Martin County Youth Basketball League

Rules & Guidelines

It is understood that the rules herein, are in addition to the official playing

Rules governed by the Florida High School Athletic Association Basketball rules.

Parents’ and Patrons Code of Ethics:

I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care and encouragement for children participating in youth sports by following this Code of Ethics: I will do so by...

· Encouraging good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches and officials at every game, practice or other youth sports event

 

 

· Placing the emotional and physical well being of children ahead of my personal desire to win.

· Insisting that children play in a safe and healthy environment.

· Requiring that coaches’ be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sports coach and that the coach upholds a Coaches’ Code of Ethics.

· Supporting coaches and officials working with children in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.

· Demanding a sports environment for all participants that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all youth sport events.

· Remembering that the game is for youth – not adults.

· Doing my best to make youth sports fun for my child, and others.

· Asking my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.

· Reading the National Standards for Youth Sports (available from the league or Parks and Recreation Department) and do what I can to help all youth sports organizations implement and enforce them.

· Fully support a policy of “ZERO TOLERANCE” to violence, abusive language and such matters detrimental to all players, participants and patrons.

** If a parent becomes verbally abusive to team players or officials, a technical foul will be assessed to the coach of that respective team. If a second technical foul is assessed that parent will be asked to leave the gymnasium.

**It is the coach’s responsibility to make parents aware of the rules, and that their conduct is as much an apart of the game as is the game itself.

COACHES DUTIES

· Will undergo a criminal background check each season through the Department of Human Resources, and ensure that assistant coaches have completed and submitted the necessary paperwork.

· Will be of good moral character and able to deal with children, assistant coaches, parents, game officials and league administrators in a positive and professional manner.

· Head coaches are responsible to hold practices prior to the beginning of the season.

***

 

 

Only the head coach and one assistant can coach from the half sideline assigned to their team.

During play FHSAA rules state only one coach may stand during live ball

play.

· Responsible for the selection of his/her team.

· Responsible for the team’s actions, including parents and fans, and to represent the team in communications with the referee and opposing team.

***

 

Responsible to appoint a representative to replace him/her if he/she is unable to be

present.

· Responsible to ensure that his/her assistant coach or designated replacement act in accordance with these rules.

· Responsible to ensure that there shall be a minimum of one (1) mandatory practice per week during the season.

***

 

Responsible to keep his/her coaches and team in the appropriate area throughout the game.

 

Coaches must remain inside the coach’s box (with the exception of Instructional

Division, there are no designated coach’s box).

· A head coach shall have the responsibility to notify the League Director of any chronic absenteeism and / or discipline problem before taking any action.

· No mechanical devices to amplify a coach’s voice are to be used at any time.

· Parent’s or designee at the score table must refrain from comments to officials, players and opposing team coach or team members at all times.

· A coach’s tone of voice should be informative and not harassing or intimidating at any time.

· Will agree to meet with the League Director and opposing coach at any time to discuss any issues.

· A coach who removes his/her team from the court without the consent of the game official shall receive a forfeit and will be subject to disciplinary action.

*Proper Attire – Coaches should wear a coaches shirt {Provided by League} Alternate shirts are accepted. NO FLIP FLOPS OR SLIDES.

*Uniform Technical – Coaches must promote player responsibilities by reminding players they MUST be game ready WITH PROPER JERSEY. If a player from a particular team does not have proper jersey, the game will start with a Uniform Technical. 2 shots and possession of ball. If said player does not have a shirt of team color, he/she will be unable to play that game.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

INJURY:

· Call 911 (if needed).

· Do not move injured person, stabilize and move everyone away from the individual(s).

· Notify or have someone notify parents and league officials, you should have copies of emergency information with you at all times.

· Do not treat any injuries unless life threatening and CPR is needed (if you don’t know CPR find someone who does).

· It is more important to treat an injured person than to complete a game though we will make every effort to do so.

Weather:

· If you are practicing outside and you can see lighting you must cancel practice and insure the safety of your players.

· Keep children calm and informed; remember if you are scared they are too.

Altercations:

· Adults – if a fight occurs between adults do not attempt to break up the fight call 911 and report it. Move everyone out of harms way away from the fight area.

· Children – Stop the fight if possible, restrain with care. If you cannot stop the fight call 911 and move everyone away from the area.

· Inform all involved participants in the altercation that they will receive suspensions based on your report of the incident and according to league policy.

· Issue a written report of the incident with league officials and include any police or injury report.

· Someone on the league staff or their representative will be available every game (a coach is the designated representative at practices).

SELECTION OF PLAYERS

Ratings:

 

 

 

League Director, League Assistants and Coaches of their respective division

will rate Players in respective divisions. Players will be rated by A, B and C processes

(“A” being excellent). This will be based on their ability to perform and every attempt will be made to make teams of an equal level of ability.

