New Policies Effective for the 2026–2027 Travel Basketball Season
The Highlands Travel Basketball Association (HTBB) Board of Directors has adopted two new policies that are effective immediately and will apply beginning with the 2026–2027 travel basketball season.
These updates reflect the evolving landscape of youth sports and are intended to promote sportsmanship, player development, fairness, and a positive experience for all participants and families.
1. Cyberbullying & Online Conduct Policy
As smartphones, social media, and group messaging have become a regular part of young athletes' lives, HTBB recognizes the importance of establishing clear expectations for online conduct.
The new Cyberbullying & Online Conduct Policy applies to all HTBB players and prohibits online harassment, bullying, intimidation, exclusion, or inappropriate digital communication directed toward teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, volunteers, or members of the basketball community.
Our goal is to foster a safe, respectful, and supportive environment both on and off the court.
2. Grade-Level Participation & Reclassification Policy
HTBB has also adopted a new Grade-Level Participation & Reclassification Policy to provide a clear and consistent standard for player eligibility.
Summary of the Policy
Athletes must permanently reside in one of the following New Jersey municipalities: Allendale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Saddle River, or Upper Saddle River.
Athletes must try out and participate with the grade level in which they are academically enrolled.
Beginning in 6th grade, athletes must remain with their original peer group and graduating class for all HTBB participation purposes.
Gap years, reclassification, playing up, and playing down are not permitted.
No exceptions will be granted.
Why This Policy?
In recent years, reclassification has become an increasingly discussed topic throughout youth athletics. Parents, leagues, governing bodies, and athletic organizations have all recognized the need for clearer eligibility standards. Most recently, the NCAA adopted its new "5-in-5" eligibility rule, reflecting a broader trend toward establishing more consistent participation guidelines across all levels of competition.
HTBB is a community-based, non-profit travel basketball program whose mission is to provide a fair, competitive, and development-focused experience for local student-athletes. Keeping players with their original academic peer group promotes competitive balance, strengthens long-term team relationships, and allows athletes to develop alongside their classmates and friends. The board has had consistent discussion for the last several years with the leagues and with other towns; it has been determined that the majority of districts abide by this policy.
Families who choose an alternative developmental path that includes reclassification or similar academic decisions may find other basketball opportunities that better align with those individual goals. HTBB's mission, however, is best served by maintaining a consistent grade-based participation model that supports equitable competition and the long-term development of all players.
The HTBB Board appreciates the continued support of our families and community. These policies are intended to ensure that Highlands Travel Basketball remains a positive, inclusive, and development-focused program for all participants.
