LEAGUE RULES

CURRENT LEAGUE RULES - RECREATION DIVISION

The following are the official league rules, playing time & conduct expectations.  They apply to all divisions unless noted.

Section 1: Gameplay Rules

Uniforms: All players must wear their league provided uniform to all games.

Game Time: Each game consists of two 20-minute halves. The game clock will run continuously and will only stop during shooting fouls or injuries per the referee’s discretion.  The clock will then be stopped for all dead balls with less than two minutes left in each half. The clock will not stop for substitutions.

Time Outs: Each team is awarded 3 timeouts per game

Halftime: Halftime will be 4 minutes long unless the games run over on time.  The referee will use his/her discretion to shorten halftime.

Overtime: In the event that overtime occurs; 1 additional time out will be granted and clock will be stop time

Team Fouls: On the 7th team foul of the half the opposing team will shoot 1 and 1 free throws.  On the 10th team foul of the half, the opposing team will shoot two free throws.

Playing Time: All players are expected to play as equally as possible with a minimum of 15 minutes per game, including playoffs, except if injured or penalized for disciplinary reasons. If a player is being disciplined or penalized, coaches shall make the board aware of this ahead of time.

Sitting Time: All players will sit the bench for a minimum of 10 minutes (or one-quarter of the game if less than 40 minutes), including play-offs, except when a sufficient number of players are not available due to injury, discipline, or non- attendance.

Substitution Regular and Playoff Season: During the regular and playoff season; all players shall be substituted at the 5-minute mark- the rule is “empty the bench at every 5-minute interval”. Substitutions shall be every 5 minutes- no exceptions.

Exceptions to Play Time Rules: If a team has 6 or fewer players available then the mandatory 10-minute sit rule will be abandoned for that game, for the team with 6 or fewer.  If a player arrives late to a game the coach is able to reduce their playing time relative to the time of the game the player missed by being late.

Press: No full-court press in grades 3-8  except for the last two minutes of the game and overtime.  Note: Instructional division will only have defense playing to the defending 3 point line and no press is allowed at any time

Mercy Rule: If the point differential is twenty points or more, the leading team cannot apply full-court pressure.

Defense Clause Boys Grades 3-4 and Girls 3-5 DIvisions:  Teams are required to play man-to-man defense only for the first half.  During the 2nd half, teams may choose zone or man-to-man.

Section 2: Player/Coach Conduct

Coach/Player Conduct and Complaints

1) If a complaint is filed with the Board regarding one or more players not receiving minimum playing time: The Board will investigate to improve the situation.

2) Board has the final decision on all playtime complaints. If a Board representative is monitoring the game and feels that the playing time rule is not being adhered to, the Board member will direct the coach to make the correct substitution. If the said coach fails to comply; the coach will then face disciplinary action including removal from the game, gym, or forfeiture of the game.

3) Any coach/player who receives 2 technical fouls in the same game shall be removed from the gym and face disciplinary action from the Board and possible suspension from future games.

4) Any and all exceptions to the minimum time rule must be reported to the opposing coach as soon as exceptions are realized.

Coach’s Play Time Decisions:

The rules covering playtime in section 1 are provided to ensure equitable playtime for all players.  For teams with only 7 or 8 players please ensure that all players are playing as equal time as possible.  As coaches, you are tasked with ensuring a positive experience for all players regardless of skill level. Please remember that this is a recreation division.  Every child that signs up for this program deserves an equal chance to learn and play the game.  As the coach, you are responsible for making sure this happens.  Any coach who is not displaying the behaviors outlined above can and will be disciplined by the board.

The Board