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 $25 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 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 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).

* All teams participate in the playoffs.  Regular Season standings determine
  playoff position only.  

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

* 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.  Violators will be removed
  from the game and a one-game suspension assessed for 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 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.

* 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.

* There is one exception to the player substitution rule for the 14-Under
  league during the playoffs.  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.  This substitution exception policy
  will be allowed during the playoffs only.

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!