2012 BASKETBALL—GUIDELINES for COACHES
PLAYING TIME:
In order to maintain the recreational nature of the league, if a team has 6 or more players, no child will be allowed to play the entire game. All players must play one half, unless the he or she fouls out or is injured. Coaches are advised to give all children equal time on the court.
TIP-OFFS:
It is imperative that each game start on time. The referees will be instructed to begin the game on schedule. If a team has 4 players at tip-off time, they may start with 4. If a team has fewer than 4 players at tip-off time, they must forfeit the game. They may, however, choose to play the game, borrowing players from the opposing team, etc. The game will be considered official.
WEATHER CANCELLATIONS:
In the event of inclement weather or other emergencies, the visiting coach will call the opposing team’s Town Hotline, or Town Contact to verify game status.
RESCHEDULING GAMES:
Rescheduling games is discouraged, due to the restrictions in all towns on gym availability. If rescheduling is necessary, the coach must call the opposing team’s Town Contact, NOT the opposing coach. The Town Contacts will work together with the coaches and referees to arrange a convenient date/time for a make-up game. The Town Contacts are the ONLY people authorized to cancel or schedule referees. Make-up games cannot be rescheduled without a minimum of 48 hours notice.
FIRST AID/SAFETY:
Each coach is required to bring ice packs and a first aid kit to each game. Each town is encouraged to have these items available in their gym as well. Please instruct your team and fans to wipe their feet before entering the gyms when there is snow on the ground, and mop the floor frequently during and between games to prevent injuries. Please ensure your team doesn’t spill water bottles either.
NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE GYM (OTHER THAN WATER) and CLEAN UP YOUR BENCH!:
No beverages, other than water, are allowed in the gyms. Please respect the facility rules on this and also clean up your bench area at the end of your game.
PAYMENT OF REFEREES:
The home team pays the referees, according to each town’s arrangement. (See your commissioner for details.) Two referees are required for 7th/8th grade games.
SUBSTITUTIONS FROM OUTSIDE YOUR ROSTER:
Substitutes from with-in the same league are not allowed, except for a sixth player. If subs are necessary, they must be brought up from the league below, with the exception of 3-4 boys and girls. No sub may play more time than any of the regular roster players.
KEEPING A BOOK TO TRACK FOULS AND TIME-OUTS:
The home team is responsible for keeping a book to track individual and team fouls. If the home team does not keep a book and the visiting team does, then the visiting team’s book is considered official.
SPORTSMANSHIP AND RESPECT:
This is a rec league and every player and coach is required to be respectful of the other players, coaches and refs at all times. If you cannot model good sportsmanship for your team, then don’t coach in this league.
When you have a big lead (15-20 points), please take some steps. Some suggestions are requiring 3-5 passes before any shot, taking all shots with your off hand (e.g., shoot lefty if you are a righty), and/or pulling back the defense (e.g., inside the 3-piont arc or inside the paint).