Welcome to the Lee Mount Vernon Sports Club (LMVSC)

Transcription

1 Welcome to the Lee Mount Vernon Sports Club (LMVSC) We are pleased that you have decided to participate in what we hope will be a fun and rewarding basketball experience for you and the children in our community. To assist you in getting better acquainted with LMVSC, we have created this Recreational Basketball Handbook. Please know that in preparing this handbook, we realize that it can never cover every issue that might come up. If you should encounter a problem that is not covered in this handbook, please call your Basketball Commissioner for further assistance. LMVSC understands many of our volunteers come to us with different levels of basketball experience. Our volunteers range from those who have played basketball in college to those with absolutely no real basketball experience at all. For those volunteers that are less experienced about this great game of basketball, we have included a section on the Rules of Basketball. The sport of basketball continues to grow in Fairfax County. Every season brings new ideas at all levels. Our thoughts and ideas continue to evolve; therefore, our policies continue to be molded and reshaped to better serve the needs of every player and their family. Please know that we sincerely welcome your ideas and suggestions. The amount of effort that goes into providing basketball for our community is tremendous. Too often the responsibility falls on the shoulders of a very few. We are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested and willing, please contact us at and click on the menu item that reads, contact us. This handbook contains the first version of the Club s policies and procedures that are in effect for this season. We welcome your comments on this handbook. Thank you for your support and it is our hope that you have a memorable season. Lula Bauer, Executive Director 1 P a g e

2 Table of Contents A. Philosophy and History... 4 C. Scheduling Policy Scheduling with Other Clubs Inclement Weather Closings Game Postponement Forfeitures Protests... 6 II. Coach Information... 6 A. Coach Selection... 6 B. Replacement of Coaches... 6 C. Coach s Location During Games... 6 D. Suspension of Coach... 6 E. The Coach s Responsibilities... 6 F. Role of the Coach... 7 G. The Coach s Job... 7 H. Principles of Coaching I. Coaching Rationale J. Some Characteristics of Young Players K Parents As A Positive Force L. Safety M. The Referee The Referee s Job Jurisdiction of the Referee Referee Not Assigned/No Show Referee Abuse, Assault, and Coach s Misconduct III. Codes of Conduct A. Coaches B. Parents/Spectators C. Players D. Code of Conduct IV. The Game A. Game Officials Referees Scorekeepers Timekeepers B. Playing Rules Player Participation Method of Play Game Time a. Game Time Limit - Duration b. Time-Outs c. Overtime P a g e

3 4. Division Playing Rules a. E Division (U6) - Playing Rules b. D1 and D2 Divisions 1st and 2nd Grade Playing Rules c. C Division 3rd and 4th Grade Playing Rules d. B Division 5th and 6th Grade Playing Rules e. A/AA/AAA Division 7th and 8th Grade Playing Rules C. Post Season Team Awards V. Uniforms and Equipment A. Issue Procedures B. Replacement Procedures C. Turn-In Procedures Returning Uniforms and Equipment VI. Facilities/Gyms A. General Procedures B. Gym Assignments C. Volunteer Building Directors Gym Opening During the Games After the Games P a g e

4 I. Lee-Mount Vernon Sports Club (LMVSC) A. Philosophy and History Interestingly, the Lee-Mt. Vernon Sports Club, originally called the Lee-Mt. Vernon Soccer Association, was born at a baseball game. During the summer of 1969, three gentlemen, John Walker from Hybla Valley, Dennis Smith from Hayfield and a mutual baseball friend from Hayfield, Walt Ulica, were discussing the need of youth soccer in our area. A consensus emerged that soccer didn't limit participation for lack of size or height and could be a tool for more participation by individual team players than some other youth sports. With this agreement, the Lee-Mt Vernon Soccer Association was born. To reflect the emphasis of a complete approach to soccer, the organization s name was changed to the Lee- Mount Vernon Soccer Club in the fall of Recognizing that there was a need for a wellfounded and structured basketball club in the Lee and Mount Vernon Magisterial Districts, the decision was made to incorporate basketball into the Club during the summer of The Club's Recreational teams continue to be formed on the basis of neighborhoods and play has been organized into separate divisions for boys and girls. The tremendous growth of the Club can be attributed, in part, to the guaranteed participation of every player among his or her neighbors and friends and the dedicated cadre of volunteer adults who have organized, shaped and managed the Club. The vast majority of the Executive Board Officers have over twenty (20) years of volunteering with the Club. The stability and experience of these Officers has provided the sports and business acumen to provide a sound and enjoyable sporting experience to the players. parents. Some major milestones of the Club are: Each of these milestones is a response of the LMVSC to the wishes of the players and LMVSA Founded Girls Soccer Division organized High School Soccer Division added Games under the lights st/2nd grade clinic groups organized Spring season added K Div. added to provide small sided soccer for children in kindergarten Small sided soccer for K-4th grade Travel Division- Membership into ODSL Spring, Membership into WAGS, created the Ben Willey Sportsmanship Award, fall, Membership into NCSL Director of Player Development position created Director of Coaching position created 2006 Organization name changed to Lee Mount Vernon Soccer Club Mini Kickers - U-4 receive professional age appropriate training/games Small sided soccer for 5-6th grade Organization name changed to Lee - Mount Vernon Sports Club Recreational Basketball Program Travel Basketball added Little Tots Soccer - Little Patriots and U7 Academy 4 P a g e

