WGBA FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What programs does WGBA offer?
WGBA offers House/Rec Basketball for grades 2–12, Travel Basketball for grades 3–8, and Junior Jammers, with additional development opportunities woven in and around those programss.
More information can be found under the Programs section of the WGBA website.
What is the difference between House/Rec and Travel Basketball?
House/Rec is designed for a broader range of experience levels and a lower time commitment. Travel is a more competitive program with tryouts, team placement, tournaments, and a higher level of commitment.
Families can also review the WGBA Program Comparison under the Resources section of the website.
How do I know which program is right for my daughter?
House/Rec is usually the best fit for players looking for a fun, developmental experience with a lighter schedule. Travel may be a better fit for players seeking stronger competition and a larger time commitment.
Families should review the program pages and WGBA Program Comparison before registering.
Who is eligible to play for WGBA?
WGBA is for girls who attend school in the Wayzata School District and/or live within the district boundaries. See the Player Eligibility policy on the Policies page for more detail.
When does registration open?
Registration timing varies by program. Families should watch the WGBA website, monthly newsletter, and association emails for registration dates, deadlines, and program updates.
Can my daughter register late?
Late registration may be accepted on a space-available basis, but placement is not guaranteed. See the Registration and Late Registration policy on the Policies page.
How are Travel teams selected?
Travel teams are selected primarily based on current tryout performance and evaluator input. See the Travel Tryouts and Team Placement policy on the Policies page.
How does WGBA keep the Travel tryout process fair and unbiased?
WGBA uses a lead evaluator with multiple years of girls travel basketball evaluation experience, supported by a group of additional evaluators who do not have direct connections to the players they are evaluating.
Evaluators do not coach the players in that grade and are selected to provide independent, informed basketball judgment. Many evaluators are former WGBA board members or coaches whose children have graduated from the program, or respected basketball people from surrounding communities, including coaches, officials, trainers, and others with relevant experience.
Players are identified by tryout numbers and evaluated across multiple sessions, drills, and game situations. Scores from evaluators and sessions are combined to help form teams based primarily on current tryout performance. In close or borderline situations, WGBA may review results to ensure consistency and fairness before finalizing team placement.
Are Travel tryouts open to parents?
No. Travel tryouts are closed to parents and spectators.
How can families better understand the Travel tryout process?
Families should review the Travel Tryouts and Team Placement policy on the Policies page.
The required preseason parent meeting is also a good opportunity to learn more about the tryout process, how teams are formed, and what families can expect. WGBA may also offer preseason open gyms or tryout prep opportunities in late August or early September to help players get comfortable before evaluations.
Can parents receive detailed feedback after Travel tryouts?
No. WGBA does not provide detailed individual tryout feedback or evaluator notes.
WGBA uses a closed evaluation process to protect the integrity of tryouts and ensure team placement decisions remain fair, consistent, and final. WGBA recognizes that placement decisions can be emotional, and the President or Vice President may be available for a brief, respectful conversation when a family needs help understanding the process or finding closure.
Because tryouts affect a large number of players and families, these conversations must remain limited, constructive, and focused on process rather than changing placement decisions.
What happens if my daughter misses Travel tryouts?
Players are expected to attend tryouts, but WGBA may review approved absences in limited circumstances. See the Tryout Absence policy on the Policies page.
If my daughter does not make a Travel team, can she still play House/Rec?
In most cases, yes, depending on registration timing and available space.
If my daughter makes a Travel team but chooses not to play, can we get a refund?
Players who are not placed on a Travel team will receive a refund. Players who are placed on a Travel team and choose not to participate are not eligible for a refund. See the Fees and Refunds policy on the Policies page.
Can my daughter play up or down a grade?
Players are expected to play with their current grade. Playing up may be considered in rare circumstances; playing down is not allowed. See the Playing Up policy on the Policies page.
What is the expected time commitment for Travel Basketball?
Travel requires a meaningful time commitment, including regular practices, games, weekend tournaments, and team activities. The exact schedule varies by grade, team, and season.
What is the expected time commitment for House/Rec Basketball?
House/Rec generally has a lower time commitment than Travel and is designed to be more accessible for families.
How much playing time will my daughter receive?
Playing time varies by program. House/Rec aims for balanced participation, while Travel playing time is not guaranteed to be equal. See the Playing Time policy on the Policies page.
What should I do if I have a concern about coaching, playing time, or my daughter’s team experience?
Start by talking with your daughter, then request an appropriate time to speak with the coach. If the concern remains unresolved, contact the appropriate WGBA program director. See the Communication and Conflict Resolution policy on the Policies page.
What should I do if I have concerns about a coach during the season?
Please raise concerns during the season rather than waiting until the year-end survey.
Start with the communication process outlined on the Policies page unless the concern involves player safety, inappropriate conduct, or a broader team issue. In those cases, families should contact the appropriate WGBA program director.
How does WGBA address negative teammate behavior or team culture concerns?
WGBA expects players, coaches, and families to help create a positive, respectful team environment. Concerns about teammate behavior, sportsmanship, bullying, or team culture should be raised during the season so they can be addressed in real time.
Families should start with the team coach when appropriate. If the concern involves repeated behavior, player safety, or a broader team issue, families should contact the appropriate WGBA program director. See the Player Expectations, Conduct and Discipline, and Communication and Conflict Resolution policies on the Policies page.
Who coaches WGBA teams?
WGBA teams are coached by a combination of parent volunteers, non-parent coaches, former players, and other qualified individuals selected by WGBA.
