recreational playing rules and regulations - League Athletics
RECREATIONAL PLAYING RULES AND REGULATIONS All regular and post season games will be played in accordance with NHIAA Basketball Rules with the exception of the rules listed below. During games, the head coach is the only person who is allowed to discuss any problem, violation, and question with the referees, scorekeepers, etc. Only one coach is allowed to stand up in front of the bench during the game. If a head coach wishes to designate another coach to stand during the game, then only that coach may stand for the duration of the game. After one warning, the referee can call a two shot technical foul on the bench. Game Guidelines, Format, and Rules Strings Coaches will need to designate certain players as "1st" string players and "2nd" string players. There may also be crossover players. The goal is the top 2-3 players from each team should never see time on the court when the "2nd" string is out there. You wouldn't willingly play your bottom 3 players on the "1st" string, so keep things fair by keeping the best players off the "2nd" string. If a situation arises and you must play a top player on the "2nd" string, encourage that player to get the "2nd" string players to score rather than scoring at will. If during the playoffs a team shows up with only their best players, it may be necessary to reschedule the game in order to ensure a fair game for both teams. Remember the goal of the league is to encourage all players to participate not just the best players. Game Structure Games will be played as follows for all Divisions: Period 1 – 10 minutes running time – “1st String” Period 2 – 10 minutes running time – “2nd String” Halftime – 3 Minutes Period 3 – Split into two 5 minute running time sub periods (each string plays 5 minutes) This is not a timeout; this will simply be a stoppage in play for player substitution Period 4 – 10 minutes - 8 minutes running time / 2 minutes stop time – Free substitution (each player should play at least 2 minutes) Note 1 – Prior to the season, if the Division Coordinator and all Coaches within the division agree on the game structure for both regular season and playoffs may be changed to: 1st string, 2nd string, 2nd string, 1st string or 2nd string, 1st string, 2nd string, 1st string. Note 2 – Selection of players to participate on the 2nd string from the 1st string will be made by the opposing coach. That selection does not change in the 3rd period unless a player has fouled out or is too fatigued to play the remainder of the game Note 3 – Unless agreed by both coaches prior to the start of game, Period 4 is designed to allow coaches the chance to “mix” things up. The goal is to get players each equal playing time. Unless chosen to play on the 2nd string, a player should not play more than 25 minutes per regulation game. Overtime (OT) will occur if the game ends in a tie during regular time. OT will begin after one minute from the end of the game. There will be one overtime period that will be three minutes of stop time. Each coach will be given one time out during this period. During the regular season if no team is in the lead after the first OT period the game will end in a tie. Playoff games will continue in this fashion until a winner is decided.
RECREATIONAL PLAYING RULES AND REGULATIONS Games must fit within 60 minutes. Running time means the clock only stops for timeouts and/or referee requested stoppages. ** Games will start no later the five (5) minutes after the scheduled time. ** Time-outs: All divisions are allowed four (4) timeouts per game. [1 Minute each] Any team that does not report to the floor when instructed by a referee at the end of the time out will be assed another time out. If that team has no remaining time outs the team will be assessed a bench technical. Ball possession - There will be one jump ball at the beginning of the game, for the remainder of the game; the alternating possession method will be utilized for jump balls, beginning of quarters, etc. The overtime period will start with a jump ball. Foul Shot Rules: 3/4 Boys Division -- Allowed to advance to first hash mark. 5/6 Boys Division -- Regulation Distance. 7/8 Boys Division -- Regulation Distance. 3/4 Girls Division -- Allowed to advance to first hash mark. 5/6 Girls Division -- Regulation Distance 7/8 Girls Division-- Regulation Distance
**All other rules pertaining to foul shots will follow NHIAA Basketball Rules. Team Fouls: On the seventh (7th) team foul in each half, a one and one free throw shall be awarded. On the tenth (10th) team foul in each half, a two (2) shot free throw shall be awarded. Players are allowed five (5) fouls per game. Technical fouls are two (2) shots and possession of the ball at half court. Intentional fouls are two (2) shots and possession of the ball closest to where the violation occurs. Flagrant fouls are expulsion of player, two shots and possession of ball at half court. Team Responsibilities: The home team is responsible for providing a parent or assistant to keep the official scorebook. The away team is responsible for a parent or assistant to provide a score/clock keeper. Both teams are responsible for the cleanup of their respective bench areas after each game. All other basketball rules pertain to the league. Defensive Pressure Rule by Division: 3/4 Boys & 3/4 Girls Division – If the play is “in set offense”, defensive players can only pick up their offensive players beyond the "yellow line" (on LMS court) once the offense has crossed half court. If the play is “in transition” the defensive player does not have to wait until he/she reaches the yellow line to begin defending. For example, if Player D steals the ball from Player O while Player O is in his/her frontcourt and Player D begins dribbling towards his/her offensive basket; Player O can begin defending as soon as Player D crosses half court. Player O wouldn’t have to wait until he/she reaches the yellow line. With a lead of 10 (ten) or more points, the Defense cannot pick up the Offensive player beyond the yellow line. Full court pressure is not allowed. Three point shot is allowed in this division.
