Smyrna Basketball Association
Case Study Paper
Dameon Robinson
Liberty University
COMS 640: Event Planning & Donor Relations
Dr. Jason Leverett
April 7, 2024
Abstract
This paper will highlight Smyrna Basketball Association, a non-profit youth basketball league
located in Smyrna, GA. In the discussion, I will be providing a background of the organization as
well as evaluating the charitable events and sponsorships that are featured. As a subject matter
expert (SME), I closely identify with the organization and the inner workings. Using valuable
resources, a full analysis of the Smyrna Basketball Association will be provided in this case
study.
Keywords: SBA, Volunteer, Fundraising
Smyrna Basketball Case Study
Smyrna Basketball Association is a non-profit basketball league that takes place every
year from August to February (Smyrna Basketball Association, n,d.). The league has existed in
Smyrna for over fifteen years and has allowed for the youth of Smyrna, Georgia to participate in
Smyrna Basketball Association
the game and come better because of it. Smyrna Basketball Association (SBA) consists of
hundreds of future stars ranging from seven to sixteen years old. The coaches in the organization
are all volunteers that sacrifice their valuable time to make the league possible. At the end of the
season, SBA provides championships and all star teams for each age and gender group, as well
as the chance for players to make the All-County team.
Since Smyrna is located near the Atlanta Metropolitan area, developmental basketball
leagues are tougher to come by. Upon speaking with multiple parents throughout the season, it
was determined that many of the leagues in the area are very competitive with high-skilled
players, rendering it difficult for some kids to develop properly. Every kid deserves to be able to
experience a learning curve and play with kids who are also new to the game. One of the best
aspects of the SBA is their willingness to change rules frequently to ensure proper participation.
This is a helpful tool in building a successful organization that’s reliant upon volunteers and
other people who won’t be compensated for their efforts. SBA promotes fairness and has
implemented a variety of new policies that ensure that each kid plays enough basketball. One of
these rules is that all age groups excluding the oldest group (ages thirteen-sixteen) have to have
all players play two uninterrupted quarters at minimum. This was put in place due to too many
young athletes being subject to not playing due to lack of skill.
The argument of skill versus development has been a major debate in young basketball
stars for years Jayanthi et al., 2013.). SBA consists of around ten board members that are
constantly open to hearing constructive criticisms and feedback from parents and spectators.
While many do not agree with the rules and think that it does not prepare the kids for future
basketball endeavors, it is known that the best basketball lessons are taught through experience.
No matter how many private training sessions the kids may have, the true rest of skill is
Smyrna Basketball Association
showcasing it on the court. While it can make for a product that’s harder to watch, the kid that’s
on the court that continues to make mistakes will be better for it in the future if he pursues a
career in basketball. SBA continues to be a beacon of opportunity for young girls and boys who
are both new to basketball and have experience.
Fundraising and Support
SBA receives tremendous fundraising and support from the community. For a few years,
the organization has been sponsored by large businesses such as the Board of Directors, City of
Smyrna, and even the NBA team, the Atlanta Hawks (Smyrna Basketball Association, n,d). The
parents are encouraged and inspired to donate and make volunteer sacrifices as well when
necessary. There are numerous fundraising opportunities for the teams as well. Each team can
participate in activities such as car washes and selling candy to bring in more money for the
league as well. Since SBA provides great uniforms that are Adidas Brand as well as practice time
for over sixty teams, it relies on its sponsors to run the league properly. The league also does a
tremendous job in recognizing players and teams that excel. There are decent sized trophies for
championship teams and for outstanding players. SBA has plenty of events such as parent
appreciation night, where the league honors the parents and the commitment they make to the
league as well. It truly is a special event and is another tool to provide more resources for SBA.
When selling candy and other items to gain revenue for the league, the kids are taught the values
of giving back without expecting anything in return.
Volunteer Opportunities
One of the unique aspects of the SBA is the variety of volunteer opportunities the league
provides. As a volunteer coach, the program set in place truly grants the coaches with the
freedom to take control of their teams. Aspiring coaches often go into the initial meetings
Smyrna Basketball Association
believing that there will be plenty of oversight and management from the board. However, the
league lets the coaches run their teams as they wish as long as they follow the rules and act as
liaison for the league with parent communication. Coaches are encouraged teamwork, ball
handling, and passing as a basic stepping on point for newer players. The talent level difference
between some of the better players and lesser skilled players is usually large, so it’s imperative
that the coaches make sure talent level on the court is even.
