NATIONAL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS
SEASON 2015/2016
1.
BWB LEAGUES
1.1.
All BWB competitions are organised in compliance with the IWBF Official Rules of Wheelchair
Basketball. Any omissions or amendments to these rules are detailed in the League Rules and
Regulations and are considered to be “local rules” applying to that competition only.
2.
AFFILIATIONS & REGISTRATION
2.1.
All Clubs must register their teams with the BWB Office, with the appropriate fees, by the set
date in order for them to play in the National League. Clubs who had more than one team
entered into the National League the previous season, but who wish to reduce the number of
teams entered the following season will only be permitted to remove the team/s placed in the
lowest division/s.
2.2.
Playing clubs will only be accepted after the set date at the League Sub-committee’s
discretion, and in the best interests of BWB.
2.3.
All new clubs, or existing clubs wishing to change their name, must submit their proposed
name to the League Secretary for approval by the Executive Committee. It would enhance the
appeal of the sport if clubs names included a place name, i.e. town or city where a club plays.
2.4.
Club Entry deadline is noted below. All playing members who were registered and received a
permit to play in any BWB senior competitions the previous season must be registered with
the BWB to play for a club the following season by the date also indicated below:
National League Entry
(4th Division entry may be extended until end August)
- 30 June
National League Player Registration
(4th Division may be extended until end of August)
- 30 June
2.5.
New players and players who were not registered nor received a permit to play in any BWB
senior competitions the previous season may sign for a club and be registered at any time
after this date.
2.6.
No player who has been registered in the same season for a club competing in any other
NOWB league or competition will be permitted to play in any BWB competitions. A player
permanently relocating to the UK from another country during the season may apply for
registration, providing they have obtained a letter of release from the NOWB they were
previously registered with. Note: A permit will not be granted to players meeting this criteria if
they seek registration after the 31st January until the end of the current league season.
2.7.
All players must be registered before participating in National League games and have been
issued with a current Licence Card.
Note: 14 days should be allowed for the processing of new registrations.
2.8.
A "Fast Track" registration process is available, upon payment of an additional fee:
Fast Track Registration Fee
- £15.00 1 player + £5.00 additional players.
(Providing office staff available – new documents posted out by 1st class within 48 hours)
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2.9.
A coach, an assistant coach and up to a maximum of 5 additional team staff are permitted to
sit on the team bench.
Note: Home clubs should ensure that the nearest spectator is no closer than 2m from the last
player/team staff member at the end of the bench area.
2.10.
All clubs playing in the National League must have a qualified Grade 2 coach who should be
present at their games if at all possible. A new club, entering the league for the first time this
season, has 12 months from first registration to comply with this rule.
2.11.
Each club must have a laminated year dated Team Summary Sheet for the team listing all of
its registered members. Clubs with teams in the National League, with the exception of the
4th Division, must submit their Team Summary Sheet to the BWB Office by the 30th June.
Players, who were registered to play for a club in any BWB senior league competitions the
previous season, who register after this date, will not be eligible to play for their club in the first
2 games following their registration. Clubs may register additional players up to 3 weeks prior
to their first game in the National League. Thereafter, additional players may be registered
allowing a minimum of 14 days for new player permit/s and Team Summary Sheet to be
issued (unless using the Fast Track process set out in rule 5). Only players inscribed on the
laminated and year dated Team Summary Sheet will be permitted to play for the club.
2.12.
Playing clubs must provide the scorer at all games with their Team Summary Sheet and
players League Licence Cards, as issued by the BWB Office, no later than twenty minutes
prior to tip-off time. The Team Coach, or in his absence team captain, must ensure that the
licence numbers are inscribed on the score sheet alongside each player’s name together with
their classification points.
2.13.
Players normally become “free agents” at midnight on the day following the end of the National
Championship Finals each year, and remain so until such time as they sign a
contract/registration form to play for a club in the National League for the new season.
Players may change clubs after this time providing that their former club has no legitimate
objection. Should a club have any such objection it is this club’s responsibility to inform the
BWB Office and League Secretary in writing, together with any evidence or explanation for the
objection. The League Secretary will view the information provided and make a decision,
informing both the objecting club, the player and the club for whom they have or wish to
register with.
Note. It is in the interests of clubs and players that any agreements involving payments and
the purchase, or loan of equipment is written and signed by both parties and a copy lodged
with the BWB Office.
2.14.
Once a player has signed a contract/registration form for a club for that season they are
committed to play for that club until the end of that season, which ends on the day of the
BWB’s AGM. Mid-season transfer of players in the National League will only be permitted in
exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the League Secretary. Any player seeking to
transfer must write to the League Secretary with the reason, together with a letter of release
from the club with whom they are registered, and an administration fee of £15. If the transfer
is permitted, a re-registration fee of £10 must be paid to the BWB Office who will issue a new
playing Licence Card. Players will not be permitted to play for their new club until this licence
and a new Team Summary Sheet has been received by the club.
Note: Any player who has signed a contract/registration form to play for a club in any BWB
League will not be permitted to transfer mid-season to a club in another NOWB's (foreign)
league under any circumstances, even if they obtain a letter of release from their club.
2.15.
Foreign players registering with clubs must have a letter of release from their National
Governing Body, together with a certificate stating their classification.
2.16.
The BWB Office must approve the registration of all foreign players prior to being allowed to
play for a member club.
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2.17.
It is the responsibility of all playing clubs to ensure that every member is physically able and
medically fit to participate when they sign a contract/registration form for the club.
2.18.
The Status of Able-bodied players shall be reviewed annually by the Executive Committee.
