representative
handbook 2026

WELCOME

Welcome to the Northern Suburbs Basketball Association (NSBA) Junior Representative Program for the 20265 season and congratulations on being a Bear!

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact our High Performance and Development Team through the relevant channels below.

Mike Golding
High Performance and Development Manager
mike.golding@nsba.com.au

Zara Shipp
High Performance and Development Administrator
reps@nsba.com.au

NORTHS CLUB PHILOSOPHY

At Norths, our basketball philosophy is built on three foundational pillars: Development, Experience, and Results. We believe that true success is measured not only by achievements on the scoreboard but also by the growth of our players and the experiences they gain through basketball. Results will never come at the expense of development and experience.

Development

Our focus is on building better athletes and individuals. We provide clear pathways for player growth and prioritise skill and concept development in every training session. We believe in:

A structured practice format that emphasises both individual skill and team-based concepts relevant to the age group.

Developing fundamental basketball IQ, technical skills, and physical attributes that support long-term basketball success.

Encouraging a growth mindset and instilling strong club values that players carry beyond the court.

Experience

We strive to create an environment where every player has a meaningful and rewarding basketball journey. This is achieved through:

Role clarity: Ensuring players understand their strengths and contributions within a team.

Goal setting: Providing clear objectives to ensure each player has an opportunity to grow throughout the season.

Recognising that basketball is more than a game; it builds character through sacrifice, courage, focus, accountability, and connection in a team setting.

Results

At Norths, success is a by-product of the commitment to development and experience. We believe that when players fully embrace their growth journey and the Norths experience, results naturally follow.

True commitment—both on and off the court—, leads to individual and team success.

Our club measures success not just in wins but in the improvement, resilience, and sportsmanship of our players.

By maintaining high standards and fostering a competitive spirit, we create a culture where excellence is expected and achieved.

Norths Basketball Club is dedicated to building athletes, teams, and a community that thrives on commitment, respect, and a shared passion for the game.

REPRESENTATIVE SEASON

The Waratah Metro Junior League (MJL) is a Basketball NSW competition that is made up of 20 clubs from the greater Sydney area.

These clubs are Bankstown, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden Valley, City of Sydney, PCYC Spirit, Hawkesbury, Hills, Hornsby Ku-RingGai, Inner West, Liverpool, Macarthur, Manly-Warringah, Marrickville, Norths, Penrith, Springwood, St. George, Sutherland and West Sydney.

There are 4 age groups: U12s, U14s, U16s and U18s for boys and girls. In most age groups there are at least 3 divisions and there can be up to 5 divisions. Divisions most often consist of 6 - 10 teams and are determined by a combination of previous year’s results and pre-season qualifying games, played in February/March.

The top teams from the U14s, U16s and U18s can be nominated to the Junior Premier League (JPL), which involves 6 Metro teams and 6 Country teams.

Like MJL, team qualification for this division is based on previous year’s results and pre-season qualifying games.

The current Norths Junior Representative structure involves 24 teams across four age groups. This includes 3 teams per age group per gender. The first team being ‘Black’, the second, ‘Red’, and the third team being ‘White’.

The 20265 MJL season consists of 14 rounds in the regular season followed by playoffs. For JPL, the season has 10 Metro rounds plus four Country rounds. The structure of playoffs is based on the number of teams in the division. JPL divisions plus U12D1 can qualify for State Championships and MJL D1 teams can qualify for State Cup.

BNSW & BA TOURNAMENTS

The following tournaments are organised by Basketball New South Wales (BNSW) and Basketball Australia (BA). They require qualification through the Waratah MJL and/or JPL season. When our teams qualify for these tournaments, all team members are expected to be available for all games.

State Cup

The State Cup is open to the top four teams in Division 1 (Division 2 for U12’s) and below sides in the State. Teams must be invited by Basketball NSW to compete. The State Cup is played separately and after the MJL finals.

State Championships

Open only to the top four Metro and top four Country Premier division sides from NSW. The State Championships is JPL’s Final Playoffs and an additional tournament for the U12’s. Teams must be invited by Basketball NSW to compete.

U14s and U18 Australian National Club Championships 2025 Update

The teams who qualify for the Club Championships in 2025 are the top 4 JPL teams as per the ladder at the end of round 4 (Approx April 6 2025.)

Other/Optional Tournaments

In addition to the Waratah MJL and State and National body tournaments your coach may be interested in competing in additional tournaments during the year.

