Wise County Youth Basketball 1 st Grade -4 th Grade Divisions Administrative and Game Rules 2017-2018 Alvord, Azle, Boyd, Bridgeport, Chico, Decatur, Paradise, Poolville, Springtown & VCA 2017 Clarifications and/or Rule Changes in Red Font I. Rules & Responsibilities for Participating Towns (Teams) 1. Administration. Each Town shall be responsible for the following: a. Setting registration fees b. Ordering town uniforms c. Fundraisers d. Pictures 2. Enrollment of Players. a. During any given year, the enrollment/registration of players may be any period of time beginning no earlier than October 1 and ending no later than November 15. b. A town must have open sign-ups for all students in a particular division or grade level. i. No team from outside of the league towns will be allowed in the 1-4 grade division. (amended by Board on 20 September 2017) c. No try-outs or any other method of selecting players is allowed. d. A player cannot play on more than one team in the Wise County Youth Basketball League during the same season. e. A player may NOT participate with a team outside of the school district where he/she is currently enrolled or resides, unless waived by the Board. (Section I added/amended by Board on 07 October 2012) II. Draft Rules 1. All kids enter the draft each year and are redrafted onto new teams. 2. Teams are allowed two official coaches. Coaches kids will be the third and fourth round draft picks as shown on the Official Draft Order form. 3. Draft order for teams shall be determined by random drawing. 4. Within each division, all coaches shall be able to see all players eligible to be drafted (i.e. place all player forms where all the coaches can clearly see their choices prior to beginning the draft) 5. Specific draft order is determined by following the Official Draft Order form supplied by the league. 6. As players are drafted, each player s name is recorded on the Official Draft Order form. 7. Once completed, the Official Draft Order form should be emailed to the league director and supplied, upon request, to other town contacts/commissioners. III. Practice Rules 1. 1 st and 2 nd grade - each team is permitted to practice twice per week for no more than one (1) hour per practice. 2. 3 rd and 4 th grade each team is permitted to practice two (2) hours per week, with no single practice lasting longer than 1.5 hours. (as amended by Board on 07 October 2012) WCYB 1 st -4 th Grade Rules for 2017-2018 Page 1
3. No practice during school-observed holidays lasting more than one school day (such as Thanksgiving or Christmas) or multiple bad weather days. (NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!). IV. General Game Rules for All Age Divisions 1. THE OFFICALS SUPPLIED BY THE LEAGUE WILL BE THE GOVERNING FORCE AT ALL GAMES. JUDGEMENT CALLS ARE NOT TO BE DISPUTED. OFFICALS ARE VOLUNTEERS NOT PROFESSIONALS, THEY WILL MAKE MISTAKES. 2. Any coach or parent exhibiting bad sportsmanship will be suspended from coaching or the gym for a minimum of one game and a maximum of the remainder of the season. Coaches are responsible for controlling the actions of their parents. Technical fouls can and will be given to parents or coaches for verbal abuse directed at the referees or opposing teams. The referee can call the game at any time he/she deems necessary. 3. NFSHSA Basketball rules shall govern all play except as noted in this document. 4. Each game will consist of four 8 minute periods with a five minute halftime break. We will play continuous running clock except for free throws, time-outs, and injuries. 5. Scoreboard will be displayed at all games. 6. A parent or spectator from each team will be designated as the official timekeeper and scorekeeper at each game. 7. Games will be forfeited if a team (5 player minimum) is not present and ready to begin within five minutes after the regular scheduled game time. In the event of a forfeit, we would like to encourage the coaches to split the teams up and play a game. 8. In the event a team will have less than 5 players present, a team may borrow players from the same town within the same grade level or grade below to make a total of no more than 6 players. Team must notify opposing coach and referees prior to start of game. No players may be borrowed in end of season tournaments. (amended by Board 19 November 2017) 9. Numbers should be printed on the front and back of each jersey. 10. Coaches must remain within the bench area. No more than two coaches or team representatives shall be permitted on the bench area of any team. WCYB 1 st -4 th Grade Rules for 2017-2018 Page 2
