2011-2010 NGBA League Rules & Code of Conduct

MISSION 

The mission of our association is to promote basketball in a climate of fun and discipline where each player grows in skills, sportsmanship, and competitiveness.

PLAYING DIVISIONS

There will be girls and boys teams in each of the following four divisions.  Division placement depends on the player’s age as of September 1 of each year:

Boys

 Girls

7-8 year olds   

 7-8 year olds   

9-10 year olds

 9-10 year olds

11-12 year olds

 11-12 year olds

13-14 year olds

 13-18 year olds

15-18 year olds

 

 

DIVISION OF TEAMS and ELIGIBILITY 

All players will be placed into the draft according to their age and gender.  There is no “playing up” (playing in an age group older the one a child qualifies for) and no mixed gender teams or players.  Assessment of skills will take place prior to the first week of practice.  Following the skills assessment, the coaches of the same age division will together form equal-ability teams through a draft as outlined in this manual (see “Draft Guidelines”).  Team size will be limited to 8 players.  A ‘wait’ list will be formed with surplus sign-ups.

If a player is selected to play on a high school (or 8th grade) team, they are not eligible to play in this league.  Full refunds will be provided for any player who signed up to play NGBA ball, but made one of these teams. 

Any player who is injured prior to the first practice of each season is eligible for a full refund subject to a doctor’s note stating the date and severity of the injury.  No other refunds will be granted.

PRACTICES 

Practices are held at a combination of North Gwinnett Public schools.  The maximum practice time per week is two hours.  Every attempt will be made to ensure that the 7-8 year old players’ practice times will begin no later than 7:30 p.m.

Each school has specific guidelines to be followed.   NGBA agrees to follow these guidelines.  These specific guidelines will be given to the coaches during the coaches meeting and are to be communicated to the parents.  Should a team repeatedly fail to follow the guidelines of a school, the team will be subject to losing the remaining practices scheduled for their team at that school.  Although it is the association’s goal to provide each team 2 one-hour practices a week, all teams are subject to practice cancellations.  If a team loses privileges at a school, the practice time will not be re-scheduled. 

For liability reasons, players who are not registered with NGBA cannot practice with NGBA teams during the regular scheduled practices.  Any practices outside those scheduled by NGBA, are not be sanctioned by NGBA.

PARENTS OR GUARDIANS, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO WATCH YOUNGER CHILDREN DURING THE GAME AND PRACTICE TIMES.   LEAVING SIBLINGS UNATTENDED DURING PRACTICES OR GAMES IS NOT ALLOWED.

GAMES

There is a 10-week regular season schedule.  Games are played at Suwanee Sports Academy and occasionally at area schools if needed.  Although there may be unforeseen schedule changes, the vast majority of regular season games are played at Suwanee Sports Academy. 

In accordance with the ‘no food brought inside rule’, after game snacks are not allowed.  Only water is allowed in the gyms during games and practices.

All games are played in accordance with the Georgia High School rules with the follow exceptions:

PLAYING TIME RULES

  1. All players will play at least two full quarters of every game
  2. Also, all players in all age groups must sit out one full quarter per game.  The quarter cannot be split. This rule applies if a team has 7 or 8 players attending the game.  If a team has only 6 players (or less), the rule is waived.  This rule applies in the case of an injury as well.  If a coach is able to play an uninjured player that has sat one full quarter he/she must do so in lieu of one that hasn’t sat one full quarter.

Although coaches may limit a player’s playing time as a matter of discipline, it is to be approved by the League Director.  If a player is going to play less than two quarters or is going to be held out, the scorekeeper and the opposing coach must be notified. 

*Exception – If a player comes to his or her game after the 2nd quarter has started, the coach must play the player one (1) quarter.

If a coach doesn’t abide by the playing time rule, the coach will be allowed to play only eligible players (eligibility via this playing time rule) for the remainder of the game.   If it is determined after the game that the coach did not abide by the playing time rule, his/her team will forfeit that game.