Summer Slam

Summer Slam is a pre-season tournament organised by Hills, Norths, City of Sydney, and Sutherland. It is played over the last weekend of January, with each association hosting a different age group. This is the only external tournament that is compulsory for all Norths teams.

A list of optional tournaments that Norths have participated in the past are here:

Coastal Classic: February 8-9, 2025

Adelaide Easter Classic: April 18 - Apr 21, 2025

National Junior Classic and Nunawading Spectres Tournament: Kings Birthday Weekend - 7-9th June 2025

The organisation of any optional tournament is the responsibility of the team. This includes all communications, fundraising, accommodation, car hire, flights, entry fees etc. Norths does not have the capacity to organise teams for these tournaments and can only offer guidance in the processes involved.

Junior rep program fees and registration

Rep Fees Include:

Team Registration and BNSW Game Fees
State Championships and State Cup Fees
Midweek Training Venue Hire (training commences Monday 5th of February 2024)
Coach Honorarium
Referee and Supervisor Payments
End of Year Awards
Free Rep Player Entry to Norths Bears NBL1 Men’s & Women’s Games

Rep Fees Do Not Include:

BNSW Player Registration
Uniforms (will need to be paid for and ordered in December 2025 to arrive in time)
Additional Training Sessions
Pre-Season and Season Tournaments
Travel Costs
Stadium entry to home/away games

Sibling Discount:

A sibling discount is available for each second/third/fourth (etc) child within the Norths representative program. If you believe you are eligible for this discount, please contact the Norths Representative Program Adminstrator outlining your situation.This discount is only applicable for the Junior Rep Program.

Non-payment:

Payment dates for all fees have been made available for the 2026season. It is the expectation of NSBA that these fees will be paid on time. Those players who do not meet this deadline without prior communication, will be deemed ‘unfinancial’ and will be unable to continue with Representative Basketball at Norths. ‘Unfinancial’ players are also unable to take part in Representative Basketball at any other association until all outstanding fees are paid.

Hardship:

NSBA understands that financial hardship is a current issue in today’s economic climate, and we do not want to disadvantage children based on this. Genuine cases of financial hardship can be brought to NSBA where fee-relief will be made in confidence and on a case-by-case basis.

BNSW Player Registration:

All players must be registered or affiliated with NSBA, and it is the responsibility of the player and/ or their parents to ensure their registration is current. Registration/ affiliation is not covered under representative fees and is an additional cost to participants.

Norths uses PlayHQ to make registering easier. The process for this will be communicated closer to the start date of the season.

Gameday Spectator Fee:

As a condition of entry to any BNSW stadium on home game weekends, all spectators over the age of 18, will be charged a $5 entry fee. This entry fee helps subsidise the representative program.

2026 Fundraising Levy:

In 2026 each player will be required to complete one community engagement (appearance??). This year we will be achieving this through supporting other Norths Teams This can be either at a Norths Junior or Senior game. We striving to continually grow our club culture, and more information about how to complete this will be provided to you during the season by your team manager You will have two options for this; to pay an additional $100 with the remaining balance due or you can opt not to pay the fee, instead you can offset this by participating in a community activity.

RESERVE PLAYERS

The reserve players replace the previous years’ 11th Player and Train On positions.

The reserved players are required to train with the team at all scheduled sessions.

Reserve players are not required to attend games, but are encouraged to attend as many games as possible throughout the season to help build team chemistry. If they choose attend the game, they must wear norths gear (warm-up top/hoodie + closed shoes)

They do not play on a rotational basis – only 10 players are allowed to suit up and play. The reserve players may be selected to play when a regular player is sick, injured or away. The coach will reach out to the reserve player if this is the case.

There is NO guarantee on the amount of court time that this player will get in any games played.

They are required to purchase the full uniform.

The reserve players will have to purchase BNSW player registration.

TEAM MANAGER

Each representative team requires a Team Manager. The Team Manager looks after the in-house administration of the team, including training, game days, internal and external events, and tournaments. The Team Manager is to be a parent of the team and will be the point of contact between the Representative Program Coordinator and the team.

