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.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in Port St. Lucie by providing the
programs and facilities that facilitate the resident’s pursuit of culture and
recreation in a safe and enjoyable setting. We will pursue this goal with the
understanding of contributing to the attractiveness of the community, conservation
of the environment and the social and economic health of the city.
Code of Ethics for Parents and Patrons:
I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care and encouragement for
children participating in youth sports by following this Code of Ethics:
 I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive
support for all players, coaches and officials at every game, practice
or other youth sports event.
 I will place the emotional and physical well being of children ahead
of my personal desire to win.
 I will insist that children play in a safe and healthy environment.
 I will require that coaches be trained in the responsibilities of being a
youth sports coach and that the coach upholds a Coaches’ Code of
Ethics.
 I will support coaches and officials working with children in order to
encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
 I will demand 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.
 I will remember that the game is for youth – not adults.
 I will do my best to make youth sports fun for my child and others.
 I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials
with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.
 I will read the National Standards for Youth Sports (available from
the league or Parks and Recreation Department) and do what I can
to help all from the youth sports organizations implement and
enforce them.
 I fully support a policy of “ZERO TOLERANCE” to violence,
abusive language and such matters detrimental to all players,
participants and patrons.
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CODE OF ETHICS FOR NYSCA COACHES
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I will place the emotional and physical well being of my players ahead of any
personal desire to win
I will remember to treat each player as an individual, remembering the large
spread of emotional and physical development for the same age group.
I will do my very best to provide a safe playing situation for my players.
I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for my
players.
I will lead by example, in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my
players
I will insure that I am knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach, and
I will teach these rules to my players.
I will use those coaching techniques appropriate for each of the skills that I
teach.
I will remember that I am a youth coach, and the game is for children and not
for adults.
I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco
and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
LEAGUE COORDINATORS
The Department of Parks and Recreation will administrate the Junior Basketball League.
**** League Coordinators – Ron DiSangro, Recreation Leader, Minsky Gym
Christine Graham, Recreation Leader, Civic Center
Erin MurphyRon Basile, Recreation
Specialist, Civic Center
Ron Basile, Recreation Aide, Civic
Center
Erin Murphy, Recreation Leader, Civic Center
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Will coordinate the programs located at the Minsky Gym or Civic
Center.
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Recommend to the Manager/Supervisor to suspend coaches for any
breach in Codes of Ethics.
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The League Coordinators are responsible for the enforcement of all
policies, procedures and rules with regard to coaches and participants
within their respective divisions.
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Advisory Committee Duties
 Make recommendations to the department and League Coordinator
regarding appointed coaches and other volunteers.
 Make recommendations for rule modifications, procedures and guidelines
to the Junior Basketball League.
 Make recommendations toward the general improvement of sports
programs.
 Will serve as a sounding board to the League Coordinator on issues
brought to the committee for consideration.
 Conduct official protest hearings and serve as a forum for fielding
complaints and/or suggestions for the program.
 Serve in various volunteer capacities as appointed by the department that
are convenient to and agreed upon by the committee members.
Coordinators, Advisory Board Members, Coaches and other Volunteers
serve as an extension of the staff. They provide recommendations only.
Department Staff will take all matters under advisement. League
Coordinators (excluding protests of playing rules) will make
recommendations to Manager/Supervisor for all decisions.
COACHES’ DUTIES
Will undergo a criminal background check through the Department of
Human Resources, and ensure that assistant coaches have completed and
submitted the necessary paperwork and have been cleared through HR.
 Will be of good moral character and able to deal with children, assistant
coaches, parents, game officials and league coordinators 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 coach 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 will
represent the team in communications with the referee and opposing
team. The coach may be asked to control parents that are exhibiting poor
sportsmanship and who may be breaching the Code of Ethics outlined in
the registration packet.
 Responsible to appoint a representative to replace him/her if he/she is
unable to be present. This individual must be NYSCA certified, and have
had a background check through the City’s department of Human
Resources.
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Responsible to ensure that his/her assistant coach or designated
replacement act in accordance with these rules.
Responsible to ensure that there shall be 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
A head coach shall have the responsibility to notify the League
Coordinator of any chronic absenteeism and/or discipline problem before
taking any action.