RECREATIONAL PLAYING RULES AND REGULATIONS 5/6 Boys & 5/6 Girls Division - Defensive players can only pick up their offensive players once they have crossed half court. Full court pressure is only allowed for the last 2 minutes of the 4th Quarter and must be taken off if a team is leading by 10 (ten) or more points (it is up to the discretion of the coordinator and coaches, but it is recommended that pressing is delayed until after week 3). Three point shot is allowed in this division. 7/8 Boys & 7/8 Girls Division - Defensive players may pick up full court for the entire game. However, if a team is leading by 10 (ten) or more points they must fall back to half court. Three point shot is allowed. In any division – if it is deemed by an official that a defensive player violates the press rule to stop play and prevent a fast break then a bench technical will be issued allowing the offensive team two free throws and ball possession. Minimum Participation: The intent of the league is to allow each child the maximum amount of playing time possible. To accomplish this, the league has set forth the following minimum playtime requirements:
Minimum play time is fifteen (15) minutes per game No player should play more than thirty (30) minutes in any regulation game. Players must play in both halves unless disqualified for fouls or otherwise disqualified from the game by a referee.
After the third week of the season, the head coach will submit his/her 1st/2nd string list to Division coordinator. The list must indicate which top three (3) players that are not allowed to play on the 2nd string unless there are extenuating circumstances (players missing from game, fouled out, disqualified, injured, etc.). The coordinator will review the list to validate selection. This list will then be shared amongst the coaches in the Division. Note that, a top three (3) player that is forced to play on the second string should be strongly encouraged to not "score at will", that is they should be encouraged to ensure their teammates get the opportunity to score as well. When it becomes necessary to choose a top three (3) player to play with the 2nd string, it is up to the opposing coach to make that selection. The head coach will submit an updated roster following the above guidelines by the 2nd week of January which will apply for the rest of the season and Playoffs. Gym Rules, Respect, Sportsmanship Gym/Facility: The LRBL uses Town of Litchfield and/or LMS and GMS facilities at no extra cost to the League. In order to maintain that relationship we must take care of the facilities we use. Failure to do so will result in additional expenses for the League (To hire a janitor) and can lead to revocation of privileges for the League. This applies to CHS as well. People that are not participating in the games are not allowed on the court at any time. Only league equipment will be allowed in the gym during games. Personal basketballs and property should not be brought to the games. Also NO food or drinks are allowed in the gym. All games will be played unless there is a school cancellation. Saturdays are a “will call”. No player is allowed to wear any kind of jewelry during the game. This includes any ear, nose studs or piercings etc. This is for the protection of all the children. The only exception is medical alert or religious items which must be completely covered and secured by tape. Players are only allowed in the hall foyer and gym. Any player found in any other area of the school will be suspended from the next game. There are no exceptions to this rule!
RECREATIONAL PLAYING RULES AND REGULATIONS Fan Participation: We encourage all fans to cheer positively for anyone on the court, but we discourage any negative remarks and comments. You should remember the coaches, scorekeepers, and timekeepers are all volunteers. While the referees are being paid, they are generally not patched officials. The league demands you show the proper courtesy and respect. We should always set a good and positive example of sportsmanship to our children. Litchfield Recreation Basketball has a no tolerance policy regarding disruptive behavior from players, Coaches and spectators.