Replacement of Players: If a team loses one or more players from its roster during the current season through illness, injury, change of address or any justifiable reason, said team must request another player through the League Director within three (3) days or less. At the discretion of the League Director, a replacement player will be assigned and considered an active member of the team. This player will be of the same caliber rating as his/her predecessor, as to keep the balance of the team intact. The coach cannot refuse players. The playing ability of the individual will not be considered a justifiable reason for replacement. Failure to follow this rule may result in the suspension of the Coach and/or forfeiture of the game(s). Once assigned a player is eligible to play in all subsequent games. No player shall be recruited or otherwise added to the waiting list after 50% of the regular scheduled games have been played.

DRAFT RULES

1

 

. Draft order will be determined by Blind Draw.

2

 

. Draft picks will be taken in this order; players will be taken in their rated order, A, B or C. First round first pick through last pick then reverse order for second round, reverse for third round until all players in their rating have been picked.

3

 

. Players will be rated by ability by coaches and directors in specific divisions. Then progress to the next ratings of players.

4

 

. Each team will be allowed one (1) protected pick, one for the head coach. These protected picks will be used as the team’s first pick in each appropriate rated category. Assistant coaches can be determined after the draft is complete. Assistants must complete background check. Pairing up for the sole purpose of getting 2 particular players on a team with no involvement will not be accepted.

5

 

. All brothers/sisters assigned to the same team must be drafted as a pair and will be counted as consecutive picks. That is third and fourth, fifth and sixth, etc. If the brothers are rated in different categories the lowest rated player will be taken as the team’s next pick in the lower round.

6

 

. It will be the determination of each coach to honor requests from players to be on the same team for rides or other purposes. Coaches will be made aware of the request prior to the draft. This situation will not be used for the reason of stacking a team. The League Director will have the final say in these requests.

7

 

. To be eligible for the draft a player must have attended the tryout or be approved by a unanimous consent to be added to the draft due to the player’s prior experience. All other players will be placed on a team by blind draw in the remaining draft order.

8

 

. Time limit, each team will be allowed two (2) minutes per round for each selection. If a player is not selected within two minutes that team will lose their pick for that round, and will be made up at the end of the draft.

9

 

. After all available players have been selected or placed coaches will have ten minutes to make trades that will be beneficial to the player. All trades must be accepted by both coaches involved, a player may be traded only once. League Director has the final decision to approve or deny the request.

10

 

. All rosters will be final after the draft. Team with open spots will have players added by ratings on a first come basis or by the existing waiting list. They will be added to teams in the original draft order. League Director has the final decision to approve or deny the request.

***

 

11

. All participants that sign up and are on the waiting list will be asked to attend the draft and be rated. These participants will then be placed in their specific groupings. i.e.: A, B or C. When a team loses a player for whatever reason a participant of the same player ability will replace him. No coach may bring a player in from the outside that he has recruited. The player must come from the waiting list only.

SUPPLEMENTAL PLAYING RULES

IF NOT SPECIFIED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL RULES LEAGUE PLAY WILL

BE GOVERNED BY THE FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL (FHSAA) RULES.

1

 

. Length of games will be four quarters, eight (8) minutes. The final three (3) minutes of each quarter for each Pee Wee, Lower, Middle, Upper divisions the clock will stop at all dead balls. Instructional Division will be 2-14 min. halves with continuous running clock. In addition, Unlimited substitution of players will be allowed during dead balls through out the game. Clock will continue to run during substitution of players during the first (5)minutes of quarters

, Players must be at half court ready to check in. The clock will stop at all dead balls during the final (3) minutes of each quarter. Instructional division will sub at 7 min. mark of each half.

2

 

. There will be one overtime period if the game ends in a tie. This overtime will be two (2) minutes. If overtime results in a tie, it will be sudden death. No time will be added to clock. Jump ball at halk court, then the first team to score wins.

*** Each team will be allotted Three Full time outs (60 sec. and Two (2) 30 second time outs per game, to be used at any time during the game.

Time outs not used during the regular game are carried over to the overtime periods. Each team will receive one additional Full timeout for overtime. Instructional division is allowed 3 full time outs per game.

3

 

. Mandatory Playing Time:

Each player must participate in two (2) quarters of play. This league is for child development, and this aspect is important, so that all children receive playing time. If a child has not attended practices, the parent and coach must bring this to the League Director’s attention before the start of a game and all should be in agreement that the child’s playing time should be altered.

4

 

. a. Pressing- Instructional division will not be permitted to full court press. Pee Wee and Lower Divisions may press in the last 3 minutes of each quarter if the lead is less than 15. If trailing team cuts lead to 10, leading team my press again. Middle, Upper Divisions may press at any time up if the lead is less than 20. If trailing team cuts lead to 10, leading team my press again.

b. Back court violations will be enforced in all divisions.

c. Offensive 3 second rule will apply from Pee Wee division and up.

d. 5 second rules {Inbound and closely guarded} apply from Pee Wee division and up.

5.

