MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT
MEMBERSHIP with SoCal Hoops Basketball Academy (SoCal Hoops) shall consist of all players and parents who agree to the monthly membership of the SoCal Hoops academy training sessions, camps, and clinics as well as coaches who instruct these sessions.
A parent of a selected player may become a member of the SoCal Hoops organization by: (1) paying the monthly membership fees and related program fees, AND (2) completing all related forms, policies, and agreements related to the organization.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST - PLAYERS NOT ALLOWED TO PLAY ON OTHER TEAMS
Players ARE NOT allowed to participate on any other travel team or basketball organization that will compete against SoCal Hoops to avoid conflicts of interest. The SoCal Hoops coaching staff is making a huge investment in your player and we expect the same commitment to the organization. We are trying to teach the players the value of team loyalty, trust, and commitment and do not allow players to participate on basketball teams from other programs that are not coached by SoCal Hoops coaches or are not affiliated with SoCal Hoops (NO EXCEPTIONS). This policy does not include school teams or recreation level teams. Many coaches teach different philosophies and concepts, and in many cases create conflicting messages.
With the head coach's approval, incoming and current high school players are allowed to participate in basketball programs that are operated by their high school basketball coach. During the offseason of high school basketball, it is recommended that players participate with their high school program and encouraged to participate in SoCal Hoops training and games as well. In many instances, we work with many head high school coaches to complement their program and work on player skills that should be improved during the off-season.
In addition, this policy will eliminate any scheduling issues if a player participates in other basketball training programs, clubs, or organizations. More importantly, many other basketball training programs, clubs, and organizations teach different basketball principles, while we adhere to our consistent training philosophies. Any instance where a conflict of interest arises with other basketball teams, clubs, or organizations, any special pricing will revert back to the standard $295/month. Players who participate in other basketball clubs and organizations will lose their full membership and benefits with SoCal Hoops (and may be asked to return recent benefits received from the organization, including but not limited to financial rewards). Please contact a head coach if there are any questions related to participating in other basketball programs.
SUSPENSIONS AND TERMINATIONS
All membership suspensions, terminations, and penalties shall be determined by SoCal Hoops coaching staff and communicated appropriately.
(A) DETRIMENTAL CONDUCT. Any player, parent, coach, officer, sponsor, or anyone connected to the SoCal Hoops organization or related player shall be subject to suspension as described below:
- Physically or verbally assaulting ANY player, parent, family member coach, director, officer, or member of the Board of Governors;
- Physical assault on ANY player, parent, family member, referee, tournament official, or coach;
- Severe verbal assaults or gross public conduct towards ANY player, parent, family member, referee, tournament officials, or coach;
- Falsifying birth certificates or report cards;
- Fraud or slander against the SoCal Hoops organization, its coaches, members, and board of governors;
- Financial irresponsibility against the SoCal Hoops organization;
- Gross negligence that puts the safety or well-being of ANY player in jeopardy;
- Poor player attitude or behaviour during games, practices, training sessions, or other events;
- Showing lack of respect towards any player, parent, family member, coach, or member of the organization;
- Deliberate violations of any rules or policies of the SoCal Hoops organization.
(B) NOTICE. Suspension shall take effect as soon as member is notified verbally by a member of the coaching staff. A written notice (or email) will be sent within fifteen (15) days stating the reason(s) for the action, and shall give the member an opportunity to be heard, verbally or in writing, not less than five days before the effective date of the proposed expulsion, suspension, or termination, so as to allow the coaching staff sufficient time to decide whether the action shall take place.
Any member wishing to terminate his membership from SoCal Hoops must communicate the change of status 30 days prior to the next billing cycle, either via written or verbal communications. Members who communicate the change in status less than 30 days advanced notice may receive a pro-rated refund for their monthly fees. All members who leave the organization will be held responsible for any outstanding payments related to game fees, apparel, and other related fees.
REINSTATEMENT
Reinstatement into the organization will be determined by the SoCal Hoops Coaching Staff.
(A) SUSPENSION. A member can be reinstated as soon as all delinquent dues, assessments, and other accrued charges are paid accordingly and any outstanding balances are resolved. The SoCal Hoops coaching staff will determine if a player/parent has taken the necessary steps to ensure no other violations will occur in the future, thereby deciding if a player/parent can be reinstated from a suspension.
(B)TERMINATION. Any member who wishes to be reinstated must provide a written notice to the coaching staff and explain the violations with corrective actions. The SoCal Hoops coaching staff will determine if a player/parent has taken the necessary steps to ensure no other violations will occur in the future, thereby deciding if a player/parent can be reinstated from a termination.
