POLICIES

The mission of PSB is to change the culture of youth basketball. More specifically, we strive to change the win-at-all-costs, negative youth basketball environment to a healthier, more positive environment through a focus on teaching, coaching, and learning.

Our values are represented in our F.O.C.U.S. acronym of “life-lessons” that we strive to teach our players in practices and games. F.O.C.U.S. stands for fun, overcome, competition, unity, and self-improvement.

Pro Skills Basketball (PSB) seeks to provide a safe and fun environment for all children who participate in our programs and events. The goal of the following policies are to protect children from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior. We also want to ensure that our staff and any worker associated with PSB is equipped with the most knowledge. Adherence to these policies can be a safeguard against the highly unlikely event of a false allegation.

Two-Deep Leadership and Physical Contact

At no time should Pro Skills Basketball workers be in a situation where they are alone with a child or children and cannot be observed by others. If a worker becomes alone with a child, he or she should promptly move to a location where he or she can be observed by other adults. PSB mandates 2 deep leadership at all times, meaning at least 2 adults should always be present with minor participants.

Physical contact with participants should be limited. Physical contact is appropriate when used for skill development, is required for the safety of the child, is for the child’s benefit (non-intrusive congratulatory or comforting gestures), and occurs in an open environment. It is inappropriate if it involves touching the groin, genital area, buttocks, breasts, or any other area that might cause embarrassment or discomfort, if it frightens, distresses or embarrasses the child, or if it occurs in a private location.

Mandatory Reporting

Under federal law, all adults who work with minor athletes are mandated to report suspicion of child physical abuse or sexual abuse within 24 hours to the jurisdiction having authority. Workers must also report to Pro Skills Basketball Human Resource Department within the same timeframe.

The responsibility of mandatory reporters is to notify the appropriate agencies when abuse is suspected. It is not the role of the reporting parties to evaluate the credibility or validity of the suspicion. Workers should also consider this information confidential and should not share with other workers, children, or parents/family members.

In addition to suspicions of abuse, any witnessed policy violation by a fellow worker, should be reported to Pro Skills Basketball Human Resources.

Retaliation or job repercussions as a result of reporting allegations of abuse in good faith are prohibited by Federal law.

Other Prohibited Practices

• Grooming behavior will not be tolerated. Please read here for a further explanation.
• Workers will not buy gifts or give money to players.
• Workers will avoid fraternization with players in non­-sanctioned settings.
• Profanity, racial or ethnic slurs, or any derogatory language is not allowed. Workers should speak positively to and in front of participants.
• Player and parent personal information including phone number, email, home address, etc. will not be disseminated without prior consent from said player or parent.

Pro Skills Basketball does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

These activities include, but are not limited to, selection of Club Team players, hiring and firing of staff, and selection of vendors. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all players, members of our staff, coaches, and vendors.

We, PRO SKILLS BASKETBALL, explain in this policy how we collect, process, use, share, and secure the information that we receive from users via our websites, mobile apps, and over email (together, the “PRO SKILLS BASKETBALL Services”). This policy also explains your choices regarding the use of, access to, and correction of your personal information.

Method of Payment PSB offers 2 payment options to accommodate families. Parents may choose to pay the entire season’s dues up front or choose to have installments auto-billed with the first and last installment due upfront. Parents are responsible for the full season’s dues regardless of which option they choose. This must be set up within 72 hours of a player’s acceptance of their spot on a team. All membership payments are made through our secure online registration software, LeagueApps. Cash and check are ​not accepted​.

Accounts are considered late one week after the installment is due and will be charged an additional $25 late fee. Players with an outstanding balance will not be allowed to practice or compete until paid in full. Special arrangements will need to approved by a director.

PSB has a strict no refund policy once players sign our “Policies and Procedures Handbook”, accept the membership contract and make their first membership installment. There may be exceptions given for long-term injury or illness, per the handbook. 

If a player gets injured and is supposed to be out 6 weeks or longer, said player can provide PSB with a doctor’s note, and PSB will put a stop payment on any future installments until that player is healthy and able to return. Refunds for past installments will not be given.

All grievances need to wait at least 24 hours before reaching out to coaches to set up a phone call or meeting. Taking time to let initial feelings subside allows for logical, controlled discussion.

All club members are required to have accidental/medical insurance that will cover them in the event of injury or illness.

Players, parents, and staff understand that they are representing Pro Skills Basketball, and  will always do their best to positively represent the organization and its’ values. Also, understand that the goals of PSB teams are for each player to improve and (hopefully) have fun, and these goals take precedence over desire to win championships. Read more here.