1. OPEN TRYOUTS
Open to athletes born in 2010 – 2015 who are NOT currently playing VJBL#
Tryout dates, times, locations for the 2026/27 BRP Season are Below:
U14 Open Tryouts
U16 Open Tryouts
U18 Open Tryouts
*PLEASE NOTE, we may cut athletes after the first session*
U14 Ages: Born 2014 & 2015
U16 Ages: Born 2012 & 2013
U18 Ages: Born 2010 & 2011
LINK TO REGISTER: U14-U18 BRP 2027 Registration
#Note for current VJBL players
- Current Ballarat Miners playing VJBL will receive an invite to the final tryouts in October (see below) and do not need to register for the open tryouts.
- Athletes who are playing, or have played, VJBL for other clubs can register their Expression of Interest to tryout for Ballarat using the registration link. Athletes WILL NOT be able to attend the tryout. The DoC will review expressions of interest and provide invites to future tryout session. A permission to train will be required and can be lodged AFTER the conclusion of the 2026 season. Refer to VJBL information for details:
https://www.basketballvictoria.com.au/competitions/association-resources/vjbl-tryouts
2. INVITE ONLY TRYOUTS
Final tryouts will be conducted October, as per the following dates. Invitations will be sent via email to:
a) Current Ballarat Miners playing VJBL
b) Successful candidates from open tryouts
c) Select VJBL players from other clubs who registered through the link above
INVITE ONLY TRYOUT DATES:
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
- Athleticism
- Fundamental skills – shooting, ball handling, passing.
- Decision Making
- Game Sense and basic game concepts.
- Coachability
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:
- Skills drills
- Conceptual play and drills
- Live Scrimmage Situations
- Small-Sided Games
- Movement exercises
After the two OPEN tryout sessions, a number of athletes will be invited to INVITE ONLY sessions in October (Dates and Times )
Final Invitations to register for the 2027 season will then go out individually.
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. For U14 and U16 squads we are expecting to fill 3 full teams, whilst potentially filling extended squad positions and/or tournament team. For U18 squads there will likely to be 2 teams with potential for extended squad positions and/or tournament team.
What do I bring to tryouts?
Basketball (must be named!), drink bottle, and reversible dark/light singlet or dark/light coloured t-shirts.
NO REPRESENTATIVE TEAM GEAR TO BE WORN PLEASE (Miners, BV, other associations)
How are teams announced?
Final squads will be announced via email by 16th October, 2026 and also put on social media outlets.
VJBL teams will be decided on by 13th November. These teams may change during grading and before the start of the VJBL season.
Do I have to play in the Ballarat Domestic Competition to play for the Miners?
All Miners athletes residing locally must be playing in our Junior Domestic competition unless granted an exemption.
Will all teams play VJBL?
The number of teams entered into the VJBL competition each season will be determined by what is in the best long-term development interests of our athletes and the depth of talent within each age group.
For the 2027 season, we anticipate selecting at least three teams and entering at least two VJBL teams However, the number of VJBL teams may vary from year to year as we continue to evolve the program.
Importantly, selection into the Ballarat Miners Program does not necessarily mean an athlete will play VJBL. We are expanding our development pathway to include extended squads and tournament teams for some age groups, providing high-quality coaching, training and representative opportunities for athletes whose development may be better served outside the VJBL competition.
We also recognise that VJBL is a significant commitment, requiring regular travel and competition over a 10-month season. Following selection into the program, athletes and families will have the opportunity to opt out of VJBL consideration while remaining part of the Ballarat Miners Program through alternative development opportunities.
Our goal is to ensure every athlete has a pathway that best matches their stage of development, aspirations and personal circumstances.
What if my Child is Injured or unavailable for tryouts?
If athletes are injured or away for valid reasons during tryout times, the DoC will review on a case-by-case basis. All athletes intending to join the program will need to register. Other sporting events (other than representative basketball) are not valid reasons.