Can I volunteer to coach?
Yes. WGBA depends on qualified, committed volunteers. Families interested in coaching should watch for volunteer information during registration or contact the appropriate program director.
Does WGBA use paid coaches?
WGBA uses a combination of parent coaches, non-parent coaches, former players, and paid coaches when available and appropriate.
WGBA’s priority is to place qualified, committed coaches who can teach the game, communicate well, build a positive team culture, and support player development. Paid coaches may be considered as needed, but WGBA does not believe “paid” automatically means “better.” Final coach assignments are based on qualifications, fit, availability, and program needs.
How does WGBA support and develop coaches?
WGBA has a Coach Coordinator board position and maintains strong connections with the Wayzata High School girls basketball program, experienced WGBA coaches, board members, and community trainers.
WGBA provides coaches with tools, resources, training opportunities, and access to experienced support. WGBA also uses in-season input, post-season feedback, and board oversight to help identify where coaches may need additional support.
Coaches are encouraged to use these resources throughout the season, and those who do often see a positive impact on their players and team experience.
Are coaches background checked?
Yes. WGBA requires coaches and designated volunteers to complete required background checks and training. See the Background Checks and Abuse Prevention policy on the Policies page.
Are there opportunities for younger players who are not ready for Travel or House/Rec?
Yes. Junior Jammers and other development programs are designed to introduce younger players to basketball in a fun, age-appropriate environment (typically K-2nd grade).
More information can be found under the Programs section of the WGBA website.
Does WGBA offer additional training outside the regular season?
WGBA is always looking to expand its clinics, open gyms, Junior Jammers, and other in-season and offseason development opportunities. More information will be shared through the WGBA monthly newsletter and website as the season’s programming in finalized.
Families can also review the Development-related resources and training opportunities shared on the WGBA website.
Where can families find additional non-WGBA training opportunities?
WGBA shares additional non-WGBA training opportunities through community partners, local resources, the monthly newsletter, and the Development tab or player resources area of the WGBA website.
Does WGBA offer offseason 5-on-5 opportunities?
No, WGBA does not currently coordinate offseason 5-on-5 teams or leagues.
Many WGBA players participate in AAU basketball and MYAS leagues during the spring, summer, and sometimes fall. Teams made up of WGBA players may choose to enter these leagues or events independently, but they are not coordinated by WGBA and must follow the registration, insurance, facility, and participation requirements of those leagues and venues.
How can my daughter keep playing outside the WGBA season?
Players can continue developing through camps, clinics, open gyms, AAU, MYAS leagues, school opportunities, and other basketball programs. WGBA will share helpful options when possible, but families are encouraged to choose the opportunities that best fit their player’s goals, schedule, and interest level.
Families can also review the Development tab, player resources, and WGBA newsletters for additional opportunities.
Does WGBA offer camps, clinics, or offseason development?
WGBA may offer additional development opportunities outside the regular season. Availability, timing, grade levels, and format may vary from year to year.
Offseason programming by WGBA is limited given the challenges of navigating spring and summer sports, AAU/club commitments, and family schedules for both members and volunteer board leadership. WGBA will continue to share community resources and actively considers opportunities to expand offerings when feasible. Ideas are welcome—families are encouraged to contact the WGBA President (see Board Members tab for contact information) or any board member with suggestions.
Information will be shared through the WGBA website, newsletters, and relevant program pages.
Can high school players or older players volunteer with WGBA?
WGBA welcomes opportunities for older players to support the next generation of Wayzata girls basketball players when appropriate. This may include helping with clinics, Junior Jammers, camps, tournaments, or other development events.
Volunteer opportunities vary by season and event. Families or players interested in helping should watch WGBA communications or contact the appropriate program director.
How will we hear about schedules, practices, games, and updates?
Communication may come through the WGBA website, monthly newsletter, email, team communication tools (e.g. Crossbar), coaches, or program directors. As seasons begin, some communication responsibility shifts to coaches. Families are responsible for reading association and team communications throughout the season.
Families can also review the Schedule section of the website for relevant dates and events.
Where can I find facility information or directions?
Facility information and directions can be found under the Resources section of the WGBA website.
What equipment does my daughter need?
Players should have basketball shoes, athletic clothing, and a water bottle. Travel players may have additional uniform or apparel requirements.
What if my daughter is new to basketball?
She is welcome. House/Rec, Junior Jammers, and development programs are good entry points for players who are newer to the game.
Are scholarships or financial assistance available?
Yes. Families experiencing financial hardship may request confidential financial assistance. See the Financial Assistance policy on the Policies page or the Scholarships information under the Programs or Resources section of the WGBA website.
What happens if practices or games are canceled due to weather?
WGBA will communicate cancellations or changes as promptly as practical. See the Weather and Cancellations policy on the Policies page.
Can WGBA use photos or videos of my daughter?
WGBA may use photos, videos, or program highlights in association communications. Families who prefer not to have their player included should notify WGBA in writing. See the Media, Photos, and Player Information policy on the Policies page.
Where can I learn about WGBA events?
Families can review the Events section of the WGBA website for information about the WGBA Classic, WPS Youth Appreciation Night, Trojan Madness, sponsorships, fundraisers, and related community events.
Where can I find WGBA policies?
Please see the WGBA Policies page for topics including eligibility, refunds, playing up, tryout absences, playing time, conduct, communication process, coach expectations, player safety, weather, media use, and special circumstances review.