Cardinal Hoops Boys Basketball Handbook
MISSION
The Chippewa Falls Cardinal Hoops Boys Basketball Program strives to promote excellence in basketball through quality instruction for boys in grades 3–8 within the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District.
Working in partnership with the Board of Directors, Chi-Hi Boys Basketball coaching staff, volunteer coaches, parents, and community members, our organization is committed to developing young men through teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and the physical and mental skills necessary to succeed both on and off the court.
PURPOSE
Cardinal Hoops is a nonprofit organization founded in 2003 and proudly affiliated with the Greater Northwest Basketball League (GNBL). Our purpose is to provide supervised and structured basketball opportunities that emphasize:
Skill development
Sportsmanship
Leadership
Teamwork
Respect
Commitment
Integrity
Every member of the organization is expected to promote fair play, foster a love for competition, and represent Chippewa Falls with pride.
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
Cardinal Hoops is an instructional basketball program dedicated to developing fundamental basketball skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and a lifelong love of the game.
While player development remains our primary focus, we also strive to prepare athletes to compete successfully at the middle school and high school levels and contribute to the continued success of Chippewa Falls basketball.
Our goal is to develop confident, fundamentally sound athletes while fostering a positive basketball culture that benefits players, families, schools, and the community for years to come.
PARTICIPATION STATEMENT
Participation in Chippewa Falls Cardinal Hoops is a privilege. By registering for the program, players and parents/guardians agree to uphold the values, expectations, policies, and procedures outlined in this handbook.
Together, we are committed to creating a positive environment that promotes player development, sportsmanship, respect, teamwork, and pride in representing the Chippewa Falls community.
Failure to comply with the policies and expectations contained in this handbook may result in disciplinary action, suspension from team activities, or removal from the program as determined by the Cardinal Hoops Board of Directors.
ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
The Chippewa Falls Cardinal Hoops Boys Basketball Program is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors established to ensure the efficient operation and long-term success of the organization.
Board meetings are working meetings conducted by elected board members. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact any board member with questions or concerns and may request a special meeting when appropriate.
While only Board members may vote on official matters, the organization values open communication and welcomes feedback from families.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Megan Severson
Vice President
Jenny Buntz
Secretary
Ashley Proue
Treasurer
Tabitha Patrow
Concession Coordinator
Jeremy Drake
Uniform Coordinators
Rachel Markowski (3rd and 4th grade)
Karin Dzienkowski (5th - 6th grade)
Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
Trinity Gaffket
ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS
Gym & Practice Coordinator
Becca Bestul
Sponsorship Coordinator
Adam Patrow
Apparel Coordinator
Nikki Bartel
Volunteer Coordinator
Stacey Prazuch
Additional volunteer positions may include:
Tournament Coordinator
Referee Coordinator
Equipment Manager
Coaching Staff
Parent Volunteers
ELIGIBILITY
Any boy in grades 3–8 currently enrolled in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District is eligible to participate in Cardinal Hoops. Players residing within district boundaries but attending another school may also be eligible provided they are not participating in a similar basketball program. Final approval rests with the Cardinal Hoops Board of Directors.
REGISTRATION FEES & SCHOLARSHIPS
Each player is required to pay an annual registration fee to participate in Cardinal Hoops.
Confidential scholarship assistance is available for families experiencing financial hardship. Families seeking assistance are encouraged to contact a Board member. Families may choose to pay a volunteer opt-out fee in lieu of fulfilling volunteer requirements.
Once teams have been established, registration fees are non-refundable.
REQUIRED FORMS & WAIVERS
Prior to participation, all players must complete and submit the following:
Registration Form
Player & Parent Contract
Handbook Acknowledgment
GNBL Waiver Form
GNBL Concussion Form
Players will not be permitted to participate in tournament play until all required forms have been completed and submitted.
PRACTICES
Cardinal Hoops is an instructional league focused on player development, skill growth, and fostering a positive team environment. While development remains our primary focus, we also strive to prepare athletes to compete successfully at higher levels and contribute to the continued success of Chippewa Falls basketball.
Teams within the same grade level are encouraged to practice together whenever possible. At a minimum, grade-level teams are encouraged to hold one combined practice each week to promote consistency in player development, maximize gym space, and build relationships among players and coaches. In addition to grade-level practices, coaches may schedule individual team practices based on gym availability and coach schedules. Teams from any grade level are permitted to hold separate practices outside of the regular grade-level practice schedule.
Practices are typically up to 90 minutes in length and are designed to challenge players, develop basketball fundamentals, and prepare teams for competition.
Players are expected to attend all practices and communicate anticipated absences to their coach as early as possible. We understand that conflicts may arise and appreciate timely communication. Repeated unexcused absences may result in team-related consequences at the discretion of the coaching staff. Players are expected to arrive on time, ready to work hard, support their teammates, and contribute to a positive team culture.
TEAM FORMATION
3rd & 4th Grade
Teams will be divided as evenly as possible to provide balanced instruction, development, and opportunities for all players.
The focus at these grade levels is skill development, learning the game, sportsmanship, and creating a positive basketball experience.
