AAU/Travel Ball

Goal

Triple Threat NC Basketball is geared to preparing and teaching our participants important life values through basketball. We understand that basketball can be a tool that will aid each participant in our core values like faith, family, and community.

Our goal is to provide a safe space for our participants and focus on building self confidence, a desirable work ethic, and passion to discover their potential and personal development. We will improve each participants skill set that he or she can utilize in a team-oriented sport. Our goal is for each participant to meet higher levels in his or her personal development and become better people on the court and in their communities.

Dedication

Travel Ball shares the platform along with Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball which is different from school ball or recreation.  The level of competition is often greater which raises the level of expectations. A participant that is the best player on his school or recreation team may not be the best player on his Travel Ball team. Participants are expected to be part of a team that will require time and dedication. This, in turn, will be valuable to their team and themselves.

Families that explore Travel Ball or AAU are searching for a good fit. Details such as coaches, tournaments, connections, exposure, and level of competition will play factors in choosing the right fit.

For participants to improve their personal development, they will need to attend practices, tournaments, along with other team activities. We are looking for a commitment from the start of the season to the end. This will help each participant improve skills and gain confidence, as well as knowledge on how Travel Ball and AAU operates.

Practices will occur at least twice a week. Practice days will be determined by the team’s coach. It will range between 75-105 minutes. Times and days are subject to change based on the coaches’ schedule and gym availability. There may be additional days for practices if gym time is available.

We understand that there are a multitude of Travel Ball and AAU teams and organizations. We realize families are looking for a good fit for their child and may consider playing with a different organization at the same time. We do not promote players playing with multiple teams. It sends a mixed message to participants that are committed and sacrifice their time. We ask that you effectively communicate your intentions upfront.

Tryouts

We will hold multiple tryout dates for potential TTNCBC participants. These tryouts will last 60-75 minutes.During the tryout participants will be assessed on skills like passing, dribbling, rebounding, shooting, and defense. The tryouts are free and sign up is available under our registration tab. You can register online under our “AAU” tab or in person at the facility. If we meet our roster capacity, we reserve the right to cancel future tryout dates.

Tryouts will consist of each participant demonstrating individual skills, group drills, and scrimmaging. All participants are assessed with the same criteria and given the same opportunity to make a team. Once the tryouts have concluded, families will be notified if their child was selected for a roster spot.

In the event after attending a tryout a participant does not make a roster due to tryout numbers or a family opts out, they are encouraged and welcomed to attend any, and all subsequent tryout sessions. We have other opportunities like our Developmental Practice, Scrimmages, Classes, Camps, and Clinics throughout the year. We would like to be part of any participant’s journey that walks through our doors.

Triple Threat NC Basketball will make every effort to provide competitive teams. Our goal for each participant is to have enjoyable experiences and an improved personal development during the season.

Once a participant is selected to a roster spot, families are given the opportunity to hold their roster spot by paying the initial fee. Families that cannot pay the initial fee will not be added to the team’s roster.

All tryout wills be held at Triple Threat NC Basketball Center

Practices

Triple Threat NC Basketball wants to see its participants succeed. We will offer practices and training sessions at our state-of-the-art facility. We will offer multiple practices during the week for our teams. Participants can have peace of mind knowing we have a reliable and dependable location.

It is important that participants attend required practices. This may or may not influence factors like playing time. Practice is crucial in the development of the individual and team. Our coaches need players in attendance to help learn basketball plays, schemes, and strategies. Absent during practices will slow the development of any participant. It is important that families communicate with coaches when they are aware of conflicts that arise and may interfere with attending team’s activities, practices, and tournaments.

It is critical that participants understand how to manage their time. Triple Threat NC Basketball understands school priorities supersede Travel Ball and AAU. We asked that you communicate to your teams coach when a participant has conflicts and academic obligations like homework, test, projects, and other assignments. In the event of a participant’s absence from team activities please be aware it may or may not influence their playing time, along with their individual and team development.

Please make a habit for your child to arrive to practice on time. Coaches value every second as an opportunity for the team to improve. Our coaches will make the most out of their designated practice times to properly prepare each participant for tournament play.

