THE BOYÕS WESTERN BASKETBALL CONFERENCE
RULES AND BY–LAWS
(Last Modified October 25, 2011)
The league shall be known as the ÒWestern Basketball ConferenceÓ. The league shall consist of different levels of competition at grades 3 through high school.
1. The Board of Directors shall consist of four (4) league officers, a President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary.
2. Candidates shall be nominated and elected at the final meeting of the season to serve the following basketball season. Each member school shall be allotted one (1) vote each. A school shall not have more than one (1) representative serving on the board at any given time. Officers shall commence their duties at the elected meeting.
3. Officers shall serve no more than one year, but an officer may serve unlimited consecutive terms if elected and is willing to serve.
Membership shall consist of the following schools:
All Saints Hamilton, St. AlÕs on the Ohio, St. AlÕs Bridgetown, St. Antoninus, St. Bernard, St. Catharine, St. Dominic, Holy Family, St. Ignatius, St. James White Oak, St. John Harrison, St. Jude, St. Lawrence, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Martin, St. Teresa, Our Lady of Victory, Our Lady of Visitation, and St. William.
1. Any interested prospective schools will be considered for membership only after they have agreed in writing to abide by the rules and by-laws of the league.
2. Schools shall be accepted to be members only after 75% of member coordinators have voted to accept such member.
3. New schools will not be permitted to join the league after October 1st of the current basketball season.
1. Each member shall be from a league membership approved school.
2. Each member will be assessed an entry fee to cover league costs. Amount of the fee will be determined by a vote of the membership coordinators upon recommendation of the board of directors. All such fees shall be paid prior to the first scheduled league game. Failure to pay league fees or fines prior to playing league games shall result in forfeiture of all games until such fees or fines are paid.
3. Each member must field teams in the competitive levels of the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Each member may submit teams in the 3rd, 4th and high school levels. Any member may petition the league to only field teams at any competitive level. Failure to adhere to this rule may, after a special meeting, result in expulsion of the member and forfeiture of all games of all teams of the member.
4. Every memberÕs most competitive teams (Red or White division) shall consist of that memberÕs best players at any given grade level (with the exception of the 3rd and 4th grade level). If a member has no Red division teams but has a White division team, then these teams must fulfill these requirements. If a player is chosen to play on the most competitive level team and refuses to play, that player will not be able to play for any other member team. All players the member deems not qualified to play at the most competitive level may make up teams in the remaining levels of competition.
5. Member schools shall have a representative, preferably the schools boyÕs basketball coordinator, at each meeting. If any given schoolÕs representative misses more than two meetings in a year, league sanctions by the WBC board are possible.
6. Each member must provide 5 hours of gym time per team per season to play games. Each school must provide one additional hour for any post-season league sanctioned tournament. Failure to provide such time shall result in elimination of team or teams from play. Any exceptions to this rule have to be approved by the Board of Directors.
7. Member representatives are responsible for won and loss records of all teams representing their schools, including all records on the league internet website.
8. It is the responsibility of each memberÕs representative to report all league business to all their coaches.
9. Members are responsible for crowd control at their respective gyms. All problems with players, player parents, fans or referees shall be reported immediately to the league board of directors
1. All schools considered for league sanctions will not be permitted a vote when the league is voting on such sanctions against said member.
2. Any disciplinary action taken by the league shall be approved only by 66% of the league membership.
3. To be expelled from the league a team or member shall be expelled only by a 75% majority of league members.
1. Each league member shall be allotted one (1) vote when voting on league matters. Any authorized representative of the member school shall cast this vote. Each member has a right to abstain from voting.
2. There must be a quorum of the members present to vote on any issue, motion, or rule addition, deletion or change.
3. Issues or motions shall be approved only by a majority of members voting.
4. Rule changes, additions or deletions shall be approved by 75% of the members present.
1. Boys shall be eligible to play in the league provided he qualifies under either one of the following two situations.
a. He attends the member school for which he will play. Or
b. He does not attend the member school but qualifies under either one of the following.
i. His parents or legal guardian must be a registered member of the parish and they must reside in the parish boundaries. Or
ii. His parents or legal guardian reside outside the parish boundaries but they previously resided within the parish boundaries or the player attended the parish school and was a member of the parish and his parents or legal guardian have maintained active membership in the parish.
