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FABA League Rules
Rules are designed to provide a level playing field for the participants in our leagues and programs. Consequently, rules that may appear relaxed or strict have been written in this fashion because parents, coaches, and Board of Directors have determined that the rule, in its current form, provides the most equitable opportunity for our youth to develop athletic skills and to compete. The rules governing fair play are consistently reviewed.
I. League Play
1. Each team will play eight (8) regular season games. Every team makes the playoff for a guarantee of nine (9) games minimum.
2. Seeding will determine the order of the teams in the playoffs.
3. Games will be played on Sundays.
II. Periods of play:
1. Twenty (20) minute running time in the first half then another twenty (20) minutes in the other half.
2. Stop clock on all time-outs and official time-outs
3. Stop clock at all officials whistle in the last 2 minutes of the regulation and last minute of all overtimes.
4. Time-outs: Two (2) per half - Total of 4.
5. Team fouls – one on one penalty on the 7th team foul, two shot penalty on the 10th team foul per half.
6. 20 POINT RULE !!! IF A TEAM IS DOWN BY 20 PTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SECOND HALF THE CLOCK ONLY STOPS FOR TIME OUTS.
7. A team cannot press if they are up by 15 or more points.
8. Overtime: will be a three (3) minutes. Each team will receive one (1) full time-out. Time-out not used in regulation play will be carried over to overtime play.
9. There will be a five (5) minute grace period for the first game of the day only. Every team after the first game of the day should be ready to play at the posted game time. There is no make-up game unless the gym has been closed due to no fault of THE LEAGUE.
III. Forfeiting Rule
1. If a team lacks five (5) players at start time, they may begin the game with four (4) players. However, the team with four (4) players must have their fifth player by the start of the 2nd half; and that player must be on the authorized team roster.
2. If a team forfeits two (2) games after the second forfeit the team will be removed from the league with no refund consideration!
3. Any forfeiture of game, a $100 fee will be assessed in 1st offense and $200 the next after. This fee must be paid before team resume playing otherwise will not be allowed.
IV. Protest Rules
1. There will be no Protest allowed involving a judgment call by a game official.
2. Any other protest must be submitted in writing to any league/tournament officials within 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game protested.
3. The opposing team must be furnished a copy of the protest.
4. The President will render the decision on any protested game.
5. An appeal can be made to the Board of Directors with the President not voting.
6. Coaches can request a time-out for rule clarification.
V. Eligibility / Team Roster
1. Team roster should have at least seven (7) and no more the fifteen (15) players.
2. An official approved roster shall be submitted for each team entered.
3. Rosters shall be submitted to the President by the date published for each league (timelines) and must be accompanied by the following documentation:
a. Registration form and applicable fees for activity.
b. Copy of Birth Certificate and Report Card.
c. The signed copy of the Waiver/Conduct Form.
4. Teams can only make changes in a roster in the beginning of the third game afterwards all roster are final.
5. Grade Exceptions: maximum of three (3) per team.
6. Players on final roster must play in at least two (2) regular season games to be eligible to play in the playoffs.
7. A player can "play up" on a team from the same and or different organization. Playing up means the player is playing in an age division that is older than his or her current age classification.
8. Players and Coaches ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct or flagrant violation of the rules will be automatically suspended for one (1) of his or her games. A player receiving a second ejection within the season will be suspended for three (3) games including playoff games. If a coach feels he or she was unjustly ejected, he or she must submit a written communication explaining the suspension.
9. There will be no changes in the regular season or playoff schedules unless change is due to circumstances beyond THE LEAGUE control such as bad weather or gym change as deemed by staff of the various facilities.
VI. Equipment
1. The game will be played with regulation size basketball (29.5 for 7th Grade and up) and (28.5 for 6th Grade and below).
2. The Home Team is listed second on the schedule. The Home Team wears White/Light uniforms for the games. Teams must wear a Basketball jersey at the least.
3. All players must be completely equipped in the same type and color of jersey at the minimum. In case of similarity between two teams playing a game, as determined by the game official, the Home Team shall be responsible for changing jersey colors. Reversible jerseys are preferred.
VII. Cancellations
1. In the event of inclement weather, the League will operate under the Fairfax County Schools closing policy. This policy states that games will be cancelled only if the school is closed. It is the coach’s responsibility to notify their players/parents.
IX. Developmental Rules for ages 6-10 years old:
1. OFFICIAL'S’ DISCRETION – The rules governing the Filipino American Basketball Association of Metro DC Inc Basketball League allows the officials great discretion in interpreting if the violation of a rule has taken place. The interpretation shall be based on his/her assessment of the participants’ execution of skills and abilities. However, consistency and fairness are expected.
2. ABSENT PLAYERS – Coaches who have players that missed two (2) consecutive practices are not required to play that player in the upcoming game. However, if the player is allowed to dress and sit on the bench then the “SUBSTITUTIONS” rule is in effect. Any coach who decides not to play a participant using this rule must notify the parent(s) prior to game day.
3. AGE – Participants must be between the ages of 6 and 10 as of the first day of registration.
4. BASKETBALLS – Games are played with a Pee Wee sized basketball Baden 110 or an equivalent.
5. FAST BREAKS – A fast break is viewed as the change of possession followed by the quick advancement of the ball before the defense has the opportunity to get back and set up. Fastbreak is not allowed. This will give both teams the time to set up offense and defense on a changed possesion.
7. FULL COURT PRESS – Any effort by the defensive team to prevent the offensive team from advancing the ball across half-court line. Development League teams are not allowed to press.
8. For ages 6-10 years old defensive team cannot extend beyond the 3-point line. It gives the offensive team an opportunity to pass around and not be pressured. It gives the kids ages 6-10 years old the chance to touch the ball. The offensive team though cannot use this rule to stall or waste time.
It should also noted that "FREEZING" (holding) the ball on offense outside of the any of the restraining lines is discouraged. Repeated violations of the spirit of these rules by a team or coach should be referred to FABA of Metro DC, Inc. Youth Coordinators.
VIII. Participation Rule for Developmental League ages 6 to 10 years old:
These rules are designed to insure that all players participating in a youth developmental league ages 6 to 10 years old are given adequate playing time for the benefit and enjoyment of the players and families.
a.) All teams must have a maximum of 10 players.
b.) All players must play at least 2 quarters (play-offs included), the coaches will have the responsibility to make sure everybody got at least 2 quarters.
c.) Failure of a team to comply after warnings by table officials will cause the team a technical foul per infraction. The penalty will be assessed at the start of the next game. If the team violates the participation rule twice, all 2 games will be a forfeit.
d.) Participation rule does not apply in overtime.
e.) All rules will be monitor by the assigned officers and table officials during games.
Tips to be a good sports parent:
a.) Encourage your child, regardless of his or her degree of success or level of skill.
b.) Ensure a balance in your students athlete's life, encouraging participation in sports and activities while placing academics first.
c.) Emphasize enjoyment, development of skills and team play as the cornerstones of your child early sports experiences while reserving serious competition in a varsity level.
d.) Leave coaching to coaches and avoid placing too much pressure on your youngster about playing time and performance.
e.) Be realistic about your child's future in sports, recognizing that only a select few will earn college scholarship let alone compete in the Olympics or sign a professional contract.
f.) Be there when your child looks to the sidelines for a positive role model.
Let’s all contribute to our success by playing hard but fair and in a sportsmanlike nature. Filipino American Basketball Association of Metro DC, Inc relies to all their members to cooperate and follow all rules and regulations to have success in all events. Remember it is not our right to use the county gyms the county is assigning us, it is our privilege. Let’s continue to do the right thing, be responsible and enjoy what we have.