Responsible to designate one parent for each game to sit at the scorer’s
table and keep the scorebook and monitor the substitutions of the
opposing team.
No devices to amplify a coach’s voice are to be used at any time.
Parent or their designee at the score table must refrain from comments to
officials, players and opposing team coach or team members at all times.
This is distracting to not only the players & coaches but to the time keeper
and officials as well.
A coach’s tone of voice should be informative and not harassing or
intimidating at any time.
Will agree to meet with the League Coordinator and opposing coach at
any time to discuss any issues (except during the play of a game).
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.
During the game, the Coach or Assistant Coach may not approach the
League Coordinator if he/she feels there is a breach in playing rules. They
must follow procedure and file a protest and inform the officials that this
game is being played under protest, or they may ask an official for correct
clarification during the course of play. This may be done when there is a
time out
Any coach displaying behavior that is not within the guidelines of the
Code of Ethics for Coaches, NYSCA, FHSAA or as set forth within this
rules packet may be subject to review by the Advisory Board, League
Coordinators, Supervisors and or Managers.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY/INJURY:
 Call 911 (if needed).
 Do not move injured person. Stabilize and move everyone away from the
injured individual(s).
 Notify or have someone notify parents and league officials. Coaches
should have copies of emergency information with them at all times.
 Do not treat any injuries unless life threatening and CPR is needed (if
Coach doesn’t know CPR, find someone who does).
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It is more important to treat an injured person than it is to complete a
game though we will make every effort to assure progression of the game.
Weather:
 Most likely some practices will be held outside if there is inclement
weather approaching other occurrences can happen without warning.
Use common sense and move children from danger if it approaches.
 If you are practicing outside and you see lighting you must cancel
practice and ensure 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 and away
from the fight area.
 Children – If a fight occurs between children, stop the fight if possible,
and 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 our disciplinary policy.
 Issue a written up 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 Coordinators and Coaches (in their respective division) will
rate players in respective divisions.
Players will be rated by A, B and C processes (“A” being excellent). This
rating will be based on their ability to perform and every attempt will be
made to make teams of an equal level of ability.
Player Eligibility: Only players of eligible age, whose eligibility is determined
by the Department of Parks and Recreation, shall be active participants in
the program.
Birth certificates, hospital certificates, or other legal documents, which must
be presented to a league official at the time of registration, shall certify dates
of birth of new players, or registration will not be accepted.
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 League
Coordinators within three (3) days or less from notice of loss.
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At the discretion of the League Coordinators, a replacement player will be
assigned and considered an active member of the team. The coach cannot
refuse players based up on their individual assumption of ability.
Once assigned, a player is eligible to play in all subsequent games.
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. C players will be an open
draw except coaches sons- other will be considered only if there has
been a request in writing submitted before the actual draft.
3. Players will be rated by ability by coaches and directors in specific
divisions. Then progress to the next ratings of players. All A players
must be drafted before a B player can be taken and B players before C,
unless there is a “brother” option.
4. All players rated C will be hat picks and drawn and assigned in the
draft order established by the procedure above. Exceptions will be
coach’s sons and agreed upon special requests.
5. Each team will be allowed two (2) protected picks, one for the head
coach and one for the assistant coach (only one assistant may have a
protected pick). Coaches DO NOT have to pick their own child as their
first “A” or “B” draft pick in any respective division, however they
must be their second pick. This applies to every division.
6. All brothers assigned to the same team must be drafted as a pair unless
otherwise indicated, (That is third and fourth, fifth and sixth, etc.)
7. It will be at the determination of each coach to honor requests from
players to be on the same team for rides or other purposes. This may
be determined only when the players’ information is given out. This
will not be used as a reason to stack a team. The League Coordinators
will have the final say in this request.
8.
To be eligible for the draft a player must have attended the tryout or
Have been approved by 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 with the C players.
6.
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.
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After all available players have been selected or placed, coaches will have (10) 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.
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,
by time and date that they are placed on the waiting list
All participants that sign up and are on the waiting list will be placed
on teams when space is available. Players will be placed from the
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the waiting list in the order the applied for registration.
****
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NO PLAYER MAY BE ADDED TO A ROSTER AFTER (SEVEN
GAMES) (7). TEAMS WILL STAY AS IS UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF
THE SEASON.
