Irving Matloff

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In 1955, Irving Matloff and two of his friends formed the “Little Basketball League”.  The league was formed to promote participation and foster the values of good behavior, leadership and loyalty.  In 1959, the league became the Boys Basketball League, and the program was the model for other communities on Long Island.  Sportsmanship, tolerance and camaraderie were emphasized and self-esteem was important long before its later recognition.  The “rules” were often sent to towns like Bellmore, Massapequa, Wantagh and Islip, and to towns in New Jersey.

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Mr. Matloff served as President, Commissioner and Treasurer.  He solicited sponsors, coordinated schedules and helped the league expand immensely.  He fostered an atmosphere where the well coordinated learned to play with those who were not natural athletes and vice versa.  He set the theme of equal playing time, competitive but tolerant play, and sportsmanship.  Fun, appreciation of others, participation and learning were the goals of the league.  Trophies and other awards were plentiful.  Irving died in 1996 in Nevada.  In his honor, and for the direction he and his peers provided during the early development of the league and its philosophy, we are proud to announce the winners of the Irving Matloff Award for Sportsmanship: