League Rules and Policies

Players and Parents:
Please familiarize yourself with these ground rules.

Of course, rules are always a work in progress. We will
stick to these guidelines, but the ultimate decisions
on instances that might not be covered in this document
will be up to the discretion of the league coordinators.

* Each team will consist of eight to ten players.  Game
  schedules will be distributed to each player and posted
  at the Recreation Center.

* Sign-up fee is $10 per player.  Parental permission is
  required.  Permission slip must be signed in order to
  play.  Each team will have a community sponsor.

* All participants will receive a team jersey.  Shirts MUST
  be worn during games.  Players must not cut sleeves or
  alter jersey in any way.  Violators will have to purchase
  a new jersey.

* Each 11U team will be assigned a coach/instructor.  The
  coach will be responsible for team management.  The
  Recreation Staff will provide assistance whenever necessary.

* Each 14U teams will be assigned a team captain.  The captain
  is responsible for team management.  The Recreation Staff
  will provide assistance whenever necessary, including
  assigning a temporary instructor to help manage the team.

* Games will consist of two 20-minute periods (14U) or
  two 15-minute periods (11U) with a 5-minute halftime.  Each
  team is permitted two one minute timeouts per period.

* All players MUST play at least twenty minutes per game (14U)
  or fifteen minutes per game (11U).  This time will be broken
  into five minute increments.  Timekeeper will buzz horn and
  stop game and break for player substitutions every five
  minutes during the game.  Substitutions can only be made on
  these substitution breaks, or in case of injury or medical
  contingency (example - Asthma).  There is one exception to
  this substitution policy.  During the final two minutes of
  the game, a team may call a timeout and make final player
  substitutions.  However, the players coming out of the
  game MUST have played their required game time.

* All teams participate in the playoffs.  Regular Season
  standings determine playoff position only.  These are the
  only games that really count, so use the regular season to
  learn to play as a team!

* In the event a team has only four players at the start, then
  each team will play with four on the court.  Any less than
  four players will be cause for a forfeit.  If a fifth player
  shows up late, then each team will put five on the court.
  If a player is ejected and this causes a team to play with
  four players, then the opposing team will not be penalized
  and the game will continue as 4-on-5.  Be aware that if a
  player is ejected from the game and this ejection causes a
  team to have only three players available, the game becomes
  an automatic forfeit, regardless of the score at the time
  play is stopped.

* The league staff may permit substitute players to be inserted
  into a game in case a team has a shortage of players, in
  order to have enough players to play five-on-five.
  Preferably, we would like to have six players present.  Teams
  must still have four of their own players present to avoid
  a forfiet.  These substitute players are bound by the same
  playing time rules.  Substitutes will be assigned to a team
  at the discretion of the Recreation Staff.  NO substitutes
  will be available during PLAYOFF games.

* There is no "pressing".  In the 14-Under league, teams can
  play defense beyond mid-court during the final two minutes
  of the game.

* Basketball is not a contact sport.  Due to the age
  disparities it is essential that the bigger players respect
  the younger ones and do not run over or "tank" the smaller
  players.  To prevent injuries, we will assess a two-shot
  technical foul on any player who commits such an intentional
  offense and the player will be suspended for the remainder
  of the game.

* We will have a running clock.  Time clock will stop for
  timeouts, injury, or referee intervention only.  During the
  final one minute of the first period and the final two
  minutes of the second period, the time clock will stop on
  each referee whistle.  If a game score is out-of-hand,
  the scorekeeper will let the clock run without pause.

* Players are allowed five fouls before ejection.  Upon the
  seventh team foul, the opposing team will receive one-and-one
  bonus free throws.  Upon the tenth team foul, the opposition
  will receive two shots. 

* In the event a game ends in a tie after regulation, then a
  three minute overtime period will be played.  There is no
  limit on the amount of overtime periods that can occur in a
  game.  We will continue until a winner is determined.  Each
  team gets one timeout during each overtime period.

* Players should arrive 15 minutes before game time.  Games
  MUST start at the correct time, unless a late start is
  dictated by the previous game.  We will allow a 10-minute
  grace period, then automatic forfeit.

* Games will be played outdoors if the weather is permissible,
  and indoors if the weather is bad, so there will be no rainouts.

* Jewelry may not be worn during games.  Earrings, necklaces and
  studs MUST be removed.  The Recreation Staff and coaches are
  not responsible for any lost items.

