A protective apparatus for covering bolts and gussets of a mounting base of an in-ground anchoring system for a basketball goal post includes a shell formed of a resiliently deformable material. The shell includes a top wall defining a post opening configured to receive the goal post therethrough and at least one side wall integral with the top wall. The top wall and side walls define a cavity for enclosing the protruding features of the mounting base when the post is received in the opening of the top wall. An access opening is provided through which the goal post is maneuvered into the post opening. The access opening can be in the form of a slot or a closeable slit in the shell. In certain embodiments, a retention element is provided that attaches to the bolts of the mounting base to hold the protective apparatus in position.