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Mercer-Lunsford Basketball League By-Laws

1. Name

  1. The Mercer-Lunsford Basketball League will also be known (aka) as MLBL.
  2. Our web-site address is “www.mlblhoops.com”
  3. Mercer-Lunsford Basketball League was founded in 2004 as the Mercer Basketball League.  The Mercer Basketball League is registered as a 501c3, so the official organization name shall be the "Mercer Basketball League DBA Mercer-Lunsford Basketball League." 

2. Objective:

The objective of the MLBL is to provide basketball recreation and skills instruction within a competitive environment for all players and volunteers, including good sportsmanship and respect for each other, coaches, spectators and officials.

 

3. Organization: 

  1. MLBL is an independent youth basketball league that operates in conjunction with the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS). 
  2. MLBL is one of the affiliated Loudoun County youth basketball leagues that are centered on each of the middle schools in Loudoun County.
  3. This program is available to the Second (2nd) graders through eight (8th) graders in the Dulles South area.  In addition we administer a High School program for non High School team players grades nine (9) through grade twelve (12).

 

4. Administration of the By-Laws

 

  1. Changes/Modifications to the By-Laws can be adopted with a simple fifty-one percent (51%) majority vote of the existing MLBL Board.  In case of a tie vote the matter would default to rule-14 “Commissioner / Board Administrative Resolution”.
  2. The President/Commissioner can make changes to the By-Laws as he/she deems prudent, reasonable and/or necessary. These changes can be made without the prior approval of the Board but are subject to the stipulations in rule-14 “President/Commissioner Administrative Resolution”

5. Infrastructure

MLBL is supported and run by volunteers that serve as President/Commissioner and Board, consisting of Deputy Commissioners

 

6. BOD Member Selection

  1. The Board will consist of volunteers who have read the job description for the applicable position and understand and accept the responsibilities to perform the desired position.
  2. Persons seeking a position on the Board must be at least eighteen (18) years old and a High School graduate.
  3. MLBL is an equal opportunity organization and will not discriminate against anyone applying for a position on the Board and/or residing as a member of the Board solely based upon Race, Color, Religion, Sex, National Origin, Age, or Physical Disabilities.
  4. All Board members may be challenged for their position by anyone who meets the selection criteria.
  5. There is no limit as to how long a person may serve on the Board.
  6. The normal term of office for a Board Member will begin on July 1st of the current year and conclude on June 30th of the following year.
  7. Anyone who desires to volunteer his or her time for a specific Board position should send an email to the Board (info@mlblhoops.com) no sooner than March 1 and no later than June 1 of each year.
  8. In the event that there is more than one person interested in the same position the following will occur:
    1. Any applicant has the right to make a presentation or state their case before the Board.
    2. The Board is voted on by the coaches from the most recent concluded season.  The current Board does not vote or appoint the new Board member
  9. The President/Commissioner will have the authority to appoint people to the Board as follows:
    1. To fill vacancies on the Board not filled at the beginning of the term year
    2. To replace Board members who vacate their position before the term year concludes.
    3. To replace members who are not fulfilling the responsibilities of their position and have been voted off the board by the existing Board members.

 

7. BOD Member Responsibilities

The Board will consist of volunteers who have read the job description for the applicable position and understand and accept the responsibilities to perform the desired position.

The President/Commissioner provides overall management for the MBL League for such things as follows:  including but not limited to registration, team and coach selection, financial issues, uniforms, Inter-League competition, rules, surveys, equipment, grievances and discipline.

