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Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) concerning WFBC:

How much will it cost?

Why is AAU Basketball so expensive?

Where will we practice?

How much playing time will my daughter get?

How much traveling is involved?

Which team is my daughter eligible to play for?

Can my daughter "play up"?

How often will the team practice?

If my daughter doesn't live in Western Fairfax County will she still be considered?

I have a youth club basketball game scheduled at the same time as tryouts -- What should I do?

I play another sport in the Spring.  Can I still participate with WFBC?

I am unsure which AAU basketball club to join.  When do I have to decide?

How much will it cost?

In 2007, U10 - U14 teams incurred a $600 per player cost, U15 - U17 teams incurred a $650 per player cost, and the Showcase team incurred ~$850 per player cost.  These costs included uniform, practice time, and eight tournaments.  In previous years, the U9 team was scheduled for 5 tournaments and per player cost were approximately $450. 

Team travel costs (including coaches expenses) to and from tournaments are not included in this fee structure. Costs for National tournaments are also not included in this fee.  Team members will be expected to reimburse up to two coaches per team for their travel/lodging at tournaments outside of the greater Washington DC/Baltimore area. All costs will be divided among all team members whether they play in a tournament or not.

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Why is AAU Basketball so expensive?

WFBC membership fees are reasonable, and less costly than many other AAU organizations. We charge one flat fee for everyone. Our costs average out to about $7 per hour for some of the best coaching and facilities available in the area.

ALL coaches are volunteers and provide their assistance as a service to the community.  Player funds pay for tournament fees, uniforms, equipment, first aid supplies, gym fees, AAU registration, and other direct costs to the WFBC organization.  It is our desire for parents and players to know how much the program will cost from the beginning.

Costs per player are based on a conservative estimate of the number of players that will represent WFBC this year.  Any excessive funds will be put directly back into the program.

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Where will we practice?

Whenever possible, practices will be held in the Westfield HS, Chantilly HS or Centreville HS school district areas.

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How much playing time will my daughter get?

Individual development must occur within the context of team competition. Therefore, WFBC does not adhere to a minimum or guaranteed amount of playing time for any player in a game. Coaches shall be encouraged to use all players in every game but player participation is at the coaches' discretion.

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How much traveling is involved?

Most tournaments will be played in the greater Washington, DC/Baltimore area. However, on occasion, some coaches may elect to play tournaments in locations that may require an over night stay. The amount of travel is at the discretion of each coach.

Teams that qualify for National AAU tournaments will be expected to travel to their respective locations. In 2008, the National tournament sites and dates are:

A complete list of Division 1 and Division 2 AAU Championship locations can be found at the following website http://www.aaugirlsbasketball.org/index.asp?a=/pages/nationalchamp.htm

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Which team is my daughter eligible to play for?

AAU is different than House or County leagues. Players are eligible by age not grade. Players must be at or below the criterion age in a given age category. Age for AAU purposes is not how old a child is now, but how old she will be on the next cutoff date (Jul 1).

For the 2008 season, use the following guidelines:

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Can my daughter "play up"?

Players will be highly encouraged to play in their own age divisions.  However, in some circumstances, players will be allowed to play with older girls.  Coaches will make final selections.  Please read the section in this web site regarding girls who wish to play up.

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How often will teams practice?

Typically, WFBC teams will practice twice a week (1 1/2 to 2 hours per practice). Some teams may practice more prior to regional qualifying tournaments or national tournaments.

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My daughter doesn't attend a school in Western Fairfax County -- Can she still be considered?

Yes.  Coaches will select the best players available for each team.  AAU teams are only eligible for tournament play if they have no more than 3 players from outside of the Potomac Valley Region (Loudon County is NOT in the Potomac Valley).  Our coaches will not select more than three non-Potomac Valley residents for any one team.

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I have a youth club basketball game scheduled at the same time as tryouts -- What should I do?

Definitely, honor the earlier commitment to your youth club basketball team and attend the youth club game.  Although we want everyone to attend both tryouts, we understand that may not be possible.  No matter how hard we try, we cannot completely eliminate conflicts between our tryouts and all other activities.  If you have conflicts that prevent you from attending all or part of both tryouts, tell your age group coach and we will work something out to ensure you that you receive a fair opportunity.

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I play another sport in the Spring. Can I still participate with WFBC?

Yes.  Obviously, high school sports activities always take priority over WFBC games or practices.  Younger players competing in another sport must balance the two commitments and should be fair to both.  This means an EVEN balance between the two sports (not simply playing basketball only when it is convenient).  Players selected for National teams WILL be asked to make a HIGHER commitment.

ALL WFBC players should set their schedules so they can play in the Potomac Valley AAU Regional tournaments and in National Tournaments if their team qualifies.

While our coaches will support players participating in multiple sports, excessive absenteeism can effect playing time and lessen the benefits of the WFBC experience.

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I am unsure which AAU basketball club to join. When do I have to decide?

This web site and our regular Sunday basketball skills clinics should provide you with the needed information (coaches, cost, commitment, convenience, etc.) to decide whether or not you want to join WFBC.

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Send mail to mustangs@westernfairfaxbasketballclub.com with questions or comments about the Western Fairfax Basketball Club.
Last modified: 05/16/08