AHYBA sponsors a travel basketball program for 4^th and 5^th grade boys.  You must be a current participant in AHYBA and reside in Arlington Heights in order to participate.  Unincorporated areas may meet residency requirements.  Players may only participate with their respective grade (NO PLAYING UP). 

Program Philosophy

To provide an opportunity for kids to participate in an advanced program in basketball with primary emphasis on skill development, team play, sportsmanship and community representation. 

Playing Time

Unlike most travel teams, our coaches are all instructed to strive to try and equalize playing time amongst all of the participants.  We have implemented a “general” guideline that all players should play no less than 1/3 of any game, unless physical or disciplinary issues apply.   

4^th Grade Program

There will be 20-24 boys selected who will be broken up into two even teams.  Each team will participate in a pre-season tournament, the “North Suburban Basketball League”, with games on Saturdays and Sundays starting in January, and miscellaneous other games.  Total games will be 18-25. 

5^th Grade Program

There will be 20-24 boys selected who will be broken up into two teams.  Each team will participate in the AHYBA sponsored “Lakeman Tournament” In January, 2009.  Each team will participate in the “North Suburban Basketball League” with games on Saturdays and Sundays starting the 1st week of January.   Each team may play some other miscellaneous games/tournaments.  Total games will be 20-30. 

Cost

The estimated cost for the 2008/2009 season will be $200-$250 and will be payable immediately upon being selected for the team.  If additional costs are incurred we may request additional monies for each of the participants. 

Commitment

The teams will be selected, and will begin practicing, while the AHYBA “house” programs are still in session.  It is anticipated that there will be some conflicts.  The AHYBA “house” program always takes priority over the “travel” program.  Participants that are unable to make a number of practices over the holiday break due to vacations are not automatically excluded from participation in the program.  Should this problem exist, please address it to one of the travel directors during the tryout process. 

Players selected to participate will not be allowed to participate in any other travel level basketball programs during this season (this includes feeder programs).  This policy has been established recognizing that participation in this program requires a significant time commitment from the players and their families, and participation in another program, at the same time, would, most likely, be detrimental to both programs.  We do understand that some of the participants may be involved with other sporting activities during our season (ie., travel soccer).  We will not attempt to restrict involvement in those activities but would expect that priority be given to basketball during the basketball season.   Players who tryout for other basketball programs, after being selected to participate in our program, will be removed from their respective teams unless the tryout is approved by one of the travel directors.