2012-2013
Coaches
Handbook
1
Coaches Handbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Dates
Snow Cancellation
Rep Players
Birth Certificates
HBA's Mission
Fair Play & Sportsmanship
HBA's Coaches Agreement
Coaches Responsibilities
Discipline
Healthy Child Development
Building Self Esteem
Why Children Play Sports
Coaches Duties
Contacting Players
Team Lists
Adding Players
Refunds
Practices
Coaching Clinics
Team Manager
Special Player Requests
Police Screening
Referees
Game Day
Dress Code
Jewelry
Game Sheets
Game Balls
Fair Play
Games Behind Schedule
Clean Up
Distributing Information
Operating Procedures
Rules & Regulations
Game Play
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Coaches Handbook
Board of Directors
2-558 Upper Gage Avenue, Suite 271 Hamilton, ON L8V 4J6
Phone: (905) 520-8076
[email protected]
www.hbabaskteball.net
Facebook.com/HBA2013
Name
http://www.twitter.com/hba2013
Position
Dan Millar
:ĞƌĞŵLJ&ƌŝƚĐŚůĞLJ
President
Vice President
Jim Boychuk
John Boychuk
Michelle Datzkiw
Barb Bendia
Andrew Williams
ŽƵŐ,Ăŵŵ
Cindy Fritchley
Catherine Hines
Jesse Williamson
David Shea
Kim Gravelle
Johnny Thodt
Konstantino Mathioudakis
Michelle D’Aguiar
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Division
Juvenille Boys
Juvenille Girls
Administration
Coaches Co-ordinator
Bantam Boys and Girls
Pee Wee Boys and Girls
Squirts Boys and Girls
Squirts Boys and Girls
Kiwanis
Midget Boys and Girls
Midget Boys and Girls
Cathy Wever
Mites
Coaches Handbook
Important Dates to Remember
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Ball pick up – September 18
New coach sign up – September 19
First Practice – Week of September 24
Juvenile Evaluation – October 14
League Play Begins – October 13
Mite Program Begins – October 6 and October 9
First Juvenile Games – October 21
Christmas Break – December 22 - January 5
Games Resume – January 9
Mite Year End – February 9 (Cathy Weaver)
Year End Tournament Begins – March 2
Tournament Weekend – March 9 & 10
Snow Cancellation
HBA games are cancelled only when the City of Hamilton’s Recreation Centres close. Listen to local radio
stations for snow closure information.
Rep Players
Individuals registered in a Rep program are not allowed to participate in HBA’s House League program. This was
a very difficult decision for HBA executive members to come to but one that has proved to be very successful.
Players registered to an OBA rep team are ineligible players in HBA. Coaches that knowingly allow a rep player to
re- main with their team are playing an ineligible player and can be dismissed from the program. If you are aware
that a rep player is registered to your team, please contact the HBA Registrar or Executive immediately and allow
us to deal with the problem.
Birth Certificates
Birth Certificates must be submitted by all players. Certificates are kept on file and need only be handed in once.
Coaches Handbook
Thank You for Volunteering!
The Hamilton Basketball Association can only be as good as its volunteers that willingly give
their time and talents to provide a fun learning experience for children. You will have a
tremendous impact on the boys or girls you coach. Without you, this program could not exist!
By volunteering to coach, you allow children to:
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build self-confidence as you make them feel a valued contributor to the team. make new friends
learn a new sport
further develop their skills
learn important teamwork skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives
keep physically active
HBA’S MISSION
The Hamilton Basketball Association (HBA) is a recreational basketball house league for girls and boys aged 6-18
years. Rep players are not allowed to participate.
• to foster, promote and teach basketball within the Hamilton area.
• to provide the opportunity for individuals to participate fairly, regardless of ability. To further the
development of a player’s basketball skills.
• to develop and encourage sportsmanship, community spirit and good fellowship among all participants.
To improve a participant’s physical, mental and social well being.
The HBA is committed to providing sound leadership for all participants, as well as a wholesome environment,
an
experience for personal growth and team play, and an opportunity for fun and physical exercise.
Fair Play and Sportsmanship
There are concerns of negative on-court behaviour that is becoming prevalent in the game of basketball today.
HBA coaches, parents and players must:
• respect for officials respect for coaches respect for team-mates
• demonstration of positive on-court behaviour
• cooperation with coaches, opponents and officials, and strong work ethic.
Coaches Handbook
HBA Coaches Agreement
As an HBA coach I agree to the following responsibilities:
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I will read the Coaches Handbook to better understand the goals, philosophies and rules of the Hamilton
Basketball Association.