5 The emphasis of the Club has always been on participation, upon teaching basic sports skills, good sportsmanship and team play. To that end we do not keep team standings except for determining the seeding in the season ending tournaments. Trophies are not awarded for the best record. Our number one priority is to romance the youngsters, to make them love the game. Let them enjoy every minute for its own sake. Let the rewards be the sheer joy of the play Scheduling 1. Policy Scheduling is not an easy process. Once the schedule is printed, it will not be changed. The Club will work closely with Coaches coaching 2 + Teams If the unexpected occurs and you simply cannot field a team, you must; a. Contact your Player Director as soon as the situation is known. b. the Club's scheduler to inform them of the situation c. If you had gym duty responsibilities, when contacting the Club's Scheduler, make sure you inform him/her d. The Scheduler will cancel the referee(s). If this doesn t happen at least 72 hours in advance of the match, the referee(s) will get paid even though the match has been canceled. e. Your game will not be rescheduled. Please be advised. The Division Scheduler is the only person who can contact the Referee Assignor. There is no exception to this policy. Thank you for your cooperation! 2. Scheduling with Other Clubs If a division has an insufficient number of teams to support its own schedule, the Club will coordinate games with surrounding Clubs to ensure that there is sufficient competition. The coach needs to be aware of any differences in Club rules when playing with a different Club. The host club rules will be distributed to the LMVSC coach as soon as possible after the scheduling arrangements have been completed. 3. Inclement Weather Closings Cancellations for inclement weather will be made when Fairfax County Public Schools close for the entire day or early due to weather. If schools are closed on Friday, weekend use will not be automatically cancelled. A decision concerning these activities will be made by 7:00 AM on Saturday and 7:00 AM on Sunday or as soon as possible if hazardous conditions develop. Decisions will be broadcast on local television and radio stations. FCPS Channel 21 on Fairfax County cable systems and the CRS Weather Line ( ) for Gym Closing. LMVSC will update the Club's hotline ( ). 5 P a g e

6 schedules. 4. Game Postponement The LMVSC scheduler will inform all coaches regarding postponements and make-up 5. Forfeitures A game shall be declared forfeited when: a. A team is not ready to play within five minutes after a scheduled time. A team is required to have a minimum of four players to start the game. b. A team plays an ineligible player. c. A team fails to comply with the player participation rule. d. A team receives three technical fouls in any one game. 6. Protests The ONLY basis for a protest is over the eligibility of a player or apparent violation of the participation rule. Protests must be written and filed via with the basketball commissioner within forty-eight hours after the completion of the game that is under protest. II. Coach Information A. Coach Selection Each Team shall have one coach and no more than one assistant coach at games. Teams may have additional coaches who assist at practices, but only one assistant coach may occupy the bench area during games. B. Replacement of Coaches The commissioner may replace a coach when the incumbent requests to be replaced or when the commissioner considers that the incumbent no longer meets the spirit and requirements of the league. Replacement of a coach in the latter instance can only occur after approval of the LMVSC Basketball Commissioner and the LMVSC Rules and Disciplinary (R&D) Committee. C. Coach s Location During Games Only the coach and his designated assistant will sit along side the players on the bench or seats provided during a regularly scheduled game. Only one coach at a time, either the Head Coach or the Assistant, can stand and coach from the bench during the game. D. Suspension of Coach When a player or coach is ordered out of a game by a referee for misconduct, he is automatically suspended and is ineligible to play the next game. Any participant: coach, assistant coach, or player hitting, shoving, or causing verbal abuse to a referee, LMVSC or League Official, will be suspended for the remainder of the season. Any parent or guardian of a participant hitting, shoving, or causing verbal abuse to a referee, LMVSC or League Official, will be banned from attending LMVSC sponsored activities. In addition, the participant may also be suspended for the remainder of the season. E. The Coach s Responsibilities 6 P a g e

