Pay Online

Our online software offers a secure portal to accept credit card payments. 

All programs are subject to HST. All online payments are subject to a transaction fee.

Pay by e-transfer

E-transfers can be sent to burloakbasketball@gmail.com

If choosing to pay by e-transfer, please note the following:

• In the notes section please indicate your athlete’s name and the program/team they are registered for to ensure we apply the payment accurately.
• E-transfers are set for auto-deposit, so there is no need to set a password.
• Ensure to send the e-transfer 1 business day prior to the due date on the system.

Fee assistance:

Municipal programs:

• City of Burlington
• City of Oakville
• City of Hamilton

The following charitable programs offer athlete financial assistance:

JUMPSTART

• Jumpstart is a charity backed by Canadian Tire which helps kids in financial need participate in organized sport by assisting with costs associated with sports.
• To find out more please visit: jumpstart.canadiantire.ca

KIDSPORT

• KidSport is a grass roots Canadian non-profit organization that provides support to under-resourced children and youth 18 years of age and under by removing financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sport. To find out more please visit kidsportcanada.ca/ontario/

CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

• The Children’s Foundation Free to Grow Program nurtures the physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being of children and youth by funding recreational and life-skill opportunities such as sports, arts, camps, driver’s education training and leadership development.
• To find out more please visit childrensfoundation.org/free-to-grow

Each Rep player received an offer letter by email, that includes an attachment of the details of the team fees. A copy of this letter is in each team’s parent manual.

Team fees are different based on several items:

• Number of players on the team – Quoted team fees are based on a roster of 12. If you have less than 12 athletes, the team’s total fee will be divided by the athletes on the final roster.
• Number of practices per week
• Weeknight or weekend practices
• Which court(s) the team practices on
• League fees
• Tournament fees
• Which apparel each individual orders

NOTE: there are no fee reductions if your athlete elects not to attend practices/competitions or becomes injured during the season. It is expected that your child still attends all practices and competitions to be part of the team even if injured, as there are drills that each player can still do (ball handling, form shooting, sprinting in the event of a hand injury). If your athlete withdraws from a team, the fees paid to date are non-refundable. The rep team landscape is competitive and athletes were cut from our teams for your child to have a spot. 

Weekend practices that are not attended due to having league competitions are not replaced with a weekday practice. This has already been taken into account when creating your team budgets.

Burloak expects the following:

• A deposit of $550 is paid within 24 hours of your Rep team offer being accepted.
• Apparel fees are paid in full before September 30.
• The balance of the fee is paid in full prior to Oct 31 OR the family has elected to enroll in a monthly payment plan.
• If a payment plan is elected, a credit card MUST be on file, even if you wish to pay the installments by e-transfer. This is collateral of a payment agreement like any other finance plan to ensure we will receive your payment.
• If paying by e-transfer, please send the installment 1 business day prior to the deadline so we can remove the pending charge from any credit cards.
• Late payments are subject to a $50 fee PER late payment, and/or PER credit card decline.

For anyone new to basketball we recommend playing house league so you can learn the game, play, and have fun. If your child has previous basketball experience and really loves the game, we suggest trying out for our Rep teams. Please visit out tryout schedule on the website.

If you need assistance, please reach out at burloakbasketball@gmail.com

The size of basketball varies by age:
Jr. NBA (4 years old) – U12 (11 years old) Size 5: 27.5”
U13 (12 years old) – U14 (13 years old) Size 6: 28.5”
BOYS U15 (14 years old) – U19 (18 years old) Size 7: 29.5”
GIRLS U15 (14 years old) – U19 (18 years old) Size 6: 28.5”

As a parent of a player on a Burloak Basketball team, I understand that the following are my responsibilities at practices and during games:

I will:

• remember that children should be having fun when they come to practice or a game.
• be encouraging, supportive, and affirmative regarding my child’s play on the court.
• respect officials and accept their decisions.
• encourage my child to be a good sport.
• support the coaches and trust that their decisions are in the best interest of the athlete and the team.
• refrain from negative communications with athletes, coaches, the scorers’ table, or game officials.
• provide medical documentation regarding any injury in accordance with club and Safe Sport policy.
• discuss my child only with the coaches and only at a time mutually agreed upon with the coaches and never prior to, during, or directly after a game. At minimum, a window of 24 hours after a game must be observed prior to contacting a coach about playing time.
• always abide by all club and team as well as any event/competition policies.