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I will support and conduct a program with a philosophy that has the child’s enjoyment of sport as the single
most important factor in the program, i.e., the emphasis is on helping children find the balance of skill and
challenge.
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I will do the best I can to provide a safe environment in which all children can properly apply their skills.
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I will become completely familiar with the rules of basketball and all HBA rule exceptions.
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I will administer Fair Play understanding that at any point in the game, no player shall have played any more
than one shift more than any other player.
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I will do my best to understand child development and to learn the basic skills, teaching techniques and
strategies for basketball.
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I will respectfully communicate with HBA Executive, parents/guardians, other coaches, game officials and
players consistently and in a manner that is always respectful and dignified.
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I will lead by example in demonstrating emotional maturity and fair play to my players and parents.
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I will organize practices and games that are fun and challenging where all children will have an opportunity to
improve their skill by actively participating.
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I will remember that children of the same age vary widely in their emotional and physical development. I
will learn their strengths and weaknesses so I can put them in situations where they will have the best
opportunity to experience success.
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I will know the difference between motivation and harassment, discipline and abuse.
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I will do my best to promote the acceptable behaviours', health and safety of the children I coach.
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I will seek out areas and opportunities for self- improvement in my coaching skill and abilities.
Coaches Handbook
Coaches Responsibilities
Coaches must assist in carrying out the goals and objectives of the HBA as defined in the
organization’s consituation.
1. Undergo a police screening at least every two years.
2. Attend coaches’ meetings as called by the HBA.
3. Supervise players during practices and games to ensure the safety of players.
4. Coach in a positive manner and maintain sportsmanlike conduct at all times.
5. Ensure equal / fair play in games and practices.
6. Ensure proper conduct from players during practices and games.
7. Ensure any information/newsletter received from the HBA is distributed to each player and/or the parents.
8. Cooperate with referees and table officials.
9. Keep the game fun by ensuring friendly competition.
10. Promote team concepts.
11. Be aware of Discipline Procedures and review this with your team.
12. Appear before the discipline committee if called.
13. Correctly complete Games Sheets.
14. Ensure that the bench area is cleaned at the conclusion of the game.
Discipline
Discipline is progressive in nature and governed by the City of Hamilton’s “Zero Tolerance Policy”. All
disciplinary matters within the HBA will be dealt with by the Discipline Committee.
Players, coaches or spectators being disciplined may be required to present themselves before the Discipline
Committee. If a player is requested to appear, his/her parents or guardian will also be invited to attend. If
requested to attend a discipline meeting, any person absenting himself/herself from the meeting may be dealt
with in absentia.
Players ejected from a game as a result of receiving two technical fouls shall automatically receive a one-game
suspension to be served at his / her next scheduled game.
Coaches ejected from a game as a result of receiving two technical fouls shall automatically receive a one-game
suspension to be served at his/her next scheduled game and may be requested to present him/herself before the
discipline committee.
**Game ejection and subsequent suspensions may be levied for unsportsmanlike conduct (behaviour which
includes the use of profanity or other verbal abuse), foul with intent to injure, and/or fighting, whether or not
the player was ejected from the game by the referee.
Coaches Handbook
High Five Principle of Healthy Child Development
Play
Play gives children the freedom to shape their environment and who they want to be. Play lets children use their
imaginations to grapple with the real and find their place in the world. It isolates them from adults in a flexible,
open-ended environment that they can control. When you give children the opportunity to play that stresses
fun and creativity you are providing the perfect medium for growth.
Friends
Friends help introduce children to the much bigger world beyond their immediate family. Friends share
humour, test loyalty, form the first audience and offer support and criticism. Friends create a safe environment
where children can talk about feelings, learn new skills and work out conflicts. At around age 6 they begin to see
things from another child’s point of view, but they still have trouble understanding the feelings and needs of
other people.
Participation
Children want to have a voice, make choices and do things by and for themselves. Offering children a chance to
participate shows that you respect and value them. When you ask children to help plan activities, set rules, lead
activities and solve problems, you help them feel independent, involved and competent (self esteem). When you
listen to children you discover what they believe is fun and important to do.
Mastery
He she may score the winning basket, be the class artist, or have the neatest handwriting. Being good a
something makes you special. Children in middle childhood learn rapidly and they learn best by doing.
Mastering new skills (physical, social and intellectual) is one way that children develop self-esteem and a
positive identity. When you provide developmental appropriate opportunities for children to learn, they develop
a sense of mastery. Give children challenges but don’t expect perfection. Help all children feel like winners.
A Caring Adult
The consistent support of a caring adult is essential during childhood. Caring adults act as an anchor and model
for the roles the child will try out. The special relationship between a child and a caring adult can help children
overcome adversity and provide a positive template for relationships that children will form in the future. Our
HBA coaches must be caring adults.