Tournaments

Triple Threat NC Basketball will participate in weekend tournaments hosted by Triple Threat NC Basketball Center as well as local tournaments for the season. Coaches will be able to evaluate their teams and determine what kind of tournaments they would like to participate in.

A schedule is shared with families once team rosters are made and evaluated. Due to the uncertainty of rosters spots, skills, and experience we do not schedule tournaments for Travel Ball until we gauge the team’s level. We will leave it up to the coach’s discretion to select tournaments they feel is best for their team. Regarding outside tournaments Triple Threat NC Basketball has no control on how outside tournaments facilitate their game rules, schedules, and competition. Some tournaments may request proof of age by a birth certificate. We will have players participating in their age division or older. We will not have a participant playing in tournaments that do not support their age.

• For example, an 11-year-old will not “play down” in a 9 or 10-yr-old tournament that does not meet the cut off date’s requirements provided by AAU. An 11-year-old can “play up” in a 12 or 13-yr-old tournament if they are capable. Participants “playing up” will be at the discretion of the coach and conversation with the child’s parents.

Tournaments are offered in a variety of one-day, two-day, or three-day events. We do not control how outside tournaments operate. Outside tournaments will determine their own schedule, rules, age groups, and format. Tournaments will share game times and locations as their event date(s) approaches. They often will not post their schedules too early in advance in the event of teams dropping out, transportation challenges, or age divisions not having the necessary numbers to fill their pool. There is a chance a tournament may not have the grade or age level available, so a Triple Threat team can still participate knowing there will be competition against older or younger teams or cancel all together.  

Most tournaments will operate with a similar format. They will have pool play which will have a round-robin format, where each team plays the other team in their pool once. Once all teams have played each other once, the next round will consist of seeding. Some will determine the winners from the round robin format. Tournaments that offer another a playoff do it based on how the teams finished in their pool play. That will determine their seeding for bracket play. At that time, some tournaments will do single or double game elimination. In a double elimination tournament, teams that lose twice are eliminated from bracket play. This will vary from tournament to tournament. Teams are often guaranteed a few games before bracket play. For example, teams are guaranteed two to three games. If they play well and seed high, they will get the opportunity to play more games. If they do not play well and finish low or last, their day may be finished. Depending on the tournament format teams may have as few as one game to as many as three or more in a day. Be aware that there can be long wait times between games.

All tournaments prefer to stay on schedule. However, with teams canceling last minute, games going into overtime, and other unpredictable occurrences, delays may, and typically do, happen. Be prepared for tournaments to go longer than expected. That is often why schedules are not provided until the day before it begins. There are multiple factors that play part in scheduling games such as late entries, withdrawals, and other unplanned instances. Families should attend tournaments with the intent and understanding that the schedule may change.

Playing Time

Playing time is normally the biggest factor for any family. Playing time will vary on numerous factors. Travel Ball and AAU does not guarantee equal playing time like recreation basketball. Travel ball contest enforces competition at higher levels than recreation basketball. Teams compete for trophies, awards, sponsorships, rankings, and qualifications for more elite tournaments. Coaches will play participants that give their team the best chance to compete, win, and get better.

Participants will earn playing time through their mental attitude, practices, and game performances. Each participant will be challenged in ways he may or may not have experienced before. It is important that they keep a positive mindset as they are pushed and challenged to reach higher levels of their personal development. They will be constantly evaluated, and some things will not come as easy as they did in lower-level leagues or recreation. This in turn will help foster a participant’s attitude and how to deal with good and challenging situations that will arise. Coaches are often in better positions to evaluate and determine appropriate playing time. They often have more criteria to utilize such as workouts, practices, film breakdown, games, whereas most parents get an incomplete picture by only attending games.

