Pend Oreille Sports Association (POSA)

Pines Basketball

Laws of the Game

Purpose and Values

POSA Pines Basketball is built on the belief that youth sports should be a positive, safe, and character-building experience for every child. These Laws of the Game exist to protect that experience, ensure fairness, and create an environment where players can learn, grow, and enjoy the game of basketball.

Everyone involved, players, coaches, referees, and spectators, shares responsibility for upholding these values. The following laws outline expectations that help us do that together.

Objective

The objective of POSA Youth Basketball is to instill in the boys and girls of the community the ideals of good sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, loyalty, work ethic, courage, and friendly competition while learning the game of basketball.

The objective will be achieved by providing supervised basketball games, practices, and drill sessions. The supervisor shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skills or the winning of games is secondary to the building of character in children.

Coaches

Coaches serve as leaders, mentors, and role models for our players.

Each team shall consist of a head coach, an assistant coach, and a team manager.

All POSA coaches must be approved.

All coaches are considered “at will” volunteers whose relationship with POSA is reviewed and renewed each year.

A. Examples of reasons for the removal of any coach in any league are:

1. Unacceptable or inappropriate language or gestures used (i.e. use of profane words or phrases)
2. To insult or belittle players, referees, or spectators
3. Unsportsmanlike conduct which sets a bad example for players and spectators
4. Any physical contact or force used against a player, referee, or spectator
5. Not following the POSA mission statement or objective of the program

B. Depending on the severity of the violation, a coach may receive a warning first. The determination of the warning or immediate expulsion shall be decided solely by a vote of the Board.

Law 3 – Referees

Referees ensure fair play, safety, and consistency across all games.

All games under the jurisdiction of this Association shall be played under the rules of the combined league made up of POSA, PRYS, Cusick, and Selkirk.

• The official referee shall be the sole judge on the court, and his or her decision shall be final. No protests based on referee decisions shall be allowed. Any complaints about an official referee shall be directed to the Basketball Commissioner or Board of Directors.
• The referee (and or any Board member) may remove a spectator from a game location for reasons of abusive or unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Referees shall report in writing to the Executive Board any cases of misconduct and or foul and abusive language.

Law 4 – Rosters

Teams should have a maximum of 10 players and no less than 5 players.

Playing Time

Development and participation matter more than wins and losses.

• Playing time, not wins and losses, for all players, should be at the forefront of all coaching decisions.
• All players should receive fair playing time, as equal as possible with the other players on their team.

Players

The official player eligibility rules are as noted below. Exceptions to these rules may be made by the Basketball Commissioner with the approval of the Board of Directors.

1. The player must participate in the division designated for their grade level and or gender.
2. If a player has been placed in a lower grade division than their age calls for, all teams must be made aware of the situation.

Players may not participate in any game when the following items are present:

1. A hard cast on any part of their body
2. Earrings
3. Bracelets
4. Necklaces
5. Non-sneaker footwear

Law 5 – Game Structure

1st and 2nd Grade

Each game should have at least one official referee present.

Coaches are allowed to help the referee, but only the official referee can call fouls, jump balls, etc.

• There will be a running clock for 20-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime. The clock will be stopped for free throws, injuries, and timeouts.
• Each team will be allowed four timeouts per half at 30 seconds each. If a coach is taking too much time talking to their team, the referee will count it as a timeout.
• Only man-to-man defense is allowed during games.
• Players will move up two hash marks when shooting free throws.
• Referees will give only two warnings for traveling and double dribbles before calling the infraction.
• All players should have equal playing time.

3rd and 4th Grade

• Games will have two preset referees.
• There will be a stoppable clock with 20-minute halves and a 5-minute halftime.
• Each team will be allowed two 30-second timeouts and one 1-minute timeout per half.
• Man-to-man or zone defense may be played. Coaches are allowed to discuss before the start of the game.
• There will be no pressing until after the half-court line. If teams do not get back, referees will stop the game to enforce the rule.
• Referees will call over and back.
• Players will receive one warning for failing to inbound the ball within 5 seconds before a turnover is called.
• Players will receive one warning for failing to reach half-court within 10 seconds before a turnover is called.
• Players will receive two warnings for 3 seconds in the key before it is called.
• Players shooting free throws will move up one hash mark.
• All players will receive equal playing time.

5th and 6th Grade

• Games will have two preset referees.
• There will be a running clock with 20-minute halves and a 5-minute halftime.
• Each team will be allowed two 30-second timeouts and one 1-minute timeout per half.
• Man-to-man or zone defense is allowed and is a coach’s decision.
• A full-court press is allowed unless a team is 15 points ahead. If a team is 15 points ahead, play will revert to a half-court press.

Referees will call the following infractions:

• 3 seconds in the key
• Over and back
• 5 seconds to inbound the ball
• 10 seconds to reach half-court

Law 6 – Players, Coaches, and Spectators

Everyone plays a role in creating a safe and positive environment.

• Players not on the court must remain seated on the sideline.
• All substitutes must be waved onto the court by the referee.
• Any unsporting behavior will result in removal from the game and possible expulsion from the league depending on the offense.
• No player shall be allowed to participate in any practice or game with an injury or known medical condition that could be worsened by participation.
• For injuries such as concussions or broken bones, a doctor’s note clearing the player to participate must be submitted.
• Spectators are not permitted on the team sideline during games. Coaches, bench personnel, and team members are restricted to the team area.
• No alcoholic beverages are allowed at any games. Any individual found with an alcoholic beverage will be removed from the facility immediately and banned from all remaining games in the season.

POSA and the other associations within our league maintain a zero-tolerance policy. The referees on the court have the final and only call in the game. Once a call is made, it stands and will not be changed for any reason, even if made incorrectly. Under this policy, any player, coach, or spectator who violates the POSA mission statement and objective through negative comments toward players, coaches, referees, or spectators will be immediately removed from the facility and may be banned from future games depending on the seriousness of the infraction.

Good judgment, sportsmanship, and fair play should govern the decisions and actions of all commissioners, coaches, referees, and spectators.

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