Q:  There seems to be two separate leagues promoted through the SBA, what is the difference between "Rec" and "Travel"?

A:  Recreation or "Rec" basketball refers to the league that is open to all Springfield boys and girls from pre-k thru 8th grade.  Every registrant will be placed on a grade appropriate team with one weekday practice and one weekend game throughout the season.  All practices are held in a Springfield school gym, all games take place at FMG.  See our 'Divisions' link on the home page for more information.

"Travel" basketball refers to the highly competitive program wherein, following a two day mandatory try-out period, selected players are invited to join their age appropriate team.  Our teams are entered in the Jersey Basketball Association (JBA) League and play against flighted, grade equivalent teams from surrounding towns. Currently Springfield offers Nettes (Girls) Teams for 6th - 8th graders, as well as Minutemen (Boys) Teams for 4th - 8th graders.

Q: Can my child opt to play on the Travel Team, but not on a Rec Team?

A: Yes

Q: If my child doesn’t make the travel team, can he/she play Rec?

A: Yes

Q: If my child plays Travel and Rec, how does that work?

A: It is possible for your child to play both Travel & Rec Basketball. We will do our best to avoid any conflicts; however, your child’s Travel team commitments should take precedence over Rec. Please let both coaches know that your child is playing both Travel/Rec, and that there could be conflicts. The more proactive you are about letting us know about your potential conflicts; the easier it is to account for that in scheduling. Please note that we have advised Rec coaches that for kids who play Travel and/or CYO, and who may miss Rec games or practices, that the kids who regularly attend Rec practices should have precedence in receiving bonus playing time.

Q:  What is a typical Travel Team schedule.

A:  Within one week of the final try-out, you can expect to receive a letter from the Recreation Department informing you if your child was selected for the team.  If selected, you must pay, in full, the $165 registration fee - instructions will be provided on the welcome letter.  Teams typically have three 90 minute practices per week, with the days of week remaining constant throughout the year.  During the season, these practice slots will be used for home games.  Away games can be scheduled for any day of the week.  The travel program includes 14 regular season games, plus a single elimination playoff.  Most teams also enter at least one tournament during the season - coaches determine which available tournament is appropriate for their teams. 

Q: Who can I contact with additional questions?.

A: Please direct all recreation basketball question to the Springfield Recreation Department Director, Adam Lieb (adam.lieb@springfield-nj.us).  Please send any Travel League questions to springfieldnjbasketball@gmail.com