CYO League Basketball Rules
REVISED 11/01/2024

1. Each participating school, parish, or organization must provide a separate $100 forfeit deposit check along with team fees to cover costs in the event of a forfeit. If a second forfeit occurs, an additional $100 will be required before the team’s next scheduled game. Forfeits will be counted if the Director is not notified at least 48 hours before game time, and the notice must be communicated verbally, followed by an email (not via text). Last year, the number of forfeits and cancellations was excessive.
2. The only excused forfeits will be those changes within the parish for religious or school sponsored events that could not have been anticipated by the Athletic Director of the program.
3. Games will start as close to the scheduled time as possible. After each game, the teams should leave court as soon as game is over, and the clock will immediately indicate an eight-minute warm up period has started. Teams must leave the gym floor and team benches as soon as possible. The purpose of this is to allow teams to properly warm up.
4. Weather-related cancellation will be on the website or Channel 7. We will try this year with a later start time if appropriate. This could be on a case-by-case basis.
5. If school (OPS/Private School) is cancelled due to weather, CYO will recognize that cancellation as valid and cancel all activities for those schools. CYO reserves the right to have games on the weekend even if OPS has canceled all school activities for the weekend. 
6. A maximum of 2 coaches per team may be on bench during warm-ups or the game, no PARENTS are allowed in the coaching area at any time, not including parents acting as the scorekeeper! Remember, only head coaches can stand and coach; as well as speak to the referees. The score keeper cannot negatively comment from the scorer’s table.
7. A Score keeper from the designated home team should be seated at scorer’s table, or very near, so that the referees know who to talk to. They are considered the Book of Record. Score discrepancies must be handled prior to the next dead ball and only the head referee can change the score if there are disagreements. EACH TEAM MUST HAVE A SCORE BOOK and a score keeper.
8. As a result of the diminishing number of students due to recent closings of Catholic schools, the CYO rule that states players must be Catholic and or going to a Catholic school, is being altered. CYO basketball’s number 1 priority is to always make the basketball experience for the students a fun and memorable experience. To do so and keep the experience for all the students and parents included at a high level, we are opening the league to other organizations and schools that are aligned with our Catholic values. Competitive non-school related teams will be placed in the upper division if there are two divisions in that grade. Home school teams, and Christian churches will be allowed into CYO on a year-by-year probation. If a player plays on an OPS team (6^th through 8^th grade) they must play for their parish team. The objective of this rule is to not encourage recruiting. The patrolling of players’ eligibility will be up to the AD or basketball coordinator, and organization to determine validity.
9. Referee fees are $30. If only one referee is present, $25 for each team is required. This applies to grades 3^rd though high school.
10. If a School/Parish has 2 teams competing in 1 age group, players may only be on one roster in that age group. If “borrowing a player” is done to meet a roster shortfall, the team must tell the opposing coach after notifying the league director and obtaining his authorization. This will not be allowed during the tournament. The basketball coordinator will notify the league director what team a player is on prior to 1^st Tournament game. 
11. A player may participate on more than one team if “playing up” to help fill a roster on another team or other valid reason, however, no schedule modifications will be made to avoid potential game time conflicts if they occur.

12. If 2 teams finish tied for 1st or 2nd in the league and do not have “head-to-head” experience to break a tie, the CYO DIRECTOR will try to schedule a 1 game playoff at the league’s first available date to break the tie.
13. Initial rosters, fees, potential parish schedule conflicts, parish gym availability, and deposits are due by November 13th. Final Rosters are due not later than December 31st and cannot be changed after that date.
14. All coaches and basketball coordinators are responsible for bench and fan decorum. Taunting and yelling during foul shots by another player or fan should be handled by the coach or AD. Gym personnel can also ask unruly fans to be removed from their facility.
15. All gyms should have a copy of the rules on the scorer’s table. All referees should be knowledgeable of our CYO rules. 
16. All gyms should be opened 15-30 minutes prior to the first game.

FANS COMMITMENT

1. I hereby pledge good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches and officials at every game, practice, or another youth sports event. 
2. I will remember that the game is for the students and not for the adults.
3. I will support the established school policy for student athletes regarding academic and behavioral expectations.
4. I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect.
5. I will demand a drug, alcohol and tobacco free sports environment for my child and agree to assist by refraining from their use at all youth sports events.

