Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wildcats AAU Basketball?
No. Wildcats is a competitive town travel basketball program. Our teams represent Charlton and compete against other town-based programs in the Central Mass Youth Basketball League (CMYBL).

How does Wildcats differ from Recreational Basketball?
Wildcats is a competitive, tryout-based travel program that requires a greater commitment than Recreational Basketball.
Commitment: Wildcats teams generally practice twice per week, with games typically played on Sundays. Teams may also participate in tournaments.
Travel: Recreational games are played locally in Charlton. Wildcats teams play home and away games against other communities throughout Central Massachusetts.
Playing Time: Recreational Basketball strives for balanced playing time. Playing time is not guaranteed in Wildcats.
Roster Spots: Recreational players are placed on teams. Wildcats roster spots are limited and earned through tryouts each season. Returning players are not guaranteed a roster spot.

When are Wildcats tryouts?
Tryouts are generally held in late September and October. Specific dates and times are posted on the Wildcat Tryout Schedule. Players must attend at least one tryout to be eligible for consideration. Attending both is strongly recommended.

Does Recreational Basketball registration cover Wildcats?
No. Wildcats and Recreational Basketball are separate programs with separate registrations and fees.

Do I have to pay to attend Wildcats tryouts?
No. The Wildcats team fee is only due if your child is selected for a team and you accept the roster spot.

Does my child have to play Recreational Basketball if they make a Wildcats team?
Players in grades 4–6 are required to participate in Charlton Youth Basketball’s Recreational Basketball program unless they make the CMS basketball team or another middle school basketball team. Players in 7th and 8th grade are not required to play Recreational Basketball, although they are welcome and encouraged to participate.

How far do Wildcats teams travel?
Wildcats competes in the Central Mass Youth Basketball League (CMYBL). Teams play home games in Charlton and away games throughout Central Massachusetts, generally within approximately one hour. Teams may also participate in tournaments that require additional travel.

Does every player make a Wildcats team?
No. Wildcats is a competitive program with limited roster spots, and cuts may be necessary. Our goal is to field at least one team in each available division. Depending on player numbers and coaching availability, we may field multiple teams in a division or, in some cases, may not be able to field a team.

How much does Wildcats cost?
The Wildcats season fee is $220. Players who also participate in Charlton Youth Basketball’s Recreational program receive a $25 discount, reducing the Wildcats fee to $195. Uniforms are not included and must be purchased separately. Additional tournament costs may apply depending on the team.

When does the Wildcats season run?
Tryouts are generally held in September and October, with practices beginning in late October or early November. League games generally begin around the Sunday after Thanksgiving and continue into early March. Teams that qualify for postseason play may continue through late March.

More questions? 

Please check the General Info page and review all documents and pages. If you still have questions please reach out to the Charlton Wildcats Directors at charltonwildcatsbasketball@gmail.com