AlphaWolf Basketball League Rules
AlphaWolf Basketball League
Coaching Handbook and League Rules
2007-08
The following information is provided to assist coaches in preparing their teams for competitive play in the AlphaWolf Basketball League (ABL). The League Director (LD) reserves the right to add, interpret the rules in a manner that is in the best interest of the league. Any questions or comments regarding the following rules should be addressed to the LD at 248-541-4667.
I: Rules of the game:
RULE 1:
GAME TIME: Games are two 18:00 halves with a running clock. The clock stops
for all whistles
in the last minute of the first half and last two minutes of the second half.
If the difference in the score is 15 points or higher, the clock will continue
to run. Overtime is 2:00. The clock will stop on all whistles in the last 1:00
of overtime. Only one overtime per game.
Note: In the event a coach is late for a game, there
will be a five minute grace period, after which the game will start with a proxy
coach.
RULE 2: PLAYING TIME: There is a guaranteed playing time rule for all players. Please note:
a. The clock will stop at 11:00 in each half for substitutions. All players on the bench must enter the game at this time. The game clock will restart in 30 seconds.
b. At the 4:00 mark, you may sub any players you like. The clock does not stop at 4:00.
c. With 7-9 players in attendance, all players must sit at least one seven minute period during the course of the game (18:00 to 11:00 or 11:00 to 4:00). NO PLAYER CAN PLAY THE ENTIRE GAME!
d. With six players in attendance, two players may play the entire game.
e. If your team has nine or fewer players and your opponent has ten players, you must sit your #1 draft pick for one, 7-minute quarter, each half. This rule is not applicable if both teams have nine or fewer players.
e. Teams may play with four players to start the game.
RULE 3: SUBSTITUTIONS:
a. To enter the game, players must check in at the table and be waved in by a referee. Players must be at the table before a whistle stops play. Teams with players entering the game from the bench will be charged a two point technical foul.
b. If your team has nine or fewer players and your opponent has ten players, you must sit your #1 draft pick for one, 7-minute quarter, each half. This rule is not applicable if both teams have nine or fewer players.
c. Unless an injury occurs, you cannot sub a player out before the 11:00 mark or until the 4:00 mark. (See Rule 4 Injury rule)
RULE 4: INJURIES
a. If a player is injured to the extent that a coach must come onto the court, that player must be removed from the game and sit the remainder of the seven minute quarter. It will count as a quarter played for the injured player if he played more than 3:30. He may return after the quarter if he is eligible.
b. If a player enters the game as an injury substitution, and plays more than 3:30 in that quarter, it will be considered a quarter played. It will not be considered a quarter played for the player who was injured.
c. If a player is injured twice, to the extent where the coach or parent needs to come onto the floor, that player must sit out the remainder of the game.
RULE 5: TIME OUTS:
a. Teams are allowed two full time outs and two ’30-second” time outs for the game.
b. Teams receive one full out for overtime. Time outs do not carry over into overtime.
c. The game clock will restart after the time out has expired. In the last 4:00 of the second half, the game clock will restart once the ball becomes live.
RULE 6: FOULS: Players foul out on their 5th foul. Teams will shoot bonus at seven team fouls and double bonus at ten team fouls.
RULE 7: TECHNICAL FOULS: Please read these guidelines for technical fouls:
a. Points for technical fouls are automatic two points, except where outlined below (c and d)
b. Players who receive two technical fouls in a season for unsportsmanlike conduct will be subject to dismissal from the league.
c. Any coach receiving a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct will result in an automatic FIVE points for the opposing team. Coaches who receive more than one technical foul in a season may be dismissed from coaching duties.
d. During the game, only one coach may stand. One coach must be seated and may only stand when an injury occurs or a time out has been called. In the same regard, only the coach standing may address the team members who are on the court. Penalty for these infractions will be an automatic two point technical foul on the first occurrence and an automatic FIVE point occurrence each time after that.
e. Players not wearing their team shirts to games will be assessed a three-point technical foul upon entering the game. Any player not wearing his team shirt for a second game will not be permitted to play. Coaches who have players arriving to playoff games without their shirts may decide whether to play or bench that player.
RULE 8: PRESSING: Teams can press in the last 4:00 of each half if trailing or if leading by nine points or less. Also, please note that at any time of the game:
a. No defensive player may defend the ball in the back court. However, the defensive player reserves the right to go after any loose ball or errant pass.
b. Players are allowed to intercept bad passes or loose balls anywhere on the court.
c. Defensive player must have clear control of the ball before he is considered an offensive player. Once he establishes control, the defense must follow all rules regarding the press.
d. Constant failure to retreat from the ball in the backcourt will result in a delay of game warning. Two such warnings will result in a technical foul and as will each occurrence after that.
RULE 9: PLAYOFFS: The top four teams in each division qualify for the playoffs. If the season format allows, more teams may qualify.
RULE 10: HOUSE RULES: Please note the following:
a. Teams may play man-to-man or zone defense
b. Players not wearing their team shirts to games will be assessed a three-point technical foul upon entering the game. This is non-negotiable!
c. Players arriving after the start of the game may not play until the second half.
d. Players arriving after the end of the first half may not play in the game.
e. Only two coaches per team may sit on the bench. Only one coach may be standing.
f. Team benches are reserved for players of current game only. Players from other teams, parents or spectators are not allowed.
g. Player behavior towards officials deemed negative in any way will result in ejection of said player and his team will be charged a 2-point technical.
10) MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:
a. Coaches should bring their own balls to warm up with. The league will only provide game balls.
b. Teams will be given a minimum five minutes to warm up.
c. Coaches are not responsible for filling out the scorebooks.
d. Teams should warm up opposite their benches.
e. Coaches are welcome to meet with their teams outside of scheduled league practices. By doing so you assume full liability for your meeting.
g. If the difference of score is 15 points or higher, the clock will continue to run in last 4:00
h. In the event of a blowout (20+ points) teams must remove their top three draft choices.
2: League Philosophy:
It is the AlphaWolf Athletic Company’s intent to provide an opportunity for parents and players to experience basketball in an arena based on sportsmanship and competitive play. We will make every effort to provide an environment regarded as organized, competitive, professional and rewarding. We will not accept any parent, coach, player or person who places our intent at risk.
3: League Director
The League Director (LD) reserves the right to interpret, update and change the league rules for the best interest of the ABL and its players. It is the primary responsibility of the League Director to enforce the league philosophy.
4: Acceptance of Rules:
By coaching your first game of the season, you acknowledge that you have read the rules and guidelines included in this document. All questions regarding these rules should be addressed at least 24 before the start of your first game. A copy of these rules will be available at the scorer’s table.