
We always encourage girls to go out for the travel basketball team if they like competition and enjoy challenging practices. However, we do like to point out that travel basketball is significantly different from the recreational league. In addition to individual development, coaches are attempting to place the most competitive teams on the floor. Playing time is at the coach's discretion based on the commitment of time, energy of the players, and the game situation. Equal playing time is not the top priority as is the case in the recreational league. With that said, it is a developmental program and each girl will receive adequate playing time over the course of a season.
Does my daughter need to attend both the 2-day camp and the evaluations?
Every player must attend evaluations in order to participate in the travel program, unless arrangements are made ahead of time with the travel coordinator for your school. The 2-day camp for 3rd-6th graders is highly recommended, but not mandatory.
Should I sign my daughter up for the rec league if she is planning to play on a travel team?
Yes, but it is not a requirement. If your daughter makes a travel team, the money you paid towards the recreational league will be applied in full towards her travel fees. If she does not get selected for the travel team, then she will be placed on a recreational team by the recreational league commissioner.
Where can I go if I have additional questions?
Each high school program has a representative on the SPORTS girls' basketball board who acts as a liaison
between the travel program and the varsity head coach.
Click here to e-mail Fishers travel coordinator Shawn Parrish.
Click here to e-mail HSE travel coordinator Todd Rairden.
| Added 10-31-2009 |
| Updated 8-24-2011 |
