Loudoun Triple Threat – Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is your goal for each team and will any/all age groups have 2 teams?
Our goal is to form a highly competitive top team that can compete at state, regional and national levels. Second teams in an age group may be formed as a ‘JV’ team to compete and develop players in support of the first teams goal. Players can and do move between these teams throughout the year based on the judgment of the age group coordinator. A second tem is formed with this objective if we are able to secure:
a) qualified coaches sharing our philosophy who support the goal of fielding the top team
b) sufficient player talent and work ethic to have a competitive team while developing players that can move to move to the top team. Our 10th grade team may have 40% of the roster that at one time played on the 2nd team.
c) Administrative and gym space capacity. Gym space is scarce and does constrain our efforts and unfortunately must be considered in these decisions.
2) What are the expectations for each LTT Team to participate in State and National Tournaments?
1) Virginia District State Tournaments
All LTT teams will participate in Virginia District AAU D1 or D2 Tournament.
2) National Tournament Participation expectations vary by the age group of the team:
· All LTT Teams 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Grade will participate in a National Tournament. AAU D1, D2 or D3 Tournament USBA D1 or D2 Tournament (which requires going to USBA State tournament plus one other tournament)
· LTT Teams below 5th grade will compete in their state AAU tournament and develop towards a Nationals trip by 5th grade. They may go sooner if they desire.
· LTT High School team schedules may include Nationals as described above and/or National Exposure based on the level and needs of that group.
3) Do these expectations apply to the 2nd team in an age group? Yes
4) Tryouts - does Loudoun Triple Threat hold annual tryouts in every age group each year & when do they occur?
Players expressing interest at any time during the year are offered workouts with the teams and evaluated and are informed what (if any) roster spots may be available on either the top team or the second team. Spring (February, March) we get the most interest as the spring tournament season approaches. We will work out age groups together along with new players to assess the team formation and adjust as necessary. Fall and Winter leagues are often use those as extended tryouts for joining a roster for the spring tournament season. While raw talent and athleticism is a component, a relentless commitment to working on fundamental skills and knowing ‘how to play’ the game are critical components to long term development. Over time, players with more of the later will overtake the former.
5) How many players will each team carry?
Final decisions will be up to the coach - typically LTT rosters carry 10-14 players. Keep in mind for typical tournament play, a team will play 4 to 5 games in a weekend so having sufficient capable players is important. Having more than 10 players also allows for more productive workouts.
6) How many practices per week will each team hold?
Final decisions will be up to the coach – Typically one or two times per week. Non tournament weeks, coaches may add an extra practice, especially early season. Boys 8th grade and under may play a spring league game one night and practice another night.
7) What is the estimated cost for each team?
Typical Spring/Summer team fees are between $400 and $800 to cover gym fees, uniforms, AAU and/or USBA registration, equipment, tournament and league fees. This does not include travel expenses for any out of town tournaments. The final cost depends on a few key factors set by that coach with input from his/her parents:
- The number of tournaments/leagues and fees for each. Teams will typically play 5 to 9 tournaments from March to the June/July Nationals.
- The uniforms selected as well as space and equipment needs.
- Each Coach/Team decides how much fundraising each team will which goes directly to the teams account.
- LTT parents will raise money for their teams by working at least one shift during our annual Battle of Balls Bluff Tournament. Net proceeds from are allocated back to teams based upon the level of volunteer effort during the planning/preparation/execution phases. Please note this is the commuting time you would drive if going to a nearby tournament or Fairfax for a league game plus the convenience of playing in Loudoun.
- Each Coach/Team manages their own budget but funds are deposited and dispensed only through the Treasurer with proper documentation.
8) Do LTT coaches and administrators get paid?
Zero. Nada. Zilch. Leaders in LTT work only to share their knowledge of the game they love and for the satisfaction of serving the players and families involved in our programs and the teams we compete with. Appreciation and respect of their dedication and efforts are required of all parents and players choosing to participate on any of our teams.
9) Do coach’s players pay team fees?
Yes they pay the fee as everyone else does if they have a player on the team. We have more coaches join LTT every year increasingly are having coaches join us who love to coach and have great experience that don’t have players involved which helps our organizational bench strength.
10) Do you do background checks on your coaches?
Yes, all LTT Head and assistant coaches all have background checks performed.
Thank you for your interest in Loudoun Triple Threat . If you have further questions, please feel free to e-mail me at the e-mail address below.
Mike Spencer
Executive Dirctor, Loudoun Triple Threat
Michael.spencer@marriott.com