Rules & Regulations

Leeds & District Basketball League Rules

This page covers the full regulations for the Basketball England – Leeds League competitions.

The Leeds & District Basketball League (LDBL) exists to provide amateur community basketball for adults (18+) in the Leeds & District local area. LDBL welcomes teams from outside the area; however, any team from outside accepts the challenges that geography can provide.

General Rules

Rules of play for LDBL shall be the current rules of Basketball England (BE), with the additions and exceptions below.
One point is awarded for a win, zero for a loss, and minus one for a non-submission of a scoresheet or a forfeit (extenuating circumstances may be considered). A picture of the white scoresheet must be submitted by the home team within 48 hours to the LDBL results WhatsApp group.
Division winners shall be the team securing the greatest number of league points. Ties will be decided by:
1. Head-to-head results
2. Win/loss points difference for the season
3. If still tied, a play-off
The League Committee decides the organisation and formation of the League and divisions. Promotion and relegation are at the Committee’s discretion.
Typically, playoff winners and league winners will be promoted. If they are the same, the 2nd placed team will also be promoted. The two lowest finishing teams will be demoted (subject to Committee discretion).
Trophies shall be awarded each season but remain League property. Clubs are responsible for any damage and must return trophies within 14 days of request.

Fixtures & Postponements

The home team must confirm fixtures with the away team and referees at least 5 days prior (venue and time as a minimum).
Postponements and fixture alterations will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. Unauthorised postponements count as forfeits.
Cancellations or rearrangements must be communicated as early as possible. Less than 3 days’ notice gives the non-cancelling team the right to claim the game and request costs.
Where a match is abandoned due to extreme circumstances (e.g. fire evacuation, broken ring), results may stand or be replayed. If half-time has passed, the score stands unless both teams agree otherwise.
Any team that fails to attend a fixture forfeits and must cover facilities, referees and officials’ costs.
In the event of a colour clash, the home team changes kit.

Player Registration

All players and coaches must be registered with BE.
Evidence of registration must be provided before participation if registered elsewhere.
No new players can be added after 31st January without approval.
Clubs with multiple teams must provide lists of their top seven players (except the lowest team). Listed players may not “play down” without approval. Retrospective penalties may be applied.
Players may only play for one club. Transfers require approval from both clubs and clearing of debts. No transfers after 31st January.
Persistent failure to field a team may result in removal from the league.

Officials

Officials are appointed by the Referees Secretary. LDBL considers all officials independent regardless of affiliation.
Refusing an appointed official is a forfeit.
Travel fees (£10) may apply for officials travelling considerable distances.
Officials must be paid before the start of the game. Playoff games: fees are split 50/50 between teams.
If only one referee is available, they may officiate alone. Coaches may sign under protest before tip-off.
The home team must provide table equipment and officials, including visible clock, scoresheet, directional arrow, foul markers, and cumulative scoring.

Kits & Equipment

All teams must wear a consistent kit with clear numbers.
Both teams must provide a match ball. The BE official ball is preferred; referees will decide if multiple options are available.

Playoffs

Playoff competitions are held at season end. Format decided by the Committee.
The higher finishing team in the regular season receives home-court advantage, though flexibility is required if court access is difficult.
Players may only represent one team in the playoffs and must have played at least two regular season games.
If a playoff game is not played by the deadline, both teams forfeit.

Forfeits

A game may be forfeited for:

Non-attendance
Playing under a false name or BE reference
Team walk-off or inappropriate behaviour
Cancelling or rearranging with less than 3 days’ notice
Fielding an unregistered player
Failure to pay league or referee fees

The Committee decides on forfeits, fines, and disciplinary matters. Fines must be paid within 14 days or may increase every 14 days until paid.

Disciplinary Matters

Scoresheets must be completed accurately with LP numbers to ensure player eligibility.
Written protest must be submitted within 48 hours of the game. Referees must also submit reports.
Video evidence may be accepted for serious/complex cases (not for in-game decisions).
All disqualifications (including technical/unsportsmanlike fouls) carry an automatic one-game ban. No appeal permitted.
Participants are subject to the League’s Social Media Policy.
Any issue not covered defaults to BE rules or Committee decision.
All Committee decisions are final. Appeals must go to BE.

Leeds & District Basketball Social Media Policy

The term ‘social media’ covers dynamic, interactive platforms such as Web 2.0 sites, text messaging, and networking platforms. The term ‘Friend’ refers to connections such as Facebook Friends or Twitter Followers.

Purpose

Encourage good practice
Protect members, coaches, volunteers, players
Promote effective use of social media whilst protecting the integrity of the league and ensuring high standards of communication

1. Personal Accounts

Be mindful of who can view your profile and act accordingly.
Avoid posting offensive or confidential comments about clubs, members, or associates.
If you identify yourself as a league member online, your comments may be construed as representing the league.

2. Usage Policy

Social media is a valuable tool for engaging with members and potential players.
No new league accounts may be created without Committee approval.
Staff must not ‘friend’ junior members unless they are relatives or family friends.
Staff must not share personal details with junior members via social media.
LDBL is an 18+ league, but the policy applies where clubs have juniors elsewhere.

3. Intellectual Property

Users must respect intellectual property, copyright, and data ownership. For more information, see http://www.ipo.gov.uk/

4. Conduct

Offensive, illegal, defamatory, or inappropriate content may be removed.
Users may not use the league name to endorse products, causes, or opinions.
Content posted is the responsibility of the individual poster.
The league is not liable for content posted by individuals.
Confidential and proprietary information must be protected.
Contentious issues on unofficial pages should be referred to the League Secretary.