There is also a team parent that each team will select. The team parent is typically a
parent of one of the players on the team who are dedicated to spending extra time and resources
to provide for the kids. For example, team parents can collect money from other parents or use
their own to purchase snacks and drinks on game days, as well as fun activities outside of
practice and games. Team parents are chosen by the coaches and is another tool that SBA used to
boost engagement with the teams and players. The board is keen at ensuring that team parents
are aligning properly with league regulations. The league officials are also volunteers. SBA uses
its outstanding resources and support to provide elite, high school level officiating. The
volunteers continue to be extremely helpful and the league would be difficult to operate without
their hard work. Gimbert (2014) says that volunteering should be an enjoyable experience for all
parties involved. Volunteers should feel a sense of warmth and belonging and should believe in
the product they are representing. Running any organization that involves hundreds of kids is a
difficult challenge. Since SBA takes its time to plan the season and prepare for unexpected
circumstances, SBA has proudly been one of the more popular youth basketball leagues in the
Atlanta Metropolitan area.
Biblical Worldview
Smyrna Basketball Association
SBA is by no means a Christian organization, however all backgrounds and beliefs are
encouraged. The idea behind SBA and the concepts of giving back to the community have shared
interests with the Christian church, however religion is not a part of the basketball activities. In
the Holy Bible (English Standard Bible, 2011) Hebrews 13:16 says: “And do not forget to do
good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” The members of the
community sacrifice their time to give back to the community for the kids to participate in
athletics. This ideal is very Christian-esque as the league is all about coming together, combining
resources, and showing the youth a path to success in athletics. SBA also emphasizes that kids
should prioritize “books b4 baskets (Smyrna Basketball Association, n,d.).” Performing and
getting better at basketball is important, however performing in the classroom is always the first
priority. Promoting positive messages for these pupils takes a village to do, so the leave
continuing to promote Christin like values will contribute to the overall image of the league.
SBA does not prohibit prayer or any other religion based practices. Families from all
backgrounds and religions are encouraged to potentially join the league.
Smyrna Community
All players and their families are subject to a $250 entry fee SBA. The entry fee revenue covers
important expenses such as player uniforms, pictures, and the insurance that covers practice
times and games. Other than the initial fee, there are no other mandatory fees for parents to pay.
Smh other expenses from the families would potentially be donated or volunteered. The league
does an exceptional job at putting their resources to use and putting everything into the league
for the kids.
Conclusion
Smyrna Basketball Association
In conclusion, the Smyrna Basketball association has been a tremendous league that promotes
positive outcomes in the youth. Highlighting the great impact SBA has had on the Smyrna
community makes it easier for the fundraising and support to grow exponentially. SBA is a great
example of how building a strong organization through strategic planning can blossom into a
larger organization with standards and volunteers (Allen, 2009). SBA is a great basketball league
with promises of excellence and leadership in the community.
References
Allen, J. (2009). Event planning: The ultimate guide to successful meetings, corporate events,
fund-raising galas, conferences, conventions, incentives and other special events (2nd ed.). J.
Wiley.
Gimbert, T. L. (2014). Volunteers: Keys to Successful Fund-Raising. Journal of Facility
Planning, Design, and Management, 2(2) https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?
url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/volunteers-keys-successful-fund-raising/
docview/1730204541/se-2
Jayanthi, N., Pinkham, C., Dugas, L., Patrick, B., & Labella, C. (2013). Sports specialization in
young athletes: evidence-based recommendations. Sports health, 5(3), 251–257.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738112464626
Meisel PL, DiFiori JP, Côté J, et al. Age of Early Specialization, Competitive Volume, Injury,
and Sleep Habits in Youth Sport: A Preliminary Study of US Youth Basketball. Sports Health.
2022;14(1):30-44. doi:10.1177/19417381211056301
Nichol, B., Wilson, R., Rodrigues, A., & Haighton, C. (2023). Exploring the Effects of
Volunteering on the Social, Mental, and Physical Health and Well-being of Volunteers: An
Umbrella Review. Voluntas : international journal of voluntary and nonprofit organizations, 1–
32. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-023-00573-z
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, (2001).
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