| League Desk
First, I want to apologize for being two days late with this report. I am committed to providing you with a weekly update, and I wanted to take the extra time to ensure that this report is complete and fully reflects where we stand.
1. Winter Break and Operational Focus
We are now entering our annual winter break period, during which we temporarily suspend play due to widespread team unavailability. This break begins today and will continue until next Sunday when league play resumes.
While many of our teams are away—and yes, we admit we are a bit jealous—we will be using this time productively to catch up on critical operational matters and ensure we are fully prepared for the final stretch of the season.
Our priorities during the break are clear.
Score Verification and Completion
It is essential that the result of every game played is properly entered into the system. Over the past several days, we have made significant progress in updating scores thanks to the outstanding assistance of our program directors and coaches.
However, if you have played a game and the result is not reflected on your schedule, it is extremely important that you contact Joe or myself immediately so that we can enter the correct result.
This process is critical for several reasons:
- Ensuring that every game promised has been delivered
- Maintaining accurate standings
- Establishing playoff seedings and eligibility
If you see a missing score, please notify us right away. Thank you for your cooperation.
2. Schedule Completion Within One Week
We are pleased to announce that all remaining regular season schedules will be completed within one week.
Our scheduling team has done an outstanding job managing what has been an extremely fluid process. Teams miss games for legitimate reasons, and makeup games must be carefully inserted without disrupting competitive balance.
We have also faced significant external challenges, including:
- The loss of approximately 60 scheduled games due to the recent snowstorm
- The unexpected loss of SUNY gym availability for one full day last weekend due to a miscommunication
These situations are never ideal, but they are part of operating a league of this size. We have been running leagues for 35 years and have learned how to respond quickly, professionally, and effectively when challenges arise.
We correct issues immediately and continue moving forward.
3. Outstanding Payments Require Immediate Attention
We want to sincerely thank the many teams and organizations that have met their financial obligations. Your professionalism is appreciated and essential to the league’s operation.
However, some teams and organizations still have outstanding balances.
Please understand that we must pay:
- Referees
- Facility rental fees
- Administrative and operational expenses
We bill regularly—sometimes multiple times per week—but some accounts remain unpaid.
If your team or organization has an outstanding balance, please send payment immediately. This is essential to maintaining the integrity and sustainability of the league. Please reach out to Karen at Karen@islandgarden.com for the difference ways available to you to make your payment.
4. Communication and Responsiveness
If something is wrong—whether scheduling, scores, or any other aspect of Super League—please contact Joe or me immediately. Joe’s cell number is 516-384-3573.
We may not always agree on every issue, but we promise that we will listen, evaluate, and respond promptly.
Our commitment is simple: we address issues directly and professionally.
5. Game Replacement Policy Entering Final Weeks
We are now entering the final four weeks of the regular season.
Because we must finish on schedule and begin playoffs on time, we cannot replace games that teams miss moving forward. If you are unable to attend a scheduled game, it will most likely be recorded as missed.
That said, we always track missed games, and if replacement opportunities arise, we will do everything possible to accommodate you.
6. Spring and Summer League Preparation Underway
We are already actively preparing for the spring and summer seasons.
Our AAU Spring tournament schedule has been released, and we encourage all teams to continue competing through the spring and into the summer.
We offer:
- AAU tournaments every weekend
- A full Spring Super League season
- Our long-standing Spring League, which we have successfully operated for over three decades
Full Spring League details will be released soon. We look forward to your continued participation.
Final Thoughts
There have always been challenges in operating a league of this size, and there always will be. That has been true for over three decades.
What has never changed is our commitment to addressing challenges immediately and doing everything possible to deliver a first-class experience for every player, coach, parent, and organization.
We are deeply committed to the Super League and to all of you.
We love what we do, and we remain fully dedicated to continuing to operate the premier youth basketball league on Long Island for many years to come.
Most importantly, we sincerely hope that everyone is enjoying being part of the Super League.
Finally, I want to thank our outstanding staff. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care make everything we do possible. They work tirelessly to ensure that every participant has the best possible experience.
Thank you again for your continued trust and support. |
