Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wildcats AAU Basketball?

No.  Wildcats is a competitive basketball program, but for the league we play in, rosters are limited to children from a particular town or school district.

How does Wildcats differ from the recreational basketball league?

Wildcats is a competitive basketball program, there are a few key differences:

• Commitment: There are two practices a week, one on a weeknight, and one generally on Saturdays, and games on Sunday’s. Depending on your coach you could be entered into a tournaments as well. 
• Travel: All our Rec games are here in Charlton, our Wildcats games are in Charlton (home) and at other teams gyms within 1 hour (away) Playing time: In rec we strive to make playing time as equal as possible, on the Wildcats teams playing time is not guaranteed. It is competitive basketball and teams are trying to win to get to the playoffs. 
• No Guaranteed Spot: In rec every child is guaranteed a spot on a team. For Wildcats your child has to try-out and make the team every season. Kids get cut and come back better and try-out again and could take an existing player's spot, kids move in and out of town taking or creating spots. This is competitive basketball and roster spots are earned.

When are tryouts for Wildcats?

Tryouts will be held the starting September 26 through October 11.  Details on specific dates and times will be provided via email after you sign up.

Does Rec registration cover Wildcats?

No, Wildcats is a separate registration process and cost.  Sign up for Wildcat tryouts. 

Do I have to pay when I sign up for Wildcat tryouts?

No.  Sign up for tryouts, and the fee will be owed only if your child makes a team.

Does my child have to play in the recreational program if they make a Wildcat team?

Short answer, yes.  Long answer, if they are old enough to tryout and make the CMS (or other middle school) team they do not need to play in the recreational program. We do this to keep our rec program numbers high so we can field teams and keep competition healthy.

What exactly is “travel”?  How far do we go?

Our WIldcat teams play in the Central Mass Youth Basketball League (CMYBL).  We play towns located throughout central Massachusetts.  Coaches have the option to register for up to 2 tournaments a season.  These tournaments could be held in the MetroWest or greater Boston area.

Do all kids make a team?

No, there are tryouts to make a team, and players can get cut.  We try to have at least one team per grade (if there is enough interest - and coaches - we may field two teams).  However there are also instances where we are not able to field a team at a certain grade due to a lack of players.  There is a place for all players in our recreational division.

How much does Wildcats cost?  What is included?

If your child makes a team, and you accept the spot on the roster, the cost is $220.  We offer a $25 discount when your child plays in the recreational program.  Your child will have 2 practices per week (one weeknight & Saturday afternoon), and games on Sundays.  The coach has the choice to enter into 2 two tournaments - one tournament will be covered by the league.  Parents will need to cover the costs of the second tournament (if the coach chooses two).  Uniform cost is an extra ($70).

When does the Wildcat season run?

Tryouts are held in September & October, with practices starting in early November.  League play will begin on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and runs until early March.  If the team qualifies for the CMYBL playoffs, those are held in mid-March.  If the team qualifies for the State Tournament, this is held in late March.