Coaches Handbook
Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
Building a solid physical, mental, emotional and social foundation is essential to healthy child development. The
human foundation is constructed early in life. If children are not provided with the appropriate opportunities to
grow and develop, they may exhibit low self-esteem, which can result in difficulty to withstand the many
pressures they will experience as adolescents and adults.
Self-esteem is the feeling of self-worth that an individual possesses. Children will participate in activities that
bolster positive feelings of self-worth, and avoid activities that lead to diminished feelings of self- worth. There
is little doubt that sporting experiences have a tremendous impact on self-esteem - unfortunately, both
positively and negatively. Positive experiences build self-esteem and help children develop a solid foundation
for an active life. Negative experiences can diminish self-esteem resulting in “drop out” from sport and activity
altogether.
With children, self esteem can be most effectively enhanced if having fun, feeling fit and healthy, developing
sport skills, and learning to win and lose graciously are emphasized. These elements should be valued as
“winning” in HBA, and not just the outcome of the game.
How to Build Self-Confidence:
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Create opportunities for regular successful mastery: i.e. in practice, developing and mastering a new skill.
Set specific challenging goals that are appropriate for the child.
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Create Opportunities for children to watch others like themselves being successful.
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As a coach, deliver praise that is not simply general in nature, but also highlights the positive aspects of a
particular skill or performance.
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Celebrating improvement so that strong positive emotions are linked to improvement and success.
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Frame loss/failure or lack of improvement as part of learning. Help them understand that failure is a natural
and necessary part of learning and improving. If we are afraid to fail, we will not try to succeed.
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Focus negative feelings as a need to improve or try new strategies. Ensure that strong negative emotion for
failure is downplayed to disappointment (a reason for improvement). Sometimes they must fail before they
can improve.
Why Children Play Sports
Why Children Quit Sports
Fun
Criticized and or insulted
Learn & Improve Skills
Not enough playing time
Be with friends and make new ones
Stress
Excitement
Failure
Succeed or win
Poor organization
Exercise and become physically fit.
Mismatching (ability and challenge)
Coaches Handbook
Coaches Duties
Contacting Players
The coach is responsible for contacting all players on the team list provided and informing them of the first
practice date and when the games will be starting. Some players will not get the recreation center practice site
that they had requested. Be sure to advise the location of the practice. If a child misses the first practice, follow
up with a phone call to the family to let them know when the next practice is.
TIPS:
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Call your team today! Parents and children are anxious to hear from their coaches.
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If you are having trouble getting in touch with a player, please call the HBA office and we will assist you in
contacting the parents.
If you leave a message on an answering machine:
• Speak clearly and slowly.
• Identify yourself as an HBA coach. Leave your name and phone number. Advise practice date, time and
location.
• Please ask for a return call to confirm the message was received.
Do not leave a message with any aged child, without first making sure they have a pen and a piece of paper.
Speak clearly and slowly, spelling your name. After the child has written the information down, ask them to
read it back to you.
If you are having difficulty with a child not showing up to practices or games, the parents should be contacted
to determine the reason for the absence. You can remind them we have a rule is in place for playoff eligibility.
To play in the playoffs, each player must have participated in at least 2/3 of the season’s games.
Team List
Give your players a team list that includes the coaches’ and players’ names and phone numbers. This will be
helpful to the parents when they need to call the coach to let them know their child won’t be at a practice or
game, or they can also use the list if they need help with transportation for their child.
TIPS: At the time you circulate your team list, use it to communicate with players and parents. One of our
coaches included the following paragraphs on the team list that was distributed to the players:
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Coaches Handbook
Dear Parents and Players,
“Parents and players, my name is Susan Smith and I will be your son’s coach this year.
Although this is my second year coaching, I am not a seasoned veteran, so some patience and
understanding may be required from time to time.
All practices will be held at Ryerson, on Mondays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. With only one hour per week
for practices, I will be starting practices at 7:00 pm sharp and would like everyone ready to go at that
time. If a player cannot make a practice or game, I would appreciate advance notice to aid in
planning the practice and preparing game day line-ups.
As I work shifts, I will need a team manager / assistant coach and in keeping with HBA’s philosophy of
pa- rental and community involvement, would prefer if a parent(s) got involved.
For games, one parent volunteer will be needed per game to assist at the scorer’s table. The game
cannot begin without one volunteer from both teams in place. This is not a difficult task and
hopefully all parents will take the opportunity to help over the course of the season. Rules, policies and
general league information are available in the season guide distributed to players.
