2024 Season Rules

GENERAL

SJ Eagles hosts sporting activities and offers great value to participating teams and spectators. For this reason, SJ Eagles has drawn rules and regulations which all participants must follow in the League. These rules and regulations are aimed at ensuring fair play as well as an organised League for all to enjoy. The league will run over a period of eighteen weeks from Saturday, 13 April 2024, to Sunday, 11 August 2024.

PARTICIPATION

A total of one hundred and eleven (111) teams across nine (9) divisions will be taking part.

Teams will be officially registered after full payment of registration fees and sending the proof of payment to sjeaglesbasketball@gmail.com. Registration fees are non-refundable.

A. ELIGIBILITY

Player eligibility will be monitored throughout the season and coaches and managers will be expected to provide documentation when needed.

Age eligibility per age will be as follows:

  1. Under 10 Mixed: The boy or girl should have been born in 2014 and after.
  2. Under 11 Mixed: The boy or girl should have been born in 2013 and after.
  3. Under 13 Boys: The boy should have been born in 2011 and after.
  4. Under 14 Boys: The boy should have been born in 2010 and after.
  5. U16 A Boys: The boy should have been born in 2008 and after.
  6. U16 B Boys: The boy should have been born in 2008 and after.
  7. U18 Boys: The boy should have been born in 2006 and after.
  8. Mini Eagles: The girl should have been born in 2012 and after.
  9. Junior Eagles: The girl should have been born in 2008 and after.
  10. Upper Eagles: The girl should have been born in 2006 and after.

  1. An age verification process with original ID, passport, or Birth Certificate with ID photo; will occur at any time during the league or when the need arises.
  2. Random age verification will be done to ensure fairness and consistency thorughout the season.

B. Player Registration:
This process is crucial for ensuring the smooth functioning of the league and maintaining the integrity of the competition. Here’s a breakdown of the key points to take note:

  1. Registration Requirement: All players must register online at the specified link: https://www.eaglesbasketball.co.za/players-registration/. This implies that teams need to ensure that all their players complete the registration process through the provided online platform.
  2. Adherence to Procedure: Teams are expected to follow this registration procedure diligently. Teams need to understand and comply with the specified registration process to avoid any issues or complications.
  3. Participation Restriction: Players who haven’t completed the registration process will not be allowed to participate in the basketball activities. This emphasizes the importance of registration and ensures that only registered players are eligible to compete. All registered players who played matches for their registered Clubs may not move to another Club during the season nor register for multiple Clubs during the same season.
  4. Regular Season Deadline: There is no specific deadline for player registration during the regular season. However, teams should aim to have all players registered as early as possible to avoid any last-minute rush or inconvenience.
  5. Post-Season Registration: A crucial point is that players cannot be registered for the postseason after the round-robin stages. This indicates that there’s a cutoff point for registration, which is to maintain fairness and consistency throughout the competition.
  6. Registration Timing: Parents/Guardians of players are required to complete the registration process before their first match of the season. This implies that teams must ensure all their players are registered at least 72 hours (3 days) before their next scheduled match.
  7. Publication of Approved List: An approved list of registered players will be published online on a weekly basis. This ensures transparency and allows teams and players to verify their registration status before matches.
  8. Timeline for List Publication: The approved list will be published at least 48 hours (2 days) before the start of matches each week. This provides teams with sufficient time to review the list and make any necessary adjustments before the games commence.
  9. Late Registrations: Any registrations submitted after the 72-hour (3-day) deadline will not be eligible to play in the upcoming match. However, these late registrations will be considered for the following week’s matches, provided they meet the registration requirements.
  1. Approval Process:
    1. Once all required documents and information are submitted, league administrators or designated officials will review the registration details to ensure compliance with the specified requirements.
    2. Registrations that meet all criteria will be approved, and the player’s name will be included in the list of registered participants.
    3. Incomplete registrations or those with discrepancies may require further clarification or correction before approval.
    4. ID Photo Requirements:
      1. The ID photo should depict the player from shoulders up to the top of the head and must have been taken within the last six months.
      2. The player should be the only individual visible in the picture, with no other persons or obstructions present.
    5. ID Document Submission:
      1. Players are required to submit a copy of a valid identification document, such as a passport, birth certificate, or national ID document. This document serves as official proof of the player’s identity and date of birth.
    6. Verification of Date of Birth:
      1. The date of birth provided during registration must match the information on the submitted identification document. This ensures accuracy and prevents discrepancies.
    7. Parent Details and Consent:
      1. For underage players, parent or guardian details should be provided during registration. Additionally, parental consent may be required to participate in the league.
    8. Indemnity Completion:
      1. Players and parents need to complete the indemnity part, acknowledging and accepting any associated risks or liabilities involved in participating in the league.
    9. Team Details Completion:
      1. Relevant team details, such as team name or affiliation, should be completed during the registration process to ensure proper organization and categorization of players.
  2. Teams may enter a maximum of 25 players per team throughout the season. The same player will be expected to compete from the start of the playoffs. Teams will not be allowed to submit new players on their lists by the start of the playoffs.
  3. Age cheating is a serious offence, and any team that transgresses this rule will be disqualified immediately from the league pending further action. No document, no play and strictly no exceptions. 
  4. Teams are allowed to have players playing up to a higher team but not to a lower team. Players are expected to play within their age groups or higher. Players are also not allowed to play accross divisions amd pools within the same age group e.g.:
    1. U18 Boys Pools: There are two pools (Hawks & Eagles) and players may only compete in one team if a Club has more than two teams in the U18 division.
    2. U16A and U16B Boys division: Players are only allowed to play in one of the divisions for U16s. Either U16A or U16B. Not both. U16 players allowed to play in U18 division but not the other way around.
    3. U14 Boys division: Boys may play in U16 and U18 division.
    4. U13 Boys division: Boys may play in U14, U16 and U18 division
    5. U11 Mixed division: players are allowed to play in U13, U14, U16 or U18 division
    6. U10 Mixed division: players are allowed to play in U11 Mixed, U13, U14, U16 and U18 division
    7. Mini Eagles: Girls are allowed to play in Junior Eagels and Upper Eagles division.
    8. Junior Eagles: Girls are allowed to play in Upper Eagles division as well
    9. Upper Eagles: Girls are allowed to play in Junior Eagles division if they need more time to develop and have not yet developed a skill set equal or superior to her peers. Sportmanship need to be observed by Coaches and Mangers to allow fairness of this exception to the rule.

