VALUES AND BY-LAWS
Our Gateway Basketball Association Values
Every community or organization has values to guide its direction and guard its
relationships. Below is the list of the Gateway Basketball Association’s five core
values:
ENCOURAGEMENT - We are committed to building up the self esteem of all
players and spectators through creating a positive environment within the GBA’s
weekly events.
The GBA exists to be a positive, encouraging influence in the local community.
FUN - We won’t take ourselves too seriously!
Healthy and positive humour is an essential ingredient of a healthy lifestyle. In this
sense, the ability to laugh at yourself, and benefit from it, is a sign of maturity ... no
matter what age you are! At the GBA, we actively encourage an attitude of fun in our
weekly time together as players, Refs and spectators (there’s more to life than ‘sheep
stations!’).
RELEVANCE - The GBA’s core values never change, but the methods of
communicating it must
The GBA provides the opportunity to pastorally support the players and spectators in
ways that are relevant and helpful. Therefore our GBA Chaplain’s primary focus is to
provide relevant pastoral support (e.g. injured or ill players, food parcels, counselling
support, crisis response, etc) to anyone within the GBA community.
EXCELLENCE - We regularly evaluate for excellence
The GBA team (Administration, Referee Co-ordinators, GBA Board, Customer Service
Team, etc) regularly evaluate for excellence to ensure we are always attempting to
improve all aspects of the GBA for the benefit of the players, spectators, and Referees.
GROWTH - We believe it is good for the GBA to grow numerically and relationally
The GBA believe it is a positive focus to try and grow the amount of teams so that
there are even more opportunities for people to play a sport, feel encouraged, make
new friends, and have fun.
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1. AMATEUR LAWS
1.01 Except where herein provided the Amateur laws of the Gateway Basketball Association
shall be those adopted by the International Basketball Federation (F.I.B.A) or as modified by
the Australian Basketball Federation or Basketball Victoria, as amended from time to time.
2. REGULATIONS DEALING WITH CONDUCT OF PLAYERS
The following regulations all come under the covering of the GBA’s ‘Code of Conduct’.
All Referee game penalties and GBA Tribunal decisions will be fore-mostly influenced by
how the player and spectator gave demonstrable consideration to the ‘Code of
Conduct’ requirements. Prior attitudes and behavior will be also taken into consideration
when GBA Referee’s, Tribunal Officials, or GBA Officials are responding to perceived
violations of the ‘Code of Conduct’.
2.01
Code of Conduct
Respect