I will try to ensure that the kids have fun while honing their basketball skills at the same time. If any
questions or problems arise; do not hesitate to contact me.”
Coach Sm ith
Adding Players
Some teams may have room to add more players in order to get the maximum twelve allowed per team. HBA
will continue to take registrations into the beginning of the season in order to fill these teams. The HBA
Registrar will let you know if a player is being added to your team.
You cannot add a player to your team without first having them complete the registration
process.
HBA’s insurance policy covers only those players registered with the program. Any coach practicing or playing
children not registered, puts him/herself and our club at extreme risk. Any coach found to play a non- registered
player will be dismissed.
If you know a player who wants to join your team, have them contact the HBA office.
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Coaches Handbook
Player Refunds/Players Removed from Teams
Player withdrawals/refunds will be processed only after a refund request is received in writing from the
parent/guardian of the child. An email to: [email protected] will suffice.
As a reminder our policy is as follows:
• Refunds are subject to a $40.00 administration charge, up to October 31st.
• There will be NO refunds given after October 31st.
Practices
Practices are held once a week and are one hour in length. Each coach will receive one leather game ball and several
practice basketballs to take to practice. These are to be returned to the HBA at the end of the season. Help us control
costs by taking care of these balls. Practices always commence in the week immediately following the coaches meeting.
If you need help in setting up a practice agenda and/or teaching new skills, please contact any Executive member. We
will make sure you get the required assistance.
There will be no practices from December 22nd, 2012 – January 5th, 2013.
Coaching Clinics
Each year the HBA will provide an opportunity for its coaches to improve their skills through our
own programs or the NCCP Certification Program. Watch for details.
Team Manager
You can make your job as a coach easier by appointing a team manager from your parent list. The team manager
can help with phone calls, taking attendance, fair play shifts etc.
This also gets more parents involved in our program. Many are willing to help, but reluctant to get involved
because of a lack of basketball knowledge. The “Team Manager” role provides an opportunity for them to get
involved even though they have no previous basketball experience.
Today’s team manager could be tomorrow’s coach or HBA volunteer executive!
Police Screening
Coaches must submit a completed police screen form to the HBA in order to be able to coach with
the organization. HBA requires this process be completed by coaches every two years.
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Coaches Handbook
Special Player Requests
The HBA receives many requests for children to be put on the same team as their friend, or to be put with
another player for transportation purposes. Due to the size of our organization we cannot and have not,
promised to make them happen.
Any parent that has called into the HBA and made a special request is told that we will not guarantee the
request. The parent is advised that a child will always make new friends, that there are many other team
members (and coaches) that are always willing to help with rides, and that it is difficult with such a large
organization to meet all requests.
Rep Players
• Individuals registered in a Rep program are not allowed to register in HBA’s House League program. This
was a very difficult decision for HBA executive members to come to but one that has proved to be very
successful.
• Players registered to an OBA rep team are ineligible players in HBA. Coaches that knowingly allow a rep
player to remain with their team are playing an ineligible player and can be dismissed from the program. If you
are aware that a rep player is registered to your team, please contact the HBA Registrar or Executive
immediately and allow us to deal with the problem.
Referees
All referees provided are from the Hamilton Board of Approved Basketball Officials. We give the board our
season schedule and they arrange for the referees to be at the games. It is possible that only one referee will
show up at the game. In these instances, the game will be officiated by one referee. It is also possible that neither
referee will show up at the game. In these instances, the coaches must agree on an individual to referee the
game. Games will not be re- played because referees have failed to show-up.
The referees are the final word in the game. It doesn’t matter if you agree or disagree with their call – their call
is the one that counts. Even if an executive member is in attendance, they cannot overrule the call made by a
referee.
**In game situations, remember your players observe, learn and copy your actions. If you disagree with a call,
shouting at the referee will not endear you to the referee, nor will it make a good impression on your players and
their parents.
Absolutely nothing can be done at the game about a referee you have concerns about. The time to deal with it is
after the game. HBA asks that coaches make note of any concerns they have over a particular referee and his/her
ability. Submit your concern in writing to the HBA executive.
Be sure to include the date, time and location of the game. HBA executive will contact the
Hamilton Board of Approved Basketball Officials with the concerns and let them deal with it from there, either
through observation and coaching of the referee, or providing additional training to them.
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Coaches Handbook
Game Day
Before The Game
We have a limited number of hours at the rec centers, and the coach plays a major part in making sure our games
start and end on time
Arrival
Ask your players to be at the game at least 15 minutes before the start time.
Dress Code
• Players must wear their team shirts
• Running shoes must be worn
• Players need to wear proper athletic shorts
• Shirts must be tucked in.
