FIND YOUR GREATNESS
Program Objective
The objective of the Audubon Travel Youth Basketball Association is to foster a love for basketball while promoting teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and skill development in a competitive travel basketball environment.
We aim to provide players in grades 3 thru 6 with the opportunity to grow as athletes and individuals through high-quality coaching, structured practices, and participation in regional tournaments and leagues.
The Program emphasizes player development, equitable opportunity, and a positive experience for all participants.
Bylaws
Article I: Name
The organization shall be called the Audubon Travel Youth Basketball Association (hereafter referred to as “The Program”).
Article II: Purpose
The purpose of The Program is to:
1. Develop the basketball skills of youth in grades 3 thru 6.
2. Promote teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.
3. Provide a structured, competitive environment for boys and girls.
4. Encourage participation and community engagement through the sport of basketball.
Article III: Membership
1. Eligibility:
• Players must reside within the Audubon or Mt. Ephraim school districts.
• Players must be enrolled in grades 3 thru 6 during the applicable season.
2. Team Structure and Player Selection:
• One boys’ and one girls’ team per grade level (grades 3-6). At the board’s sole discretion, a second-tier team may be made after consideration of factors including but not limited to league availability, gym space, and number of potential players.
• The target number players per team is 10 or less in order to maximize development and playing time opportunities. Each travel team may be limited to 8 or exceed to 12 at the board discretion based on number of registered players and evaluation outcomes.
• If a player is not selected for a travel team there will be local options provided for a practice-player and/or rec league participation.
• For 3rd grade teams, a practice player option will be available to those not selected/ready for participation in travel league at a lesser cost with a goal of skill development for the following year.
3. Tryouts:
• Annual tryouts will be held to evaluate and select players for each team. All players must attend their tryout.
• A neutral panel of evaluators will oversee tryouts along with the program director.
• Players will be evaluated on skill, attitude, potential, and participation in growth opportunities. The players with the highest evaluation ratings will be selected for the team.
Article IV: Governance
1. Board of Directors:
• The Program will be governed by a Board of Directors, consisting of a Program Director, Girls Travel Director, Boy Travel Director, Treasurer, Futures Program Director, Treasurer, and additional members as needed.
2. Coaches:
• Coaches will be selected by the Board based on their experience, knowledge of basketball, and ability to work with youth and follow these bylaws.
• Each team will have a head coach and an assistant coach. No other person is permitted to run a practice or sit on the bench during games.
• If you are interested in coaching a travel team please formally submit an email to the appropriate travel director.
• All coaches are encouraged to have a parent meeting prior to the season to provide coaching philosophy and review these bylaws.
Article V: Player Expectations
1. Players are expected to:
• Attend all practices and games unless excused by the coach.
• Exhibit sportsmanship, respect for teammates, opponents, officials, and coaches.
• Maintain academic eligibility as determined by their school district.
2. Playing Time
• There is no minimum required playing time. All playing time will be at the discretion of the coach, with an emphasis on effort, attendance, and skill development.
• As the focus is on development, 3rd and 4th grade teams will be expected to make reasonable attempts at equal playing time for the first quarter of the season. After that, playing time will be at the discretion of the coach, with an emphasis on effort, attendance, and skill development.
• We do not encourage parents to discuss playing time with coaches. If you feel the need to do so please do it respectfully. Please do not approach the coaches before, during, or immediately after a practice/game and never in front of the children.
Article VI: Parent and Guardian Expectations
1. Parents and guardians must:
• Support the mission of The Program and the coaches’ decisions.
• Model positive behavior at practices and games.
• Volunteer when needed to support The Program’s activities.
2. Code of Conduct:
• Parents and guardians are expected to adhere to a Code of Conduct and may be asked to leave games or events for inappropriate behavior.
• Players, coaches, and parents must maintain good sportsmanship at all associated events. This includes applauding good plays for both teams never ridiculing or yelling at any of the children. Parents are not to be sideline coaching. Parents are not permitted to speak to referees during games. Any questions or concerns a parent may have can be addressed to the coach the following day after the event. Please do not approach coaches before, during, or immediately after an event and never in front of the children.
Article VII: Financials
1. Player Fees:
• Each player will pay an annual fee determined by the Board to cover uniforms, league fees, equipment, referee fees, insurance, and playoff/tournament costs.
• Financial assistance may be available for families in need.
2. Fundraising:
• If needed, The Program will organize fundraising activities to offset costs.
• All families are encouraged to participate.
Article VIII: Meetings
1. Board Meetings:
• The Board will meet throughout the season to discuss operations, finances, planning, and share ideas on how to improve The Program.
2. Coaches Meetings:
• A coaches meeting will be held at the start of the season to outline expectations and provide key information.
3. Parent information will be given through the school, our website, and Facebook page.
Article IX: Amendments
Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed by any Board member and require a two-thirds majority vote of the Board to be adopted.
This document ensures The Program operates effectively and provides a positive experience for all players, families, and coaches.