V. Rules Specific to 1 st Grade Divisions 1. Wrist Bands. a. 1 st Grade Wrist Band Requirement. i. Home team will establish wristband matching 1st and 3rd quarters, with visitors establishing matching during 2nd and 4 th quarters. ii. Home team is the team on left hand side of the score book. iii. Coaches should try to match kids up by skill level. iv. Upon controversy (unfair height advantage, skill set of player) referee will establish matching for the remainder of the game. v. Unless acting under Rule 5, Fast Breaks, players must remain matched with the opposing player whose wristband is the same color. 2. Playing Time & Substitution Requirement. 3. Free Shots. a. Each player present must play a minimum of two complete quarters in each game. b. There will be no substituting during a quarter unless of injury, or more than 10 players on a team. c. No player may play four quarters until all other players present have played three quarters. d. Each player will be required to check in with the book keeper before entering the game. a. Free shots will be awarded on shooting fouls only (no Bonus Situations). b. The distance will be nine feet (9 ) from the backboard. (amended by Board on 28 September 2014) c. ALL other fouls are an automatic turnover. 4. Goal Height, Scoring, Ball Size. a. Goals will be at eight feet (8 ). b. Baskets will count as 2 points, unless shot from behind the three (3) point line. c. A youth size ball (27 diameter) will be used. 5. Fast Breaks and Transition. a. Fast breaks will only be allowed when a pass is stolen by the defense. b. Fast breaks involving down-court passes are NOT allowed after an attempted or made basket (i.e. snow-birding or breaking down the court before or immediately after an attempted or made basket with the purpose of receiving a pass).(as amended by the Board on 29 September 2013) c. On a fast break, an offensive player can be picked up by any defender until the fast break is stopped. d. During transitions, if the offensive team passes the ball towards the front court (potentially violating this section s Rule 5b) and while the defense is also transitioning to get within the three point line, the officials may allow a defender to steal such passes even if the intercepting defender is not within the three point line. 6. Back Court Guarding. (amended by the Board on 27 September 2015) a. There will be NO back court guarding. b. When possession is established, the defending team must retreat into their front court and await the advance of the ball within the offensive three-point line. c. If the offense attempts to advance the ball to the front court without allowing sufficient time for the defense to retreat to within the three point line of their front court [Rule 6b], WCYB 1 st -4 th Grade Rules for 2017-2018 Page 3
any such passes may be intercepted by the defensive team while in transition. [cross reference Rule 5d] 7. Defense and rules regarding Stealing. a. The only defense allowed in this league is man-to-man. b. No zone defense is allowed at any time. c. No double/triple teaming allowed at any time. Teams will get 2 warnings then a technical foul. d. Defenders are not allowed to start guarding the ball until the ball is inside the three point line. [Please note Rule 5b prohibiting down-court passes intended for someone breaking down the court and Rule 5d allowing stealing in certain instances where defense is still transitioning down the court.] (amended by the Board on 27 September 2015) e. A defender cannot steal, attempt to steal, or tie up the ball from an offensive player who is dribbling or has control of the ball (i.e. no swatting at the ball, grabbing the ball, or attempt to create a tie ball ). f. A defender may steal passes within the three point line. g. A defender may gain possession of a loose ball anywhere on the court. 8. Blocked Shots. a. Blocked shots or attempts to block shots are not allowed. b. A shot is considered blocked when the defensive player snaps the wrist forward or extends an arm toward the ball attempting to be shot. c. Defenders are allowed to extend arms and hands straight up. d. Defenders are not allowed to jump when their assigned offensive player is attempting to shoot over them. (amended by the Board on 29 September 2013) 9. Offense. a. No game stalling (continuous passing or dribbling) outside the three point line. b. Only 4 passes will be allowed and then the offense must attempt to advance the ball inside the three point line. c. Teams will get 2 warnings for delay of game then a technical foul. 10. Lane Violations. a. Three-second violations will NOT be called. b. Coaches are encouraged to teach/coach players how to comply with the three-second rule when on offense. 11. Screens. No screens are allowed. 12. Personal Fouls. Although personal fouls are called in this division, no player shall be disqualified (fouled-out) from the game for five (5) or more fouls. 13. Time-Outs. a. Each team is allowed 2- one minute time-outs and 1-30 second time-out per game. (amended by Board 19 November 2017) b. Clock stops during each timeout. 14. Overtime. a. The overtime period will be two (2) minutes. b. After one (1) overtime period, if the game remains tied it will end in a tie. (amended by Board on 28 September 2014) WCYB 1 st -4 th Grade Rules for 2017-2018 Page 4