Cargo shorts will not be permitted by the referees as they are unsafe due to their external zippers and loops.
PLEASE NOTE: Absolutely no alteration to the team shirt is to be done. If a shirt is altered in any way, the
player will have to pay to replace his/her team shirt.
TIP:
Coaches – remind your players of this rule the day you hand out your team shirts!!
Remove Jewelry
Please have your players remove all their jewelry, watches, hair clips, etc., before the game starts in order to
avoid a delay in the game. Recommend to your players and parents that they do not get piercing down during
the basketball season.
Game Sheet
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When you arrive at the gym, approach the table official table and complete your half of the game sheet.
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Legibly write the shirt number of each of your players along with their first AND last names on the game sheet.
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We submit game results to The Spectator for insertion in the “Amateur Scene” section – having a first and last
name means a lot.
Game Balls
Game balls will not be provided by the table official. You must bring the leather ball that you were provided.
You should also bring your practice balls for the warm-up.
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Coaches Handbook
During the Game
Fair Play
Hamilton Basketball Association ensures equal playing time for each player regardless of ability. This is
accomplished by the use of fair play shifts.
Our rule is simply, “At any point in the game, no player shall have played any more than one shift
more than any other player.”
Table officials will record players numbers on the floor for each shift and will stop the game if the above rule is
violated. We encourage coaches to extend our fair play rule to include positions that a child plays in the game. This
will better develop their understanding of the game and skills.
End of Fair Play Shifts These are not timeouts, simply exchanges of players.
TIP: Prepare fair play shifts in advance for a number of combinations of players on the bench, i.e. from 6 players
in attendance to the maximum of 12 players. Before the game starts, pick the chart for the number of players that
you have in attendance and write their numbers or names down the page so that you are prepared for who is to go
on the court at each shift.
Fair play shift sheets are available on HBA’s website: www.hamiltonbasketball.net
Games Running Behind Schedule
If games are running behind schedule, our table officials have been instructed to keep the games on time by:
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reducing the amount of time between halves
reducing warm-up time
eliminating stop time in the last two minutes of the last shift
Table officials will advise coaches and referees of this in advance their implementation.
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Coaches Handbook
After the Game
Player of the Game
Indicate on the game sheet, your player of the game. Sign the game sheet.
Cleaning Up
A major problem we experience each year is gyms left in a mess. The table officials are not paid to stay behind to
pick up garbage. Recreation staff is not responsible for clean up, either.
It is the coach’s responsibility for ensuring that his/her bench area is clean before leaving the gym. Remind your
players to throw out their drink bottles and garbage at the end of the game.
TIPS: If you do this consistently at the start of the season, your players will catch on quickly and will cooperate.
At the beginning of the season, it would help to also remind parents to remove their garbage from the stands
once the game is over.
Distributing Information to Players
The HBA will be distributing season guides, newsletters, team pictures, etc., throughout the season. We need to
rely on the coaches to distribute this information to all their players.
Most information is distributed through our table officials.
TIP: As soon as you receive something for distribution, write each player’s name on the top of the newsletter,
back of team picture, etc. By doing this, you will know exactly which child has yet to receive his/her
information.
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Coaches Handbook
Operating Procedures – Condensed Version
(Complete operating procedures available at www.hbabasketball.net)
2. Player Eligibility
To be eligible to play in HBA:
2.1 Players will have completed a registration form, with parental or guardian signatures on the waiver and be
placed on a team by the HBA Registrar.
2.2 Players will have paid the current year’s registration fee.
2.3 Players may not be registered with a Basketball Ontario (OBA) Representative Team.
2.4 Players will play in the following Divisions:
Divisions of Play
Age as at December 31st
Mite
Squirt
Pee Wee
Bantam
Midget
Juvenile
5, 6 & 7 year olds
8 & 9 year olds
10 & 11 year olds
12 & 13 year olds
14 & 15 year olds
16, 17 & 18 year olds
All players must provide a copy of their birth certificate or other valid proof of age document
to the registrar.
