Travel Basketball

About

OJBB’s Travel Program is open to all boys and girls in grades 2^nd – 8^th, residing within the township of Oradell. The experience is designed to foster a love for basketball and offered to players seeking a more competitive environment. Players must try out for the opportunity to be accepted into the program.

OJBB Travel teams play in the Bergen Travel Basketball League (BTBL). Practices begin in November and the 14-game season concludes with playoffs in March. The BTBL uses a flighting system for teams to play at their appropriate level of competition. It is common for teams to move flights from season to season. For more details about the BTBL league, visit Bergen Travel Basketball League.

Coaching

Currently, our 2^nd through 6^th grade teams are led by a volunteer Head Coach and an Assistant Coach. Our 7^th and 8^th grade teams are led by a hired coach and supported by a volunteer parent coaches. Additional parent volunteers may be called upon to assist with game logistics, such as bookkeeping and running the clock.

Travel Team Tryouts

All Players must attend at least one tryout, but it is highly encouraged to make both tryout dates if possible. There will be two 1-hour sessions offered for each grade conducted by independent outside evaluators.

Every evaluation year is a new evaluation year, which continues to present the fairest possible atmosphere for everyone involved. Evaluations will be presented to the board and teams will be formed and finalized by OJBB. Players that have made teams in previous years are not guaranteed to make the current team.

Travel Team Formations

Grades with 2 teams will be structured as A/B teams based on evaluation results from tryouts.

Grades 3^rd and 4^th aim for a maximum of 12 players per team.

Grades 5^th through 8^th aim for a maximum of 10 players per team.

Players will be placed on a team based on the evaluations and then placed in the appropriate flight level according to the league. All team assignments are final and players can not request to move to another team.

Joint & Mixed Grade Teams

To maximize placement opportunities, we may form joint teams with River Edge or create mixed-grade teams when needed. Teams require a minimum number of players to accept their invitation and will only be confirmed once that minimum is met.

Fees are collected, and uniforms are ordered after team formations are finalized.

Season and Participation

The travel basketball season will begin with practices shortly after team formation is complete in November.

Practices are closed sessions for players and coaches only, designed to promote focus and team development.

There are no guaranteed minimum playing time requirements, except for specific BTBL rules that apply to 2nd and 3rd grade teams. For all other grades, playing time is based on factors such as player development, game situations, and practice participation.

OJBB asks that parents wait at least 24 hours before addressing concerns with coaches. For significant issues, parents should contact the appropriate Travel Commissioner. Coaches may also escalate concerns to the Travel Commissioner as needed to ensure fair and effective resolution.