PLACEMENT OF PLAYERS ON TEAMS
All new & returning players must go through an evaluation process at the start of every season, which begins Sept. 1 of every year. Returning players are not guaranteed roster spots and the number of players selected during tryouts/evaluations depends upon the availability of coaches and skills level of players within a designated age/grade level. The SoCal Hoops organization will only form competitive teams and will not play games just to play games. Three separate team levels will be formed based on player skill level, games played, commitment and cost (SELECT (beginner), PREMIER (intermediate), ELITE (advanced). Note that in all levels, we may play against teams with older and more physical players, either as coach's decision or in some cases availability of other teams.
(A)TRYOUTS/EVALUATIONS/TEAMS. Tryouts are open to the public and held prior to each season and sometimes during the year. Coaches can also evaluate new players during multiple practices. As multiple teams are formed for one age group, the coaching staff will place players on specific teams based on their skill level and on court play. Players who score a 2 or higher on the evaluations are eligible to participate on the SELECT teams, a 5 or higher on the evaluations are eligible to participate on the PREMIER teams, or 8 or higher on the evaluations are eligible to participate on the ELITE teams. There may also be multiple teams (grey, cardinal, gold) within a given level. Throughout a given season, players may be asked to play at any of the different levels based on their on-court performance, commitment, and dedication. Players may also be asked to take time away from team games and focus on developing a specific skillset while pracicing during the Academy training sessions.
(B)INVITATION. On some occasions, a player may be asked to join a team after tryouts/evaluation and teams have been formed. Also, there are cases where a team may lose players during the season and the coach must fill a certain need with a new player or players. Any new player must spend at least 3 months training in the Academy in order to be placed on a competitive team.
(C)TEAM DESIGNATION. Placement of a younger player on an older team must have approval of both coach & parent of respective player. A player may play up a level only if he 1) dominates his current age group, 2) demonstrates mastery of the core fundamentals, and 3) possesses complete understanding of all the team plays. The head coach of the team will make the final decision. Actual tests may be required.
PRACTICES, PLAYING TIME, & DISCIPLINE
Academy training sessions are held 2-3 times per week which last approximately 1-2 hours in length. Team practices may be held several times a month in order for the competitive teams to practice as a unit. The head coach will determine exact times and days; however, most practice times are limited by gym availability. Practices may be held any day during the week, including Fridays, and also on Saturdays and Sundays. It is important that players who participate on competitive teams attend team practices. It is also just as important that parents bring their players on time for all scheduled practices, training sessions, and games.
Players are required to practice during their designated team practice times, at which their designated team should also be practicing at the same time. Players may only practice/play with an older age group if they 1) are invited to do so by a coach, 2) dominate his current age group, 3) demonstrate mastery of the core fundamentals, and 4) possess complete understanding of all the team plays. The head coach for each team has the final decison on whether a player can participate/practice/play in an older age group. Actual tests may be required.
All absences from competitive team practices must be cleared with the coach, since penalties and lack of playing time that could result are entirely up to the coach. A player must attend at least 1 of the designated team practices prior to any shootout, league, or tournament game. Valid excuses must be cleared with the head coach for the specific team and may include medical, family, religion, & school related issues. A player cannot expect to play if they have not attended prior practices.
TEAM ROSTERS
The number of players for a competitive team will typically range from 7-10 players, with a maximum of 15 per team. SoCal Hoops does not support a "win-at-all-cost" principle but does value wins since it is an overall reflection of the team’s training methodologies. For each game, the coach may have specific objectives for the team and related players and thus PLAYING TIME IS NOT GUARANTEED. Some players may be deemed starters or play more than others due to the coach’s decision and on-court match ups. Players who arrive late to the game and do not take part in the pre-game game plan, will not start the game.
For parents with players at the SELECT level, who believe their player's playing time is not justified should take up that issue confidentially with the designated head coach. For parents with players at the PREMIER and ELITE level, playing time issues will only be discussed with players (not parents), making the players fully responsibile for their on court performance and justification for playing time. Players are always encouraged to talk with the coach to discuss ways to increase on-court time. Coaches will not discuss playing time issues in front of players, other parents, or immediately after a game. A 24-hour "cool-down period" is required after each game or practice. Parents who travel to tournaments are not permitted to discuss playing time during the entire tourney which can last 2-3 days. In this instance, the 24 hour cool down period will start after the last tournament game.
Only official SoCal Hoops Coaches (and videographers and statisticians) are allowed to sit on the team bench. All family members must sit in the designated spectator seating area.
GAMES & TRAVEL
SoCal Hoops competitive teams will participate in scrimmage, shootout, league, and tournament games and may take place at local, regional, and national venues. All game fees are separate from the monthly academy training fees and will differ depending on the specific game type. All game fees will be shared among the players of the specified team, with scrimmage, shootout, and league games averaging ~$20-$40/game per player and tournaments averaging ~$80-$150/tournament per player.
Transportation to and from tournaments, practice, and other activities is the sole responsibility of the parents. If a parent arranges a ride for his/her child to a tournament, game, or event and is unable to attend the event, that parent should offer to share the expense of gas and also send enough money to cover meals for his/her child.
