OSBA Policies

Ontario Basketball Association Policies

As a member of Ontario Basketball, the Ottawa South Basketball Association follows the OBA:

Purpose

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure a safe and positive environment by instituting a Zero Tolerance Policy. Ontario Basketball (OBA) is committed to providing a sport environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. All Individuals will be aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behavior consistent with the values of the OBA. Conduct that violates this Code may be subject to disciplinary action enforced by the OBA’s Discipline and Fair Play committees.

Application of this Code

This Code of Conduct applies to conduct that may arise during the course of OBA business, activities and events. This includes but is not limited to its office environment, competitions, practices, training camps, tryouts, travel and any meetings of the OBA.

Responsibilities

All Individuals have a responsibility to:

a) Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of OBA members and other Individuals by:
i. Demonstrating respect to individuals regardless of body type, physical characteristics, athletic ability, gender, ancestry, colour, ethnic or racial origin, nationality, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, political belief, disability or economic status.
ii. Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees and members.
iii. Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership and ethical conduct.
iv. Consistently treating individuals fairly and respectfully.

b) Refrain from any behavior that constitutes harassment, where harassment is defined as comment or conduct directed towards an individual or group, which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading, or malicious.

c) Refrain from any behavior that constitutes sexual harassment, where sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual comments and sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or conduct of a sexual nature.

d) Comply at all times with the bylaws, policies, procedures, rules and regulations of Ontario Basketball.

Ottawa South Basketball Policies

1. Registration Waiver and Release of Liability

2. Facilities

Availability of Court Time

OSBA enjoys gym space as a result of our application to the Ottawa Carleton Catholic School Board, the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, le Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario, and le Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est.

The use of school gyms is a privileges and OSBA players and parents are asked to respect all facilities and school workers are at times. The future use of school gyms is dependent on proper use of the gyms by all OSBA teams. If misuse or damage occurs it could result in the OSBA losing the use of the school.

Any deliberate misuse of our facilities may be subject to relevant disciplinary procedures.

Scheduling Conflicts

Some conflicts and rescheduling are unavoidable given the number of players, activities, and demands on these facilities. However, we work closely with those in charge of the facilities and do our best to minimize unexpected conflicts and to keep rescheduling of games and practices to a minimum.

3. Insurance

OSBA is a member of Ontario Basketball and, as a result, each player is provided insurance according to the OBA coverage.

4. Playing Outside the Designated Age Group

Parents who feel that their child is above the skill level of his/her designated age group may make a request to the OSBA for their child to play outside of his/her designated age group.

Upon review by the OSBA executive, players may be allowed to play outside of their designated age group if there are not enough players to make a team at the higher age group and if the coaches of both teams involved, feel it is in the best interest of the player and team.

When a request has been received by an OSBA Coach for a player to "play-up", the decision to allow a player, whether recreational or competitive, to play up a division rests with the designated executive member in consultation with the coaches involved in the request.

Procedure

Upon request by either a parent or by a coach that a player be considered to play in the age level above the one he/she qualifies for, the process shall be as follows:

  1. The player registers and try-outs with his/her appropriate age group.
  2. The player will be assessed by the team coach of the appropriate age group for which he/she is registered.
  3. The coach shall request that another coach assist with the evaluation.
  4. If both coaches determine that the request has merit, a request will be made to the coach of the next age group level to assess the player's skills and ability. A placement request will then be made to the OSBA executive.

The request for evaluation and playing up may be denied if:

  • There is not sufficient space on the next-level-up team available for this player.
  • It would mean that player within the Association would not be able to play basketball in his/her appropriate age group.

5. Refunds

The OSBA is committed to providing flexible registration options for our programs. Our refund policy is structured to accommodate the needs of our participants while managing the logistical, administrative and financial commitments required to operate our programs effectively.

House League Refund Policy (U10 - U19 Programs):

  •  Before August 15: Full refund, minus a $25 cancellation fee
  • August 15 - October 15: Full refund minus a $50 cancellation fee.
  • October 16 - October 31: Full refund minus a $125 cancellation fee.
  • After November 1: No refunds.