VI. Rules Specific to 2 nd Grade Divisions 1. Wrist Bands. a. No Wrist Bands will be worn in 2nd grade. i. Teams will match up at the beginning of each quarter for defensive purposes only (matchups when one team has possession may not be the same as the matchup when possession changes to the other team).(as amended by the Board on 29 September 2013) ii. Players are allowed to guard any offensive player, subject to Rule 7, Defense. 2. Playing Time & Substitution Requirement. 3. Free Shots. a. Each player present must play a minimum of two complete quarters in each game. b. There will be no substituting during a quarter unless of injury, or more than 10 players on a team. c. No player may play four quarters until all other players present have played three quarters. d. Each player will be required to check in with the book keeper before entering the game. a. Free shots will be awarded on shooting fouls only (no Bonus Situations). b. The distance will be nine feet (9 ) from the backboard. (amended by Board on 28 September 2014) c. ALL other fouls are an automatic turnover. 4. Goal Height, Scoring, Ball Size. a. Goals will be at eight feet (8 ). b. Baskets will count as 2 points, unless shot from behind the three (3) point line. c. A youth size ball (27 diameter) will be used. 5. Fast Breaks and Transition. a. Fast breaks will only be allowed when a pass is stolen by the defense. b. Fast breaks involving down-court passes are NOT allowed after an attempted or made basket (i.e. snow-birding or breaking down the court before or immediately after an attempted or made basket with the purpose of receiving a pass).(as amended by the Board on 29 September 2013) c. On a fast break, an offensive player can be picked up by any defender until the fast break is stopped. d. During transitions, if the offensive team passes the ball towards the front court (potentially violating this section s Rule 5b) and while the defense is also transitioning to get within the three point line, the officials may allow a defender to steal such passes even if the intercepting defender is not within the three point line. 6. Back Court Guarding. (amended by the Board on 27 September 2015) a. There will be NO back court guarding. b. When possession is established, the defending team must retreat into their front court and await the advance of the ball within the offensive three-point line. c. If the offense attempts to advance the ball to the front court without allowing sufficient time for the defense to retreat to within the three point line of their front court [Rule 6b], any such passes may be intercepted by the defensive team while in transition. [cross reference Rule 5d] 7. Defense, and rules regarding Stealing. WCYB 1 st -4 th Grade Rules for 2017-2018 Page 5
a. The only defense allowed in this league is man-to-man. b. No zone defense is allowed at any time. c. No double/triple teaming allowed at any time. Teams will get 2 warnings then a technical foul. d. Defenders are not allowed to start guarding the ball or steal a pass until the ball is inside the three point line. [Please note Rule 5b prohibiting down-court passes intended for someone breaking down the court and Rule 5d allowing stealing in certain instances where both the offense and defense are still transitioning down the court.] (amended by the Board on 27 September 2015) e. A defender cannot steal, attempt to steal, or tie up the ball from an offensive player who is dribbling or has control of the ball (i.e. no swatting at the ball, grabbing the ball, or attempt to create a tie ball ). f. A defender may steal passes within the three point line. g. A defender may gain possession of a loose ball anywhere on the court. 8. Blocked Shots. a. Blocked shots or attempts to block shots are not allowed. b. A shot is considered blocked when the defensive player snaps the wrist forward or extends an arm toward the ball attempting to be shot. e. Defenders are allowed to extend arms and hands straight up. f. Defenders are not allowed to jump when their assigned offensive player is attempting to shoot over them. (amended by the Board on 29 September 2013) 9. Offense. a. No game stalling (continuous passing or dribbling) outside the three point line. b. Only 4 passes will be allowed and then the offense must attempt to advance the ball inside the three point line. c. Teams will get 2 warnings for delay of game then a technical foul. 10. Lane Violations. a. Three-second violations will NOT be called. b. Coaches are encouraged to teach/coach players how to comply with the three-second rule when on offense. 11. Screens. No screens are allowed. 12. Personal Fouls. Although personal fouls are called in this division, no player shall be disqualified (fouled-out) from the game for five (5) or more fouls. 13. Time-Outs. a. Each team is allowed 2-one minute time-outs and 1-30 second time-out per game. (amended by Board 19 November 2017) b. Clock stops during each timeout. 14. Overtime. a. The overtime period will be two (2) minutes. b. After one (1) overtime period, if the game remains tied it will end in a tie. (amended by Board on 28 September 2014) WCYB 1 st -4 th Grade Rules for 2017-2018 Page 6