 

8. President/Commissioner Responsibilities

  1. The President/Commissioner will be the primary contact with PRCS and PVOA for all communication.
  2. The President/Commissioner will attend County Commissioner meetings or appoints an alternate.
  3. The President/Commissioner will attend PRCS advisory board meetings or appoints an alternate.
  4. The President/Commissioner will act as liaison with the school principals.
  5. In the performance of these functions other volunteers to the MLBL Board may support the Head Commissioner.
  6. The President/Commissioner is responsible for handling the accounting and finance aspects of MLBL.
  7. The President/Commissioner will handle all of the banking functions to include financial reporting, a balance sheet, a payment register, a check register, bank statement reconciliations, receipt and disbursement of checks, and returned check follow up.
  8. The President/Commissioner is responsible for handling and maintaining the Web Site
  9.    The President/Commissioner is responsible for handling the league scheduling

 

9. The Deputy Commissioners  - Duties & Responsibilities

  1. The DC’s are responsible for the day-to-day operation of their respective Leagues.  This includes coach selection, evaluation sessions, tryouts, draft compliance, team size and balance,  and all-star selections.
  2. The Deputy Commissioners will work with the head coaches to ensure game rules, player play time and sportsmanship are followed.
  3. The Deputy Commissioner may appoint game day coordinators to help with the game day activies.  This includes opening/closing the gym, keeping game schedules timely, monitoring player/coach sportsmanship and monitoring minutes played per player.
  4. The DC may optionally assign a Game Day Coordinator to assist as follows: 
    1. Game Day Coordinators for each division to act as their representative in the functioning of that division.
    2. Each Game Day Coordinator is responsible for communication of League information and rules to and from their coaches, and has a role in the resolution of any problems that may arise during the season. 
    3. The Game Day Coordinator will ensure that all coaches in his/her division are aware of the playing time rules. The Game Day Coordinator will randomly monitor games to ensure that playing time rules are followed.

 

10. Advertising/Marketing Director – Duties & Responsibilities

  1. The Advertising/Marketing Director is responsible for advertising, fundraising, sponsors and is the liaison with participating sponsors.
  2. The Advertising/Marketing Director responsibilities  include the coordination of the yearly kickoff Jamboree.

 

11. The Coach – Duties & Responsibilities

  1. Coaches are responsible for providing instruction in basketball skills and sportsmanship, and serve as the point of contact for their team and its players with the MBL.
  2. Coaches are expected to adhere to and enforce the Articles in the “Code of Conduct”.
  3. Coaches will attend all required meetings and/or training as set by the Commissioner and/or Board.
  4. Coaches are required to participate in the KidSafe and NYSCA certification programs.  MLBL will reimburse our coaches the $25 fee associated with the NYSCA program.
  5. The President/Commissioner and/or the Board must approve all MLBL coaches.

12. Confidential Information

  1. It is the responsibility of each Board member to understand their role in maintaining and preserving the confidential nature of issues brought before the Board.
  2. Board members will not disseminate (to include copying and or distributing) information (verbally or in written form) about issues brought before the Board to anyone other than a current Board member. This includes:
    1. Board meeting minutes
    2. Financial statements
    3. Interview conversations
    4. Dissenting opinions
  3. The President/Commissioner must approve all critical and sensitive communication from the Board to persons outside the Board.
  4. Board members will refrain from publicly contradicting, disagreeing or expressing dissent with a Board decision.  (The “public” is defined as anyone other than a current Board member)
  5. The President/Commissioner will have the authority to recommend removal of any Board member who violates this communication rule and disseminates confidential information to persons outside the Board.

 

13. BOD Meetings

  1. The Board will usually meet six (6) times in a term year. The BOD may add interim meetings throughout the year as needed.
  2. The President/Commissioner will determine what specific weeks and days to meet.
  3. Only the President/Commissioner can call a Board meeting.  Board members may make a request to hold a meeting but are not authorized to conduct a meeting without the President/Commissioner approval.

 

14. President/Commissioner -  Administrative Resolution

  1. The President/Commissioner has the authority to establish and/or alter any rule, policy, discipline or procedure, as he/she deems necessary in the best interest of the League.
  2. If for any reason the Board disagrees with the President/Commissioner the Board would have the option to overrule the President/Commissioner with a simple fifty-one percent (51%) majority.

