Substitutions – Games will consist of two twenty-minute halves with a five-minute half-time. The clock will only stop for times outs and foul shots. Subbing will occur at five (5) minute intervals during each half. The score keeper will let coaches know when it is time to sub. Coaches must have their subs ready to enter or re-enter the game before the stoppage. The subs should know the positions they will play and the players they will replace before the buzzer sounds. There will be a ten second warning and the ref will start the game – ready or not. The most important philosophy of the MLGBA is that everyone gets equal playing time. If you have less than ten players, you must rotate your players so that they all play the same amount of time. Everyone plays the same number of rotations—plan accordingly.
Defense and Pressing – no defense in the backcourt at any time. For teams playing player-to-player defense, allow a few additional seconds in early games for players to match-up. Coaches may not step on the court to match-up players. The offense must get the ball over half court within ten seconds. In the last two minutes of a game only, a team may have one player pressing in the backcourt. There is no double-teaming or trapping allowed except if a player has the ball under the basket and the defense collapses on her.
Scoring and Standings – Make sure that players’ last names are listed in the book at the start of each game. Scoring and standings will be kept. If there is a three-point line, three point shots will count, called by the ref. Playoff positions will be determined by the commissioners.
Fouls – Players will be disqualified on the fifth foul. One and one on the seventh team foul (including technicals) per half. Two shots on the tenth foul. If a player has 4 fouls in the first half her coach may sub for her with a player of lesser ability. The partial rotation will not count for the replacement player. The player must play her regular rotation in the second half. It’s a technical foul if you do not write your players' last names and numbers in the scorebook prior to the game. Any player or coach receiving a technical foul for conduct will not be allowed to play (coach) until the situation is discussed with a commissioner.
Lane Violations – four (4) seconds
Overtime – When time permits, play a three-minute overtime followed by a two-minute, sudden-victory overtime. Begin each overtime with a jump ball. No time-outs are permitted during the overtime; the clock stops only for foul shots. No subbing is necessary in the overtime; you may play whomever you like. If tied after the two overtime periods, the game is declared a tie, although in the year-ending tournament, there can be no ties—keep playing sudden victory until one team wins.
Uniforms – League shorts and shirts only. Shirttails must be tucked in. No Uniform = No Play. It is a technical foul to wear jewelry of any kind. Make sure your players remove all jewelry.
Time Outs – Four (4), one-minute time outs per game at anytime, except overtime.
Game/Practice Cancellations – All games are on unless otherwise stated on the League Hotline at (610) 617-9999 and/or a coaches'phone chain. Practices are canceled if the Lower Merion schools are closed that day for whatever reason.
Officials – The referees will make mistakes. Officiating mistakes
happen at every level of basketball. Remember that the teams are made up of
our daughters who are playing to learn the game and to have fun. This is not
the NCAA or the WNBA. Please exercise good judgment during the game if the ref
makes a questionable call. Set a good example for your daughter(s) and accept
each call graciously. The game will go on, the ref will leave the gym with his
or her ego intact and your daughter(s) will have had a good day. No critical
comments to the ref; we all make mistakes. There is Zero Tolerance on this
issue.
There may be a situation where a coach feels the safety of his/her players is
at risk. In this situation, the two head coaches and the ref should conference
at half time to decide how best to control aggressive play. This is a matter
of communication, respect and cooperation, not a time for accusation and argument.
Solve the problem and play the game. Report concerns regarding rough play or
weak officiating to the commissioners.
Gyms – Respect each facility or we may not be invited back. Food and drink are not permitted, except sealed water bottles for the players. Don't bring your coffee into the early morning games and tell parents to do the same, if you see it. Siblings and guests must sit and watch and no playing, roaming or jumping on equipment. No pets and please clean up before leaving and take all of your team's belongings. The last teams to play at the gym on either practice nights or game days should police the gym before leaving.
Absences – Coaches should be called at least 48 hours (or ASAP) if players cannot make either games or practices. A coach must be present as long as there are players present. If you cannot make a practice, make sure someone is covering for you or you cancel it.
Practices – Make sure the girls are as active as possible throughout the practice. If your gym is unavailable for any reason and you would like a different practice site, call Diane DiBonaventuro to arrange for an alternative.
Ensuring fun for all – The purpose of organizing teams by a draft
is to create teams that will be equally competitive. Sometimes, we fail. In
any case, it is the coach's duty in the MLGBA to see to it that, win or lose,
each girl has a positive experience during the season. Learning to lose –
although not a goal – is as important as learning to win. Remember, if
your team is up by 8 points or more, you must take measures to see to it that
you keep the score relatively close. No one should win by large margins (more
than 10). That means, if you are up by a lot:
a) there should be no fast breaks,
b) players should take four passes before shooting the ball,
c) no stealing,
d) have the strong players feed the weak players,
e) sit your stars down or rein them in, and
f) the defense should be pulled back to the lane.
If you encounter a problem with coaches, players, or fans that is not easily resolved, contact a commissioner.