Respect all players and all spectators

Respect Referees and their decisions

Respect the healthy family environment of the GBA

Respect facilities and equipment

Respect is defined as: “Having a regard, consideration, or showing politeness towards
others – to avoid harming, degrading, insulting, or injuring others.” - The Australian
Concise Oxford Dictionary
3. REPORTING AN OFFICIAL
3.01 A player or team (through it’s Captain or Team Manager) may report any official for any
misconduct such as listed in Clause 4.34.3 (Reportable Offences) of V.B.A Tribunal By-Laws.
3.02 A letter or report form giving details of the conduct of the officials signed by this person
shall be lodged with the Association Secretary within 48 hours. The Secretary shall forward
such complaints to the appropriate Officer of Basketball Victoria, if the Gateway Basketball
Association Board feels it warrants further attention.
4. LODGING A PROTEST
4.01 The official protest must be lodged, in writing, to the Secretary of the Association within
48 hours of the game. The Board shall then deal with the protest at their earliest
convenience.
5. REFEREES
5.01 The Referee’s decision is deemed as final.
5.02 Only the team Captain may question the Referee’s decision. This is to be done respectfully
during half time or at the completion of play.
5.03 Disputing the Referee’s decision disrespectfully by a player will result in a technical foul. If a
substitute player, coach, team follower, team scorer/s or anyone sitting on the bench disputes
the Referee’s decision, a bench technical foul (a team foul) will be awarded against that
team.
5.04 If a Referee detects any audible swearing or profane language which includes blasphemy
from any player or team official, a Technical Foul will be called immediately. If this audible
swearing, profanity or blasphemy continues to occur the player / official will be ejected from
the venue.
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6. PENALTIES FOR TECHNICAL FOULS
6.01 If a player commits an offence arising from a negative reaction towards a Referee/and or
their decisions, they will be removed from the court without replacement for 5:00 minutes of
playing time.
6.02 The time will be recorded against the time clock so that instances where the clock is
stopped do not count. The player or a replacement can be ‘subbed’ back in at the next ‘side
ball after the five minutes has elapsed’.
6.03 If a player commits a second offence resulting in a technical foul, the player will be
ejected from the venue.
7. FIXTURED GAMES
7.01 If a team does not have a minimum of four players on the court by the scheduled starting
time a penalty of 2pts per minute will apply after ten minutes has elapsed from the scheduled
starting time, that team will forfeit 20-0. A scratch match may then be played for the balance
of the time. However, funds paid will not be refunded to the forfeiting team. These funds will be
deducted from the walkover fee. {see 7.03}
7.02 In the case of a mixed grade game there can be no more than 3 players of any gender
on the court at one time. Teams must have at least 4 players to commence the game, with
both genders represented.
7.03 Notified Walkovers: Any team that gives the association more than 24 hours notice of a
walkover prior to a fixed game will pay a fine equivalent to half the relevant game sheet fee.
7.04 Un-Notified Walkovers: Any team that gives the association less than 24 hours notice is liable
for a fine one and a half times the relevant game sheet. All fines must be paid prior to taking
the court for the next fixtured game. The Board has the right to disqualify any team having
forfeited 3 times within one season with or without giving notice for the remainder of the
season.
7.05 Length of Games: For a normal competition game, 45 minutes will be scheduled, but the
Gateway Basketball Association Board reserves the right to adjust this as necessary without prior
notice. This allows for two twenty-minute halves and a two-minute half time break. During the
last three minutes of each half there will be no charged time-outs. During the last minute of
each half there will be no substitutions other than for injury or compulsory substitutions.
7.06 Complete Game: If an official chooses to end a game prematurely for any reason, the
game is considered complete if during the allocated time for that game, the full first half has
been completed and the second half has commenced. The scores stand at that time and
premiership points are awarded.
7.07 Incomplete Game: A Game is considered incomplete if during the allocated time for that
game,the second half has not commenced. The result is recorded as a BYE to both teams.
7.08 Unplayable Court: If a court is unplayable due to circumstances, which make it not possible
to play, or dangerous to play, the game can be delayed if it is possible to achieve a
complete game in the allocated time as indicated in 7.06. The GBA representative may delay
the commencement of all following games by up to 20 minutes if doing so will achieve a
completed game. Otherwise, the game is cancelled and the result determined according to
7.06 or 7.07.
7.09 Cancelled Games: Any game that is cancelled will be recorded as a bye to both teams.
7.10 Time-Outs: One time-out per team per half is permitted for normal competition games. See
Section 14 regarding time-outs will for finals. Competitions Under 11 and below are permitted
two 30 second timeouts per team per half.
7.11 Drawn Games: In normal competition rounds, a drawn game will be recognised. There will
be no extra periods of play.
8. PREMIERSHIP POINTS
8.01 Premiership points will be allocated as follows:
Win- 3 points.
Loss- 1 point.
Draw- 2 points.
Forfeit- 0 points.
Bye- 3 points.
8.02 Teams joining any Competition after the commencement of a season are credited with
the same number of premiership points as the bottom team and 0 points for and against
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9. CAPTAIN’S or TEAM MANAGER’S DUTY
9.01 It is the Captain’s or Team Manager’s responsibility to ensure all players’ names and
numbers are on the score sheet and to check at the end of the game in case of a report.
9.02 Any protest regarding the score sheet or ladder details must be notified within seven days to
the Night Coordinator of the Gateway Basketball Association.
10. SCORER
10.01 Each team is responsible for supplying a scorer or scoreboard operator for the duration of
the game. Referees have been instructed to award 10 points to the opposing team if a scorer
has not been arranged prior to commencement of the game. The Association will provide
scorers and scoreboard operators for all Grand Final games.
11. UNIFORMS
11.01 Each player shall dress in regulation uniform consisting of singlet and shorts. Singlets must
have numbers of a contrasting colour to the main colour chosen. The numbers must be clearly
visible.
11.02 Acceptable numbers being 4-15, 20-25, 30-35, 40-45,50-55. Taped numbers are not
permitted.
11.03 The Referees at their discretion can award 5 points to the opposing team for any breaches
of the uniform code as stated in By-Laws 11.04 – 11.07.
11.04 All members of that same team shall wear singlets and shorts of the same colour. T-shirts
may be worn under a singlet provided it is the same as the base colour of the singlet and the
Board has granted that permission for same.
11.05 Sports shorts without cuffs or buckles are permitted. Board and shorts with open pockets are
not to be worn. Cycle or aerobic shorts are permitted provided they are black and worn under
