HBL Rules

1. ADMINISTRATION

1.1 COMPOSITION

(a) The Herts Basketball League (HBL) Committee shall be empowered to finalise the composition of each Division of the League.

1.2 VENUES

(a) All games will be played on courts approved by the League Committee.

(b) The League Committee may at any time ban the use of any court considered unsuitable or unsafe.

(c) All venues will have suitable and sufficient changing accommodation, including hot and cold running showers. Clubs shall communicate with the Committee and the opposition if there are issues.

(d) Free entry and free parking must be provided for all members of the away team (to a maximum of 14) and all match officials. In cases where leisure facilities charge away teams, these monies must be refunded by the home club before play begins.

(e) Both teams will leave the court and bench areas clean and tidy before leaving the playing area.

1.3 LEAGUE POINTS

All games shall be played to current Basketball England rules unless an exceptional HBL rule exists. For each match, League points shall be awarded as follows: Winning team 2 points; losing team 0 points.

The Disciplinary Committee will consider a defaulting team.

1.4 DISCIPLINARY, FORFEITURE AND FINES

(a) Any team not ready to play 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time shall be considered to have forfeited the game unless both the opposition and officials are informed that a team is on route and provide an estimated time of arrival sufficient for the game to be played and completed.

(b) Any team not arriving for a scheduled fixture without good reason shall be fined£100 for the first offence and may be dismissed from the League for a subsequent offence within the same season. Any club so offending for the second time. shall be required to re-apply for election to the League at the AGM. The offended club may, if it chooses, apply through the League Committee to reimburse reasonable expenses up to the value of the fine imposed.

(c) If, through the fault of one team, another team travels to a scheduled fixture and it is not played, the offended team may claim from the defaulting club through the Committee, reasonable travelling expenses provided that the claim is made within seven days of the scheduled fixture.

(d) If a team does not complete 75% of its fixtures before the last date notified for the season, that team's record shall be deleted from the League.

(e) League points may be deducted at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee.

1.5 OTHER COMPETITIONS

All cup competitions will be organised each season by the League Committee, subject to normal League rules and eligibility rule 3.1.

Mick Kirk Cup: all teams shall have a random draw. (b) Other competitions may be organised when needed, subject to the rules circulated at the time.

2. LEAGUE FIXTURES, TABLES

2.1 FIXTURE LISTS

The Secretary or Fixtures Secretary will prepare provisional fixture lists for circulation to club secretaries before the end of August each year. Club secretaries will then have three weeks to re-arrange any fixture(s) and to notify the Secretary/Fixtures Secretary of each mutually agreed rearrangement. The fixture list will be published on the League website by September 30th.

2.2 POSTPONEMENT AND REARRANGEMENT

No match shall be postponed from the date set out in the final fixture list without the prior sanction of the Secretary or Fixtures Secretary. They shall only allow such a change if satisfied that exceptional circumstances warrant such action and that all practical measures have been taken by the teams concerned to have the game played on schedule.

2.3 CONFIRMATION OF MATCH

The Secretary or representative of the home team shall confirm each scheduled game with the away team and all referees at least five days before each game, at most ten days before each game. An email is acceptable, but if there is no reply from the away team and both referees, this must be followed up by a telephone call. Failure to do so will result in the home team forfeiting the game.

2.4 SCORESHEETS AND NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS

(a) The official Basketball England running scoresheet shall be used for all games either as a digital or a paper version. If a paper version is used, it must be uploaded immediately after the game.

(b) Current season licence cards of all players, coaches, and officials, with a photo, must be produced at every game. An image on a phone/tablet will be acceptable for each licence card, and these will be recorded on the scoresheet. A player/coach/official is prohibited from taking part in a fixture unless a valid licence is produced for each game. Playing an ineligible player in a match will result in the game being forfeited by the offending team.

(c) The home team must post a photo of the scoresheet in the relevant Division WhatsApp group within 24 hours of the completion of the match.

2.5 RESOLUTION OF TIE

In case of two teams finishing the season with the same number of League points, the Basketball England procedure for resolving such a tie shall be implemented (see current England Basketball Rules and Regulations Handbook).

3. GAME REGULATIONS

3.1 SAFEGUARDING

All players / Coaches must adhere to the Basketball England Safeguarding policy and Basketball England Code of Conduct as well as HLB’s own requirements.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and we have a duty of care to protect all involved in the League's activities. All participants are required to report any Safeguarding or conduct concerns to the League Welfare Officer immediately.