7 Set an example of good sportsmanship and integrity. Teach the fundamentals of the sport. Provide maximum participation of players in games, practices and scrimmages. Utilize positive reinforcement to motivate and develop each player to the full extent of his or her ability at all times. When coaching, instill the principles of player conduct and attitude as the primary fundamentals of basketball. Ensure that parents and spectators along the sidelines follow the rules of good conduct and sportsmanship. Obtain signed Codes of Conduct from all players and player parents/guardians prior to allowing players to participate in games. Report all injuries, and all circumstances related to the injury, to the commissioner. A coach should notify the commissioner when a player fails to appear for a scheduled game or practice without prior notification. Such a player shall be subject to a possible decrease in mandatory game participation requirements. A coach should notify the commissioner of a player's misconduct and unsportsmanlike behavior, which he or she considers is cause for warning, suspension, or both. F. Role of the Coach The primary role of a youth basketball coach is to teach the basic technical skills (physical and mental), self-reliance, team work and good sportsmanship, and to provide each individual player the opportunity to reach his/her own maximum potential. Therefore the criteria for evaluating a "well coached" team should be all players, in a competitive game situation are: giving a 100% effort, functioning as a team (not individual people), and demonstrating a knowledge of the basic skills. Winning or losing is NOT the standard of measurement for a LMVSC coach because the emphasis of the Club is on player participation, learning basic skills, good sportsmanship, and enjoyment. G. The Coach s Job 1. Team Meetings The objective of the LMVSC is to make participation in basketball a fun activity for players and parents without overloading their lives with a demanding schedule. Therefore, all teams are limited to two (2) meetings per calendar week, which means two practices or one practice plus one game per week. Except for a pre-season parent meeting, coaches are not allowed to schedule other team events which will involve the players other than team end of season parties. Violations of this rule will be cause for warning and possible game forfeiture, suspension, or both. 2. Work with Player and Parents You can achieve more and feel better about it by utilizing a positive attitude and a little diplomacy. Nearly all of parents, players, or us respond to an open and friendly demeanor. Take the time to be organized and to keep both players and parents informed of team schedules and the roles expected of everyone. A few words of explanation can avoid misunderstandings and may yield useful suggestions or a helping hand. If you encounter a difficult situation with a player or parent we take the view that the coach has the prerogative as the volunteer of 7 P a g e

8 record. Everyone has equal recourse to Club officials if need be. Invariably a "blow-up" or other incident can be traced to a lack of communication. 3. Know the Rules of the Game While not everyone can know the details of all the rules, strive to know as much as you can - and remember that you may not know them all, or all the various interpretations that the referee may make. The referee has great discretion with regard to whether or not a foul will be called in certain situations. Every coach should have at least a rudimentary rule book - and study it as time is available. 4. Know What To Do Before, During and After the Game. a. Before 1.) Get there early. Leave in plenty of time to be at the site at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled game time. You need the time to do the following three things. 2.) Greet the other coach. This helps to induce a low-key atmosphere for the game and lets the players know that it is not totally an adversary situation. Discuss any potential problems and be sure to agree on rules, time of game, etc. 3.) If, by chance, you know the referee, Be "cool". Do not overly demonstrate familiarity with the referee. Greet him as "Mr. or Mrs. Referee" and avoid displays of familiarity, which may be distasteful to the other coach and may lead to charges of favoritism. 4.). Make sure that the referee(s) are aware. If there are any peculiar rules for your league/division, discuss them with the referee before every game. The following should be discussed: Basket height Size of the ball Position of the free throw line Relevant player issues Identification of Timer and Scorekeeper Without fail, when these things are not discussed they turn out to be a problem during the game, to the embarrassment of all concerned. b. During Remember that young minds absorb the examples set for them by the authority figures. Remember to control yourself at all times, even if you think that things are wrong. If you think that an issue needs to be directed by the referee and it will not immediately affect the game, discuss it with the referee during the break between periods of play. The referee can not, especially in a one - referee game - take his attention off the game while the ball is in play, and he/she is not permitted by the rules to stop the game to discuss rules with coaches or players. c. After Referees should be willing to discuss rule interpretations after the game, when approached in a reasonable and courteous way. It is a good idea to find a few good words to go along with any constructive criticism you might have. By all means, thank him or her. 8 P a g e

9 Be sure to shake the other coach's hand. This sets a good example for the players, who should be expected to give a "cheer" or shake a few hands after the game. 5. Control Yourself Remember - and condition yourself - that in the heat of the game it always seems that the referee is against your team. It isn't so - believe that he is a paid professional, regardless of age, who is going to be impartial. As a coach, be aware of the behavior of your spectators. Try to keep them under control. So, set a good example at all times. These guidelines also apply to practices. Please know in no uncertain terms, IF A COACH S BEHAVIOR IS INAPPROPRIATE DURING HIS/HER ROLE AS A COACH, LMVSC HAS THE AUTHORITY TO DISMISS THAT COACH. An investigation will precede the dismissal. If the coach is not satisfied with decision, he/she may appeal to the Director of the Club. 6. Set a Good Example. Cheer good plays by both teams. Do not deride or put down any player or the referee. Again, at any age, kids learn the most from examples that are set by adults. 7. Control Your Players. As coach, your players look to you for leadership and will follow your example. The best way to control your players, therefore, is by setting a good example for them. Never allow players to openly dissent from your own instructions or from decisions from the referee. Players must be indoctrinated with a philosophy for love for playing the game. While winning must be important in competitive sports, it is not paramount among all considerations involved; we are teaching our young people to function as members of a group, to use teamwork to get a job done, to appreciate the skills of others, patience and many other things. Of great importance in this regard, is that they are taught (by being required and by example) to respect coaches, other players, and the referee. This includes a little restraint in the event that the score in a particular game is lopsided. Players who demonstrate undesirable qualities must be made to work on these faults. A player who voices dissent to the referee should be removed from the game by his own coach, depending on the situation. Violent or unsporting conduct, in practice or games, should be dealt with firmly but fairly. 8. Control Your Parents. The best way is by your own conduct. Get the word out that you expect parents to attend games and to conduct his/her self in a sportsmanlike manner at all times, applauding good plays by both teams. 9 P a g e

