MERICA EAS TM BASKETBALL POLICY MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS. A. PLAYING RULES NCAA Rules Timeout Policy... 5

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1 MERICA EAS TM BASKETBALL POLICY MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS A. PLAYING RULES NCAA Rules Timeout Policy... 5 B. SCHEDULING Conference Schedule Non-Conference Schedule Exhibition Games Postponed Games Start Times Assign-by-Web... 6 C. FACILITY REQUIREMENTS Competition Site Court and Arena Configuration America East Institution Banners Equipment Official Table and Team Benches Game Ball Scoreboard or Amplification Sound Systems/Artificial Noisemakers Scoreboard Replays Fan Banners Court Availability Crowd Control Game Management Problems - Reporting... 8 D. HOST INSTITUTION PERSONNEL Home Game Administrator Official Scorer Public Address Announcer Backup Personnel Officials (Referees) Pregame Meeting for Scorers Table Personnel Official Scorers Table Ball Attendants Security/Exit Procedures E. SERVICES FOR VISITING TEAM Practice Times Practice Environment Team Locker Rooms Athletics Training

2 F. FAN AMENITIES Lobby Area Rest Rooms Food and Merchandise G. MEDIA/MEDIA RELATIONS Credentials/Seating Live Radio/Streaming Radio/Television Talent Location Halftime Interviews Postgame Interviews Officials Interviews Game Tracker/Live Stats Wireless Internet SID Travel Camera/Microphone Placement Logos H. TELEVISION Television Rights Advertising Inventory Talent Location Parking Crew Call Staff Officials Use of Replay Facility Needs I. BANDS Requirement Conduct Placement Visiting Band Accommodations NCAA Rules J. CHEERLEADERS AND MASCOTS Requirement Conduct Placement Timeouts Visiting Team Accommodations Safety Rules K. TICKETS Complimentary Tickets Game Officials Tickets Officials Conference Observer L. PREGAME TIMING/ANTHEM Late Arrival National Anthem Introductions Halftime Senior Night/Recognition Ceremony Pregame Timing

3 M. VIDEOTAPE EXCHANGE POLICY Men s Videotape Policy Women s Videotape Policy Non-Conference Policy N. MEETINGS Coaches Meeting Coaches Chair O. GAME UNIFORMS Uniforms America East Logo P. CHAMPIONSHIP Championship Format Championship Dates Championship Banquet Pre-championship Meeting Championship Site Championship Manual Tickets Championship Tie-breaking Procedure Q. AWARDS Regular Season Champion(s) Player of the Game Weekly Awards Annual Awards America East Fan Choice Player of the Year America East Champion All-Championship Team All-Academic Team Academic/Commissioner s Honor Roll Scholar-Athlete R. CONFERENCE MEDIA RELEASES Preseason Poll Preseason All-Conference Weekly Release Daily Update America East Media Day S. CONFERENCE TRANSFER RULE General Principle Waiver Appeal

4 T. OFFICIATING General Principle Staff Crew Size Relationship with America East Insurance Conflicts of Interest Institutional Staff Restriction Alumni Restriction Uniform Rules/Rules Knowledge New Officials Officiating Assignments Assign-by-Web America East Championship Assignments NCAA Championship Assignments Reporting to Game Site Complimentary Tickets Assignment Changes/Cancellations Administration Game Attendance Procedure for Expressing Concerns Postgame Reports Evaluation Education Annual Meeting Media Policy for Officials Media Policy for Coaches Regarding Officials Game Management Financial Procedures U. AMERICA EAST CONTACT INFORMATION V. INSTITUTION CONTACT INFORMATION Albany Binghamton Boston University Hartford Maine UMBC New Hampshire Stony Brook Vermont W. OFFICIALS ROSTER (MEN) X. OFFICIALS ROSTER (WOMEN)

5 A. PLAYING RULES 1. NCAA Rules: America East Conference Basketball shall be conducted according to NCAA Basketball rules. 2. Timeout Policy: Per NCAA rules (5-10) in games not involving electronic media and those with typed Internet coverage but without audio or video broadcast, the timeout format shall be: a. Four 75-second timeouts and two 30-second timeouts for each team per regulation game. b. The four 75-second timeouts may be used at any time. c. The two 30-second timeouts may be used at any time. d. A player or coach from the same team may request successive 30-second timeouts in advance. i. When successive timeouts are granted in advance, players are permitted to sit on the bench. ii. When successive timeouts are granted in advance, the warning horn shall sound at :45. e. When there is an extra period(s), each team shall be entitled to one additional 75-second timeout in addition to any timeouts it has not previously used. i. The timeout shall not be granted until the extra period(s) has started. In games involving electronic media (i.e., radio, television, or Internet audio or video broadcast) the timeout format shall be: a. Electronic media timeouts at the first dead ball after the 16-, 12-, 8- and 4-minute marks of the half. i. The first timeout requested by either team in the second half shall become the length of a timeout called for by the electronic-media agreement. b. Each team shall be entitled to four 30-second timeouts and one 60-second timeout. c. Each team may carry up to three 30-second timeouts into the second half. d. A player or coach from the same team may request successive 30-second timeouts in advance. i. When successive timeouts are granted in advance, players are permitted to sit on the bench. ii. When successive timeouts are granted in advance, the warning horn shall sound at :45. e. Unused 30-second timeouts from the second half may be used in the extra period(s). f. When there is an extra period, each team shall be entitled to one additional 30-second timeout. i. The timeout shall not be granted until the extra period has started. g. A team-called 30-second or 60-second timeout (excluding the first timeout of the second half) can be shortened when a captain or coach notifies the official of the team s intent to do so. i. When a request has been made to shorten a timeout for a purpose other than a substitution, a warning signal shall be sounded immediately and 15 seconds later a game-clock horn shall be sounded and play resumed. ii. When a request is made to shorten a timeout for a substitution, the signal shall be given for shortening a timeout and play shall be resumed immediately. 5

