GBA Playing Up Policy

Click here to open a printable Word Document of this page.

GBA POLICY ON PLAYING UP A GRADE LEVEL


It has come to the attention of the GBA Board of Directors that in the past year or two there have been several cases of kids 'playing up' a grade in the house program without the knowledge or approval of the Commissioner and/or the GBA Board. The GBA house program is designed as a grade-level program that encourages involvement in the game of basketball and the teaching of fundamental skills. The GBA mission statement is listed below.


GBA Mission Statment
To foster and encourage the involvement of youth in the sport of basketball, to teach and develop fundamental basketball skills and to promote good fellowship, team play and self confidence, which are the essentials of good sportsmanship, as a means of building character and physical health.


As a board we have discussed this issue and feel strongly that allowing kids to play up goes against the core values of our program that have been successful for more than a decade. Our intent is to serve all children who choose to participate in GBA by providing an enjoyable, safe, fair and grade-appropriate experience in the game of basketball. For those parents who want more for their child, we offer several opportunities for kids that have more skill or interest to further develop these skills with the House All-Star and Select programs that begin at 4th grade. It is for these reasons that we are moving toward eliminating the practice of kids playing up without knowledge of and approval by the Board of Directors. Therefore, effective immediately we will require any parent who wants their son/daughter to play up a grade to request permission in writing to the Board of Directors no later than October 10th.


This written request must be sent to:
GBA Board of Director:
PO Box 16141
Rochester, NY 14616


The request should include:
1. A written request from the parent or guardian of the player that is based on playing ability and past performance (the request will not be considered if it involves playing with a friend who is in a different grade or ease of transportation or any other non-performance issue).
2. A written statement of recommendation from the previous year's coach and/or grade-level commissioner.
3. A copy of the player's birth certificate.


Additionally, if it is determined that a player's grade or birth date was listed incorrectly on the 2006-2007 GBA Registration Form the player will be provided a refund (less an administrative fee of $15) and restricted from participation in GBA activities during the 2006-2007 season.


The board will review the request and respond in a timely manner before Evaluation Day on October 14th.


Thank you for your understanding and cooperation
GBA Board of Directors: 

Brad Schreiber		Kevin McKenna				Donna Natale
Mark Sweers		Brad DeCook				Lisa Raetz
Danielle Woodland