Rules and Policys

Player Code of Conduct

Being part of the team is a privilege. As a player, I commit to upholding the following standards:

Commitment and Responsibility

1. I will give my best effort and represent my family, school, and community with pride.

2. I take responsibility for my actions on and off the court, understanding that my behavior reflects on my team.

3. I will follow all team, facility, and league rules, recognizing that I represent something bigger than myself.

Respect and Character

4. I show respect to everyone—coaches, teammates, opponents, referees, teachers, parents, and fans.

5. I treat people as individuals, not labels, valuing character over differences such as race, gender, religion, or abilities.

6. I lead with empathy, supporting and encouraging others, and asking, “How can I help?”

7. I model good behavior by being polite, positive, and respectful in all situations.

Effort and Sportsmanship

8. I give full effort at practices, games, and team events, demonstrating commitment and respect for my teammates and coaches.

9. I practice good sportsmanship by celebrating my teammates, respecting my opponents, and handling both wins and losses with class.

Safety and Zero Tolerance

10. Bullying or abuse toward other players, coaches, officials, or spectators is not tolerated.

    • Violations may result in suspension, removal from a game, or expulsion from the league.

    • In cases of expulsion from the league, no refunds will be provided.

Parent Code of Conduct

As a parent or guardian, you play a powerful role in shaping your player’s experience in basketball. By participating in Beyond the Rim Basketball, you agree to help create a positive environment where every player can grow in character, skill, and confidence.

Supporting the Program

1. Support the purpose of the program: Help players grow into strong, confident young adults who lead with empathy, integrity, and responsibility.

2. Cheer for effort and teamwork: Celebrate effort, sportsmanship, and collaboration—not just points scored or games won.

3. Celebrate growth: Notice when your player and their teammates build resilience, kindness, and maturity.

Positive Role Modeling

4. Be a role model: Speak and act respectfully toward coaches, referees, players, parents, and fans at all practices, games, and events.

5. Show good sportsmanship: Applaud great plays on both teams, accept losses with grace, and always support the team, regardless of playing time or score.

6. Encourage with positivity: Mistakes are part of learning. Help players stay focused on growth and effort.

7. Avoid bragging: Let actions on the court speak louder than words.

8. Teach self-advocacy: Encourage your player to address concerns first with her coach. If necessary, follow up respectfully with the head coach.

9. Take responsibility: Own your actions and work to make things right if you fall short of these standards.

Responsibility for Guests and Spectators

10. I am responsible for the behavior of all guests and spectators I bring to practices or games. I will ensure that they follow the same expectations of respect, positivity, and sportsmanship that I commit to as a parent/guardian.

Zero Tolerance Policy

11. Abuse toward players, coaches, officials, or spectators will not be tolerated.

    • Violations may result in being barred from the facility on a temporary or permanent basis.

12. Player Code Review: I will review the Player Code of Conduct with my child. Bullying and abuse are strictly prohibited and may result in suspension, removal from a game, or expulsion from the league.

    • In cases of expulsion, refunds will not be provided.

Coaches Code of Conduct

Coaches have a significant impact on the lives of our youth. Whether compensated or volunteering, coaches are responsible for executing their duties professionally. All coaches are expected to abide by the following Code of Conduct:

Coaches are expected to:

1. Prioritize Athletes’ Needs: Place the needs and interests of athletes before their own.

2. Teach Skills Appropriately: Instruct fundamental technical and tactical skills in developmentally appropriate ways.

3. Encourage Physical Activity: Provide opportunities for children to engage in at least 30 minutes of aerobic and/or muscle-strengthening activities during each session.

4. Promote Safety: Practice safe training and conditioning techniques, and apply basic first-aid principles for injury prevention and treatment.

5. Uphold Ethics: Understand and maintain the spirit of the rules for competitive events, exemplifying honesty, integrity, and fair play.

6. Support Personal Development: Foster athletes’ personal, social, and emotional growth (e.g., initiative, confidence, responsibility, honesty, restraint, cooperation, respect, empathy, self-control).

7. Prevent Substance Use: Do not tolerate the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal/recreational drugs among athletes or during sporting events.

8. Provide Safe Environments: Ensure a physically and emotionally safe environment that encourages respect and inclusiveness.

9. Encourage Positive Learning: Provide a supportive learning environment that promotes personal improvement, appropriate challenges, and enjoyment.

10. Serve as Role Models: Demonstrate consistency between words and actions.

11. Maintain Professionalism: Uphold professional conduct with athletes, officials, colleagues, administrators, and the community, practicing self-control at all times.

12. Respect Boundaries: Recognize the influence of their position and avoid behaviors that could create inappropriate relationships or the perception of intimacy with athletes.

13. Avoid Inappropriate Contact: Refrain from direct physical contact (e.g., pats on the buttocks) that could be construed as sexual in nature.

14. Maintain Confidentiality and Integrity: Act in the best interests of athletes, respecting confidentiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest or exploitation.

NYSED Fingerprinting Requirement

All head coaches participating in Beyond the Rim Basketball are required to undergo fingerprinting and a background check in compliance with New York State Education Department (NYSED) regulations. This process ensures that every individual working with student-athletes meets state safety standards and helps provide a secure environment for all participants. If you have worked or currently work in a school, you should not need to be fingerprinted.

• Cost of Fingerprinting: $101.25

• Reimbursement: Beyond the Rim Basketball, Inc. will reimburse this cost for one coach per team.

• Submission: A physical copy of the receipt must be submitted to Marissa Mergler for reimbursement.

Refund Policy

Participation in Beyond the Rim Basketball is a privilege, and every player, parent, and guardian is expected to uphold the league’s Code of Conduct. This includes demonstrating respect, sportsmanship, and responsibility at all practices, games, and league events.

Refund Guidelines

1. Refund Requests:

   • Refunds may be requested prior to the first weekend of scheduled games.

   • Refunds requested after the first weekend of games will not be granted, regardless of attendance or participation.

2. Code of Conduct Violations:

   • Expulsion from the league due to violations of the Player or Parent/Guardian Codes of Conduct (e.g., bullying, abuse, harassment, or repeated unsportsmanlike behavior) will not result in a refund.

   • The league reserves the right to remove any participant, parent, or guardian whose behavior endangers the safety, well-being, or positive environment of other players and participants.

3. Special Circumstances:

   • Refunds for medical or other extenuating circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but approval is at the sole discretion of Beyond the Rim Basketball, Inc.

Commitment to a Positive Environment

By registering for Beyond the Rim Basketball, players and families agree to support a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants. The no-refund policy after the first weekend ensures that all participants are committed to upholding the league’s values of sportsmanship, integrity, and community.