2.19.
Penalties relating to registration are as follows:
(a) Existing clubs who fail to register by the set date will be subject to a fine up to a maximum
of £50 or be refused entry into the league.
(b) Playing clubs who are accepted by the Executive Committee after the set date may be
liable for a surcharge up to 50% of the registration fee.
(c) Playing clubs who register a team/s to enter the National League and then withdraw
it/them up to 4 weeks prior to the start of the season will be subject to a fine up to a
maximum of £250. Clubs withdrawing a team/s within 4 weeks of the start of the season
will be subject to a fine up to a maximum of £500. Should this fine not be paid by the club
in full by the date required, the sum unpaid will be divided between the registered
members of the defaulting club. These members will not be allowed to join any other club
until they have paid their proportion of any outstanding fine.
(d) Playing an unregistered player - £100 fine 2 point deduction per game in which the player
played, plus forfeiture of game 0 - 20 unless game won by opponent, in which case game
score will stand.
(e) Failure to produce Team Summary Sheet at a game - fine up to a maximum of £25.
(f) Failure to produce player Licence Card at a game - fine of £5 per card up to a maximum
fine of £50.
(g) Failure of Team Coaches / Captains to ensure that all team's player licence numbers and
classification points are inscribed on the score sheet will incur a fine of £10 per occasion.
It is not the table official’s responsibility to ensure this is carried out – coaches should
check the sheet before the start of the game.
(h) Loss of playing cards - £5.00 per card replacement cost.
(i) Loss of team summary sheet - £10.00 replacement cost.
(j) Playing a previous registered player who failed to serve a two game suspension for
registering after the stated deadline - £100 fine 2 point deduction per game in which the
player played, plus forfeiture of game 0 - 20 unless game won by opponent, in which
case game score will stand.
(k) Playing a foreign player without obtaining a letter or release from their NOWB or
informing the BWB Office the player is currently registered with a foreign NOWB will incur
a fine up to a maximum of £150 plus forfeiture of game and 2 point deduction per game
they play in, up to a maximum of 6 points and game/s awarded to opponent 20 - 0 unless
game won by opponent, in which case game score will stand.
3.
COMPETITIONS
3.1.
The National League sub-committee will organise the National League and provide a
provisional fixture list for clubs to organise their fixtures for the coming season.
General Eligibility and Priority
3.2.
Priority of fixtures. This lists the orders of priority fixtures have over one another. GB
Internationals; European Club Competitions; Prior designated GB Training weekend, National
League Fixtures, National Cup and League Cup; Approved BWB events; All other club games
and tournaments both home and abroad. Clubs cannot deviate from this list unless express
permission is sought from the League Secretary.
3.3.
The following events permit only registered players (i.e. not guests) per club; European
Champions Cup, André Vergauwen Cup, Willi Brinkmann Cup, Challenge Cup, National
League, National Cup, League Cup and any other event sanctioned by the Executive
Committee. For any other events the onus is on the organiser to determine the status of
“guest players” in the publicity before an event.
3.4.
Teams are expected to return all perpetual trophies in the condition in which they were
presented to the BWB Office one month prior to the date set for the current season’s AGM.
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3.5.
Penalties relating to breach of General Eligibility and Priority:
(a)
Playing an unregistered player in above events, with exception of National League
which has its own penalty - £500 fine.
(b)
Failure to return perpetual trophy one month prior to AGM - £50 fine.
(c)
Returning trophy in damaged condition - Cost of repair or replacement of trophy.
The Classification and Constitution of Teams in the National League
3.6.
3.7.
The classification of teams and status of Female, Male and Junior players is as follows:
(a)
Players in the National League and International Club competitions must be classified in
accordance with Article 51 of the IWBF Official Wheelchair Basketball Rules (effective
October 2014), with the exception of able-bodied players. All able-bodied players, male,
female and junior, will be classified at a mandatory 5 points except in the case set out at
rule 3.17. Players are permitted to use any legal strapping.
(b)
Any player who has their classification changed during the season by a classification
panel or Head Classifier must play to their old classification until such time as a new
club team sheet and player permit has been received. Emails notifying of a change of
classification must not be used as evidence to change classification of that player prior
to the amended team sheet and player permit being received.
(c)
All new players classified by their club at class 4.0 or 4.5 must have their medical details
approved by the Head Classifier before being permitted to play at that class. Medical
details must be included on the player’s registration form when this is sent to the BWB
League Administrator. Further medical evidence may be required prior to the player
being registered. If approval is not received before their first game, the player must play
as a 5.0 point player.
(d)
Able-bodied players are permitted to play in all National League divisions, the National
Cup and the League Cup. Only one able-bodied player may be on court at any one
time.
All games in the National League will be played to a maximum team player classification on
court as follows:
Premier Division
1st Division
2nd Division
3rd Division
4th Division
-
14.5 Points
14.5 Points
14.5 Points
15.0 Points
16.0 Points
3.8.
Teams who during the game cannot comply with the maximum team points allowed in their
division because of lack of players must not field 5 players over the maximum points allowed.
3.9.
In the League Cup, teams may play to the points designated for the division in which they are
playing that season, i.e. Premier, 1st and 2nd Division teams must play to 14.5, 3rd Division
teams to 15.4th Division teams to 16 points.
3.10.
The number of classification team points allowed on court is capped in all divisions as follows:
1st and 2nd Divisions 3rd Division
4th Division
-
17 Points
17.5 Points
18.5 Points
Note: The above is the maximum number of points allowable for the 5 players on court at any
time including concessions for women or junior players.
3.11.
