SEASON 2027
WESTGATE IMPERIALS VJBL REP TEAM TRYOUTS
Take your game to the next level. We are seeking athletes who are ready to work hard, compete, learn and contribute to a positive team environment.
TRYOUT PROCESS OVERVIEW AND DATES
PHASE ONE - NEW TO REP ATHLETES
Who it's for:
Domestic athletes who have never previously played VJBL.
Purpose:
An opportunity to showcase potential, learn about representative basketball and earn progression to the next stage of trials.
PHASE TWO - RETURNING VJBL ATHLETES AND PHASE ONE INVITED ATHLETES
Who it's for:
- Returning Westgate Imperials players
- Approved external representative players
- Athletes invited through from Phase 1
Purpose:
Players compete for a place in the final selection phase as coaches begin shaping each age group's squad.
PHASE THREE - FINAL TEAM SELECTION
Who it's for:
Shortlisted athletes being considered for team selection.
Purpose:
The final evaluation stage where coaching panels finalise teams, positions and player placements before the 2027 Westgate Imperials squads are announced.
IMPORTANT TRYOUT INFORMATION
Due to large numbers and the large administrative effort to manage tryouts, we cannot take any late registrations.
Registration close dates are as follows:
New to rep sessions:
- 10th September, 2026
Remaining sessions:
- Date TBC
- Closed Tryout Sessions: no parents or spectators
- Athletes must wear shorts and reversible singlet or bring an extra singlet light/dark
- Imperials and other rep team reversible training uniforms can be worn
- Arrive 15 minutes before your tryout session and not before.
- Athletes must bring a basketball and drink bottle (labelled).
- Athletes will have their photo and tryout identification number photographed on entry
It is highly recommended that athletes attend all relevant tryout sessions to provide them with the best opportunity for selection.
Due to large registration numbers we are unable to facilitate alternate tryout sessions.
If you are going to be absent, please email us at imperials@westgatebasketball.com.au
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that athletes will be selected to play for Westgate Imperials.
Successful athletes will be notified post the completion of tryouts. Teams may not be finalised until after the first phase of VJBL grading.
Unsuccessful athletes will receive an email also, notifying them of the tryout outcome.
If you have previously played in the VJBL for another association, you are required to get permission from your current association .
Athletes wishing to obtain ‘Permission to Train’ at another association must contact their current association, using the permission to train form. (please note permissions to train will not be open until the completetion of the current VJBL season.
Any athlete from another club, who has not received permission to train will not be able to participate in the Westgate Imperials Tryouts.
Any questions regarding permission to train, please contact imperials@westgatebasketball.com.au
REP READY PROGRAM
Rep Ready is designed for players who haven’t yet stepped into representative (VJBL) basketball. The program will give you a taste of the game at the next level, introducing key skills, concepts and fundamentals that coaches look for during tryouts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I'm new to rep basketball, where can I find more info?
If you are not familiar with the VJBL competition or the Westgate Imperials rep program, you can read more about it on our website
Does attending all trial sessions matter?
Yes. Players are expected to attend every scheduled trial session for their age group. Missing sessions may impact selection unless prior approval has been granted.
We are away for the tryouts, can we schedule another time?
Due to high volumes of tryout participants, we are unable to schedule alternative trials.
Do returning Westgate Imperials players automatically make a team?
No. Every position is earned each season. Returning players must participate in the selection process and are assessed alongside all other eligible athletes.
Why is there more sessions for some age groups?
Some age groups tryout sessions attract a very large number of participants. To allow the coaches to assess all athletes adequately, we hold an additional tryout for new to rep athletes, and athletes from other clubs.
At that tryout, selecting coaches will choose athletes to move into the next phase of tryouts. All athletes will receive an email to let them know if they have been successful or unsuccessful in moving forward to the next phase.
Why are players allowed to wear a rep uniform to tryouts?
Players are welcome to wear their club uniforms during tryouts as it’s often the most accessible and familiar gear they have. Uniforms also help our coaches and selectors identify players easily. Please be assured that wearing a club uniform has no influence on selection outcomes — all players are assessed equally based on their performance, attitude, and effort on the day. Please note, domestic uniforms are also fine to wear.
When and where will be the parent information session?
We'll email all registered participants to inform them of when the online parent meeting will be held. It will be held closer to the tryouts.
What are the Pre Tryout Progams?
We are running a 6-week Rep Ready program beginning Sunday 2nd August. You can find out more about this program and future Prep4Rep programs on our Pre Tryout Programs page.
When will teams be announced?
Successful players will be notified following the completion of the Team Selection phase. Announcement dates will be published on the trial information page.