Frequently Asked Questions

We are a group of parents, many of whom are current and past youth coaches, who believe that the available basketball offerings in Williamstown for the past several years have not adequately met the needs of the majority of children interested in learning and playing the game of basketball. Much of the recent local "in house" programming has been clinic-style practices/scrimmages without enough opportunity for youth players, at varying ages and developmental stages, to test their developing skills in game situations. It is our belief that a positive, competitive sports environment, found in an in-house league, provides children with unique experiences and is a natural part of athletics and games. Furthermore, the benefits of team sport include not only stimulation of physical growth, but increasing self-esteem and social development, as well as enhancing overall health and well being. We believe that age-appropriate competition is not only fitting for, but also desired by, a majority of local children and families.

Try as we might (and believe us, we HAVE tried!), our small town alone does not have enough kids in any given age/gender group to independently run a quality in-house league for our elementary- and middle school-aged children on a year-to-year basis. As a result, kids wanting to learn the fundamentals of basketball in a "real" game setting have often found themselves in one of three situations: 1) in a clinic-type program which does not provide them with the motivational game and team experience which is integral to their development as a player; 2) on the travel team in a league with a level of competition and commitment for which they (or their families) may, or may not yet, be ready; or 3) cut from a travel team with no other leagues available in which to continue to participate with friends/classmates.

Many other youth sports in our area have already joined with nearby towns to offer better programming and provide long-term stability in their sport. Basketball is actually one of the last sports to do this. We feel that a quality in-house league is the best choice to allow youth of all levels of interest and abilities acquire new skills, learn basic game strategy and experience a healthy amount of competition. We are very fortunate that we are able to partner with other local communities in order to provide this.

As basketball excitement in Williamstown continues to grow, we are looking to include WES gym in practices and games.

The answer to this question is not only due to the numbers issue (as described above), but also the fact that we are committed to choosing and/or developing the best possible program for our kids. For instance, the Lanesborough basketball program has a co-ed 3/4 league, but we at the WYBA prefer same-gender-only programs. So, we looked to North Adams where they have two well-established basketball programs for boys and girls, and impressive community involvement. Last year, The North Adams Girls Basketball League (NAGBL) welcomed several Williamstown (parent) coaches and over 20 Williamstown girls in grades 3-8 into their league. This first-ever partnership between the two towns for basketball was by all accounts a success. We helped them boost their declining numbers by adding some fresh faces to their program, and our girls benefitted from their experience in a fun and successful program. Additionally, all the girls from both towns had a wonderful time making new friends. We are excited to be continuing our partnership with the NAGBL again this year.

The partnership with the North Adams Youth Basketball League (NAYBL) for boys in grades 1-4 and 7/8 is new this year. We have met with representatives from the NAYBL and are excited to now be able to offer such a quality program to our boys. The directors and coaches in NAYBL are also excited to partner with us this season, and we are confident our boys will have the same positive experience that our girls had last year.

As for our 5/6 boys, they will be playing in an in-house league with Lanesborough. In recent years, we have included many Lanesborough youth in our travel programs, but never for in-house basketball because of their co-ed policy. After meeting with WYBA representatives this past summer, the directors of Lanesborough Basketball decided to change from co-ed to gender specific for the 5/6 age-level only. Between the two towns, we plan to field 5-7 teams of boys for this in-house league. This is especially exciting for us because our children will play with the children they will one day attend Mt Greylock with, and potentially play high school sports with! An added benefit is that the boys who play in this league will have practices and games on their "home" court (WES). This new league promises to be exciting and fun for our 5/6th boys.

Any player in grades 3-8 from Williamstown, Lanesboro*, New Ashford and Hancock, who is currently playing in ANY local in-house league, can try out for a WYBA travel team. The only exception to this rule is at the 7/8 level. As in the recent past, 7/8th graders who are involved in other Middle School sports programs are not required to play in an in-house basketball program in order to try out for the travel team. However, having said that, we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE all 7/8 graders to consider the NA leagues to gain experience and game time, which is invaluable to their development as a basketball player, and will give them a better chance of making a travel team.

*Lanesborough Basketball is in partnership with WYBA to offer travel opportunities for boys and girls in both communities. Depending on the fluctuating numbers year-to-year for a given age/gender, travel teams may be Williamstown- and/or Lanesborough-only, or a Williamstown- Lanesborough union.