Fox Chapel Travel Basketball
For players interested in playing more than recreational basketball, advanced league opportunities usually start in the fourth grade. These opportunities consist of Travel Teams and AAU leagues and programs. Fox Chapel Winter League Basketball is not directly affiliated with either the Travel teams or AAU Basketball. However, many of our coaches participate in these programs
Travel Teams
Playing on these teams requires more significant financial and time commitments than the recreational league on the part of players, parents, and coaches. The Fox Chapel Area High School Coaches are responsible for these teams. The new Girls HS coach Rich Mull. The Boys HS coach is Ben O'Connor. Please contact them for details at (412) 967-2400.
Most of the teams from our area have played in a league based in Pine-Richland that includes teams from the greater north hills area of Pittsburgh including Butler, Seneca Valley, North Allegheny, North Hills, Shaler, and others. Larry Bracco is the contact (724-443-3796, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). The regular season runs from December to February and normally consists of one home game and one away game per week. Practices vary depending upon the coach but are normally once per week during the regular season. There are also various tournaments after the season that teams may choose to participate in.
The involvement that FCAYBI has with these teams is limited to providing information and insurance for the boys program. So that the players are covered under our insurance, a registration form must be completed and signed for each player. Players may play in both the FCAYBA recreation league and a travel team. If they decide not to play in the recreation league then the FCAYBAI fee will be $10 per season to cover costs including insurance. We try to avoid scheduling conflicts but there normally are some throughout the season.
When the travel teams worked through us we had the following guidelines so that the travel team coaches kept the best interest of the players in mind:
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Coaches should select a team between 8 and 12 players. Ten seems to work best.
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If there are two teams divide the talent so that both teams are competitive in the league. If two teams are formed one coach would select five players and the other coach would then select five. This means that a player may need to switch coaches or teams before a new season starts.
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Coaches should plan to play all players at least a quarter of each game.
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Once a player is on a team in 5th grade they should have the opportunity to play on a travel team in 6th grade. Coaches may make exceptions based on behavior problems.
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All players must live in the Fox Chapel Area School District and be in the same grade.
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Please keep in mind that coaches, players, and fans are representing the area. Coaches should ensure appropriate behavior and good sportsmanship.
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Remember and remind others that this is for the kids and to keep it fun!
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The cost of these travel teams can range from about $650 to $2,000 per season per team. This could include uniforms ($10-$30 each), league fees ($525), tournament fees, practice gym rental, etc. These costs can be paid by the participating players, sponsors, boosters, fundraisers or some combination of these.
AAU
This tends to be a collection of the best players from the travel teams and requires a substantial commitment. It starts in the 4th grade with most kids getting involved in 6th or 7th grade. The season is normally February through July. Contact information will be posted upon receipt.