Further, I will never:

• coach from the sidelines during games or practices.
• interfere with the duties and responsibilities of the coaches.
• engage in dissent directed toward an official (questioning of calls or non-calls).
• engage in any kind or type of unsportsmanlike conduct or harassment with any official, coach, player, or parent of either team.
• go on to the basketball court or approach the team bench area. This includes the time when teams enter for warm up, until the time when teams leave the court at the end of the game.
• interfere with the game on the court or the event taking place.
• act in any manner which is detrimental to the team or club.
• utter negative remarks to any player or other parents.
• complain about other player’s skills on my child’s team.
• use profane or foul language in the direction/towards another parent, child, coach, official, score table official, or convenor.

Any person that does not adhere to this code of conduct may be asked to leave any venue at any time. Multiple egregious infractions may lead to your family being dismissed from the team or club.

Online Administration & Fees

Each player must register for and attend a minimum of 1 tryout to be considered for any Burloak Basketball Rep Team. There is a cost of $20+ processing fee for tryouts that have 2 sessions and $25+ processing fee for tryouts that have 3 sessions. Athletes that are registered for tryouts  in August will be invited to pre-tryout gym times as bonus training.

Tryout Fees are non-refundable at any time, and are not deducted from team fees.

Pay to Play

All fees must be paid in order for Burloak Basketball to register the team in competitions. Burloak Basketball offers flexible payment plans and we are happy to work with families that require payment plans. These plans consist of a formal agreement, and enrollment in an automatic debit agreement from a credit card. A $50 late payment charge will be added to any payments not paid on time.

Burloak Basketball reserves the right to delay team registrations in events/competitions until such time that team revenue is collected to satisfactorily cover team expenses.

Athlete Offers – Fall/Winter

Each athlete selected will receive a formal offer via email from burloakbasketball@gmail.com. Please add this email address to your contacts to ensure the offer does not go into your junk mail.

Once you receive your offer, you will be required to register under the team you were offered a spot on for the club within 48 hours. Players confirming acceptance of the offer are asked to pay the “Player Deposit” of $478.50+hst ($550) through our registration system – Playbook. This is a non-refundable deposit which confirms and holds your spot on the team and contain costs we cannot retrieve.

The balance of your team fee that can be paid in installments covers several items and can be different for each team depending on the length of the season for the team, and practice courts they are assigned. 

• 3 gym practices a week (includes, permit fees, custodial and cleaning)
• Practice Gear (Reversible & Shorts)
• Compression shirt
• Year-end banquet ticket for 1 athlete – Parents will be offered the ability to attend the banquet at a fee of $25 per parent if seating permits.
• OBA/Canada Basketball membership fees
• 3 Combines to assess and evaluate your progress
• Media Day
• Scheduled work with our Strength and Conditioning coach twice a week
• Administrative fees related to day-to-day business and club operations (staffing)
• Affiliation fees with Ontario Basketball Association
• Website, social media, and digital platform and costs (e.g. Playbook, Ramp, Square, Human Resources)
• OBA and Facility insurance costs
• OBL/OBLx/G-Elite & Ontario Cup/Provincial Championship registration fees.

When you register on Playbook, you will be offered add-on for your apparel/team gear. You can even purchase a Burloak Branded Basketball!

New players to Burloak are required to select the 2024-2025 New Burloak Player Apparel Package. This package retails at over $650, but we have worked with our manufacturer Xeist to bring the cost to $354.97+tax. This package includes:

• Home and Away uniforms (Jersey and shorts for each set)
• Shooting shirt
• Choice of a backpack or duffle bag
• Elemental Track Suit

OR

If you are a returning player to Burloak, you can choose the new player package, or purchase individual items at retail value, or save on some fees by purchasing a returning player package.

Gear will not be provided to athletes until this is paid in full.

The athletes are required to attend a fitting day to ensure the sizing selected at the time of registration is accurate. The fitting day will be held on September 13, 2024 and your team’s exact time will be scheduled at the time of the offer. To pre-determine your sizing for registration, use the “Xeist Size guide” under “Rep  Teams” to measure your athlete.

Gear will not be distributed until the fee is paid.

OBL Online Registration & Fees

If the team your athlete(s) are playing for selects to play in the Ontario Basketball League (OBL), Team Registration will now be through RAMP, and parents will be required to register through RAMP as well as Playbook.

This team registration will require a per player Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) membership fee of $25 and a Canada Basketball Membership fee of $5.00.

Coaches are also required to register as Staff/Coaches and provide their certification confirmation through their NCCP numbers, and a vulnerable sector check.  There is a $40 coach fee for OBA and $5 Canada Basketball membership fee as well.

OBA Policies and Procedures.