Teams who have 5 players available allowing them to play within the points for their respective
division must play with full complement of players on court at all times.
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3.12.
After starting a game with 5 players, clubs with a team who during the game cannot comply
with the 14.5/15/16 point system relative to their division because of lack of players due to
legitimate injury or disqualification MUST NOT field 5 players over 14.5/15/16 points. They
may play with 4 or less players for the remainder of the game.
3.13.
A team arriving at a game that is unable to start the game for whatever reason within 1 point of
the authorised limit in their respective division will forfeit the game.
3.14.
Providing they can play within the 1 point divisional limit the team will start the game 0 - 25
down.
3.15.
Procedure: If this occurs they can continue to play with their starting 5 for the remainder of the
game. If any substitutions are made during the game removing one of the starting players, the
team must play with 4 players or less for the remainder of the game, within the normal team
points/cap for the division (i.e. the 1 point addition is removed). In the case of player travel
delay, if any player whose name is inscribed on the scoresheet and who arrives during the
course of the game allowing the team to play with 5 players within normal divisional points,
this player must be used for the remainder of the game, subject to the rules of the game.
Note: Upon late arrival of a player who is on the scoresheet and enables the team to play
within normal points for that division, the team must play with 5 players.
3.16.
Any team that repeatedly fails to play within team points set for their division will be forced to
withdraw from the league.
3.17.
In all divisions in the National League, with the exception of able bodied women, 1.5 points is
added to the team's classification total for each woman player on court, subject to the cap for
the division i.e. if one woman is on court, the team total increases to 16.0 in the Premier, 1st
and 2nd Divisions, 16.5 in the 3rd Division and 17.5 in the 4th Division. 1.5 points is added to
the team classification total for each woman player on court, subject to the maximum team
points allowable noted in rule 2.1.6. When an able bodied woman goes on court a 0.5 point is
added to the team's classification total.
3.18.
In the National League, a Junior player is any player under the age of 19 at midnight on 31st
December in the current season. Male junior players will play to their full international
classification.
3.19.
When a male junior player (excluding able-bodied junior players who must play to their full 5.0
point classification) goes on court, 1 point is added to the team's classification total, i.e. if one
junior is playing, the team total increases to 15.5 in the Premier, 1st and 2nd Divisions, 16 in the
3rd Divisions and 17 in the 4th Division. One point is added to the team classification total for
each male junior player on court, subject to the maximum team points allowable noted in rule
3.10.
3.20.
Male junior players are issued with a permit with a green band or similar.
3.21.
No junior player under the age of 14 may be registered to play in the National League. Any
player may register as soon as they reach the age of 14 irrespective of where in the season
that date falls. No exceptions will be made to this rule.
Concession for 2015/2016 season only: A junior aged 13 at the start of the season (12th
September) but who turns 14 years of age before 31 st December 2015 is eligible to play in the
National League. Equally, Juniors granted a "special underage licence" for the 2014/2015
season will be permitted to register.
3.22.
There is no restriction on the status of any player a National League club may register. (For
clarity, clubs may sign any number of players currently selected for the GB men's WCP
programme).
3.23.
Penalties relating to Classification and Constitution of teams:
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(a)
(b)
Failing to provide medical evidence for new 4.0 or 4.5 players to the Head Classifier for
approval playing one or more new players of this class in a game - Maximum £100 fine,
2 point deduction plus forfeiture of game 0 - 20 unless game won by opponents, in
which case score will stand..
Playing with less than 5 players on court when players are available to allow them to
play within the classification - Maximum £100 fine 2 point deduction plus forfeiture of
game 0 - 20 unless game won by opponents, in which case score will stand.
Player Rosters.
3.24.
Clubs wishing to enter more than one team in the National League must nominate their best 8
players for their 1st team. The nominated players must be able to play within the classification
system for the division in which they are playing. Subject to the above, clubs wishing to enter
three or more teams must nominate their next best 7 players for each of their teams, with the
exception of their lowest placed team. All other players may play for any team. Clubs with
multiple teams in the same regional division must register a separate squad for each team,
players will not be permitted to transfer between teams once they have been registered with
one of these teams. Once a player has played in one of these teams they will not be eligible to
play for the other team in the same division.
3.25.
A club with multiple teams in the same division, but in different regions, must nominate the
required number of players for each team, i.e. they may treat one team as their 1st team (8
nominated players) and the second as their 2 nd team (7 nominated players). These players
may not play for the team in the other regional division, but all other non nominated players
may play for either team.
3.26.
If a club with a team finishing in promotion position in the 1 st Division already has a 1st team in
the Premier Division and cannot accept promotion, the following season the club will be
required to nominate 9 players in their 1st team. If the following season the 2nd team fails to
finish in a promotion position in the 1st Division, the nominated player numbers return to
normal.
3.27.
In the season 2015/16, players registered for the GB Coyotes team may not play for any other
club team.
3.28.
Clubs who wish to enter more than one team into official competitions must normally have a
minimum player roster of 17 players for two teams, and 23 players for three teams.
3.29.
In all cases, nominated players may only ‘play-up’ if the club has a team in a higher division.
Nominated players may not play down for a team in a lower division. Transfers may not be
made between teams in the same division from the same club. In exceptional circumstances,
a club may make a request for player transfer between teams to the League Secretary for
approval.
3.30.
It is the responsibility of the club to notify the League Secretary with 72 hours of the 3rd
consecutive game taking place where a nominated player has failed to play. This player’s
name will remain on the team summary sheet, but the club must name an additional
nominated player whose name will be added to the team summary sheet. The additional
nominated player must be approved by the League Secretary and will remain a nominated
player for that team until such time as the original nominated player has played their next
game. Once the original nominated player has played in a game, the replacement nominated
player may be removed from the team summary sheet and is eligible to play for a lower team.