** Note that paid house league fees will be transferred to competitive programs upon confirmation that a player has transferred between programs.

OSBA Small Ball Sessions (U7):

  • Withdrawals more than 4 weeks before the start of a semester will qualify for a full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee.
  • Withdrawals within 4 weeks of a semester and including the first 2 sessions are subject to a $40 administration fee.
  • No refunds are offered after the first 2 sessions of any semester have been completed.

OSBA Competitive Programs:

 All try-out fees are non-refundable.

  • After accepting a team placement. Fees are non-refundable.

** Note that paid house league fees will be transferred to competitive programs upon confirmation that a player has transferred between programs.

Equipment and Uniforms:

  • Fees are non-refundable.

 Spring, Summer, Skill Sessions, and Pre-Season Programs. Any time after registration:

  • Fees are non-refundable unless due to schedule changes or program cancellation that prevent player participation.

Injuries:

  • Applications for refunds due to injury or illness must be submitted, in writing, to the OSBA VP Administration and will be subject to the discretion of the OSBA Executive Committee.

These policies are designed to manage the administrative costs and commitments involved in running league and training programs. All withdrawal requests need to be submitted, in writing, to the OSBA VP Administration.

All approved refunds will be processed within 30 days from date of notification.

6. Uniform Policy

ALL OSBA players will receive a reversible pinney as part of their registration fee.

House League players will use this pinney and will be asked to supply a pair of black shorts for all games.

Competitive players may be required to purchase an approved OSBA uniform. Uniform pricing and details will be made available near the start of each season.

Fees paid for uniforms, apparel and equipment are non-refundable.

Care of Uniforms

Please ensure that you wash light and dark tops separately, in cold water and hang to dry. Do not put any jerseys or shorts in the dryer.

  1. Association and Membership Acknowledgment:

By registering with the Ottawa South Basketball Association (OSBA), you understand that this registration also includes participation in the Ontario Basketball Association (OBA), and the Eastern Ontario Basketball League (EOBL).  As OSBA is affiliated with OBA and EOBL you understand your responsibilities and benefits with OSBA extend to your adherence to all applicable OBA and EOBL policies.

  1. Assumption of Risk:

You recognize that basketball and related activities involve inherent risks such as physical injury, accidents from playing, or other participants' actions, and possible health risks. You voluntarily assume all known and unknown risks associated with these activities, understanding that these risks may be compounded by unforeseeable events.

  1. Release and Waiver of Liability:

You hereby release the OSBA, OBA, EOBL, their event organizers, sponsors, directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, and representatives from any claims, losses, damages, or liabilities arising from my participation or the participation of my registered minor in any programs or events, even if caused by the negligence of the parties released.

  1. Indemnification:

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the OSBA, OBA, EOBL and all related parties from any claims, demands, losses, or damages, including reasonable legal fees, arising from your, or your registered minor's, participation in OSBA, OBA or EOBL events.

  1. Fitness to Participate:

You certify that you, or the registered minor, are physically fit and do not know of any medical condition that would affect your ability to participate safely in OSBA activities. You agree to seek medical advice if there is any doubt about our health status before participating.

  1. Minor Acknowledgment:

If you am signing on behalf of a minor, you confirm that you are the legal guardian or custodial parent with the authority to enter into this agreement.  You have discussed the contents of this waiver with the minor to ensure they understand it to an appropriate extent.

  1. Photographic and Media Consent:

You authorize OSBA, OBA and EOBL to use photographs or video recordings of me or the registered minor for promotional or educational purposes. You understand that you have the right to withdraw this consent at any time by notifying OSBA in writing.

  1. Privacy and Information Use:

You agree that OSBA, EOBL and OBA may collect and use personal information about you or the registered minor for the purpose of providing membership services and benefits. All personal information will be handled in accordance with the associations’ privacy policies.

  1. Code of Conduct Compliance:

You commit to adhering to the OSBA, EOBL and OBA Codes of Conduct at all events.  You acknowledge that failure to follow these codes may result in disciplinary action, including possible membership termination. The following links provide guidance to the applicable codes of conduct.

