Dear Coaches in the 7th/8th Division,
Playoff plans are developing and we just want to give you a "heads-up"
as to what to expect.
• All regular season rules apply to the playoffs.
• The first round of the playoffs will be on Saturday 3/16 with one game
on Sunday 3/17.
• The first and second seeded teams will have byes.
• The draws will be available by Monday evening 3/11.
• The quarter-final games will be on Sunday 3/17 and Monday 3/18.
• The semi-finals are on Wednesday 3/20, and the finals are on Thursday
3/21.
• The schedule is still tentative, however, as we are waiting for confirmation
on the gyms.
• There will be NO PRACTICES the week of 3/18.
As the playoffs approach, we must remember to keep things in perspective.
This is a development league. The goal of this league is for all the girls
to learn basketball and to have fun. We all like to win, but breaking the
rules to win a game is not being competitive, it is cheating. If you are not
comfortable with this philosophy, you are welcome to find an organization
with a different philosophy. It seems we are still having some problems with
subbing. It is unacceptable for coaches to still need 45 seconds to sub their
players. More importantly, it is unacceptable to not know exactly how many
rotations each player has had. Each coach must have a written method for keeping
track. We are considering having each coach hand in their sub rotations at
the end of each game. This really shouldn't be necessary, but it is.
Rule one - Every girl plays an even amount.
There are 40 possible rotations.
10 players = 4 rotations each - no exceptions
9 players = 5 players with 4 rotations, 4 players with 5
(no one with more than 5, no one with fewer than 4)
8 players = 5 rotations each
7 players = 5 players with 6 rotations, 2 with 5
6 players = 4 players with 7 rotations, 2 with 6
5 players = 5 players with 8 rotations
Rule two - Subs should be done relatively quickly.
The ref will issue a warning and then you run the risk of the ball being put
in
play without your team on the court.
Rule three - if, for any reason, a player has to come out during her shift
(fouled out, injury) she may only be substituted for by a
player of equal or lesser ability.
Unless it is almost a full shift, it does not count for the player filling-in.
Regarding the refs-remember coaches that you are coaching the game, not reffing
it. If you wish to ref, then contact Rich Lawson for
assignment to a game. Otherwise, keep your reffing comments to yourself. The
more the coaches ref the game, the harder it is for
the ref to do it well. An occasional "Three-seconds" or "She's
reaching" is one thing. Constantly harping on the ref is something
else.
Enjoy the rest of the season, and good luck.
The Commissioners of the 7/8 Division