C. TEAM COACHES/MANAGERS

  1. Each participating team must have a coach/manager on the bench during each game and ensure that they have at least one (1) Captain.
  2. Each coach/manager is entirely responsible for ensuring that their players fully understand the rules and regulations of the league.
  3. By participating in this league, each coach/manager agrees to abide by the rules and regulations stipulated herein.
  4. The coach/manager further understands that SJ Eagles Basketball is not responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during this league OR for lost/damaged/misplaced items.
  5. By participating in the league, the coach/manager/players waive any and all liability against SJ Eagles Basketball as a result thereof. For indemnity purposes, this clause applies to any parent/s, fans or spectators who may come to the league.

D. PLAYING FORMAT

  1. Teams will be placed in 1 group per division. Each team will have the opportunity to play against all the teams in a round-robin fashion within the division before we cross over to playoffs.
    1. Advancement from the is:
      1. WIN = 2 points
      2. LOSS = 1 point
      3. FORFEIT = 0 points
    2. GROUP-STAGE and PLAY-OFF FORMAT advancement will be as follows per division.
    3. Playing Formats guideline (Division Sizes)
      1. 6 Teams or less:
        1. Play home and away format.
        2. Top 4 teams will qualify for playoffs.
        3. Semi Finals > Finals
      2. Between 18 & 20 Teams:
        1. Divided into groups based on the previous seasons results as a guide.
        2. Top 8 teams from previous year results are split into two groups.
        3. Only top 4 teams per group qualify for Playoffs.
        4. Cross pool playoffs
        5. Quarter Finals > Semi Finals > Finals.
      3. 20 and More Team:
        1. Split into groups based on the previous seasons results.
        2. Top 10 teams from previous year results are split into groups.
        3. Only top 8 teams per group qualify for Playoffs.
        4. Cross pool playoffs
        5. Top 16 > Quarter Finals > Semi Finals > Finals. (If needed)
  2. Division Breakdown
  1. Under 10 Mixed:                  (6 Teams Registered)
    1. Home and Away Format (play each team twice)
    2. Top 4 teams qualify for playoffs.
  2. Under 11 Mixed:                  (13 Teams Registered)
    1. Round-robin Format (play each team once)
    2. Top 8 teams qualify for playoffs.
  3. Under 13:                              (16 Teams Registered)
    1. Round-robin Format (play each team once)
    2. Top 4 teams qualify for playoffs.
  4. Under 14:                              (16 Teams Registered)
    1. Round-robin Format (play each team once)
    2. Top 8 teams qualify for playoffs.
  5. Under 16:                              (14 x A-Teams Registered – 14 x B-Teams Registered)
    1. Separate Divisions (Two separate Finals)
    2. Round-robin Format (play each team once in division)
    3. Top 8 teams qualify for playoffs per division.
  6. Under 18:                              (11 x A-Teams Registered – 11 x B-Teams Registered)
    1. One Division and cross-pool playoffs
    2. Round-robin Format (play each team once in division)
    3. Top 4 teams qualify for playoffs per group.
  7. Mini Eagles:                          (?? Teams Registered)
    1. Round-robin Format (play each team once in division)
    2. Top 4 teams qualify for playoffs.
  8. Junior Eagles:                       (8 Teams Registered)
    1. Round-robin Format (play each team once in division)