The Team Manager will:

Pay for and collect the money for tournament game fees and administration, as well as any extra trainings and social events
Be the point of contact for the team regarding game and training times and venues and is to be the main point of communication between team and coach.
Communicate fundraising opportunities to players.
Organise score bench rosters for each game and ensure that players are correctly signed onto gameday tablets (or scoresheets if used).
Look after the team kit; bringing it to and from all games (includes kit bag, team ball, water bottle holder, first- aid kit and blood-kit.
Manage registrations, equipment, fundraising, tournaments outside of the rep season e.g. Melbourne all Via Whatsapp
Be the main point of communication between the team and the Norths Staff
Organise Flights, hotels, expenses for the coaching staff

The Team Manager will not:

Provide coaches with game/player feedback unless asked by the coaching staff.
Conduct meetings with parents around player development and performance, this is the coaching staff’s responsibility

Managers are a crucial part of the team, and it is greatly appreciated for those who volunteer their time to this role.

It is important to remember that your role as a Team Manager does not include any coaching responsibilities, nor should you assume this role.

DOMESTIC COMPETITION

All junior representative players are strongly encouraged to

play in the NSBA Domestic Competition. Playing in our domestic competitions is very important for external skill development, giving players a chance to play against talent they may not come across in the Reps program.

If a player lives outside the NSBA area, they are not expected to play in the NSBA Local Competition. If you have any questions, please contact our Competitions team - competitions@nsba.com.au

Key dates

Media Day allocation will be shared from our marketing team.

UNIFORMS

All players must wear the official Norths uniform for games, warm-ups, and training. No other team colours, brands, logos, or non-Norths merchandise will be accepted. Players may wear any Norths branded merchandise to and from games.

Your mandatory kit consists of a Playing Uniform (reversible singlet and shorts), Warm Up Shirt, Reversible Training Singlet and Hoodie.

Please note that Norths is changing the Junior Rep Uniform in 2026. ALL players (both new and returning) will be required to purchase the new uniform by 30 November 2025.

RESPECT the kit, look after it (it is your responsibility to replace lost items)
You REPRESENT Northern Suburbs Basketball Association; it is important we look the same on the court at training and games... WE ARE 1 CLUB ...we are STRONGER TOGETHER
Non-standard team clothing and apparel cannot be worn on the court at games OR training (for example: NBA/NBL)
When playing official representative matches you MUST wear your uniform and warm up shirt
At training sessions, you MUST wear the Rep Reversible Training Singlet (no other rep items need to be worn) - black shorts preferred
For formal Norths activities and events, you MUST wear your Warm-Up Shirt(you will be informed prior when required)
The official Norths uniform may only be worn at Norths Representative Competitions
It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that the required uniform is ordered

Coaches and Managers have been instructed that if players are not wearing the official Norths Rep uniforms, they will NOT be able to take the court in games or training.

Under garments, such as compression wear, may be worn however they must be black, no other colour is permitted, as per BNSW guidelines.

TRAINING

The purpose of our Junior Representative Program is to develop every player, coach and official and as a result we have very high standards of training. All training sessions are compulsory, and each team can expect to train twice per week, unless communicated otherwise. The training schedule will be announced prior to the season.

Training Expectations

You must arrive at training venues 10 minutes prior to the start time and in the correct uniform. All trainings are compulsory
You must have a water bottle and your own ball
If you cannot attend training or are running late for training, the coach must be contacted directly BEFORE the session commences
When injured you are still expected to attend training, there is still work to be done as an injured athlete. If you are sick and possibly contagious you should not attend training. Please schedule medical and physio appointments outside of rep training to ensure no concepts are missed.
If you have an injury that will affect your performance in either a game or training session you will need to inform your coach directly.
As an Injured Player, there is always room for improvement. From a technical, coordination/ skill or rehab perspective, every player should be coming to training, expecting to improve and learn.
If you have missed games/training due to an injury you must provide a medical clearance before you resume training/playing.
After a prolonged absence due to injury, you will need to provide a return to play action plan from a sports doctor and pass a fitness test, prior to returning to full game activity. This is to ensure a safe return to play and avoid the avoidable injuries.

Venues

Northern Suburbs Basketball Association
Level 5, 36 Hume Street, Crows Nest, 2065

North Sydney Boys High School
127 Falcon St, North Sydney NSW 2060

Shore School, RAI Grant Centre
Blue St, North Sydney NSW 2060

Redlands School, Dunnet Hall
2 Allister St, Cremorne NSW 2090

Official NSBA scheduled rep training begins on at your allocated venues. If you wish to begin training earlier with your team you may do so but must follow the below conditions:

All bookings are to be made via the stadium front desk (courts@nsba.com.au) or via our Stadium Experience Manager

- Joe Cruz (joe.cruz@nsba.com.au)

For bookings before Official training begins, Rep teams will be charged the member court hire price of $90/hour for a full court and $47.50 for a half court. These court hire fees are subject to change in 2026.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

As members of Northern Suburbs Basketball Association, it is an expectation that your actions - parent, player or coach – reflect the association in a positive light.

