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 $20 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.  Any player without a
  jersey will receive a two-shot technical foul and be
  permitted to play for one game.

* 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.

* 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 eighteen to 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 for player
  substitutions every five minutes during the game.
  Substitutions can only be made on substitution breaks,
  or in case of injury or medical contingency
  (example - Asthma).  The only exception to this
  substitution rule is for the 14-Under league.  During the
  final two minutes of a game, a team can call a timeout
  and make final player substitutions. Therefore, a player
  may only play 3 minutes during the final 5 minute period.
  This substitution exception policy will be reviewed as
  the season progresses.

* 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.

* Most games will be played indoors.  We will play
  outdoors on occasion if the weather is permissible.
  There will be no rainouts.

* 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.

* 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 ten 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 start of
  the season.  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 player has a question or
  concern, we encourage them to bring the issue 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
  consumed outside in the lobby area.

* 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 are 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!