 

15. MBL Divisions:

 

Mercer basketball will consist of the following divisions:

House Divisions                   Travel Teams                     High School Divisions

2nd Grade Girls                            5th Grade Girls                            High School Girls

3rd/4th Grade Girls                       6th Grade Girls                            High School Boys

5th/6th Grade Girls                       7th Grade Girls

7th/8th Grade Girls                       8th Grade Girls

2nd Grade Boys                             5th Grade Boys

3rd/4th Grade Boys                       6th Grade Boys

5th/6th Grade Boys                       7th Grade Boys

7th/8th Grade Boys                       8th Grade Boys

 

16. Game Rules

  1. The MLBL adheres to official High School Basketball Rules as published in The National Federation of State High School Association Rule Book with the exceptions listed in League Rules.  
  2. The Game Day Coordinators and/or Coaches may “recommend” changes to rules beyond those stipulated in this document. The Deputy Commissioner and/or Board must approve any request for a rule change.  Any rules variation will be listed in League Rules.
  3. Coaches, Game Day Coordinators, Deputy Commisioners and the President/Commissioner will ensure that players and parents are fully aware of all rules.

 

17. Facility Control

  1. The Loudoun County Parks and Recreation Department Facility Attendant (aka FA) is in charge of the school facilities. The FA will interpret all rules and regulations of the Recreation Department pertaining to the use of the facilities.
  2. Persons participating in MLBL league activities or visiting as spectators are expected to adhere to all documented rules and policies or any instruction / direction given by the FA.
  3. No consumables, other than water, are allowed in the Gyms.
  4. Further, everyone entering a school facility will remain in authorized areas only. (Gyms and restrooms) 
  5. Teams should not arrive for practices during the week before scheduled opening time. Coaches and players are not allowed to enter a facility unless a FA is present or a School Official has given permission to enter the facility.
  6. This FA has the right to request any player, coach or spectator to leave the premises. Failure to adhere to a FA’s request may result in the matter being remanded to the Sheriff’s Office for appropriate action.

18. Player Safety, Gym Etiquette & Medical Conditions

  1.  The safety of all players is of paramount concern to the MBL. 
  2. Players cannot wear jewelry on the gym floor (practices and games). This (ibnlt) earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and hair ties with metal or hard plastic clasps or clips. 
  3. A player wearing eye glasses must have shatterproof lenses or an eyeglass protector (e.g., goggles). 
  4. Players must wear gym shoes any time they will be on the gym floor at a MBL event. 
  5. Teams/players waiting to play or having already completed a game MUST be seated in the stands until time for their game or departure from the gym.
  6. On game day no basketballs are allowed in the gym other than those in the coach’s possession.
  7. No shooting at the baskets is permitted during time-outs or intermissions.
  8. Spectators should remain off the gym floor during time-outs or intermissions.
  9. Before each game only the teams warming up for that game should be shooting at the baskets. 
  10.  Each team is responsible for cleaning up the bench, bleachers and floor area after a practice or game.
  11.  Players must be supervised by their coach or responsible adult while in the schools. 
  12.  The MBL Commissioner and/or applicable League Coordinator are to be notified of all major injuries within 24 hours of the incident.
  13.  First aid kits provided by MLBL, and are available for use from the FA. Only minor injuries will be treated (e.g., cuts, abrasions, sprains).
  14.  Parents are to be notified of all injuries if they are not present at the time of injury.
  15.  For all major injuries, if parents are not present, call "911" and the parents.
  16.  Coaches are required to have in their possession a copy of their player roster, (that they created as a result of the parent meeting), that contains and (ibnlt) 
    1. Parent’s names
    2. Addresses
    3. Home/Work/ Emergency telephone numbers
    4. Emergency contact other than the parent/guardian.