Technical Foul

Any player who receives a technical foul (related to poor behaviour/decent) will be subbed off the court immediately. It will be at the coach’s discretion whether the player will take further part in the game or whether further action in the form of court time restrictions will be taken

.

Disrespectful behaviour

Any players who engages in behaviour deemed disrespectful to members of NSBA, referees or opposition will be subbed off the court. A second offence will lead to said player being left off for the rest of the game. Further internal disciplinary action may apply.

Training

Failure to be punctual or to appear at training sessions (without valid/ approved excuses) may result in the coach deciding to limit a player’s court time. Failure to adhere to player expectations during a training environment may also lead to a player receiving court time affected sanctions from their coach.

Off-court behaviour

If a Norths player, parent, or coach is found to be behaving in a manner negatively affecting the reputation of NSBA, internal disciplinary action may be taken.

NSBA’s domestic competitions fall under BNSW’s by-laws. Therefore, the consequences of a player, coach, or parent’s actions in one competition (Reps or Domestic) will have the same impact in the latter.

All further incidents are to be reported to NSBA’s Representative Program Coordinator, where further action may be taken at the discretion of the Representative Program Coordinator and CEO. Please note that Norths Basketball may impose disciplinary measures on any individual in breach of the Code of Conduct or any policies

Communication

Player Communication

The cornerstone of successful basketball is communication. Any issues with a teammate or opposition player should be communicated with the coach or manager
Arguing or negative communication with referees during games is not tolerated. Any concerns should be communicated with coach or manager and addressed accordingly
Use positive communication and encouragement toward teammates

Communication With Coaches, Team Managers, and other Parents

Before the commencement of the season, the Coach and Team Manager will determine the best mechanism for communication between Parents, the Coach, and the Team Manager. This may include the channel, timing, and manner of communication. It is expected that parents follow the process outlined to streamline communication and minimise miscommunication or duplication of information.

Parent Involvement

Parents have a high level of influence on their children and therefore we appreciate the support of parents in helping create a positive environment for our community. Below are some general principles we have developed to ensure the best outcomes for players, coaches, and managers.

Encourage the whole team during games and trainings, not just your son or daughter.
The coach is to be the only source of technical feedback to the players. Coaching from the sidelines is never appropriate regardless of your knowledge of the game.
Parents should be careful about discussing team issues in front of their children. If you speak negatively about a coach, player or referee, your child may adopt the same negative attitude.
The car ride home shapes a young athlete’s love for the game—focus on effort, enjoyment, and growth, not just mistakes. Sometimes, the best thing to say is: “I love watching you play.”
Coaches should chat with players before parents are involved in situations
We are looking for positive players and positive support from parents. We do encourage you to be vocal in your support for our teams. However, do not make negative comments to the opposition, the referees or other team members; as stated earlier in this document, all these parties are worthy of respect

Communicating Concerns

Parents must understand that our coaches are encouraged both intrinsically and from the Representative Program to invest a great deal of time and effort into the development of your child as players and people. Parents must also understand that coaches are given the task of making objective decisions regarding your son or daughter with respect to what is best for the team and club.

We do understand that there will be some contentious decisions. Effective communication between yourself and the coach is the key to addressing any issues you may have with the coach’s decision.

If you have positive feedback this may be brought up at any time. However, if you have issues that need resolving then please follow the appropriate process (outline below).

Do not approach the coach in front of other players and supporters.
Wait 24 hours before talking to the coach. Most problems will not seem as big after some time to think through the issues first.
The team manager should be included in the discussion as an objective opinion for any non-basketball matters.
If a solution can not be reached, then the matter should be referred to the High Performance and Development Manager (mike.golding@nsba.com.au).
Should a suitable outcome still not be reached, the issues will be heard by the NSBA CEO

Parents are expected to follow the above process. It will ensure that everyone communicates with each other honestly and openly. NSBA are unlikely to look favourably on your situation if you have not attempted to follow the correct procedure.

