Framework

Unless otherwise stated, the Community Basketball League (CBL) follows the official Basketball England Rules of Basketball as the governing framework for play.

Coach Responsibility

All coaches are required to read these rules in full and ensure their players understand them before participating.

Development Intent

Rules intentionally prioritise long-term skill acquisition, basketball IQ, and versatility over short-term competitive advantage, supporting future-proof, positionless players with strong fundamentals, spacing awareness, and decision-making ability.

Rule

• U10 & U12 Division 2: No full-court press or defence permitted.
• U12 Division 1: Full-court defence permitted.

Penalty

• 1st offence: Official warning to Head Coach
• Subsequent offences: 1 free throw plus possession awarded to the opponent
• Officials retain discretion to escalate penalties for repeated or tactical violations

Rule

• No zone defence permitted in U10 or U12.
• Man-to-man defence only.
• Defenders must remain within arm’s length / immediate contesting distance of their assigned player.
• Help defence is permitted reactively (on penetration or rotation).
• Pre-emptive sagging, packing the key, or intentional overloading of the paint is not permitted.

Penalty

Same structure as 1.1.

Rule

• Defensive pressure may only begin from the half-way line.
• Same penalty structure as 1.1.

Rule

• Minimum: 8 players
• Maximum: 12 players

If Fewer Than 8 at Tip-Off

2 free throws per missing player awarded to the opponent before tip-off, plus possession.

Rule

• Every player listed on the official scoresheet must play, unless injured or removed for medical/safety reasons.
• Playing time compliance is monitored by the table officials.

Penalty

2 free throws per non-participating eligible player, awarded at the end of the game.

2.1 Defence

• U10, U12, U14: Man-to-man defence only
• U16 and above: Defence type at coach’s discretion

2.2 Game Duration

• 4 × 10-minute quarters (running clock)
• Clock stops during the final 2 minutes of the 4th quarter

2.3 Timeouts

• 1 timeout per team per half
• No additional timeout in overtime unless unused from the second half
• Overtime timeouts stop the game clock

2.4 Intervals

• Half-time: 5 minutes
• Between quarters: 1 minute

2.5 Overtime

• 1st OT: 2 minutes, stop clock
• 2nd OT: Golden Basket (first score wins; all fouls treated as shooting fouls)

2.6 Roster Size

Maximum of 12 players per game.

2.7 Fouls

• 5 personal fouls = disqualification
• 4 team fouls per quarter
• 5th team foul = 1-and-1 free throw penalty

2.8 Forfeits

• 10-minute grace period from scheduled tip-off
• Failure to start = 20–0 forfeit loss

2.9 Code of Conduct

All participants must comply with the CBL Code of Conduct. Sanctions may include technical fouls, suspensions, fines, forfeiture, or league expulsion.

3.1 Division Eligibility

• DIVISION 1: Unlimited National League players permitted
• DIVISION 2: No National League players permitted

3.2 Team Assignment

• A player may not play for two teams in the same division.
• A player may not switch clubs within the same age group where their original club has a team, unless approved by the league.

3.3 Transfers

• Written parent/guardian consent
• Written approval from both Head Coaches
• £10 administrative fee

Poaching: Proven poaching results in a £100 fine and potential suspension. Determination is at league discretion, based on evidence.

3.4 Protests

• Eligibility challenges may be lodged by opposing coaches.
• If upheld, the game is awarded to the challenger.

• All players and coaches must be licensed with CBL and Basketball England before participating.
• Teams must submit the CBL Team Player & Coach Licensing Form.
• Basketball England Affiliation Code: CA5032

See Player Licensing for full details.

5.1 Kit Standards

• Matching vests and shorts
• Numbers displayed front and back
• No visible T-shirts unless part of official team kit or approved medical/religious exemption

5.2 Penalties

• £50 fine per game (maximum 3 games)
• After 3 games: forfeit (20–0)

The league reserves discretion to impose additional sanctions where non-compliance materially affects competition integrity.

5.3 Jewellery

Must be removed or safely covered, subject to official approval.

5.4 Colour Clashes

• Coin toss determines which team changes.
• All teams must supply light and dark kits.

• Player disqualification: suspended for next game
• Coach disqualification: suspended for next game + £25 fine
• Three disqualifications in one season: season suspension

Appeals

• Must be lodged within 24 hours
• £50 appeal fee (refunded if successful)

• Fixtures published before season start.
• Weather or force majeure postponements rescheduled at league discretion.
• League aims to confirm a new date within 7 days.

Opponent Change (Exceptional)

In exceptional circumstances, the league may change a scheduled opponent, provided:

• The replacement team is from the same division
• The fixture remains within the confirmed schedule
• Reasonable notice is given where possible

• Coaches must be trained in basic first aid.
• Venues provide basic first aid equipment.
• Primary care responsibility rests with team staff; the league logs incidents and assists operationally where possible.

Concussion Protocol

• Any suspected concussion requires immediate removal.
• Player may not return without written medical clearance.

9.1 Tie-Breakers

1. Head-to-head record
2. Head-to-head points difference
3. Overall points difference
4. Points scored
5. Coin toss / draw

9.2 Playoffs & Championships

• DIVISION 1: Top 8 teams
• DIVISION 2: Top 4 teams
• Single elimination
• Finals played under full Basketball England rules

9.3 Game Ball

• U10: Size 5
• U12 & all girls divisions: Size 6
• U14+ boys: Size 7
• Official game ball provided by the league

9.4 Shot Clock & Backcourt

• 24-second shot clock in all divisions
• 8-second backcourt rule in all divisions

9.5 Substitutions

• Dead balls only
• Must be reported to the table
• Entry only with official approval

9.6 Officials

• Officials supplied by the league
• Certification verified
• No CBL-affiliated individual may officiate their own team

9.7 Bench Conduct

• Maximum 2 coaches + 1 physio
• Only one coach may stand
• Substitutes must remain seated and off-court

9.8 Minimum Players

• Teams may continue with 4 players
• Fewer than 4: continuation at official discretion

9.9 Protests & Appeals

• Referee judgment calls are final
• Appeals limited to rule misapplication or eligibility
• Must be submitted within 48 hours
• Scoresheet must be signed in dispute

9.10 Media & Image Rights

League may use images/video unless opted out in writing prior to season start.

9.11 Late Arrivals

Players listed before tip-off may enter upon arrival.