AYB Families,

Please read closely as options for the upcoming basketball season have changed.  With each day that passes, we receive more information and are now able to offer a potential in-town basketball program.

Details are still being finalized but a general overview is as follows:

Ashland In-Town

• Range of options based on approval by the town of Ashland (these may be changed or modified as the season progresses):
  • Cohort style practices and scrimmages with the same group of 7-10 kids every week
  • Modified in-town league with smaller teams, segregated by grade, and limited spectators
  • Weekly skills sessions with distancing protocols
• Season would start in mid-January at the earliest; option to run for 10-12 weeks through mid-April
• All events would take place in the Ashland Middle School Large Gym; days and time to be determined
• Teams will NOT be able to practice or play if Ashland schools are closed
• Fees are estimated at $150-250; a portion of these costs will be refunded if gyms are closed or the season is shortened
• We will need volunteers to make this work so please indicate your interest if you can help
• Registration being opened to solicit interest at the 1st – 8th grade levels

Registration for this option is now OPEN!  Registration for in-town basketball will close on MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 at 6 P.M. with no payment due at this time.  To register please select MY ACCOUNT in the upper-right of this page to see the programs available to you.

If you recently registered for travel basketball, you may change to the in-town option, but players (and coaches) will only be allowed to participate in ONE program.  If you still want to do travel basketball, you do not need to take any action.  If you would prefer to switch to in-town, please register and check the box that says you are intending to switch.  Any concerns or questions can be directed to [email protected]. Notes on travel basketball for comparative purposes is as follows:

Metrowest Travel Games Only

• 8-game season plus playoffs running from Jan 2nd through early March; games primarily played in Foxboro or Stoughton (no home games)
• NO PRACTICES (unless gym space becomes available)
• No tryouts; any player who does not make a team will be given the option to participate in the In-Town League
• Most games will be Saturdays or Sundays; possible week night games based on limited gym availability
• Limit of 2 spectators per family
• Rules will follow EEA and MIAA guidelines
• Teams may still play if schools are shut down; however we are recommending that Ashland teams forego their games if our school system goes remote but this is not a hard rule (note that other towns are not prevented from playing even if their schools are closed)
• Fees will be $200-300 plus $70-80 for uniforms (for those new to travel); these costs are NON-REFUNDABLE in any circumstance

Both programs will require masks for all participants, coaches, and spectators.  Families will be required to sign waivers, and all team members must quarantine and be remote from school if anyone they share the court with tests positive for COVID.

Thank you for your patience during this difficult process.  We hope these expanded alternatives will help us get more players on the courts.

Sincerely,

Ashland Youth Basketball