Benefits of representative basketball include:

1. Opportunity to compete at an advanced or elite level
2. Improved basketball skills and knowledge of the game
3. Exposure to different coaches and coaching methods
4. Developing new friendships and social networks.

As representative basketball is highly competitive, there are increased expectations of the players to listen, learn and improve their basketball skills and knowledge. Most players enjoy this challenging environment and thrive as a result of it, however it is important to note that there is generally higher expectations and more pressure than in domestic basketball.

Other important differences include:

• No Guarantee of Selection – Trying out for representative basketball does not mean the player is guaranteed placement in a team, and placements cannot be appealed or disputed.
• Roles – Players are allocated specific roles in the team based on their size, their abilities and the size and abilities of the other players in the team therefore they often don’t have the opportunity to play in all positions (e.g. point guard, forward, centre) in a game situation.
• Court Time – Players are not rotated evenly as is often the case in domestic. Players will have more or less time on court during the game, depending on a number of factors including skill level, match-up to opposition players, participation and attendance at training, and performance at the tournament.

The Junior Representative Program is a essentially a yearlong commitment, encompassing weekly training sessions and tournaments which are held on weekends.

Once selected, each athlete is required to pay the prescribed TABA squad fee, this fee covers:

• Weekly training and coaching by a TABA appointed squad coach
• Tournament entry fees (tournaments approved by the TABA board)
• TABA playing singlet hire fee
• TABA squad annual presentation costs
• End of year gifts for team coaches and managers

*Additional costs such as other playing and training uniform items will also apply.

For more information please refer to the Junior Representative Handbook and relevant Code of Conduct documents.