Wilton Hoops Player Evaluation, Tryout & Development
Wilton Hoops is committed to providing a fair and consistent annual player evaluation process. The information below outlines how tryouts, evaluations and team selections are conducted.
Tryouts
Each grade/gender group is offered two tryout sessions, generally scheduled on different weekdays over two consecutive weeks to accommodate other sports, school activities and commitments.
Players are not required to attend both sessions, but attendance at both is strongly encouraged. If a player can attend only one session, one of the evaluators should be notified in advance so the player can be evaluated accordingly.
Evaluators
Each tryout is evaluated by up to three individuals:
- The team’s selected head coach
- 1-2 independent evaluator with prior Wilton Hoops experience, such as a former Board member or former Wilton Hoops parent
The head coach leads the drills and scrimmages, while the independent evaluator helps oversee the process and ensure evaluations are conducted appropriately.
Evaluations & Team Selection
Evaluators assess players throughout drills and scrimmages and may use different rating systems to record their observations. Following the first tryout, evaluators discuss their assessments and begin identifying potential team members.
Final teams are selected following the second tryout and communicated as soon as possible. Based on annual registration numbers, Wilton Hoops may also offer multiple teams per grade. Therefore, evaluators are tasked with creating rosters for both “blue” and “white” teams, when possible. To be eligible for either team, players must be registered with Wilton Hoops and participate in their grade’s tryout. A “blue” team will include all players from the same grade, while a “white” team could include:
- Combined Grade teams (typically 5th/6th and 7th/8th), or
- All players from the same grade, should there be enough qualified players to fill the roster.
“Blue” teams typically play in the “A” or “B” bracket for their grade within the Fairfield County Basketball League (FCBL) while “white” teams typically play in the “C” division for their grade (for combined teams, this would be the older grade).
Final roster decisions are made by the team’s head coach, unless for some reason the head coach is a parent. In those situations, the roster is selected by the independent evaluators. If the parent coach’s child is not selected, Wilton Hoops will work with that coach to determine next steps.
Practice Players
In some cases, a coach may offer a Practice Player spot to someone following tryouts. A Practice Player is invited to participate fully in the team’s practices throughout the season. They will receive the same coaching, instruction, and opportunity to develop their skills during practices as rostered players.
Practice Players are expected to attend practices consistently, work hard, be coachable, and demonstrate the same commitment, sportsmanship, and positive attitude expected of all members of the team.
Practice Players are not guaranteed playing time in games. Depending on roster availability (not exceeding 10 players per game), league rules, and the discretion of the coaching staff, a Practice Player may be invited to dress and/or participate in non-league games during the season. Any game opportunities should be viewed as an added opportunity rather than an expectation of the Practice Player role.
The goal of the Practice Player position is to provide players with an opportunity to continue developing their basketball skills, gain experience within a competitive team environment, and prepare for future playing opportunities.
Practice players will pay a discounted registration fee and not be required to purchase a uniform. Should they be asked to play in non-league games, a uniform will be provided by the WBA and they are subject to the applicable leagues playing-time requirements and the WBA minimum-playing-time guidelines, where applicable.
Player Development
The WBA is Here to Support You!
We offer clinics before and after (when possible) tryouts are complete. All clinics are for boys and girls grades 4-8, unless otherwise noted.
Pre-tryout clinics will be held two weeks prior to the scheduled tryouts
- 1-3 clinics per age group
- Lead by boys/girls varsity staff and/or players
- Open to any Wilton resident
- Nominal per clinic fee
Post-tryout clinics for rostered and practice players
- Focused on independent skill development in advance of team practices starting
- Lead by professional coaches
- Included in season registration fee
In Season Clinics supplement team practices
- Include role and skill based clinics
- Offered throughout the season based on gym and player availability
- Open to rostered and practice players
- Lead by professional coaches
Summer Sunday Clinics
- Free outdoor clinics
- Open to any Wilton resident
- Lead by professional coaches
Need More Information?
For more information, and to register for tryouts (when available), visit the Travel Basketball Season page.