Little Kids in the neighborhood playing on my basketball goal

Sounds like a lose-lose situation to me. As much as I'd like to see you get the thing to cover the hoop, I think the most logical explanation is to speak to at least one of the parents. Tell them you don't want to be held liable if something happens, you have a sleeping baby they are waking up, you have a friend that was in the same situation and he came home to find the goal broke/bent (like was posted above) and you don't want that to happen, or even that you just don't appreciate their children trespassing on your private property. I like what someone else suggested.....suggest to the parent that each of them throw in a few bucks and get a goal the kids can use. You don't want to be rude, but it is just becoming a nuisance to you and your family, and you're worried about the possible consequences if one of them gets hurt, or possible damages to your goal.

Maybe start parking your car in the driveway to block them from playing, maybe they'll get the idea, but I wouldn't count on it.

It's a shame you have to go through this, anyone should be able to buy their own goal and enjoy it without this type of trouble. I'm the type that doesn't appreciate people using my things without asking, so I would probably talk to the parents, but try to be civil.

Pugs

 

Spoiler

 

I hate people who have basketball goals in their driveways!

 

I think you just dissed about half the people on here, and the entire Rockets team!

Pugs

 

Pretty sure nearly every Rocket has a basketball court built into their homes.

 

^ Uhhh... she said "driveways."

Then you love YAO. *so does your mom.

 

There's a huge difference between playing at a public park court and in someone's driveway...What happens if the goal falls on a kid? who will be responsible for that? On a public court they're usually so well secured that's not going to happen unless you really go out of your way to knock it over, which wouldn't be anyone's fault but your own...but a driveway goal? Definitely could happen. He's already taken on some responsibility by allowing them to play there.

 

but they still resent you for it.

 

I think this is the most acceptable answer. By parking in the driveway, there's no way for them to play and they won't come bug you about it.

 

I could see that backfiring pretty easily with either accidental or purposeful damage to his car.

Besides, sounds to me like his biggest problem is kids not leaving him alone wanting to play with him when he goes out to shoot hoops.

 

If he played topless and wore short 80's shorts that would take care of that.

Spoiler

 

The only solution is to sell your house.

 

Or....you could put land mines on the driveway. If they blow up....thier own fault!