3. Player Responsibility
Players must:
3.1 Maintain control and show good behavior and sportsmanship, on and off the court.
3.2 Acknowledge the authority of the referees, coaches and officials.
3.3 Attend practices and games regularly. Advise his/her Coach or Team Manager in the event of absences.
3.4 Address any of his/her concerns to their Coach, Head Convener, or the Executive Committee.
3.5 Be aware of the HBA’s discipline policy.
3.6 Assist in cleaning his/her Team’s bench area at the conclusion of the game.
3.7 Remain off the gym floor at games or practices until the team’s Coach or Manager is present.
3.8 Wear the HBA issued, team jersey to each game.
3.9 Wear proper athletic shorts and running shoes to games and practices.
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Coaches Handbook
4. Parent/Spectator Responsibilities.
Parents and spectators must:
4.1 Get your child to games and practices and inform the Coach/Team Manager in advance of any absence.
4.2 Encourage sportsmanship through positive conduct and support at the games.
4.3 Reinforce sportsmanship, community spirit and fellowship in all aspects of the game.
4.4 Address any concerns to your child’s Coach or Team Manager outside of a game situation. A good rule to
follow is to wait 24 hours after an incident to discuss it with your child’s coach. This allows both the Coach/Team
Manager and parent a “cooling-off” period. If speaking with the Coach/Team Manager does not resolve a
situation, please direct it to one of the HBA executive. Bringing a concern to us at the end of a season does not
allow for improvement/correction through the year.
4.5 Be aware of Discipline Procedures.
4.6 Assist the HBA through volunteering at the score table.
4.7 Ensure that any garbage brought into the gym is removed.
5. Coaches Responsibilities.
In addition to assisting in carrying out the goals and objectives of the HBA as defined in the organization’s
constitution coaches must:
5.1 Undergo a police screening at least every two years, by October 31st of the current season.
5.2 Ensure equal /fair play in games and practices.
5.3 Coach basketball in a positive manner.
5.4 Attend coaches’ meetings as called by the HBA.
5.5 Supervise players during practices and games to ensure the safety of players.
5.6 Ensure proper conduct from players during practices and games.
5.7 Keep players and parents informed of their / their child’s practice/game schedule, Development and conduct
in the HBA.
5.8 Ensure any information/newsletter received from the HBA is distributed to each player and/or their parents.
5.9 Demonstrate all the attributes that the HBA believes are important.
5.9.1 Cooperate with referees and table officials.
5.9.2 Keep the game fun by ensuring friendly competition.
5.9.3 Promote Team concepts.
5.9.4 Show respect for all that are involved in the program.
5.9.5 Maintain sportsmanlike conduct at all times.
5.10Maintain control of the players and their parents without the use of intimidation, verbal abuse or profanity.
5.11 Obtain a parent volunteer and have him/her report to the score table prior to the start of the game.
5.12 Be aware of Discipline Procedures (see section 11) and review this with your team.
5.13 To appear before the discipline committee if called.
5.14 In the event that a regular coach fails to appear for a game or is ejected from a game by a referee, he/she may
be replaced by a parent volunteer. Complete his section of the game sheet and have his team ready to start the
game at its scheduled time.
5.15 Ensure that the bench area is cleaned at the conclusion of the game.
5.16 Assist and support HBA in any fundraising initiatives.
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Coaches Handbook
11. Discipline
11.1 HBA is governed by the City of Hamilton’s “Zero Tolerance Policy”.
11.2 Disciplinary procedures must be reviewed by the coaches with all players and their parents.
11.3 All disciplinary matters within the HBA will be dealt with by the Discipline Committee.
11.4 Discipline Committee members must declare conflict of interest situations and forfeit their right to vote on
that disciplinary decision.
11.5 Players, coaches or spectators being disciplined shall present themselves before the Discipline
Committee when requested. If a player is requested to appear, his/her parents or guardian will also be invited to
attend. If requested to attend a discipline meeting, any person
absenting himself/herself from the meeting may be dealt with in absentia.
11.6 In all cases of alleged physical or verbal assault by a player, coach, or parent, the person Involved shall be
immediately suspended until the case has been dealt with by the Discipline Committee. If necessary, details will
also be forwarded to the appropriate public authority.
11.7 Suspensions
11.7.1 Players ejected from a game as a result of receiving two technical fouls shall automatically receive a onegame suspension to be served at his / her next scheduled game.
11.7.2 Coaches ejected from a game as a result of receiving two technical fouls shall automatically receive a onegame suspension to be served at his/her next scheduled game and pre- sent him/herself before the discipline
committee.
11.7.3 Game ejection and subsequent suspensions may be levied for unsportsmanlike conduct (behaviour which
includes the use of profanity or other verbal abuse), foul with intent to injure, and/or fighting, whether or not
the player was ejected from the game by the referee.
11.7.4 The Discipline Committee reserves the right to withdraw any player who displays inappropriate
behaviour to their teammates, peers, coaches and or the referees.
11.7.5 Discipline is progressive in nature with additional suspensions of increased number of games and
ultimately permanent ejection from the league for repeat offenders.
11.8 Coach Playing Illegal Players
11.8.1 Minimum one year suspension and loss by default of the games in which the illegal players was used.
Illegal players are defined as players that:
11.8.1.1 Have not been registered to that team by the HBA Registrar.
11.8.1.2 Are playing while under suspension.
11.9 Coach Removing His/her Team from the Court
11.9.1 Subject to a two game suspension plus default of that game, and may be subject to review, by the
Disciplinary Committee.
