Junior Magic Tryout FAQs

• When do the Hawthorn Junior Magic tryouts begins?

Hawthorn Junior Magic tryouts (plus practice games) are typically scheduled to begin early October.

• How do I register for Hawthorn Junior Magic tryouts?

ALL athletes will be required to register online before tryouts begin – these details will be provided when tryout registrations open.  This will both speed up the process and allow the administrative team to accurately communicate with everyone efficiently.

• What about athletes from other Associations?

Athletes from other representative Associations are welcome to join Hawthorn Junior Magic.  Athletes will require a fully completed and signed Permission To Train or Clearance Form to be able to tryout with Hawthorn Junior Magic.

VJBL Rule 16.5 (Rules of Operation 26) places a limit of a maximum of two (2) players per team (VJL 3 or higher) who have cleared from another Association.

• What if I am unable to attend due to other commitments?

It is compulsory that all athletes attend tryouts to be considered for a Hawthorn Junior Magic team.  Priority will be given to those players that are in attendance and at all tryout sessions.

If you are unable to attend a tryout session/s due to other commitments, please ensure you make note of it during the registration process.  Otherwise, contact Luke Lehmann (Hawthorn Magic Administrator) via email: magic@hawthornbasketball.com.au if you’re unable to attend a session/s.

• What should athletes wear to the Hawthorn Junior Magic tryouts?

• Athletes should wear basketball appropriate attire:
• Reversible light & dark singlet/top
• Basketball/athletic shorts
• Basketball shoes or appropriate runners

• What should I bring?

A correct size basketball & water bottle with name clearly marked on each item.

• When should I arrive for tryouts?

 Please arrive at least thirty (30) minutes prior to your tryout session to allow the administrative team to:

• Check you’ve registered,
• Have provided the necessary (and completed) paperwork,
• Verify your DOB (if passport/birth certificate weren’t provided during the online registration),
• Check your Identification Trial Number, and
• Take your photo (if required)

• What is the Identification Trial Number?

Athletes will be assigned an identification number; athletes will receive (via email) their number before the first tryout session – it is helpful that athletes arrive with this number clearly marked on both (upper) arms for all tryout sessions.

• What if my child has a medical condition?

If your child/ren has a medical condition, this must be noted when you register online.

If you require to discuss your child/ren’s condition, please contact Luke Lehmann (Hawthorn Magic Administrator) via email magic@hawthornbasketball.com.au

• Why are tryouts closed to parents and spectators?

It is Hawthorn Magic’s belief that the parent’s presence is a distraction and can also put undue pressure on an athlete, plus, it avoids any potential for perceptions of bias to arise.  Only coaches will enter the courts during the tryouts.

• Can I talk to the coaches during tryouts?

We ask that parents refrain from approaching coaches during the tryout sessions.  If you require to talk to someone, there will be Hawthorn Magic staff to answer most reasonable questions.

• What should my child expect to happen at tryouts?

Athletes will warm up as a group, be exposed to a range of skill aspects and be asked to compete in various playing situations.  The selection process recognizes that some elements may be new or unfamiliar to some players.

• How will athletes be evaluated?

Athletes will be assessed, but not limited to, the following selection criteria:

• Potential to compete successfully at VJBL level
• Game sense, competitiveness and athletic ability (e.g. speed, quick hands and strength)
• Potential to be socially compatible and display teamwork
• Having the right attitude towards coaching staff, showing interest and respect at all times
• Being highly receptive to coaching feedback including the ability to transfer information into training and playing situations
• Outstanding desire and commitment to improving mental, physical and basketball skills

• What is my child is injured prior (or during) tryouts?

Athletes that are injured and have a medical certificate should register for tryouts and submit a copy of the medical certificate to Luke Lehmann (Hawthorn Magic Administrator) via email magic@hawthornbasketball.com.au

Should an athlete injury themselves during tryout process, please submit a copy of the medical certificate to the above email address.

• How will athletes be notified of their standing within the tryout process?

Athletes will be informed via email from the Hawthorn Magic Administrator, who is responsible for tracking players and contacting parents regarding successful/unsuccessful tryouts.

• How and when are teams announced?

All teams will be published on the Basketball Hawthorn website and social media at the completion of the tryout process.

Players will also be informed of their selection via email from the Hawthorn Magic Administrator.

• I’m a parent, and want to get involved, what can I do?

Hawthorn Junior Magic relies on parents volunteering – we have a number of roles available, none more important than being Team Manager.

If you believe that this might be a role you are interested in, you should flag this with the team’s Head Coach immediately after the teams are announced.  Hawthorn Magic will support you in this role and provide you with all the tools to get you started.