STARTING THE GAME

A game can start with a minimum of 4 players.

SUBSTITUTIONS

During the first two quarters of a game, players must enter the game at the beginning of a quarter and play for the duration of that quarter. The only exception is in the case of injury or three (3) personal fouls.  The injured player will be credited with a full quarter of playing time.  If in question, the board member on duty and the injured player (and/or their parent) will determine his/or readiness to re-enter the game. 

CLOCK

All leagues will play (7) minute quarters, running time.  The clock will run except during foul shots and time outs.  During the last minute of the game, the clock will stop on each whistle.

OVERTIME

Overtime periods are 3 minutes long (stop time) – all leagues.  If tied after the first overtime, a second overtime will be played.  If still tied at the end of the second overtime, there will be a shoot out.  The five players on the court at the end of the game will each shoot 1 free throw.  Shots will be taken by the entire visiting team first, then the home team.  The team with most made free throws will be the winner.  If still tied after the shoot out, the game is declared a tie. 

For playoff games, there will be no shoot outs.  Overtime periods will be 3 minutes long until a winner determined.

TIMEOUTS

Each coach is allotted 4 time outs per game.  Each overtime period allows for one extra time out plus any carried over from regulation play.  No time out will be charged to either coach when an injured player a re-enters the game.  This will be considered an official’s time out.

DRESS CODE

In accordance with Georgia High School Basketball Rules, jerseys shall be tucked in and the pants shall be above the hips and worn properly.  Players not adhering to the dress code will be directed to leave the game.  The following are legal jersey numbers: 

 0,1,2,3,4,5,10,11,12,13,14,15,20,21,22,23,24,25,30,3132,33,34,35,40,41,42, 43,44,45,50,51,52,53,54 & 55

INTENTIONAL DELAY OF GAME (LAST MINUTE) 

Any intentional delay of game as determined by the referee will result in a technical foul, (2 shots and possession of the ball).

DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES

7-8 YEAR OLD DIVISIONS

1)  Ball size:  28.5”.

2)  The goal height will be 8.5’ for girls (*new 2010) and 9’ for boys.

3)  3 point shots will be allowed.

 4)  The defensive pressure will be:

  • There will be boundary lines on both sides of the half court dividing line.  These lines are parallel to the half court line and are about 5 feet away from the half court line.
  • Once the offensive team has crossed the half court dividing line, the defensive team can advance beyond the boundary line and apply pressure.
  • An offensive player with possession of the ball is required to cross the half court dividing line before 10 seconds expires.
  • One warning is given for breaking the boundary line too early.
  • A technical foul will be issued for each infraction thereafter.
  • No full court pressing.

5)  If a team has a 15 point lead it will be the opposing coach’s responsibility to bring the point lead to the attention of the official and scorekeeper at the next dead ball.  It is the opposing coach’s right to select which dominate player is to be removed from the game.  If the lead falls below the 15 points, the player may re-enter the game.

6)  Foul shots will be taken from inside the broken circle.  The lane violation area will include the area below the broken circle and will be a 5-second violation.

9-10 YEAR OLD DIVISIONS

1)  Ball size:  Boys:  28.5”, Girls:  28.5”.

2)  The goal height will be 10’.

3)  Three point shot is allowed.

4)  The boys’ foul shots will be taken from halfway between the broken circle and the regulation free throw line.

5)  The boys’ lane violation area will include the area below this line and will be a 5 second violation.

6)  The girls’ foul shots will be taken from inside the broken circle.

7)  The girls’ lane violation area will include the area below the broken circle and will be a 5 second violation.

8)  If a team has a 15 point lead it will be the opposing coach’s responsibility to bring the point lead to the attention of the official and scorekeeper at the next dead ball.  It is the opposing coach’s right to chose which dominate player is to be removed from the game.  If the lead falls below the 15 points, the player may re-enter the game.

11-17 YEAR OLD DIVISIONS

1)  Ball size:  Boys:  Official size (29.5”), Girls:  28.5”.

2)  The 3-point shot is allowed.

