The WBA Boys & Girls Travel Basketball Program tryouts will be conducted in the Fall for Grades 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 for the upcoming season. To better inform you, and bring some clarity to the planned tryout process, the following information is presented in a “Question & Answer” format for your review.

What teams are players eligible to play on? 

Players can try out and participate for a travel team for one year/season at each respective grade level.  Players may not play in the same grade level two consecutive years.

 What is the Travel Basketball Program tryout schedule?

Each grade in both the Boys & Girls Program are scheduled for 2 tryout sessions to complete the process. The tryout schedule is emailed and is posted on the WBA website. 

 When will the teams be determined?

The A, B, and where applicable C teams will be determined after Final Sessions in all grades. The rosters for the final teams will be posted on the WBA Website. The target to finalize and communicate rosters is October 12th, 2027.

 What if a player is injured and cannot attend a Fall tryout session?

The injured player procedure remains unchanged from prior years.

The player must register on-line.  Player should contact their travel director to inform them of the injury and discuss further.  When the player is released for regular activity, a tryout opportunity will be afforded to the player.

 Who will evaluate the players?

The evaluators will primarily be prior year coaches from our program, as well as other volunteers with strong basketball knowledge. Some tryouts will have a paid evaluator whenever possible.  The coaches for this year's travel teams will not be chosen until the tryouts are complete.  

 How are the teams determined?

After the tryouts are conducted, the WBA board and travel directors will meet to select the teams.  The criteria considered in the team formation are the results from the tryouts along with the coaches’ evaluations from last year’s season (for returning players), if applicable. For returning players, prior year attendance and commitment are also strongly considered in team placement.

  When will the coaches be determined?

The final selection of coaches will take place after the final rosters have been established for each grade. If your child is selected for a team and you are interested in coaching, please register on the website while you are registering your player for the tryout. 

 What is the commitment level of a travel team?

If selected for a travel team, it is expected that the player's WBA travel team will be their top priority over other sports or AAU teams. Players must be committed to attending every practice and game.  Other sports and teams are not valid excuses for missing any events.  Violations will result in reduction of playing time and will be factored in to future year participation in the WBA travel program.

Please keep this in mind when accepting a position. 

Typically, each team can expect 2 practices and a minimum of one game per week. Weekly practices are usually held in the evening hours between 6:30pm-10pm due to gym availability.  (Earlier times may occasionally become available). Westfield hosts most home games on Sundays but away games can be during the week or weekend depending on the host town's gym availability. Teams may also participate in select tournaments throughout the season. 

How many players will be on a team?  

As a town travel league, we are focused on being competitive while at the same time allowing all players to grow and develop.  We plan to roster 10-11 players on each team (limited exceptions may apply).  

 Who is eligible to try out?  

A player must either reside in Westfield or attend public school in Westfield in order to try out for the Travel Program.

 How long does the season last for? 

The Regular Season for the Jersey Basketball League (JBL) will run from December 3rd, 2026 and will conclude on February 12th, 2027

The playoffs may run until March 14th, 2027: 

• Round 1: February 16th - February 21st, 2027
• Round 2: February 22nd - February 28th, 2027
• Round 3: March 1st - March 7th, 2027 
• Championship Weekend: March 11th - March 14th, 2027