Travel Division

Timeline

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 evaluators.

In certain instances, determined by OJBB, there will be one tryout or no tryout scheduled for a team. This will change on a year-by-year basis depending on player interest.

If a player is unable to tryout due to illness or injury, a doctor’s note will need to be provided to OJBB ahead of the scheduled tryout. OJBB will make a best effort to evaluate the player and place them appropriately within the program.

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

OJBB typically forms two boys’ teams and one girls’ team for grades 3^rd through 8^th. When two teams are formed in grades 4^th through 8^th, they will typically be structured as A/B teams based on tryout evaluations.

• For 2^nd grade, OJBB aims to place all players who complete registration and the evaluation process. Depending on registration numbers, players may be organized into pods.
• Players are placed at their current grade level.
• Grades 3^rd through 4^th will aim to have a maximum of 12 players per team.
• Grades 5^th through 8^th will aim to have a maximum of 10 players per team.
• Teams may be formed with less than the maximum number of players.
• If player acceptance for a team drops below 7, we will not be able to proceed with that team for the season.

Players will be placed on a team based on the evaluations and then placed in the appropriate flight level according to the league. It is common for teams to move flights from season to season. All team assignments are final and players can not request to move to another team.

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

Joint & Mixed Grade Teams

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

Coaching

Each team is led by a Head Coach and assisted by an Assistant Coach. Additional parent volunteers may be called upon to assist with game logistics, such as bookkeeping and running the clock.

Our older age groups may be led by hired Coaches, which is discussed and determined by members of the OJBB board on a yearly basis.

Season and Participation

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

Playing Time

Playing time is based on effort, game awareness, sportsmanship, practice attendance, player development, and game situations. These guidelines apply to regular-season games and do not apply during playoffs.

• 2nd and 3rd grades: Players who regularly attend practices should average approximately 50% playing time in each game.
• 4th and 5th grades: Players who regularly attend practices should receive at least 25% playing time over the season.
• 6th through 8th grades: There is no specific minimum. Playing time is determined by the coach based on team and game needs.

Playing time may be reduced for missed practices and may also be affected by injury, illness, foul trouble, or disciplinary issues.

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.