 

19. Eligibility 

  1. All participants in the MLBL program must be currently reside in the Dulles South area.  This includes the follwing school districts:  Aldie ES, Arcola ES, Buffalo Trail ES, Champe HS, Freedom HS, Hutchison Farm ES, Liberty ES, Little River ES, Lunsford MS, Mercer MS, Middleburg ES, Pinebrook ES, and Stone Hill MS (Note: Stone Hill kids which reside in the Little River district)
  2. All boys and girls in grades two (2) through twelve (12) in the Dulles South area are eligible to participate in MBL. 
  3. This includes all 2nd through 12th graders attending private school or being home schooled within the Dulles South area. 
  4. All players wishing to play on one of the girls or boys Travel Teams must also meet this residency requirement. 
  5. A prospective player must have the capability to physically and emotionally compete with other players in his/her grade.
  6. The President/Commissioner and/or Board must approve all exceptions to eligibility.
  7. Any prospective or current player must meet the following age requirements to be eligible to participate in the MLBL program:

Grade          Can not exceed the listed age before March 31st of the Current Season

6th Grade                       13.5 years old

7th Grade                       14.5 years old 

8th Grade                       15.5 years old

(Birth certificates may be required to verify age)

 

20. The Coach

  1. All persons that desire to Coach in MLBL, either as Head Coach or an assistant coach are required to complete a coach’s application, register with KidSafe, complete the NYSCA Certification Program, be approved by the President/Commissioner and/or Board and attend required training and meetings.
  2. Coaches must complete a new application each year.  Misrepresentation of the personal facts on an application may result in suspension or expulsion.
  3. MLBL has a “Zero Tolerance” program. All Coaches will undergo a KidSafe background check to obtain prior history in regards to the following: (misdemeanor or felony)
    1. Crimes involving children
    2. Crimes involving illegal Drugs
    3. Crimes involving unlawful sexual acts
    4. Crimes involving physical violence
  4. Coaches’ applications will be reviewed for but not limited to experience, results of background check and past behavior history.
  5. All coaches who have submitted a coach’s application or have intentions of submitting a coaches application are required to attend the evaluation sessions for their league as well as any subsequent league meetings conducted for the purpose of team formation.
  6. Parents are welcomed as House league coaches.
  7. Parents who are selected as a Travel Team Head Coach should understand that their child is not guaranteed a position on the team because they are coaching the team.
  8. Parents applying for the position of Travel Team Head Coach must assure the Commissioner and the Board that he/she will coach the team regardless of whether or not their child is selected to play on the Travel Team.
  9. All Head Coaches are expected to wear the current year coach’s shirt issued by the League.
  10.  Each team will be allowed one (1) Head Coach and one (1) assistant coach on the sidelines during a game. Only approved coaches may be present on the sidelines during the game.  All assistant coaches must remain seated during the game except during a change of quarters or a time out.
  11.  The Head Coach is responsible for the behavior of all assistant coaches and/or any assistants.
  12.  All Head Coaches must have an approved assistant Coach.
  13.  House and Travel team coaches may discipline unexcused attendance (see excused reasons for missing practice) by reducing or eliminating playing time in the following game. Coaches who intend to alter the playing time of someone must notify their Deputy Commissioner via email, phone call or in person at least 24 hours prior to the game and receive approval, prior to the game, to administer such discipline.
  14.  Requests will be accepted up to the scheduled start of the game.
    1. A coach cannot reduce or eliminate playing time below the minimum requirements without contacting and receiving approval from the League or the President/Commissioner prior to the game.
  15.  In the event that playing time rules are not adhered to, for any unapproved reason, a team is subject to forfeit of the game.
  16.  A Coach must remain with all players that are picked up outside the school building. No child may be left alone in the parking lot.
    1. A Coach who fails to remain with a player until picked up will be suspended for one (1) week for the first offense and the remainder of the season for a second offense.
    2. Parents who are repeatedly late picking up their child should be reported to the applicable Deputy Commissioner for appropriate action.
  17.  Coaches should not transport players from one site to another without parental permission or notification to the parent(s).
  18.  Any coach who commits any of the following actions will be expelled from the League for the remainder of the current season and the entire next season.
    1. Abandons/deserts his/her team
    2. Threatens or uses physical violence against anyone at a MBL activity.
  19.  Any coach who repeatedly uses profanity directed toward or about anyone while on school premises shall be subject to the following discipline:
    1. First offense = one (1) game suspension
    2. Second offense = suspended for remainder of the season
  20.  Coaches are to communicate any comments, concerns, issues or suggestions directly to the Deputy Commissioner. Coaches will not disseminate (verbally or in written form) any Board or league communiqué that is labeled “confidential – Do not copy or distribute” to anyone other than the current President/Commissioner and/or the current Board. Violation of this rule will result in expulsion from the league.
  21.  After the President/Commissioner and/or Board renders a decision on a given issue coaches will not engage other coaches in an attempt to intimidate, coerce or force the Board to change their decision. However, Coaches may engage the President/Commissioner and/or the Board for further discussion. Coaches who violate this rule are subject to suspension. Repeated violations would result in expulsion.
  22.  The Board reserves the right to refuse an individual's request to coach in the MBL

