Boys Travel Basketball
Travel Program Overview
*Please note that the 4th grade boys travel program is currently full and is no longer accepting registrations.
Watertown Youth Basketball Association is a member of the Metrowest Basketball League. Metrowest League requirements state that players must play at the grade level in which they attend school, and may not play down a year, regardless of age. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Watertown Youth Basketball.
1. Prospective players register online, select uniform size and provide payment.
2. After registration all players will be placed on a "wait list" until after tryouts.
3. Players attend two tryouts (unless arranged otherwise). Skills assessments are made by an independent group of impartial advisors, not by Parents or Coaches.
4. For all teams, Boys and Girls Grade 4 - 8 the teams are developed as an A team that will play in a higher ranked division and a B team that will play in a lower ranked division, pending registration numbers. Both teams will be placed in a division to provide competitive games equal to the strength of the team. Metrowest provides 6 competitive divisions of play with 1 being the top division and 6 being the lower division.
5. Teams are selected and players will be notified. Cuts will be made when numbers dictate it necessary, but we are committed to allowing, when possible, all those that register an opportunity to play.
6. After teams are made, coaches will be named.
Metrowest Program Overview
Click here for the Metrowest League Overview and Welcome Message
Instructions to view schedule on MetroWest Basketball Website:
On the MetroWest website, in the top left of the screen, select "Schedule"
When you get to the Schedule page, select "Town"
Then, select "Team" - 5B - Watertown (red) D3 or 8G -Watertown (red)- D3 etc...
(Skip the "Division" tab)
Select "View Schedule"
Grades
4th - 8th grade
Note that 4th and 5th grade travel players MUST also play in-house. This is optional for grades 6-8.
When
Registration will open in the summer of 2024 and close on October 1st.
Tryouts will be held in early October, with practices to begin shortly thereafter. The season runs until mid to late March, depending on playoff performance.
Where
Practices will be held at a variety of gyms in Watertown and/or Waltham.
Home games will be played at Watertown Middle School or one of the Watertown Elementary Schools. Away games are typically within a 1 hour drive of Watertown.
Practices
Each team will have 2 weekly practices. Practices will be held in the evenings on Sunday-Friday, with final days/times announced after teams are finalized.
Games
Games will be played on Saturdays or Sundays from December until March.
Coaches have the choice to enter their team into 2 optional tournaments throughout the fall or winter.
Jerseys
Every player must have matching Watertown Travel Basketball Jerseys and Shorts.
If this is your child's first year playing travel basketball, they must select the option to purchase a jersey and shorts at the time of registration.
Players may reuse jerseys from prior seasons if they still fit.
Costs
$265 per child for 2024-2025 season: covers the cost of gym rentals, referees for all Metrowest games and playoffs, insurance and equipment.
$110 per child for a uniform (Jersey $60 Shorts $50) for the 2024-2025 season.
Travel Basketball Minimum Play Rules and Substitution Policies
Substitution for travel basketball is managed exclusively by the coaching staff. Players do not play an equal number of minutes per game. The WYBA travel basketball program is not a "win at all costs" program but our coaches are encouraged to put each player on the court in a situation where he/she can compete and not have a negative experience. Two-thirds of the travel basketball experience is made up of team practices, where skills are developed.
Since early 2012, the WYBA is a Positive Coaching Alliance partner. We require our coaches to attend training sessions produced by Positive Coaching Alliance approved trainers. We encourage our coaches to be "double-goal" coaches striving to pursue both winning and teach life lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the in-house and travel leagues?
Watertown's in-house league is designed for fun, recreational basketball. The focus is less on high competition and more on player development and enjoyment. All players will play an equal amount of time.
Watertown travel basketball is more competitive, with games against surrounding towns. While the focus is still on development, players should expect a higher level of commitment and intensity. While all players are guaranteed to play, the time split is not equal across all players.
Do players have to play both in-house and travel?
No.
The in-house league is open to everyone and does not require players to play travel.
4th and 5th grade travel players MUST also play in-house.
6th, 7th, and 8th grade travel players are encouraged to play in-house to grow their skills, but are not required.
Boys Winter 2024-2025 Travel
Watertown travel basketball offers a competitive and fun experience for players to expand their basketball skills.
Teams compete in the Metrowest league against other towns of similar skill.