Note: The 3 consecutive game rule applies to games taking place on separate weekends. If a
nominated player misses two games played over the same weekend, this counts only as
missing 1 game.
3.31.
After 31st January in the current season, clubs do not have to name an additional nominated
player if the nominated player who has missed 3 consecutive games had done so due to
injury. The injured player must provide a certificate or doctor's or physiotherapist's letter
confirming the injury, otherwise a replacement player must be nominated by the club.
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3.32.
In all other circumstances, any player from a lower club team who replaces a nominated
player in a higher club team after the 31st January in the current season, is permitted to return
to the playing roster of the lower team once the final fixture of the higher team has been
played. Exception: If the team this player is nominated for qualifies for the Championship
Finals, they must remain with the team and they will not also be permitted to play for the lower
club team if they were also to qualify for the Championship Finals.
3.33.
A player who has been registered in the National League the previous season and who
registers for a club after the 31st January must have played in 4 National League games to be
eligible to play in the Championship Finals.
3.34.
Nominated players for clubs with multiple teams must be approved by the League Subcommittee prior to the start of the season. The League Sub-committee reserves the right to
alter any such list if it considers a club is manipulating their nominated players to strengthen
lower teams. Clubs failing to submit their nominated players at least one month prior to their
first game in the league may have their nominated players selected by the League Subcommittee from the roster submitted.
3.35.
The names of all nominated players must be inscribed on the scoresheet, irrespective of a
nominated player being absent from a game. The table officials must present the scorebook to
each team coach and request they sign next to their name at least 10 minutes before tip-off.
The team coach/captain of each team is responsible for ensuring all nominated players names
are listed on the scoresheet. The team coach/captain is advised to always check the
scoresheet before tip-off to ensure the named players are listed.
3.36.
The transfer of nominated players between the teams of the same club during the season
must be approved by the League Secretary. Clubs should apply, in writing, to the League
Secretary stating the reason for any such transfer. An appeal may be made to the Executive
Committee if refused, following the normal appeal procedure.
3.37.
There are no other restrictions on players eligible to play in the National League, subject to the
time frames laid down in these rules and regulations, providing they have registered with the
club and obtained a valid classification under the IWBF rules of classification.
3.38.
Penalties relating to breaches of Player Roster rules are as follows:
(a)
Failure of club to notify the BWB Office of their nominated players one month prior to
their first game - Maximum £50 fine.
(b)
Playing a non registered player - Maximum £100 fine 2 league point deduction per
game in which the player played, plus forfeiture of game 0 - 20 unless game won by
opponent, in which case game score will stand.
(c)
Playing a nominated player in a lower team - Maximum £100 fine 2 league point
deduction per game in which the player played, plus forfeiture of game 0 - 20 unless
game won by opponent, in which case game score will stand.
(d)
Failure to notify the League Secretary within 72 hours of a nominated player failing to
play in 3 consecutive games - Maximum £100 fine 2 league points per game in which
this player has not played following missing the 3 consecutive games up to a maximum
of 4 league points, plus forfeiture of game 0 - 20 unless game won by opponent, in
which case game score will stand. In addition, the League Secretary may impose a
points penalty up to a maximum of 2 league points on the club's next lower team for
failing to nominate a replacement player to the higher team.
(e)
Failure of team coach / captain to ensure all nominated player's names are inscribed on
the scoresheet - Maximum £50 fine (and 1 league point deduction if 12 players names
are listed on the scoresheet).
Fixtures
3.39.
Important: With exception of a team in the 1st Division who cannot be promoted due to their
club already having a team in the Premier Division, all teams who finish in promotion
positions must accept promotion the following season. There will be no exceptions to this
rule for any other reason.
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Premier Division
3.40.
3.41.
3.42.
3.43.
3.44.
3.45.
The Premier Division will be run on a national basis and comprise of 8 teams.
Clubs are restricted to only one team in the Premier Division.
Teams will play each other twice, home and away. The result from these games will
determine Premier League Champions.
The teams finishing in the bottom two positions at the end of the season will be
relegated.
Note: In certain circumstances, the League Sub-committee may be forced to retain a
team or teams due to be relegated in this division if a number of teams from Division 1
are prohibited from accepting promotion due to the only one club team in Premier
Division rule, or for any other reason related to maintaining 8 teams in the division.
At the conclusion of league games, the top 4 teams will take part in an end of season
competition held during the Championship Finals.
Eligibility for entry into the following season's European Champions Cup, Andre
Vergauwen Cup, Willi Brinkmann Cup and Challenge Cup will be determined by final
league positions in this division .
Division One
3.46.
3.47.
3.48.
3.49.
Division One will comprise of two divisions, geographically based North & South, with
a maximum of 9 teams in each.
The teams finishing in 1st place in each regional division will be promoted the following
season. Where a team is unable to be promoted due to them already having a team in
the Premier Division, the next best placed team shall normally be promoted.
The teams finishing in the bottom two positions in each regional division at the end of
the season will be relegated. Note: In certain circumstances, the League Subcommittee may be forced to retain a team or teams due to be relegated in this
division, the Sub-committee’s decision is final.
The Teams finishing in 1st and 2nd place in each regional division will be required to
attend a divisional play-off competition (Championship Finals) to determine the overall
Division One Champion.
Division Two
3.50.
3.51.
3.52.
3.53.
Division Two will comprise of two divisions, geographically based North & South, with
a maximum of 9 teams in each.