11.10 Carry Forwards
For all offenses not served in their entirety within the current season, including playoffs, the unserved portion
will be carried forward to the next season.
11.11 Results of Disciplinary Reviews
11.11.1 All decisions relating to the offenses described in 10.7.2 through 10.9 above will be delivered to the
affected party in writing.
11.11.2 Affected individuals may appeal the Discipline Committee decision to the H.B.A. Executive Committee in
writing to the Secretary within 7-days.
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Coaches Handbook
12. Team Responsibility
12.1 Game Officials
12.1.1 If a league referee is not present, games will start with one official.
12.1.2 If at least 1 official has not arrived within 10 minutes of the start time, then coaches from both teams must
mutually decide upon up to 2 volunteer officials. If no officials are agreed upon, it will be a double forfeit.
12.2 Minimum Number of Players
12.2.1 A minimum of five players is required to start a game.
12.2.2 A ten minute grace period will be allowed from the scheduled start time. If after the grace period, a team
still does not have five players, the game shall be cancelled and teams encouraged to play an exhibition game.
For the purposes of that exhibition game, players may be transferred to the team shorthanded.
12.2.3 Rescheduled game requests by coaches will not be accepted. If a coach knows in advance that he/she will
not have a minimum of five (5) players for a scheduled game, he should contact the Head Convener about
his/her cancellation and forfeiture of the game.
13 Rules & Regulations
All rules & regulations, as set down by the National Federation Basketball Rules Committee, will be adopted by
the HBA.
13.1 The Executive reserves the right to modify any NFBRC rule to satisfy the philosophy of the HBA.
13.2 All players in the HBA will receive fair & equal playing time in accordance with the HBA’s fair play rule
13.2.1 At Any Point in the game, no player shall have played more than one shift more than any other player on
that team subject to the following exceptions:
13.2.1.1 Players that arrive late or leave a game early, or are injured. In these cases f airplay will be followed at
the time players are in attendance, i.e. a player arrives for the start of the second half may not make up for shifts
missed in the first half.
13.2.2 A player arriving late for a game after the start of the shift that they should have appeared in (e.g. 6- 10
players the 2nd shift, 11 or 12 players the 3rd shift) will not be allowed to enter the game until the start of the
second half.
13.2.3 A player taking the floor after the start of a shift to replace an injured player is not charged for that shift.
The injured player, if ready, may return to the game prior to the end of that fair play shift.
13.2.4 Table officials will record and monitor fair play advising the referee of any need to correct (remove and
replace) players on the floor.
13.3 Jump Ball. A jump ball will occur at the beginning of the 1st half of the game and to start any overtime
period (Year End Tournament only).
13.4 Possession Arrow. After the initial jump ball alternate possession will be in effect.
Possession of the ball will be indicated by the arrow always pointing in the direction of play.
13.5 Stop Time. During play, the time clock does not stop except for time outs and injuries. Stop time is played in
the last two minutes of the game in all divisions except Mite if the score differential is less than 20 points.
13.6 Time Outs. Each Team will receive 4 one minute time outs per game. These will be split (2 in each half) with
no carryovers. During overtime game (Year End Tournament only), each team will receive one additional time
out for each additional overtime period. Coaches may call time-outs from the bench.
13.7 Fall Back Rule - Mite, Squirt and Pee Wee: The defensive team must fall back one yard on their side of half
court to allow the offensive team possession in their fore-court. A defensive player can not impede a fast break
until the ball has crossed half court. If a player does not respect the fall back rule, the referee will warn that
player once. On the second and each subsequent time, the referee will assess a personal foul against the player.
13.8 Mercy Rule. Any Division if, a team is ahead by more than 19 points, they must stay within their 3-point arc
or foul line extended in unmarked gyms. If a player does not respect the fall back rule, the referee will warn that
player once. On the second and each subsequent time, the referee will assess a personal foul against the player.
13.9 Time & Scoring Decisions.
These decisions can only be altered by the referee.
Referees must have definite knowledge of the error in question. The outcome of the decision must be ruled on
after time is called and before the game is resumed.