6 B. SCHEDULING 1. Conference Schedule: The Conference basketball schedule shall feature 16 Conference games. Each member institution shall play two regular season games against each of the member schools. One game will be at home and the other match will be on the road. The Conference office shall be responsible for preparing the annual Conference schedule. Institutions may alter the schedule only with prior approval from the Conference office and upon mutual agreement by the two member institutions. No changes shall be allowed that adversely affects any league team. 2. Non-Conference Schedule: America East schools must adhere to the following standards beginning with the season: a. A minimum of three games annually vs. teams whose two-year average RPI ranked b. A maximum of five games (including one non-division I opponent) annually vs. teams whose twoyear average RPI ranked 250+ c. Participation in the BracketBusters event shall be exempt from scheduling standards (men) Calculation for the purpose of meeting the scheduling standards shall be derived by using the potential opponent s ranked average of the two most previous years final RPI at the time the contract is signed. 3. Exhibition Games: Per NCAA rules, institutions may only schedule NCAA Division II or III or NAIA teams, or collegiate teams from a foreign country. Teams may play controlled scrimmages (including vs. NCAA Division I teams) as a substitute for an exhibition game. 4. Postponed Games: If both teams and at least two of the officials are present and there is severe inclement weather, the game shall be played unless there is a superseding decision by state or local officials. The coordinator of officials should always be consulted in the case of severe inclement weather. Before a game starts, the home game management staff, in mutual consulation with the directors of athletics at both schools, determines whether a game can be played, delayed or postponed. If time permits, the Conference staff should be involved in the decision. Once the game starts, NCAA rules clearly state that the officials are in charge. The home game management staff should serve in an advisory role. In the event a game is postponed, the scheduling officers, in consultation with the Conference office, shall find a makeup date. In the event a makeup date can not be mutually agreed upon, the Commissioner will have the final authority in selecting a makeup date. 5. Start Times: Start times are determined by the home team, except in the case of games produced by the America East Television Network, which are set by the Conference office. Institutions that host Conference basketball contests on Sundays are strongly encouraged to begin the contest at 1 pm to allow for travel after the conclusion of the contest. 6. Assign-by-Web: Official assignments and game contracts are posted to assignbyweb.com/ameast/ default.htm as soon as determined by the coordinators of officials. Each school and official is issued a secure user name and password to access the assignments. The contacts link contains the most up-todate phone numbers and addresses for officials, officials observers and institution event management personnel. 6

7 C. FACILITY REQUIREMENTS 1. Competition Site: Prior to the start of the season, each institution will inform the conference office of its primary competition site. All Conference games are to be played at primary scheduled site, except by mutual written agreement of the directors of athletics of the competing teams and the Conference office. When, because of extenuating circumstances, a substitute facility is required, an athletics administrator of the home team is required to notify the affected team and the Conference office in advance of the scheduled game. 2. Court and Arena Configuration: Court markings, including the two coaching boxes, 3-point lines, baselines, sidelines, and an X near the official scorer to designate the substitution area, must be accurately and clearly placed. Conditions and height of rims (rims must be breakaway) and nets, as well as the security of goal standards, must be checked prior to tip-off. Padding around the backboards and on the goal standard stanchions should be sufficient to protect players. The court and arena configuration must provide adequate room on the sidelines and baselines for administration of the game. Per NCAA Rules (1-4, 1-5, ) a home team not having a visible, continuous, 2-inch wide mid-court division line that extends the entire width of the court and a visible, continuous, 2-inch wide center-circle line will be charged with an administrative technical foul at the start of the game. NOTE: A shadowbordered line is permissible. The only three-point line visible should be the NCAA line. America East Logo: The use of the America East primary logo is mandatory in the free throw lanes (facing the shooter) of both ends of the court. When possible, the logo should measure 10 feet across. Court Logo: Any court logos must adhere to NCAA Rule America East Institution Banners: Banners of each of the America East institutions, and Conference banner must be prominently displayed in each arena. 4. Equipment: The host school must have red warning lights (visible through the 24-inch x 18-inch rectangle on the backboard) placed behind each backboard or LED lights places around the backboard to indicate the period-ending horn has sounded. The host school must have scoreboards displaying the score, time remaining, team fouls and timeouts remaining. The host school is responsible for ensuring that the game clock (with 10th-of-a-second display when less than 59.9 seconds remain), shot clock, team possession arrow, public address system, scoreboards and backboard red light or LED lights are in working order. All official scoring table personnel must be fully trained, in accordance with NCAA Basketball Rules. The host school must have on spare complete backboard/rim/support apparatus and one additional spare backboard/rim - all of the same size and style as the regular apparatus - assembled and ready to install as a backup. The host school must have backup clocks and shot clocks in the event of any equipment failure. Per NCAA Rules all rings shall be tested for rebound/elasticity once before the season and once before the post-season. 7

