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

All coaches are required to read these rules in full and ensure their players understand them before participating. The CBL’s core mission is the development of versatile, skilled, and “future-proof” players. Coaches are strongly encouraged to embrace a positionless basketball philosophy — building athletes with a strong grasp of spacing, ball and player movement, and well-rounded fundamental skills.

1. U10 & U12 Rules

Purpose: Encourage maximum participation and development of core skills at the youngest levels.

• Full Court Press: No full court press or defence in U10 or U12 Division 2. Allowed in U12 Division 1. 1 warning to head coach, then 1 free throw + possession for opponent.

• Defence: No zone defence — man-to-man only. Defenders must stay within 2 steps of their player. Help defence allowed reactively; no sagging off or overloading the key. Same penalty structure as above.

• Half-Court Defence (U10 & U12 Div 2): Defence only from the half-way line. Same penalties for violations.

• Roster Size: 8–12 players per game. Fewer than 8 = 2 free throws for opponent per missing player before tip-off + possession.

• Mandatory Playing Time: Every player on scoresheet must play unless injured. 2 free throws per non-played player awarded at game end.

2. All Other Divisions

• Defence: U10, U12, U14 = man-to-man only. Older groups = coach’s choice.

• Game Duration: 4 x 10-min running clock; clock stops last 2 mins of Q4.

• Timeouts: 1 per half per team. No extra in OT unless unused from second half. OT timeouts stop the clock.

• Intervals: Half time = 5 mins; between quarters = 1 min.

• Overtime: 1st OT = 2 mins stop clock; 2nd OT = Golden Basket (first score wins, all fouls = shooting fouls).

• Roster Size: Max 12 players per game.

• Fouls: 5 personal = disqualification. 4 team fouls in a quarter = 1-and-1 penalty on the 5th.

• Forfeits: 10-min grace period from tip; result = 20–0 loss.

• Code of Conduct: All involved must follow CBL Code of Conduct; penalties range from technical fouls to forfeiture.

3. Player Eligibility

• Division Rules: PRIME = unlimited National League players; DEVELOPMENT = none allowed.

• Team Assignment: No player on two teams in same division; no switching clubs in same age group if your club has a team in that age group.

• Transfer Policy: Mid-season transfers allowed with parent & both coaches’ approval + £10 fee. No poaching — £100 fine and possible suspension.

• Protests: Opposing coaches may challenge eligibility; if upheld, game awarded to challenger.

4. Licensing Requirements

• All players & coaches must be licensed with CBL and Basketball England before first game.

• Teams must complete the CBL Team Player & Coach Licensing Form.

• Basketball England affiliation code: CA5032.

5. Uniform Rules

• Matching Kit: Vests numbered front & back; matching shorts. No visible T-shirts unless part of uniform colour (or medical/religious exception).

• Penalties: £50 fine per game for non-compliance (max 3 games). After 3 games = forfeit 20–0. Non-compliance also awards a 10-point starting advantage to opponent.

• Jewellery: Must be removed or covered (subject to Commissioner/Official approval).

• Colour Clashes: In the event of a clash, a coin toss will decide which team must change their kit colour. All teams must have 2 sets of kits (light and dark).

6. Disciplinary Procedures

• Disqualification: Player = suspended next game; Coach = suspended next game + £25 fine.

• 3 disqualifications in a season = season ban.

• Appeals: Must be lodged within 24 hours + £50 fee (refunded if successful).

7. Fixtures & Postponements

• Fixtures published early September.

• Weather/force majeure postponements rescheduled at league discretion.

• Notification via email & WhatsApp to team managers; updates on official schedule.

• League aims to confirm new date within 7 days of postponement.

8. Medical & First Aid

• All teams must have coaches trained in basic first aid.

• Venues will have basic first aid equipment for minor injuries.

• Serious injuries are primarily the responsibility of team managers/coaches; league staff will log and assist where possible.

• Concussion Protocol: Any player suspected of having a concussion must be immediately removed from the game and may not return until cleared by a qualified medical professional in writing.

9. Additional Competition Rules

9.1 Tie-Breakers for Standings

If two or more teams finish with identical records, final standings will be determined as follows:

1. Head-to-head record.

2. Points difference in head-to-head games.

3. Overall points difference.

4. Points scored.

5. Coin toss/draw.

9.2 Playoff / Championship Format

• Prime Divisions: Top 8 teams qualify.

• Division 2 / Development Divisions: Top 4 teams qualify.

• Format: Single elimination.

• Regular season rules apply until Finals.

• Finals follow Basketball England game rules in full.

9.3 Game Ball & Equipment Standards

• U10: Size 5.

• U12: Size 6.

• All girls divisions: Size 6.

• U14+ boys: Size 7.

• League provides official game ball for all games.

9.4 Shot Clock & 8-Second Rule

• 24-second shot clock in all divisions.

• 8-second backcourt rule in all divisions.

9.5 Substitution Rules

• Substitutions only at dead balls.

• Substitutes must be reported to the table before entering.

• Entry only when authorised by game officials.

9.6 Scorekeeping & Officials

• League provides all game officials.

• All lead officials must be trained and certified by the league.

9.7 Coach & Bench Conduct

• Maximum 2 coaches per team on the bench.

• 1 physio allowed on the bench; no other individuals permitted.

• Coaches must remain in the coach’s box; only 1 coach may stand at a time.

9.8 Forfeits & Minimum Player Numbers

• Teams may continue playing with 4 players if necessary.

• If fewer than 4, game continuation is at the discretion of the game official.

9.9 Protests & Appeals

• Referee in-game decisions are final.

• Appeals permitted only for rule misapplication or player eligibility, with supporting evidence.

• Must be lodged via email within 48 hours of game end.

• Coach must sign the scoresheet in dispute at the time of the game.

9.10 Safety Protocols

• Coaches should alert game officials to any health/safety concerns before tip-off.

• Concussion protocol as stated in Section 8.

9.11 Media & Image Rights

• The league may use photos/videos of players for marketing and promotion unless a parent/guardian opts out in writing before the season begins.

9.12 Late Arrivals

• Players listed on the official scoresheet prior to tip-off may enter the game upon arrival.