I understand that Lakeridge Pacers Youth Basketball is a local, community-based, competitive basketball program that strives to maintain a competitive playing environment, build class cohesion and develop players for Lakeridge High School basketball.

I understand that the LOYTBA and Lakeridge Pacers Youth Basketball boards are a group of unpaid parent volunteers who also maintain professional day jobs. They are only human and are doing their best to make our competitive basketball season possible. I commit to interacting with these volunteers in a respectful professional manner at all times.

I understand that LOYTBA and Lakeridge Pacers Youth Basketball is NOT a club, elite, or win-at-all-cost program.

I understand that the true cost of the LOYTBA Pacers Basketball program/registration is dramatically offset by funds that are raised during tournaments and other fundraising activities.

I intend to attend and support these fundraising activities as much as realistically possible.

Being a participant in LOYTBA is a privilege, not a right. Associated with this privilege are responsibilities of personal conduct. Players, coaches, referees, visitors and family members are expected to show sportsmanship, fair play and encouragement. 

In order to promote an example of fair play and sportsmanship to its players, Lakeridge Pacers Youth Basketball has adopted the following “Code of Conduct” which must be recognized for a well-functioning league. By signing your player up to participate in LOYTBA, you are also signing up to be responsible for their actions, the actions of their supporters, and yourselves.

LOYTBA has granted full authority to coaches, referees and LOYTBA representatives to exclude persons from the gym for actions detrimental to respect for the game and those who participate in and around those games. 

By agreeing to this Code of Conduct, you agree to be accountable for the player, player’s family and supporters’ actions.

“I hereby pledge to provide positive support and encouragement for my child/player participating in LOYTBA by following this Code of Conduct.”

• I will treat all players, coaches, referees, fans and opponents with respect and dignity.

• I will not verbally abuse nor intimidate anyone associated with the game.

• Verbally abusing an official, coach, scorekeeper or anyone associated with presenting the game is unacceptable, and I will refrain from such conduct.

• I will ensure my player treats other players and adults associated with the game with respect and recognize they may be ejected from the game should they exhibit behavior contrary to the dignity of the game.

• I will ensure other family members or fans I invite to the game conduct themselves in a like manner.

• I will respect and applaud all participants’ efforts on the court.

• I will make an effort to understand, appreciate and respect the rules of the game.

• I understand the importance of making youth sports “fun”.

• I will refrain from “coaching” my child during the game and leave that responsibility to their coach.

• I agree that violating the Code of Conduct will subject me, my player or invitees to ejection from the gym, and that the referee, coach and LOYTBA have complete discretion in determining whether our actions are contrary to the dignity of the game.

Out of a need for more formal and constructive communication between our Lakeridge Pacers Youth Basketball Board and community, we have implemented the following - 

Communication Channels, Waiting Periods and Escalations
Any issues related to coaching, play time or general team related concerns should first be addressed with the coach directly. This first communication to the coach should be written via email, after waiting at least 24 hours from the moment of concern, and composed with content and tone that promotes mutual respect between the parent, player and coach.

After contacting the coach directly, if the concern remains unaddressed or unresolved and 48 hours have passed, the issue can be escalated via email to the Lakeridge Pacers general email (loytbapacers@gmail.com) for routing to the appropriate board member.  

Exceptions to the waiting period are any immediate concerns over player safety, unlawful activities or egregious violations of our Code of Conduct. These issues should immediately be brought to the attention of the Lakeridge Pacers Board using the Lakeridge Pacers email, loytbapacers@gmail.com. 

Team Placement
After tryouts, rostered players are invited to join a team. It is typical for parents and players to experience disappointment and even heartbreak if they do not make their desired team, or any team at all. We understand these emotions and empathize deeply with the players. 

Lakeridge Pacers Youth Basketball strives to create the most objective and informed tryout process possible and we ask that the rostering decisions be respected.  While we would love to provide specific feedback for each player, it is a stack-rank evaluation and there may not be specific notes on each player. 

Board Member Engagement
Parents at Games
Board members are non-paid volunteers whom maintain day jobs and have numerous other commitments. Just like you, we attend games and community events as parent spectators to cheer on our teams. While we always appreciate a conversation, we kindly ask that parents communicate Lakeridge Pacers Youth Basketball related concerns/feedback with board members within the formal channels mentioned above.   

Coaches and Team Managers
Coaches & Team Managers are often provided the direct/personal contact information of commissioners and board members so that we can assist with information, logistics, coach training and problem solving. This contact information is expected to be used in a way that maintains a tone of respect and professionalism. 

Respect for Players and Teams
The expressed goal of LOYTBA and Lakeridge Pacers Youth Basketball is to provide as many developmental opportunities for as many children in our community as possible.  Children experience development at different rates and LOYTBA strives to drive engagement on all the teams we can support from gold to recreational. The board respectfully asks that all participating families view the other teams and players as partners in growth and respect their worthiness for development.