10 H. Principles of Coaching 1. Exercise self-improvement first. Before a coach tries to improve his players' performance, the coach must try to improve his own performance. 2. Do adequate homework. To help the players as much as possible, a coach must analyze games, prepare practice sessions, and organize the team in all areas both on and off the filed of play. 3. Practice the weakness exposed in the game. Practice first in a fundamental situation, then gradually increase the difficulty factor, and finally confirm the improvement, their age, and their physical and mental abilities. 4. Watch the training and the training load. Too much or too little are equally bad. A balanced training program takes into account the players' need for improvement, their age, and their physical and mental abilities. 5. Take individual needs into account and be flexible. Don't impose the same exercise and practice time on all players, but allow each to concentrate on individual weaknesses. This requires one-to-one coaching whenever possible. 6. Demonstrate. Rather than just standing in front of the players and lecturing, impose a condition that will emphasize the skill involved. For example, to emphasize the skill of moving to the open space, impose a condition that those players just standing around or taking a break must perform 10 sit-ups. 7. Simplify. Complexity is confusing especially for the young and inexperienced player. Use simple and specific explanation rather than terminology. 8. Make practice fun. Make the game more enjoyable for your players by introducing a variety of exercise, drills and games in the training program. Even though there must be correction for mistakes by the players, the core behavior is PRAISE. Always remember that your players are there because they want to be so they "must" be doing well. Be positive. 9. Motivate and teach players to coach themselves. Encourage team spirit for mutual support and encouragement. Constantly encourage players to practice on their own, 1-on-1 shooting, passing, dribbling, ets. Be sure that the team has real input, listen and observe carefully. 10. Technical skills must be practiced by everyone. Economical coaching (one drill which incorporates a given technique/skill, group and team tactics) is a must. Technique (skills must be practiced by everyone because skills have a "maintenance" aspect as well as a learning aspect. Try to work with each individual player for a few minutes (one-on-one) devoted to a specific skill at each practice session. 11. Always use a ball. Have the players work with a ball not only during the season but also in the off-season and in their periods of spare time. Make sure that the players realize that the best way to learn is by doing. Ideally there is one practice ball for every player. Players should be encouraged to bring their own ball to each practice. 12. Practice skills. Attempt to relate areas of a given practice to one basic skill (dribbling, passing, shooting) and break it down to manageable components by 10 P a g e

11 demonstrating, correcting, continuing and PRAISE. Only correct practice is valuable; when players are too tired or disinterested, stop and rest or change to another activity. I. Coaching Rationale It is important to understand at the outset that children coming to the sport at this age have not necessarily done so by their own choice. As such, their coaches must give them something to get excited about and/or have fun doing. Further, at this age, learning to play basketball is often quite secondary to most other things in their lives. With the above as our assumptions, let's look at some things we can do to accommodate the young player: 1. Do not train one minute more than one hour - physical fatigue and attention span considerations 2. Have as many different kinds of activities ready as you can get into an hour - these need not necessarily be all basketball activities. 3. Every player should bring his/her appropriately sized ball to practices. 4. Two events per week are all that are allowed - we do not want to burn out the players. 5. Though they may all be very similar in birth dates, the similarity stops there - differences may vary as much as thirty-six months in regard to physical and/or mental maturity. 6. Running laps is a cross-country training method - no place for the same in basketball, at any age. 7. Team play and passing is very alien at a young age - they know if they pass the ball they don't get it back. 8. In a one hour training session you should take several 90 second "drink" breaks - take more when the weather is hot and humid. 9. Each training session should be built around having them touch the ball as many times as possible - be sure to have them use all parts of the body. J. Some Characteristics of Young Players Short attention span. Most individually oriented (me, my, mine) Constantly in motion Psychologically easily bruised Little or no concern for team activities per se Do believe in Santa Claus, but will not discuss with peers Physical and psychological development of boys and girls is quite similar Physical coordination is suspect Eye hand and/or eye foot coordination most primitive at best Love to run, jump, and roll Like to roll on the ground - that's in good dress-up clothes, not in their team uniforms 11 P a g e