5th–8th Grade
Teams will be formed based on skills demonstrated during mandatory evaluations. Participation in evaluations is required for placement on a team.
Depending on the number of registered players, grade levels may be divided into:
A/B teams
A/B/B teams
The goal of the evaluation process is to create competitive teams while providing appropriate developmental opportunities for all players.
If enough players are registered to form two B teams within a grade level, those teams will be divided as evenly as possible.
Coaches who have committed prior to evaluations will participate in the team formation process. If coaching positions remain unfilled, available coaches and designated program representatives will work together to ensure teams are balanced and formed in the best interest of all players and the organization.
Once teams are established, rosters are considered final and no permanent changes between teams will be made during the season.
TEAM PLACEMENT REQUESTS
A player selected for an A team may request placement on a lower-level team within the same grade prior to rosters being finalized. Such requests may be made to support a player's confidence, development, enjoyment of the game, or family considerations.
Once approved and rosters have been finalized, the player's placement is considered permanent for the season and no additional team changes will be made.
Requests to move to a higher-level team after evaluations and team formation will not be considered.
TEAM SIZE
Team sizes may vary based on the number of registered players and available coaches.
To promote player development and maximize opportunities for participation, A teams will generally be limited to a maximum of eight (8) players.
Exceptions may be made when the total number of registered players within a grade level is nineteen (19) or twenty (20), in which case roster sizes may be adjusted to best accommodate all participants.
Please note:
Teams within the same grade level may not have equal roster sizes.
Team sizes may vary from grade to grade.
If there are not enough players or coaches to form an additional team, that team will not be created and
registration fees will be refunded.
TEMPORARY PLAYER ASSISTANCE
If a team does not have enough players available for a game or tournament, players from another Cardinal Hoops team may temporarily assist to ensure adequate roster numbers.
For the GNBL State Invitational Championship Tournament and/or the League Championship Tournament, teams may expand their roster by adding eligible Cardinal Hoops players from another team within the same grade level, subject to GNBL rules and eligibility requirements.
Temporary player assistance does not constitute a permanent roster change.
PLAYING TIME
Participation on a team does not guarantee equal or specific playing time. Playing time decisions are the responsibility of the coaching staff and may vary based on:
Game situations
Team needs
Player development
Effort
Attendance
Attitude
Sportsmanship
Other factors deemed appropriate by the coach
Players are encouraged to speak directly with their coach regarding ways they can improve and earn additional opportunities.
UNIFORMS
3rd & 4th Grade Uniforms
Players will keep the same jersey for both 3rd and 4th grade. Players entering the program for the first time in 4th grade will be issued a new jersey.
Replacement jerseys may be purchased if needed for an additional cost. Returning 4th-grade players may continue to use their 3rd-grade jersey at no additional cost.
Players are responsible for purchasing and wearing plain black basketball shorts for games.
A shooting shirt will be provided to each player and is required to be worn at games.
5th–8th Grade Uniforms
Each player will receive:
A jersey
Basketball shorts
A shooting shirt
The complete uniform is required to be worn at games.
Players are responsible for the care and laundering of all uniform items throughout the season.
Jerseys must be returned to the team coach or designated parent volunteer following the team's final
tournament of the season. Shorts and shooting shirts are for players to keep.
A $50 replacement fee will be charged to the payment method on file for any jersey that is not returned.
Uniform costs are included in the registration fee.
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
Tournament Schedule
The number of tournaments each team participates in varies by grade level and is largely determined by the Greater Northwest Basketball League (GNBL). In general, younger teams participate in fewer tournaments, while older teams have additional opportunities for competition.
Teams may request to participate in additional GNBL or non-GNBL tournaments throughout the season.
Requests for financial assistance from Cardinal Hoops to cover tournament entry fees may be submitted to the Board of Directors for consideration. Funding requests will be reviewed based on the organization's available finances and must receive Board approval prior to registration.
Your player's coach will provide the team's tournament schedule for the season. Coaches may request that players arrive 30–45 minutes prior to their first game to allow time for check-in, changing shoes, team meetings, and warm-ups.
Most tournaments consist of three games played in a single day, helping to minimize travel expenses and reduce the need for overnight accommodations. Players should come prepared for a full day of basketball.
Tournament Admission
Admission is charged for spectators at most tournaments.
Players and up to two coaches per team are admitted free of charge.
Admission fees are determined by the host in accordance with GNBL admission fee rules.
Tournament Essentials
The Great Northwest Basketball League does not permit coolers or outside food at tournament sites.
Concessions are typically available for purchase.
Players are encouraged to bring a water bottle, which may be taken into the gym.
Tournament schedules are subject to change, and games may occasionally run ahead of schedule.
Families should plan accordingly and be prepared for games to begin earlier than their posted times.
Players should come prepared for a full day of basketball and represent Cardinal Hoops with respect, responsibility, and sportsmanship throughout the day.