 

21. Travel League Tryouts

  1. Travel Team tryouts will be conducted prior to House league evaluations.
  2. All players that desire to tryout for one of the Travel Teams must complete and submit a registration form and pay the registration fee prior to the first tryout.
  3. All players that desire to tryout for one of the Travel Teams must attend at least one (1) tryout session in order to be considered for the travel team.  Exceptions, due to injury or family emergencies, must be reviewed and approved by the Board.
  4. The Travel Team Head Coach determines the makeup of the Travel Team.  The Deputy Commissioner and/or Board must approve potential Travel Team rosters prior to notification of players.

 

22. House League Evaluations

  1. House league evaluations will be conducted after Travel Team tryouts are completed.
  2. The evaluation sessions are conducted to evaluate the skill level and playing ability of each player to facilitate the formation of teams.
  3. All registered players are asked to participate in at least one evaluation session conducted by the league for their appropriate grade level.
  4. Players who tryout for a Travel Team but are not selected for Travel are asked to attend at least one House League evaluation session conducted by the league for their appropriate grade level in order to be considered for a House league team.
  5. Players who do not attend a regular scheduled evaluation session may be required to attend a make-up session.  Players who fail to attend a regular scheduled evaluation session or the make-up evaluation session will be placed on a team after review and discussion with all the coaches and the Deputy Commissioner.
  6. Coaches will use the ranking form to evaluate players. The 5-point grading system will be used with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.

23. House League Team Formation

  1. The process for the formation of team rosters is a decision left to the discretion of the Deputy Commissioners and/or the Board.
  2. The evaluation sessions are conducted to evaluate the skill level and playing ability of each player to facilitate the formation of teams that possess equal playing ability, experience, skill and size so as not to create a "stacked" team. 
  3. The Team formation process will include a draft in all divisions except for the 2nd Grade Division.
  4. 2nd grade division, players will be placed on teams based on schools and neighborhoods.  The Deputy Commissioner and/or President/Commissioner will assign the teams and a meeting with the 2nd Grade commissioners.  
  5. All Players in a given Division will be ranked in order by ability and skills regardless of grade.
  6. The League Commissioner will provide a “Pre-Draft” file to each coach.  This file will contain the following:
    1. Current enrollment listing
    2. Current list of coaches for that division
    3. List of preferences
    4. Ranking and grouping of players
  7. For divisions with are sub-divided into a multiple categories
    1. The Deputy Commissioner will determine where the  “line” is drawn based on the player rankings and number of teams for each division
    2. Volunteer coaches will be placed in the dividion based on the ranking of their child.  If a coach does not have a child participating in the division, he/she will be assigned based on the need and availability.
    3. The Groupings for the top division will be made first and the teams will be formed.   The remaining players will be re-grouped and the subsequent division(s) will then be formed.
    4. No player will be moved from the rankings  without approval by the Deputy Commissioner after discussions with the coaches. 
  8. Player rankings, groupings, and draft orders are considered CONFIDENTIAL and are not permitted to be disclosed to anyone other than coaches, Board members or the President/Commissioner.  Violation of this will result in the immediate expulsion of the coach.
  9. The Deputy Commissioner and/or a Board member must be present at each draft and must approve the final results of the draft prior to any player notification.  Player selections at the draft are not considered final until the Deputy Commissioner and/or the President/Commissioner releases the roster to the team.
  10.   Each coach will draw a number out of a hat and that number will determine the draft order.
  11.   MLBL will make every effort to honor specific player and parent requests or accommodations as long as the request does not disrupt team parity.
  12.   Every effort will be made to accommodate request for assistant coach parings, as long as the request does not disrupt team parity.
  13.   The Commissioner reserves the right to refuse specific requests made by players, their families and/or coaches.
  14.   Coaches will not notify the selected players until after receiving the roster from the League.  Note:  The rosters are not finalized until the Board has reviewed all of the draft results. 
  15.   The League Commissioner is responsible for accepting or rejecting players after the draft is complete and placing them on a league roster.
  16.   The serpentine method of selection will be used for drafting.  Each team will have 9 players.   