Players asked to leave a game for any reason by a referee or coach will automatically miss the next game. This includes players who receive a technical foul in a game and remain disruptive. Players receiving two technical fouls in a game are out of that game and will miss the next scheduled game. Coaches who are disruptive or abusive may be asked to leave the game premises by the referee. This includes coaches who receive a technical foul in a game and remain disruptive. Coaches receiving two technical fouls in a game are out of that game and will miss the next scheduled game. The board will review each incident. And penalties up and including expulsion from the League may be imposed. Coaches are expected to set a good example for their players. Any spectator who is disruptive can be asked to leave the gym premises by the Coach or any board member. If the spectator refuses to leave the Police will be called. o Disruptive behavior includes any behavior that is deemed disrespectful and unsportsmanlike by game management. Swearing, excessive yelling, badgering and obscene hand gestures are examples of disruptive behavior.
The Executive Board will further review any violation of the no tolerance policy. Dismissal for the remainder of the season for a player, Coach or spectator is a possible outcome for violating the no tolerance policy. President, Recreational Coordinator, Division and Instructional Coordinators: During the course of the season there are times that a player, parent, coach would like to discuss some aspect of the games or practices. The LRBL league encourages this open communication. It is important that all parties involved treat each other with respect and care. Every effort should be made by all sides to reach a compromise if there is a disagreement. A Coordinator or the President may become involved in the event that the open communication does not seem to remedy the situation. The function of these positions is to act as a liaison between player, parent and coach. Playoffs: At the conclusion of the regular season, Teams in each Division will participate in a single elimination playoffs to determine Division champion and runner-up. Seeding for the playoffs will be based upon won-loss record with ties being broken first by head to head Won\Loss record then coin flip.
RECREATIONAL PLAYING RULES AND REGULATIONS Games must fit within 60 minutes. Running time means the clock only stops for timeouts and/or referee requested stoppages. ** Games will start no later the five (5) minutes after the scheduled time. ** Time-outs: All divisions are allowed four (4) timeouts per game. [1 Minute each] Any team that does not report to the floor when instructed by a referee at the end of the time out will be assed another time out. If that team has no remaining time outs the team will be assessed a bench technical. Ball possession - There will be one jump ball at the beginning of the game, for the remainder of the game; the alternating possession method will be utilized for jump balls, beginning of quarters, etc. The overtime period will start with a jump ball. Foul Shot Rules: 3/4 Boys Division -- Allowed to advance to first hash mark. 5/6 Boys Division -- Regulation Distance. 7/8 Boys Division -- Regulation Distance. 3/4 Girls Division -- Allowed to advance to first hash mark. 5/6 Girls Division -- Regulation Distance 7/8 Girls Division-- Regulation Distance
**All other rules pertaining to foul shots will follow NHIAA Basketball Rules. Team Fouls: On the seventh (7th) team foul in each half, a one and one free throw shall be awarded. On the tenth (10th) team foul in each half, a two (2) shot free throw shall be awarded. Players are allowed five (5) fouls per game. Technical fouls are two (2) shots and possession of the ball at half court. Intentional fouls are two (2) shots and possession of the ball closest to where the violation occurs. Flagrant fouls are expulsion of player, two shots and possession of ball at half court. Team Responsibilities: The home team is responsible for providing a parent or assistant to keep the official scorebook. The away team is responsible for a parent or assistant to provide a score/clock keeper. Both teams are responsible for the cleanup of their respective bench areas after each game. All other basketball rules pertain to the league. Defensive Pressure Rule by Division: 3/4 Boys & 3/4 Girls Division – If the play is “in set offense”, defensive players can only pick up their offensive players beyond the "yellow line" (on LMS court) once the offense has crossed half court. If the play is “in transition” the defensive player does not have to wait until he/she reaches the yellow line to begin defending. For example, if Player D steals the ball from Player O while Player O is in his/her frontcourt and Player D begins dribbling towards his/her offensive basket; Player O can begin defending as soon as Player D crosses half court. Player O wouldn’t have to wait until he/she reaches the yellow line. With a lead of 10 (ten) or more points, the Defense cannot pick up the Offensive player beyond the yellow line. Full court pressure is not allowed. Three point shot is allowed in this division.
RECREATIONAL PLAYING RULES AND REGULATIONS 5/6 Boys & 5/6 Girls Division - Defensive players can only pick up their offensive players once they have crossed half court. Full court pressure is only allowed for the last 2 minutes of the 4th Quarter and must be taken off if a team is leading by 10 (ten) or more points (it is up to the discretion of the coordinator and coaches, but it is recommended that pressing is delayed until after week 3). Three point shot is allowed in this division. 7/8 Boys & 7/8 Girls Division - Defensive players may pick up full court for the entire game. However, if a team is leading by 10 (ten) or more points they must fall back to half court. Three point shot is allowed. In any division – if it is deemed by an official that a defensive player violates the press rule to stop play and prevent a fast break then a bench technical will be issued allowing the offensive team two free throws and ball possession. Minimum Participation: The intent of the league is to allow each child the maximum amount of playing time possible. To accomplish this, the league has set forth the following minimum playtime requirements:
Minimum play time is fifteen (15) minutes per game No player should play more than thirty (30) minutes in any regulation game. Players must play in both halves unless disqualified for fouls or otherwise disqualified from the game by a referee.