8 5. Official Table and Team Benches: The official table must be centered, providing each team with an equal sized bench area that begins near the hash mark (within the coaches box). NCAA rules define the borders of the coaches boxes as 28 feet from the end line, and it should be marked with a hash both out of bounds and in bounds. The line shall be 2 inches wide by 3 feet deep and 3 feet extended onto the court (total of 6 feet). 6. Game Ball (Men): The host school may determine the brand of basketball. The ball must comply with NCAA rules (1-15). Game Ball (Women): The Wilson NCAA ball will be used in all home games by America East schools. The ball must comply with NCAA rules (1-15). 7. Scoreboard or Amplification Sound Systems/Artificial Noisemakers: Public address systems may not orchestrate music, cheers, clapping and/or any other noise while the game is in progress (the only time the game is not in progress is during a timeout or intermission). An artificial noisemaker is interpreted by the NCAA as any object that is used to manufacture noise by contact with another object or surface. If fans use artificial noisemakers while the game is in progress, the team could be charged with a technical foul (10-5-1). This policy applies to thundersticks, air horns, bells, whistles, electronic amplifiers, artificial clappers or similar items. In addition, laser pointers are not permitted. 8. Scoreboard Replays: Replays may not be shown during foul shots once the ball is in the shooter s hand. In addition, the following replays are not permitted: officials judgement calls or technical fouls, injuries, embarrassing situations. 9. Fan Banners: Fans may not display banners deemed inappropriate and/or offensive. These banners should be identified and removed by game management or security personnel. 10. Court Availability: The playing floor must be available for warm-ups for the visiting and home teams a minimum of 90 minutes before games with a 12 noon start time and 60 minutes prior to all other games regardless of start time. A minimum of 30 minutes must be available between games of a doubleheader. 11. Crowd Control: America East Athletic Directors, game managers and all administrators must develop the attitude that the treatment of a visiting team and its fans will be consistent with how they would want their teams to be treated. Administrators have the greatest amount of influence over staff, coaches and fans. It is the responsibility of the administrators to communicate to all staff, coaches, student-athletes, spirit groups and fans the principles of sporting conduct and the expected standards of conduct. The host institution must make every effort to police disruptive and unsporting behavior. Fans must be warned against throwing debris on the court. Security personnel and/or ushers shall be aware of institutional policies and procedures regarding disruptive and/or unsporting conduct and the appropriate responses. Public address announcements must be made warning violators of eviction. The following announcement must be made by the public address announcer prior to the start of each game: America East and (host institution) encourage and promote good sporting conduct by studentathletes, coaches and spectators. We request your cooperation by supporting the participants and the officials in a positive manner. America East asks that you refrain from foul language and other derogatory behavior. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in ejection and may result in your team being assessed a technical foul. Enjoy the game! 12. Game Management Problems - Reporting: Any game management or operations problems an institution encounters should be addressed immediately with the game management officer at the host institution. Following the game in question, schools should notify the Conference office of the problems in writing to Matt Bourque, Associate Commissioner of America East, while copying the host athletic director. 8