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Coaches Handbook
14. Game Play
14.1 Mite Division
14.1.1 Mite Hour – 60 minute session combining skills and drills and practice games.
14.1.2 A size 5 ball will be used.
14.1.3 Baskets will be placed 8 feet above the floor.
14.2 Squirt Division
14.2.1 Game consists of two 18 minute halves, each with 6 three shifts.
14.2.2 The last two minutes of the game’s final shift will be stop time
14.2.3 A 5 minute half time will be allowed.
14.2.4 A size 5 ball will be used.
14.2.5 Rule Exceptions
14.2.5.1 No full court press, and fall back, rules in effect.
14.2.5.2 If a team is ahead by more than 19 points, they must stay within their
3-point arc or foul line extended in unmarked gyms. If a player does not respect the fall back rule, the referee will
warn that player once. On the second and each subsequent time, the referee will assess a personal foul against the
player.
14.2.5.3 Traveling will be called only when a player gains an advantage, whether a shooting or passing angle, or
enables the player free of a defender.
14.2.5.4 3 steps during a lay-up constitute traveling in this division.
14.2.5.5 Foul Shots will be taken at a distance equal to the jump ball circle within the key.
14.3 Pee Wee Division
14.3.1 Game consists of two 18 minute halves, each with 6 three minute shifts.
14.3.2 The last two minutes of the game’s final shift will be stop time.
14.3.3 A 5 minute half time will be allowed.
14.3.4 A size 5 ball will be used
14.3.5 Rule Exceptions:
14.3.5.1 No full court press, and fall back rule in effect.
14.3.5.2 If a team is ahead by more than 19 points, they must stay within their 3-point arc or foul line extended in
unmarked gyms. If a player does not respect the fall back rule, the referee will warn that player once. On the
second and each subsequent time, the referee will assess a personal foul against the player.
14.3.5.3 Traveling will be called only when a player gains an advantage, whether a shooting or passing angle, or
enables the player free of a defender.
14.3.5.4 3 steps during a lay-up constitute traveling in this division.
14.3.5.5 Foul Shots
14.3.5.5.1 Girls - taken at a distance equal to the jump ball circle within the key.
14.3.5.5.2 Boys - will use the regulation foul line.
14.4 Bantam Division
14.4.1 Game consists of two 20 minute halves, each with 5 four minute shifts.
14.4.2The last two minutes of the game’s final shift will be stop time
14.4.3 A 5 minute half time will be allowed.
14.4.4 A size 6 ball will be used.
14.4.5 Rule Exceptions:
If a team is ahead by more than 19 points, they are not allowed to full court press, and fall back rule is in effect.
The team ahead must employ a zone defense and stay within their 3-point Arc.
The referee will warn the team once. On the second warning a technical fouls will be called against the coach.
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Coaches Handbook
14.5 Midget Division
14.5.1 Game consists of two 20 minute halves, each with 5 four minute shifts.
14.5.2 The last two minutes of the game’s final shift will be stop time
14.5.3 A 5 minute half time will be allowed.
14.6.4 A size 6 ball will be used in the girl’s division. A size 7 ball will be used in the boy’s division.
14.5.5 Rule Exceptions:
If a team is ahead by more than 19 points, they must stay within their 3-point arc or foul line extended in
unmarked gyms. If a player does not respect the fall back rule, the referee will warn that player once. On the
second and each subsequent time, the referee will assess a personal foul against the player.
14.6 Juvenile Division
14.6.1 Game consists of two 20 minute halves, each with 5 four minute shifts.
14.6.2 The last two minutes of the game’s final shift will be stop time
14.6.3 A 5 minute half time will be allowed.
14.6.4 A size 6 ball will be used in the girl’s division. A size 7 ball will be used in the boy’s division.
14.6.5 Rule Exceptions:
If a team is ahead by more than 19 points, they must stay within their 3-point arc or foul line ex- tended in
unmarked gyms. If a player does not respect the fall back rule, the referee will warn that player once. On the
second and each subsequent time, the referee will assess a personal foul against the player.
15. Year End Tournament
Overtime will only be played when a year–end tournament game is tied at the end of regulation time.
15.1 Overtime periods will consist of additional fair play shifts, until the tie is broken.
15.2 Overtime periods will be running time.
15.3 Overtime periods will be a continuation of fair play, i.e. at any point in the game no player shall have played
more than one shift more than any other player.
15.4 Each overtime period will begin with a jump ball at centre.
15.5 One additional time-out for each overtime period. Time outs will not carry forward from regulation time to
overtime, or from one overtime period to next.
16. Dress Code
16.1 All players for safety reasons cannot wear equipment which could injury oneself or other players during
games, practices or warm-ups. This includes earrings, hair clips, necklaces, chains, bracelets, cargo shorts or any
other item that the referee feels might endanger any player. This can be extended in the referee’s opinion to
include long finger nails or hair.
16.2 Official HBA team jerseys must be worn and tucked in during the games. No alterations, cutting off of arms
or the mid-section is allowed.
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