Parent's Handbook
This is an exciting moment to join the Unique Hoops Travel basketball family as we embark on another journey to participate in some of the most competitive tournaments across the nation. The upcoming season is anticipated to be both competitive and demanding, requiring a significant level of commitment from everyone.
Our program will be a tremendous growth experience for your child. Although we can't promise an athletic scholarship in the future, we do our best to work through our networks to help your child attain the necessary exposure needed for their success.
Our philosophy is built upon positive reinforcement, highlighting the significance of hard work and effort. At Unique Hoops Travel, we encourage players to give their all during every practice and tournament, fostering a mindset of leaving everything on the floor.
Our teams will be competing in challenging environments, demanding dedication and teamwork for overall success.
Are you prepared to put in the WORK?
Chris Rhone
Unique Hoops Basketball Academy
WELCOME
Unique Hoops Travel Basketball is a premiere 501(c)(3) basketball program based out of Virginia dedicated to the development and success of student-athletes through competitive AAU travel basketball. As one of the premier Independent basketball programs in the state, our program offers both girls and boys teams, providing a supportive and competitive environment that allows our players to flourish on and off the court.
OUR MISSION
Unique Hoops Travel Basketball is dedicated to creating opportunities for student-athletes through the transformative power of basketball. Our mission is to offer children the chance to engage in a travel basketball experience that fosters positive self-esteem and character development. Through the principles of hard work, fair play, respect, honesty, self-control, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and other essential qualities, we aim to equip players with the skills and values necessary for success in life.
This handbook contains comprehensive information on the rules and policies of Unique Hoops Travel basketball. It’s very challenging to cover every situation, but we have covered most of the guidelines in reference to the season that we expect you to follow.
We are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season and look forward to you and your child enjoying the valuable opportunity and enriching experience of participating in our Youth Basketball League.
As we approach the tournament season, we would like to provide you with some important updates regarding our practice and tournament schedule, hotel information, fundraising efforts, and acknowledgement of the handbook.
FINANCIAL OBLIGATION
Parents are required to fulfill all financial obligations for their child to be eligible for participation on our Summer team. The overall participation cost is deemed reasonable, considering the valuable exposure and competitive opportunities that your child will gain from this experience.
FUNDRAISERS
Parents will be accountable for covering our coaches' fees; however, it's important to note that these expenses can be alleviated through participation in some of our fundraisers. Fundraising plays a crucial role in supporting the entire Unique Hoops organization. Given the substantial and occasionally unexpected costs associated with travel basketball, including fees, tournament expenses, registration fees, and miscellaneous costs, fundraising serves as an essential avenue to offset these expenses. As a requirement, all parents must actively engage in the organization's fundraising activities.
PRACTICE AND TOURNAMENTS
We dedicate significant time and effort to schedule practices and secure participation in some of the most competitive tournaments, providing valuable opportunities for both players and parents. To ensure success, consistent attendance at practices is imperative. The level of improvement a player experiences is directly correlated with the effort invested in basketball. Attendance and punctuality for practices are non-negotiable expectations for all players.
We kindly request that vacations and outings be planned during designated down periods to minimize disruptions to the team's progress. Your commitment to these guidelines contributes to the overall success of our program.
• Ensure that your child has transportation to and from practice and tournaments.
• Ensure your child has money to cover meals and miscellaneous expenses when traveling.
• Make sure that your child's expenses are fully covered. It is not the responsibility of another parent to cover unexpected costs for your child.
PLAYING TIME
WE DO NOT PLAY POLITICS: Playing time is determined by the coach's discretion. While all players are ensured a substantial amount of minutes, some may receive more playing time than others.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Our tournament schedule is attached for your reference. It is imperative that all of our players 14U and up boys and girls are NCAA certified; failure to comply will result in their inability to participate in live period tournaments. Take note of the tournament dates, times, and locations, and ensure that your child is available for all scheduled tournaments.
To register for NCAA certification, please visit https://web3.ncaa.org/bbcs/.
Once registered, we will include you on the roster to ensure completion of the certification process. Your timely attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
REFUNDS:
Refunds will not be issued for our Youth Basketball League under any circumstances.
COMMUNICATION
We utilize the Game Changer app as our primary communication channel with parents. It is crucial that you download it, check regularly, and enable updates to stay informed about all our travel basketball information.
For additional assistance, please reach out to the following team contacts:
BOYS TEAM COORDINATOR: Melissa Pearce-Gonzalez / Email: mellypg@gmail.com
GIRLS TEAM COORDINATOR: Heather Hawkins / Email: kenziemom08@gmail.com
FINANCES: Sara Sanders / Email: info@uniquehoops.com
Feel free to reach out to the designated team members for any assistance or information regarding team coordination, administrative matters, and finances.
UH COACHES
We are committed to maintaining a professional level of communication with parents. While coaches and parents may have disagreements, fostering good communication and cooperation is essential. Our travel coaches comprehend the responsibilities that come with leadership. While it is crucial to maintain an open line of communication with parents, establishing boundaries is equally vital. Prior to any one-on-one meetings, coaches are obligated to discuss issues or concerns with the Unique Hoops Travel Basketball Director. This ensures a collaborative and informed approach to addressing any matters that may arise.
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT
All electronic communication between a coach and a student-athlete, including email, text messaging, and social media, must be only for Unique Hoops Travel Basketball, communicating information about team activities or other basketball-related content.