12 Enjoy climbing Prefer large soft balls and nerf balls Catching skills are not developed Can balance on good foot NO SENSE OF PACE - GO FLAT OUT, they will chase something until they drop K Parents As A Positive Force A major resource for you and your team is the parents. It is imperative that you hold a parent meeting before the season begins and state very clearly your objectives, how you intend to accomplish them and what you expect of the parents. Some notions that you may wish to discuss at the meeting: Get phone numbers and set up a phone tree so that all families can be contacted quickly. Choose a team coordinator - someone to handle the administrative details. They can also determine and handle carpool needs. Establish the days and times of training and how you feel about starting and ending on time. The need to have another parent at practice with you in the event that a child gets hurt and needs attention. The need for each player to have his/her own ball at each training session. Game schedule and uniform expectations. Most importantly your philosophy about coaching young players. Above all, don't get stressed out and enjoy yourself - if you do, most likely, the kids will. L. Safety The safety of the players should always be of paramount importance to the coaches of a team. Safety concerns fall into two areas: physical safety and injury prevention/treatment. 1. Physical Safety When children are delivered to a gym for practice, there is an expectation that the adults in charge of the practice will use common sense and ensure that the child is under a degree of supervision that will ensure their safety until such time as the parent or caregiver returns to pick up the child. This means that the coaches for a team need to ensure that a child is not left along at the completion of practice or the game. Do not assume that the parent/caregiver will soon be arriving to pick up the child. An adult must remain with the child until he/she is picked up. To this end, a coach must meet with the parents in advance of the first practice to learn who will be dropping off and picking up a child. Likewise, the parent/caregiver should NEVER drop off the child unless they have identified the coach/adult who will be supervising the practice/game. If a coach has a parent who drops off a child at the gym without an adult remaining with them, they must be reported to the LMVSC Basketball Commissioner as soon as possible. 2. Injuries In the event of an injury, the primary concern is to get treatment as soon as possible. If the parents/caregiver are present, they will be the primary person responsible for seeking treatment. If they are not present, the coach or other responsible adult must contact 12 P a g e

13 them as soon as possible while attempting to render first aid. If the parent cannot be reached and it is necessary to transport the child to an emergency room, a responsible adult must accompany the child. It is beneficial if the coach has some first aid materials available such as cold compresses to place on twisted ankles or wrists. Band aids and other simple first aid materials are always helpful. Head Injuries. Head injuries can be particularly damaging. If a player falls and strikes his or her head on the floor such that he/she must be removed from the game, the player will not be put back into the game until examined by a medical professional or a week has elapsed and parent permission is received. With head injuries, it is better to err on the side of safety. Heat cramps. Heat cramps are the LEAST severe, and often are the first signals that the body is having trouble with the heat. Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms. They usually occur in the legs and abdomen. Think of them as a warning of a possible heat related emergency. To care for heat cramps, have the player rest in a cool place. Give cool water or a commercial sport drink. Usually, rest and fluids are all the person needs to recover. Lightly stretch the muscle and gently massage the area. The player should not take salt tablets or salt water. They can make the situation worse. When the cramps stop, the player can usually start activity again, if there are no other signs of illness. The player should keep drinking plenty of fluids. Watch the player carefully for further signals of heat-related illness. M. The Referee When you recognize heat-related illness in its early stages; you can usually reverse it. 1) Get the player out of the heat. 2) Loosen any tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. 3) If the player is conscious, give cool water to drink. Do not let the conscious player drink too quickly. Give about one glass (4 ounces) of water every 15 minutes. 4) Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition. The victim should not resume normal activities the same day. The Club s objective with regard to referees is to provide referees who are trained for the level of games that they referee. In the event that a referee is not available, a volunteer or one of the coaches will officiate the game. In those matches where official Assistant Referees are not assigned/available to officiate the touchline, a volunteer will be solicited from each team. 13 P a g e

14 1. The Referee s Job a. Control The Game. The game is under the control of the official who is solely responsible for interpreting and applying the rules of the game. b. Call The Game Fairly. Every referee strives to call the game as fairly as possible. In order to accomplish this task he is knowledgeable of the rules and is trained to make every call independent of every other call. c. Keep Time/ Score. The referee will work with the assigned Timekeeper and Scorekeeper the game time and score accurate.. d. The One-Referee Game. In a one-referee game, the referee faces the impossible task of being in two places at the same time. Calls away from the ball are very difficult to see. Be patient - very patient - with the referee in a one-man game. It's rough. 2. Jurisdiction of the Referee a. Duration The referee has jurisdiction from the time she/he arrives at the gym and until all players, coaches, and spectators from each match have left. This means the referee is still in charge and can render decisions after the match has ended. b. Authority THE REFEREE CAN STOP THE GAME FOR INFRINGEMENT OF THE RULES and can suspend or terminate a match whenever she/he deems such stoppage necessary e.g., for interference by spectators or coaches, persistent misconduct by the players, etc. If a team fails to put the minimum number of players on the court by the end of the grace period (usually 10 minutes) following the scheduled tip-off time, the referee shall abandon the match The referee can issue a Technical Foul to any coach for inappropriate behavior or any player guilty of misconduct. Players and coaches receiving a second Technical Foul in a game is not allowed to participate in the team s next match. 3. Referee Not Assigned/No Show In the event a referee is not assigned or should for some reason fail to show, the coaches should mutually agree upon an official from available bystanders. The decisions and call of the play by such substitute referee will be binding upon both teams. Coaches may agree to referee half the game each. 14 P a g e