It is imperative that you review these and have an awareness of the major policies and procedures that we abide by as a Canada Basketball and OBA Member verified club. Please familiarize yourself with the major policies and procedures, as well as the recommended Penalties for Misconduct as outlined by the OBA Fair Play Schedules A & B. We are using links in this document so that if the source documents are updated, you can always reference the most recent copy.

While Schedules A & B are recommended penalties, Burloak Basketball, as an organization, reserves the right to issue any reprimands as it sees fit for each case.

Rules & Regulations

OBA provides a comprehensive guide for all age groups participating in the Ontario Basketball League. This can be found by clicking this link -> Rules & Regulations • Ontario Basketball Association

Purpose

These athlete protection guidelines describe how Persons in Authority can maintain a safe sport environment for athletes.

Definitions

The following terms have these meanings in these Guidelines:

1. “Person in Authority” – An individual who holds a position of authority within the club including, but not limited to, coaches, managers, support personnel, chaperones, and directors
2. “Vulnerable Participants” – Includes minors and vulnerable adults (people who, because of age, disability or other circumstance, are in a position of dependence on others or are otherwise at a greater risk than the general population of being harmed by people in positions of trust or authority)

Interactions between Persons in Authority and Athletes – Rule of Two

For interactions between Persons and Authority and Athletes, the club strongly recommends the ‘Rule of Two’ for all Persons in Authority who interact with athletes. The ‘Rule of Two’ is a directive that says that an athlete must never be alone one-on-one with an unrelated Person in Authority.

The club recognizes that fully implementing the ‘Rule of Two’ may not always be possible. Consequently, at a minimum, interactions between Persons in Authority and Athletes must respect the following:

1. The training environment should be open and transparent so that all interactions between Persons in Authority and Athletes are observable
2. Private or one-on-one situations must be avoided unless they are open and observable by another adult or Athlete
3. Persons in Authority shall not invite or have an unrelated Vulnerable Participant (or Vulnerable Participants) in their home without the written permission and concurrent knowledge of the Vulnerable Participant’s parent or guardian
4. Vulnerable Participants must not be in any situation where they are alone with an unrelated Person in Authority without another screened adult or Athlete present unless prior written permission is obtained from the Vulnerable Participant’s parent or guardian

Practices and Competitions

1. For practices and competitions, the club and its members recommends:
2. A Person in Authority should never be alone with a Vulnerable Participant prior to or following a competition or practice unless the Person in Authority is the Vulnerable Participant’s parent or guardian
3. If the Vulnerable Participant is the first Athlete to arrive, the Athlete’s parent should remain until another Athlete or Person in Authority arrives
4. If a Vulnerable Participant would potentially be alone with a Person in Authority following a competition or practice, the Person in Authority should ask another Person in Authority (or a parent or guardian of another Athlete) to stay until all of the Athletes have been picked up. If an adult is unavailable, another Athlete, who is preferably not a Vulnerable Participant, should be present in order to avoid the Person in Authority being alone with a Vulnerable Participant
5. Persons in Authority giving instructions, demonstrating skills, or facilitating drills or lessons to an individual Athlete should always do so within earshot and eyesight of another Person in Authority
6. Persons in Authority and Athletes should take steps to achieve transparency and accountability in their interactions. For example, a Person in Authority and an Athlete who know they will be away from other Participants for a lengthy period of time must inform another Person in Authority where they are going and when they are expected to return. Persons in Authority should always be reachable by phone or text message

Communications

For communication between Persons in Authority and Athletes, the club recommends:

• Group messages, group emails or team pages are to be used as the regular method of communication between Persons in Authority and athletes
• Persons in Authority may only send personal texts, direct messages on social media or emails to individual athletes when necessary and only for the purpose of communicating information related to team issues and activities (e.g., non-personal information)
• Electronic communication between Persons in Authority and Athletes that is personal in nature should be avoided. If such communication occurs, it must be recorded and available for review by another Person in Authority and/or by the Athlete’s parent/guardian (when the Athlete is a Vulnerable Participant)
• Parents and guardians may request that their child not be contacted by Persons in Authority using any form of electronic communication and/or to request that certain information about their child may not be distributed in any form of electronic communications
• All communication between Persons in Authority and athletes must be between the hours of 6:00am and midnight unless extenuating circumstances exist
• Communication concerning drugs or alcohol use (unless regarding its prohibition) is not permitted
• Persons in Authority are not permitted to ask athletes to keep a secret for them. A Person in Authority should not become overly-involved in an athlete’s personal life

Travel

For travel involving Persons in Authority and Athletes, the club recommends:

