The Best Seats
In The House

A common problem facing educational and community based facilities is the usability of their basketball systems by players of all ages. With the regulation height of basketball systems hanging at 10’, this can eliminate a number of users depending on their age and size. Organizing basketball games and exercises across all ages has been a problem faced by many for years, but with the addition of our newest basketball system designed specifically for youth, it is bound to level the playing field...or court!

The newest addition to our basketball line is our Junior Jammer. This innovative product easily and quickly attaches to any previously installed basketball hoop and backboard and brings the basketball goal into play for younger age groups.

We see a variety of facilities, each with their own unique designs and configurations. Over our 35 years in the athletic infrastructure business, we have seen a number of jobs that have called upon our strength as a custom designer and installer across many of our product lines. Our custom padding department’s products are used in educational, athletic and health facilities of all shapes and sizes. Our bleachers department is no different, as we continue to build innovative structures to seat fans and spectators.

Basketball systems can appear to be quite cut and dry with regards to installation and product specifications, but with the development and renovation of so many facilities, we are continually challenged to design new solutions for our ceiling-suspended basketball nets.

When it comes to the installation of ceiling-suspended basketball systems, no two installations are alike. The wide variety of facilities and gymnasiums today can sometimes present challenges to both the design and installation of these types of basketball systems. Aside from a strong support structure, other factors like noise and vibration often come into play, particularly when usable space is located above the basketball playing area.

The situation at the Michener Institute in Toronto, Ontario was no different than the above and they promptly contacted us to design and install a lasting solution to their problem. The existing basketball backstops were hung from the ceiling slab and located underneath an acoustical ceiling as illustrated in the photo below:

Basketball is what started everything for us here at Sport Systems.  Back in 1978 we began supplying the best basketball hoops and equipment in Canada and never looked back.

Today our product line is vast and our business has grown exponentially since we first started out at Canada Hoop Ltd, but through all the years we have never forgotten our roots.  We continue to supply and manufacture the industry's best basketball equipment for our customers and will continue to innovate and expand on our basketball hoops, backboards and nets as we grow over time.

This spring we were approached by the Islamic Institute of Toronto, and tasked with making some great improvements to the gymnasium in their beautiful facility located in Scarborough.

The Islamic Institute of Toronto (IIT) was established back in 1996 and has grown into one of the premier Islamic Educational Institutions in Canada.  Today the educational center offers courses in Arabic Language, Islamic Jurisprudence, Ethics, Spirituality and much more in their Toronto location.  The institute now resides on an 8 acre piece of property and contains a school, bookstore, administrative offices and obviously, a gymnasium.

The good people at the IIT opted for six new ceiling suspended basketball systems for their gymnasium, and ended up going with the popular 3103 Forward Folding / Rear Braced System from us.  This system is a perfect fit as it is designed for areas allowing sufficient space behind the backboard for a rear brace and unobstructed room to the front to fold up. 

As with all athletic facilities, the safety of participants, staff and spectators is always priority number one. When it comes to ceiling or wall mounted basketball equipment like backboards and backstops, the Aut-O-Loc system is the industry leader, providing a new standard in gymnasium equipment safety.

This safety strap is engineered with safety in mind; this basketball backstop strap operates much like a seatbelt in your vehicle.

The patented inertia plate in all systems can automatically sense a centrifugal force of fall. When sensed, the Aut-O-Loc instantly stops the backstop from falling with help of its steel paws and locking teeth located in the housing. This system prevents both damage to the basketball system, as well as any inherent danger to participants and spectators below.

Modern designs and models of basketball systems have evolved a long way over the years. Sifting through the sometimes overwhelming selection of pole sizes, backboard types, adjustments and other such features can leave most potential buyers a bit lost when trying to select the best system for their facilities unique needs. At Sport Systems, we have years of experience with basketball systems, in fact, it was basketball hoops that founded our company!

This quick and informative guide will walk you through the terminology and parts of our in-ground basketball systems. We carry two models of outdoor in-ground basketball systems that have served our clients’ needs for many years now. Our BBIG Series is the most rugged and recognizable basketball systems in the outdoor sporting market. A popular choice for recreation departments, schools and community playgrounds, this goal features a welded flange, while competitors systems typically feature a “slip-on” flange that constantly requires retightening due to vibration.

Our other outdoor in-ground basketball goal is the GP100 Series, and is a step above the BBIG Series for those looking for a slightly higher-end outdoor basketball system that can stand up to repeated use and the elements. The GP100 allows our customers to select their backboard material, backboard size extension lengths and is equipped with an industry-exclusive heavy-gauge triangular extension arm and thick bracing allowing for extended board stability.

Now that February is finally over, anticipation for the NCAA men’s Division I basketball tournament is mounting: basketball enthusiasts are making final preparations for March Madness by assembling their brackets, players and coaches are working on playbooks and strategy, and facilities managers are giving all the equipment, seating, press boxes, and all other basketball equipment their final inspection before tip off.

For fans, choosing a winner for the tournament is never a small task. There is much to consider when placing teams in your bracket, not the least of which is whether you are going to root for your hometown favorite, or put your money on the top ranked team. Team spirit is contagious this time of year, so matter which match you’re watching, you’re bound to get into the game. One thing is for sure: you won’t be missing a single basketball game this month!