It is important to understand boundaries regarding playing time. Families do not need to approach any coach regarding playing time before, during, or after a basketball game. If playing time becomes a concern, please have the participant take the lead and ask questions on how they can improve their playing time. Participants will be introduced to accountability and perseverance when challenges arise. Parents are allowed to attend practices and find out what their child can work on. Parents can utilize Triple Threat NC Basketball services and our staff will assist in developing and improving individual skills and personal development for each child. Coaches will provide feedback to any participant interested in playing time. Parents can request a cordial meeting with their child’s coach. It is important that all parties involved communicate upfront what is in the best interest of the participant as well as the team

Parent Expectations

Parents play pivotal roles during the journey of any child participating in AAU basketball. We always expect our parents to set fitting examples for their children. Support is strongly encouraged. Positive words and affirmations, along with constructive critiques are a great combination for success at home. Parents should refrain from criticizing other parents, coaches, and players. Do not undermine your child’s coach in the car ride home, or at the dinner table. Subtle, passive aggressive comments on coaches’ inabilities or lack thereof and playing time will not comfort your child. Instead, it enables them to have a bad attitude and make excuses. As a substitute, please teach your child what they can do in the future to get a different outcome. Use basketball as a vehicle to teach life lessons they will need as they continue to grow.

Coaching your child from the sideline brings conflicts between the coach’s instructions and often leaves the participant confused and having to choose sides. Participants will need to receive their instructions from only their coaching staff. Be there to cheer and support, but not coach. The best time to provide insight may be after the game or the car ride home. Parents can shout words of encouragement. Parents should not be coaching their child from the stands by giving instructions and advice.

Coaches are often volunteering their time and experience to teach basketball and life skills. Triple Threat NC Basketball does not encourage nor tolerate any form of attack on coaches. This will disrupt the team’s development. It is completely normal that coaches and parents will not agree on everything. Coaches often are trying to do what is in the best interest of the team, and parents want what is in the best interest of their child. Put your focus on being as supportive and encouraging as possible.

Open communication between coaches’ and participants will solve most issues and concerns. However, if a parent has an issue or concern to discuss with the coach, please do not approach the coach during a tournament to discuss playing time, strategies, and performances. Coaches are instructed to walk away and avoid controversial concerns. It is important that you follow the necessary steps to avoid conflicts.

1. Have the participant share with their coach any concerns and challenges openly. It is important that participants voice their concerns. This will assist coaches in identifying and taking the necessary steps to seek a solution to any participants concerns.
2. If after a participant has voiced their concern and it has not been resolved or identified. The participants parents can schedule a meeting with the coach. This can be done outside of any game or practice.
3. If a solution to the concern has not been reached, a parent can contact Triple Threat NC Basketball staff. Decision by Triple Threat NC Basketball will be made. No refunds will be awarded.

Please follow those steps. A Triple Threat NC Basketball staff will not meet or discuss any issues with a parent if steps “1” and “2” were skipped.

Staffing

Triple Threat NC Basketball we utilize coaches with a passion to teach and work with your child. Triple Threat NC Basketball staff has many years of experience in coaching, training, and playing. Triple Threat NC Basketball will recruit and utilize coaches that demonstrate a passion and align with our goal of utilizing basketball as a tool that will aid each participant in our core values like faith, family, and community.

Statement

Triple Threat NC Basketball is dedicated to providing a fun, safe, and enjoyable basketball experience. Triple Threat NC Basketball will not tolerate nor participate in any discrimination based on religion, race, color, national origin, or sexual orientation. All Triple Threat NC Basketball staff, participants, coaches, and parents are prohibited from discrimination, using distasteful language or terms deemed to be discriminatory or hurtful. Any Triple Threat NC Basketball staff, participant, coach, or parent in violation of this policy will be reviewed accordingly and may be subject to suspension or removal from Triple Threat NC Basketball activities with no refund or compensation. Please report any behavior deemed inappropriate from any of our coaches or staff members to Triple Threat NC Basketball Director. All complaints will be investigated in a timely manner, and Triple Threat NC Basketball will work persistently to resolve any related issues.

Closing

We value your child and appreciate your interest in Triple Threat NC Basketball. We hope this journey with us will be a pleasurable and a memorable experience that will provide value in your child’s personal development. We do not take for granted the trust you instill in us to be positive influences in your child’s personal development. Please let us know if you have any questions.

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