* Late sign-ups will be placed on a call-up list and assigned
  as necessary to fill open roster positions.  There will be NO
  roster changes after nine games.

* Standings Tie-Breaker will be regular season head-to-head
  competition results.   The second tie-breaker will be points
  scored head-to-head, and finally a coin toss.

* Team practices are encouraged, but not mandatory.  Coaches and
  Team Captains can schedule practices, and the staff will
  attempt to provide court time, either inside or out, whenever
  possible.  Time and space are limited and it is summertime.
  This program consists of the regular season game schedule and
  playoffs.  Remember, individual hard work and dedication are
  the key to success, and all players are encouraged to practice
  their skills wherever and whenever possible.  In this program,
  we stress that each regular season game is a team practice.
  Players and coaches are getting to know one another, and it is
  during these games that the importance is placed on building
  relationships and learning to play as a team.  All teams will
  make the playoffs so, in essence, every game is a practice for
  the post-season.  Please be patient with your progress and do
  not be discouraged if things do not go well at the beginning.
  The Recreation Center Staff is always available to assist
  and encourage.

DISCIPLINE

* SWEARING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.  A technical foul will be
  assessed.  A second offense will result in an automatic game
  ejection.  

* FIGHTING WILL MOST DEFINITELY NOT BE TOLERATED.  Guilty parties
  will be removed from the game and a one-game suspension for all
  players involved.  Removal from the league is possible at the
  discretion of the Recreation Staff.  Law enforcement
  authorities will be notified if necessary.  Two-shot technical
  fouls will be assessed against all players involved.

* The referees and timekeeper are in charge.  Their decisions are
  final.  Only coaches and captains may question a decision.  If
  a team has a question or concern, we encourage them to bring
  the issue to the attention of the Recreation Staff after the
  game.  If a player feels he has been wronged or is not getting
  a fair chance to play, please bring this to the attention of
  the Recreation Staff after the game and corrective action will
  be taken if necessary.

* Tennis shoes ONLY are permitted on the gym floor.

* There is NO food or drink allowed inside the gymnasium.
  Players are permitted a water bottle with a sealable top.
  No open containers.  Refreshments MUST be left outside in the
  lobby.

* There are NO personal balls permitted in the gymnasium.  All
  balls must be left outside the gymnasium.  The Recreation Staff
  asks that personal possessions be left at home if possible.  The
  Recreation Center and the League Staff are NOT RESPONSIBLE for
  missing or damaged items.  BRING THEM AT YOUR OWN RISK.  We are
  here to run a basketball league, not to watch over basketballs,
  bikes, clothes, money, jewelry and other such items.

* Poor attendance may be cause for reduced playing time or removal
  from the league.  Please be considerate of your teammates and
  coaches and let them know if you will be absent for games,
  especially vacations and other prolonged absences.

* Delinquent conduct in the Recreation Center building or in the
  park area, AT ANY TIME, may be cause for loss of building or
  park privileges.  Delinquent behavior will not be tolerated by
  the Recreation Center staff and may result in game suspensions
  or removal from the league.

PLAYOFFS

* All teams participate in the playoffs.  Same rules as above
  apply.  No substitute players allowed.

IMPORTANT NOTE (PLEASE READ):

* The League Staff and other adult instructors/referees are in
  charge.  The coaches and captains will be permitted to run their
  teams as they see fit, according to the rules and within the
  proper guidelines for individual participation.  The
  instructors/coaches/referees will make adjustments as necessary
  and will do their best to promote teamwork and fair play among
  the different teams.  This league is as much instructional as it
  is competitive, and it is the staff's responsibility to provide
  all players with a reasonable opportunity to participate in the
  games.  For instance, we will deter ball hogging, rude behavior,
  grandstanding, and assure equal participation for all players
  involved.

* We will look unfavorably on rude behavior from the crowd.  We
  remind everyone that we are here for the kids and they are here
  to have fun.  We will take whatever steps are necessary to
  ensure that the kids are the focus of this program.
  WE ARE VERY SERIOUS ABOUT THIS!

* We will have any person whose actions are in any way obstructive
  to the peaceful progress of the game removed from the playing
  area and law enforcement authorities will be notified if
  necessary.  


  WE WANT EVERYONE TO HAVE FUN !!!

  League Coordinators:
  Clint Burton and Milan Tyler.

  Center Director:
  Michelle Underwood.
  412-571-3222

  Thanks everyone for your support!