Winning In Sports & Education Youth Basketball Rules and Policies- External Team
(Updated 5/2023 )
GAME FORMAT
Unless modified by these rules, the League will follow the rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). A special note that rules regarding team jersey numbers applies to this league.
The Winning In Sports and Education Basketball League will hereinafter referred to as W.I.S.E. or League.
1. Game Timing: 8U division will have two 16‐minute halves. 11U,13U, and 15/16U divisions will have two 18-minutes halves with a running clock. The last two‐minutes of 2nd half, the clock shall stop on all dead ball situations. The league director only has the option to enforce change of the time for warm ups and half time to get games caught up. If there is more than a twenty point spread in a game, the clock will continue to run. Half time is 3 minutes.
Overtime: There will be one 3‐minute overtime in all games ending in a tie with each team receiving one time out for the overtime (teams may not carry‐over any timeouts). The clock will stop for all dead ball situations during overtime. Double Overtime: Games will be decided by sudden death, meaning the team who scores the first point (does not have to be a basket, it can be a free throw) will have won the game. Again, teams will be awarded one time out with no carry‐overs.
The league will guarantee 6 games with 1 additional single elimination playoff game (every team makes the playoff).
2. Fouls: Each player is allowed 5, team fouls will go to double bonus on the 10th team foul (in double bonus team shoots 2 foul shots and retains possession). Technical Fouls/Intentional Fouls/Flagrant Fouls: will take 2 free throw shots to the other team along with possession of the ball. Any individual given a second technical foul will be removed from the gym. That individual will receive a one game suspension for their next scheduled game
3. Time‐Outs: Each team has (3) 30‐second time‐outs per game. Overtime Time-Outs: Each team is given one time out for every overtime, no carry‐overs.
4. Restrictions: All defenses and offenses are allowed. However, for 8U and 11U divisions coaches need to pull their full court or half court press if ahead by 20 points or more. Furthermore, if team is ahead by 20 points or more, the team must play either man-to-man or zone defense. All trapping defenses are considered a press, either half court or full court. 8U division also may not implement a full or half court press if ahead by 10 points or more. Likewise, if 8U team is ahead by 10 points or more, the team must play either man-to-man or zone defense. All trapping defenses are considered a press, either half court or full court.
5. Timekeepers and Scorekeepers: Each team will be required to provide one per game. Home team keeps the scorebook at the designated location, and the visiting team operates the clock/scoreboard. Please plan ahead as children are not encouraged to handle either of these responsibilities.
6. All games played are official games and shall count for the regular season championship and seeding for the end of season tournament. Regular season schedules will be completed by the WISE Director based on team lists and may not be altered unless instructed so by the City of Laurel.
7. If necessary, W.I.S.E. reserves the rights to modify these rules at any time to assure the best possible experience for the youth.
8. Once league begins, the league commissioner is empowered to operate the league within the rules of the program and in accordance with the Laurel Parks and Recreation Department’s operating practices.
GAME OFFICIALS
1. The League Commissioner will secure a contract for competent game officials utilizing local Board of Officials.
2. Game Official judgment calls are final.
3. League fees will cover the cost of game officials, gym use during league play and during specified times as outlined by league commissioner.
ADMISSION POLICY
1. There is NO fee for spectators at regular season games. W.I.S.E. encourages all teams to invite all friends and families to enjoy the games.
2. Special Event Fees: There will be a nominal front door fee for any special event. Please view the league website for special event information.
TEAM ROSTERS
1. Players must be on the game roster at least 50% of the regular season to be eligible for the playoffs.
2. Rosters close on July 8, 2023; Late fees are assessed after June 24th, 2023.
UNIFORMS
1. Uniform tops are mandatory (i.e. t-shirts or jerseys with numbers). If a team is wearing an undergarment, all undergarments must be the same color. Undergarment colors can either be all white, all black, or all the same color as jersey. Shorts are at the discretion of the team.
2. No vulgar or offensive team names. Team colors can be any color.
CODE OF ETHICS & BEHAVIOR
1. Coaches, parents and fans are expected to create a team environment in which primary emphasis is placed upon the emotional and physical well‐being and skill improvement of the players, rather than winning. Coaches, parents and fans should lead by example and demonstrate the value of fair play and sportsmanship to all participants. Disrespect, cursing, obscene language, any negativity at any regular season game will NEVER be tolerated and may result in a technical foul to the team.
2. Poor Behavior: Further poor behavior by any teams, players, parents, coaches and spectators at anytime in the facility may result in the team, coach, or player being suspended from the next game. Extremely poor behavior by anyone may result in being banned from entering the facility. Failure to leave the area when requested may result in immediate termination and possible forfeiture of the game.
2023 AGE CLARIFICATION FOR W.I.S.E.
The Winning In Sports and Education (W.I.S.E.) is an age-based program. Integrity is of the utmost importance to the league. If a team protests the eligibility of a player, the player's parents/guardians must provide proof that the player meets the age requirements for their respective divisions. If the player DOES NOT meet the age requirements of the respective division, all games that the ineligible player played in will result in a forfeit and the opposing team will be rewarded the win with a score of 2-0 for each ineligible game.
A player’s age is determined by birthday prior to July 1, 2023