Exceptions of the above qualifications may be made to league officers for any player who does not qualify under qualifications set forth in a. or b. above if the family can establish that they maintain active participation in parish activities, attend regular parish services, and contribute regularly to the parish church. Note: Registration alone does not establish the family as active members of the parish. The officers must submit the names of any player seeking an exception to the pastor of the church for acceptance on the roster. Parish boundaries are those boundaries around the parish church surrounding the area from which the parish normally draws its parishioners. The league officers shall determine the exact parish boundaries after consultation with the office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Any decision by league officers regarding eligibility of a player may be appealed to the league for majority vote at the next general meeting.
2. Qualifications to play at grade levels shall be as follows.
a. 3rd Grade: A player is eligible to play at the 3rd grade level provided he is in the 3rd grade or lower and he will not become 10 years of age before August 1st.
b. 4th Grade: A player is eligible to play at the 4th grade level provided he is in the 4th grade or lower and he will not become 11 years of age before August 1st.
c. 5th Grade: A player is eligible to play at the 5th grade level provided he is in the 5th grade or lower and he will not become 12 years of age before August 1st t.
d. 6th Grade: A player is eligible to play at the 6th grade level provided he is in the 6th grade or lower and he will not become 13 years of age before August 1st.
e. 7th Grade: A player is eligible to play at the 7th grade level provided he is in the 7th grade or lower and he will not become 14 years of age before August 1st.
f. 8th Grade: A player is eligible to play at the 8th grade level provided he is in the 8th grade or lower and he will not become 15 years of age before August 1st.
g. High School Intermediate: A player is eligible to play at the high school intermediate level provided he has not completed his sophomore year in high school and he will not become 17 years of age before August 15th. A player may not play for both his high school team or junior high school team and a WBC high school team. Any high school player who is on the final roster of his high school team, whether he plays any game for his high school team or not can not play for a WBC high school team. The names of all players found to be in violation of this rule shall be submitted to the appropriate state high school athletic association. This rule extends to all high school, junior high school, and middle school players from all states. The eligibility requirements for all high school players must follow the requirements outlined in Rule #1 of this section.
h. High School Upper: A player is eligible to play at the high school upper level provided he has not completed his senior year in high school and he will not become 19 years of age before August 15th. A player may not play for both his high school team or junior high school team and a WBC high school team. Any high school player who is on the final roster of his high school team, whether he plays any game for his high school team or not can not play for a WBC high school team. The names of all players found to be in violation of this rule shall be submitted to the appropriate state high school athletic association. This rule extends to all high school, junior high school, and middle school players from all states. The eligibility requirements for all high school players must follow the requirements outlined in Rule #1 of this section.
If a player is attending a special accelerated school, such as Latin school, and is not attending his parish school, he may play on the grade level team for which he would normally qualify if he were not in any accelerated program provided he meets the age requirement for that grade level.
3. A player can only play for one team in the league per season unless there is a change in the roster by January 1st. In the case of a mid season transfer the player may play for either school.
4. Any violation of the eligibility rules will result in the team forfeiting all the games in which the ineligible player participated.
1. A roster shall be submitted by the head coach of each team to their schoolÕs coordinator who must then file the roster to the board of directors before the beginning of the season. Each roster shall contain the following information: School Name, Grade Level, Players Name, Players Address, Players Telephone Number, Players Birth Date, Players School, Head Coaches Name, Head Coaches Address, Head Coaches Telephone Number and e-mail address (if available) as well as any assistant coachÕs names, addresses, and telephone numbers. The officers of the WBC reserve the right to deny all improper rosters.
2. Any changes in a roster must be submitted in writing (via e-mail when feasible) to the President of the league before a player becomes eligible. No additions to rosters will be accepted after January 1st.
3. Any violation of the roster rules will result in the team forfeiting all the games for which or no roster was on file with the league. Teams found to have incomplete, incorrect, or no roster on file with the league shall also be ineligible to play in the any post-season tournament.
The league shall be divided into competitive divisions. These divisions shall be designated as a Red, White, Blue, Black, Green, and Yellow divisions. Each division shall have at least six (6) teams per division.
All games shall be governed by Ohio High School Athletic Association rules with the following exceptions.
1. Game Duration: 4th grade games shall consist of 4 quarters of 5-minute duration stop and go. All other grade levels, including 3rd grade, shall consist of 4 quarters of 6-minute duration stop and go. Overtimes shall be 2 minutes for 3rd and 4th grades, 3 minutes for all other grade levels.