9 D. HOST INSTITUTION PERSONNEL 1. Home Game Administrator: A game management representative from the host institution must be seated at the scorer s table. The representative shall be identified to all game officials and the visiting team s head coach prior to the contest and shall be available if problems arise. In addition, this individual shall be versed in the operation of the scorer s table equipment and/or shall be equipped with a means of communication to contact necessary personnel in the event that problems arise. 2. Official Scorer: The official scorer should be seated next to the official timer and must wear a striped shirt. In Conference games, visiting teams should make every effort to have a person keeping the book at the official scorer s table. In this case, the visiting team scorer should be seated next to the official scorer. 3. Public Address Announcer: The public address announcer should be professional and noncontroversial and should refrain from cheerleading. The host staff should be certain the announcer receives specific pronunciations, pregame instructions regarding timeout sequences and timeline for anthem and starting lineups. Game officials are not to be introduced at any time. The public address announcer shall make the following announcement in the pregame: America East and (host institution) encourage and promote good sporting conduct by student-athletes, coaches and spectators. We request your cooperation by supporting the participants and the officials in a positive manner. Thank you. The public address announcer should announce scores of other America East Conference games throughout the contest. The scores should be read at a minimum at the under 8:00 media timeout of each half, at halftime and at the conclusion of the game. The public address announcer shall make a minimum of one announcement for the America East Television Package and a minimum of one announcement for the America East Basketball Championship at each America East Conference game. 4. Backup Personnel: The host institution is responsible for making sure it has trained backup personnel in the event any of the official scorers table personnel are unable to attend. 5. Officials (Referees): Officials are instructed to arrive on-site no later than 90 minutes prior to game time. Upon arrival, a game management official shall be designated to greet the officials and direct them to their dressing room. The dressing room, which should include a restroom and showers, shall be private and secure to conduct their pregame, in-game and postgame meetings and should include towels, drinks and lockers to store clothes and valuables. The pregame timing format must be posted in the officials dressing room. 6. Pregame Meeting for Scorers Table Personnel: The official scorer, the official timer, the scoreboard operator and the shot clock operator MUST report to the officials (referees ) locker room 45-minutes prior to game time for a pregame meeting run by the referees. 7. Official Scorers Table: The official scorers table shall accommodate the order from left to right when facing the official scorers table from the game floor: Game Management Official Visiting Team Scorer Official Scorer Official Timer Scoreboard Operator Shot Clock Operator Public Address Announcer TV Timeout Coordinator (TV games only) An X must be placed on the floor near the official scorer to designate the substitution area 9

10 8. Ball Attendants: A minimum of two ball attendants (one at each end of the court under the baskets) must be provided by the host institution. The host institution shall instruct the ball attendants as to their responsibilities. 9. Security: Home team administrators must ensure that effective security with all necessary precautions are provided for teams and game officials. Key areas are locker rooms, hallways, corridors, runways to the court, team benches and media interview areas. Home team administrators must review procedures for ensuring safe, quick passage by teams and officials to and from the court before the game, at halftime and after the game. Halftime Exit Procedure: Home team administrators or security personnel should meet teams and officials at the point of exit from the court. The two teams exit first. Officials wait at center court until both teams clear the floor. Then, the officials exit. Halftime Court: The playing floor should be secured so that no spectators can access the floor, except those taking part in a halftime promotion. The playing floor should be swept at halftime. Postgame Exit Procedure: Home team administrators or security personnel should meet teams and officials at the point of exit from the court. The officials exit first. Then, the teams exit. Postgame Court: The playing floor should be secured so that no spectators can access the floor. 10

11 E. SERVICES FOR VISITING TEAM 1. Practice Times: The visiting team must reserve practice times as soon as possible. The day before a game, the host institution must put forth its best effort to provide the visiting team with a practice at the game facility. On game day, the host institution must make every effort to provide access to the game facility for the visiting team, with every effort made to ensure a closed practice session. In instances where an institution has a conflict with ice hockey, they must provide a suitable alternative for the day-ofgame practice. 2. Practice Environment: The host institution must make reasonable efforts to provide an opportunity for a closed practice, or at least, a situation conducive to practice with a minimum of external distractions or interruptions. 3. Team Locker Rooms: The host institution must make reasonable efforts to provide the best possible locker room for visiting teams. Locker rooms should be clearly identified and stocked with water, ice, towels, chalk/dry erase boards, chalk/dry erase markers, and programs 45 minutes prior to game time. Every effort should be made not to locate one locker room adjacent to the other. 4. Athletics Training: The host institution must make provide the following: a. Water, coolers, cups, ice and several towels for immediate care/treatment purposes b. Taping table in visiting locker room c. Availability in Athletic Training Room for treatment and rehabilitation purposes d. Physician availability upon request 11

12 F. FAN AMENITIES 1. Lobby Area: It is the responsibility of the host institution to ensure that the lobby is clean and well presented with display areas. 2. Rest rooms: It is the responsibility of the host institution to ensure that there are clean rest room areas. 3. Food and Merchandise: It is the responsibility of the host institution to ensure that there are food and merchandise concession areas. 12