the teams normal playing shorts.
11.06 Players are not permitted to play in singlets that do not match the rest of the team.
11.07 Five points will be awarded to the opposing team, for each player who is not dressed in the
appropriately coloured shorts.
11.08 Suitable basketball shoes are to be worn (non-marking).
11.09 Uniform colours are to be approved by the Board.
11.10 Any team wishing to change its uniform colour is to inquire with the Board for information on
unused colours in the particular grading.
11.11 No jewellery is to be worn (with the exception of a plain wedding band – although the
players wear this at their own risk). In the case of freshly pierced ears, studs may be worn if
correctly taped (also at the players’ own risk). All other piercing rings are to be removed if they
are visible. Wooden and plastic decorative hair clips are not permitted as they may cause
injury to another player.
11.12 Fingernails must be cut so that they do not protrude over the edge of the finger; otherwise
gloves approved by the Association may be worn. Taped nails are not acceptable.
12. REGISTRATION
12.01 Registration forms accompanied by fees shall be forwarded to the Association within the
period as determined and published by the Association.
12.02 If full registration fees and completed registration form have not been received by round
three of each given season, two premiership points will be deducted each week until full fees
and form have been received.
12.03 Registration forms must be completed in all aspects or shall not be accepted.
12.04 The Board shall determine registration fees. The Board has the power to adjust the dollar
value of fees as required.
12.05 A player must be registered prior to taking the court in his/her first game.
12.06 All senior players must be 14 years of age or above. {Exemption see clause 12.07}
12.07 Any child under the age of 14 wanting to register for a senior team must submit a consent
form signed by the child’s parent or guardian & must also receive approval from the G.B.A.
Board prior to playing. The player will then be recognized as a senior player & subject to senior
door fees & court payment
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13. REGRADING
13.01 The Board reserves the right to regrade teams as deemed necessary at the
commencement of and throughout the season.
13.02 Teams re-graded during a season will carry through all previous results of the season to the
new competition
14. FINALS
14.01
14.02
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In Semi and Preliminary Finals the clock will be stopped for:
Juniors, Boys, Girls, Men and Women, every whistle in the last three minutes of the game.
Mixed every whistle in the last minute of both halves.
In Grand finals the clock will be stopped for:
Time-outs,
Substitutions,
Juniors, Boys, Girls, Men and Women, every whistle in the last minute of the first half and
every whistle in the last three minutes of the last half.
Mixed, every whistle in the last two minutes of the each half.
14.03 In Semi and Preliminary Finals, one timeout of 60 seconds is permitted per team per half. In
competitions Under 11 and below, two timeouts of 30 seconds per team per half is permitted.
14.04 In Grand Finals, two timeout of 60 seconds is permitted per team per half.
14.05 The top four teams are eligible to play in the Finals series.
14.06 A referee will toss a coin prior to the start of each Mixed Grade Final to determine the
direction each team is to score.
14.07 Where there is a combined grade the top four teams will play off in the higher grade and
the Board shall determine which teams shall play in the lower grade Finals.
14.08 In a case where the scores are tied at the end of any Finals game, 5 minutes extra playing
time will be added to the game until a result is reached.
14.09 If a tie occurs in a Mixed game, then two halves of two minutes and 30 seconds duration
will be played. Teams will not change ends for the commencement of the first period of extra
time, but they will at the half. Half time is an immediate changeover. 10 Point rule positions will
continue to apply.
14.10 To be eligible to play in a Finals Series for a team, each player must have played at least
one third and one game either side of mid season break of the scheduled games to be
eligible to play in the Finals series. Where a team has a bye or receives a walkover, the player
must be registered and play either the round before or after to have that game count.
14.11 If a regular player is injured for most of the season and is unable to meet qualification
requirements, a letter must be written to the Board seeking approval to play in the Finals. The
primary consideration of the Board will be the number of qualified players in the team.
15. GENERAL
15.01 The Gateway Basketball Association Board reserves the right to adjudicate, in the best
interest of Basketball and the Competition, on any matters not specifically covered within these
By-laws.
15.02 The Gateway Basketball Association Board representative and/or Referees have the power
to banish any individual from the stadium and from future admission to the stadium as a
suitable penalty for misconduct. Refusal by an individual to follow the direction of a Board
Member or Referee in the above matter will result in a game stoppage until that individual
leaves the stadium. Should the individual still refuse to leave the stadium, the offending team
will immediately forfeit the game.
15.03 The Gateway Basketball Association Board has the power to refuse entry to teams or
individual players for the next competition season if dissatisfied with the team or individual
player’s overall response to the ‘Code of Conduct’ in the current season.
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16. ALTERATIONS TO BY-LAWS
16.01 Alterations to By-Laws may be made at any general or special meeting of the Board by a
simple majority of those present.
16.02 A meeting requires a minimum of 1/3 of the active members present to achieve a quorum.
17. TRANSFER/CLEARANCES
17.01 Players wanting to transfer to another team must complete the appropriate form available
from the Association Secretary, then submit it to the Board for consideration.
17.02 Transfer shall not take place until the Board provides a clearance verbally or in writing.
17.03 Unless players have a valid contract then they shall not be denied a clearance on request
at the end of a season.
17.04 Transfer application will not be accepted following the completion of the sixth week of the
commencement of any season. The only exception to this is where a team splits to form two or
more teams.
17.05 Where a person plays in any team contrary to these By-laws, that player shall be deemed
to be an unregistered player for that team. The team in which the unregistered player plays will
be deemed to have forfeited those games in which that person played.
17.06 Every request for transfer received in accordance with these By-Laws will be considered by
the Board. Any exceptional circumstances should be recorded on the transfer form for the
information of the Board.
17.07 A clearance to play in any other Competition/Association is not required.
17.08 If a player plays two or more games for a team, they are considered part of that team and
must obtain a clearance to play for another team in the same competition during that season
17.09 A player may not play in more than one team in the same competition on the same night.
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