(i.e.  A four team league would choose as follows:  Round 1 = coach 1, coach 2, coach 3, coach 4; round 2 = coach 4, coach 3, coach 2, coach 1; round 3 = coach 1, coach 2, coach 3, coach 4; etc)

Example draft for a four team League with 36 players:

 

Coach1

Coach 2

Coach 3

Coach 4

Round 1

1

2

3

4

Round 2

8

7

6

5

Round 3

9

10

11

12

Round 4

16

15

14

13

Round 5

17

18

19

20

Round 6

21

22

23

24

Round 7

28

27

26

25

Round 8

29

30

31

32

Round 9

36

35

34

33

 Note:  In Round 6, the “snake” will be broken in order to correct for odd number of players.

 

24. Conduct of Coaches, Players & Spectators.

  1. The MLBL Codes of Conduct (COC) govern the conduct of coaches, players and spectators while they are participating in MBL practices, games or other MBL events. 
  2. Every team is responsible for the actions of coaches, players and spectators inside and outside the confines of the gym. 
  3. All coaches, parents/guardians and players are required to read the (COC) form and indicate to their coach that they understand and accept their responsibilities as stated in the COC along with understanding the consequences of not adhering to the COC. 
  4. Any violation of the COC will not be tolerated by MLBL. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s office will be contacted and informed of conduct violators. Violators are subject to suspension or expulsion from MLBL activities and facilities and such action may include forfeiture of games and/or legal action.

 

25. Practices

  1. The league will develop a plan for practices.  Practice times and days will be scheduled in accordance with coaches’ requests and their seniority.
    1. Coaches that coach multiple teams will be given first priority
    2. Coaches with the most seniority coaching within MLBL will be given second priority.
    3. Coaches with the most seniority coaching overall will be given the third priority.
  2. Remaining Coaches on a first come first serve basis (to be determined by email date and time or the receipt of the Coaches application whichever is earlier.)
  3. If necessary a flip of the coin.
  4. Gym space will be allocated and designated with “A” and “B” sides as follows:
    1. The “A” side is the scoreboard side of the gym.
    2. The “B” side is the non-scoreboard side of the gym.
  5. The start of official practices will be determined by the President/Commissioner and/or the Board.
  6. Subject to blackouts and holidays, all in-house teams will be allotted one (1) sixty (60) minute practice per week. No adjustments or accommodations will be guaranteed when addressing blackouts or holidays.
  7. MLBL does not practice whenever schools are closed for weather, holidays, etc. For example, all schools are closed during the winter break, thus, no practices will be held during that time.
  8. The practice schedule will be posted on the web-site.
  9. Players should arrive no earlier than five (5) minutes prior to practice time, and should leave immediately after practice ends.
  10.  Players are not permitted on the gym floor until the allotted time for their teams practice.
  11.  Players are not permitted to interfere with any practice in session to (ibnlt) bouncing balls and shooting baskets.
  12.  Players and coaches are not permitted in the gym building unless an FA is present.
  13.  Players are not allowed on the gym floor unless a coach, assistant coach or parent volunteer is present.
  14.  When practicing at an Elementary School please remember to cover the stage stairs with pads.
  15.  It is the responsibility of the player's parent or guardian to advise the coach that the player will not be able to attend practice. 