13 G. MEDIA/MEDIA RELATIONS 1. Credentials/Seating: It is the responsibility of the host media relations director to ensure that this area is restricted to credentialed personnel only. Cheering is prohibited in this restricted area. Photographers are restricted to the photographers box at either end of the court. 2. Live Radio/Streaming: An over-the-air radio broadcast with live streaming (either through the radio web site or the institution web site) is required for all men s basketball conference games. A radio broadcast with live streaming is required for all women s basketball conference games. In addition, overthe-air radio broadcasts are encouraged for women s basketball. NOTE: A school may enter into an agreement to simulcast a game from the other institution s broadcast. In the event the visiting institution s radio broadcast partner will not travel, the home team is required to broadcast the game. 3. Radio/Television Talent Location: Every effort should be made to provide a courtside location within the foul lines for home radio, visiting radio and television (when applicable). Television should be given a courtside location as close to center court as possible. 4. Halftime Interviews: Halftime interviews are permitted on the court when requested by television or radio. 5. Postgame Interviews: A postgame press conference must be held following men s and women s basketball games. A room must be designated where both the home and visiting coaches and selected players attend. After a mandatory 10-minute cooling off period, the visiting head coach and a minimum of two players will attend the press conference first followed by the home head coach and a minimum of two players. The home sports information director, in consultation with the visiting sports information director, may excuse the visiting coach and players from a postgame press conference if not needed by the media. 6. Officials Interviews: Game officials shall not conduct interviews with the media without the expressed permission of America East. 7. Game Tracker/Live Stats: Live statistics must be provided on the home web site of each host school for the sports of men s and women s basketball. 8. Wireless Internet: Wireless internet access must be available at press row for each men s and women s basketball game. 9. SID Travel: A full-time sports information representative must travel with each men s and women s basketball team. 10. Camera/Microphone Placement: Television cameras or microphones shall be allowed in team huddles, the team bench area, or in the locker rooms for pregame or halftime only upon the granting of permission prior to the game by the institution involved. Additionally, coaches and bench personnel may be wired with television microphones during games upon receiving permission by the institution. 11. Logos: Per NCAA rules (1-16-1) Logos, names or equipment of any kind (including school and Conference logos or names, cameras and microphones) are not permitted on the backboards, rings, padding around the backboards or on the shot clocks. Cameras and microphones are permitted on the shot clocks when it is recessed. 13

14 H. TELEVISION 1. Television Rights: Television rights for all America East Conference and non-conference games are held by America East Conference. Once America East has selected its games for production, the television rights of all games not produced by America East will then be held by the host school. A visiting school must request written permission from the director of athletics at the host school for broadcast rights to an away game. 2. Advertising Inventory: There are 24 minutes of commercial inventory in each America East produced television game. The breakdown of commercial inventory is as follows: a. Carrier (i.e., NESN, MSG, FSNE, FSNY, etc.): (24) :30 spots/12 minutes b. America East: (8) :30 spots/4 minutes c. Host Institution: (8) :30 spots/4 minutes d. Visiting Institution: (8) :30 spots/4 minutes 3. Talent Location: Courtside announcer positions for a five-person television crew must be reserved on the same side of the court as the two high-level cameras. A spot immediately adjacent to the statistical computer for the official statistician is required, as is a spot near the official time keeper for the timeout coordinator. 4. Parking: The host institution shall provide ample parking with reasonable access to the arena for the America East Television production truck, satellite truck and crew. 5. Crew Call: The producer, director and television crew arrives on site at least six hours prior to tip-off. The producer should arrange with the home game management administrator for access to the facility. The producer should be provided with an appropriate number of media credentials and parking passes. 6. Staff: Unless otherwise instructed, the host media relations director shall be required to fill the following positions: one statistician at the scorer s table, one statistician to be seated next to the television talent, one timeout coordinator and two cable pullers. Unless otherwise requested by the producer, these people are required to be on-site at least one hour prior to tip-off and must complete an invoice in order to be paid. The producer or coordinating producer shall contact the host media relations director at least one week prior to the game to discuss specifics regarding the use of free-lance personnel. 7. Officials Use of Replay: NCAA Rule 2-5 governs the situations where officials are permitted to look at a replay monitor to review a call. If there is no live or delayed television for the game, but a replay exists from another source, such as a video scoreboard, the officials may use to review as long as the monitor is at a designated courtside table (i.e., within approximately 3 to 12 feet of the playing court). If the scoreboard video is used for replay, the scoreboard itself MUST BLACK OUT for the crowd the replays the officials are reviewing on the courtside monitor. 8. Facility Needs: The host institution must be able to provide sufficient electrical power and a sufficient number of power outlets in media locations for the operation and transmission of television and radio broadcasts and for the operation of transmission equipment and computer terminals used by the media. Power requirements for television production of 200 amps, 3-phase to the production truck(s); of 150 amps, 3-phase combined to the satellite links and of 150 amps, 3-phase to the television announcers position. 14