2. Time Outs: Each team shall be allowed 5 30-second time outs per game. One additional time out shall be granted per overtime period.
3. Continuous Playing Quarter: For grades 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th, each team is required to play each team member a continuous quarter provided the other team has equal or more players on their team. (Example: Team A has 9 players, Team B has 10 players. Team A must play all 9 players a continuous quarter while Team B must only play 9 players a continuous quarter.) A continuous quarter shall be a quarter in which the player starts the quarter and does not leave the game until the quarter has ended. It is the responsibility of each team to have a scorekeeper to determine playing times of each player participating. If a coach is accused of violating this rule, it is the responsibility of the memberÕs coordinator to determine if the coach is guilty. If the coach is found to be guilty, than the coach will be suspended for 2 consecutive games and loss of the game in violation.
4. The Continuous playing quarter rule as described above will NOT apply for the 7th and 8th grades. For the 7th and 8th grade, ALL players must make at least an appearance in each game.
5. No Pressure Defense: At the 3rd grade level no team shall be allowed to play defense outside the 3-point line. At the 3rd grade level during the last minute of the game the defensive team may extend the defense to the mid-court line. In cases where the 3-point line does not exist, the defense shall not play above the top of the circle with extended line from side line to side line. At the 4th grade level no team shall be allowed to play defense in the backcourt. Within the last minute of the game at the 3rd and 4th grade levels, the clock shall not start after a dead ball stoppage until the team has crossed the mid court line. If at either level a player enters the backcourt to play defense the referee shall issue a warning to the violating team. Upon second and subsequent violations, a technical foul shall be issued to the violating teams coach. There are no fast breaks allowed at the 3rd grade level, except for the last minute of the game.
6. No Pressure Defense for 5th grade Blue and Black Divisions. No pressure defense is allowed on a dead ball or after a made basket. If a player enters the backcourt to play defense, the referee shall issue a warning to the violating team. Upon second and subsequent violations, a technical foul shall be issued to the violating teams coach. Within the last minute of the game at the 5th grade Blue and Black levels, the clock shall not start after a dead ball clock stoppage until the team has crossed the mid court line.
7. A team may not score from any portion of the court where defense cannot be played.
8. No Running Up of Score: If any team gains a lead of 15 or more points at any time during the game, than that team shall not be allowed to full court press the opposing team. If the lead falls below the 15 point limit, the leading team will be allowed to resume full court pressure. This rule shall apply to all WBC games. In 4th grade teams where the leading team gains a lead of 15 or more points, the leading team shall not play defense beyond the top of the circle. Any violation of this rule may cause penalties imposed by the referees such as technical fouls and expulsion of the violating coach.
9. Referees: There shall be 2 referees at each game. It is recommended that the referees, team captains and coaches meet prior to the game to review specific rules of the gym.
10. Foul Lines: 3rd grade will shoot foul shots from the bottom of the lane circle (9 feet), grades 4th and 5th shall shoot foul shots from a foul line midway between the regulation foul line and the bottom of the lane circle (12 feet). They are also only allowed three players below the foul line on each side of the lane during a foul shot attempt. Grades 6th, 7th and 8th shall shoot foul shots from the regulation foul line (15 feet) and are allowed only three players below the foul line on each side of the lane.
11. Game Starting Times: Games shall start as closely to their designated starting time as possible. No game shall start prior to their designated time. Teams shall be given at least 5 minutes to warm up prior to a game.
12. Game Ball: The game referees shall determine the ball that will be used during the game. Home teams do not automatically supply the game ball.
1. Uniforms: Ohio High School Athletic Association rules shall govern numbering of uniforms. No uniform number shall include a number greater than 5. T-shirts or shorts worn under a uniform must match the uniforms color.
2. Basketballs: 3rd through 6th grade levels shall play with the intermediate size basketball, 28 ½ inches in circumference. All levels above 6th grade shall play with the regulation size basketball, 29 ¼ inches in circumference.
Games which have been postponed, moved or changed shall only be played after coordinating the game times and places with the designated league scheduler. Violation shall result in a loss for both teams involved.
Protests must be placed with the game referees and the opposing coach at the time of the alleged infraction. From that moment on the game will be deemed as being played under protest. The protest must then be submitted in writing to the league President and must be accompanied by a $75.00 protest fee. A protest board shall consist of 3 board members. No protest of a refereeÕs rules decision shall be considered. If the protest is granted, the $75.00 fee shall be returned to the protesting member.