VII. Rules Specific to 3 rd Grade Divisions 1. Wrist Bands. a. No Wrist Bands will be worn in 3rd grade. b. Teams will match up at the beginning of each quarter. c. Players are allowed to guard any offensive player, subject to Rule 7, Defense. 2. Playing Time & Substitution Requirement. a. Each player present must play a minimum of two (2) complete quarters in each game. Complete quarter is defined as playing from the start to finish (unless of injury). (as amended by Board on 07 October 2012) b. There will be no substituting during a quarter unless of injury, or more than 10 players on a team, except as allowed by Section IV.2.d (below). c. No player may play four quarters until all other players present have played three quarters. (amended by Board on 28 September 2014) c. Each player will be required to check in with the book keeper before entering the game. i. It is the duty of the official scorekeeper to enforce this rule on his own or upon notification by one of the team coaches. ii. Technical Foul Penalty. Repeated violations may result in forfeiture of the game. d. ONE (1) substitution per team will be allowed during the fourth (4 th ) quarter during a timeout called by either team, subject to Section IV.2.a which requires all team members present play a minimum of two (2) complete quarters. (amended by Board on 07 October 2012) 3. Free Shots. a. Free shots will be awarded on shooting fouls and Bonus situations. b. The distance will be twelve feet (12 ) from the backboard. (amended by Board on 28 September 2014) c. Bonus situations result after the seventh (7 th ) team foul in a half. 4. Goal Height, Scoring, Ball Size. a. Goals will be at nine feet (9 ). (amended by Board on 07 October 2012) b. Baskets will count as 2 points, unless shot from behind the three (3) point line. c. An intermediate or woman s size ball (28.5 diameter) will be used. 5. Fast Breaks and Transitions. a. Fast breaks are allowed. b. During outlet passes and other passing from the back court, if the offensive team passes the ball forward without waiting on the defense to transition to the front court, the officials may allow a defender to intercept such passes even if the defender is in the backcourt. [cross reference Rule 6b] 6. Back Court Guarding. a. There will be NO back court guarding. b. When possession is established, the defending team must retreat into their front court and await the advance of the ball within the offensive front court, subject to Rule 5b which allows the defense to steal passes in the backcourt IF the offense does not wait for the defense to transition to the front court (i.e. get back ). c. After a 15 point lead, the defense must remain solely inside the three (3) point line. d. No game stalling in the backcourt by the offensive team. WCYB 1 st -4 th Grade Rules for 2017-2018 Page 7
7. Defense. a. The only defense allowed in this league will be man-to-man. b. An illegal defense includes: i. A team playing a zone defense, ii. A defensive player (in the opinion of the official) follows the ball from one player to the next (i.e. ball chaser ), or iii. A defensive player (in the opinion of the official) guards an area of the court as opposed to a player. c. Double/triple teaming is allowed only when the ball is in the offensive lane. d. Defenders are not allowed to start guarding the ball until it is advanced to the front court (past the mid-court line). e. A defender may steal the ball from an offensive player who is dribbling or has control of the ball. f. A defender may steal passes. g. A defender may gain possession of a loose ball. 8. Blocked Shots. Blocked shots are allowed. 9. Offense. All legal offensive schemes are allowed per NFSHSA rules. 10. Lane Violations. a. Three-second violations WILL be called. b. Coaches are encouraged to teach/coach players how to comply with the three-second rule when on offense. 11. Screens. Moving screens will be called on the first offense. Make sure players keep their body and feet set when setting a screen/pick. 12. Personal Fouls. A player commenting five fouls has fouled out and cannot play the remainder of the game. 13. Time-Outs. a. Each team is allowed 2- one minute time-outs and 1-30 second time-out per game. (amended by Board 19 November 2017) b. Clock stops during each timeout. 14. Overtime. a. Overtime periods will be two (2) minutes. b. Overtime periods will be played until a winner is determined. (amended by Board on 28 September 2014) WCYB 1 st -4 th Grade Rules for 2017-2018 Page 8