15 I. BANDS 1. Requirement: Schools are required to have a pep band at every home conference men s and women s basketball game. Schools may utilize local/area/community bands during academic breaks and other instances where the institutional bands are unavailable. 2. Conduct: Bands are representatives of their universities and their conduct must reflect accordingly. Participation and enthusiasm are encouraged, but unsporting conduct and actions intrusive to the natural flow of the game are prohibited. 3. Placement: The home team band may not be seated behind the visiting team s bench or next to the end line adjacent to that bench. 4. Visiting Band Accommodations: All visiting Conference teams are allowed a maximum of 40 complimentary admissions for members of its band for each men s and women s basketball game. The visiting team shall indicate to the host team if the visiting band would like to attend a game. The visiting team s ticket manager is responsible for contacting the host institution to arrange for these complimentary tickets. 5. NCAA Rules: Bands and/or drummers or music are forbidden during live balls. Music must be stop when a shooter is handed the ball to shoot free throws and also when the player inbounding is handed the ball. The ball is still alive even though the clock in not running. Game management administrators and band leaders must be aware that, according to NCAA rules, playing music while the game is in progress may result in an administrative technical foul. 15

16 J. CHEERLEADERS AND MASCOTS 1. Requirement: Schools are required to have cheerleaders and mascots at every home conference men s and women s basketball game. Schools may utilize local/area/community cheerleaders during academic breaks and other instances where the institutional cheerleaders are unavailable. 2. Conduct: Cheerleaders and mascots are representatives of their universities and their conduct must reflect accordingly. Participation and enthusiasm are encouraged, but unsporting conduct and actions intrusive to the natural flow of the game are prohibited. Cheerleaders and mascots may not lead, encourage or participate in negative cheers, but shall cheer for their own team. Cheers must be in good taste and appropriate to a collegiate atmosphere. Cheerleaders and mascots may not bang megaphones or other objects with their hands or on the floor during a live ball. 3. Placement: Cheerleaders and mascots shall not stand underneath the basket within the lane area during game action or free throw attempts. In addition, cheerleaders and mascots shall not stand behind the basket standard, in a manner to distract, during game action or free throw attempts. Cheerleaders and mascots shall not be near the time out huddles of the opposing team. Cheerleaders and mascots shall not be on the baskets, basket supports or basket area. Cheerleaders and mascots shall not have any contact with the game officials. 4. Timeouts: Cheerleaders and mascots are NOT allowed on the court during 30-, 60- and 75-second timeouts. 5. Visiting Team Accomodations: All visiting Conference cheerleaders/dance team shall receive a maximum of 12 complimentary admissions for each away contest, when requested. Also, one complimentary admission can be requested for the team mascot. The visiting team s ticket manager is responsible for contacting the host institution to arrange for these complimentary tickets. 6. Safety Rules: America East cheerleading squads shall follow the AACAA Cheerleading Safety Rules. 16

17 K. TICKETS 1. Complimentary Tickets: The host institution must provide 40 complimentary tickets to each visiting Conference opponent for use at the visitor s discretion. In addition, all visiting Conference teams shall be allowed 40 complimentary tickets for members of its band, 12 tickets for its cheerleading or dance squads and one ticket for its mascot for each game. Each institution is responsible for setting up procedures to issue student-athletes complimentary admissions in accordance with NCAA Bylaw An institution may provide four complimentary admissions per home or away contest to a student-athlete in which the individual participates regardless of whether the studentathlete competes in that contest. a. Complimentary admissions shall be provided only through a pass list for individuals designated by the student-athlete. Hard tickets shall not be issued. The institution shall be responsible for this administrative procedure. b. The individual utilizing the complimentary admission must present identification to the person supervising the pass list at the admission gate. The individual then shall be provided a ticket stub or other identification of a specific reserved seat or seating area or treated as a generaladmission ticket holder. 2. Game Officials Tickets: Each member of the three-person crew is allowed two complimentary admissions to the game for which he/she is assigned. Game officials should contact the host school s ticket manager at least two weeks prior to the game. 3. Officials Conference Observer: A Conference observer shall be present at each home men s and women s basketball game. The observer must attend the officials pregame meeting one hour prior to game time. Each observer is responsible for arranging admittance to each game with either a media relations staff member, ticket manager or a game management official. The host school should accommodate the Conference observer s request for either a seat at press row or at a specific location in the stands based upon the observer s preference and available seating (if appropriate). 17

18 L. PREGAME TIMING/ANTHEM 1. Late Arrival: If a team arrives late to the game facility due to situations beyond its control, the home game management staff will put 30 minutes on the scoreboard clock once the visiting team enters the arena. The buzzer for the National Anthem and introductions will sound at 0:00 and play will begin following. 2. National Anthem: Teams must be on the court for the National Anthem. The National Anthem shall be the only music played as part of the pregame timeline. If an institution wishes to play its alma mater, it should do so prior to the start of the timing sequence and/or at the end of the game. 3. Introductions: The host institution shall determine the format of the introductions. 4. Halftime: Halftime shall be 15 minutes in length per NCAA rules. The court should be cleared of all activities, swept and available so teams may access for warm-ups with 5:00 remaining. 5. Senior Night/Recognition Ceremony: Brief pregame presentations (i.e., 1,000 career points) are permitted but they must not interfere with the tip-off time or any pregame warm-ups. The only formal pregame ceremony allowed is senior recognition. After completion of the senior ceremony there shall be a minimum of a 5-minute period for warm-up time. The schedule for the ceremony must be documented and adhered to and sent to visiting teams and the Conference office one week prior. 6. Pregame Timing: The officials, both head coaches and media relations directors, as well as the public address announcer must be provided with a pregame format/itinerary indicating pregame warm-ups, halftime activities, and the timeout policy. Suggested Timing for America East Conference games (non-televised): Time Clock Event xx:00 60:00 Start Clock xx:00 00:00 Teams Clear Floor xx:01 00:00 National Anthem xx:03 00:00 Introduction of Visiting Team Starters xx:04 00:00 Introduction of Home Team Starters xx:05 20:00 Game Begins Time Clock Event xx:30 60:00 Start Clock xx:30 00:00 Teams Clear Floor xx:31 00:00 National Anthem xx:33 00:00 Introduction of Visiting Team Starters xx:34 00:00 Introduction of Home Team Starters xx:35 20:00 Game Begins 18