15 4. Referee Abuse, Assault, and Coach s Misconduct Referee abuse and assault cases will be decided directly by LMVSC. No decision by LMVSC shall preclude the referee from pursuing criminal and civil action against anyone accused of assault against the referee. Referee assault is defined as an actual physical assault, an intentional act of physical violence at or upon a referee. Assault includes, but is not limited to: hitting directly or with a thrown or kicked object, kicking, punching, choking, spitting ON (Not at), grabbing or bodily running into, head butting, and damaging a referee's uniform or personal property (e.g., car, chair). Referee abuse is defined as a verbal statement or physical act not resulting in physical contact which implies or threatens physical harm to a referee, the referee's property, or the referee's equipment. Abuse includes, but is not limited to: using offensive and insulting (foul and abusive) language, spitting at, spewing a beverage on a referee or the referee's personal property, verbally threatening a referee ("I'll get you after the game", "You won't get out of here in one piece ), verbally yelling, screaming, or cursing to the point that the referee is intimidated. Coach s Misconduct is a LMVSC category for Coach s behavior which is short of abuse or assault as defined above but is serious enough to warrant disciplinary action. Coach s Misconduct applies the team s Coach, Assistant coach(s), team manager, and other team officials. Coach s Misconduct is characterized by persistent statements or physical acts directed at a referee at a game that do not constitute assault or abuse but mistreat a referee or are inappropriate. Unacceptable statements include excessive incidences of offensive and insulting (foul and abusive) language, statements that diminish the authority of the referee, statements or acts that serve to intimidate with threatening physical harm. Coach s Misconduct includes but is not limited to confronting a referee without physically threatening the referee, spitting on the floor/ground or in the air near the referee, throwing or kicking an item as a sign of disrespect or dissent, re-entering the court when previously told to not do so. Coach s Misconduct includes the situation where a coach receives a second Technical Foul and is ejected from a game and, after the ejection, he/she engages in conduct that is misconduct under this policy. A coach may be found guilty of Coach s Misconduct if assault or abuse is charged but the action was not severe enough to warrant a charge of assault or abuse. This allows disciplinary action even if assault and abuse have not occurred. III. Codes of Conduct In order to foster a sense of Good Sportsmanship, LMVSC has developed a code of conduct for Coaches, Parents/Spectators, and Players. It is important for each of these groups to read and understand the content and intent of the code. Players will, of course, need to have the coach explain the elements of the code to them. Only by understanding the basic elements of good sportsmanship, will the game be enjoyable for all who participate in this sport. 15 P a g e

16 A. Coaches Know the rules to the best of your ability and abide by them. Respect the game officials and refrain from questioning their decisions or from addressing them in a loud, disrespectful, or abusive manner. Ensure that the players and spectators follow all building and facility rules and regulations. Ensure that the fans of your team conduct themselves with sportsmanship and maturity at all times while in attendance at game sites; assist game officials in maintaining control of spectators during the games. Respect the coaches and players of the opposing team both during the play of the game and at its conclusion, win or lose. Teach each player, especially through personal example, to be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat. Maintain control of your emotions and avoid actions, language and/or gestures that may be interpreted as hostile and humiliating. Instruct team support personnel (e.g., assistant coaches, scorekeepers, and timekeepers) in their responsibilities in accordance with established rules and procedures. Do not consume or allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages at LMVSC activities or be in an inebriated state during practices, games or in the presence of players. Never encourage or make light of the subject of substance abuse. Never smoke or use tobacco products in front of players during practices or games. B. Parents/Spectators I will ensure that my conduct shall reflect sportsmanship, good citizenship, and a positive example for the players. I will show respect to home and visiting coaches before, during and after games. I will show respect for officials and refrain from questioning decisions. I will cheer my child s team in a positive, supportive manner, refraining at all times from making hostile, negative or abusive remarks about the opposing team or the players. I will follow field/facility rules and regulations, respecting at all time the property of others. I will demonstrate appropriate gestures of sportsmanship at the conclusion of a game, win, lose or draw. I will be responsible for ensuring that their children do not violate these codes. I will show respect for the Rules of the Game. I will behave professionally toward a coach, a player, another spectator or an official, both publicly and privately when engaging in conflict resolution. I will refrain from using abusive language, profanity, humiliating remarks. I will maintain control of emotions and and/or gestures of ill temper, or physical assault towards a player, a coach, another spectator or an official. C. Players I will ensure that I set a proper example for team members and spectators. I will show respect for officials. I will refrain from questioning official decisions, especially in a disrespectful or abusive manner. Players are to refrain from addressing officials or commenting on their decisions. I will show respect for the coaches and players of the opposing team and demonstrate appropriate gestures of sportsmanship at the conclusion f a game. Both will maintain control of their emotions and refrain from using abusive language or profanity, humiliating remarks, and/or gestures of ill temper, or physical assault upon another player. Both will follow all facility rules and regulations, respecting the property of others. 16 P a g e