 

26. MLBL Jamboree – Season kick off

  1. The Jamboree will normally be conducted prior to the start of the season.
  2. This event is designed to establish camaraderie between the teams and to provide an opportunity to convey League information to the parents, players and coaches.
  3. All Board members are expected to attend and will be introduced.
  4. All teams will be introduced during this event hence all teams (coaches & players) are asked to participate in this event.
  5. The President/Commissioner will deliver a “State of the League” address.
  6. A guest speaker(s) will deliver a motivational and/or informational speech (es).

 

27. Team Pictures

  1. Team pictures will be scheduled by the President/Commissioner. 
  2. All Coaches and Players are expected to participate in getting team pictures.
  3. Teams should remain flexible to whatever picture time they are assigned.

 

28. Game Administration

 

  1. A League scorebook will be supplied for each game. 
  2. Each team is required to provide a volunteer (not a player or coach) as scorekeeper or clock operator during their game. 
  3. The Deputy Commissioner and/or Game Day Coordinator reserve the right to designate an individual as scorekeeper or clock operator for any game.
  4. The scorekeeper and clock operator by rule are part of the officiating crew. As such the persons volunteering for these positions should remain impartial during the game.
  5. In the event that playing time becomes an issue a third (3rd) person may be added to the scorer’s table to record the quarter and time players enter and leave the game.
    1. This person reports directly to the League Commissioner.
    2. This person will not provide playing time information to Coaches.
    3. Minimum playing time violations may result in the forfeiture of the game.

 

29. Games

  1. The Game schedule will be posted on the web-site.
  2. Players are not allowed to bring a basketball into the gym on game days.
  3. MLBL reserves the right to confiscate any and all basketballs brought to the gym on game days by players or spectators.
  4. The Coach is allowed to bring warm up balls for his/her team on game days.
  5. Game balls will be provided by the League and are the only balls to be used for the game.
  6. Each House team is allotted three (3) full time-outs per game. 
  7. Each Travel/Select Team is allotted five (5) time-outs per game (3-fulls, 2-30's). 
  8. Regular House League games that are tied after four (4) quarters will play one three (3) minute overtime period. 
  9. Teams are allotted one additional full time-out in the overtime period.  
  10.  If a game remains tied after the completion of the three (3) minute overtime period an additional sudden death overtime period is played (No ties, first team to score in sudden death wins).
  11.  If a team has to forfeit a game either voluntarily (not enough players are available to start the game (must have five dressed out players physically on the court)) or involuntarily (the result of some type of disciplinary action) the game will be recorded as a 2-0 victory.
  12.  Make-up games will be scheduled by arrangement of the league using the first date when both school facilities and officials are available.
  13.  The regular season record will be used to seed teams in the post-season tournament.   Score differential is NEVER factored into team seedings.
  14.  All teams that end the season tied with identical overall win/loss records will use the following scale to determine seeding:
    1. Head-to-Head (HTH) record.  
    2. Power points based on cumulative wins.
    3. Coin flip.
  15.  The winner of the regular season is the Division Champion.  The winner of the tournament is the Tournament Champion.

 

30. Uniforms

  1. All players are provided a uniform (jersey & shorts) by the League.
  2. Players must have shorts pulled up to their waist and jerseys must be tucked into the shorts.
  3. The home team or the higher seeded team (whichever is applicable) will wear the light Jersey in all House league regular season and tournament games.

 

31. Playing Time (House League)

The playing time policy is located at: www.mlblhoops.com/playingtime

32. Foul Line

The foul line for the House Grades 2, 3 and 4 divisions will be set two (2) feet "closer" than the normal foul line.