The teams finishing in 1st and 2nd place in each regional division will be promoted the
following season.
The teams finishing in the bottom two positions in each regional division at the end of
the season will be relegated. Note: In certain circumstances, the League Subcommittee may be forced to retain a team or teams due to be relegated in this
division, the Sub-committee’s decision is final.
The teams finishing in 1st and 2nd place in each regional division will be required to
attend a divisional play-off competition (Championship Finals) comprising of semifinals and final to determine the overall Division Two Champion.
NOTE: for the season 2015/16 an additional team will be promoted from Division 2 so as to
increase the number of team in Division 1 North to 8
Division Three
3.54.
3.55.
3.56.
3.57.
Division Three will comprise of a minimum of two divisions split geographically. The
number of divisions, size and number of games played will be decided by the League
Sub-committee dependant on entries received.
Teams finishing in 1st place in each regional division will be promoted the following
season. Where less than 4 regional divisions are created, one or more 2 nd placed
teams will be promoted.
Note: The League Sub-committee may have to promote additional teams if there are a
number of team withdrawals from higher divisions.
There is no relegation from the 3rd Division.
The teams finishing in 1st place in each regional division will be required to attend a
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divisional play-off (Championship Finals) to determine the overall Division Three
Champion. If only two divisions are able to be created, the 2 nd placed team in each
division will also be required to attend the divisional play-off (Championship Finals).
NOTE: for the season 2015/16 additional teams will be promoted from Division 3 so as to
retain the number of teams in each Division 2 as 8
Division Four
3.58.
3.59.
3.60.
Division Four will function as a stand alone competition, but is considered to be part of
the National League. It will normally be organised on a rotating central venue basis
organised geographically, depending on the number of teams entered. Should the
teams entered make this impractical, another format of competition may be
implemented by the League Sub-committee.
At the end of the season, teams may be invited to a tournament to determine the
champions, provided there are a sufficient number of divisions to warrant this.
There is no promotion or relegation in the 4th division.
Note: Coaches are requested not to select non nominated players to play in the 4th
Division if they have played regularly in the 2nd or higher divisions.
General Rules for National League
3.61. Teams will play each other once at home and once away, unless otherwise
determined in the BWB league rules.
3.62. In all League games two points will be awarded for a win, one point will be awarded
for a defeat.
3.63. All games must be played on the dates confirmed and listed on the BWB website.
Clubs may play games mid-week providing both teams agree, game officials can be
appointed and the League Secretary is notified in writing.
3.64. The Molten GG7 composite basketball is the official game ball in all divisions and must
be used. No other manufacturer's ball is permitted to be used.
Exception: it is expected that teams in the Premier League will use the Molten GG6
composite ball when playing GB Coyotes, however the HOME team is entitled to
select which size ball is used and must notify GB Coyotes no later than one week
before the game which size ball will be used. . GB Coyotes will provide 6 GG6
composite basketballs for their opponent to warm up with at all games if required.
3.65. Clubs with two or more teams who wish to enter fewer teams in the league for the next
season will only be permitted to withdraw the team in the lowest division first, then the
next lowest and so on. This includes Division 4.
Note: It is suggested that home teams contact their opponent a week in advance of a
fixture to confirm venue and tap off time.
Postponements of fixtures
3.66.
National League Fixtures may not be postponed due to players being required to attend
designated GB training weekends or competitions.
3.67.
In all other instances, postponement will only be allowed due to exceptionally inclement
weather. Any team who considers they have grounds for postponement must get permission
from the League Secretary.
3.68.
If the postponement is approved it will be the requesting club's responsibility to inform the
opposition and Referee Appointments Officer.
3.69.
Normally the requesting club must re-arrange the game within 28 days of the original date and
inform the Referee Appointments Officer and the League Secretary of the new date so that
game officials can be re-appointed.
3.70.
Clubs who postpone a game for any other reason will be responsible for all expenses, incurred
by the non-defaulting club. This will include court hire costs, referee expenses, and
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refreshment expenses if appropriate.
3.71.
In all National League and Cup games players must wear matching kit. This comprises of
matching coloured vests of a single dominant colour with a legal playing number (numbers 0,
00 and 1 to 99). All players must wear tracksuit bottoms, trousers or shorts of a uniform
colour. Players wearing jeans will not be allowed to play. Undershirts may be worn provided
they are the same dominant colour as the playing strip. By IWBF rule, Compression sleeves if
worn should be the same dominant colour as the playing shirt. In the National League, for the
2015/16 season, compression sleeves can be any colour providing that they do not clash with
the dominant colour of the opposition shirt.
3.72.
Playing clubs must provide the following equipment for all games;
(a) An official score book. In the Premier Division the scorebook must be the current
international version.
(b) A scoreboard comprising of a count down resetable game timing device, team score, the
number of time outs taken and team fouls committed as a minimum. The scoreboard
must be of a size easily visible to both coaches, preferably on opposite side to the team
bench areas.
(c) 24 second device and displays (Obligatory in Premier Division and recommended for 1st
Division). Optional in all other divisions.
(d) Player foul markers numbered one to five.
(e) Team foul markers.
(f) Alternate possession arrow.
(g) The home club must provide a BWB/EBA qualified Table Official to carry out each
function of Scorekeeper and Timekeeper, and if necessary it is recommended a separate
qualified additional 24 second clock operator.
(h) Premier Division clubs must have a statistician at all their home games (laptop computer
provided by BWB to each club) and provide game statistics to the BWB Office for
publication together with the scoresheet. Game statistics should also be provided to
opponents.
