Policies

Attendance

Please be aware that our goal of high child participation does not excuse poor player or parent commitment to the program. It is the expectation that players attend practices, skills sessions and games. The more commitment the players bring to their team, the better the experience will be for all.

Concussions

If a player gets a head injury during a practice or a game, coaches need to watch him or her for possible signs of a concussion.  If the player experiences one or more of the following signs or symptoms, he or she should be be referred to a health care professional to determine if the player has a concussion:

1. Appears dazed or stunned
2. Is confused about events
3. Repeats questions
4. Answers questions slowly
5. Can't recall events prior to the injury
6. Can't recall events after the injury
7. Loses consciousness (even briefly)
8. Shows behavior or personality changes
9. Headache or "pressure" in the head
10. Nausea or vomiting
11. Balance problems or dizziness
12. Fatigue or feeling tired
13. Blurry or double vision
14. Sensitivity to light
15. Sensitivity to noise
16. Numbness or tingling
17. Does not "feel right"
18. Difficulty thinking clearly
19. Difficulty concentrating
20. Difficulty remembering
21. Feeling more slowed down
22. Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
23. Irritable
24. Sad
25. More emotional than usual
26. Nervous

Players should be seen in an emergency department right away if he or she has:

1. One pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) larger than the other
2. Drowsiness or cannot be awakened
3. A headache that gets worse and does not go away
4. Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
5. Repeated vomiting ro nausea
6. Slurred speech
7. Convulsions or seizures
8. Difficulty recognizing people or places
9. Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation
10. Unusual behavior
11. Loss of consciousness

If it is determined that the player did experience a concussion, the coach will need a note from the doctor saying it is okay for the player to resume practices and games.

Inclement Weather

The School Department or Director of Recreation or a designee thereof has the right to cancel any activity or event on a town recreational facility at any time to ensure the safety of the participants.

All users of recreational facilities are REQUIRED to cancel an activity or event when potentially hazardous weather exist. In addition to the use of common sense if any one of the following conditions exists immediate cancellation is mandatory:

Schools are closed for the day or inclement weather is expected to arrive.  Cancellations will be sent via e-mail.

The safety and well being of persons participating in athletic programs is of primary concern. 

No Jewelry

The rule on this subject states: "Articles that may constitute a danger to the wearer or any other player must be removed, i.e. jewelry, watches, barrettes, chains, belts, head coverings with any visor or protrusions, etc." We adhere to the rule.  Earrings may not be taped.

This policy applies to games and practices.

Playing Time Policy

It is the policy of our league to give substantially equal playing time to all players regardless of skill level. This policy recognizes the developmental mission of Seekonk Boys Basketball, and applies to all players who attend practice regularly and display a positive attitude.

Coaches must rotate all children through all positions, to ensure each child can fully appreciate the game of basketball. This also prevents typecasting players too early in their development.

We believe that all children deserve the opportunity to develop their skills and to enjoy the game. It is impossible to predict how children will develop. Consequently, it is imperative that we strive to give all children an equal chance to develop, particularly at the younger ages. Generating a win by using disparate playing time allotments in no way compensates for the damage that is caused to a child who is victimized by the system and turns away from basketball as a result.

The goal is to ensure as many children are playing and enjoying the game as possible. Ironically, winning in the short term by utilizing unbalanced substitution patterns is detrimental to winning in the long term. Equitable playing time promotes more player development and results in a much stronger, more balanced team, that is more capable of winning in the future.

Caveats:

If a coach has an attitude or commitment problem with a child that is detrimental to the team as a whole, the coach must speak with the parent(s) or guardian in an effort to remedy the problem. If the problem persists, a coach has the discretion to reduce playing time to less than the defined minimum amount. The reduction in playing time should be commensurate with the degree of the problem. Note that lack of skill is not an attitude or commitment problem.

These are the guidelines for the season as a whole. There may be more variation in a specific game due to uncontrollable circumstances such as an inability to substitute or a coach losing track of time.

Refunds

In-town

In-town registrants may request a full refund up to two weeks prior to the start of the in-town program. After the start of the season there will be no refund.

Travel basketball

No refunds are offered for the travel program.  Please understand that teams must be registered fees are being paid based on the number of participants and teams submitted.

Zero Tolerance Policy

All individuals responsible for a team and all spectators shall support the referee. Failure to do so will undermine the referee's authority and has the potential of creating a hostile environment for the players, the referee, and all the other participants and spectators.

Consequently, we have adopted and modified the following rule:

No one, except the players, is to speak to the referee during or after the game. Exceptions: Coaches may ask questions before the game, call for substitutions and point out emergencies during the game, or respond to the referee if addressed.

Absolutely no disputing calls, during or after the game, no remarks to the referee to watch certain players or attend to rough play. NO YELLING at the referee, EVER, and no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game.

Violators may be ejected and are subject to disciplinary action. If coaches or spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, please contact the league board of directors for the game in question or [email protected]