Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CDYBL?
The Capital District Youth Basketball League (CDYBL) is a developmental traveling feeder program for area middle and high schools, providing a positive framework for what is hoped to be the best youth basketball in the Capital District.

Who are members of the CDYBL?
Sixteen teams participate in the CDYBL: Albany, Amsterdam, Averill Park, Ballston Spa, Bethlehem, Burnt Hills, Clifton Park, East Greenbush, Guilderland, Mohonasen, Niskayuna, North Colonie, Saratoga, Schenectady, Scotia, and South Colonie.

Who funds the Guilderland Basketball Club?
Like most CDYBL clubs, the GBC is self-funded through player fees, game day activities which include admission charges, 50-50 raffles, a concession stand, and various fundraisers throughout the season.

How much does it cost to participate?
Based on past year’s costs, the fee for participation remains at $140 per player. This fee covers equipment, uniforms, gym time, insurance, tournaments, league fees, referee and custodial fees, end of season banquet and souvenirs,...

How many teams will the GBC have?
The boys basketball club will have four travel teams and one fourth grade team. All CDYBL clubs recognize one team on each 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade level. When registration warrants, the GBC will sponsor an affiliation with the Troy CYO League, with number and level of team to be determined as needed.

Who is eligible to tryout for the GBC?
Any student that resides within the Guilderland Central School District boundries . Players must be in 5th grade to tryout for the 5th grade team, 6th grade for the 6th grade team, 7th grade for the 7th grade team, and 8th grade for the 8th grade team.

Who will select each GBC team?
The current 6th, 7th, and 8th grade coaches along with a minimum of four impartial evaluators with experience in - and knowledge of - youth basketball will conduct tryouts and select each team.

Are there any player participation rules?
Yes. All players must play in every game. During the summer, a committee of CDYBL officers and club representatives met regularly to determine league guidelines on minimum amount of playing time. The GBC is committed to developing each player and may determine its own playing time parameters as well. This information will be made available at a future parent-player meeting or through the club newsletter. Also, should an 8th grade player “play up” on a high school team, he is ineligible to play for the GBC.

How long is the CDYBL season?
The season begins in September with registration and tryouts, practices begin in mid-October, games begin in early November, and the season concludes in late February-March with playoffs and an end of season banquet.

What facilities will the GBC use?
All practices will be at Guilderland Elementary School in the large gymnasium. Home games will be played in either the East Gym or the New Gym of Guilderland High School, with the possibility of an occasional game at Pine Bush Elementary School.

How much time will practices and games involve?
Each GBC team will typically practice twice a week for an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes between 6:15 and 8:15 pm. Approximately twenty-five games will be played in league play, tournaments, and playoff games, mostly on Saturday with an occasional Sunday or weeknight game.

Is is okay to participate in other winter activities?
Of course, but it is expected that players make the GBC their first priority and that all GBC events take precedence over other activities.

Are there academic requirements to maintain playing eligibility?
It is the responsibility of parents to determine whether their child will continue to participate at the GBC level if grades appear to be affected. Players are encouraged to maintain rewarding grades and academic standards.

What should parents expect from the GBC?
It is most important to understand that the GBC is a well-established program playing in a well-established youth basketball league. The CDYBL makes the rules...the GBC abides by them. All of the decisions made by the GBC are most often discussed beforehand with other league officers and club representatives for the sake of input and continuity.

It is also important to know that where basketball playing is concerned, our club is committed to developing the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of approximately sixty young children (with fourth graders included). This number may reach ninety + when Troy CYO teams are fielded. Because the development of each and every player is valued, our coaches are “teaching coaches” to all, both at practice and during game play.

All club decisions are made with all of the players in mind. The GBC emphasizes teamwork, respect for teammates and competitors, respect for our volunteer coaches, and respect for officials who referee each game. Parents, and guests as well, are expected to present a positive code of conduct, something that the CDYBL holds high and we, as a club, support.

All parents will receive a club handbook and regularly published newsletters, and our website will be regularly updated as well. We will strive to keep communication open and positive.

Can parents help out in any way?
Absolutely! Parents are the determining factor for success and continuity in our volunteer club. Assistance is needed as team parents, team cabinet representatives, team historians, team reporters, scorekeepers, banquet planners, website techs, photographers.
All parents are scheduled to work the home game day concession stand, and 50-50 raffle. We welcome parent support to set-up and clean-up the concession stand and game equipment.
This may be the first exposure for many players and their families to travel basketball as opposed to recreational experiences. As parents of our players, please cooperate with and understand league and club decisions (we may need to agree to disagree at times!), support our volunteer coaches, guide your children likewise by your good examples, promote good sportsmanship, encourage your child to be a proud, contributing member of their team in all ways, and always remember to have FUN!!

Are there other options for playing basketball besides GBC?
Yes. We are very fortunate in Guilderland to have many opportunities for our children to play basketball. These facilities all provide quality basketball programs:
The Troy CYO League (GBC affiliate), St. Madeleine Sophie (355-0421), Christ the King (456-1644), The Town of Guilderland Saturday Morning Basketball Program (356-1980), The Peter Young Center (861-7110), and the Guilderland YMCA (456-3634).

For more information:

contact Ralph Simeone
If you have any suggestions on what should be included on this web-site, please talk to or e-mail Ralph.