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 players.  Game schedules will be
  distributed to each player and posted at the Recreation Center.

* Sign-up fee is $30 per player.  Parental permission is required.
  Permission slip must be signed in order to play.

* 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 the 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.  Please be considerate of the Team Captain and their decisions.
  They were chosen by the staff and their progress will be evaluated.  It's a
  lot of responsibility, so respect their decisions.

* 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 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). See 14U playoff substitution exception detailed below
  in the PLAYOFFS section.

* All teams participate in the playoffs.  Regular Season standings determine
  playoff position only.  There is no need to focus so much on winning and
  losing during the regular season.  This is a time for teams to improve their
  teamwork and build team spirit.  The only time winning and losing really
  matters is during the playoffs, so please be patient with a team's progress.

* 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, if possible.  NO substitutes will be available during PLAYOFF games.
  NO player can be active on two team rosters at the same time.

* 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 or late for games, especially vacations and other
  prolonged absences.

* There is no "pressing" or defense allowed in the backcourt.  In the 14-Under
  league, teams can press and play defense beyond mid-court during the final
  two minutes of the game only.

* 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.
  Safety is our primary concern and this type of aggressive play will not
  be allowed.  Disciplinary action may result from repeated offenses.

* All games will be played indoors.  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 (30 point
  lead), the scorekeeper will let the clock run without pause.  During free
  throws, clock will stop until the shooter has the ball.

* Players are allowed five fouls before ejection.  During each half, 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.  A team must have
  four players present to avoid a 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 eight 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.

* Practices are encouraged, but not mandatory.  The summer basketball clinic
  is offered to 11U players on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Older players are
  welcome to come and help.  As for the 14U League, the Team Captains can
  schedule practices, and the staff will attempt to provide court time,
  either inside or out, if 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 each and every game is another 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.  Violators will be removed
  from the game and a one-game suspension assessed to all players involved.
  League suspension 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.

* NO personal balls are permitted in the gymnasium.  The Citiparks Staff asks
  that personal items be left at home if possible.  The Recreation Center
  Staff are NOT RESPONSIBLE for missing or damaged items.  BRING PERSONAL
  ITEMS 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.

* 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 of any type, on any day, at any time, by any of our
  players, will not be tolerated and may result in game suspensions or removal
  from the league.  Please show respect for yourself, our park, our patrons
  and our staff at all times.

PLAYOFFS

* All teams participate in the playoffs.

* Same rules as above apply, with the following exceptions:
 
* No substitute players are allowed.

* There is one playoff exception to the player substitution rule 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, an individual
  player may only play 3 minutes (18 minutes for the game) during the final
  5 minute period.

* 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE (PLEASE READ):

* The League Staff and our instructors/referees are the ones 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 do our best to 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!

* 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.  We have "ZERO TOLERANCE" for disruptive
  behavior and will not hesitate to do whatever is necessary to provide
  a safe, healthy and peaceful environments for our participants.

* REMEMBER WHAT'S IMPORTANT.  EVERYONE IS HERE TO HAVE FUN !!!

  League Coordinators:
  Clint Burton and Milan Tyler.

  Center Director:
  Michelle Underwood.
  412-571-3222

  Thanks everyone for your support!