Playoff Reminders for Coaches - 2022

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Please keep the following rules and policies in mind during playoffs.  We know most of our coaches are aware of these rules/policies, however there are new coaches and we also want to be proactive and remind everyone before it becomes an issue.

OVERTIME

• There will be 3 minute overtime in the playoffs. If the score is tied after regulation time, a 3-minute overtime period will be played. Each team will have one time-out to use in overtime. If the teams are still tied after one overtime period, a second overtime period will be added. Reminder, only one time out is permitted in all combined overtime periods as we have limited time to get games completed prior to the gym rental time expiring. Fair play does not apply in the last 3 minutes and overtime.

MERCY RULE

• Mercy rule still applies at 20 points.

FAIR PLAY

• Regular Season Fair Play rules continue in the Playoffs
• Please refer to the FAIRPLAY HANDOUT FOR RULES
• Fair Play cannot be ignored in close or important games
• All players on the bench must be substituted for each substitution *******
• Coaches must try to make the teams shift lengths as equal as possible *****
• Coaches may choose to play any player in the last 3 minutes of the game and overtime only as long as they have followed the Fair Play guidelines throughout the game.

SCORE and TIME KEEPING/BENCH PROTOCOL

• Coaches’ names must be on the score sheet and only coaches on the score sheet may be on the bench. If a coach is removed or ejected and there is not a second coach named and on the bench the team will default the game.
• Only one coach may be standing during the game. Only the Head coach may address referees.
• All players’ full names must be on the score sheet. Players cannot be added once the game has started. If players are coming late, or if you are not sure if they are coming, put them on the score sheet before the game.
• Referees have the autonomy to call the game the way they see fit. Please do not request Supervisors/Directors to talk to refs because they are not making certain calls (e.g. travelling, three in the key or fouls). Game directors will talk to referees if Night League rules are not being observed or if there is a safety issue. Directors cannot help you because you are not getting the game called the way you want. You may speak to a referee if you have questions but it should be done respectfully and calmly.
• Game Directors/Gym Supervisors do have the authority to stop a game and change a call or adjust the clock, but only if there has been a Night League Rule Violation! This is at the Game Director’s/Gym Supervisor’s discretion.
• There will be no confrontations between coaches.

STALLING RULE in Night League

As you are well aware, in Night League we do not have 30 second clocks. For most games, stalling is not an issue, but in close games it can come into play. Please review the following rules and keep them in mind, especially in the upcoming playoffs. Coaches must coach in “Good Faith”, and although it will be tempting to do what you can to win, stalling is not to be part of your strategy.

Stalling Rules in a close game (under 10 points):

• This rule applies for the first 25 minutes of the game and in the first 2 minutes of overtime. (games are 26 minutes long)
• Players should not be instructed by coaches to slow the play down and encouraged not to shoot the ball
• Teams can run their offense, but If they are open they should shoot the ball
• If your team or a player is stalling on their own, the coach should give instructions to his team to go to the hoop and shoot the ball
• If the Game Director feels a team is stalling, they may stop the game, reset the clock and instruct the offensive team to shoot the ball in a set amount of time. If the Offensive team does not shoot the ball in the allotted time, the game director may award the ball to the opposing team.

In the last minute of the game or last minute of over time:

• In the last minute of regular time or overtime, coaches may instruct their team to stall or not shoot the ball and run out the clock
• The defensive team should be instructed to steal the ball or foul the ball carrier. The defensive team can continue to foul until they are in bonus, thus forcing the offensive team to shoot free throws and giving you the opportunity to get the ball back.
• Remember to instruct or practice with your team not to foul “hard or intentionally” as this may result in an Intentional foul which is two shots and the ball.

Please email your parents and remind them to continue their good behavior while performing their assigned role during the playoffs. When a playoff game is on the line, parents and coaches must remain calm and let the kids have fun.

Good luck to all teams during the playoffs. When the game gets hot and the pressure is rising, remember an important reminder emphasized by Peter Songhurst (former Executive Director) over the years:

“It is only for a Ribbon!”