What is Travel Basketball?
The Travel League was developed to provide the players with a higher level of competition and development. The teams are entered into leagues that consist of dozens of teams from the central Indiana area. For 3rd grade, the travel season runs from mid-September through early March. For 4th – 6th grade girls, the travel season runs from late August through early March.  For 7-8th grade the season runs from August until school basketball starts. All “travel” is within an hour drive of Fishers. There are no overnight or out-of-state tournaments. The focus of the travel program is to teach our young athletes fundamental basketball skills, which is emphasized during practice.

Time Commitment
The teams will practice two (2) times per week and play league games on the weekends. Midweek games generally occur during tournament play. Weekday practices are scheduled to begin and end somewhere between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. Each team will practice for 1.50 hrs. Days and times depend on gym availability. Generally, all teams for each grade level will practice at the same facility at the same time. Each practice will begin with 30-45 minutes of fundamental drills. For grades with more than one team, teams will combine for fundamental work before splitting into individual teams. Fundamental drills will be run by the head coach of the A Team.

For 3rd – 6th grade, teams will play in the Indiana Youth Basketball League (IYBL) Fall and Winter Leagues and IUSABB League. IYBL generally consists of one game on Saturday at either Finch Creek Fieldhouse (Noblesville), Pacers Athletic Center, also known as PAC, PAC) (Westfield) or Indiana Basketball Academy. Also known as IBA, (96th and Keystone, Indianapolis). IUSABB consists of two games most Sundays and are played at schools throughout the Indianapolis Metro.

For 7th – 8th grade, teams will either play in the IYBL Back-to-School league, or IYBL Fall League, or an independent Sunday league with local schools. The high school varsity coaches determine which league between the above choices. Practice dates and times will also be determined by the high school varsity coaches. The 7th – 8th grade travel program will end upon the start of the Junior High School basketball season.

Team Selection
Team selection will be based on individual skills assessments and 5on5 / 3on3 team play. Evaluators will also be looking at individual effort and attitude. Tryouts are closed to all parents and spectators. Teams are selected to represent either Fishers or Hamilton Southeastern based upon which High School they would attend if they were incoming Freshmen. Multiple teams may be formed in each grade level, based on turnout and skill level. Teams are formed to be competitive, with the A Team being most competitive.

Travel Basketball Evaluations
It is VERY IMPORTANT that every player attend the designated evaluation session. Evaluation scores will help to ensure a better playing experience for ALL, as the teams will be divided as fairly as possible based on evaluation scores. Girls must attend the evaluations for the high school district they live in based on their current address. Please check the website for details on dates and locations of tryouts.

There are no additional dates for make-ups.

If you are unable to attend your scheduled time you must notify the travel commissioner, prior to your scheduled evaluation date. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled try-out time for sign-in and registration. No prior travel uniforms or clothing with players’ names should be worn during the evaluations.

Evaluations for 3rd grade will take place in September. Evaluations for 4th– 6th grade take place in late August.

Tryouts for 7th and 8th grade travel teams generally take place in early August. Tryout dates for 7th and 8th grade is determined by either the HSE or Fishers Girls varsity basketball coaches. These teams are selected and coached by the high school varsity basketball staff.

Cost
For the 2022-2023 Travel Season, the fees are as follows:

A paid ($32) online registration at myathletics.com is required to tryout.

3rd - 5th grade - $218 
6th grade - $118 (please note the season will be shorter and completed when school ball starts) 
7th - 8th grade - $118 (please note the season will be shorter and completed when school ball starts) 

Uniforms are $100 and include reversible jersey/shorts and a shooting shirt. Uniforms do not need to be purchased if you are a returning player and your uniform from last year still fits.

IUSABB host schools charge a $5 per person entry fee to attend the games. IYBL host sites charge $6 per person entry fee. Some sites have student, senior, and family discounts. Coaches and players are no charge for either league.

Refund Policy
Once a player has attended evaluations, been selected to the team and paid the dues at the registration, no refund will be given.

Playing Time
Playing time is at the coach’s discretion based on the commitment of time, energy of the players and the game situation. There is no guarantee of equal playing time, but it is recommended, by the Mudsock Girls Basketball league board of directors, that if a player attends practice with a good attitude, they should see some playing time each game.

 Coach Selection
Parent coaches and independent coaches are utilized. The Fishers/HSE travel commissioners will select coaches based on requests and recommendations. Prior year coaches will be given first consideration; however, parents of returning players may volunteer for the head coach’s position and will be considered. The head coach position will not be assigned until after teams have formed. Head coaches will pick their assistant coaches. If the team is newly formed or the head coach does not have an assistant coach already, Fishers/HSE travel commissioners will assist in the selection process.

What is required to become a coach?
A travel coach must be a "Double-Goal" coach. While winning is important, there are other goals just as important when developing young people into adults and basketball players. You must be willing to follow the guidelines set by the Mudsock Girls Basketball board of directors:

Must be opened minded and willing to learn.
Playing experience is helpful but it is not the most important aspect of coaching.
Becoming a good coach takes years of experience and a good deal of time.
Must be a coach for all the players, not just their family members.
Must manage the parents as well as the players.

What do I do if I'd like to become a coach?
Email your contact information to the travel commissioner associated with the high school your participant will attend. If your daughter will attend Fishers High School, contact the Fishers travel commissioner, Carly Grant [email protected]. If your daughter will attend Hamilton Southeastern High School, contact the HSE travel commissioner, Ryan Smalligan [email protected]. Let the commissioner know the grade you wish to coach and if you're interested in being the head coach or assistant coach. Travel coaches are selected by the respective travel commissioners.

A volunteer form must be filled out every year. Please note that Mudsock Youth Athletics will run a Background check on all coaches.