Parents are 100% responsible and liable for their players' safety and actions, even during games and practices where the parent is not present. Parents and coaches who are asked (by other parents) to provide rides to and from games or practices are not liable for any injuries that my occur under the designated parent or coach's supervision.
Some tournaments may require overnight stays in motels/hotels and admission fees into the gym are customary. Food & lodging are NOT included in the players’ SoCal Hoops organization fees and players are expected to travel with their parents. Out of state tournament fees may be higher than in-state tournament fees and will be shared among the players of the team.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
Monthly standard registration fees are $295/month with a $200 yearly registration fee. All fees are subject to change. All fees must be paid via Paypal, check, or credit card and is due upon signup and registration.
***Any player who creates a conflict of interest by participating on other basketball teams, programs, clubs, or organizations are not eligible to receive any SoCal Hoops membership discounts or scholarships and must pay full price for the monthly Academy training. Any discounted monthly fees will automatically revert to the $295/month for any player(s) who violate this rule.***
(A)Membership fees cover administrative costs, programming fees, certification costs, smartphone app access, private website access, smartphone app fees, video editing, coaches’ compensation related to time and travel, and gym rental.
(B)Yearly registration fees cover training tools, equipment, practice uniforms, and other program fees. Members must pay the yearly registration fee every year for as long as he remains a member of the organization.
(C)Game fees cover entry fees and coaches’ compensation related to time and travel.
#1 SCHEDULING PRIORITY
It is imperative that SoCal Hoops remains #1 priority in terms scheduling any other basketball-related activities that your player may be involved in (such as private training, skills training, and athletic training, shooting training offered by other organizations). Our goal is to share our committed game schedules, practice plans, and training sessions with at least a 3 day advanced notice (depending on the availability of the schedule). Being unable to attend a SoCal Hoops event due to a prior commitment to another basketball-related activity held by another organization is not placing SoCal Hoops as #1 priority.
PAYMENT STRUCTURE
All monthly payments must be made according to the monthly fee schedule. All game and tournament fees must be paid within three (3) days of the event. Parents should not pay any member of the coaching staff during any games or tournaments, but should arrange payments outside of games via check, cash, Venmo, or Paypal. Refunds will be provided only for valid and excused absences such as sickness, school, and family emergencies.
UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT
Players must purchase game uniforms (1 home and 1 away) at the price of $75 per uniform (price subject to change). A practice uniform or jersey may be purchased. As required, players can wear protective ankle braces or tape for all practices and competitions, and will be responsible for these items as the club does not provide them. Each team will be provided game balls and basic first aid equipment. Additional training equipment will be purchased throughout the year.
INSURANCE
All players, coaches, and sponsors will be covered by liability insurance by Sadler Insurance and/or a related 3rd party insurance company. Parents are expected to provide primary medical and insurance coverage for their players. Specific players who obtain AAU membership will also be covered by the AAU insurance policy.
FUNDRAISING/SPONSORSHIP
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE. All parents are expected to participate in the SoCal Hoops fundraising activities which may include but not limited to Free-throw shooting, car washes, silent auctions, basketball games, NCAA games, NBA games, dinners, parties, and other events. The Fundraising Committee will meet shortly after teams are formed to discuss our goals and plans for raising funds to offset some or all of the costs for the season.
INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS. Players are encouraged to seek sponsors to help offset monthly player fees. Ten percent (10%) of all sponsorships made payable to SoCal Hoops will go into the club scholarship fund. The direct costs of thanking the sponsor will be deducted from the remaining ninety percent (90%). The final balance of the sponsorship money goes directly towards the player’s monthly fees. Sponsors will be recognized with a thank-you letter and recognition on our web page. All donations are 100% tax deductible since SoCal Hoops is registered in the state of CA as a non-profit organization with 501c3 status. Tax I.D. # will be provided when sponsorship opportunity becomes available.
COACHING PHILOSOPHY, VALUES, & CODE OF CONDUCT
The SoCal Hoops coaching staff sets forth the values, principles and code of ethics that represents all members of the organization, including players, parents, and coaches. These guidelines are not bylaws but standards and are intended to guide players, parents, and coaches individually and collectively in maintaining the highest professional level of ethical conduct. All players, parents (or legal guardians), and coaches must read, understand and sign (click submit) this form prior to the player’s participation in any of SoCal Hoops training program activities including but not limited to practices, games, and tournaments. Players, parents, and coaches that do not abide by the SoCal Hoops Code of Conduct are subject to disciplinary action that may result in the removal from all program activities.
Coaching Philosophy
Our coaching philosophy is based on the ability to INSPIRE and MOTIVATE players to EXCEL in the sport of basketball.
- We use the sport of basketball as a path to higher education and medium to teach lifelong lessons.