19 Required Timing for America East Television Games: Time Clock Event xx:04 60:00 Start Clock xx:57 00:07 National Anthem xx:59 00:05 Floor Available For Warm-ups (following anthem) xx:04 00:00 Teams Clear Floor xx:04 00:00 Introduction of Visiting Team Starters xx:05 00:00 Introduction of Home Team Starters xx:06 20:00 Game Begins Time Clock Event xx:34 60:00 Start Clock xx:27 00:07 National Anthem xx:29 00:05 Floor Available For Warm-ups (following anthem) xx:34 00:00 Teams Clear Floor xx:34 00:00 Introduction of Visiting Team Starters xx:35 00:00 Introduction of Home Team Starters xx:36 20:00 Game Begins 19

20 M. VIDEOTAPE EXCHANGE POLICY 1. Men s Videotape Policy: A Conference member may request videotapes for any two games of each of their Conference opponents prior to the first time the teams meet. Requests can be made for tapes containing Conference or non-conference opponents. A Conference member may request videotape for one game from each of their Conference opponents prior to the second time the teams meet. Requests can be made for tapes containing Conference or non-conference opponents. All tapes must be new VHS tapes of high quality, include audible sound and be in good working order. Tapes must be recorded in SP mode. The HOME team shall be responsible for using a double deck VCR to tape its home Conference games so that a copy of the game tape can be handed to the visiting team prior to its departure. The NCAA box score must accompany the videotape in the package. The video camera should be set up so that the court is framed from mid-court, if possible. All institutions should verify receipt of requests to the originating institution. Videotapes of weekend games should be sent out on Mondays and videotapes of midweek games should be sent out the day after. Any problem with this time schedule should be communicated to the receiving school. All tapes must be sent via express overnight mail, unless mailed 14 days prior to the game. Tapes shall become the property of the receiving institution and need not be returned. If a video malfunction prohibits an institution from meeting its obligation to provide a requested tape, it shall be the responsibility of that institution to obtain a copy from the opponent and fulfill the request. If no quality copy exists, the requesting institution shall be informed and afforded another request. For post-season play, teams may request one videotape of their first opponent in the championship (the No. 1 seed may request a tape from both the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds). For subsequent games, live scouting is permitted. In addition, advancing teams will be given a game tape of their opponent s most recent game in the championship. 20

21 2. Women s Videotape Policy: Film requests must be mailed to the head coach, and must be received annually by December 15. Addresses where the request is to be sent must be included detailing the hotels, home addresses or alternative addresses due to school vacations that should be used. Each institution shall receive two game tapes from each member institution at least seven (7) days prior to its game vs. a Conference opponent. Requests can be made for tapes containing Conference or nonconference opponents. If the requested game occurs within the seven-day period, the tape must be sent the next day by overnight mail. The receiving school must supply an address that can receive overnight delivery mail. Films must be new VHS, T-120, previously blank tapes. The tapes must be filmed and copied at SP speed and must be first-generation master duplication. The HOME team shall be responsible for using a double deck VCR to tape its home Conference games so that a copy of the game tape can be handed to the visiting team prior to its departure. The NCAA box score and starting lineups must accompany the videotape in the package. Tapes must include audio sound to include crowd noise and the public address announcer. All tapes must show or announce the score at every dead ball. The video camera should be set up so that the court is framed from mid-court. Each institution shall view the quality of the tape before mailing to an institution. All institutions should verify receipt of requests to the originating institution. Videotapes of weekend games should be sent out on Mondays and videotapes of midweek games should be sent out the day after. Any problem with this time schedule should be communicated to the receiving school. All tapes must be sent via express overnight mail, unless mailed 14 days prior to the game. Tapes shall become the property of the receiving institution and need not be returned. If a video malfunction prohibits an institution from meeting its obligation to provide a requested tape, it shall be the responsibility of that institution to obtain a copy from the opponent and fulfill the request. If no quality copy exists, the requesting institution shall be informed and afforded another request. The film exchange is done in good faith and every effort shall be made to ensure that a member school s request if fulfilled. Should problems arise, they should be dealt with between head coaches; however, if problems cannot be resolved, the appropriate athletics administrators shall be notified in an attempt to resolve the situation. Repeat offenders of the Conference policy shall be referred to the Conference office, which shall take proper action. For post-season play, teams may request one videotape of their first opponent in the championship. For subsequent games, live scouting is permitted. In addition, advancing teams will be given a game tape of their opponent s most recent game in the championship. The tapes shall be mailed the next business day after the teams final Conference game. 3. Non-Conference Policy (Men and Women): The coaches of America East shall NOT send tapes of a Conference opponent to a non-conference opponent that is preparing to play an America East team. 21