3)  If a team has a 20 point lead it will be the opposing coach’s responsibility to bring the point lead to the attention of the official and scorekeeper at the next dead ball.  It is the opposing coach’s right to choose which dominate player is to be removed from the game.  If the lead falls below the 20 points, the player may re-enter the game.  

PRESSING (*new rules 2011)

7-8 year old divisions:  No pressing

9-10 year old division:  Pressing allow during the fourth quarter (or overtime periods) the entire season

11-12 year old Girls division:  Pressing allowed fourth quarter (or overtime periods) the entire season

11-12 year old Boys division:  Pressing allowed during the fourth quarter (or overtime periods) before Jan 1.  After Jan 1, pressing is allowed the entire game.

13 year old and older divisions:  Pressing is allowed the entire game the entire season.

Exception:  If a team has a 15 point lead (20 point lead for age groups 11 or older) – NO FULL COURT PRESS WILL BE ALLOWED.  

COACHES

If you are chosen to be a coach, a league director will notify you after the NGBA Board meets to select coaches.  Coaches are required to adhere to the following:

  • Adhere to the NGBA code of conduct and rules and regulations listed in this handbook.
  • Make parents aware of the gyms rules and address any infractions that may occur.
  • Pass on information to your team and parents.
  • Have only one assistant coach, and have no parents or non-players on your team’s bench during the games.
  • Change or swap practice schedules only with your League Directors’ knowledge and permission.
  • Participate in the skill assessment and team draft.
  • Ensure that a practice gym is not left unattended due to a coach cancelling a practice.  Coaches must coordinate with the coach they share a gym with if they will not attend any practice.  If both coaches plan on cancelling a practice (such that a gym will be left unattended) a league official must be notified as soon as possible.  This will ensure the school system attendant will not close the gym for later practices that day.

PLAYER DRAFT GUIDELINES

The guidelines use an example based on six teams with eight (8) players on teach team:

  • Determine the number of teams in an age group (6 teams for example)
  • There are eight (8) players per team therefore the rounds are separated into eight rounds with six (6) players being selected in each round.
  • To start the draft.  The coaches each draw a number.  The coaches with the smallest number (one) will begin by selecting a player within the 1st draft round.  Each coach, in turn, will select a player within this draft level according to the number they have drawn.  Then, the next round begins in reverse order of the first round.  The coach with the highest first round selection number (6 in this example) begins the second round selection process.  The second round proceeds from the highest number to the lowest.  New numbers would be drawn to begin the 3rd round of draft as well as the 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th & 15th.

Coaches’ Children

Draft rounds are reviewed prior to drawing draft numbers to identify any coach’s children that have been placed within next two rounds.  When a coaches’ child has been placed within the next two rounds, the coach will get ‘assigned’ or given the number corresponding to the position in his child has fallen.  For Example: If a coach’s child is placed in the third position of round one, he will be given the number 3 for the next two draft choices.  If the child has been placed in position 9 of the rounds, he will receive the 4th round pick of the round (based on a 6 team league).  In the event of a tie, a coin flip will determine who takes the lower number.  Players with identical scores will be placed in the drafting position by the board member on duty for the draft.

  • No ‘freezing’ of players will be allowed.

Post Draft Trading

Once selection in the eighth round is complete and each coach has selected eight players, coaches are allowed to trade players with the full knowledge of all coaches involved with the draft before the draft is officially closed.  The League Director must document all trades.  The Board Member supervising the draft will officially close the draft.  No further trades are allowed.

ADDING PLAYERS

A player must be added to the team if a team drops below eight (8) players before the first week of January.  After the first week of January, it is the coach’s option whether or not he/she will add a player.

Added players will be taken from a wait list made up of surplus player registrations received on the date of registration.  The wait list is created on a first come, first serve basis.  The first to register appears first on the list and has the option to join the team.  If that person declines, the next person will be contacted, until each person on this list has declined. 