JUNIOR & NBL1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The basketball pathway in Australia is evolving, creating more opportunities for our representative players to pursue a semi-professional career—whether at Norths or with major clubs across the country. This journey begins at the grassroots level, where junior representatives develop their skills, mindset, and love for the game. We want our families and players to recognise the importance of individual growth and the role our Norths Community can play in that development.

At Norths, we take pride in fostering a strong sense of connection between our junior and senior programs. We want to see our Junior Bears supporting one another while also being inspired by our NBL1 players, who are dedicated to giving back to the club where their own journeys began.

For many, the basketball journey starts on a Saturday afternoon with Miniball, and progresses into the excitement of NBL1 game nights on Saturday evenings. Moving forward, our NBL1 athletes will have an even greater presence around the Bear Cave, supporting our juniors during training and on game days. They have been in their shoes, each with their own unique journey, and we hope their experiences will ignite belief and ambition in the next generation of professional basketballers.

GAMES & COURT TIME

Game

Players must be ready to play at the time designated by their coach and/or team manager. This includes having and wearing the correct Norths rep uniform, shoes, club warm-up shirt, drink bottles and anything else you need to play

If players require strapping this should be done in advance
Players are to bring enough water for the entire game, a 2-litre bottle may be needed
During games there are to be no parents around the bench area at any point in time
At no time are parents to approach the bench area for any reason unless requested by the coach

Court time

Court time is earned, not given, but every player will have the opportunity to take the court. If a player does not take the court in a game, the coach will discuss it with them immediately after and contact the HIgh Performance and Development Manager for further clarification.

Representative basketball is a highly competitive program, and equal court time is not guaranteed. While some players will play more than others, every player has the chance to earn additional minutes. Coaches will have different philosophies on rotation, and aside from Under 12’s—where all players must play in both halves— there should be no expectation of equal time on court. Court time is allocated at the coach’s discretion.

At Norths, we believe in a growth mindset and a commitment to development. Players improve their chances of gaining additional court time by demonstrating:

Commitment: Meeting NSBA expectations for attendance, punctuality, and behaviour.
Attitude & Effort: Displaying a positive approach towards coaches, teammates, referees, and other officials.
Skill Development: Showing continuous improvement, effort, and energy in training and games.

Our goal is to create an environment of accountability, resilience, and opportunity.

When players embrace their development and experience, their results will follow, both individually and as a team.

SCORE BENCH DUTY

Parents are required to complete score bench duties throughout the representative season. Score bench resources will be sent out prior to the commencement of the representative season.

Team managers will create a roster for all season games to ensure that all parents have an equal share in bench duties. Once rostered for score bench duty, parents unable to meet each commitment are responsible for coordinating a replacement prior to the game(s).

Home teams (Team A) are required to provide two people to be Chairperson and Timekeeper.

Away teams (Team B) are required to provide two people to Score (using a tablet) and operate the Shot Clock.

INJURY PROCEDURES

As is a requirement, all players within the representative program must purchase BNSW player registration. This registration includes health insurance in the instance a player is injured during a game or at training. If this is the case, injuries must be reported to the High Performance & Development Administrator at the earliest convenience so that the correct processes can be communicated and followed.

For injuries where players are unable to play or train for more than a week, a medical certificate is to be supplied to the High Performance & Development Administrator. This is crucial as it may be necessary to apply for an exemption so that the injured player can qualify for finals.

If players need to withdraw from the Representative Program due to injury or illness, please bring this to the attention of the High Performance & Development Administrator at the earliest convenience.

COACHING EXPECTATIONS

NSBA is committed to providing its representative players with the best coaching available. The club offers support for all coaches through coach education, mentorship and support, and the provision of mental/emotional development techniques and resources.

They will also be required to adhere to our standards in our coach’s handbook which pertain to professional conduct, communication in all contexts, personal appearance, language, and social media usage.

It also should be noted that many of the coaches in our program are involved in external coaching. Whether it be schools, private enterprise or for other basketball organisations. We acknowledge this and understand that any conflict of interest in

the representative selection process, as well as any conflict that could affect the thought process of coach toward player, will be considered and coaching appointments will be made accordingly.

NSBA is committed to providing high quality representative coaches to its members, to ensure this, we pay our coaches an amount at the end of the season that is, in comparison to other clubs in NSW, significant. Part of what makes The role of the High Performance and Development Manager is to provide continued support for our representative coaches throughout the representative season. This includes observing and assisting with trainings and games as well as organising course and resources for coaches to utilise.

