Cardinal Hoops Boys Basketball Handbook
MISSION
The Cardinal Hoops Boys Basketball Program strives to promote excellence in the sport of basketball through quality instruction for boys in grades 3-8 in the Chippewa Falls Public School District. With direction from the Board of Directors, the Chi Hi boys’ basketball coaching staff, coaches, and parents, this organization’s efforts will be focused on instilling young men with a passionate commitment to basketball, developed through teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership and physical and mental basketball skill development.
PURPOSE
Cardinal Hoops is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 and proudly affiliated with the Great Northwest Basketball League (GNBL). Our mission is to provide supervised, structured basketball skill development for boys in the Chippewa Falls Public School system.
We emphasize the values of dedication, commitment, honesty, loyalty, courage, and respect. Every member of the organization is expected to promote fair play, foster a love for competition, model good sportsmanship, and teach the game of basketball to the best of their ability.
STRUCTURE
The Cardinal Hoops Boys Basketball Program is overseen by a dedicated Board of Directors, established to ensure the program operates efficiently and effectively. Board members are nominated and elected as needed, with roles reviewed on an annual basis.
Board meetings are closed to the public. While only board members may vote on official matters, parents and guardians are welcome to request a special meeting if they have concerns or questions. If you would like to request a special meeting or discuss an issue, please feel free to contact any board member.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Concession Coordinator
Equipment Manager
Tournament Coordinator
Apparel Coordinator
Uniform Coordinators
Sponsorship Coordinator
Referee Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator
Social Media/Marketing Coordinator
ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS
Gym and Practice Time Coordinator
Coaching Staff
QUALIFICATIONS
Any boy in grades 3–8 who is currently enrolled in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District is eligible to participate in Cardinal Hoops.
Boys in grades 3–8 who live within the district boundaries but attend a school outside the district may also be eligible. Participation is contingent upon the school not offering a basketball program similar in structure to Cardinal Hoops, and final approval must be granted by the Board of Directors.
FEES
Each player is required to pay an annual registration fee to participate in the Cardinal Hoops program. Scholarships are available for families in need.
Families may choose to contribute $100 in lieu of fulfilling volunteer hours. Please note that once teams have been established, no refunds will be issued.
FORMS AND WAIVERS
● It is understood that Cardinal Hoops will not be responsible for any injury that may occur to
a player.
● Each player and their parent/guardian is required to read, sign, and follow the Player and Parent Contract.
PRACTICE
Cardinal Hoops is an instructional league. Teams will hold a minimum of one practice per week, lasting up to 90 minutes, beginning at the start of the season and continuing through the tournament season. Additional practices may be scheduled at the discretion of the coaches, based on gym availability.
Players are expected to attend all practices. Unexcused absences (without prior approval from a coach) may result in reduced playing time.
TEAMS
Team Formation & Playing Time Policy
- 3rd and 4th Grade Teams will be divided as equally as possible to support balanced instruction and development.
- 5th through 8th Grade Teams will be formed based on skills demonstrated during mandatory tryouts. Participation in tryouts is required to be placed on a team. These teams will remain consistent throughout the tournament season.
If a team is short players for a tournament or game, they may temporarily fill in with players from another team. However, players are not guaranteed a specific amount of playing time in any game or tournament.
Please note:
- 5th–8th grade teams may not have the same number of players.
- If there are multiple teams within a grade level, team sizes may vary.
- If there are not enough players or coaches to form a complete team, that team will not be created and the registration fee will be refunded to the family.
UNIFORMS
3rd and 4th Grade Uniform
- Players keep the same jersey for both years.
- A new jersey is only issued in 4th grade if it’s the player’s first year.
- Replacement jerseys are available if needed for an additional cost, or players may continue using their 3rd-grade jersey at no cost.
- Players are required to wear plain black shorts, purchased on their own.
- Shooting shirts will be provided to each player and are to be worn to games.
5th through 8th Grade Uniform
- Each player will receive a jersey, shooting shirt, and basketball shorts, which are required to be worn at games.
- Players are responsible for caring for and washing their jersey and uniform items.
- Only jerseys must be returned clean within one week after the last tournament or a replacement fee applies. Shorts and shooting shirts are for players to keep.
- Uniform fees are included in registration.
PHOTO CONSENT
I understand that Chippewa Falls Cardinal Hoops may take photographs of participants and activities during the season. I agree that these photos become the property of Chippewa Falls Cardinal Hoops and may be used indefinitely to promote the organization. I waive any rights to compensation or approval related to the use of these photographs, acknowledging their importance in supporting the success of the program.
VOLUNTEER HOUR
Each family is required to contribute volunteer hours by working a shift at a home tournament or designated event. This support is vital to the success of our program. Alternatively, families may opt to pay a $100 fee instead of completing volunteer hours. We appreciate your commitment and thank you for helping ensure a positive experience for all players and families.