After the third week of the season, the head coach will submit his/her 1st/2nd string list to Division coordinator. The list must indicate which top three (3) players that are not allowed to play on the 2nd string unless there are extenuating circumstances (players missing from game, fouled out, disqualified, injured, etc.). The coordinator will review the list to validate selection. This list will then be shared amongst the coaches in the Division. Note that, a top three (3) player that is forced to play on the second string should be strongly encouraged to not "score at will", that is they should be encouraged to ensure their teammates get the opportunity to score as well. When it becomes necessary to choose a top three (3) player to play with the 2nd string, it is up to the opposing coach to make that selection. The head coach will submit an updated roster following the above guidelines by the 2nd week of January which will apply for the rest of the season and Playoffs. Gym Rules, Respect, Sportsmanship Gym/Facility: The LRBL uses Town of Litchfield and/or LMS and GMS facilities at no extra cost to the League. In order to maintain that relationship we must take care of the facilities we use. Failure to do so will result in additional expenses for the League (To hire a janitor) and can lead to revocation of privileges for the League. This applies to CHS as well. People that are not participating in the games are not allowed on the court at any time. Only league equipment will be allowed in the gym during games. Personal basketballs and property should not be brought to the games. Also NO food or drinks are allowed in the gym. All games will be played unless there is a school cancellation. Saturdays are a “will call”. No player is allowed to wear any kind of jewelry during the game. This includes any ear, nose studs or piercings etc. This is for the protection of all the children. The only exception is medical alert or religious items which must be completely covered and secured by tape. Players are only allowed in the hall foyer and gym. Any player found in any other area of the school will be suspended from the next game. There are no exceptions to this rule!
RECREATIONAL PLAYING RULES AND REGULATIONS Fan Participation: We encourage all fans to cheer positively for anyone on the court, but we discourage any negative remarks and comments. You should remember the coaches, scorekeepers, and timekeepers are all volunteers. While the referees are being paid, they are generally not patched officials. The league demands you show the proper courtesy and respect. We should always set a good and positive example of sportsmanship to our children. Litchfield Recreation Basketball has a no tolerance policy regarding disruptive behavior from players, Coaches and spectators.
Players asked to leave a game for any reason by a referee or coach will automatically miss the next game. This includes players who receive a technical foul in a game and remain disruptive. Players receiving two technical fouls in a game are out of that game and will miss the next scheduled game. Coaches who are disruptive or abusive may be asked to leave the game premises by the referee. This includes coaches who receive a technical foul in a game and remain disruptive. Coaches receiving two technical fouls in a game are out of that game and will miss the next scheduled game. The board will review each incident. And penalties up and including expulsion from the League may be imposed. Coaches are expected to set a good example for their players. Any spectator who is disruptive can be asked to leave the gym premises by the Coach or any board member. If the spectator refuses to leave the Police will be called. o Disruptive behavior includes any behavior that is deemed disrespectful and unsportsmanlike by game management. Swearing, excessive yelling, badgering and obscene hand gestures are examples of disruptive behavior.
The Executive Board will further review any violation of the no tolerance policy. Dismissal for the remainder of the season for a player, Coach or spectator is a possible outcome for violating the no tolerance policy. President, Recreational Coordinator, Division and Instructional Coordinators: During the course of the season there are times that a player, parent, coach would like to discuss some aspect of the games or practices. The LRBL league encourages this open communication. It is important that all parties involved treat each other with respect and care. Every effort should be made by all sides to reach a compromise if there is a disagreement. A Coordinator or the President may become involved in the event that the open communication does not seem to remedy the situation. The function of these positions is to act as a liaison between player, parent and coach. Playoffs: At the conclusion of the regular season, Teams in each Division will participate in a single elimination playoffs to determine Division champion and runner-up. Seeding for the playoffs will be based upon won-loss record with ties being broken first by head to head Won\Loss record then coin flip.