17 D. Code of Conduct Please read the following Code of Conduct for Coaches, Players and Spectators: Any LMVSC coach, player, board member, spectator, or participant of any kind, who violates this Code of Conduct, rules, or procedures will be subject to such disciplinary action as the LMVSC Rules and Discipline Committee shall in its discretion deem appropriate after reasonable inquiry. Appeal, if any, by the disciplined party shall be to the LMVSC Basketball Commissioner in writing. Appeals by personal appearances before the Commissioner shall not be permitted unless the Commissioner requests a personal appearance for the purpose of directly gathering additional facts. Otherwise, all appeals, and all factual presentations, shall be submitted in writing. The Commissioner s option to request a personal appearance shall not preclude the Commissioner from deciding to request additional facts by written statements rather than by personal appearance. If an official, including a referee is assaulted, and if a coach or assistant coach committed the assault, participated in the assault, or encouraged the assault, the offending coach or assistant coach will be barred immediately from all LMVSC activities by the LMVSC Basketball Commissioner and the bar will extend thereafter for such period as the Rules and Discipline Committee shall decide. If a player committed the assault, participated in the assault, or encouraged the assault the offending player will be barred immediately from all LMVSC activities by the LMVSC Basketball Commissioner. The bar will extend thereafter for such period as the Rules and Discipline Committee shall decide. If a parent, guardian, spouse or other relative or friend of a player or coach, or any spectator committed the assault, participated in the assault, or encouraged the assault, the offending person will be barred immediately from all LMVSC activities by the LMVSC Basketball Commissioner. The bar will extend thereafter for such period as the Rules and Discipline Committee shall decide.iv. The Game A. Game Officials The game officials for each game consist of between one and three referees, depending upon the level and importance of the game, a Timekeeper, and a Scorekeeper. The Timekeeper and Scorekeeper are volunteer parents from the teams playing. The Home Team provides the Scorekeeper while the Visiting Team provides the Timekeeper. Both the Scorekeeper and the Timekeeper MUST be adults. Exceptions may be made for high school age teenagers, but their work in these functions should be monitored by the coaches and referees. 1. Referees Scheduled games shall be officiated by either one or two referees. The commissioner will determine the number of officials based on the experience of the official(s), and for which division (one experienced referee may be adequate for younger divisions). 2. Scorekeepers The following instructions apply to scorekeepers. Familiarity with the scorebook is important to properly fulfilling the requirements of this task. Many scorebooks have instructions in the book on how to keep track of the statistics of the game. The Scorekeeper needs to allow him/herself time to review these procedures prior to the start of the game. 17 P a g e

18 a. Seek designation from referee as to who is the official scorer and which is official scorebook and consult with him as to signals used to designate fouls and time-outs b. Obtain names and numbers of all players who may participate in the game at least ten minutes before the start of the game. c. At least three (3) minutes before scheduled starting time have each team designate its five starting players. d. Record basket made, free throws made, running summary of points scored, personal and technical fouls on each player, team personal fouls per half and time-outs Score keeper is encouraged but not required to keep individual player point totals; game score is first priority. e. Designate each basket and each foul in the manner provided in the scorebook. Any questions regarding the format of the scorebook should be discussed and resolved with the game referees prior to the game. f. Notify official when team has taken (a) the maximum number of legal timeouts, (b) when a player has had five personal fouls, (c) after a team has been charged with seven personal fouls (also when a team has be assessed 10 personal fouls in a half resulting in a double bonus situation) in either half of a game played in halves, and (d) when a team has used time-outs in excess of the legal number. If there is an error in any of the above mentioned scenarios (a, b, c, or d), and if play is in progress at time of discovery, withhold whistle until ball is dead or in control of offending team. g. When a coach calls a timeout, notify the coach after the time out how many timeouts his/her team has remaining. h. Scorekeeper must also advise referee of who is entitled to possession in alternating possession held ball situations when the possession indicator is incorrect or not operating properly. i. Check with clock/scoreboard operator regarding display of score, bonus situation, possession arrow, etc. If any discrepancy occurs, notify referee for resolution once next dead ball situation occurs. j. Blow horn to stop game only when ball is dead. k. When a substitute reports (must be ready and entitled to enter game) signal only when ball is dead. Allow substitute to go on court only when referee beckons. Do not signal after ball has been placed in the hands of a free-thrower. If the ball is dead after a free throw attempt, a substitution may be made. If thrower is to be replaced, be sure that it is legal for another player to attempt that particular throw. A substitute cannot replace a player designated to jump or designated to attempt a free throw; he must wait until the next dead ball or time-out situation. 3. Timekeepers Each game will consist of four, 10-minute quarters. The clock will only stop on foul shots and time outs, except for the last three minutes of the game, when the clock additionally stops on all out of bounds situations. There will be a 3 minute break between quarters and a 5 minute break between halves. Time limit between scheduled games shall be at least five minutes. Each team will have three 30-second timeouts per half. These timeouts do not carry over one half to the next. In the event of a tie during a tournament game, (not during seasonal play), a tie game shall be continued (in overtime for 3-minute periods with one additional time out per 18 P a g e

