Yes it is worth trying out, getting spot on the team then assessing the situation. I know both 5th grade head coaches ask and expect ATB to be the player's top sports priority especially because so many show up for tryouts and are turned away. The coaches are trying to select the best mix of players in a short amount of time.

We were in a similar situation for 5th grade and decided to accept the spot even though we anticipated future conflicts with AAU team. But, as it turned out, the AAU team disbanded abruptly (as many do) due to insufficient finances and top players leaving for other teams. If we had declined ATB, son might have skipped winter basketball or we would have been forced to find other expensive options to continue playing.

That said, the coaches sometimes select practice players so that may be an option if you anticipate many ATB-AAU game conflicts for your son. Ask about that after you make a team, not before.

Do your best to get to know people in the organization. All I have to say.

Anonymous wrote:Piggybacking off the last post... It sounds like ATB has become more of a parent-run/coached program. Besides, maybe 5th grade? Those who have had a child recently play in ATB.. is it worth it? Did you feel your child was being coached well? Based off the last post, it sounds like teams are being selected off knowing someone... or playing a certain travel baseball team. Is this accurate?

Our son plays AAU and was looking forward to trying out for ATB, but I don’t want to set him up for failure since, based off the last post, it sounds like it’s a bit disorganized now and more about who you know (or playing travel baseball). Sounds like sticking with AAU might be the better of the two.

Most of that is correct. I'd still want my kid to try out, even if he wasn't that good. Trying out and failing is part of life. The sooner your child learns that not everything is within their control and failing (even though you did everything you could) will lead them to being a better person and an adult. Further, you never know and your kid could make the team.

Anonymous wrote:If he isn't willing to miss his AAU practices for his county team practices, don't try out.

If he is fine prioritizing county over AAU (practices and games), then go to tryouts, observe the coaches and other players, see if he gets an offer and then decide.

AAU generally takes the winter off. Not all teams but AAU in the winter is generally less involved to allow for kids to play select and high school.

If he isn't willing to miss his AAU practices for his county team practices, don't try out.

If he is fine prioritizing county over AAU (practices and games), then go to tryouts, observe the coaches and other players, see if he gets an offer and then decide.

Piggybacking off the last post... It sounds like ATB has become more of a parent-run/coached program. Besides, maybe 5th grade? Those who have had a child recently play in ATB.. is it worth it? Did you feel your child was being coached well? Based off the last post, it sounds like teams are being selected off knowing someone... or playing a certain travel baseball team. Is this accurate?

Our son plays AAU and was looking forward to trying out for ATB, but I don’t want to set him up for failure since, based off the last post, it sounds like it’s a bit disorganized now and more about who you know (or playing travel baseball). Sounds like sticking with AAU might be the better of the two.