• Teams or groups of Athlete shall always have at least two Persons in Authority with them
• For mixed gender teams or groups of Athletes, there should be one Person in Authority from each gender
• Screened parents or other volunteers will be available in situations when two Persons in Authority cannot be present
• No Person in Authority may drive a vehicle alone with an Athlete unless the Person in Authority is the Athlete’s parent or guardian
• A Person in Authority may not share a room or be alone in a hotel room with an athlete unless the Person in Authority is the athlete’s parent or guardian
• Room or bed checks during overnight stays must be done by two Persons in Authority
• For overnight travel when athletes share a hotel room, roommates will be age-appropriate (e.g., within 2 years of age) and of the same gender identity

Locker Room / Changing Area / Meeting Room

For locker rooms, changing areas and other closed meeting spaces, the club recommends:

• Interactions between a Person in Authority and an individual athlete should not occur in any room where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy such as the locker room, meeting room, restroom, or changing area. A second Person in Authority should be present for any necessary interaction in any such room

1. If Persons in Authority are not present in the locker room or changing area, or if they are not permitted to be present, they should still be available outside the locker room or changing area and be able to enter the room or area if required 

Photography / Video

For all photography and video of an Athlete, the club recommends:

1. Parents/guardians should sign a photo release form (i.e., as part of the registration process) that describes how an athlete’s image may be used by the club 
2. Photographs and video may only be taken in public view, must observe generally accepted standards of decency, and be both appropriate for and in the best interest of the athlete. 
3. The use of recording devices of any kind in rooms where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy is strictly prohibited. 
4. Examples of photos that should be edited or deleted include: 
5. Images with misplaced apparel or where undergarments are showing 
6. Suggestive or provocative poses 
7. Embarrassing images

Physical Contact 

The club. athletes, parents/guardians understand that some physical contact between Persons in Authority and athletes may be necessary for various reasons including, but not limited to, teaching a skill or tending to an injury. 

For physical contact, the club recommends: 

1. Unless it is not possible because of serious injury or other circumstance, a Person in Authority should always clarify with an athlete where and why any touch will occur. The Person in Authority must make clear that they are requesting to touch the athlete and not requiring the physical contact 
2. Infrequent, non-intentional physical contact, particularly contact that arises out of an error or a misjudgment on the part of the athlete during a training session, is permitted 
3. Making amends, such as an apology or explanation, is encouraged to further help educate athletes on the difference between appropriate and inappropriate contact
4. Hugs lasting longer than 5 seconds, cuddling, physical horseplay, and physical contact initiated by the Person in Authority is not permitted. 
5. The club is aware that some younger athletes may initiate hugging or other physical contact with a Person in Authority for various reasons (e.g., such as crying after a poor performance), but this physical contact should always be limited.

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish a consistent and fair process for investigating violations of Burloak Basketball’s Code of Conduct policies.

This policy is designed to protect the safety and well-being of all participants, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and promote a positive environment for youth basketball that is inclusive for all.

Investigation Process:

1. Reporting: Any individual who witnesses or becomes aware of a potential violation of a code of conduct policy must report the incident to Burloak Basketball Safe Sport Contact person. This may include coaches, parents, volunteers, players or other individuals involved in the organization. Complaints must be submitted to the secure Safe Sport Violation Form.

2. Initial Review: The Safe Sport person will conduct an initial review of the incident report to determine whether there is sufficient evidence of a code of conduct policy violation to proceed with an investigation. If there is insufficient evidence to proceed, the investigation will be closed, and no further action will be taken.

3. Investigation: If there is sufficient evidence to proceed, the Safe Contact person will initiate a full investigation. The investigation will be conducted by three neutral investigators who are not affiliated with Burloak Basketball or any of the parties involved in the investigation. The investigators will be selected by the Safe Contact person based on their expertise, objectivity, and experience in conducting investigations.

4. Determination: Upon completion of the investigation, the three neutral investigators will determine whether a violation of the code of conduct policy has occurred. If a violation has occurred, the investigative committee will determine the appropriate sanctions or disciplinary action, in accordance with Burloak Basketball’s Disciplinary Policy.

5. Appeal: Any person who is the subject of a disciplinary action may appeal the decision to the committee responsible for handling appeals. The appeal must be made in writing within 10 calendar days of receiving the disciplinary action. The committee responsible for handling appeals will review the appeal and make a final determination.

Confidentiality: All information related to an investigation of a potential violation of the Code of Conduct policy will be kept confidential to the extent possible while ensuring a thorough investigation. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis with individuals involved in the investigation or as required by law.

Training: All individuals involved in the investigation and handling of Code of Conduct violations will receive training on this policy and their roles and responsibilities under this policy.

Conclusion: Adherence to this policy is critical to ensure a safe and positive environment for Burloak Basketball Club and all its stakeholders.