19 team per overtime period (unused time outs do not carry over one O.T. period to the next). If a third overtime is required, the game will end by either team scoring one point (sudden death). a. Game Routine Consult Officials as to signals used to indicate a time-out and resumption of time. Keep eyes on the officials throughout the game Verify the duration of time outs, substitutions and time/number of periods. Timekeeper's horn signals the end of a period. Check on duration of time between 1st and 2nd, 3rd and 4th periods, and notify coaches accordingly. It is strongly recommended that the operator of the official clock be an adult. When an electric clock is used, have a manual clock on hand in the event of a failure. b. When to Start Clock When the ball is legally tapped on all jump balls. When the ball is touched in bounds (not as the ball is being thrown in). When the ball is legally touched after a missed free throw. Remember, the clock is running at all times except on official time outs, shooting fouls and during last three minutes of the game and overtime, when the clock stops on all dead ball situations. c. When to Stop Clock When time expires at the end of a period. When an official signals a shooting foul (Clock stops on non-shooting fouls only during the last three minutes of game). When a violation occurs (Last 3 minutes of game only). When an official orders time-out. To avoid unusual delay, such as repairing or adjusting equipment. For an injury or other emergency B. Playing Rules 1. Player Participation Each player shall play a minimum of two (2) quarters in each game, one (1) of which must be uninterrupted unless an injury or fouling out occurs. However, when there are six players present, each player must play a minimum of three (3) quarters, two (2) of which must be uninterrupted. Each player on teams with 7 or more players must meet the minimum playing time and sit out a minimum of 1 full quarter. For teams with 10 players, each player will play two quarters, one of which must be uninterrupted. Coaches may reduce or eliminate playing time for disciplinary reasons including chronic missing of practice, but only with the prior notification and concurrence of the commissioner. Teams violating the participation rule may be required to forfeit the game in 19 P a g e

20 which the violation occurred, and the coach may be subject to warning or possible suspension. When a player is ordered out of a game by a referee for misconduct, he/she is automatically suspended and is ineligible to play the next game. 2. Method of Play a. Defensive alignment - Either zone or man-to-man defense is permitted at any time. b. Double teaming two players may not defend one at any time except for when offensive player is within the area of the key and the foul shooting circle (extending to the area commonly known as the top of the key). The first occurrence of this violation will be a warning, the second a technical foul (not recorded as a personal foul against either player). c. Pressing and double-teaming A/AA/AAA teams may full court press all four quarters B Division teams may full court press during the 3 rd and 4 th quarters C Division teams and Co-ed teams may press during the last 3 minutes of the game only. During this time, the double-teaming rule still applies. A team may not press at any time with a lead of 15 points or more. d. Foul shooting bonus a team that commits seven fouls within a half will award the opposing bonus status. Teams in the bonus will continue to shoot two free-throws for shooting fouls, and will shoot one and one for all other fouls. A tenth foul within a half will award the opposing team double bonus status. All fouls will result in two free-throws. e. BLOW OUT POLICY: f. LMVSC s Recreational Basketball League emphasizes participation, teaching basic basketball skills, good sportsmanship, and team play. The objective of LMVSC recreational basketball is to provide an atmosphere in which players can enjoy the game for its own sake without an undue emphasis on winning or losing. Accordingly, blow-out games are contrary to the objectives of the Recreational League, and LMVSC Recreational League coaches shall make reasonable efforts to avoid blow-outs. The following rule applies to ALL teams playing in Lee Mount Vernon Sports Club. RULE: A. DEFINITION: For the purposes of this rule, a blow-out situation shall be deemed to exist in an LMVSC Recreational League game at any time and under any circumstances when the goal-differential between the two teams then playing reaches twenty (20) points. B. REQUIRED ACTION: At any time that a blow-out situation begins to develop, a point differential of approximately 15 points, in an LMVSC Recreational League game, the coach of the dominating team shall actively endeavor to preclude increasing the point differential. LMVSC recognizes that a coach cannot definitively control all of the dynamics of play in any given game, but the coach of the dominating team shall attempt to institute play which will result in a reduction in the rate of scoring such as requiring his/her players to pass the ball four or five times prior to shooting. 20 P a g e