- From a player perspective, our coaching philosophy is based on the firm belief that players who properly learn the key basketball fundamentals will excel at any level.
- From a coach’s perspective, we enforce a mentoring teaching style that does not enforce a win-at-all-costs philosophy. We expect players to apply what they learned on the court to their everyday lives.
10 Core Values: On and Off the Court
We expect players to acknowledge our core values and demonstrate them on and off the court.
Organization Core Values
- Respect – Respect all members of the organization.
- Communication - Communicate effectively with all members of the organization, especially the coaching staff.
- Family – Work together as a strong, effective, and close-knit organization.
Team Core Values
- FUNdamentals – Have FUN learning the fundamentals of basketball. No horesplaying allowed.
- Discipline – Discipline yourself and others won’t need to.
- No Fear – Fear no one but respect everyone.
- Competition – Compete at everything you do, even at being a student athlete. We will always compete until the end of the game.
- Accountability – You are responsible for all of your actions.
- Teamwork – Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
- Hard work – There is no substitute for hard work. We will work hard in practices, training sessions, games, and tournaments.
- Passion – Never settle for anything less than excellence.
- Humility – Be humble winners and gracious losers.
- Thankfulness – Be thankful for all that you have.
Player's Code of Conduct:
- I will show respect to all coaches, game officials, parents, teammates and opposing players at all times, and will never act in a manner that is disrespectful to them or my team.
- I will always give 100% effort and never quit on my team. I will never pout if taken out of a game, always cheer when on the bench, and meet teammates when they come to the bench or huddle.
- I will be engaged during timeouts, even if I am not part of the 5 players on the court.
- I will demonstrate good sportsmanship regardless of the score or situation by acting in a positive manner towards coaches, officials, and other players.
- I will help to clean the gymnasium/bench area at both home and away games and practices, as required.
- I will always work hard and be committed to my team at all times.
- I will shake hands with the other team and officials after games.
- I will strive to be a good example for all players in the organization.
- I will place school and continued education as a top priority.
- I will not use alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.
Parent’s Code of Conduct (or legal guardian):
- I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
- I will demand that my child be a great student in the classroom and strive for higher education.
- I will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player or parent such as booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language or gestures.
- I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of athletes, coaches, officials, or parents.
- I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect at all times regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
- I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition. I will never attack any opposing player, coach, or official at any time.
- I will obey all rules at the different gyms and respect the officials and coaches for their authority during games and practices. I will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the gymnasium, but will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed-upon time and place.
- I will always cheer for my child and his team but will refrain from coaching (or shouting instructions to) my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the designated assistant coaches for the team. When my player is on offense, I will not yell at my player and instruct him what to do, as that is the coach's responsibility. This includes yelling, "shoot the ball," "pass the ball," "take it to the basket," or any other instructions that may be different from the coach's expectations. When my player is on defense, I will cheer as loud as I can and instruct my player to "run back," "hustle," "sprint," and other words of encouragement. I will not give any "lectures" immediately after the game on the ride home but use constructive feedback to help improve my player’s game. Instead, I will simply ask my player if he played with 100% effort and tell him that I love him.
- I will support the SoCal Hoops organization and head coach at all times, either at the gym or at home. My child’s attitude many times will be an exact reflection of my own. Anytime my player makes a mistake in a game and then looks at me, this is evidence that my player is not locked in with the coach's expectations. More importantly, my player is looking at me for my approval or instructions and should instead look at his coach if he has any concerns. Again, i will not coach my player on the court as that is the full responsibility of the head coach.
- I fully understand that there is no guaranteed playing time for any player and will discuss any playing time issues (SELECT level only) with the designated head coach in a confidential, timely, and respectful manner. For the PREMIER level, coaches will discuss playing time issues directly with the players only. For the Elite level, playing time issues will never be discussed with the parent or player. Players are always encouraged to discuss with the coach ways that he can increase his on-court time.
Coach’s Code of Conduct (includes head/assistant coaches):
- I will encourage players to strive for the highest possible level of scholastic achievement possible.
- I will show respect for players, officials, and other coaches at all times. I will respect the integrity and judgment of game officials and not engage in any inappropriate behavior.
- I will serve as a role model on and off the court for all players, parents, and coaches.
- I will establish and model fair play, sportsmanship, and proper conduct for the team.
- I will establish player safety, health, and welfare as a top priority.
- I will treat all players fairly and show no favoritism toward any specific player.
- I will use effective communications skills when dealing with parents and players. I will use discretion when providing constructive criticism and when correcting player mistakes.
- I will ensure that no pressure is placed on the players to win or lose the game, but instead focus on executing the game plan.
- I will not use profanity, inappropriate behavior, offensive language, or gestures which may result in the expulsion from a game or tournament.
- I will try to inspire and motivate all players and allow them to excel in the game of basketball.