*  There are no refunds one the season has started.  

* Teams will be drafted by captains.  There will be 6 players per team.  If a person is hurt and out for the season, a replacement player can be added to the roster by the captain that is comparable in ability and playing style.

* If you are unable to make it to a game during the regular season, you should let your team captain know in advance.  The team captain can choose whether or not he will find a replacement player for that game.  The replacement player must be a player from another team in the league and of comparable playing ability and playing style (a guard shouldn't be subbing for a center).  The opposing team should be notified of the replacement player and if the ability of the replacement player appears to be substantially better than the missing player, the Commish will rule on whether or not the replacement player is allowed to play.

* During the playoffs, a replacement player from another team can be picked up as well using the same guidelines.

*  Games will start 3 - 5 minutes after the previous game.  I recommend being at your game early as we may start early if the courts are available.  

* We play two 22 minute halves with a running clock. The clock will only stop in the first half (besides timeouts) in the last ten seconds if there is a dead ball (not on made baskets). The clock will stop in the second half for dead balls and on made baskets in the last two minutes of the game unless the lead is 10 points or more (clock stops if lead is 9 points or less).

 * Mercy rule at 2 minutes and lead is 15 points or more.

* The halftime will be 3 minutes long or less. It may be shortened if we fall behind schedule.

* Each team will be allowed 4 timeouts per game but only 3 can be taken in one half.  One additional timeout is awarded for each overtime period.  Timeouts are 30 seconds long.  Timeouts do NOT carry into overtime so only 1 timeout can be taken in an overtime period.

* The first overtime period is 2 minutes.  Each additional overtime period is 1 minute.

* Each player gets 6 fouls.  A technical foul assessed against a player will be counted as a personal foul.  The player that has reached their foul limit has fouled out of the game and can not continue to play.

* The player that gets the technical foul is REQUIRED to go out of the game for a minimum of 2 minutes (game time) from the time the ball is put back in play after the free throws.  

* If a player receives two technical fouls in one game, he will be ejected from that game and will not be allowed to play in the following game.  That team will not be able to add a replacement player.

* If a player is ejected from two games in the same season, he will not be able to play in the following two games.  If ejected three times in a season, you will not be able to play the rest of that season and possibly the next session.

* Technical fouls will award the other team two freethrows and the ball.

* Once a team has 7 fouls in a half, the other team will shoot a bonus freethrow.  If it's made, they will shoot a second freethrow.  There will be no double bonus once a team has 10 team fouls. 

* A player may foul the person with the ball intentionally in order to get them to shoot freethrows (as long as it's not a flagrant foul which is at the discretion of the refs).  Fouling a person intentionally with the intent to have the worse person on the floor shoot freethrows even though the ball is not by them will be a considered a flagrant personal foul.   The person who was fouled will get two shots and get the ball back.

*  A flagrant foul will be two shots and the ball.  If it's clear there was intent to harm the player with the foul, the refs can eject the player from the game.  If a player is ejected from a game, they will not be allowed to play in their next game (regular season or playoffs).  In addition, the player will potentially be suspended from the league.  The length of the suspension, which could include being banned from the league, will be discussed with the team captains, refs and the league commissioner.

* Anyone who initiates a fight will be kicked out of the league.

* No cursing is allowed.  The refs will give technical fouls if a person is heard clearly using profanity during a game at another person.  Keep your temper under control and remember it's only a game. The refs will be giving out technical fouls if the negative comments and complaints to them are getting carried away (even if you're not cussing). This league is competitive but it's a friendly league so players who are constantly bitching at other players and refs will be asked not to play in the next season.

* There are 6 players on a team and everyone paid to play in the league so regardless if you're able to play a whole game or not because you're in good shape, you do need to sit out each game for a little bit so everyone gets relatively equal playing time. 

*  You're expected to wear a jersey that has a number for your games.  If you aren't wearing a dark/white league jersey, you can wear another jersey but one side must be white and the other side dark.  No gray shirts will be allowed and no color except white will work for the non-dark jersey color.  After the 2nd week of the season, if you aren't wearing a jersey with a number on it, you will be assessed a technical foul.

*   As you know, basic stats are kept during the games.  Each week players from every team will be assigned to keep stats for the game before or after their game.  One person is responsible for the clock and the other person is responsible for keeping stats.  When keeping stats, be sure to use the running score option at the top of the page and double check the totals added up for each player with the overall score frequently.  Individual and team fouls need to be tracked.  You don't need to mark missed free throws or shot attempts.  Just put a 1 in the correct box (FG, 3 PT or FT).  If a player does play, it's important for you to put a line through their name so I know when entering stats whether or not a player played in that game.  Add up the points at halftime and at the end of the game.  Hopefully they add up to what you have on the scoreboard.  Everyone is expected to keep stats at least once during the season.  It's an important part of making this league what it is so don't shrug off this responsibility.  You will be assigned a time for you to keep stats during your bye week.   If you fail to show up or don't line up someone else to do the stats for you, you will have to sit out until the 15 minute mark of the first half in your next game AND you will be put on the stand-by list next session.  

* If the ball hits the top of the backboard and stays on the side of the rim, it's still in play.  If the ball goes over the backboard (even if it doesn't hit the top of the backboard), it's out of bounds.  If the ball hits the support beam it is out of bounds.

* On freethrows, you may enter the lane once the ball is released.  Freethrow shooter may not enter the lane until the ball hits the rim.  Players outside the 3 point line may NOT cross the 3 point line (even with the free throw line) until the ball hits the rim.

* If you play in less than half the games (unless it's by injury), then it is best if you did not play in the next session as there are other players wanting to play in the league that can make it to more than half the games. 

* Please throw away any empty bottles and wrappers that you bring to the gym.

*  The game results and stats will be entered normally by Friday night.  If you see an error, let me know.  Keep in mind that sometimes the stats don't add up to the final score so I may have to adjust a stat or two accordingly.

MOST IMPORTANT LEAGUE RULE THAT EVERYONE MUST FOLLOW

* Exercise good sportsmanship. We are playing basketball to have fun and relive the 'glory days.' Don't be getting in the face of other players and talking shit to them unless in a jokingly matter. Do not yell at the refs, teammates or other players on your team or opposing team. Do not commit any fouls that could potentially hurt the other player (during layups, end of the game, loose balls, etc.). In general, play a good, clean game and be respectful to others. If you aren't following this most important rule, you will be warned and then will not be allowed to play in the league again. If you want to play that type of basketball, sign up for a city league. I have no problem getting people to play in my league.