(Note: Teams promoted to the Premier Division for the first time are given one season to
comply with this rule).
3.73.
The home club shall provide refreshments for the visiting team and officials commensurate
with the distanced travelled. If both clubs agree mutually beforehand to waive this rule, this
will be permitted. However, if this is the case, the home team must still provide refreshments
for the officials or notify them beforehand that refreshments will not be available. In which
case, each official shall be paid an additional £7.50 allowance on top of game fee and travel
costs.
Results
3.74.
Results must be emailed or sent by text to the BWB Office by midnight Sunday of the
weekend the game takes place. Results can sent by text to the League Secretary by 10pm of
the Sunday of the weekend the game takes place.
3.75.
The “white” Organisers copy of the score sheet must be received by the BWB Office within
seven days of the fixture. The scoresheet can be either posted or scanned and emailed to the
BWB Office. If the scoresheet is emailed, then the away team must be copied into the email to
verify no changes have been made to the scoresheet.
3.76.
General Penalties and Fines relating to fixtures are as follows:
(a) Clubs who have a team who fail to play in the Premier Division designated end of season
tournament - £250 Fine and any further sanctions imposed by the League Subcommittee.
(b) Clubs who have a team qualified to play in the Championship Finals but who fail to attend
- £250 fine and any further sanctions imposed by the League Sub-committee.
(c) A club who plays a woman player in a league fixture on a designated Women’s League
weekend without permitted approval - £100 fine 2 point deduction per game in which the
player played, plus forfeiture of game 0 - 20 unless game won by opponent, in which
case game score will stand.
(d) Clubs who are unable to field a team for a scheduled game for any reason other than
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(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
exceptional inclement weather will be subject to a maximum fine of £200 for the first
offence and zero league points awarded. For games due to be played away at Belfast
Knights this fine will be up to £1,000 depending on mitigating circumstances that will be
considered by the league Sub-committee. Any club who is unable to field a team for a
scheduled game on a second occasion will be excluded from the league and fined up to a
maximum of a further £200, unless exceptional circumstances are accepted by the
Executive Committee.
Failure of home team to provide the BWB designated game ball for the competition £100 fine per game.
Players wearing illegal number or kit will incur a £10 fine per player per occasion.
Failure to provide table equipment as listed, up to £10 per item per game.
Failure to provide qualified Table Official, up to a maximum of £50 per official.
Failure to provide a statistician at a Premier Division home game, up to a maximum of
£200.
Failure to provide refreshments for visiting team/referees will result in a fine up to a
maximum of £100 fine per occasion, unless other arrangement agreed between clubs.
Failure to email or text the game score through to the BWB Office by midnight Sunday
(League Secretary by 10pm) of the weekend the game takes place - £10 fine.
Failure to return “organisers” white copy of score sheet within 7 days of game - £10 fine.
Failure of home team to provide official score book at game - Up to a maximum of £25
fine and forfeiture of game if unable to be played.
Clubs failing to pay outstanding fines will not be allowed to enter the league. Any players
registered with this club will not be allowed to transfer to a new club until either their
existing club has paid the fine in full or, if the club has disbanded, each registered player
with this club pay an equal share of the fine.
Teams who fail to complete all their league games in a season, or who have been
excluded from the league the previous season, will only be permitted to enter the league
the following season on payment of a £500 surety Fee. This fee will be held by the BWB
office until the completion of the season. If the club/team completes all its fixtures in this
season, the surety fee will be returned in full.
Clubs with two or more teams who wish to withdraw a team from the league once the
season has commenced due to a shortage of players, will only be permitted to withdraw
their team in the lowest division. Fine for withdrawing a team once the season has
commenced - £750.
Officials
3.77.
Referees. Normally, in all official games two qualified referees will be appointed by the BWB
Referee Appointment's Officer.
3.78.
There is no requirement for clubs to contact referees prior to each fixture. If referees fail to turn
up at a game, the BWB Referee Appointment's Officer and League Secretary should be
notified immediately. If unable to contact either from the venue, please cancel the game and
make contact by telephone or email or text both as soon as possible.
3.79.
In 2nd, 3rd and 4th Divisions two referees may not always be appointed, depending on
availability.
3.80.
Referees will be appointed for all National League games by the BWB Referee Appointment's
Officer. If teams are allowed to postpone a game then the home team is responsible for
informing the BWB Referee Appointments Officer and the League Secretary immediately.
Failure to do so will result in the home club being responsible for all expenses incurred by the
officials, including the appropriate game fee.
3.81.
Payment of officials. The home team is responsible for paying the game fee and full travel
costs of each referee on the day of the game. When two referees travel in the same vehicle to
a game, only the driver can claim travel expenses. If officials incur car parking fees, these
shall be paid in addition to the travel costs. All fees and travel expenses will be set by the
League Sub-committee for the season, and will be reviewed annually. Penalty: £50 fine if
officials are not paid on the day of the game.
3.82.
Game fees. Season 2015/2016 Referees; Premier Division and Division One £35, League
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Division Two £25 and National League Division Three £20. When only one referee officiates
at a game, they additionally receive 50% of the second referee's fee.
3.83.
Travel expenses are paid at £0.30 per mile for all miles of actual travel up to a maximum of
100 miles. £0.25 per mile for all additional miles.
3.84.
4th Division - If games are organised on a central venue basis, a flat tournament fee, plus
travel expenses, will be set by and will be paid to each game official appointed. If games are
arranged on a home and away basis, referees fees and travel will paid at the same level as
Division 3 games.
3.85.
