Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) is state-wide Representative Basketball which provides the highest level of junior competition in Victoria.

The competition includes U12 to U21 age groups, in a graded structure from Victorian Junior Championship League to Regional competition

Games are held on Friday night and can be located anywhere within Victoria.

Our Miners athletes practice twice per week in preparation for their Friday Night Game. Typically, a Mid-Week and Sunday practice session is the minimum requirement for athletes and coaches

VJBL is the next stage of development for basketball athletes wanting to continue to progress to the next stages of their basketball career

Cost $15 per game each Friday night, this covers court hire, referee payments.

Tryout dates, times, locations for the 2024/25 BRP season:

*ALL ATHLETES ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND BOTH TRYOUT DATES

U14 Ages: Born 2012 & 2013

U16 Ages: Born 2010 & 2011

U18 Ages: Born 2008 & 2009

LINK TO REGISTER - https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/325f3e 

Selection process

 The selection panel will use a combination of objective and subjective criteria to assess and categorize the athletes. The criteria may include, but not limited to:

• Competitiveness
• Shooting
• Finishing
• Athleticism
• Ball Handling
• 1 on 1 Offence
• 1 on 1 Defense
• Transition Play
• Decision Making
• Game Sense

Athletes will be assessed on the above criteria through a variety of different drills and game situations. Some of the ways athletes will be evaluated are:

• Conceptual Play Assessments
• Live Scrimmage Situations
• Small-Sided Games
• Fitness Components
• Athlete Testing
• Commitment, attitude, and Coachability from Previous Seasons
• Teamwork and Sportsmanship

TRYOUT FAQ

How many teams will we have in each age group?

This will depend on tryout numbers, skill level of players and availability of suitable coaches.

What do I bring to tryouts?

Basketball (must be named!), drink bottle, and reversible dark/light singlet or dark/light coloured t-shirts.

I’m coming from another Association?

You MUST have Permission to Train from your previous association. 

Permission to Train form will be avaliable shortly

How are teams announced?

Teams will be announced via email on October 11^th, 2024 and also put on social media outlets.

Do I have to play in the Ballarat Domestic Competition to play for the Miners

All Miners athletes must be playing in our Junior Domestic as per our Athlete Handbook and by-laws.

Will you have other age group tournament teams?

The only tournament teams we will be having are our u12 teams.

There will be no u14, u16 or u18 tournament teams.

The VJBL Miners Combine looks to start of the 24/25 campaign by incorporating various aspects of our program and ensuring all athletes, parents and coaches are aligned from the beginning of the year.

DATE: Sunday, October 20th, 2024

TIME: U14 9am-1pm, U16/U18 1-5pm

• Athlete, Parent and Coach Induction for 2024/25 season
• Athlete expectations and Goal Setting
• System of Play and practice habit sessions
• RAD Warm Up and Cool Down + Athletic Testing
• Uniform try-on and order day

THIS IS A MANDATORY DAY FOR ALL SELECTED MINERS ATHLETES

U14 to U18 will play in 3 compulsory tournaments, and 10 athletes will participate in the Junior Country Championships

COMPULSORY TOURNAMENTS:

Geelong - November 1 - 3, 2024

Bendigo - January 25-27, 2025 (Australia Day Weekend)

Ballarat Junior Tournament - June 7 - 9, 2025

OPTIONAL TOURNAMENTS

South-East Junior Basketball Tournament, Adelaide Invitational (Easter)

Optional tournaments are at the digression of the coach, team manager, athletes and parents. 

JUNIOR COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Athletes who are picked in the 1st teams will be asked to attend the 2025 Junior Country Championships to represent the Ballarat Miners.

This is our premier tournament, and we prioritize this tournament as a must-win

The Director of Coaching will finalize the 10 athletes who attend, and the 3 athletes who will be emergencies.

This will be in conjunction with the first-team head coach.

There will be extra sessions in the lead-up to the JCC (these are mandatory)

Junior Country Championship - Dates & Locations - TBC

What is the cost?

$495

This includes court hire, coaching costs and development, administrative support for program, athlete development programs.

This does not include:

Tournaments (This can range from $40 - $50 for registration, accommodation etc.)

Uniforms (New Athlete Pack cost $150, this includes game singlet, training singlet and shorts)

$15 -> $20 per game to play on each Friday night (Home and Away)

What dates are tryouts?

October 5-10 (times, locations will be posted via social media and website)

If numbers are bigger than planned, we will run an extra session.

When is the squad finalized?

Age group squads are finalized and announced on Thursday October 10th

What times are practices?

Their will be a midweek (Tuesday or Thursday) as well as Sunday session

Optional practices are Monday / Tuesday mornings