22 N. MEETINGS 1. Coaches Meeting: There shall be an annual meeting of the head coaches to discuss Conference business. The meeting shall be held at the America East Annual Meeting in June. The attendance of each head coach is mandatory. 2. Coaches Chair: The chair of the coaches group shall be selected every two years by a vote of the coaches. The chair shall be expected to perform the following duties: a. Act as a liaison with the Conference office. b. Remain informed of the new legislation pertaining to the sport and keep the Conference informed. c. Form an agenda for the annual coaches meeting with an America East administrator d. Voice concerns and make recommendations for improvements, changes, etc. to the Athletic Directors Council. 22

23 O. GAME UNIFORMS 1. Uniforms: Participants shall wear exclusively the official uniform of their institution in competition. The host institution shall wear light jerseys and the away institution dark jerseys unless mutually agreed upon prior to the game. All NCAA restrictions applying to apparel worn by student-athletes shall be strictly enforced. 2. America East Logo: The America East logo shall either be screened onto the game pants or worn as a patch on the game pants. In accordance with NCAA Rule 3, Section 5, Article 7, patches are only allowed within the four-inch side inserts of the jersey. Only commemorative or memorial patches are allowed elsewhere on the game jersey. A conference patch is not considered commemorative. The America East logo should be in full color (red and blue) on light uniforms. The logo may be white on a dark uniform. 23

24 P. CHAMPIONSHIP 1. Championship Format: The nine eligible teams shall advance to the annual championship which shall be single elimination. The teams shall participate and be seeded based upon won-lost percentage in regular season play. The Conference champion shall be the winner of the annual championship and shall represent the Conference in the NCAA Division I Basketball Championship. Men: The first round, quarterfinals and semifinals shall be played at a common site with the championship final played at the campus of the highest-remaining seed after the semifinal round. Women: The first round, quarterfinals, semifinals and championship final shall be played at a common site. Starting times for games shall be set by the Conference office, except for the final game where the starting time shall be dictated by television (men). 2. Championship Dates (Men): The first three rounds of the America East Conference Men s Basketball Championship shall take place two weekends prior to the first round of the NCAA Division I Men s Basketball Championship. The championship final shall be conducted at a later date as determined by television. The first round will be played Friday, quarterfinals will be played Saturday and the semifinals played Sunday. Championship Dates (Women): The America East Conference Women s Basketball Championship shall take place one week prior to the first round of the NCAA Division I Women s Basketball Championship. The championship shall be played Friday through Sunday. 3. Championship Banquet: An awards banquet will be held on the date of the first-round game of the America East Basketball Championship. 4. Pre-championship Meeting: A Pre-championship meeting of the head coaches, athletic administrators, media relations representatives and Conference and host tournament staff will be held on the date of the first-round game(s). This meeting is mandatory for all head coaches. 5. Championship Site: The site of the Conference Championship shall be selected through a bid process conducted by the conference office and voted upon by the directors of athletics. 6. Championship Manual: A complete championship manual, with specific policies and guidelines, shall be published by America East. 7. Tickets (Men): Participating institutions will purchase, at a minimum, 100 tickets per session that their team is participating in. Upon advancement in the tournament, the institution will secure the next set of tickets. The four groups of 100 tickets (one group of 100 per team competing in a session) will be located in the team bench area. If the participating institutions wish to provide these tickets as player guest tickets, it must do so in accordance with NCAA Bylaw For the men s basketball championship game only, the visiting team shall be guaranteed a minimum of 600 tickets with 50 percent of those tickets located behind the visiting bench area. In addition, the host institution shall reserve the additional pool of 50 percent of the tickets with consideration given to their location and the proximity of the courtside tickets. These ticket allocations are subject to the approval of the America East Conference office. Bands, cheerleaders and dance teams will be admitted via a gate list for the championship game. However, schools should account for band members (30 per school) and dance team members (12 per school) in the ticket manifest. Bands should be seated either behind or directly across from their school s bench, or along the endline adjacent to their school s bench. America East may request up to 75 tickets for sponsors and other Conference needs. Ticket prices for the America East championship are $25 with student/youth (14 or younger or student at America East institution with valid ID) tickets at $10. 24