Team Policies, Guidelines & Expectations

REFUND POLICY

Up to 10 days prior to program start: Full refund minus the non-refundable deposit and all processing fees.

Within 10 days of program start: No refund. Registration may be transferred or credited within one year (less deposit and fees).

After program start: No refunds will be granted after the program begins. In documented extenuating circumstances, a partial refund of up to 50% (less deposit and fees) may be granted at the sole discretion of the Executive Director, in consultation with program leadership.

Season-ending injury: Up to 80% prorated refund based on the portion of the season completed, less deposit and fees. Medical documentation required.

If a team cannot be formed due to insufficient enrollment (fewer than eight registered players), a full refund including deposit will be issued within seven to ten business days.

After a Season/Camp/League/Tournament (Program) has Started: once a program has started, refunds will not be granted for any reason. Customers wishing to withdraw after a program has started may receive a partial credit for a future program if that credit is approved by the Executive Director. The Executive Director has the discretion to determine the amount of any credit. The credit will not be more than 50%.

CREDIT SCENARIOS

Events: event refunds will be issued in the form of full credit for a future event, unless the event is canceled due to weather. UFBA will offer a refund or credit families/programs due to weather-related cancellations. Credits will be valid for 24 months (two years) from the date of the original event/program.

PLAYING TIME GUIDELINES

Playing time will depend on numerous factors. UFBA Ballers does not guarantee equal playing time like recreational basketball. UFBA Ballers enforces competition at higher levels than recreational basketball for our travel teams, however our development teams may have equal playing time, at the discretion of the coaches and based on multiple factors as described below.

Teams compete for trophies, awards, sponsorships, rankings, and qualifications for more elite tournaments. Travel coaches will play participants that give their team the best chance to compete, win, and get better.

Participants will earn playing time through their mental attitude, practices, and game performances. Each participant will be challenged in ways he may or may not have experienced before. It is important that they keep a positive mindset as they are pushed and challenged to reach higher levels of their personal development. They will be constantly evaluated, and some things will not come as easy as they did in lower-level leagues or recreation. This, in turn, will help foster a participant’s attitude and how to deal with both good and challenging situations that will arise. Coaches are in better positions than parents to evaluate and determine appropriate playing time. They have more criteria to utilize such as workouts, practices, film breakdown, and games, whereas most parents get an incomplete picture by only attending games.

It is important to understand boundaries regarding playing time. Families should not approach any coach regarding playing time before, during, or after a basketball game. If playing time becomes a concern, please have the participant take the lead and ask questions on how they can improve their playing time. Participants will be introduced to accountability and perseverance when challenges arise.

Parents are allowed to attend practices and find out what their child can work on and can utilize UFBA Ballers services. Our staff will assist in developing and improving individual skills and personal development for each child. Coaches will provide feedback to any participant interested in playing time. Parents can request a cordial meeting with their child’s coach. It is important that all parties involved communicate upfront what is in the best interest of the participant as well as the team.

PRINCIPLES

1. Fairness: All players deserve an opportunity to contribute to the team's success.
2. Development: Player growth and skill improvement are fundamental goals of UFBA.
3. Team Success: The team's success is paramount, and playing time is awarded based on both individual abilities and what is best for the team.

GUIDELINES FOR PLAYING TIME

1. Skill and Effort: Playing time is influenced by a player's skill level, effort, attitude, and commitment to the team. Coaches will assess these factors to determine a player's playing time.
2. Practice Attendance: Regular attendance at practices and commitment to skill development are essential for earning and maintaining playing time. Players who attend practice consistently and show a willingness to improve will be given priority.
3. Team Dynamics: Coaches will consider how each player contributes to team dynamics, such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and the ability to positively impact the team's performance.
4. Opponent and Game Situation: In some cases, playing time may be adjusted based on the opponent's skill level and the specific game situation. Coaches may allocate more playing time to players who are better suited to the circumstances.
5. Injuries and Illness: Players who are injured or ill and unable to participate fully may not receive the minimum playing time during a game. Their playing time will be adjusted as per the discretion of the coach.
6. Communication: Coaches will communicate with players and parents regarding playing time expectations and decisions. Parents are encouraged to reach out to the coaching staff for clarification and discussion, but these conversations should be conducted in a respectful and constructive manner.