Concerns should be sent to Steph Strachan at hertsbasketballsecretary@gmail.com or by calling 07972 526617.

HBL SAFEGUARDING POLICY FOR JUNIOR (UNDER 18) PLAYERS

This policy relates to any HBL club which has a membership which includes any Under 18 players.

At every training session and game which includes an U18 player, there must be two Adults (over 18), who are registered with PlayHq, have a clear enhanced DBS certificate and have completed the BE safeguarding course.

One of these people should be a L2 Coach and the other may be any other adult at the training session or game (this includes players), who will be registered as a Team Manager or other official position with PlayHq.

The insistence on a L2 Coach when U18s are playing and training is to ensure U18s are receiving an acceptable level of coaching and also protected from a safeguarding perspective (a L2 Coach must be over 18, registered with Play Hq, have a clear enhanced DBS certificate and have completed the BE safeguarding course).

The second registered adult provides a safeguarding contingency if the L2 Coach is late or cannot attend a particular training session or game.

Clubs must confirm in writing to the HBL Safeguarding Officer, by 30th September 2026, whether they have any U18 players in their club and, if they do, who is the L2 Coach and who is/are the other licensed adult/s.

HBL U18 CONSENT FORM

*The consent form is Appendix 1 at the end of these rules

3.2 REGULATION OF PLAYERS AND COACHES

(a) Before a player can take part in any HBL match, they must hold a current PlayHq registration/licence and required insurance cover with any of the Home Country Associations (HCA's), to include Basketball England, Basketball Scotland and Basketball Wales or the British Basketball Federation.

Before the start of the season, clubs must upload onto the HBL PlayHQ website, their roster to include names and licence numbers provided by the relevant HCA.

(b) HCA's or PlayHq licence numbers if/when available shall be entered in the appropriate column of the scoresheet to show that each player holds a valid licence (in addition to producing evidence as laid out in 2.4.b above) for the current playing season. The coach will sign the scoresheet before the start of the game to confirm that the players entered on the scoresheet are both eligible and entitled to play

(c) A player can only be registered with one club or team in the HBL. The club or team will hold the player's registration for that season. Teams will send a squad list, including names and licence numbers, to the HBL Committee before the start of the season.

(d) No new players can be registered with a club after January 31st of that season. In exceptional circumstances, the HBL committee may grant a particular concession.

(e) Current National League registered players shall only be eligible to play for First Division teams unless they qualify for under 18 national league competition at the start of the HBL season.

(g) Any player wishing to transfer during the season must first obtain consent from their club and written permission from the League Committee. No player transfers shall be allowed after January 31st except in exceptional circumstances.

(f) Cup Games - Before playing in any cup fixture, up to and including the quarter- finals, a player must have played in at least one match that season for the club they are registered with* From the cup, semi-final and in all play-offs, a player must have played in at least 50% of their club team's matches that season* The Special Situations Committee may grant dispensation because of genuine reasons, e.g. injuries, late registration.

”Playing in a match” is defined as showing on the scoresheet as having been on court during the game

Player Eligibility Between Divisions

Clubs with teams in both Division 1 and Division 2, may apply to the League to allow Division 2 registered players to take part in Division 1 matches only if the Division 1 team is unable to field seven (7) players.

A formal, written, application must be emailed to the Special Situations Committee, at least five (5) days before the event, which will decide.

Approval will only be considered if the club can prove that fewer than seven Division one players are available. If approved, Division 2 players may be temporarily promoted to make up the numbers to a maximum squad of seven (7) players.

This should be a different Division 2 player on each occasion.

At no time may Division 1 players take part in Division 2 matches.

Special Situations Committee (SSC)

All requests relating to player eligibility must be made, in writing, to the Head of the Special Situations Committee (Ian Cheesman), no less than 48 hours before the event or they will not be considered.

The Special Situations Committee (SSC) includes Ian and one other Committee member (Clare Holt). They will examine evidence provided, ask relevant questions and decide.

The decision will be communicated by email to the requesting club and all other clubs who may be affected by the decision.

There is no right of appeal.