CERTIFICATIONS
All of our Unique Hoops coaches ARE REQUIRED to have the following:
Unique Hoops Background Check
USA Basketball Coaching Certifications
CPR and First Aid training
Concussion Training
PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT
All players must abide by the policies and procedures outlined in this Handbook. Failure to meet these expectations can result in suspension or termination from Unique Hoops Travel Basketball. This document aims to ensure that all players for Unique Hoops Travel are made aware of and are participants in the teams' Code of Conduct and Responsibility Guidelines.
• Maximum Effort: All players are expected to give their best effort in both practice and games.
• Equal Team Members: Respect for all teammates is essential! Every player, regardless of ability and playing time, is considered an equal team member.
• Sportsmanship: Players must promote good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for teammates, coaches, and officials during every tournament or practice.
• Conflict Resolution: Players are encouraged to seek understanding and resolution when questions or problems arise with coaches or teammates.
• Personal Conduct: Players are expected to conduct their personal lives in a manner that upholds integrity for themselves and the team.
• Respect for All: Players will treat officials, opponents, and coaches with dignity and respect. Talking back to coaches or officials will not be tolerated and may result in a loss of playing time or suspension from the team.
• Zero Tolerance for Violence: Any form of physical violence, especially attacks on a game or league official before, during, or after a game, as well as fights or confrontations between players, will result in immediate termination from the team.
PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT
As a parent or guardian of a player, it is crucial to uphold responsible behavior. REMEMBER that this is YOUTH BASKETBALL, and all parents are expected to recognize and respect the authority of staff and coaches at all times. Failure to do so may result in termination from Unique Hoops Travel Basketball.
• Sportsmanlike Conduct: Parents are expected to exhibit sportsmanlike conduct, refraining from engaging in unsportsmanlike behavior such as berating, taunting, verbal or physical threats, or using profane language or gestures towards coaches, players, or other parents.
• Supportive Role: Attend tournaments whenever possible to support your child. Acknowledge that this journey belongs to them, not you. Avoid living vicariously through your child and focus on being a supportive and encouraging parent.
• Regular Attendance: Ensure your child attends all practices and proactively communicates with the coach in case of inability to participate in a practice or game.
• Respect for Officials: Show respect for officials and their authority before, during, and after games. Avoid confronting officials during a game and allow coaches to handle disputed decisions or calls.
• 48 HOUR RULE: Share concerns through email rather than person-to-person interaction about players, parents, guardians, guests, coaches, or volunteers. This communication should occur within the first 48 hours of the end of the game, not at the end of a game.
• Sideline Behavior: Refrain from coaching from the sidelines during practices and tournaments. This role belongs to the coaches, not parents. Feel free to cheer, but avoid coaching from the stands.
• Do NOT degrade another player or the player's ability or effort. This is VERY disrespectful and tolerated by any parent or guardian.
VOLUNTARY AT‐WILL PLAYER OR PARENT TERMINATION
We deeply appreciate the significant roles played by both players and parents in the success of each team. To safeguard Unique Hoops Travel Basketball as an organization, its coaches, employees, and the broader community, we have established clear Parent and Player guidelines. It is important to note that the Director retains the authority to remove a player or parent from Unique Hoops at any given time if the policies and guidelines outlined in the Handbook are not adhered to.
TRAVEL POLICY
A significant aspect of Unique Hoops Travel Basketball involves overnight travel for teams attending games and tournaments. This policy addresses the potential vulnerability of athletes to abuse or misconduct during travel.
THE FOLLOWING POLICIES WILL BE IN EFFECT WHEN TRAVELING:
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
Regardless of gender, no Unique Hoops Travel Basketball Coach or Covered Individual should share a hotel room or other sleeping arrangement with an athlete, unless the individual is the player's parent, guardian, or sibling.
Players should share rooms with other players of the same gender, with the appropriate number of players assigned per room based on accommodations.
MEETING / HOTEL ROOMS
Individual meetings between a player and a coach should not occur in hotel sleeping rooms unless the door to the room remains open.
CHAPERONES
Unique Hoops Travel Basketball should provide same-sex chaperones for any team travel as necessary
TRANSPORTATION
No Unique Hoops Travel Basketball Coach or covered Individual should drive alone with an unrelated minor player.
Team personnel should ensure proper safety requirements are in place, including valid driver's licenses, automobile liability insurance, a vehicle in safe working order, and compliance with all state laws.
IMPAIRMENT
No Unique Hoops Travel Basketball Coach or Covered Individual should be impaired by alcohol or drugs while performing their duties.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ORGANIZATION
Unique Hoops Travel Basketball is dedicated to upholding the full intent of all federal, state, and local laws, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to equal opportunity. We strictly prohibit discrimination against any coaches in a manner that violates the law.
WE ARE committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.
Unique Hoops Travel Basketball unequivocally condemns any form of unlawful discrimination. All coaches are expected to fully cooperate in the implementation of this policy. Any coach who believes that another staff member of Unique Hoops may have violated the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy is encouraged to report the potential violation to the Director immediately.
Additionally, Unique Hoops Travel Basketball is fully committed to complying with applicable disability discrimination laws and ensuring equal employment opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities. All practices and activities are conducted on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations will be made available to all eligible disabled employees upon request, provided the potential accommodation does not create an undue hardship on Unique Hoops Travel Basketball.
Visit our website 2024 Policy page for a comprehensive list on all of our policy procedures, including guidelines on discriminatory laws, hazing, bullying, sexual misconduct, physical abuse, drug and alcohol use, and disability.
