PLAYER CONDUCT.
As a member of TEAM VOLTAGE BASKETBALL Program, players represent and serve as a reflection of this program, its coaches, teams, families, and community. Each player agrees to conduct themselves responsibly both on and off the court to display sportsmanship. All TVB players agree to treat their coaches, teammates, and referees with respect and courtesy. Behavior that shows disrespect toward other players, coaches, and referees or demonstrates a lack of self-control, including bullying or physical force, will be subject to swift and appropriate discipline. The coaches will determine appropriate disciplinary actions according to each situation.
STUDENT-ATHLETES
SCHOOLWORK ALWAYS COMES FIRST. Each player is expected to work towards academic excellence. A player’s school work and grades take precedence over sports. All players are expected to perform above average academically and complete their homework promptly not to impair their ability to be committed to their team. If a player cannot attend practice because of academic responsibilities, a parent should communicate this immediately with the coaching staff. Academics always take priority; it’s not acceptable to repeatedly miss practice due to consistent underperformance in school.
Handling poor academic performance is a parental decision; however, the TVB program assumes that each player will do all that is possible to achieve academic excellence while still being present for all practices and games.
ATTENDANCE.
Attendance at each practice, game, and team event is mandatory. Players should arrive a half-hour before game time and ten to fifteen minutes before practice unless otherwise instructed by the coaching staff. Being early is on time If a player is unable to attend a practice or game due to illness, vacation, family emergency, or a school / religious obligation, then it is the player’s and/or parent’s responsibility to notify the coaching staff in advance citing the reason for an absence. The coaching staff will determine the implications of absences as it relates to playing time.
PLAYING TIME/ROLE.
The amount of playing time and the role each child plays on the team will be determined at the coaching staff’s sole discretion. All parents and players must understand that the TVB teams are very competitive. No player is guaranteed playing time or specific roles on any team (i.e., starter, etc.). The coaching staff will decide “playing time” based on the game situation, match-ups, each player’s skills, abilities, attitudes, and overall ability to help the team in certain situations.
COMMITMENT.
Being a Team Voltage Basketball member requires a significant commitment due to the number of games and practices conducted each season. The commitment entails that Team Voltage basketball comes before any other sport or team; choosing to put other teams or sports ahead of the commitment to TVB can result in diminished playing time or outright dismissal from their team.
RESPECT THE GAME (INCLUDING TEAMMATES AND OPPONENTS). This means ensuring that your child attends and comes prepared for all practices and games and treats teammates and opponents with dignity and respect. Good sportsmanship means playing fair and safe, controlling negative emotions, and keeping a good spirit of competition.
THE OFFICIALS
Keep in mind that officials (a.k.a. referees, scorekeepers, organizers, etc.) are an essential part of the sport of basketball and add to the overall experience for your child. You must distinguish between bad calls (human error) and wrong calls (when an official doesn’t know the rule). In either case, it is crucial that you respect all officials and develop a tolerance for when bad calls happen – officials are human and, like all of us, will occasionally make a mistake! A failure to do so will reflect poorly on your child and our organization and will not be tolerated by the coaching staff and the program.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
Any tardiness or unexcused absences from practice or games will be addressed at the coaching staff’s discretion. Repeated unexcused tardiness will result in treatment as an unexcused absence. The first unexcused absence may result in diminished playing time. The second unexcused absence may result in the player being benched for the next game. Three or more unexcused absences may result in a suspension from the team.
PARENT’S CONDUCT.
There is never a place in youth sports to use threats, intimidation, running on the court, or physical aggression. Youth sports provide an excellent opportunity for children to compete and build their character. Like children, they need constant positive support and encouragement. Negative gestures from the sidelines are never appropriate (whether aimed at your child or someone else’s), so be sure to stay focused on positively supporting the children at ALL TIMES.
LET THE COACHES COACH
It may be easy to second-guess your coach from the sidelines; please do not overlook how challenging it is for coaches to be sure that all of the players have an opportunity to develop and that the team is given the best possible chance to win. While coaches are conducting practice or coaching in games, please refrain from coaching your child. It will not be TOLERATED.
48HR RULE.
If you have a complaint to log with the coaches regarding any particular game, wait at least 48 hours following the game. Furthermore, comments directed to the coaches during games (time-outs, halftime, etc.) will also not be tolerated. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and the coaching staff will listen to and address each parent’s opinion provided they abide by this and all other rules discussed in this Agreement. If you have any questions or concerns, please also feel free to contact us teamvoltagebasketball@gmail.com
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS. Any violations of the rules mentioned above will result in reduced playing time or outright dismissal from the team.
RELEASES
GENERAL RELEASE
In consideration of my child’s acceptance into and/or continued participation in The Team Voltage basketball Program, I, the undersigned, together with my heirs, executors, and administrators, waive and release all rights and claims or causes of action for damages which I may have or hereafter have against Team Voltage basketball Program or their trustees, officers, employees, coaches and representatives for all injuries of whatever nature, physical or otherwise suffered by my child resulting from any participation in the program, including games, practices, camps, clinics, and travel.
I hereby also agree to indemnify, defend and save harmless Team Voltage basketball Program or their trustees, officers, employees, coaches, and representatives from any liability, damage, expense, cause of action, suits, claims, or judgments arising from injury to person or property or otherwise which arises out of the act, failure to act or negligence in connection with the participation in the activities and programs which are subject of this Release.
If required, I hereby authorize the coaches and representatives to provide and authorize emergency medical treatment to the extent deemed appropriate by licensed medical persons, without risk of liability, and to execute any required releases on the undersigned’s behalf.
I attest that my child is physically fit to participate in these activities. I am hereby advised that the Team Voltage basketball Program has no medical insurance on my or my child’s behalf. Medical insurance is the responsibility of the child and his/her family. Additional Consent for Tournament Play/Travel: The undersigned hereby gives consent for participation in the applicable basketball tournaments. In addition, I agree to be fully responsible for any damage my child may cause while at or traveling to and from the tournament, game, or activity.
THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER SHALL APPLY AND REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT FOR ALL EVENTS OCCURRING WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM.
PHOTO RELEASE
I authorize The Team Voltage basketball Program to publish photographs and/or videos of the minor(s) named within my registration(s) and use their names in your printed publications, websites, and social media channels. I acknowledge that since their participation in any publications and websites is voluntary, I also agree not to make any claim for compensation for the use of their image and/or words. I agree to release TEAM VOLTAGE BASKETBALL from liability for any claims by or them arising out of the foregoing.
My child and I have read this form and voluntarily accept the terms and conditions set forth herein.
Playing for Team Voltage is a PRIVILEGE, NOT RIGHT. As a TVB Program member, each player understands that participation is a privilege and not a right. As part of earning that privilege and maintaining it, more is expected of each player than perhaps of players in other programs. Each player agrees to assume the responsibilities outlined in this contract, and each parent agrees to support its intent. TVB Coaches reserve the right to revoke any player’s privilege to be a member of the program if the player and parents do not consistently exhibit appropriate conduct or otherwise fail to meet the obligations outlined in this Agreement.
FEES.
Team Voltage Basketball is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization. All fees are used to support the program’s athletic activities, and the collection of fees are critical to maintaining its operations. Unfortunately, lack of payment of fees forfeits your child’s place on the team unless you immediately discuss payment plans with your coach or program administration.