3.3 DUTIES OF HOME TEAM

(a) Each team shall register two sets of contrasting playing colours with the League at the start of the season. For every game, the home team shall inform the opposition of the colour of its playing kit. In the event of a colour clash, the home team must play in a lighter-coloured kit

(b) The home team shall provide

(i) A suitable venue.

(ii) Competent table officials. At least one Level Two England Basketball qualified, and licenced table official, a second table official who is qualified or in the process of gaining an England Basketball table officiating qualification.

(iii) All technical equipment as detailed in Basketball England Rules.

(iv) A suitable match ball. The Crew Chief will select the match ball.

(v) Access to suitable first-aid equipment

(d) Each club has a duty of care to safeguard the officials, the opposing team, its officials, and all other third parties against harmful action by its players, officials, or spectators before, during, or after the game. Away teams shall leave the playing area immediately after the officials have signed the scoresheet and not continue using the playing facilities.

4. PLAYER UNIFORMS

All players must play in identical, numbered shirts and shorts. Any undershirts must be of compression type and considered an extension of their playing vest; t-shirts are prohibited. Compression tops worn by a team must all be of the same colour. However, they cannot be the same colour as the opposition's vests. Players may wear undergarments such as tights, compression shorts, headbands, shooting sleeves or sweatbands any colour. Other headgear worn for medical or religious reasons will be allowed, subject to the approval of the Committee.

Shirts must be tucked into shorts at all times.

5. OFFICIALS

5.1 FEES AND EXPENSES

The League Committee shall decide match officials' fees and expenses for the forthcoming season. Both teams will share these costs and shall pay these fees and travel expenses in cash at the game. In exceptional circumstances, the Committee may allow fees to be paid by bank transfer, which will be paid by midnight the day after the game. Officials are not required to submit an invoice or any other paperwork. If only one referee arrives for a fixture, which results in refereeing on their own, they can claim an additional 100% of their regular match fee. If a visiting team does not arrive for a fixture, the home team will pay the match fee and travel expenses to the referees and table officials. It may then apply in writing to the Secretary for the monies to be reimbursed from the defaulting team. The defaulting team must pay the fees to the HBL account within seven days of the request.

Referee Fees for 2026-7

L1 - £18

L2 - £20

L3 - £22

L4 - £24

L5 - £26

5.2 UNIFORM

The approved dress for referees shall be a grey referee shirt, black trousers, and black shoes. Referees are not permitted to wear any jewellery during the game. Referees and table officials will put away their mobile phones from arrival at the venue until after the scoresheet has been signed at the end of the game. Any breach of this rule will result in the official(s) receiving a warning from the Committee, and further breaches will result in potential removal from the officiating list.

Please see Officials Code of Conduct 2024/5

5.3 COMMISSIONERS

The League Committee may appoint a Commissioner at any League or Cup game. Warning of such an appointment is not necessary. Should it make such an appointment, then the League shall be responsible for any fees or travelling expenses.

5.4 POST-MATCH ISSUES

Within 24 hours of a League or Cup match, clubs and match officials are responsible for notifying the League Committee of any problems relating to or in the fixture. Followed by a written factual report within seven days of the event.

6. TROPHIES

The winning team in each Division and play-off final shall receive a winner's trophy to retain. The cup trophies must be returned in an undamaged condition to a league committee member by the semi-final stage of the following season. The winners of the trophies will be responsible for the inscription of their name on the trophy and will claim the cost of the inscription from the HBL. The League shall decide individual awards for players/officials.

7. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Please see HBL Disciplinary Rules

8. POWER OF INTERPRETATION

The League Committee shall have the power to decide any matters arising not covered by these rules.

END OF LEAGUE RULES

Appendix 1 - U18s Consent Form

Hertfordshire Basketball League (HBL) Under 18s Consent Form

All Participants (under the age of 18) are, with consent, eligible to

compete/participate in Senior Competitions / Higher Age Groups, subject to this Consent Form (this “Form”) being completed, signed, and approved in advance.

HBL, take the safety and welfare of “Children” (all those under the age of 18) very seriously. Where Children are training and/or competing/officiating in games in Senior Competition/ Higher Age Group, HBL require parents, or other persons with legal responsibility to understand the inherent risks of “playing-up/involvement” - which for the purpose of this Form means training and/or competing in games outside of the Child’s age-group competition in Senior Competition / Higher Age Groups.