Travel & tournament policy

The chance to travel and play in tournaments away from home is a unique experience for all young people. Previous NSBA representative teams have been excellent ambassadors for our club and to continue this tradition, we advise these rules in advance:

An official team schedule must be established prior to departure, by the team staff for the whole time away, including but not limited to, team meetings, video analysis sessions, trainings, games, team dinners etc.

NSBA officials (coaches and managers) are instructed to be firm but fair with all members of the touring party with any problems reported to NSBA or parents

NSBA officials will determine the course of action for disruptive behaviour. Disciplinary actions can range from limited court time to suspensions and even being sent home.

It is custom for teams to contribute to the cost of their coaches’ expenses for these tournaments. To aid our coaches with the cost of these tournaments a $100-150 / day guideline is provided. This is a guideline only and the amount provided, if any, is determined by the families in the team that are choosing to attend.

We strongly urge teams to engage in demonstrations of camaraderie, unity, and support for their fellow NSBA teams who may also be taking part in the same tournament.

Tour members are required to wear NSBA branded apparel to, from and at the competition venue, on flights/buses to the tournament and at any competition function

The Law

Players or guests under the age of 18 are not to consume or supply alcohol or illegal substances under any circumstances. If a junior consumes alcohol, they will be sent home If you break the law, you will be sent home

Accommodation

Junior Team members will be accommodated with their parent(s) Should a parent of a junior member be unable to attend, another parent within the team can act as guardian. Each player must have their own bed Team management may set room curfews at night. Juniors will be required to stay in their rooms after this time.

Families must be permitted to book their own accommodation; coaches may request for the team to all stay at the same hotel however this is simply a request and cannot be enforced All team members must make their own bookings at hotels and anyone who chooses to block book several rooms does so at their own risk For mixed gender tours, boys and girls are encouraged to mix but must do so only in the common room areas of the hotels. Boys and girls are not permitted in each other’s rooms at any time.

Any damages or charges incurred at the accommodation will need to be paid for by the person or people responsible.

These rules are designed to ensure all group members enjoy team travel. We cannot cover for every contingency, so use common sense and be responsible for your actions. If you have any issues when on tour, these should be communication with your coach, team manager and NSBA staff.

working with children check

The Working with Children Check (WWCC) is a requirement for anyone who works or volunteers in child-related work in NSW.

It involves a National Police Check (criminal history record check) and a review of reportable workplace misconduct.

The outcome of a check is either a clearance to work with children or a bar against working with children. If cleared, the check will be valid for 5 years, however applicants are continuously monitored.

Guide to working with children checks at NSBA

Why are we committed to 100% WWCC compliance at Norths?

NSBA is committed to a Child Safe Culture and one of our values is A Safe Community – Safety
is embedded in our leadership, governance, and culture. We value our role as a contributor to health and well-being of our whole community.
We are committed to stakeholders continuously improving their knowledge via resources shared by the Office of the Children’s Guardian (NSW).

Who must have a WWCC in Norths?

With the extraordinary volume of people requiring WWCCs and our limited resources it is virtually impossible to have a team by team-based process therefore:

NSBA Board Members must have an NSW Volunteer WWCC
NSBA will determine NSW Paid WWCC requirements for Staff or Contractors
ALL Volunteers over 18 must have an NSW Volunteer WWCC (e.g., Coaches, Team
Managers, Referees, Referee Instructors, Score Table Officials, Game Service Coordinators etc)

Per the representative program the following individuals are required to provide NSBA with a valid Paid or Volunteer WWCC:

Head Coaches
Assistant Coaches
Team managers
Any other individual that has taken up a role within the team

Norths requires WWCC numbers (obtained from Service NSW) to be supplied alongside the individual’s date of birth so that they can be validated. All details are to be sent to the High Performance and Development Administrator or the High Performance and Development Manager via email.

MEMBER PROTECTION

Member protection is a term widely used in the Australian sports industry to describe the practices that sporting organisations put in place to protect their members from discrimination, harassment, abuse and other inappropriate behaviour.

Member Protection Policy

Northern Suburbs Basketball Association adheres to the Basketball Australia Member Protection Policy. By participating in the NSBA Junior Representative Program, you agree to adhere to this Policy.

