Tri-County Basketball League
Please email the TCBL Board and we will help connect you with the right people.
Please email the TCBL Board and we will provide guidance on how to start a TCBL program.
Yes. TCBL was not created to compete with local rec programs. In fact, we strongly encourage TCBL players to play in both leagues and for TCBL managers to closely coordinate with their local rec programs to avoid scheduling conflicts.
TCBL core program is 4th grade through 8th grade. We encourage programs to start as young as possible as we believe longevity is necessary for players to build good habits, understand team philosophies and systems, and develop chemistry with their teammates.
No. TCBL teams draw players solely from their communities. AAU (or club) teams allow players from any community to try out for their teams and play in leagues and tournaments separate from TCBL.
Given the multi-jurisdictional nature of most AAU teams, it is unlikely your team would meet TCBL’s requirements that 1) all players reside in a singular town or school district; and 2) the team is part of a town or school district program. That said, if a team does meet the requirements, it would be welcome to join TCBL. Please click here to learn more about player and team eligibility.
TCBL forms multiple divisions (A/B or A/B/C) for each grade/gender if and when possible. Final decisions as to divisional placement will reside with TCBL based upon all available information, including the prior year’s results (if applicable) and input from coaches, team administrators and program managers.
Costs per family will vary across programs based on several factors. The 2025-2026 TCBL fee is $600, which is typically a small component of an individual team’s overall budget. Other potential fees usually spread across participants include gym rentals for home games and practices, insurance, referee fees ($120 per home game, paid by the home team), uniforms, equipment, and professional coaching/training fees (if applicable).
Yes, each program must secure liability insurance, which must be in full force before the first game.
Most facilities (e.g., school district gyms) require insurance as a condition of usage. A Google search will locate several established, reputable insurance providers. You can also email TCBL, and we will provide guidance.
Other than for the “final four” of the playoffs, TCBL generally has limited ability to provide facilities for games. Individual programs are expected to secure appropriate facilities to host their games. Gyms should have a visible game clock (portable tabletop clocks are acceptable), adequate lighting, good floor surface, three point line if required for that age group, and seats for players and coaches. The home team must provide a scorebook and scorekeeper. All facilities must meet the safety standards of all applicable codes and regulations including, but not limited to, local and state regulations.
Home teams are responsible for securing and paying referees. At the beginning of the season, each TCBL program manager will be paired with a TCBL referee assignor. Throughout the season, the program manager and the assignor–with oversight from TCBL–will coordinate to ensure all games are covered.
Double Registration is not allowed. A player can only be on one TCBL roster and play for one team per season.
Yes. TCBL allows players to “play up” in age groups but does not allow players to “play down” in age groups unless approved by the Appeals Committee.
In early November, teams will be given their opponents and make their schedules online.