By completing and signing this Form, parents, or other persons with legal responsibility, consent to the Child’s participation in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group and to be bound by the terms set out in this Form.

Where a Child proposes to compete/officiate in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group, HBL agrees to undertake all reasonable steps to support the applicable club in risk assessing the Child’s suitability to compete and to consider any additional safeguarding arrangements which need to be put in place.

There are two parts to this Form, to be completed by the Child and parent or other person with legal responsibility prior to the Child training and/or competing/officiating in a game in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group.

PART ONE (to be completed by the Child):

I, ……………………………………… [print name], whose date of birth is ……………………………………… wish to compete/officiate in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group.

I authorise …................................ as my parent or other person with legal responsibility to provide HBL with any instructions, consent, information, and/or documentation required in relation to my participation in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group.

I have read this Form and understand, acknowledge, and accept the possible increased risk including injury risk associated with competing in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group, including, but not limited to, serious injury or permanent disability. Risks may arise out of contact and/or participation with other participants, spectators, equipment, field, facility, and/or fixed objects; falls, collisions, rough play, and other mishaps; exposure to adverse weather conditions; flaws and defects in equipment and facilities in which the activities take place.

Risks may be caused by my own actions, or inaction, the actions or inaction of other participants. Some risks cannot be predicted or controlled.

I acknowledge and agree that my participation is voluntary in nature, and it is my responsibility along with my parents or other persons with legal responsibility and the

club to determine whether I have the physical abilities to safely participate in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group. I am certifying that I have not been advised to not participate by a qualified medical professional.

As part of this determination, I understand and acknowledge that HBL strongly recommends that I speak to the club’s head coach and club welfare officer prior to training and/or competing in games in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group.

I understand that my parents or persons with legal responsibility must notify Basketball my club/HBL of any disability and/or medical condition, physical or mental, which could affect my ability to participate in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group safely.

If at any time I believe conditions or activities to be unsafe, or feel I am no longer in good enough health, or fit enough, to participate, I agree to immediately discontinue my participation.

I acknowledge and agree that I am voluntarily assuming the risk and any associated loss or damage arising from my participation in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group. I hereby waive and release HBL from any liability in respect of such loss or damage.

Name of Participant:
Date of Birth of Participant:
Address of Participant:
Telephone number of Participant:
Email Address of Participant:
Participation Age Group:
Club Name:
Emergency Contact Details: Emergency contact details: *This data will only* *be used in case of an emergency*	[Print First and Last Name] [Indicate Relationship to Participant] [Print Preferred Contact Telephone Number]
Participant’s Signature: Date:

PART TWO (to be completed by the parent or other person with legal responsibility):

I, …………………………… (print name) as the parent or other person with legal responsibility of …………………………….. (Child’s name) confirm that I am aware of the inherent risks, including injury risk associated with my Child’s participation in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group which will also include consent for images/videos from games which may include clips/ stills of the U18 players / officials to be uploaded on clubs / leagues social media and promotional and educational purposes.

I have read this Form and understand, acknowledge and accept the possible increased risk including injury risk associated with my Child competing/officiating in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group.

I acknowledge and agree that it is my responsibility to work with the club and my Child to determine whether they have the physical abilities to safely participate in Senior Competition/ Higher Age Group. As part of this determination, I confirm that I have been fully informed of the inherent risks and that I, along with my Child, have discussed with the club, my Child’s suitability to train and/or compete in games in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group.

I agree to notify the club and HBL of any disability and/or medical condition, physical or mental, which could affect my Child’s ability to participate in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group safely.

I acknowledge and agree that I am voluntarily assuming the risk and any associated loss or damage arising from my Child’s participation in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group. I hereby waive and release HBL from any liability in respect of such loss or damage.

I agree to inform the club’s Welfare Officer if I am concerned about my Child’s participation or experience in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group.

Name of Parent or Person with Legal Responsibility:
Relationship to the Participant:
Signature of Parent or Person with Legal Responsibility:
Date:

Please return this form to [enter email address to be used]

To be completed externally by the club representative:

I, …………………………… (print name) as the …………………………….. (club representative’s position) of………………….. (name of club) confirm that I have discussed with both the Child and their parent or other person with legal responsibility the inherent risks, including injury risk associated with the Child’s participation in Senior Competition / Higher Age Group.

Club representative’s name:
Club representative’s signature:
Date: