FAQ | Team Progress Basketball

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the philosophy of Team Progress?

Our philosophy is “Teaching Over Trophies.”

We believe youth basketball should be about more than winning tournaments. Our priority is the long-term development of each player — as an athlete, teammate, student, and person.

That does not mean winning is unimportant. Team Progress is a competitive program with high expectations. We coach with purpose, train with intensity, and hold players accountable to our core standards of detail and discipline.

Our goal is to develop skilled, intelligent, competitive basketball players while using the game to teach habits and values that extend beyond the court.

2. How is the coaching staff structured?

Each Team Progress team is assigned a designated head coach who is responsible for leading that team throughout the season.

In addition, our lead coaching staff works across the entire program and is actively involved in practices, training sessions, and player development at multiple levels. This allows players to receive consistent instruction and ensures that our teaching, terminology, expectations, and standards remain aligned throughout the organization.

Our lead coaches have playing or coaching experience beyond the high school level.

Because tournament schedules may overlap, another qualified member of the Team Progress coaching staff may occasionally serve as the game-day head coach when necessary.

3. When are the seasons and tryouts?

Fall Season

Season: September – November
Tryouts: Early September
Practices Begin: Week following tryouts
Games Begin: October
Season Ends: First week of November

Winter Season

Season: December–February
Tryouts: First week of December
Practices Begin: Week following tryouts
Games Begin: Mid-January
Season Ends: Final week of February

Spring Season

Season: March–May
Tryouts: Mid-March
Practices Begin: Week following tryouts
Games Begin: Mid-April
Season Ends: Final week of May

Summer Season

Season: July
Tryouts: Late May or early June
Practices Begin: Late June
Games Begin: First weekend of July
Season Ends: Final week of July

Season dates may vary slightly based on tournament schedules, facility availability, and team needs.

4. How is each season structured?

Teams generally complete 3–4 weeks of practice and training before competition begins.

Most teams compete 2–3 weekends per month and participate in approximately 4-5 tournament weekends per season.

Estimated Game Totals

Academy Teams: 12–16 games
Prep Teams: 16–20 games
Travel Teams: 24–32 games during the Spring/Summer season

Game totals are estimates and may vary based on scheduling, tournament format, qualification, and advancement.

5. What is the practice and training schedule?

Academy Teams

Two 90-minute team practices per week

Prep Teams

Two 90-minute team practices per week
One 90-minute skill-development session per week

Travel Teams

Two 90-minute team practices per week
One 90-minute skill-development session per week
Three strength and conditioning sessions per week

Are practices open to spectators?

No. Practices and training sessions are closed to spectators unless otherwise approved by Team Progress leadership.

This policy allows coaches and players to maintain a focused, productive, and distraction-free training environment.

6. How are players selected for teams?

Players are selected through our tryout and evaluation process.

Our staff considers:

Basketball skill
Athletic ability
Basketball IQ
Coachability
Effort
Competitiveness
Positional needs
Overall team fit

All players, including returning players, are expected to participate in tryouts unless an exception is approved by Team Progress leadership.

An invitation to a workout, evaluation, or tryout does not guarantee a roster spot.

7. What do program fees cover?

Families are responsible for all required program fees and applicable travel expenses.

Invoices are issued after a player accepts a roster spot.

Program Fees May Include

Facility rentals
Tournament and league fees
Coaching expenses
Team gear
Program operations

Travel and lodging expenses are not included unless specifically stated otherwise.

Accepted Payment Methods

Cash
Check
PayPal
Cash App
Zelle
Venmo

9. Community Service Commitment:

We are committed to giving back to our community. Each season, we will organize a minimum of one community service or outreach event.

All team members are required to participate in these community service events.

10. Attendance Policy | Commitment:

Players are expected to attend all team events, including practices, training sessions, and games. Exceptions may be made for emergencies, illness, or other valid reasons.
A player who cannot attend at least 90% of all team events will not be eligible to secure a roster spot unless arrangements have been discussed and approved with leadership.
- Failure to attend all team events as scheduled may result in removal from the program.
  - Removal from the program will not result in any percentage of a refund.
Participation with Other Teams: Players are not permitted to participate or play with any other basketball teams or organizations while playing for Progress teams, except for school teams during the winter season only.
- Playing for multiple teams during our season will lead to automatic removal from the program.
- Removal from the program will not result in any percentage of a refund.

11. Team Gear:

Team gear costs, including uniforms, are included in your team fees. There are no additional charges for team gear.

Gear Included:
- Each player will receive a game uniform, practice jersey, shooting shirt, and T-shirt.
- Travel teams will receive additional gear such as backpacks, sweatsuits, and shoes.
Uniform Replacement:
- Families will be charged for the cost of replacing the uniform if it is lost or not properly cared for, resulting in damage, staining, or excessive dirtiness.
Additional Gear Purchase:
- Additional gear is available for purchase by all players and families at any time.

12. Travel Policy:

Families are fully responsible for covering all travel and lodging fees.

Academy Teams:
- We do not engage in travel with our Academy groups.
Prep Teams:
- Progress teams travel individually with their families.
- Families are responsible for arranging their travel and lodging accommodations according to their preferences.
- Additional fees may be required for travel tournaments and events.
Travel Teams:
- Travel teams travel collectively and stay together in the same hotel.–Players, coaches, and staff will be accommodated together.
- Our team's Travel Agent will organize all travel arrangements for our Elite groups.
- All hotels booked will include daily breakfast.
Lodging Guidelines:
- Each room will accommodate two players.
- Supervision will be provided by coaches, and strict guidelines will be enforced, including:
  - Set curfew
  - Lights out policy
  - Room checks
  - Players will be required to turn in their cell phones or mobile devices every night at 10 pm.

13. Team Communication:

All team communication, schedules, and rosters will be managed exclusively through the TeamSnap mobile application.

TeamSnap is available for download on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. (click here to download)

14. Code of Ethics:

In order to participate in our program, both parents and players must sign contracts agreeing to abide by a strict code of ethics. – Failure to sign the contract or adhere to the code of ethics may result in removal from the program.

Can my behavior off the court (school, social media, home, etc.) affect my participation with Team Progress?
- Yes, players' behavior, both on and off the court, significantly impacts their standing within Team Progress. As representatives of the Progress Program, players are expected to uphold our values and ideals in all aspects of their lives. We require our players to demonstrate high character, responsibility, and respect in their conduct, encompassing their home life, academic endeavors, social media activity, and beyond. Failure to adhere to these expectations will result in disciplinary action, potentially leading to suspension or expulsion from the program.

Can my behavior as a Parent or Family member affect my child's participation with Team Progress?
- Yes, the behavior of parents (or families) during team events and in public can significantly impact their child's participation in Team Progress. As representatives of the Progress Program, parents and family members play a crucial role in reflecting our values and principles. We expect parents and family members to demonstrate high character and conduct themselves in a supportive, responsible, and respectful manner at all times, especially during team events. While we do not intervene in families' personal lives, we will take action if we become aware of inappropriate behavior. This includes, but is not limited to:
  - Coaching from the sidelines
  - Arguing with referees, coaches, or opposing players or coaches
  - Disrespecting facilities or staff
  - Engaging in public bashing
  - Inappropriate social media interactions
  - Displaying disrespectful or discriminatory behavior in public
  - Failure to meet these expectations will result in disciplinary action, potentially leading to the suspension or removal of the player from the program.

15. Refund Policy:

We maintain a strict no-refund policy for all team fees. These fees are directly invested into the program and are essential for covering season-related expenses.

Injury Policy:
- In cases of injuries, players will receive a prorated credit towards the following season's fees.
  - A doctor's note is mandatory to qualify for any injury credits.