 

33. Flagrant Fouls/Technical Fouls

  1. The following rules apply to players, coaches, and league officials for all MLBL games.  Flagrant fouls include:
    1. Intentional push or shove from behind during a fast break or break away
    2. Excessive swinging of arms and/or elbows
    3. Any other deliberate/intentional action, which could result in the injury of another player(s)
  2. Flagrant fouls are not permitted and will not be tolerated. 
  3. A player who commits what is, in the judgment of the official(s), a flagrant foul will be suspended for the remainder of that game. 
  4. Flagrant fouls will be called as such by the responsible official(s). 
  5. Players ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct or flagrant violation of a rule will be automatically suspended from the next League game played by his/her team as well as any and all intervening practices.
  6. A player receiving a second ejection within the season will automatically be suspended for the remainder of the season, including playoff games.
  7. Each coach is responsible for reporting to the Deputy Commissioner all technical and/or flagrant fouls assessed during a game. This includes fouls assessed against players and coaches. This must be done within twenty-four (24) hours of the conclusion of the game
  8. Coaches and /or bench personnel ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct or flagrant violation of a rule will be automatically suspended from at least the next League game played by his/her team as well as any and all intervening practices.
  9. A coach who is ejected from a game shall communicate in writing with the appropriate Deputy Commissioner within twenty-four (24) hours of the termination of the game. 
  10.  A coach receiving a second (2nd) ejection within the season will automatically be suspended for the remainder of the season, including playoff games.

 

34. Suspension and/or Expulsion

  1. All participants of MLBL activities to inclde Board members, players, coaches, parents and spectators will be held to the same or higher level of conduct required in school.
  2. Possession or the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons while on school grounds (includes the parking lot) is subject to suspension or expulsion from all league-sponsored activities and facilities.
  3. Players and coaches may be placed on probation or suspended from League participation for misconduct during any MLBL related activity.
  4. The following will result in immediate expulsion from the League and (ibnlt):
    1. Intentional physical violence
    2. Threatening another individual
    3. Two (2) documented suspensions from the President/Commissioner and/or the league
  5. Any player, coach or parent expelled during the season will remain ineligible to participate in MLBL related or sponsored activities for the remainder of the current season and the entire following season.
  6. MLBL will take immediate action upon receipt of a referee report or a report from the Facility Attendant.
  7. The League will not refund any registration fees or uniform costs as result of any disciplinary actions imposed by the league.

 

35. Tournament, Trophies and All Stars

  1. MLBL will award the House League teams (grades 3-12) with individual trophies to the first (1st) place regular season finishers.
  2. MLBL Will schedule a house league tournament at the concusion of the regular season and will award individual trophies to the first (1st) and second (2nd) place tournament finishers.
  3. Each division for grades 3-8 will have the opportunity to nominate All-Star players
  4. This tournament is conducted for House League players in grades 3-8 only.  Those players who participated in the Travel League are not eligible to participate in this tournament.
  5. Each team will nominate at least two (2) All-Star players.  Additional players may be added based on the number of teams within the division.
  6. The intent is to recognize the accomplishment of the top players within each division.
  7. The Deputy Commissioner will make the post season coaching selections.
  8. Commissioner and/or Board must approve selections of players.
  9. MLBL will select a team to represent MLBL in the HUSSA Tournament

 

36. Grievance Policy

  1. Coaches and/or player’s parents who are the direct recipient of a decision and/or disciplinary action may file a grievance.
  2. You can only protest a specific action. A grievance can not be filed for matters of judgment (examples: a referee’s call, what position your child played, a Board decision resulting from a vote).
  3. A grievance must be submitted to the Board within forty-eight (48) hours of the occurrence of the issue and must meet the following criteria:
    1. Grievance must be in writing.
    2. Grievance must be filed by the affected party only (A parent/guardian may file for an affected minor).
    3. Grievance must be submitted within forty-eight (48) hours of the incident.
  4. The Board has the right to accept or considered grievances that do not meet the filing criteria stated above.
  5. The Board will rule on the Grievance within 7 calendar days of the filing.

 

37.All other issues not set forth in this document will be addressed through the following general rule.

The President/Commissioner and/or the Board have the authority to alter or establish discipline, rules or policy for any violation or situation as (he/she - they) deem appropriate.

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