All individuals involved in Burloak Basketball events must take responsibility for upholding the Code of Conduct policies and reporting any potential violations. The use of three neutral investigators will ensure a fair and thorough investigation while protecting the confidentiality of all parties involved.

The following policies apply to all Burloak Basketball programming including, but not limited to Rep Programs, Camps, House League, 3×3 Leagues, Jr. NBA, and rep team training.

• If Burloak Basketball cancels a program due to low enrollment all participants will be provided alternate recommendations. However, if a refund is required participants will be refunded the full amount that has been paid at the time of the refund request.

• Should a player decide not to participate in a program after their registration fee for that program has been paid, refunds will be issued based on the following guidelines:
  • Refunds must be requested by the person who initially registered the player. The request must be via email us by clicking here. Refunds cannot be requested over the phone or in person.
  • If a refund is requested 14 days before the start of the program, full program fee will be refunded via a credit to the player’s Playbook account for use toward another program with no administrative fee applied.

• Extenuating circumstances out of the control of the participant, parent/guardian or other associate, like a serious injury, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Rep tryout fees are non-refundable at any time for any reason.

Here are the package Options:

2024-2025 New Burloak Player Apparel Package ($354.97)

Welcome to Burloak! This gear package retails at more than $650 and gets you all you need to be game ready! Shooting shirt, 2 uniforms, Tracksuit, Choice of Bag (Duffle or Backpack).

2024-2025 Returning Burloak Player Package ($249.98)

Welcome Back! Select this package if you need a few things and are looking for a discount! Home and Away uniform set (includes Jersey and shorts for each), and our NEW Elemental tracksuit!

2024-2025 Burloak Uniform Package ($129.99)

If you’re coming back to Burloak, but you grew out of your uniforms, this package is for you! Includes a full Home and Away uniform. Sizing is collected in your custom fields at registration.

Burloak Elemental Tracksuit ($119.99)

New year, New Tracksuit! If you have everything else, make sure you are matching your teammates and get this 2024-2025 tracksuit.

2024-2025 Burloak Shooting shirt ($34.99)

Look the part from warm up to the buzzer. This shooting shirt will help increase blood flow to your arms during warm up, and keep you warm when you sub out.

Burloak Orbit Backpack ($64.99)

Custom Xeist Orbit backpack decked out in Burloak Colours – Embroidered with your Uniform number.

2024-2025 Rep Team have completed for the year.

All tryouts and training take place at:

B-Town Courts – 3485 N Service Rd, Burlington, ON L7N 3G2

1. Every athlete must be pre-registered for tryouts, pay the registration fee, and sign the waivers in order to participate 24 hours before the tryout. This is to allow us to check our capacity limits and prepare our staff for the following day.
2. Athletes must attend a minimum of 1 of the scheduled tryouts to be considered for a team.
3. Those who register in August will be invited to additional early gym time at no additional cost.

What to bring:

• Clean indoor court shoes meant for playing basketball or other indoor sports
• Basketball
• Water bottle
• either a reversible (or a light colour AND a dark colour shirt)

The day of:

1. Athletes should arrive a MINIMUM of 30 minutes prior to the tryout time to check in.
2. Stanchions will be placed to create a line up space to enter the facility.
3. All athletes must go into the stanchion line up and check in at the table.
4. Unregistered athletes will need to register on site, and then wait until pre-registered athletes are checked in. Only if there is capacity after all pre-registered athletes are checked in will we check in late registrations.

NOTE: for age groups with more than 70 athletes registered, parents will be asked to leave the facility to ensure we do not exceed capacity restrictions.

Burloak Basketball is in partnership with B-Town courts, providing us the opportunity to have our own training facility. 

All tryouts, practices, and training take place at B-Town Courts.

B-Town Courts – 3485 N Service Rd, Burlington, ON L7N 3G2

There are a few key differences between house league basketball and Rep league. The biggest one is the level of competition. In Rep leagues the goal is to win, and kids are expected to be at a higher skill level and commit more time for training and traveling. In house leagues, the kids are proportionately competitive to their age, as fun and learning is the higher focus.

Participation is another main difference. Since the goal in Rep leagues is to win, kids are picked to play based on skill level. The benefit to house leagues is that all kids get a fair chance to play.

Burloak Basketball is proud to partner with Xeist for our core apparel needs. 

Xeist has full sizing guides available online to assist you in selecting the best size for your custom apparel.

CLICK HERE

The following are quick steps for reporting from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s Commit to Kids Program. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list or replace legal advice. Users are strongly encouraged to consult with any or all of child welfare, law enforcement, and legal counsel as appropriate to a given situation. 