Table Officials - Recommended rates for 2015/2016 season:





Level 1 table official £6 / game
Level 2 table official £8 / game
Level 3 table official £12 / game
Approved 24 second operator £8 / game (if not included in above)
Young official £4 / game
Travel Expenses must be agreed prior to acceptance of the appointment for table officials and
paid at the discretion of the club.
Protests
3.86.
If a team believes its interests have been adversely affected by a decision of a game official,
or any event whatsoever that took place during a game, it must proceed in the following
manner;
3.87.
At the moment the incident takes place, the next time the ball becomes dead and the game
clock is stopped, the captain of the team shall make their observations to the referee in a calm
and courteous manner. The referee may explain the decision, or if necessary may examine
the score sheet and check the score and playing time. If the interruption exceeds 30 seconds,
it shall be charged as a time out to the team in question, unless the referee decides otherwise.
3.88.
In all Official fixtures, at the end of a game if a team considers that it has suffered
unreasonable harm by virtue of any occurrence concerned with the game, with the exception
of decisions made by the game officials, the captain of the team may sign the score sheet
“under protest”. This must be done within ten minutes of the end of the game. The referee
shall ensure that he does not close the score sheet by signing it until the ten-minute period
has elapsed. All game officials, and table officials, should remain at the disposal of the referee
until he has signed the score sheet. If a team signs “under protest” it must adopt the following
procedure to ensure that the protest is valid.
3.89.
A written report must be received by the League Secretary within seven days of the game and
include the fee of £50 (refundable if protest is upheld).
3.90.
All officials must send a report to the League Secretary within seven days of the game.
3.91.
The written reports should be factual. The matter will be judged by the Disciplinary Subcommittee. (See following section).
Appeals
3.92.
On any decision made by the League Secretary or Disciplinary Sub-committee; this must be
made to the League Secretary within seven days of notification of the decision. The appeal
fee is £150 (returnable if upheld). This sum comprises £50 fee, plus £100 to cover the travel
expenses of the Jury D'appel. Should the total for travel be less than £100 then the difference
will be refunded. The appeal must be written and will be judged by an independent panel
(minimum of 3 persons) considered qualified to adjudicate who will be appointed by the
Executive Committee. The result is final, and shall be notified to the appellant within seven
days by the League Secretary.
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Disqualifying Foul
(this does not include players disqualified for 2 technical or unsportsmanlike fouls).
3.93.
Any licensed player, coach, assistant coach or team staff member disqualified from a game,
as a result of a disqualifying foul, shall be subject to an automatic 1 game suspension. This
ban will commence 14 days after the date of disqualification, permitting any appeal to be
lodged within seven days of the disqualification. The ban to be served during the first game
their team plays after this date. If the team has two games on the same weekend, the
suspension must be served in the first game.
3.94.
Any player disqualified who plays for a club with multiple teams must serve the suspension for
the team they normally plays in or is a nominated player of. On the weekend of the suspension
the player is not permitted to play in any of the other club games, unless the team for which
they served the ban is playing two games on the same weekend.
3.95.
In clubs with multiple teams any coach, assistant coach or team staff member disqualified
must serve the suspension for the team they were coaching/attending at the time of the
disqualification. On the weekend of the suspension, the coach, assistant coach or team staff
member is not permitted to attend in any official capacity any of the other club games. If the
team the coach, assistant coach or team staff member was coaching/attended at the time of
their disqualification has two games on the same weekend, the suspension must be served in
the first game.
3.96.
A second disqualification in the same season will carry an automatic 3 game ban. This ban
will commence 14 days after the date of disqualification, permitting any appeal to be lodged
within seven days of the disqualification. The ban to be served during the next three games
their team plays after this date. If the team has two games on the same weekend, each game
shall count as a one game suspension.
3.97.
Any player disqualified who plays for a club with multiple teams must serve the suspension for
the team he/she normally plays in or is a nominated player of. On the weekends of the
suspension the player is not permitted to play in any of the other club games. If the team in
which the player normally plays has two games on the same weekend, each game shall count
as a one game suspension.
3.98.
A coach, assistant coach or team staff member disqualified must serve the suspension for the
team he/she was coaching/attending at the time of the disqualification. On the weekends the
suspension is served, the coach, assistant coach or team staff member is not permitted to
attend in any official capacity any of the other club games. If the team the coach, assistant
coach or team staff was coaching/attending at the time of their disqualification has two games
on a same weekend, each game shall count as a one game suspension.
3.99.
Any unserved ban from a previous season shall be carried forward to the following season.
3.100. All reports from game officials regarding disqualifying fouls will be reported to the disciplinary
committee. The disciplinary committee has the jurisdiction to impose additional penalties if
considered necessary.
4.
LEAGUE FEES
4.1.
The following fees become payable to the BWB Office (League Administrator) by the due date
each year: Registration per club for National league .............................................................. £100.00
This fee includes registration and is inclusive of £5 million Public Liability
Insurance cover for the club.
Additional National League teams per club .............................................................. £50.00
Women’s League Club entry (per team)................................................................... £25.00
Junior League Club entry (per team) ........................................................................ £25.00
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4.2.
The following fees become payable to the BWB Office (League Administrator) by the due date
each year; Affiliation to the Association - National League & Associate Members: Senior Player ............................................................................................................ £30.00
Junior Player in National League .............................................................................. £15.00
(under 19 at midnight on 31st December each season).