APPEALS PROCESS

If a player or parent has concerns about playing time decisions, they may request a meeting with the coaching staff to discuss the issue. Such discussions should be carried out respectfully and in a constructive manner. The coaching staff will review the concern and provide feedback and resolution as appropriate. UFBA has a 24 Hour Policy in effect so that all parties are able to calm down and process the situation before meeting.

TEAM EXPERIENCE

UFBA exists to create opportunities for youth by focusing on holistic development, not just athletic performance.

Through mentorship, structured programming, and community partnerships, we help youth develop:

• Confidence and resilience

• Leadership and teamwork

• Mental and physical wellness

• Life and career skills

• A strong sense of community responsibility

Our goal is simple: prepare youth not just for the next game, but for the game of life.

UFBA has a compelling initiative to change the game by providing a macro perspective on the bigger takeaways that sports offer, and how those concepts can be maximized to transfer into applicable life skills for players of all ages.

UFBA Travel Teams will have an intentional focus on player highlights and coverage to help elevate individual exposure. This may include highlight reels, Player of the Game spotlights, athletic and academic accolades, school season accomplishments, and collegiate offers.

TEAM EXPECTATIONS

With an elevated level of performance comes an increased expectation of responsibility. It is expected that players are committed to all tournament weekends and practices, except for extenuating circumstances. Players should be ready to have a focused workout with a team-first mentality and a coachable approach. Positivity and effort are non-negotiable factors.

For more information regarding teams please email ufbaballers@gmail.com.

GOAL

UFBA Ballers is geared toward preparing and teaching our participants important life values through basketball. We understand that basketball can be a tool that will aid each participant in our core values like faith, family, and fundamentals.

Our goal is to provide a safe space for our participants and focus on building self-confidence, a desirable work ethic, and passion to discover their potential and personal development. We will improve each participant’s skill set that he or she can utilize in a team-oriented sport. Our goal is for each participant to meet higher levels in his or her personal development and become better people and leaders on the court and in their communities.

DEDICATION

UFBA Ballers shares the platform along with YBOA (Youth Basketball Organization of America), which is different from school or recreational ball.  The level of competition is often greater, which raises the level of expectations. A participant who is the best player on his school or recreation team may not be the best player on their travel ball team. Participants are expected to be part of a team that will require time and dedication. This, in turn, will be valuable to their team and themselves.

Families that explore grassroots/travel ball, AAU, or YBOA are searching for a good fit. Details such as coaches, tournaments, connections, exposure, and level of competition will play a factor in choosing the right fit.

For participants to improve their personal development, they will need to attend practices and tournaments, along with other team activities. We are looking for a commitment from the start of the season to the end. This will help each participant improve skills and gain confidence.

Practices will occur at least twice a week. Practice days will be determined by the team’s coach. It will range between 60-90 minutes. Times and days are subject to change based on the coaches’ schedule and gym availability. There may be additional days for practices if gym time is available.

We understand that there are a multitude of travel ball and basketball organizations. We realize families are looking for a good fit for their child and may consider playing with a different organization at the same time. We do not promote players playing with multiple teams. It sends a mixed message to participants who are committed and sacrifice their time. We ask that you effectively communicate your intentions upfront. We provide opportunities for your child to play up with our older teams.

EVALUATIONS

All players will be offered a place on a team. We will hold an evaluation for grades 7-10 to ensure players are placed on the team bet for their experience and skill level. These will last 60-90 minutes. During the evaluation, participants will be assessed on skills like passing, dribbling, rebounding, shooting, and defense. The cost is $5 and sign-up is available under our registration tab. If we meet our roster capacity, we reserve the right to add an additional date.

Tryouts will consist of each participant demonstrating individual skills, group drills, and scrimmaging. All participants are assessed with the same criteria and given the same opportunity to make a team. Once evaluations have concluded, families will be notified which roster their child is selected for.

PRACTICES

UFBA Ballers wants to see its participants succeed. We will offer practices and training sessions at state-of-the-art facilities, schools, and churches. We will offer multiple practices during the week for our teams. Participants can have peace of mind knowing we have a reliable and dependable location.

