Senior Domestic Competition By-Laws
May 2023
Contents
Rules & Regulations
- Competition
- Grades
- Seasons
- Team Entry
- Registration of Players
- Player Transfers
- Conduct
Playing Conditions
- Playing Times and Rules
- Finals Times and Rules
- Scoring
- Premiership Points
- Forfeits
- Forfeit Processes and Fees
- Grading
- Injury
- Uniform
- Care of Venues
- Alteration to the Rules
- General
- Team Delegate
- Veteran Rules
- Appeals
Rules & Regulations
1. Competition
1.1 Southern Districts Basketball Association Ltd (SDBAL) Senior Domestic Competition is conducted on a TEAM basis, with each night of competition conducted as a separate competition.
2. Grades
2.1 Grades of competition will be as advertised on the online entry form issued for each season.
3. Seasons
3.1 There will be two (2) seasons of competition each year:
- One (1) Summer season
- One (1) Winter season
4. Team Entry
4.1 Teams applying to enter the Senior Domestic Competition must complete the online team entry form and make payment of the Registration Fee through the required portals.
4.2 The SDBAL Senior Domestic Competition is not bound to accept registrations from teams. The SDBAL may reject registrations in respect of individuals, teams, or Clubs or impose such limitations on numbers of teams or other conditions it sees fit.
4.3 Where registration for a team is not accepted, the club/team will have the registration fee returned less any transaction fees.
4.4 Teams who withdraw from the Senior Domestic Competition once fixtures have been drawn will forfeit their registration fee paid.
5. Registration of Players
To play in the competition, ALL players must adhere to the following:
5.1 Participating in the Senior Competition must have turned fifteen (15) years of age prior to the season’s commencement date.
5.2 Players are only allowed to play for one team in each competition on a particular night (e.g., Men’s, Women’s, or Mixed) and cannot play in multiple teams on the same night in the same competition (e.g., Tuesday Men’s B & Tuesday Men’s C) or the same grade (e.g., two teams in Tuesday Men’s B).
5.3 Players are not able to take the court unregistered. BQ Insurance and SDBAL Registration fees must be paid prior to taking the court. Any players unregistered are not eligible to compete until they become financial.
6. Player Transfers
Transfers apply when players transfer from one team to another team within the same season and competition.
6.1 Once a player plays three (3) games or more, they will require a transfer to play with any other team in that competition.
6.2 All applications for transfers must be made via an email to the Competitions Manager at sdc@sdbal.com.au.
6.3 If the transfer is not approved by the former team, both team delegates will be directed to appear before the Competitions Manager and General Manager, where the former team’s delegate will be allowed the opportunity to show why the transfer should not be granted.
6.4 Transfers can only be approved by the General Manager, and the player may not play until the transfer is approved.
6.5 A transfer will only be approved if the General Manager and Competitions Manager are satisfied that the competition will not be disadvantaged by the transfer.
6.6 No transfers will be granted after the sixth (6th) round of any season except where special circumstances apply.
6.7 In special circumstances, a player may apply in writing to the Competitions Manager providing details of the special circumstances that would warrant overturning the rule and granting the transfer.
7. Conduct
7.1 Any player who is disqualified from their game will automatically receive a two (2) week suspension from all basketball activities (playing, coaching, refereeing, scoring). This includes participants who are disqualified for:
- Two (2) technical fouls
- Two (2) unsportsmanlike fouls
- One (1) technical foul and one (1) unsportsmanlike foul
Participants without a scheduled game during the suspension week (e.g., due to a bye, holidays, or finals) will serve the suspension during their next scheduled game in that night of competition.
7.2 If, in the opinion of the Competitions Manager, any player, team, or official conducts themselves in a manner considered detrimental to the competition or SDBAL, such players, teams, or officials may be charged and sent to the Basketball Queensland (BQ) Tribunal.
7.3 The SDBAL has the right, where it sees fit, to refuse entry to or remove any team from the competition if the conduct of the team or officials is deemed outside the Basketball Queensland or SDBAL codes of conduct.
7.4 Players who are adversely affected by alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to play. If the game has commenced, they may be asked to leave the court if the referee believes their performance is affected.
7.5 If a team fails to complete the duration of the game (conclusion of the final period), the game referees and Referee Supervisor will use their discretion to determine if the team will be reported for their conduct.
8. Playing Times and Rules
8.1 Playing times for the games will be two 20-minute halves, running clock, with a 2-minute halftime break.
8.2 Men’s A Competition Timing Rules:
- Four (4) x 10-minute quarters (running clock) on a 50-minute timeslot, with the clock stopping on all timeouts.