PLAYER COMMITMENT

1. I understand that playing for my school is a privilege and an honor. My actions reflect upon myself, my teammates, and my school. Therefore, I promise to conduct myself in accordance with the following:
1. I will do my best to maintain appropriate academic and behavioral expectations as outlined by my school.
2. I will attend all practices and games unless I have notified my coach within a reasonable amount of time of my planned absence.
3. I will treat each player, opposing coach, officials, parents and administrators with respect and dignity.
4. I will refrain from making derogatory comments about my teammates or opposing players.
5. I will act to encourage my teammates through positive comments and actions.

COACHING GUIDELINES

1. I understand that my responsibilities as a youth coach are of great importance and that my actions have the potential to significantly influence the young athletes whom I coach. Therefore, I will conduct myself in accordance with the following coach’s guidelines:
1. I will lead, by example, in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all players and officials.
2. I will conduct my practices so that all players can improve their skill level through participation.
3. I realize that most of the fifth-grade leagues are considered recreational and that the fundamentals are what are important.
4. As for the sixth, seventh and eighth grade teams, I realize that this is a competitive bracket. I will take an active role in including all athletes in practice and instruction. I will also remember to consider the feelings of these young people when dealing with game time participation.

ELIGIBILITY

Establishing Grade:

The CYO director must be informed at the time of registration by the organization’s contact if the team has any reclassified players.

CYO will initially require documentation to confirm the grade of any reclassified player, focusing only on grades 6 through 8 for the 2024-2025 season. This information will be kept private and only referenced if a concern arises, as it did last year.

A player roster signed by the coach and the basketball coordinator must be in the CYO files at least 24 hours before game time of the first game. Any additions to the roster must be into the CYO office 24 hours before game time. No new additions to the roster will be accepted after January 1. Rosters must include the named player and uniform number if available. The respective Pastor or Athletic Director for their school then must sign these rosters. The CYO director will have a copy for each roster if an issue arises. Each team’s roster will be posted on the CYO website. It is the coach’s responsibility for CORRECTNESS.

The league will offer teams the opportunity to play in the CYO on a year-to-year basis. This will include teams that normally play in PAL (Parochial Athletic League), as well as other area leagues. Club teams will play in the higher division of that grade. In some cases, 1 grade up will be utilized depending on that team’s skill level.

SPORTSMANSHIP RULES

Each athletic director is ultimately responsible for its coaches, fans and players’ conduct. 

If a player or coach or fan is kicked out of a game for misconduct, then he/she is suspended the next following game. The referees will notify the League Director of these infractions. If they are kicked out a second time then they are suspended for the remaining part of the year, including the season ending tournament. The Director will determine further disciplinary action.

If a player or coach or fan is removed because of fighting, notification of such shall be to League Director. The parties involved are suspended and the CYO board will determine their standing in the league. This does include ½ hour before and after game time on the premises.

The sportsmanship of the fans and players is the sole responsibility of the individual coaches and/or AD’s. Any swearing, vulgar or sexually explicit language, taunting or yelling during foul shots by another player or fan will not be tolerated. Gym personnel can also ask unruly fans to be quiet or may remove them from their facility.

• If a coach receives 1 direct technical foul, then the NSAA bench decorum rules goes into effect.
• Each coach or athletic director is responsible for property at each gym location. Each coach is responsible for the cleanliness of his or her bench area.
• Each coach or athletic director must have a waiver or disclaimer of criminal complaints filed at their appropriate schools.

REFEREES

Each referee will act in a professional manner. CYO encourages that the referees have a pregame discussion with both coaches to clear up and questions prior to tip off. Upon arriving at the facility, referees should seek out the site coordinator, or a site point of contact in cases where there are any issues that the referee needs to be aware of. We ask each referee know the CYO rules. A suggestion is to carry these rules with you. However, each gym should have a set of rules at the score table of each gym. Each athletic director will provide comment forms to their coaches. These comment forms are used to help evaluate and improve our officials. See your administrator for the proper form, or they are on the league website under handouts.

• Comment forms can be emailed to [email protected]

CYO Director Contact Information

Any problems can be referred to the CYO director in the following manner.

email can be sent to [email protected]

Emails will be returned within 24 hoursREPORTING SCORES – The winning team must report the score to their school’s basketball coordinator within 48 hrs. after the game. All basketball coordinators or coaches are responsible for their own scores.