VIII. Rules Specific to 4 th Grade Divisions 1. Wrist Bands. a. No Wrist Bands will be worn in 4th grade. b. Teams will match up at the beginning of each quarter. c. Players are allowed to guard any offensive player, subject to Rule 7, Defense. 2. Playing Time & Substitution Requirement. a. Each player present must play a minimum of two (2) complete quarters in each game. Complete quarter is defined as playing from the start to finish (unless of injury). (as amended by Board on 07 October 2012) b. There will be no substituting during a quarter unless of injury, or more than 10 players on a team, except as allowed by Section IV.2.d (below). c. No player may play four quarters until all other players present have played three quarters. (amended by Board on 28 September 2014) c. Each player will be required to check in with the book keeper before entering the game. iii. It is the duty of the official scorekeeper to enforce this rule on his own or upon notification by one of the team coaches. iv. Technical Foul Penalty. Repeated violations may result in forfeiture of the game. d. ONE (1) substitution per team will be allowed during the fourth (4 th ) quarter during a timeout called by either team, subject to Section IV.2.a which requires all team members present play a minimum of two (2) complete quarters. (amended by Board on 07 October 2012) 3. Free Shots. a. Free shots will be awarded on shooting fouls and Bonus situations. b. The distance will be twelve feet (12 ) from the backboard. (amended by Board on 28 September 2014) c. Bonus situations result after the seventh (7 th ) team foul in a half. 4. Goal Height, Scoring, Ball Size. a. Goals will be at nine feet (9 ). (amended by the Board on 29 September 2013) b. Baskets will count as 2 points, unless shot from behind the three (3) point line. c. An intermediate or woman s size ball (28.5 diameter) will be used. 5. Fast Breaks and Transitions. a. Fast breaks are allowed. b. During outlet passes and other passing from the back court, if the offensive team passes the ball forward without waiting on the defense to transition to the front court, the officials may allow a defender to intercept such passes even if the defender is in the backcourt. 6. Back Court Guarding. a. General Rules i. The defense is allowed to guard in the back court once the ball has been touched by an inbounds offensive player, subject to Paragraphs b. and c. below. ii. When the ball is being thrown in from the back court (baseline or backcourt sideline) a defender can NOT guard the player inbounding the ball or the player receiving the pass until after the ball has been inbounded, subject to Paragraphs b. and c. below. (amended by Board on 07 October 2012, revised 29 September 2013) iii. No double-team of any kind is allowed in the back court. iv. After a 10 point lead there is NO back-court guarding. b. Baseline Inbounding WCYB 1 st -4 th Grade Rules for 2017-2018 Page 9
i. The offense may inbound the ball from the baseline to the area within the three (3) point arc without defense guarding. ii. Once the ball is inbounded within the three (3) point arc, the defense may advance into the three (3) point arc and guard the ball and any other offensive player one-on-one. iii. If the inbounds pass extends beyond the three (3) point arc, then the inbound may be intercepted (stolen). c. Backcourt sideline & mid-court Inbounding i. The offense may inbound the ball from the sideline without defensive guarding as long as the inbounds pass does not advance the ball down the court (i.e. the inbounds pass must not be a forward pass). ii. Before the inbound, the defense may legally guard any offensive player that is closer to the offensive basket than the player inbounding the ball. iii. The defense shall not guard the inbounder or any offensive player who is farther backcourt than the spot of the inbound. iv. Once the ball is inbounded, the defense may advance and guard the ball and any other offensive player one-on-one at any place on the court. v. If the inbounds pass advances the ball down the court (i.e. into or towards the front court), the inbound may be intercepted (stolen). (added by the Board on 29 September 2013) 7. Defense. a. The only defense allowed in this league will be man-to-man. b. An illegal defense includes: i. A team playing a zone defense, ii. A defensive player (in the opinion of the official) follows the ball from one iii. player to the next (i.e. ball chaser ), or A defensive player (in the opinion of the official) guards an area of the court as opposed to a player. c. In the front court, double-teaming may occur as a man-to-man defense helps stop the advance of the ball by an offensive player possessing control of the ball. Double/triple teaming of an offensive player possessing control of the ball is allowed when the ball is in the offensive lane, whether the ball is being advanced, dribbled, or held. (added for clarification by the League on 10 December 2016) d. After a 15 point lead the defense must move behind the 3-point line. 8. Blocked Shots. Blocked shots are allowed. 9. Offense. All legal offensive schemes are allowed per NFSHSA rules. 10. Lane Violations. Three-second violations WILL be called. 11. Screens. Moving screens will be called on the first offense. Make sure players keep their body and feet set when setting a screen/pick. 12. Personal Fouls. A player commenting five fouls has fouled out and cannot play the remainder of the game. 13. Time-Outs. a. Each team is allowed 2- one minute time-outs and 1-30 second time-out per game. (amended by Board 19 November 2017) b. Clock stops during each timeout. 14. Overtime. a. Overtime periods will be two (2) minutes. Overtime periods will be played until a winner is determined. (amended by Board on 28 September 2014) WCYB 1 st -4 th Grade Rules for 2017-2018 Page 10