SUPPLEMENTAL PLAYING RULES
IF NOT SPECIFIED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL RULES, LEAGUE PLAY
WILL BE GOVERNED BY THE FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC
ASSOCIATION (FHSAA) RULES.
1.
Length of games will be four (4) quarters, eight (8) minutes for
Peewee and Lower divisions (the clock will run continuously for the
first six (6) minutes of the first and third quarter); Middle & Upper
Divisions nine (9) and seven (7) The final two (2) minutes each quarter
for all divisions, the clock will stop at all dead balls with the exception
of the
2.
Lower and PeeWee Divisions when the clock will stop in the 2nd and
4th quarters only.
2.
There will be no overtime periods if the game ends in a tie in the
Lower and PeeWee Divisions for the Peewee and Lower Divisions.
except in the The overtime will be two (2) minutes in duration. For the
Middle and Upper Divisions if the score ends in a tie at the end of the
first overtime period, the game will be considered a tie, for the regular
season only in Middle and Upper Divisions.
3.
Each team will be allotted three (3) full “time outs”(45 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 cannot be carried
over to the overtime periods. Each team will receive one full timeout
for OT.
5.
Mandatory Playing Time: Boys & Girls Lower Divisions
a. Each player must participate in two (2) full quarters of play. THIS
IS MANDATORY! THIS MEANS IF A CHILD STARTS THE
QUARTER HE MUST FINISH THE QUARTER. THE
EXCEPTIONS WILL BE IF HE/SHE CANNOT PHYSICALLY
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ACCOMPLISH THIS OR IF AN INJURY OCCURS. This can
not be manipulated to use one player to play his 2 quarters in the
same half. This must be split between halves. 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 Coordinators’
and opposing coach’s attention before the start of a game and all
should be in agreement that the child’s playing time should be
altered. No player may play in all four quarters unless there are
no substitutions available.
For better clarification those children that start the first and third
periods must play those entire quarters. Those players that sat the
1st and 3rd quarters must play the entire 2nd and 4th quarter
respectively.
The rule that states that no player may play in all four quarters,
means that the children in question that have played almost the
entire game must sit for a minimum of four (4) consecutive
minutes during the game, and then may resume play
Player/Coach Conduct:
1A.
This section will run in conjunction with the Breach of Player
Code of Ethics and all violations will come under those specific
categories.
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. The second time a player or
coach receives 2 technical in a game they will be suspended from
league play for the rest of the season.
c. Any player or coach using foul language on the court, (including
the bench area) will be immediately ejected from the game and the
following game as well.
d. Any player or coach using hand gestures or aggressive behavior
toward another player or game official will be ejected immediately
and suspended from the next three (3) games.
e. Fighting will result in immediate ejection and a minimum 3 game
suspension with an advisory board review to determine if further
action is necessary. Technical fouls will be also assessed.
f. A coach suspended from a game will not be permitted on the bench
during the suspension.
A player suspended from a game must serve his/her suspension on the
bench in uniform, or suspension will not be lifted.
a.
FOUL LIMITS:
Peewee and Lower Divisions. Each player is allowed 6 fouls per
game but not more than 4 fouls per half of play after which the
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player will be suspended from play for the remainder of the half,
which ever is applicable. If a team has less than 5 players eligible
to play due to being suspended for fouls the last player to be
suspended may remain on the floor (unless ejected for other
reasons). Any subsequent fouls on the suspended player will result
in two (2) free throws and possession of the ball.
b. If the last player suspended is fouled by the opposing team, they
may not shoot their fouls. A player designated by the team’s
coach who is on the floor will shoot the fouls.
c. If a player has received three fouls in the first quarter, in which
he cannot be substituted. At the coach’s discretion he may be
removed from play. This is for Peewee & Lower Divisions only.
d. Middle & Upper Divisions will follow FHSAA guidelines: 5 fouls
per game and the above stated policy applies for less than 5
players.
****
e. Full court defense will be prohibited in the Peewee Division at all
times except for the last minute of play. In the Lower Division, the
last two minutes of the 2nd and 4th period’s full court defense can
be used. The Middle and & Upper will play under FHSAA &
Supplemental Rules. All Divisions will not play full court defense
once a team has a 20 point lead. The Middle & Upper Divisions
will not play full court defense once one team has a twenty (20)
point lead.
f.