GNBL WAIVER FORMS
Before participating, each player must complete the GNBL Waiver and Concussion Form once it becomes available on the GNBL website. These forms are required to be submitted prior to playing in any tournaments.
PROBLEMS OR CONCERNS
Appropriate Concerns Athletes and Parents May Address with Coaching Staff
- Treatment of the athlete mentally or physically
- Ways to help the athlete improve performance
- Concerns about the athlete’s behavior at school, practices, or games
Areas Not Appropriate for Parents to Discuss with Coaching Staff
- Playing time decisions
- Team strategy and play selection
- Team roster decisions and who makes the team
- Issues involving other players, parents, or coaches
Proper Method to Address a Concern
- Athlete speaks directly with the coach.
- If the concern is unresolved, the parent requests a meeting with the coach.
- If the coach is unavailable, contact the Cardinal Hoops President or Vice President to facilitate communication.
3.If the issue remains unresolved, a meeting will be scheduled and moderated by the President or Vice President.
- Both parties may speak uninterrupted.
- The meeting will be held in a respectful, non-threatening environment.
4.Unresolved issues after this process will be referred to the Board of Directors’.
Note: Any inappropriate behavior by coaching staff should be reported immediately to the Cardinal Hoops President.
FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Cardinal Hoops Boys Basketball Program is run entirely by volunteers and depends on every family’s involvement to succeed. Families are asked to support the program and help foster basketball skills and sportsmanship.
CARDINAL HOOPS BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYER AND PARENT CONTRACT
1. Basketball players are students first. Take care of your studies. Negative behaviors toward the school district staff and/or classmates may result in consequences such as reduced playing time, suspension from a game, or removal from the team.
2. All players are expected to show respect toward teammates, managers, statisticians, referees, and coaches. Negative behavior toward any of these individuals may result in consequences such as reduced playing time, suspension from a game, or removal from the team.
3. Quality sportsmanship is paramount at all times. Obnoxious language and behavior will not be tolerated during practices and games.
4. Arrive on time for all practices and games—your commitment begins the moment you step on the court. Practices are designed to be more challenging than games, so come prepared to work hard and give your best effort.
5. Players are expected to take care of their own gear and keep it clean. Show pride in all equipment—whether it belongs to you or the program. Players and/or parents may be held financially responsible for any damage to shared or school-owned equipment. Keep both home and visitor locker rooms clean and respectful for all teams.
6. Athletes are expected to attend all practices and games. If an absence is anticipated, please notify the coaches as early as possible. We understand conflicts may arise and appreciate timely communication. Coaches will share schedules promptly. Unexcused absences may result in consequences at the coach’s discretion.
7. Our role as a coaching staff is to teach the game of basketball and help young athletes grow on and off the court. Criticism of teammates is not allowed. Players are expected to support and encourage one another at all times and maintain a positive team environment.
8. Conflicts between players and coaches may occasionally occur. If a player has a concern—such as playing time—they are expected to address it directly with their coach in a one-on-one conversation. Coaches will not discuss these matters with parents unless the player has first spoken with the coach.
9. It is the responsibility of the player/parent to communicate contract violations to the coaches immediately.
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
The number of tournaments each team plays varies by grade and is largely determined by the Great Northwest Basketball League (GNBL). On average, younger teams participate in fewer tournaments, while older teams have more opportunities. Teams may also qualify for additional tournaments throughout the season.
Most teams will take part in a home tournament, where families are expected to volunteer. Each tournament typically includes three games in one day, which helps avoid the need for overnight stays.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Your son’s coach will provide a tournament schedule for the season. Coaches may ask players to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the first game to allow time for check-in, changing shoes, and warming up as a team.
TOURNAMENT ADMISSION
Admission is charged for all spectators at tournaments. Players and up to two coaches per team are admitted free of charge. Admission fees vary by tournament and are set by the hosting school.
TOURNAMENT ESSENTIALS
- The Greater Northwest Basketball League does not allow coolers or outside food at tournaments. Concessions will be available on-site. Players may bring a water bottle into the gym.
- Games may run ahead of schedule, so teams should be prepared for early start times.
- Players should come prepared for a full day of basketball, typically playing three games in one day.
- Please remind players that they are representing our town and school—respect, responsibility, and good manners are expected at all times.
TOURNAMENT FORMAT
All tournaments follow the rules as set forth by the Great Northwest Basketball League. Information pertaining to this league can be found at the following web site: www.gnbl.org.
HOME TOURNAMENT
Cardinal Hoops hosts about three to four tournaments each season in Chippewa Falls. These events take place at Chippewa Falls High School, Chippewa Falls Middle School, or one of the local elementary school gyms. Hosting tournaments is a simple and effective way for our organization to raise funds.