Commissioner’s Report #9 – March 2, 2026
It is March — and that means March Madness. Not only for the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament, but for Super League Basketball as well.
We have approximately three weeks remaining in the regular season, followed immediately by playoffs beginning the final week of March. This is the most exciting time of the year for Super League. It has been that way for more than 30 years. So many great memories behind us. So many more about to be made.
Before we get to playoff excitement, there are several important points that must be clearly addressed to ensure this remains a positive experience for every player, coach, parent, and administrator.
Remember Why We’re Here
Super League exists for one reason:
The kids.
The experience of our young athletes cannot be compromised by adult overreaction. The score is never the most important thing. The experience always is.
A Difficult Situation This Past Weekend.
We had a last-minute cancellation by a team; something we strongly discourage because it impacts the opposing team and the integrity of the schedule.
Our staff did everything possible to find a replacement opponent. Unfortunately, none of equal grade and division were available. To avoid a cancellation, we assigned a stronger team.
The result was a one-sided game.
The losing coach was absolutely right to be disappointed.
The team that ran up the score was addressed during the game and immediately afterward by its club administrators.
This situation was unnecessary and preventable.
Let’s remember:
- These are young athletes.
- The final score means very little.
- Sportsmanship means everything.
Be reasonable adults and protect the integrity of the game.
Snow Makeups – Almost Complete
Despite one of the worst winters in years:
- 95%+ of snow-related makeups have been rescheduled
- We are extremely close to delivering full game commitments
- Our scheduling staff has worked every single day to make this happen
We thank them and we thank you for your patience.
Important: No More Makeup Capacity
Because we have used every available court slot to reschedule snow games:
If a team drops out of a game moving forward, there will be no makeup.
We simply have no remaining space.
Please understand this is a capacity issue, not a preference.
Playoffs – Read Carefully
Playoffs begin the last week of March.
This is single elimination. There is virtually no flexibility.
Expectations:
- Teams must be available when scheduled.
- We cannot promise rescheduling unless it is an extreme circumstance.
- We do not want forfeits and we also cannot delay the bracket.
We expect the season to conclude in early April, as many athletes transition to spring sports.
If You Do NOT Plan to Participate
Tell us before playoff scheduling begins.
Nothing disrupts the bracket more than an unexpected withdrawal.
Enter All Scores Now
Seeding depends on regular-season results.
If your scores are not entered:
- You may be seeded improperly
- Or not seeded accurately at all
Do not delay this.
Outstanding Payments – Immediate Attention Required
The overwhelming majority of teams and organizations pay their league fees on time. For that, we are sincerely appreciative.
However, there are still teams who have not paid, despite the season beginning the first week of December and now entering March.
Please understand:
We are responsible for paying:
- Facility rental fees
- Referees
- Administrative staff who work daily on scheduling and operations
When fees are not paid, it places the entire operation in a difficult financial position.
If your team has an outstanding balance:
Contact Karen@IslandGarden.com and resolve the payment today.
We urge you not to push this further.
If balances remain unpaid, we will be forced to withhold playoff participation. This is not something we want to do. It is avoidable. It is unnecessary.
But it must be addressed.
Participating in a league that began in early December and entering March without payment is not reasonable.
Let’s handle this professionally and move forward together.
Additional Court Space Secured
We were able to secure limited additional space, which helped complete many makeups.
We appreciate everyone who helped make this happen.
Spring League & Spring Tournaments
Information is now available for:
- Spring Super League
- Local Spring Tournaments
- AAU-licensed competition
Our spring programs are built for:
- Teams that want to stay local on Long Island
- Continued development
- Competitive but manageable schedules
- games close to home
While national opportunities always exist, most families prefer local consistency and we provide that.
If you have questions about AAU licensing, tournaments, or spring scheduling, contact us directly.
Closing Thought
March is the best time of the year.
Energy rises. Stakes rise. Emotions rise.
Let’s make sure maturity rises with it.
Thirty-plus years of Super League success has been built on:
- Stability
- Fair competition
- Respect
- Commitment to young athletes
Let’s protect that legacy and finish strong.
Jim Fox
Commissioner
Island Garden Super League
