REP TEAM TRYOUTS FAQ – Everything You Need to Know Before You Hit the Court
Are you (or your child) preparing for this year’s Woodbridge Lions Rep Team Tryouts? We know that tryouts can bring up a lot of questions – especially if you’re new to rep basketball. Below, we’ve put together a helpful FAQ guide to get you ready and feeling confident going in.
Question #1: What does "the “U” mean in team names like U12 or U15?
Answer:
The "U" stands for "Under." So, for example, U12 means "Under 12," which refers to players who were born in 2013 or later (for the 2025/2026 season). Each age group has its own cutoff year, so make sure you're trying out for the correct age bracket. You can find full tryout details for each team on our Rep Teams page.
Question #2: Is it mandatory to attend both tryouts?
Answer:
It’s not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Coaches use both tryouts to evaluate players thoroughly. The first tryout is often more heavily weighted, as coaches are forming early impressions and narrowing their selection pool. That said, if you’re only able to attend one tryout, it’s still possible to stand out—just be sure to communicate with your coaches ahead of time if you’ll be missing a session.
Question #3: What is the approximate cost for the rep season if I make the team?
Answer:
The estimated cost for the upcoming 2025/2026 rep season is around $1900. This covers a wide range of essentials including:
Team registration and league fees
Uniforms and warm-up gear
Gym rental for practices
Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) tournament entry
Ontario Cup registration
This fee ensures your team has everything needed to train and compete at a high level throughout the season.
Question #4: Do I need to bring a reversible jersey to tryouts?
Answer:
Bringing a reversible jersey is strongly recommended, as it makes scrimmaging and player evaluation easier for the coaches. However, if you don’t have one, it’s okay—just be sure to bring two different-colored t-shirts (ideally black and white or light/dark) so you can quickly switch between teams if needed.
Question #5: What should I wear/bring to the tryouts?
Answer:
All players should come in comfortable, athletic clothing suitable for basketball. Be sure to wear proper basketball shoes—grip and support matter. Bring a reusable water bottle, as tryouts are physically demanding and hydration is key. If possible, bring your own basketball marked with your name, although we will have extra balls available if needed.
Question #6: What are coaches looking for during tryouts?
Answer:
While skill is important, coaches are also paying close attention to:
Effort and hustle
Coachability – how well you listen and apply feedback
Attitude – showing respect, teamwork, and positivity
Communication and energy – how you interact with teammates
Fitness and endurance – being in shape helps you stand out
A good teammate with a strong work ethic can often make just as big of an impact as a top scorer.
Question #7: What if I’m nervous?
Answer:
It’s totally normal to feel nervous before tryouts. The best thing you can do is prepare ahead of time, trust your abilities, and stay calm. Coaches know how nerve-wracking tryouts can be—they’re not looking for perfection, they’re looking for potential, effort, and attitude.
Question #8: When will I find out if I made the team?
Answer:
Team selections are not made immediately after the final tryout. Coaches take a few days to meet, review notes, and finalize rosters. Please be patient during this process. You will be notified as soon as decisions are made, typically via email or phone.
Question #9: What if I can’t afford the rep fees?
Answer:
We understand that rep basketball is an investment, and we want to make the sport accessible. If finances are a concern, please speak with a coach or contact us confidentially at info@woodbridgebasketball.com. We may be able to assist or offer flexible payment plans in certain situations.
Question #10: Where can I find the full tryout schedule and more info?
Answer:
You can find everything you need on our official Rep Teams page:
👉 https://www.wlions.ca/rep-teams
There, you’ll find:
Full tryout dates, times, and locations by age group
Registration links
Important updates and policies
We recommend checking the page regularly in case of last-minute changes.
Question #11: If I was on the team last year, do I still need to try out and pay online?
Answer:
Yes. All players, including those who played on a rep team last season, are required to attend tryouts and register online. Each season is treated as a fresh start, and every player must be re-evaluated. This process ensures fairness and allows coaches to assess how each athlete has progressed.
Returning players must also pay the tryout fee online in advance, just like new athletes. No spots are guaranteed, and every player must earn their place on the team for the upcoming season.
Question #12: Can I pay cash when I arrive at the tryout?
Answer:
No. All tryout fees must be paid online in advance. We do not accept cash payments at the door under any circumstances. This policy helps us manage registration efficiently and ensures that all participants are accounted for ahead of time. If you have any issues with online payment, please contact us as early as possible so we can assist you before tryouts begin.
Rep tryouts are a chance to challenge yourself, grow your game, and experience the competitive side of basketball. Whether you make the team or not, showing up and giving it your all is a big win in itself. Good luck—and most importantly, have fun!
— The Woodbridge Lions Basketball Team