1. Any coach, player, fan or cheerleader may be cited for unsportsman like conduct or conduct detrimental to the games integrity or detrimental to the players or fans by the referee, member coordinator or WBC board member. At the time of the alleged infraction the offender shall be asked to leave the playing facility. If the accused offender does not leave the facility the team he or she represents shall forfeit the game.
2. Coaches or players who are removed from a game for such conduct shall be suspended from that teamÕs next league game. Should a coach or player be removed from two games within a season, they shall be suspended for the rest of the season along with post-season games.
3. The use of vulgar or profane language or other obscene actions by coaches shall result in immediate removal from the playing facility.
4. The league board of directors shall have the power to suspend any coach or player for any period of time for excessive unsportsmanlike conduct. The boardÕs action can be subject to review by the entire membership at the next general meeting of the league after the action has been taken.
5. The WBC ÒCode of ConductÓ is attached as reference.
Individual player awards will be awarded to division winners at each grade level. Awards will be given to each school coordinator at the first league meeting after the conclusion of the season.
1. League team fees are as follows for the 2011-2012 season:
3rd grade $45
4th – 8th grades $135
High School $140
2. Referee fees for each referee for each game are as follows (Note – this fee schedule is in place for 2 years, for both the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons):
3rd grade $20
4th grade $22
5th – 8th grades $26
High School $27
1. The Western Basketball Conference shall conduct the Greater Cincinnati City Catholic Schools Tournament. The tournament will consist of all WBC teams at the 4th through 8th grade levels and selected greater Cincinnati CYO teams by invitation only. Divisions shall be divided into both large and small school divisions. Teams may only play in one WBC post season tournament.
2. The Western Basketball Conference will conduct a WBC high school team post season tournament divided into two divisions, a 9th/10th grade division and an 11th/12th grade division.
3. The winner of the 11th/12th grade division Red league and the post season tournament will each be eligible to participate and represent greater Cincinnati in the Ohio CYO state tournament. If any of the two champions choose not to advance to the CYO State tournament, the WBC Board of Directors reserve the right to choose who to alternatively send to the CYO State Tournament.
4. The Western Basketball Conference will conduct one WBC tournament for 5th through 8th grade level teams not in the city tournament. All WBC teams will qualify and be bracketed according to final season won-loss records.
5. All tournaments will be played under WBC rules and by laws.
6. All regular season rosters shall apply to all post season tournaments.
WBC Tournament Eligibility
Division Team Played In: Eligible to Play In Any One of The Following:
Red City Tournament (Large or Small School Division) Only
White City Tournament (Large or Small School Division) Only
Experimental for 2012 City Tournament: All WBC Large Schools who lose in the first round will be placed in a WBC Consolation Tournament. The seeding for this consolation tournament will be determined by the WBC Board of Directors.
Blue, Black, Green, Yellow WBC League Tournament (One Division) or
City Tournament (Large or Small School Division)
The WBC Board of Directors reserves the right to place teams in the most appropriate tournament based on the teamÕs record during the season.
The Western Basketball Conference was established to set up a basketball league for boys from West SideÕs Roman Catholic Grade Schools. Over the years it has expanded to allow every boy the opportunity to play organized basketball.
The league endeavors, through its member parishes, to teach the rules and fundamentals of basketball, the principles of good sportsmanship, the discipline of hard work, and to enjoy the importance of being a team member and working hard to accomplish a common goal.
The Western Basketball Conference expects its coordinators, coaches, players, parents, and fans to encourage good sportsmanship by giving positive support to teammates and coaches, by respecting decisions of contest officials, and respecting and honoring opposing players and coaches.
Coaches are expected to coach in an adult manner. Coaches are also expected to dress ÔappropriatelyÕ and school coordinators should help enforce this guideline. It is the coachesÕ example that will establish the mindset of their team. The players look to coaches to set that example. If a coach conducts himself/herself in a sportsmanlike manner they will do the same. On the other hand, if a coach is critical or unruly, the players will follow your lead. If the coach blatantly disregards the rules of the league, the coach is showing players by example. Since Christian behavior is an important part of what the league is trying to teach, un-sportsmanlike conduct by a coordinator, coach, player, parent, or fan cannot and will not be tolerated.
At all times parents are expected to show positive support for their children, the teammates of their children, the coaches, and the officials. Parents also must be respectful to opposing players and coaches. Parents need to keep athletics in the proper perspective of the athleteÕs growth and development.