 

Player/Coach Conduct:

a

 

. Technical fouls will be assessed as deemed necessary by officials.

b

 

. Any player or coach assessed 2 technical fouls during the course of play will be ejected from that game and suspended for the following game. Any player or coach assessed a technical foul in 2 consecutive weeks will be suspended for a game. The second time {In another game} a player or coach receives a technical foul in a game they will be suspended from league for 2 games. If a fourth technical foul is assessed, the player or coach will be suspended for the rest of the season.

c

 

. Any player or coach using foul language on the court to include the bench area will be immediately assessed a technical foul. If a second offense and technical is called, player will be ejected and suspended the following game.

d

 

. Fighting will result in immediate ejection and a minimum 3 game suspension with League Director to determine if further action is necessary. (Technical fouls will be also assessed.)

e

 

. A coach suspended from a game will not be permitted on the bench during the suspension and must refrain from any coaching responsibilities including practices until the following game.

f

 

. A player suspended from a game must serve his/her suspension on the bench not in uniform, or suspension will not be lifted.

g. Any coach or player who has been suspended or replaced for a season will be permitted to attend games as a spectator. Standard spectator behavior and expectations will be enforced. {See 6.d below}

Each player is allowed 5 fouls per game.

b

 

. Middle and Upper Divisions will follow FHSAA guidelines 5 fouls per game and the above stated policy for less than 5 players.

c

 

. Instructional Division baskets will be set at 8.5 feet. Peewee , Lower, Middle, Upper and Varsity Divisions will be set at regulation height.

d

 

. Coaches are to be held responsible for their team parent’s conduct. If a parent becomes verbally abusive to team players or officials, a warning will be issued. If a second infraction is called, it will result in a technical foul will be assessed. If a second technical foul is assessed that parent will be asked to leave the gymnasium.

e

 

. It is the coach’s responsibility to make parents aware of the League rules, and that their conduct is as much an apart of the game as is the game itself.

f

 

. It is the responsibility of the coach and the player to make sure they are properly dressed for all games, with the team jersey on and shirttail tucked in.

g

 

. If a team has 3 or less players in attendance, it will be an automatic forfeit. If a team has only four players, the opposing team has the right to play per FHSSA rules {5 on 4 is accepted}. If a team has multiple players that foul out, they will continue to play with the remaining players. Per FHSSA rules, a team can continue to play until only one player is eligible where they cannot inbound a pass to themselves.

Sportsmanship will be expected by all players, coaches and spectators.

7. Running Clock – For PeeWee division, once a team is leading by 20 or more, the clock will run for the rest of the game except in time outs or injury. For Lower division and up a 25 point lead will result in running clock.

PLAYOFFS

In divisions with 9 or less teams, the top 4 teams in each division will

advance to playoffs. Divisions with 10 or more teams, the top 6 will

advance with # 1 & 2 seeds with a first round bye.

OFFICIALS

Officials shall have complete authority over the game, players, coaches and spectators; they may expel any player, coach or spectator for indecent language, unsportsmanlike conduct, or any infraction of rules. Refusal of expelled player, coach or spectator to leave the "“GYMNASIUM" will constitute a forfeit.

*** NOTE***:

 

Officials are instructed to discuss any matter in question ONLY with the Head Coach. Coaches SHALL NOT demand the removal or the scheduling of a particular referee/official.

LEAGUE ORGANIZATION

Dates of birth {If requested by League Director} of participants shall be certified by birth certificates (Not complimentary hospital certificates), passport, or alien registration card. Late registrations will be assigned to a waiting list and placed on a team when possible and by their rating by the League Directors and League Assistants. Teams will be divided into the following age groupings:

Divisions:

Instructional Division Ages 6&7- should not turn 8 during the current season of registration.

Peewee Division Ages 8&9 – should not turn 10 during the current season of registration.

Lower Division Ages 10&11 –should not turn 12 during the current season of registration.

Middle Division Ages 12&13 – should not turn 14 during the current season of registration.

Upper Division Ages 14&17 – should not turn 18 during the current season of registration.

**Instructional Division**

 

Due to the average ability of players at this age, there will be leniency of fouls in order to teach and prepare players for Peewee Division.

NOTE:

 

All Divisions will have a minimum of 28 players to be a Division. This enables each team to have seven (7) players on a team. The league attempts to have eight {8} players on all teams. Maximum of nine {9} per team. All Divisions may have more teams and players due to the availability of players. Requests from Parents to have their child/children “Play Up” to higher division based on talent will be considered. Playing down to gain an advantage will not be accepted. League Director will have final decision of such requests. League Director reserves the right to adjust any Division based on amount of registered players.

GENERAL

No tobacco products, food or beverages of any kind (except for players) will be permitted in the gymnasium.

All coaches will receive a copy of the Martin County Youth Basketball Rules.

Players are not guaranteed a request for a specific coach when signing up their child.

Prior to the start of the season, all coaches, Advisory Board, League Director’s, and referees must meet in a general meeting of questions and answers pertaining to the program.

Persons under the influence of alcohol/drugs or the use of alcohol/drugs in any form by players or adults are not permitted during games or practices.

All coaches and assistant coaches must remain on the same side of the court that the team is on.

All coaches must remain on the team’s half of the sideline. Left hand side of scorer’s table is for the home team.

All spectators must view the game from the bleachers. No basketballs may be brought into the gymnasium on game or practice nights/days except league issued balls.

All rules contained herein are subject to interpretation and/or change, upon the recommendation of the League Director at any time.

League Director

Rance Newland

772-215-3232

Info@TreasureCoastBasketball.com