In the Peewee Division only, each player present at the beginning
of the game will shoot one free throw. Successful free throws will
count in the game score. If teams have an unequal amount of
players, coaches will choose players from his team to shoot
additional free throws (a player may only make one additional
attempt) to make the total shots attempted by each team equal.
g Peewee Division baskets will be set at 9 feet, Lower, Middle and
Upper Division will be set at regulation height.
g. Point caps for Peewee Division are set at 15 point maximum for any
individual player. In the Lower Division, the cap limit is set at 20
points, Middle Division cap will be set at 25 points. When a player
reaches his /her cap they may remain in the game. If a player is one
point within their cap and they score a 2 or 3 point that shot will
count on their scoring and the team score. If a player has reached
his/her cap and is still in the game and is fouled, the coach will
designate another player to shoot the foul shots. This rule is to
advocate team play therefore it is suggested that the player who
reaches their point capacity be used as a passer or that other players
be allowed to gain more experience.
h. Sportsmanship before and after the game must be displayed. Any
player being disrespectful (i.e., talking trash) will be subject to league
i. disciplinary guidelines. Your actions before or after any league
function, games or practices will be subject to league
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k. It is the coach’s responsibility to make parents aware of the rules,
and that their conduct is as much a part of the game as is the game
itself.
l.
7.
It is the responsibility of the coach and the player to make sure
they’re properly dressed for all games, with the team jersey on
and shirttail tucked in.
m. If a team is unable to field an entire squad of five players, the
opposing team will play with the same amount during the regular
season NOT post season games.
n. For all PeeWee, Lower and Division teams, there will be no
substitutions during the first and third periods. Players that have
not played the first & third periods must play the entire second
and fourth periods respectively.
o. Peewee Division may play full court defense in the last minute of
the game; no other time may full court press be used.
The players that have already played the first and third may be
substituted in rotation so that all players get an equal amount of
playing time. This is to assure League staff that all players are
participating in the minimum playing time.
OFFICIALS
Referees 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 will constitute a forfeit. At this
point, 911 will be called by the League Coordinators.
NOTE: League Coordinators and City Recreation Personnel WILL NOT
interpret any rule from the time a game begins until the time it ends. They may,
however, enforce any and all rules regarding conduct of players, coaches and
parents contained herein. This is to include husbands and wives of a coach, and
parents wanting an explanation of rules. Rule packets are available to all
coaches and parents prior to the season beginning and before or after any
game.
Referees 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.
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PROTESTS
All protests regarding violations of playing rules of officially scheduled
games must be made in writing and should also be noted on the score sheet
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and filed with the League Coordinator within 24 hours Judgment calls are
not subject to protest. The rule and section under protest must be clearly
denoted and specified in the protest.
All protests received relative to playing rules after the 24 hour time period
specified above will not be considered. Coaches contemplating protest on
violations of playing rules must notify referees immediately of their desire,
and before the next play. Time and conditions shall be noted in the game
book by the referees at this time.
The city reserves the right to rule on games played under protest if a city
representative is present at the game.
All protests will be reviewed by the League Coordinator and the Division
Board Member to determine whether it is a valid protest and if it should be
brought before the Advisory Board Committee. If a hearing is granted, the
League Coordinator must notify both involved teams of the time and place of
hearing.
This hearing is for League staff and the Board to decide on said protest, and
attendance by the team, parents, or coaches is not allowed.
NOTE: Whenever a matter arises during the progress of any game, the Coach,
or appointed team representative of the protesting team, will notify the referees
and the coach of the opposing team immediately that the game is being
continued under protest. This will enable all interested parties to take notice of
the conditions, which will aid in the proper determination of the issue.
LEAGUE ORGANIZATION
Dates of birth for participants shall be certified by birth certificates (not
complimentary hospital certificates), passports, or alien registration cards. Late
registrations will be assigned to a waiting list and placed on a team when possible
and by the date registered by the League Coordinators.
Teams will be divided into the following age groups:
BOYS
Peewee Division
Lower Division
Middle Division
Ages 8 & 9 – has not reached his 10th birthday before April 1st
or November 1st, of the season year.
Ages 10 & 11 – has not reached his 12th birthday before
April 1st or November 1st, of the season year.