Please be aware that all reporting individuals are protected as “whistle blowers”. As such, all allegations must come from an identifiable source (name and follow up contact information is required) and include specific dates and times of any alleged incidents. 

Anonymous reporting cannot be considered (this includes any “ghost” social media accounts and email addresses). Hearsay (I head a rumour that…) cannot be actioned unless the disclosing party is willing to provide the source of the allegation for contact.

Reporting Alleged Inappropriate Conduct

Step 1 – A child discloses information or information is discovered indicating that a coach/volunteer may have acted inappropriately. 

Action: Document the information. Must include times/dates and specifics of the incident(s). 

Step 2 – Coach who receives the report notifies the supervisor/manager. 

Action: Document the information of when and how the initial report was provided

Step 3 – Manager notifies the head of the organization. 

Action: Consultation between the manager and the head of the organization to decide if concern is warranted. Document the details included date/time and minutes of the discussion. 

Step 4 – If warranted, meet with accused coach/volunteer to discuss allegations and concerns. The individual is told about the complaint without disclosing the source. The individual is asked to respond to the allegation. 

Action: Document the details included date/time and minutes of the discussion, as well as the written response to the allegations. 

Step 5 – 

A) If the head of the organization determines that the nature of the conduct is not sufficiently serious to warrant formal action, the organization may choose to clarify expectations with the coach/volunteer as outlined in the Code of Conduct. 

Action: Document full details surrounding the decision and steps taken to remind/clarify of expectations. 

B) If the head of the organization determines that the nature of the conduct is sufficiently serious to warrant action, an internal follow-up takes place. 

Action: Document full details surrounding the decision and steps taken to initiate the internal follow up steps below. 

Internal follow up

Organization conducts an internal follow up and is documented. 

Potential outcomes of the follow up: 

Outcome #1 – Inappropriate conduct is not substantiated. 

Follow internal policies. No further action necessary but organization may choose to take the opportunity to remind all coaches/volunteers of the Code of Conduct. 

Outcome #2 – Inappropriate conduct is substantiated. 

Next steps will depend on severity of the conduct, the nature of the information gathered during internal follow up, and other relevant circumstances (such as past inappropriate conduct of a similar nature). Varying levels of disciplinary action may be appropriate. For example, it may be prudent for an organization to report concerns to child welfare or law enforcement. 

Outcome #3 – Inconclusive. 

1. Next steps will need to be carefully considered and depend on the nature of the information gathered during the internal follow up.
2. Work through options, assess the risk, and consult professionals as needed.
3. Adequately supervise and monitor the coach/volunteer consistent with internal policies. Document. 

Note: Consider when/if the child’s parents should be notified about allegations of inappropriate conduct. 

Reporting Alleged Child Sexual Abuse – Please be aware all accusations of sexual misconduct will be required to be reported to law enforcement.

Step 1 – Child discloses abuse or abuse is discovered with he adult involved in the abuse being a coach/volunteer. 

Action: Document the information. Must include times/dates and specifics of the incident(s).

Step 2 – Coach/volunteer who receives disclosure notifies law enforcement and/or child welfare about the incident; consults with child welfare about notifying parents; and notifies the supervisor/manager who in turn notifies the head of the organization. 

Actions – 

1. Head of the organization/manager suspends the coach/volunteer accused of abuse with or without pay until the case is resolved. Seek legal guidance prior to suspension and/or dismissal. If the individual is a volunteer or unpaid staff, consider if the individual should be dismissed from their position immediately. Document all conversations, provided written follow up and contact Ministry of Labour in the event that Employment Standards Act is not clear on handling requirements. 
2. A child welfare agency and/or police carry out investigation. Organization should conduct an internal follow up in consultation with police/child welfare and adjust internal policies if needed. 

Potential outcomes of law enforcement investigation: 

1. Substantiated/guilty. Coach/volunteer is dismissed from their position. 
2. Inconclusive/not guilty. Seek legal counsel. Consider if coach/volunteer should be dismissed, with or without severance. 

Note: Criminal processes can be complex and lengthy. A finding of not guilty may not necessarily mean that the abuse did not occur. Consult with a lawyer for this and prior to suspension and/or dismissal. 

Document the outcome of the investigation on an incident report form. Document the results of the internal follow up.

The Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) is the governing body for the sport of basketball in the province.

OBA sets the age brackets for the 2024-2025 season as follows:

This Privacy Policy governs the way Burloak Basketball collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a “User”) of the www.burloakbasketball.com website (“Site”). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Burloak Basketball.

