• Players must live in or go to school in the Wachusett Regional School District.
• Players must be in grades 4 through 8.

Grades 4 and 5: We make every attempt to build rosters that support both individual and team development. Our goal is two equal teams, in line with the CMYBL structure of minimal division between talent levels. Players must try out every season, and past participation does not guarantee a spot. Returning players shouldn't expect the same roster or coach each year, though in general most returning players end up on a team fairly similar to last season's.

Grades 6, 7 and 8: Selection is much more talent focused. Teams are divided into divisions, and we aim to pick the roster best able to compete in highly competitive games.

Most teams use independent evaluators (people who are not coaching and have no children in that division) who observe and sometimes run tryouts, then work with the head coaches on roster selection.

Yes. We're happy to share where your child can improve so they can try out again in future seasons. Once teams are finalized, we ask that you respect the rosters.

Team assignments are decided by coaches, directors and evaluators only. Given the complications that can arise, we do not discuss specific player rankings or why rosters were made the way they were. Final decisions rest with the directors, coaches and those they appoint.

The season fee is $390 per player. Uniforms are not included and are purchased separately if needed. Players can reuse their uniform each year, so returning players only need a new one if theirs no longer fits.

Our coaches are carefully selected men and women with significant basketball experience at the high school or college level. All are CORI'd through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and receive annual training, individual feedback and updates from our Board of Directors.

Coaches, and occasionally directors, will talk with parents about their child's progress during the season. If you have an issue your child's coach isn't addressing, please feel free to contact any member of the Board.

Roster size varies, but our teams have historically carried 10 to 11 players. Depending on talent, resources and interest, we support one or two teams at each grade.

Wachusett already supports more teams per age group than most CMYBL programs. We're a teaching program, but playing to win is a main goal of a competitive team. Our mission is to balance the number of players we accept with a strong season that best prepares kids for high school basketball.

The trend has started to shift in recent years, but more boys than girls still try out. We build teams based on the number of players who try out.

Beyond supporting your child, we strongly recommend parents take a back seat. Kids usually find tryouts more stressful with parents watching, so consider dropping off. If you do stay, please don't interfere in any way.

During tryouts, please don't ask coaches how your child is doing or how many players they plan to keep.

Most travel players play only basketball in the winter, though a few families make two sports work. Practice schedules vary by team, and a coach can't build a team's schedule around one player's other activity. If your child has indoor soccer a couple of evenings a week or hockey every Sunday, travel basketball probably won't fit.

Some coaches, especially in the upper grades, may choose a player who is committing to basketball over one balancing another scheduled sport. Players who miss a substantial number of practices or games may be replaced by a player who can fully commit.

Players are expected to attend all scheduled practices, arriving on time and staying until the end. Teams generally practice twice a week from when teams are made through December, then once or twice a week in January and February. Some coaches may skip a week or practice three times, and coaches often trade practice times.

Gym time in Wachusett is limited, so please plan for some flexibility this winter.

See the practice calendar

League games are Sunday afternoons, starting between 12:00 and 5:00 depending on each town's gym. Games run every Sunday from early December to late February, except during school vacation weeks. There is a game on Martin Luther King Day weekend.

Most Wachusett teams play in the CMYBL, led by commissioner Josh Hammer. Most opponents are within about 45 minutes, and most under 30. Expect 30 to 50 percent of games at home, with the rest at opponents' gyms or the occasional neutral site. The full league schedule is published about 10 days before the season starts.

Playoffs are usually the first weekend of March and may include Saturday games. Teams may also play in 2 or 3 tournaments and some non-league games at the coach's discretion.

See this season's schedule

Sneakers only on the court, clean up the bleachers, and keep siblings off the floor between games. Gym time is a privilege we share across five towns.