  1. Acknowledgment of Understanding:

You have carefully read and fully understand the terms of this waiver and release agreement. You are aware that by signing this document, you are waiving significant legal rights, including the right to pursue legal action.

  1. Electronic Signature Agreement:

By selecting the "I Accept" button at time of registration, you are signing this Agreement electronically. You agree that your electronic signature is the legal equivalent of your manual signature on this Agreement. By selecting "I Accept" you consent to be legally bound by this Agreement's terms and conditions. You also agree that no certification authority or other third-party verification is necessary to validate your E-signature, and that the lack of such certification or third-party verification will not in any way affect the enforceability of your E-signature or any resulting contract between you and the Ottawa South Basketball Association (OSBA).

  1. Updating Your Contact Information:

It is your responsibility to keep your primary email address up to date so that OSBA can communicate with you electronically. You understand and agree that if OSBA sends you an electronic Communication but you do not receive it because your primary email address on file is incorrect, out of date, blocked by your service provider, or you are otherwise unable to receive electronic Communications, OSBA will be deemed to have provided the Communication to you.

Practice Attire

Uniforms are NOT to be worn to practice. Instead, the player should wear a T-shirt and shorts NOT SUPPLIED by the OSBA.

  • Cut-offs, pockets, pockets turned inside out, pocket openings, tears in the fabric, belt loops, and loose strings are not allowed.
  • Pajama bottoms and long pants are not allowed.
  • Players must have proper non-marking footwear. No outdoor shoes, boots, or dress shoes should be worn.
  1. Introduction

The Ottawa South Basketball Association (OSBA) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information under its control, in accordance with the requirements of Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable Ontario privacy laws.

  1. Collection of Personal Information

The OSBA, via use of its electronic registration system, collects personal information necessary for the operation of our sports programs. This includes:

  • Personal identification information (e.g., name, address, email, phone number, and birth date)
  • Emergency contact details (name and phone number)
  • Fee payment status and details
  • Medical or health information critical for player safety
  • Player preferences regarding team assignments
  • Historical data on team and coach assignments
  1. Purpose of Collection and Use of Information

Personal information is collected solely for purposes related to program administration, such as:

  • Ensuring safe and effective team placements and coaching strategies
  • Facilitating communication regarding fee payments and program updates
  • Managing health and emergency care situations
  1. Disclosure of Information

Access to personal information is strictly limited to OSBA staff and authorized coaches who require the information to perform their duties. Information may be disclosed to:

  • Coaches and division conveners, solely for the purpose of safeguarding participants
  • OSBA executive members, when necessary for administrative purposes

The OSBA does not disclose personal information to third parties without explicit consent from the individual or their legal guardian, except as required by law.

  1. Safeguards and Retention

We implement physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect. All personal information is retained only as long as necessary for the fulfillment of the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law.

  1. Right of Access and Correction

Participants and their legal guardians have the right to access personal information held by the OSBA. Requests for access must be made in writing to the OSBA Administrator and signed by the requester. Participants aged 18 and over can request their records directly. Under Canadian privacy laws, parents cannot access information about their adult children without consent of the participant.

  1. Changes to the Privacy Policy

This privacy policy is subject to amendment. Any changes will be posted on our website.

  1. Contact Information

For any inquiries or complaints regarding privacy practices, please contact the OSBA VP Administration.

Copyrights

Unless otherwise noted, all materials and publications, including web sites and emails, are protected as the copyrights, trade dress and/or intellectual properties owned by the OTTAWA SOUTH BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION (OSBA).  Such intellectual properties may not be reproduced or used by others without the express written permission of the OTTAWA SOUTH BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION (OSBA).  All rights not expressly granted are reserved.

Trademarks

The OTTAWA SOUTH BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION name, trademarks, logos, services marks, brand identities, titles, trade names, graphics, designs and copyrights (collectively the “Trademarks”) are protected intellectual properties that are both registered and unregistered Trademarks of the OTTAWA SOUTH BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, its affiliates and others.  Nothing used on clothing, uniforms, publications, web sites or other materials shall be construed as granting, by implication or otherwise, as a license or right to use any OTTAWA SOUTH BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Trademarks by third parties.