- 1-minute quarter time breaks & 2-minute halftime break.
- The clock stops on all whistles in the last minute of the 2nd quarter & the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter.
- The 5th team foul each quarter sends the opposing team to the bonus free throws.
8.3 The clock will stop for all whistles in the last 2 minutes of the second half for all other divisions.
8.4 If teams are not ready at the scheduled start time of the game, referees will be permitted to start the clock. Each minute players do not assemble on the court for commencement, the offending team will be penalized one (1) point per minute.
8.5 Timeouts are not permitted to commence or run into the last minute of the first half. Timeouts taken during the last two minutes of the first half will be shortened so that they do not extend into the last minute.
8.6 Each team is allowed one (1) timeout per half.
8.7 Players shall be allowed to score and substitute into the game off the score bench.
8.8 The playing rules shall be those of Basketball Australia, except as adopted by BQ and as modified by the SDBAL.
8.9 The clock may stop for an injury if the referee sees fit. Should the next game be affected, the scheduled time or court may be changed at the discretion of the Court Supervisor.
8.10 If, due to unforeseen circumstances, the game has not commenced before the scheduled halftime break, the game will be declared a draw, and game fee money will be refunded.
8.11 If, due to unforeseen circumstances, the game is called off after halftime, then the result will stand as it was once the game is called off. If the game is called off before the 10-minute mark of the second half, half the game fee money shall be refunded. If the game is past the 10-minute mark of the second half, no reimbursement of game fee money will be made.
9. Finals Times and Rules
9.1 Except as provided by the Competitions Manager, the four (4) leading teams shall comprise the final four.
9.2 Ties for position will be decided as per FIBA Rules:
- First tiebreaker: Head-to-head record between the tied teams (win-loss, then goal percentage).
- If still tied: Overall goal percentage.
9.3 To be eligible to play in finals, a player must have played in the number of games calculated as:
- Total regular season games scheduled divided by two (rounded up).
- Example: If 18 rounds are scheduled, a player must have played in 9 games to qualify for finals.
- Byes do not count for finals qualification.
9.4 Players unable to meet the required number of games because of an injury can apply to the Competitions Manager for special consideration. They must provide a medical certificate. Credit will then be given for games that fall within the dates listed on the certificate.
9.5 The Competitions Manager may give credit where special circumstances apply. The team must apply via email to sdc@sdbal.com.au and provide suitable documentation to support their request.
9.6 Finals times will be posted on the BasketballConnect draws and ladders page.
9.7 FINALS games shall consist of:
- Two 20-minute halves (60-minute schedule).
- 2 timeouts per half, with the clock stopping for all timeouts and whistles in the last 2 minutes of the second half.
9.8 Men’s A Grade Finals Timing:
- Four 10-minute quarters (60-minute schedule).
- 1 timeout per quarter.
- The clock stops for all timeouts and whistles in the last minute of the 2nd quarter and the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter.
9.9 Finals are conducted over two weeks:
- Week 1: Teams placed first and fourth play each other; teams placed second and third play each other.
- Week 2: The winners of these games play in the grand final.
9.10 If a game results in a tied score, 5-minute overtime periods will be played until a result is reached. Teams receive one timeout per overtime period, which does not carry over.
9.11 Each team is still required to supply a scorer under the normal match rules.
10. Scoring
10.1 Players must be selected in the scoring system to be credited with having played in the game.
10.2 If a team plays an unregistered player, they will forfeit their game, recorded as a 20-0 forfeit to the opposition team.
10.3 Ineligible players used to avoid a walkover must have their details entered into the electronic scoring system.
10.4 Any player or team found to be playing under an assumed name may be reported to the BQ Tribunal.
10.5 All players must carry valid photo ID at all matches. Proof of identity can be requested by any competition official and/or referee supervisor. Opposition players may also request an ID check through the referee supervisor during the match (not after its conclusion). If a player cannot confirm their identity when requested, the team may forfeit the game.
10.6 Scorers should check the opposing team’s roster, and any player not present should be removed from the playing section of the system on game day.
10.7 Players’ names must be ticked before halftime of the game.
10.8 Each team must supply a competent scorer for any game in which they are engaged.
10.9 Players may choose to score if no non-playing scorer is available. Substitutes may be made from the score bench during the game. If a team has only five players and no scorer, one player must score throughout the game unless the team elects to take a 10-point penalty. This penalty must be applied before the start of the second half.