    2. Top 4 teams qualify for playoffs.
  9. Upper Eagles:                       (6 Teams Registered)
    1. Round-robin Format (play each team once in division)
    2. Top 4 teams qualify for playoffs.

3. Playoff Crossing:
Semi-Finals:        
Pos 1 vs Pos 4
Pos 2 vs Pos 3

Quarter-Finals:   
Pos 1 vs Pos 8
Pos 2 vs Pos 7
Pos 3 vs Pos 6
Pos 4 vs Pos 5

Also…
A1 vs B4
A2 vs B3
A3 vs B2
A4 vs B1

E. PLAYING RULES

  1. ALL games will be played according to the latest FIBA rules and interpretations unless stated in this document. In the event that there is a conflict between the FIBA and the league rules: then the league rules will supersede FIBA.
  2. Games will consist of four quarters of ten (10) minutes running time. All U18 matches will be stop-start eight (8) minutes. Each team will be allowed a maximum of two (2) timeouts in each half 30 seconds long.
  3. Halftime interval will be strictly three (3) minutes for all the games.
  4. In case of a tie at the end of regulation time, an overtime period of three (3) minutes. (Sudden-Death or Golden basket rule will be applied during the mini division after the 1st Overtime) i.e. the first basket score will result in a win.

F. FORFEIT

  1. A grace period of TEN (10) minutes from the scheduled time or the end of the previous game will be given. Any team that fails to be on the playing court with five (5) players ready to play at the scheduled time will lose the game by forfeit.
  2. If for any reason whatsoever, a team refuses to play, shows unsportsmanlike behaviour, or causes a game to be disrupted, the Chief Crew shall end the game and record it as a forfeit by default, and that team will immediately cease to participate in the league.
  3. Any Club who forfeits two matches during the 2024 Season will be expelled from the League for the rest of the season. No refunds will also be issued in that instance.

G. PROTEST

  1. The correct procedure should be followed within TEN (10) minutes after the game has ended.
  2. To make the protest valid, the team manager must give confirmation of this protest in writing.
  3. The team manager shall then deposit a fee of R1 000 to the league Technical Director.
  4. Protest in writing should be delivered to the league Technical Director no later than ten (30) minutes after the concerned game is finished for it to be valid.
  5. The deposit shall be paid back only if the protest is found to be valid and in favour of the team that has protested. If the final result is not found in favour of the team who protested then the protest fee will not be refunded.

H. RAIN / LIGHTNING PLAN & PROCESS

  1. Any lightning warning has a minimum of 30-minute delay. All members should move to cover during the lightning warning. Approved waiting for are as during lightning strikes:
  •         Pre-Prep Hall Area
  •         School Gym
  •         School hallway or classrooms
  •         All areas above should be occupied with strict supervision.
  • Process to follow in case of rain/lightning.
  • Matches may be delayed for about 30-60 minutes.
  • Matches may be reallocated per court to catch up at the school premises.
  • Match time may be shortened to catch up, as well as switching to a running time [instead of stop/start] format.
  • Matches may run into the night till about 21h00 at St Stithians Courts to catch up after the delay if lighting is available.
  • Majority of matches will be concluded on school premises. Some matches will be moved away from SJ Eagles Basketball to St Stithians courts and vice versa. All will be communicated accordingly.