Personal identification information 

We may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways in connection with activities, services, features or resources we make available on our Site. Users may visit our Site anonymously. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can always refuse to supply personal identification information, except it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities.

Non-personal identification information

We may collect
non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service-providers utilized and other similar information.

Web browser cookies

Our Site may use “cookies” to enhance User experience. User’s web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. Users may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly.  By choosing to use our website, you are accepting all cookies, unless otherwise modified.

How we use collected information

Burloak Basketball may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes:

1.     To improve our Site.  We may use the feedback you provide to improve our products and services. 

2.    To Send emails to those who have actively consented to sign-up to our E-Newsletter 

3.    To reply to emails to those who have asked to be contacted via our Contact Forms (NOTE: These email addresses are NOT used for any other purpose than to reply to user questions).

How we protect your information

We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration,  disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on our Site.

Sharing your personal information

We do not sell, trade, or rent Users personal identification information to others. We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information regarding visitors and users with our business partners, trusted affiliates and advertisers for the purposes outlined above. We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes if you have given us your permission.

Third party websites

Users may find advertising or other content on our Site that links to the sites and services of our partners, suppliers, advertisers, sponsors, licensors and other third parties. We do not control the content or links that appear on these sites and are not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from our Site. In addition, these sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing. These sites and services may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to our Site, is subject to that website’s own terms and policies.

Advertising

Ads appearing on our site may be delivered to Users by advertising partners, who may set cookies. These cookies allow the ad server to recognize your computer each time they send you an online advertisement to compile non personal identification information about you or others who use your computer. This information allows ad networks to, among other things, deliver targeted advertisements that they believe will be of most interest to you. This privacy policy does not cover the use of cookies by any advertisers.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

Burloak Basketball has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.

Your acceptance of these terms

By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.

Purpose

This policy provides guidance for Burlington Basketball’s (The Club) employees, contractors, volunteers, and members (program participants and parents/guardians and other associates) who contribute or reply to posts on social media.

“Social media” should be understood in its broadest interpretation, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, blogs, electronic newsletters, online forums and other sites and services that permit users to share content with others in a concurrent manner. All communications should adhere to the brand guidelines and established online voice of The Club.

The Club recognizes the importance of the Internet and social media in increasing our brand awareness and sharing information on our current and upcoming programs, shaping industry conversation and direction through blogging and interaction in social. As such, The Club is committed to supporting your right to interact knowledgeably and socially in the blogosphere and on the Internet through blogging and interaction in social media based on the policies set forth below.

The blogging and social media policy below will help you make appropriate decisions about your blogging and the contents of your blogs, personal web sites, postings on wikis and other interactive sites, postings on video or picture sharing sites, or in the comments that you make online on blogs, elsewhere on the public Internet, and in responding to comments from posters either publicly or via email.

These guidelines will also help you open a respectful, knowledgeable interaction with people on the Internet. They also protect the privacy, confidentiality, and interests of The Club and our employees, contractors, volunteers, and members.

Principles

The following principles apply to professional use of social media on behalf of The Club as well as personal use of social media when referencing The Club, or its employees, members, partners, sponsors or other stakeholders.

• Employees should be aware of the effect their actions may have on The Club’s image as well as their own. The information that employees or others post or publish may be public information for a long time and difficult to remove.
• Employees should be aware that The Club’s senior managers may observe content and information made available by employees through social media and blogs. Everyone should use their best judgment in posting material to ensure that it is neither inappropriate nor harmful to The Club or its employees, members, partners, sponsors, or other stakeholders.
• Although not an exclusive list, some specific examples of prohibited social media conduct include posting content, commentary or images that are proprietary, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, salacious, sexist, racist, harassing, or that can promote or create a hostile environment.
• Employees or others are not to publish, post or release any information that is considered confidential, private, or not public. If there are questions about what is considered confidential, employees should check with The Club’s President.
• Employees should pay particular attention to the use of pictures and ensure you have the proper permissions to use them, and no privacy issues occur. For example, using a picture of a child without their parents’ permission.
• If employees encounter a situation while using social media that threatens to become antagonistic, employees should disengage from the dialogue in a polite manner and seek the advice of a board member, including the President immediately.
• While posts may be made by members of the marketing & communications team or agreed-upon members of the staff for different channels, final message approval and customer service responses through The Club’s s social media channels should go through the Director, Marketing & Communications.
• Employees should get appropriate permission by the Director, Marketing & Communications before referring to or posting images of current or former employees, members, participants, vendors, suppliers or others. Additionally, employees should get appropriate permission to use a third party’s copyrights, copyrighted material, trademarks, service marks or other intellectual property.
• The Club’s logos and trademarks may not be used without explicit permission in writing from the Manager, Marketing & Communications or The Club President. This is to prevent the appearance/perception that you speak for or represent us.
• If employees publish content on personal social media accounts that involve work or subjects associated with The Club, a disclaimer should be used, such as: “The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent The Club’s positions, strategies or opinions.”
• It is highly recommended that employees keep Club-related social media accounts separate from personal accounts, if practical. Those with access to The Club’s social media accounts are not to share passwords or change login information credentials without the permission of the Director, Marketing & Communications.
• Subject to applicable law, personal online activity that violates this Social Media Policy or any other company policy may subject an employee to disciplinary action, which may include termination.
• When in doubt, don’t post. At the end of the day, each person is to be responsible for what they share through all social channels so exercise caution and common sense.