Ages 12, 13 & 14 – has not reached his 15th birthday before
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April 1st or November 1st, of the season year.
Upper Division
Ages 15, 16 17 – has not reached his 18th birthday before
April 1st or November 1st, of the season year.
April 1st or November
GIRLS
Peewee Division
Ages 8, 9 & 10 – has not reached her 11th birthday before
April 1st or November 1st, of the season year.
Ages 11 - 13 – has not reached her 14th birthday before
April 1st or November 1st, of the season year.
Middle Division
Ages 14 - 16 – has not reached her 17th birthday before
April 1st or November 1st, of the season year.
High School Division Grades 10, 11 & 12 – No current seniors may play.
April 1st or November
Lower 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. All Divisions may
have more teams and players based upon the availability of children.
GENERAL
No tobacco products, food or beverages of any kind will be permitted in the
gymnasium. Players only will be permitted beverages inside the gymnasium.
All coaches will receive a copy of the City of Port St. Lucie’s 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 Coordinators,
and referees must meet in a general meeting of questions and answers pertaining to
the program.
Persons under the influence of alcohol/drugs or using alcohol/drugs in any form by
players or adults are not permitted during games or practices.
All coaches are required to show proof or become NYSCA-certified prior to
the start of the Summer 2011 season. All coaches and assistant coaches must remain
on the same side of the court where their team is located. All coaches must remain
on their 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.
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CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
JUNIOR BASKETBALL LEAGUE
BREACH OF PLAYER CODE OF ETHICS
The Supplemental Playing Rules Section Five(5,) located in the City of Port St.
Lucie Parks & Recreation Department Junior Basketball Rule Book if not specified
or governed by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSSA). Violation of
these rules will result in the following ramifications:
First Offense – a written/verbal warning or suspension if warranted
under City of Port St. Lucie Junior Basketball & FHSSA rules and
guidelines.
Second Offense – Suspension of game/games depending on the severity
of the offense contained with the City of Port St. Lucie Junior
Basketball & FHSSA rules and guidelines.
Third Offense – Suspension from current league for the remainder of
the season, and formal review with the Advisory Board to determine
any further consequences or participation in League activities.
Note: Offenses deemed severe, violent or a threat to the safety of the
league will forgo the First and Second Offense policies and Third
Offense ramifications will apply.
Any player that is involved in a suspension from the league may request
an appeal. In order to request an appeal the player has 48 hours to
submit a letter to the League Coordinator requesting a meeting for
appeal. The Recreation Manager/Supervisor will determine if the
suspension needs further consideration upon reading the letter. If the
appeal has merit, an Advisory Board meeting will be convened to hear
the appeal within a week of the dated appeal letter.
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Note that all warnings and/or suspensions will be done in writing and
approved by the Administrator, Supervisor and Manager of the Facility or
Program.
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No basketballs may be brought into the gymnasium on game or practice nights/days
except city-issued balls.
All rules contained herein are subject to interpretation and/or change, upon the
recommendation of the Basketball Advisory Committee and with the approval of
the Department of Parks and Recreation.
As stated on the front of the registration packet, children who will be playing on
Travel teams will not be permitted to participate in this season’s league.
(Individuals may be permitted to participate on travel teams, depending on their
game schedule.) Should they be missing more than 25% of their games or practices
due to conflict they will not be permitted to play in this league. The reason for this is
that those individuals are usually the better players, which would be considered an
“A” player in our draft. It is not fair to the remainder of the team to have their “A”
player not attend practices and games and leave the team without their “A” pick.
It is our attempt to have all children enjoy this experience in a fun, safe and
fair environment to play the game of basketball. All persons that volunteer
their time, have the great appreciation of all City employees, and volunteers
are an extension of those employees and should at all times conduct
themselves in a respectful manner.
At all times the League Administrators, coaches and officials attempt to be as
fair as possible. At times there are extenuating circumstances that must be
reviewed on an individual basis, and decisions are based on the individual
cases. By no means does this imply that League Administrators are being
biased, or treating any one individuals unfairly. It has always been our
mission to run a fair league and treat all involved with respect.
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ADVISORY BOARD
Ronald Di Sangro
Erin Murphy
Ron Basile
Other members will be designated before the start of the season and made
known to all coaches.
**** Denotes changes, additions and/or subtractions of past seasons League Rules.
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