Additional fees for Women’s League
Senior Female Player …… ........................................................ ……………………..£30.00
Junior Female Player ................................................................. ……………………..£15.00
Junior League
Junior Player already registered in National League …………………..…additional £15.00
Junior Player not registered in National League ………………………………………£15.00
The above fees include limited personal insurance cover for each playing member. All players
in employment are recommended to increase the limited insurance cover provided in the
above fee to a level which equals their current weekly salary. Further details are available
from the League Administrator.
Non playing BWB qualified Coach or Assistant Coach……………………………….£30.00
Registered player who is also seeking registration as a Coach / Assistant Coach ...Free
The above fee includes personal indemnity cover for the qualified Coach or Assistant Coach.
General Membership of Association
4.3.
This membership entitles the member to voting rights at the AGM and is covered by BWB’s
public liability insurance.
Individual Membership of the Association ................................................................ £30.00
Associate Membership is available to all non-league clubs, organisations,
schools etc. The fee includes registration and is inclusive of £5 million Public
Liability Insurance cover for the club.
4.4.
These groups have no voting rights at the Annual General Meeting of the Association: Associate Club Membership ..................................................................................... £75.00
Individual Membership if member of Associate Club ............................................... N/C
5.
General
5.1.
All matters not covered by these National Rules, or the Association’s Constitution, or the
IWBF/FIBA rules and comments shall be determined by the Executive Committee of the
Association.
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ADDENDUM TO NATIONAL LEAGUE RULES
A.
To play wheelchair basketball in accordance with the rules, players are required to play in a
sitting position. In the IWBF rules, sitting is not clearly defined and is therefore open to
misinterpretation. The BWB has therefore decided to implement its own definition of sitting
which players will have to comply with in all sanctioned events in Great Britain.
Definition of sitting
B.
Sitting should be defined as weight bearing on one's buttocks and having one's knees and
pelvis bent in such a way that brings one's knees towards one's chest and one's heels towards
one's trunk. Normally, these angles will be close to 90 degrees.
C.
A player who wishes to sit in a straight leg position will be permitted to do so only on medical
grounds by Classification. Short seating arrangements that raise the player into an upright
position will only be allowed only on medical grounds corroborated by a qualified medical
practitioner and should be consistent with the normal approved sitting height by extending the
length of the wheelchair. Normally, the length of the cushion will finish close to the back of the
knees.
D.
Player's granted dispensation to have a straight leg position are not allowed to play in a
wheelchair that allows them to alter their leg/pelvis position i.e. the height and positioning of
the footrest must be fixed and there should be only one possible place to position the feet with
no possibilities of changing/straightening the pelvis or knee angle.
E.
Players unable to comply fully with the above definition may, at the discretion of the Executive
Committee/Technical Committee, be awarded a Special Licence allowing them to play in the
3rd and 4th Divisions only.
BWB Classification Rules
F.
The BWB uses the IWBF functional classification system.
G.
All clubs and players should have some knowledge of the classification system and all new
players should register with their points prepared by the club. This is accepted by the
Association and ratified by classification officials as soon as possible.
H.
If a club is found to be consistently abusing the system by under-classifying players then the
privilege will be removed and no new players will be eligible to play until seen by a
classification official.
I.
All clubs must have a nominated classifier who has attended a BWB national classification
course. This classifier does not have to be a member of the club, but must be responsible for
classifying all new players the club wishes to register.
J.
A fee of £20 is to accompany a protest in writing to the Classification Co-ordinator. The letter
should state why the protest has been made, and propose a classification for the player.
Reasons given should refer to the IWBF handbook for classification and be specific. Two
classification officials will normally view the player in a game at the earliest opportunity. The
protesting club is responsible for the travel expenses of the classifiers. £15 will be returned to
the club if the protest is upheld.
K.
If the protesting club is still not satisfied, for a further £100 fee they can appeal to the
Classification Co-ordinator, who will set up a "jury d'appel" consisting of the most experienced
classification officers available. Again the protesting club is responsible for the travel
expenses of the officers. If this jury uphold the appeal £115 will be returned to the club.
L.
Any player, classified only by their club, can have their classification changed at any time, with
the agreement of 2 classification officials. Any new player registering as 4.0 or 4.5 must
submit evidence of permanent lower limb disability. Any player who at time of registration is
unable to provide indisputable evidence of a lower limb disability i.e. lower limb amputation,
will be classified as a 5.0 player until such time as their classification can be ratified by an
15
authorised classification officer. Players who have had their classification confirmed can only
be re-classified by protest.
M.
Any player seeking classification as a Minimal Disability player will be classified as an able
bodied player (5.0) until such time as a permanent physical disability can be objectively
verified by acknowledged medical and/or paramedical investigations such as measurement, xray, CT, MRI, etc. All costs for obtaining this evidence must be met by the player or his club.
A fee of £50 is payable at time of application, £30 of which will be returned if the application is
approved.
N.
If a player is intending to seek international status as a Minimal Disability player, the objective
verification must be carried out by the President of the IWBF Classification Commission.
Supporting medical and/or paramedical evidence must be provided, together with the
appropriate IWBF fee. Please note that this procedure can take up to 6 months.
O.
Clubs and players need to be actively involved in classification and at least one person in each
club should have a sound understanding of the classification system. Each club should have
a copy of the IWBF handbook. Classification officials are available for clarification and help.
Each club is well-advised to send a member on classification courses run by BWB.
Classification Officers
IWBF World
Kenny Mackay
(Classification Co-ordinator)
Malcolm Tarkenter
Victoria Kingstone
Sue Peel
IWBF Zone
Charlie Bethel
Steve Spilka
Ian Brown
Brett Nagata
The IWBF now has a DVD available explaining fully about player classification. Copies of the video
are available from the BWB Office at £10 plus p & p.
16