If there are no players on the surplus waitlist, or if each on the list has declined, a player will be chosen from a second wait list made up of persons who signed up after registration.  No one can be added to the wait list after the last weekend before the winter break.

TOURNAMENT

The regular season games are generally completed by the end of January.  The tournament will begin on or about the first week of February and conclude about a week later.  Dates and times are determined annually by court availability and when the county all star tournament is held. 

ALL STAR TEAMS

League Directors for each league will (in conjunction with executive board members) will determine a fair and proper selection process for each leagues all star team(s) as well as coach selection.  Each coach will be asked for their top players as part of this process.  The all star tournament is the Gwinnett Recreational All Star Basketball tournament.  This tournament has it’s own player eligibility requires for example, no GBL players or traveling basketball players who have played in recent tournaments, etc.  The NGBA will abide by those eligibility requirements as part of the selection process.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Our association was formed for the benefit of the youth in our area.  As a result, all participants are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship, team work and cooperation at all times and especially in resolving any disputes.  Failure to adhere to this code may result in a parent, coach, player or official from being barred from participation.  Examples are: swearing, talking back to referees or league officials, or being disrespectful in any way.  Players, coaches, parents, and guests are subject to ejection from the gym or to technical fouls that will be assigned to the appropriate team if their behavior warrants it. 

During games, any concerns about conduct should be reported to the board member on duty.  The board member on duty has the authority to take immediate action to ensure a safe and fair playing environment.  This includes ejecting players, coaches, parents or spectators.

 

GRIEVANCE  PROCEDURES

If a member of the association has a non-immediate complaint toward the conduct of an official, coach, parent, player and/or board member it should be handled in the following manner:

  • A formal letter (or email) should be submitted to a Co-President within 48 hours of the incident.
  • This correspondence should describe the complaint, where and when it took place, the coaches of the teams involved, other relevant information and what the writer sees as the appropriate action.
  • The person/person accused will be sent a letter (or email) and asked to respond in writing with 48 hours after receiving notification of the complaint.
  • The Executive Board will review both/all letters.  If the Executive Board deems it necessary to act, the persons involved will be asked to respond.
  • The Executive Board will make a decision based upon the information presented.  The decision will be binding and final.

The committee will have the power to bar from participation that person or person(s) who are involved in improper conduct.  Warning letters may also be issued.

TECHNICAL FOUL / VIOLATION OF CODE OF CONDUCT 

The following guidelines are to determine any disciplinary actions toward coaches or players receiving flagrant technical fouls or those in violation of our code of conduct.  If a player or coach receives a second technical foul of the season he/she will be suspended for the next game.  This rule will be strictly enforced.  A letter of warning will also be sent outlining the following:

  • The next technical (third overall) will result in a two game suspension.
  • The fourth technical will mean removal from the league.
  • The technical fouls do not have to happen in the same game. They are cumulative.

Note:  Violations of an extremely serious nature can, at any time, result in the suspension for the remainder of the season.

PROTEST

Georgia high school rules do not allow for protesting of games.  North Gwinnett Basketball Association will abide by the Georgia high school association precedent.  There will be no protesting of games.

SafeKids Program

The NGBA is committed to provide a safe environment and to prevent child abuse and sexual misconduct.  Coaches, parents, players and all should read and follow the preventive measures below.  The NGBA will make reasonable efforts to ensure our programs are safe.  The NGBA will take appropriate action regarding all allegations of child abuse and/or sexual misconduct.  If such a situation arises, alleged or otherwise, please contact a Board member immediately.  All allegations will be reported immediately to the authorities for investigation and the NGBA will cooperate fully with any such investigation.

The following is a list of preventive measures that should be taken:

  • Physical, mental, and verbal abuses are forbidden.
  • Inappropriate touching is forbidden.
  • Coaches/trainers should not socialize with the participants outside of the sponsored activities of the organization.
  • Coaches/trainers should not be alone or ride solo with a child that isn't their own.
  • Parents are encouraged to attend all sponsored activities.
  • If a child needs special attention (one-on-one), do it with the assistance of another adult.