Rules

4.1 PARTICIPATION RULES

The Participation Rule was created to support the growth and development of younger athletes, ensuring competition is suited to their age and skill level while promoting each player’s long-term development. Every child who is registered with the Coalition Winter League in the age groups U9-U11 must participate under the Participation rule. Every coach is expected to respect the intent of these rules and adhere to them.

In games where shifting is present, regardless of how many players are participating (minimum requirements are in chart above), no one player shall play more than 1 shift than any other player on the roster for that particular game. This rule ONLY applies for the portion of the game that requires equal participation.

If a team violates the participation rule, they will forfeit the game and the score will be recorded (2-0). If both teams violate the participation rule, the game will be recorded as a 0-0 loss for both teams.

Important Shifting Notes 

• Each player must complete a minimum of one shift per half. 
• No player is permitted to play more than one shift more than any other player.
• Back-to-back shifts are permitted.
• For all Winter League games, a team must have 5 players at tip-off and must have 8 players by shift #4 to fulfill equal participation requirements. If these standards are not met, the game will be forfeited (2-0). However, in such circumstances, the game must still be played.
• If injuries or foul outs result in a team playing with fewer than the required 8 players, the game will not be considered a forfeit based on this circumstance. If a player is injured or fouled out in the 1st half, that player does not have to play a shift in the 2nd half.
• If Player #1 is injured any time in the first 1:59 minutes and requires a substitute, the shift will be assigned to Player #2 (the substitute). If Player #1 plays has played 2 minutes of their shift or more and requires a substitution, the shift will be assigned to Player #1 (the injured or fouled out player).

5.0 CODE OF CONDUCT

We are committed to creating a positive and supportive environment for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators. Everyone must respect officials and event staff; disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. Spectators may be removed for unsportsmanlike conduct at the discretion of conveners and officials. If a coach or spectator is removed from the gym, they will be sent to the Review Board.

***NEW*** Basketball Ontario Network (BON) Review Board: serves as our disciplinary committee, responsible for reviewing serious incidents, disputes, or conduct issues. The board has the authority to determine appropriate sanctions to ensure fairness, accountability, and a safe playing environment.

5.1 ZERO TOLERANCE: FIGHTING & EJECTIONS

If a referee or Coalition staff determines that you instigated a fight, you will receive an automatic three-game suspension. A second offense, where you are deemed the instigator, will result in removal from the league.

If a player or coach is ejected from a game, they will receive an automatic one-game suspension. A second ejection will result in a three-game suspension. A third ejection is removal from the league.

Fights involving coaches, players, or parents/spectators are automatically referred to the review board, and any disciplinary action is at their discretion.

Full Coalition League Code of Conduct can be found here: https://coalitionbasketball.com/code-of-conduct/

Any violation of the Coalition League Code of Conduct not mentioned above will be sent to the BON Review Board.