Working with Partners

The Club works with Partners on a variety of social media initiatives throughout the year.  The Director, Marketing and Communications and The Club President should be engaged when establishing the social media initiatives.  This will ensure we are aligned to our commitments and contracts in place. For one-off or singular promotional campaigns of brands or third-party properties, the OBA Rate Card shall be followed as the standard source of valuation of social media promotions.

For advertising and sponsored content where the brand is not an established partner of The Club and knowledge of the partnership is not inherent or explicit, The Club shall post the disclaimer label #Ad for interest in transparency to let followers know when The Club has been paid to post an endorsement through monetary or in-kind value. The Club may, within reason, support non-profit or community partners in good-faith social media promotions that align with The Club’s mission, vision and values. These may be used to strengthen relationships with the basketball community and promote future collaboration. Subject to the discretion of the Manager, Marketing & Communications and Executive Director.  OBA shall not promote third-party messaging that promotes training or competition opportunities that would be in direct conflict with programs that Ontario Basketball offers or may plan to offer, or which undermines paid promotions by OBA’s sponsors by giving away similar rights for free. Ontario Basketball may use communication channels to share third-party announcements that celebrate accomplishments of and circulate opportunities for Ontario athletes and coaches in the broader basketball community. The post should not indicate endorsement of third-party and should explicitly state as such. Should you require assistance or have a complaint, please contact Manager, Marketing and Communications.  

The undersigned authorize(s) Burloak Basketball, and any of its authorized authorities in the event of an emergency to use its reasonable discretion, on behalf of the undersigned, in rendering first aid treatment and/or arranging for emergency medical care (including hospitalization), at the expense of the undersigned. I (we) understand that: 

1) Burloak Basketball and any of its authorized authorities will take every reasonable step to ensure the health and safety of its athletes, and that basketball is a demanding physical sport in which injuries might occur.

2) I(we) release(s) Burloak Basketball and any of its authorized authorities of all claims and liabilities whatsoever arising from participating in any of Burloak Basketball’s authorized authorities’ practices, training camps, games, or any other events associated with Burloak Basketball or affiliate programs, by the undersigned, the undersigned’s child(s) or any associated spectator(s). It is acknowledged that participation in Burloak Basketball programming or any affiliate program involves a voluntary assumption of all the risks associated with the game of basketball.

3) that participation in Burloak Basketball programming or any affiliate program may be at venues/facilities that are not owned by Burloak Basketball and involves a voluntary assumption of all the risks associated with travelling to and from the venue/facility, and use of the venue/facility, by the undersigned, the undersigned’s child(ren) or any associated spectator(s). I(we) release Burloak Basketball and any of its authorized authorities from any claims of liabilities related to any instance of issue arising at a facility, regardless of the event being hosted by Burloak Basketball, or another entity.

4) Burloak Basketball and any of its authorized authorities reserve the right to photograph, record, stream or otherwise create media of any athlete, attendee, or spectator during any event hosted by Burloak Basketball and any of its authorized authorities or affiliates. It is understood that that any piece of media content is eligible to be utilized by Burloak Basketball and any of its authorized authorities at its discretion (i.e. social media, website, or promotional materials).

5) I(we) agree we will read in full, sign, and abide by the Athlete, Parent, and Spectator Code of Conduct always recognizing that the registered program participant, and any associated parties are always representing Burloak Basketball and will uphold the values of Burloak Basketball and positively represent the sport of basketball within the community.

6) If this form is signed by a parent/guardian, such parent/guardian assumes full responsibility for payment and acknowledge that they have read and understood all Burloak Basketball’s and any of its authorized authorities’ policies and Burloak Basketball can rely on all representation made and information given. If only one parent/guardian signs this form, Burloak Basketball and any of its authorized authorities may fully rely on his/her authority in connection with all such matters.