County/Travel

Overview

The ABGC County program is a more competitive level of basketball than Rec or House league. The County league is for those kids with more experience and/or a higher skill level. Generally, these are the kids that are developing their skills so that when they reach high school, they will be able to compete for positions on their high school teams. The number of teams and level of play will be determined after the tryouts have been completed.

Player Eligibility

The County League is for boys and girls in grades 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th (and advanced 4th graders) who wish to eventually play high school basketball. ABGC is committed to providing a high quality travel program that helps prepare players for the next level of play. Teams are formed according to players' grade levels (e.g., 5th grade girls team, 6th grade boys team, etc.). Selections are made after rigorous tryouts in early October. Players not selected will be invited to play in the ABGC House (Recreational) league.

Open Gyms

ABGC hosts open gyms throughout the month of September for players to participate in drills and skills building. Attendance is optional and provides players with a good opportunity to meet some of the coaches and potential teammates. For 2023, the open gym schedule can be found HERE. Open gyms are free and open to all.

Tryouts

Tryouts will be held during the first two full week period in October. For 2023, the ABGC tryout schedule can be found HERE. Tryouts are free and open to all.

Players should plan to attend at least 2 tryouts to be eligible for selection. In general, players should attend all tryouts. If a player cannot make 2 tryouts, arrangements should be made with the ABGC County Basketball Director or the respective head coach. During this period teams of typically 8-12 players will be formed at each grade level. The coach may choose to perform an initial cut after each tryout to get the numbers of players trying out to a more manageable level. Travel teams are formed based on the performance of players during the tryout period, and team makeup is solely up to the discretion of the coach. For players accepted to a team, the cost in 2023 is $260.

NOTE: County rules require clubs to select players from within their assigned zip codes. For ABGC in 2023 these zip codes are 22003, 22041, 22042, 22044, 22151, and 22312. In addition, each club team is allowed to roster two players from outside of their assigned zip code area.

Player Obligations

Players are expected to commit to the rigorous schedule of the winter basketball season to ensure that all players on the team receive the benefits of playing County basketball. County basketball for the winter season must be the priority activity for any child selected to play for an ABGC County team once practices begin late October/November. ABGC expects County players to make all practice and games regardless of other activities unless approval to miss is provided by the team coach. Some consideration may be given at the beginning of the season as fall sports come to a completion; however, team coaches must be informed in advance. Playing time may be adjusted for unexcused absences.

ABGC expects county players to be committed to team objectives and to the development of their basketball skills. ABGC coaches volunteer their time and are dedicated to improving the individual and team-oriented skills of our players. ABGC County players are expected to attend all practices which will be held twice per week starting in mid-October. County games in the Fairfax County Youth Basketball League (FCYBL) are scheduled at gyms throughout Fairfax County. Younger teams typically play on Saturdays and/or Sundays with a few weekday games. Older teams should expect to play on weekends and weekdays. Games begin in late November or December. Players are expected to attend all games.

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