It is important that participants attend required practices and are punctual. This will influence playing time. Practice is crucial in the development of the individual and team. Our coaches need players in attendance to help learn basketball plays, schemes, and strategies. Absence during practices will slow the development of any participant. It is important that families communicate with coaches when they are aware of conflicts that arise and may interfere with attending team’s activities, practices, and tournaments.

It is critical that participants understand how to manage their time. UFBA Ballers understands school priorities supersede travel ball and YBOA. We ask that you communicate to your teams coach when a participant has conflicts and academic obligations like homework, test, projects, and other assignments. In the event of a participant’s absence from team activities, please be aware it may influence their playing time, along with their individual and team development.

Please make it a habit for your child to arrive to practice on time. Coaches value every second as an opportunity for the team to improve. Our coaches will make the most out of their designated practice times to properly prepare each participant for tournament play.

If a player must miss a practice due to illness, academic
obligations, or other unavoidable circumstances, parents or guardians should notify the coach as soon as possible and, whenever reasonably feasible, no later than two (2) hours prior to the start of practice.

TOURNAMENTS

UFBA Ballers will participate in weekend tournaments hosted by UFBA, as well as other tournaments throughout the season. Coaches evaluate their teams and determine what kind of tournaments they would like to participate in.

A schedule is shared with families once team rosters are finalized. In the event a new team is created due to the uncertainty of roster spots, skills, and experience we will schedule tournaments appropriate for the teams level. We will work with the coaches to select tournaments they feel are best for their team.

Attendance at tournaments and scheduled games is required. Because tournament participation relies on the availability of the full roster, players are expected to be present for all scheduled competitions. One (1) excused absence from tournament participation may be permitted with advance notice. Additional absences may result in suspension or removal from the team without refund.

Parents and guardians are responsible for communicating any known scheduling conflicts with coaches as early as possible so that appropriate roster and participation planning can occur. Playing time, tournament participation, and roster decisions are determined solely at the discretion of the coaching staff and UFBA leadership. Absences from practices, team activities, or competitions may impact playing time or game participation.

Parents/guardians are solely responsible for all travel arrangements, including transportation, lodging, supervision, and associated costs.

Regarding outside tournaments, UFBA Ballers has no control on how outside tournaments facilitate their game rules, schedules, and competition. Some tournaments may request proof of age by a birth certificate. We will utilize National Sports ID. We will have players participating in their age division or older. We will not have a participant playing in tournaments that do not support their age.

• For example, an 11-year-old will not “play down” in a 9 or 10-yr-old tournament that does not meet the cut off date’s requirements provided by YBOA. An 11-year-old can “play up” in a 12 or 13-yr-old tournament if they are capable. Participants “playing up” will be at the discretion of the coach and after a conversation with the child’s parents.

Tournaments are offered in a variety of one-day, two-day, or three-day events. We do not control how outside tournaments operate. Outside tournaments will determine their own schedule, rules, age groups, and format. Tournaments will share game times and locations as their event approaches. They often will not post their schedules too early in advance in the event of teams dropping out, transportation challenges, or age divisions not having the necessary numbers to fill their pool. There is a chance that a tournament may not have the grade or age level available, so a Triple Threat team can still participate knowing there will be competition against older or younger teams, or they may cancel all together.

Most tournaments will operate with a similar format. They will offer pool play which will have a round-robin format where each team plays the other team in their pool once. Once all teams have played each other once, the next round will consist of seeding. Some will determine the winners from the round-robin format. Tournaments that offer another a playoff do it based on how the teams finished in their pool play. That will determine their seeding for bracket play. At that time, some tournaments will do single or double game elimination. In a double elimination tournament, teams that lose twice are eliminated from bracket play. This will vary from tournament to tournament. Teams are often guaranteed a few games before bracket play. For example, teams are guaranteed two to three games. If they play well and seed high, they will get the opportunity to play more games. If they do not play well and finish low or last, their day may be finished. Depending on the tournament format, teams may have as few as one game to as many as three or more in a day. Be aware that there can be long wait times between games.

All tournaments prefer to stay on schedule. However, with teams canceling at the last minute, games going into overtime, and other unpredictable occurrences, delays may, and typically do, happen. Be prepared for tournaments to go longer than expected. That is often why schedules are not provided until the day before it begins. There are multiple factors that play part in scheduling games such as late entries, withdrawals, and other unplanned instances. Families should attend tournaments with the intent and understanding that the schedule may change.