I. LEAGUE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

  • The Disciplinary Committee (DC) will comprise three (3) members i.e.: the league technical member and a minimum of two coaches/managers elected by the SJ Eagles Basketball Staff or Technical organising committee.

J. SOCIAL MEDIA

  • All athletes and coaches are urged to apply serious caution on what will be posted on all SJ Eagles Basketball/any other social media platforms.
  • Any serious offences or infringement of the rights of individuals, teams or even the institution can result in the expulsion or disqualification of a team or individual.
  • Coaches and Managers are advised to explain the effects of the POPI Act fully to their players and are requested to monitor their athletes’ activity on social media. All teams should promote good spirit and sportsmanship throughout the league.

 

 

Mini-Eagles, U10 and U11 MIXED and U13 Boys – PLAYING REGULATIONS (part of JR NBA RULES will apply)

  1. Matches are played as per FIBA rules unless otherwise stated and with size “6” basketball for the boys & girls (mixed).
  2. The game will consist of four (4) periods of ten (10) minutes each running time.
  3. Stop-start applies in the last two (2) minutes of the fourth (4th) period ONLY if the score is within TEN (10) points and irrespective of the score thereafter.
  4. There shall be intervals of one (1) minute between the first (1st) and the second (2nd) periods and between the third (3rd) and the fourth (4th) periods.
  5. There shall be a half-time interval of three (3) minutes.
  6. There will be a shared-timeout among teams during the first three [3] quarters of each match. That means only one time-out will be administered per quarter during the first three [3] periods of the match.
    1. Example:
      1. Period 1 – Team A timeout
      2. Period 2 – Team B timeout
      3. Period 3 – Match timeout at hallfway mark.
      4. Period 4 – Team A and Team B has one timeout each.
      5. Overtime 1: No Timeouts
      6. Overtime 2: No timeouts (sudden-death or golden basket rule apply)
  7. Each team is allowed one 30-second time-out in the fourth (4th) period during which the clock will stop.
  8. If the score is tied at the end of the playing time, the game shall continue with an extra time (OT) of 3 minutes.
    1. Only 1 overtime will be permitted
    2. Overtime 2: Sudden death or Golden Basket rule will apply (that means the team who scores first field goal of free throw will be declared the winner of the match)
  9. A player fouls out on the 5th foul.
  10. Substitutions can ONLY be made at the end of each first (1st), second (2nd) and third (3rd) period and any deadball situation of the fourth (4th) period.
  11. All players are to play at least one period and no player must play three (3) consecutive periods without becoming a substitute, unless the team have less than 10 players playing that match.
  12. No zone defense allowed, strictly man-to-man defense from and point between the half court line and the 3-point line during periods 1, 2 and 3. Please allow teams to cross the half-way line during these periods.
  13. Full-court press defense is not to be applied for periods 1, 2, and 3, it can only be used in the 4th period and any subsequent extra times.
  14. After one (1) warning (applying to both coaches: no individual 1st warning) for infractions.
    1. of points 11. & 12. above, either of the two coaches will receive technical fouls each resulting in one (1) free-throw and ball possession.
  15. A team shall lose by forfeit if unable to field five (5) players ready to play ten (10) minutes after the scheduled time to play and the opposing team will earn a 20-0 scoring point win. A friendly match may follow between the concerned teams provided not delaying the start of the next game.
  16. Ages are strictly 11 years old and under in 2012 (born in 2012 & after) for both boys and girls.
  17. Three (3) point shots are allowed and do count as three (3).
  18. Disciplinary actions will be taken against any act of cheating (over-aged players, identity swap, or any other forms) and the guilty team will forfeit all matches in which the said player/s took part.
  19. Verbal or physical abuses from coaches or players to fellow coaches, players, or officials will not be tolerated.
  20. Coaches must be positive models not only for their players but also for other players in the league for the betterment of the game, and long-term benefit of the youth and all stakeholders.