Fees Refunds and Financial Assistance Policy
- SGSBC
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
Version 1 Policy Document
Status: Version 1 for committee adoption and use by the South Galway Stormers Basketball Club. This document should be reviewed against current Basketball Ireland, Sport Ireland and legal requirements before adoption and during each review cycle.
Document owner: Club Committee / Treasurer (treasurer.sgsbc@gmail.com)
Version: Version 1
Prepared for: South Galway Stormers Basketball Club
Version date: 14 July 2026
Review cycle: Annual or sooner if Basketball Ireland/Sport Ireland guidance changes
1. Purpose
This policy explains how the Club sets fees, handles payments, considers refunds and supports families where financial difficulty might prevent participation.
2. Fee Setting
Membership and registration fees will be reviewed annually by the Committee and communicated before the season begins where possible. Fees are intended to cover hall rental, insurance, Basketball Ireland/league registration, equipment, referee/table costs, coach development, kit administration, club operations and long-term development.
3. Payment
Fees should be paid by the deadline set by the Club unless a payment plan or financial support arrangement has been agreed. Players may be unable to participate in matches or training if registration, insurance or required fees are incomplete.
4. Refunds
Refunds are not automatic and will be considered case by case. The Club may deduct non-refundable costs already incurred, including Basketball Ireland registration, insurance, kit, booking fees or league costs.
Situation: Recommended approach
Player withdraws before first session: Consider full or partial refund less costs already incurred.
Player withdraws after season starts: Consider partial refund depending on timing, costs and circumstances.
Injury or medical reason: Consider partial refund, credit or payment adjustment where appropriate.
Disciplinary suspension/removal: Refund not normally provided, subject to Committee decision.
Club cancels a programme: Offer refund, credit or alternative where practicable.
5. Financial Assistance
The Club wants cost not to be the reason a child cannot participate. Families experiencing financial difficulty may contact the Treasurer (treasurer.sgsbc@gmail.com) confidentially to discuss payment plans, hardship support, fee reduction or other assistance. Where a non-financial club contact is more appropriate, families may contact the Secretary (secretary.sgsbc@gmail.com).
6. Confidentiality
Requests for financial assistance will be handled sensitively and only shared with those who need to know to make and administer a decision.
7. Sponsorship and Fundraising Support
The Club may use fundraising, sponsorship or grants to support facilities, equipment, coach education or access initiatives. Any ring-fenced funds should be used for the purpose communicated.
8. Review
Fees and refund rules should be reviewed annually before registration opens.
Reference Points Used for Version 1
This Version 1 document has been prepared as a club-level document using Basketball Ireland and Sport Ireland resources as reference points. The club should adopt official Basketball Ireland documents where required and update this document whenever national guidance changes.
Basketball Ireland Downloads - Policies and Safeguarding documents: https://ireland.basketball/downloads
Basketball Ireland Safeguarding / Child Welfare: https://ireland.basketball/childprotection
Basketball Ireland Garda E-Vetting: https://ireland.basketball/e-vetting
Basketball Ireland Coach Licensing: https://ireland.basketball/coach-licencing
Basketball Ireland Coaching Minimum Standards: https://ireland.basketball/coaching-minimum-standards
Sport Ireland Safeguarding Sport: https://www.sportireland.ie/ethics/safeguarding-sport
Sport Ireland Garda Vetting: https://www.sportireland.ie/ethics/garda-vetting
Committee Review Record
Date: Reviewed by Decision / Changes Next review
[Insert details]: [Insert details] [Insert details] [Insert details]
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