Trust & Transparency

    EDITORIAL STANDARDS

    Our commitment to accurate, fair, and COPPA-compliant youth basketball rankings

    Our Mission

    HoopVerified is committed to providing the most accurate, transparent, and COPPA-compliant youth basketball rankings in the nation. Our editorial standards ensure every ranking decision is based on verified data, expert evaluation, and objective performance metrics—never influenced by payment, favoritism, or external pressure.

    Ranking Methodology

    1. Verified Combine Measurements (30% weight)

    All physical measurements (height, weight, wingspan, vertical leap, shuttle run, etc.) must be verified by certified event staff or coaches. Self-reported measurements are flagged and require third-party verification before inclusion in rankings.

    2. Tournament Performance Data (35% weight)

    Game statistics from verified tournaments tracked across 5,000+ annual events nationwide. Points, assists, rebounds, shooting percentages, and defensive metrics are aggregated from official scorekeepers and tournament organizers only.

    3. Coach & Scout Evaluations (20% weight)

    Qualitative assessments from certified basketball scouts and coaches with verified credentials. All evaluators must complete background checks and agree to our Code of Conduct.

    4. AI-Powered Analysis (15% weight)

    Machine learning models analyze video footage, shot charts, defensive positioning, and movement patterns to provide objective skill assessments. AI recommendations are always reviewed by human scouts before publication.

    COPPA Compliance & Child Safety

    Parental Consent Required:

    All players under 13 require verified parental consent before profile creation. Parents can request data deletion or profile lockdown at any time.

    Limited Public Information:

    For players under 13, we display only: first name, class year, position, and verified stats. No photos, videos, full names, or contact information are public without explicit parental approval.

    Data Protection:

    All player data is encrypted at rest and in transit. We never sell player data to third parties. Parents have full access to their child's data and can export or delete it at any time.

    Our Expert Team

    HoopVerified rankings are overseen by a committee of certified basketball scouts, former college coaches, and youth basketball development experts with 50+ years combined experience in player evaluation.

    Credentials Required:

    • • USA Basketball certified coach or scout certification
    • • Minimum 5 years experience in youth basketball evaluation
    • • Completed background check and COPPA training
    • • Agreement to our Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest policy

    Transparency Commitment

    Rankings are Never For Sale:

    Player rankings cannot be purchased, influenced by sponsorships, or altered based on payment. Any attempt to manipulate rankings results in permanent ban.

    Weekly Updates:

    Rankings are updated weekly based on latest tournament results and verified performance data. Major ranking changes include explanatory notes.

    Appeal Process:

    Players, parents, or coaches can request ranking review with supporting evidence. All appeals are reviewed by multiple scouts within 72 hours.

    Public Changelog:

    Major methodology changes are announced publicly with 30-day notice period. Community feedback is incorporated into all policy updates.

    Questions or Concerns?

    We're committed to transparency and accountability. If you have questions about our editorial standards, ranking methodology, or COPPA compliance, please contact our team.

    Last Updated: September 8, 2026