Bloomington Boys Traveling Basketball (BBTB) overview:
Purpose:
BBTB offers boys in grades 3–8 a chance to play competitive basketball with a focus on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Winning is secondary to learning and having fun.
Program Overview:
Tryouts: Held in early September; attendance on both days is mandatory unless pre-approved by the board. Teams are formed by grade and skill level Tier 1,2, 3, (A, B, or C teams). Tryouts are back-to-back days on one weekend for 1.5 hours per school grade group. After tryouts have concluded, team formation will be made as quickly as the board and coaches can.
Registration: Opens late July through early September. Registration links are shared via email and the website. Email JBTBAjaguars.board@gmail.com to receive updates.
Season: Practices begin in early October and run through early March. Teams practice 2–3 nights a week.
Tournaments: Teams participate in at least 10 weekend tournaments from November to March. Most are 2-day events with at least 3 games, held within 40–50 minutes travel, with one potential overnight stay.
Expectations:
All players, coaches, and parents must follow the program’s handbook to maintain a fun, safe, and respectful environment.
Contact:
For questions or to join the notification list, email president@bbtbmn.org
Please Save the Dates:
Who is on the new board and how can I join? 15 members is our current bylaw max and for 2025-2026 we are at capacity. Upon the completion of the 25-26 season in March, we will revisit numbers, as parents age out or choose to step down.
Registration for the 2025-26 closed on September 2nd.
Please email president@bbtbmn.org if you would like to be added to the mailing list
New incoming families, If you are needing more information before registering, please see the tab register/tryout with more information. Feel free to email our president@bbtbmn.org
Check here for open gyms, share event photo's of our tournaments throughout the year.
All BBTB season, all player's, coaches, and parents must sign a Code of Conduct form before the first practice.
Parents are encouraged to review the form with their child to ensure understanding. This initiative aligns with a national trend aimed at addressing the increasing shortage of basketball referees, many of whom are leaving due to abusive behavior.
Any unsportsmanlike conduct should be reported to the BBTB Board. Completed forms and related questions can be sent to president@bbtbmn.org
Supporting Your Athlete: A Parent’s Role in Sports
The most powerful thing you can do for your athlete is to be their biggest supporter—not their coach. Below are key reminders and quotes to help guide your role on the sidelines, at home, and beyond.
Your Role as a Sports Parent
✔️ Be a source of love and encouragement
❌ Don’t coach from the sidelines or after games
✔️ Trust the team’s coaches and their process
❌ Don’t analyze your child’s performance in the car ride home
✔️ Model sportsmanship and respect for officials
✔️ Help your child enjoy the journey, not just the outcome
Words to Live By
"I love watching you play."
— Bruce Brown, Proactive Coaching
These are the six most powerful words you can say to your child. They remind them that your love is not performance-based.
“Let your kid be coached by the coach.”
— Steve Kerr, NBA Head Coach
Parents who coach from the sidelines create confusion and pressure. Athletes need one clear voice during competition—the coach’s.
“The job of a parent is to be a consistent source of love, support, and safety.”
— Dr. Michael Gervais, Sports Psychologist
Replace post-game critique with connection. It matters more than you know.
“When parents coach their child, they often create a triangle of tension between player, parent, and coach.”
— Joe Ehrmann, InsideOut Coaching
Trust the process. Your child’s growth is about effort, learning, and resilience—not perfection.
✅ What Helps Most
|
DO THIS |
INSTEAD OF THIS |
|---|---|
|
“I love watching you play.” |
“You should have passed more.” |
|
“How did it feel out there?” |
“Here’s what I saw you do wrong.” |
|
“Want to grab food?” |
“Let’s break down the game.” |
|
Cheer for effort and hustle. |
Yell instructions from the sidelines. |
|
Support the coach’s role. |
Undermine coaching at home. |
Final Thought
Your athlete doesn’t need another coach. They need a fan, a safe space, and someone who reminds them that their value isn’t tied to performance.