Scores will be reported via the league website the reporting password is CYO2023 (case sensitive) 

http://www.leaguelineup.com/games.asp?url=cyobasketball&sid=443885400

Mercy Rule – 3^rd through 8^th Grade – Once a 25-point lead is reached by any team, the defense must move back into the 3-point line boundary. In the 2nd half only, once a team reaches a 25-point lead, the clock will run continuously. The clock will only stop for time outs and by Referee discretion for injuries. This rule continues in effect even if the other team comes WITHIN 25-points. 

Timeouts – Two 30-second and three 60-second timeouts per GAME are allowed unless noted below. One additional 60-second timeout is allowed for overtime. Unused timeouts in regulation will carry over to Overtime.

Specific Rules for:

K, 1^st, and 2^nd Grade.

• Score will not be kept. The purpose of this league is instructional.
• The Junior Basketball will be used (27.5”) for all boy’s and girl’s teams.
• 2 full time outs per game (1 per half) with no carrying over of time outs.
• 1 hour is allotted at the gym for the game, so time management is imperative.
• The first 15-20 minutes is for on-court instruction with coaches.
• There are four (8-minute periods) with a running clock.
• At the 4-minute mark of each period, the buzzer will sound, and the coaches will substitute if needed. Half time will be 5 minutes.
• 9-foot-high baskets will be used.
• Defenses must play man to man and will remain behind the 3-point line. No blocking of the shot, we discourage swatting of the ball, we encourage the fact that defense is played with hands up and feet sliding side to side. Defense can’t steal on a dribble but can on a pass.
• Colored Wrist bands are suggested to be worn to help the players.
• No free throws will be shot if a foul is called. The ball will be given to the offended team
• One referee paid $15 per team, paid at game site.
• 1 COACH per team CAN BE ON THE COURT TO HELP.

3^rd Grade

• Junior Basketball will be used (27.5”) for all teams.
• There are four 6-minute periods with clock stopping per NSAA rules. One 2-minute period Overtime is allowed. If a tie still exists after one Overtime, the score will be recorded as such.
• The free throw line will be moved up to 13-feet and marked by gym. Shooter must stay behind line. Defense should move to the position closest to baseline.
• Defenses must play man to man.
• Colored Wrist bands are suggested to be worn to help the players.
• Defense can extend to half court. Defense can extend past half court for the last minute of 4th period and OT (unless you are up by 15 or more points.)
• The Mercy Rule applies.

4^th Grade

• The Girls’ Basketball will be used (28.5”) for all teams.
• There are four 6-minute-periods with clock stopping per NSAA rules. One 2-minute period Overtime is allowed. If a tie still exists after one Overtime, the score will be recorded as such.
• Defenses must play man to man.
• Colored Wrist bands are suggested to be worn to help the players.
• Defense can extend to half court. Defense can extend past half court for the last 2 minutes of the 4th period and OT
• No full court press if a team is ahead by 15 or more points.
• The Mercy Rule applies.

5^th and 6^th Grade.

• The Girls Basketball will be used (28.5”) for all teams.
• There are four 6-minute-periods with clock stopping per NSAA rules. 2-minute Overtime periods will be played until a winner is determined.
• Full Court press is allowed unless a team is ahead by 15points.
• The Mercy Rule applies.

7^th and 8^th Grade.

• 8^th Grade Boy’s will use the regulation Men’s Basketball (29.5”), all other teams will use the Girls’ Basketball (28.5”).
• There are four 7-minute-periods with clock stopping per NSAA rules. 3-minute Overtime periods will be played until a winner is determined.
• Full Court press is allowed unless a team is ahead by 20 points.
• The Mercy Rule applies.

High School

• The regulation Men’s Basketball (29.5”) will be used.
• This allows us to get closer to following the new NSAA high school rules.
• There are four 10-minute quarters; the clock will run continuously except with the clock stopping only during the last 2 minutes of the 2^nd and 4^th quarter.  3-minute Overtime periods will be played until a winner is determined
• Once a team reaches 5 team fouls per quarter, the other team will get 2 free throws.  
• Team fouls are reset for each quarter
• The Mercy Rule does apply.
• NO DUNKING ALLOWED, INCLUDING BEFORE, DURING or AFTER GAME