11. Premiership Points
11.1 Premiership points for all non-finals games shall be awarded as follows:
- Win: 3 points
- Loss: 1 point
- Tie: 2 points
- Bye: 3 points
12. Forfeits
12.1 A team forfeits a game if they fail to:
- Turn up within ten (10) minutes of the scheduled start time, or
- Comply with the rules, or
- Field enough players to continue the game (see 12.3).
12.2 Teams late to the court or who have not added their players to courtside or the scoresheet will be penalized one (1) point per minute or part thereof. After fifteen (15) minutes, a forfeit will take effect.
12.3 A team loses by default when, during the game, the team has fewer than two (2) players on the court able to play.
- If the winning team is ahead at the time, the score stands.
- If the defaulting team is ahead, the opponents will be awarded a 20-0 win.
- The defaulting team receives 1 premiership point; the winning team receives 3 premiership points.
12.4 Players in a game where the team forfeits will not be credited with that game for finals eligibility.
13. Forfeit Processes and Fees
13.1 Forfeit Fees:
- More than 24 hours’ notice: $100.
- Less than 24 hours’ notice: $150.
- No Show/Unnotified: $200.
13.2 A fine will be imposed on any team giving a forfeit. Payment must be made in full via the Teammo app before playing the next allocated game.
13.3 Teams giving multiple forfeits may, at the discretion of the Competitions Manager, be suspended and replaced in the competition immediately.
13.4 If the team receiving a forfeit has paid a game fee, credit will be issued toward their next game through Teammo. If there are no games left in the season, a refund will occur.
13.5 There will be no refunds for games forfeited due to teams not complying with the competition rules.
13.6 If a team is withdrawn or replaced and has accumulated outstanding fines, these fines will need to be paid within ten (10) business days.
14. Grading
14.1 The grading season will last four (4) rounds. Teams may be moved prior to Round 4 where the Competitions Manager believes an immediate change is required.
14.2 The Competitions Manager reserves the right to transfer any team to any grade at any time to ensure a more even competition.
15. Injury
15.1 In the event of a player being injured during a game, an Incident Report Form should be completed.
15.2 If Insurance Documents are required, contact the Competitions Manager via email at sdc@sdbal.com.au, providing:
- Name of the injured player.
- Team name.
- Date of the incident.
16. Uniform
16.1 Uniforms must consist of tops of the same color, numbered back and front as prescribed by the rules, and uniformly colored shorts.
16.2 A team shall forfeit five (5) points for every player who is not in the correct uniform. This shall be credited to the opposition team at or prior to halftime.
16.3 The Competitions Manager has the power to order any player or team to renew uniforms if they are not to the required standard.
16.4 Where competing teams have the same or similar colors, teams must toss a coin (or reach their own arrangement) to decide which team will wear alternative tops.
16.5 Numbers must be within the range 00, 0, and 1-99. They must be of a uniform size and color throughout the team.
16.6 Shorts or briefs must match the team color. Variations in manufacturer or style will not be penalized unless they cause confusion or safety concerns. Shorts must be free of zippers, buttons, buckles, or pockets.
16.7 T-shirts may be worn under uniforms if they match the predominant uniform color.
16.8 Arm and leg compression sleeves are permitted, provided the team wears the same solid color.
16.9 Suitable sports footwear must be worn. Shoes that mark or damage the court surface are not permitted.
16.10 Jewelry cannot be worn during matches. Wedding rings or similar items that cannot be removed must be taped.
16.11 Fingernails must be closely trimmed. Players may wear soft, Velcro-sealed gloves over long fingernails.
17. Care of Venues
17.1 Any team, player, official, or other person responsible for causing damage to a venue may be required to pay reinstatement costs, as determined by the General Manager or Facilities Manager.
18. Alteration to the Rules
18.1 A rule may be altered, added, rescinded, or inserted by SDBAL Management at any time between seasons.
19. General
19.1 In any matter not specifically covered by these rules, the Competitions Manager will make the necessary ruling.
19.2 All players competing in the Senior Competition organized by the SDBAL do so at their own risk. The Southern Districts Basketball Association Ltd accepts no claims for loss or damage to personal property.
20. Team Delegate
20.1 Each team must appoint a delegate. The delegate’s responsibilities include:
- Ensuring their contact information is current.
- Acting as the primary point of contact for all team matters.
- Responding to any issues raised by the Competitions Manager.
21. Veteran Rules
21.1 In the Men’s Veterans Competition, players must be 35 years of age or older.
21.2 Normal SDBAL competition rules apply unless otherwise stated.
22. Appeals
22.1 Any team wishing to lodge a protest or appeal regarding a match result must do so in writing via email to the Competitions Manager within 24 hours of the game’s completion.
22.2 Strong evidence must be provided at the time of lodging the dispute.