This Policy applies to the following people whether they are in a paid or unpaid/voluntary capacity:

Persons appointed or elected to boards, committees and sub-committees of Norths Basketball;
Employees of Norths Basketball;
Support personnel appointed or elected to teams and squads that represent Norths Basketball (including managers, physios, psychologists, sports trainers);
Coaches and assistant coaches appointed or elected to teams that represent Norths Basketball;
Athlete appointed or elected to teams that represent Norths Basketball;
Referees, umpires and other officials involved in the regulation of the sports appointed by Norths Basketball;
Members, including life members of Norths Basketball;
Any other person or organisation including spectators, parents/ guardians, and sponsors, who or which agree (whether express or implied) to be bound by this policy

Member Protection Process

The following process is to be followed should a possible Member Protection issue be identified.

Any member protection issue must be reported to the CEO immediately by any Board member, staff member, coach, manager, player, or parent.
The CEO will liaise with the MPIO and notify the Board of a potential member protection incident or issue.
After consulting with the MPIO, the CEO will forward the details to the MPIO for investigation, if it is considered necessary.
Once reported to the MPIO, the MPIO will report monthly to the Board on the progress of the investigation, unless the MPIO feels it is necessary to act earlier (e.g., referral to police).
If the CEO believes a particular Board member could be conflicted, the CEO will consult with the President to decide whether that Board member should be involved in the communication process.
If the CEO believes the President could be conflicted, the CEO will consult with the Vice President to decide whether the President should be involved in the communication process.
If the possible Member Protection issue involves the CEO, the person reporting the incident should make the report to the President.
Once the MPIO completes the investigation, a report will be made to the Board and any other body required by law.

POLICIES

NSBA has several policies and procedures in place which are applicable to the NSBA Junior Representative Program.

Parents and players should familiarise themselves with these policies. These policies can be found here (https://www.nsba. com.au/policies) and include but are not limited to:

Member Protection Policy
Working with Children Check
Player and Parent Code of Conduct
Zero Tolerance and Sports Rage Policy
Privacy Policy
Social Media Use Policy

Representative Program including any rules, policies, by-laws and/or guidelines set forth by a governing body of the sport.

NSBA reserves the right to amend any of the rules, regulations, policies and procedures if deemed to be in the best interest of the program.

MENTAL HEALTH & SUPPORT SERVICES

NSBA is lucky to have access to multiple Mental Health First Aid Accredited staff members. Within the Representative Program, our High Performance and Development Manager, Mike Golding, is accredited and open to assist where he can. You can reach Mike at mike.golding@nsba.com.au Monday to Friday.

The following services are also available:

Lifeline 13 11 14 (in an emergency always call 000)

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800

SPONSORSHIPS

Norths are a not-for-profit organisation and as such are always looking for sponsors to support the association. If you or anyone you know are interested in the prospect of promoting a business to a base of over 10,000 players, spectators, parents, coaches and referees who step into the Bear Cave each week, then please contact our CEO, Eric Stephens (eric.stephens@nsba.com.au) to discuss a proposal

player and parent agreement

Players

I will always play by the rules
I will embody the Norths values and player expectations in my behaviour on and off the court
I will avoid arguing with an official I will respect my teammates, my coaches and my club.
I will compete in every possession, at every drill, at every scrimmage, in every game.
I will keep our benches and our training space tidy and ready for the next users.
I will play to the best of my abilities in the toughest of situations.
I will control my emotions when angry or upset.
I will not use derogatory language.
I will display modesty in victory and grace in defeat.
I will not use and/or abuse drugs or alcohol
I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of people involved in the game, regardless of gender, ability, religion, cultural background, or impairment
I will thank the opposition, score bench and officials at the end of every game

By participating in the NSBA Junior Representative Program, I agree to abide by any rules, policies, by-laws and/or guidelines governing the operation or administration of the NSBA Representative Program including any rules, policies, by-laws and/or guidelines set forth by a governing body of the sport.

I realise that there are consequences for breaches of these policies, some of which are severe.

Parents

I will embody NSBA core values
I will instil NSBA values and player expectations within my child
I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort
I will focus on my child’s and their team’s character and effort - not the result
I will not shout and abuse the officials during games, I know they are trying their best
I will be my child’s biggest fan and support my own and my teams journey.
I will help echo instructions shared by coaches, officials and administrator
I will not arrive at the venue intoxicated or drink alcohol at junior matches.
I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of people involved in the game, regardless of their gender, ability, religion, cultural background, or impairment

I give permission for my child’s image to be recorded, stored, and used for promotional material, social media, and other advertising purposes and for ongoing coach education