Zero Tolerance: The NLBA has a Zero Tolerance Policy on negative or disruptive behavior by parents/guardians on our provincial team programming. Any parent/guardian demonstrating such behavior at practices, games or national competitions will be subjected to discipline under the Disciplinary Policies.

As a Parent/Guardian I agree to:

• Follow the NLBA Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct.
• Follow all rules and regulations outlined by the coaching staff and the NLBA.
• Leave coaching to coaches, ensuring not to publicly criticize coaches, strategies, playing time or performance.
• Respect and support the coaches, administrators, athletes, fans and officials at all times.
• Be a positive Role Model for my child and the program at all times commencing from the start of the program until its completion.
• Discuss any issues and concerns with my child privately, in a timely manner away from the game, teammates and spectators. (If you feel you need to discuss a situation with the coaching staff or administration it will be done in a professional and private arena.)
• Ensure my child arrives at all practices and games prepared and on time.
• Inform the coaching staff, in advance, if your child will arrive late or miss a training session or game.
• Avoid any confrontation with game officials, coaches or opposing team representatives and refrain from any unsporting and poor parenting behavior including verbal or physical abuse of players, coaches, game officials and spectators prior to, during or after games and practices.
• Follow all time lines outlined by the NLBA’s “Fee Payment Schedule”.
• The use of cell phones, lap tops, blackberries and other electronic devices will not be permitted after curfew. These items have caused serious issues with regards to athletes staying up past curfew for several hours and not gaining the proper sleep required for athletes in competition. The electronic devices will be collected by the coaches and returned to the athletes the following morning. Coach’s cells numbers will remain active 24 hours per day in case of emergency. Parents are asked to contact coaches under emergency situations only.
• Allow my child to be videotaped, photographed, recorded and / or interviewed during the duration of this program.  The NLBA promotes involvement in our programs by posting athlete / team photos or videos on its website, on social medial (such as Twitter and Facebook) and / or newsletters, brochures or advertisements or through other promotional opportunities.

I agree that if I fail to abide by the above-mentioned policies, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include but is not limited to the following:

• Verbal warning by coach or NLBA representative
• Written warning by NLBA representative
• Short term or long-term Parental/Guardian suspension.
• Removal of athlete from the program

This agreement, and the conditions and responsibilities set fourth within, have been accepted in good faith by each of the parties involved.

NLBA Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

MISSION
The NLBA is committed to providing our provincial athletes a supportive environment and a positive experience during our elite programming. Our mission is to provide a positive atmosphere and support participating athletes, coaches, officials and administrators. While winning is a priority in any elite program, it will not be placed above good sportsmanship and what is best for the team and the individual athletes. It is our goal to create an environment that will benefit the individual as well as the team. A positive team sport experience will promote a youth’s self-confidence and self-esteem beyond the basketball court. Please remember these individuals are representing their province every time they walk on the court.

EXPECTATIONS
As a parent/guardian of a provincial athlete, you must agree to support the program and the NLBA in ensuring your child has a positive experience by reviewing the literature below and following the Code of Conduct for Parents/Guardians. Parents/Guardians must remember this is an elite program as opposed to the normal fair play policies, which guide the majority of our programming in the province. Athletes may have to prepare themselves to be a part of a team without their usual amount of playing time. At times, this is the biggest adjustment for provincial athletes to accept. With a supportive attitude and a fundamental understanding of the "basics" of basketball by a parent or guardian, we hope everyone will enjoy a positive experience during the summer programs.

RATIONAL
In recent history parents/guardians have become more involved in their child’s athletic pursuits than ever before. While the NLBA supports this involvement there have been cases where parents/guardians have overstepped the boundaries between coaches and parents. Our coaches are unpaid volunteers who devote countless hours to the development of your child. You should keep in mind that your child will receive nearly 100 hours of instruction with top certified coaches and competition against the top athletes in the province and the country if they compete at the nationals. The NLBA have developed this contract in order to educate the parent/guardians of our athletes and to protect the integrity of our volunteer coaches. Below are some tips or helpful hints that should be followed when attending games/practices. Please take the opportunity to review the bullets below.

• Parent/Guardian: The Provincial Teams were developed to make certain that everyone’s experience with basketball is positive, safe and fun. Parents should avoid pressuring or placing unreasonable expectations on their children. No matter what happens on the court, they need your support, so always strive to be positive.
• Fan:  Parents will take the fun out of basketball by continually yelling or screaming from the stands. Instead, parents should enjoy the game and applaud good plays. The stands are not a place from which parents should try to personally coach their children. Athletes often mirror the actions of their parents; if they see mom or dad losing their cool in the stands, they will probably do the same on the court.
• Support and Promote Practices: If an athlete wants to improve, they must practice -- not just play. Even if a child is not the "star" player, practice stresses the importance of teamwork, establishing goals, discipline and learning to control your emotions, all of which are important lessons children can use both in and away from sports. Usually athletes in our programs do not drive and the parent/guardian is normally responsible for transportation issues. Please strive to have your child arrive at practices and games at the requested times.
• Support Your Child: There are many benefits from playing elite level basketball. Athletes learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. They learn to work together, how to sacrifice for the good of the team, how to enjoy winning and how to handle defeat. In the process, they also learn important lessons about physical fitness and personal health. The degree to which your child benefits from their basketball experience is as much your responsibility as it is theirs. For your child to get the most out of an elite basketball program it is important for you to show support and offer encouragement while maintaining a genuine interest in the team.
• Always Be Positive: Parents/Guardians serve as role models for their children, who often look to adults for advice, direction and approval. Never lose sight of the fact that you are a role model, so you must strive to be a positive one. As a parent/guardian, one of the most important things you can do is show good sportsmanship at all times to coaches, referees, opponents and team mates.   Remember that your children are PLAYING basketball. It is important to allow them to establish their own goals and play the game for themselves. Be careful not to impose your own standards or objectives.
• Let the Coach “Coach”: Our coaches are volunteers. Parents/Guardians are responsible for supporting and respecting the coach's decisions and abilities. It is unfair to put children in a position of having to decide who to listen to -- their parents or the coach.