PARENT EXPECTATIONS

Parents play pivotal roles during the journey of any child participating in athletics. We always expect our parents to set fitting examples for their children. Support is strongly encouraged. Positive words and affirmations, along with constructive critiques, are a great combination for success at home.

Parents should refrain from criticizing other parents, coaches, and players. Do not undermine your child’s coach in the car ride home, or at the dinner table. Subtle, passive aggressive comments on coaches’ inabilities or lack thereof and playing time will not comfort your child. Instead, it enables them to have a bad attitude and make excuses. As a substitute, please teach your child what they can do in the future to get a different outcome. Use basketball as a vehicle to teach life lessons they will need as they continue to grow.

Coaching your child from the sideline brings conflicts between the coach’s instructions and often leaves the participant confused and having to choose sides. Participants will need to receive their instructions from only their coaching staff. Be there to cheer and support, but not coach. The best time to provide insight may be after the game or on the ride home. Parents can shout words of encouragement. Parents should not be coaching their child from the stands by giving instructions and advice.

Coaches are often volunteering their time and experience to teach basketball and life skills. UFBA Ballers does not encourage, nor tolerate, any form of attack on coaches. This will disrupt the team’s development. It is completely normal that coaches and parents will not agree on everything. Coaches often are trying to do what is in the best interest of the team, and parents want what is in the best interest of their child. Put your focus on being as supportive and encouraging as possible.

Open communication between coaches’ and participants will solve most issues and concerns. However, if a parent has an issue or concern to discuss with the coach, please do not approach the coach during a tournament to discuss playing time, strategies, and performances. Coaches are instructed to walk away and avoid controversial concerns. It is important that you follow the necessary steps to avoid conflicts.

1. Have the participant share with their coach any concerns and challenges openly. It is important that participants voice their concerns. This will assist coaches in identifying and taking the necessary steps to seek a solution to any participant’s concerns.
2. If, after a participant has voiced their concern, it has not been resolved or identified, the participant’s parents can schedule a meeting with the coach. This can be done outside of any game or practice.
3. If a solution to the concern has not been reached, a parent can contact UFBA Ballers Director. A decision by UFBA Ballers will be made. No refunds will be awarded.

Please follow those steps. UFBA Ballers staff will not meet or discuss any issues with a parent if steps “1” and “2” were skipped.

STAFFING

At UFBA Ballers, we partner with coaches who have a passion to teach and work with your child. UFBA Ballers has many years of experience in coaching, training, and playing. UFBA Ballers will recruit coaches that demonstrate passion and align with our goal of utilizing basketball as a tool and that will aid each participant in growth with values like faith, family, and community through our Four Pillars of Development: ATHLETICS, WELLNESS, LEADERSHIP, and ENRICHMENT.

CODE OF CONDUCT

UFBA Ballers provides a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience for all. We are a community of LEADERS on every level: players and program participants, parents, coaches, the leadership team, and volunteers. In turn, we hold our family to a high standard and expect that we will all lead by example no matter what it is that we are doing, on and off the court and field. Participation in UFBA is a privilege and we treat it as such. Therefore, we have a "No Tolerance Policy" when it comes to the following prohibited behaviors:

• Use or possession of illegal drugs
• Consumption of alcohol during practices, games, and tournaments
• Profanity directed at players, officials, coaches, volunteers, or families
• Aggressive, abusive, or threatening behavior directed at players, officials, coaches, volunteers, or families
• Harassment or intimidation directed at players, officials, coaches, volunteers, or families
• Conduct undermining leadership and character development
• Social media activity damaging to the Organization’s reputation

Violations may result in immediate removal, suspension, or permanent dismissal without refund. The Organization’s disciplinary decisions shall be made in good faith and in furtherance of player safety and program integrity.

Please report any behavior deemed inappropriate from any of our coaches or staff members to UFBA Ballers Director. All complaints will be investigated in a timely manner, and UFBA Ballers will work persistently to resolve any related issues.

CLOSING

We value your child and appreciate your interest in UFBA Ballers. We hope this journey with us will be a pleasurable and a memorable experience that will provide value in your child’s personal development. We do not take for granted the trust that you instill in us to be positive influences in your child’s personal development. Please let us know if you have any questions.