Tournament Rules & Format
All tournaments follow the rules and regulations established by the Great Northwest Basketball League
(GNBL). Additional league information, rules, and tournament resources can be found at:
www.gnbl.org
Home Tournaments
Cardinal Hoops hosts approximately three to four tournaments each season in Chippewa Falls. Events may be held at:
Chippewa Falls High School
Chippewa Falls Middle School
Local elementary school gymnasiums
Home tournaments are an important fundraiser that helps support the program and keep participation costs affordable for families. Family volunteers are essential to the success of these events and are expected to assist as part of their volunteer commitment.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
Volunteer Requirement
To help support the success of Chippewa Falls Cardinal Hoops and our tournaments, each family is required to complete two (2) volunteer hours per registered player during the season. Board of Directors, Board Volunteers, and Head and Assistant Coaches are exempt from this requirement.
Volunteer opportunities may include:
Working a shift at a home tournament
Assisting with program events
Supporting designated organizational needs
Volunteer Opt-Out
Families who are unable or prefer not to fulfill their volunteer requirement may opt out by paying a $100 volunteer fee per player.
These funds are used to compensate middle school and high school students who assist in covering volunteer shifts and supporting program operations.
Volunteer hours must be completed by the end of the season.
If volunteer hours are not fulfilled and the opt-out fee has not been paid, a $100 fee per player will be charged to the payment method on file.
We greatly appreciate the support of our families. Volunteer involvement is essential to the success of our program and helps create a positive experience for all players, coaches, and families.
FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES
Chippewa Falls Cardinal Hoops is a volunteer-driven organization.
Our program relies on the dedication and support of coaches, board members, parents, and community
members to provide a positive basketball experience for our athletes.
Families are expected to:
Fulfill volunteer commitments.
Support coaches and players.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship.
Encourage all participants.
Represent Cardinal Hoops positively.
Help create a respectful and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.
By working together, we can continue to grow the game of basketball in our community while teaching valuable lessons in teamwork, commitment, respect, and sportsmanship.
COMMUNICATION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Cardinal Hoops believes open and respectful communication is essential to providing a positive experience for all participants.
Appropriate Topics for Discussion
Athletes and parents are encouraged to discuss:
The athlete's physical, emotional, or mental well-being.
Suggestions for helping the athlete improve.
Questions regarding team expectations or communication.
Areas the athlete can focus on to improve and earn additional opportunities.
Concerns regarding the athlete's behavior, attitude, or development.
Topics Not Appropriate for Discussion
The following topics are not appropriate for discussion with coaches:
Demands regarding playing time.
Team strategy or play selection.
Team placement decisions.
Concerns involving other players, parents, or coaches.
Procedure for Addressing Concerns
Step 1 – Player Communication
Players are encouraged to speak directly with their coach regarding concerns, including what they can do to improve and earn additional opportunities.
Step 2 – Parent Communication
If concerns remain unresolved, parents may request a meeting with the coach to discuss how they can support their player's development.
Step 3 – 24-Hour Rule
Parents and players must wait at least 24 hours following a game, tournament, or team event before initiating discussions regarding concerns.
Step 4 – Board Assistance
If additional assistance is needed, parents may contact the Cardinal Hoops President or Vice President to facilitate communication.
Step 5 – Board Review
If concerns remain unresolved, the matter may be referred to the Board of Directors for further review.
All meetings are expected to remain respectful, professional, and non-threatening.
Reporting Coach Conduct
Concerns involving inappropriate conduct, safety issues, or violations of Cardinal Hoops policies by a coach should be reported immediately to the President or Vice President.
PHOTO & MEDIA RELEASE
Chippewa Falls Cardinal Hoops may photograph or record participants during practices, games, tournaments, camps, and other program-related activities.
Parents and guardians grant permission for Cardinal Hoops to use photographs, videos, and other media containing their child's likeness for promotional, educational, fundraising, and organizational purposes, including:
Social media
Websites
Printed materials
Marketing communications
Images and recordings become the property of Chippewa Falls Cardinal Hoops and may be used without further notice or compensation. Parents and guardians waive any right to inspect, approve, or receive compensation for the use of such materials.
SPECTATOR EXPECTATIONS
Parents and spectators play an important role in creating a positive environment for all participants.
Spectators are expected to:
Encourage all players.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship.
Respect coaches, players, and officials.
Refrain from coaching from the stands.
Represent Cardinal Hoops positively.
Unsportsmanlike conduct, abusive language, or inappropriate behavior may result in removal from an event and may lead to additional disciplinary action by the Board of Directors.
SOCIAL MEDIA EXPECTATIONS
Players, parents, coaches, and spectators are expected to represent Cardinal Hoops positively both in person and online.
Negative comments or posts directed toward:
Players
Coaches
Officials
Opponents
Parents
The organization
Online behaviors that are inconsistent with the values of Cardinal Hoops and may result in disciplinary action. Social media should be used to celebrate accomplishments, encourage athletes, and positively promote the organization.
WEATHER CANCELLATIONS
Practice cancellations and schedule changes will be communicated through coaches and official Cardinal Hoops communication channels. Families are encouraged to monitor communication regularly during periods of inclement weather.