COALITION WINTER LEAGUE RULES, REGULATIONS & UPDATES 2026-27
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 League Fees
1.1 Refund Policy
3.0 Roster Rules
3.1 Individual Player Registration/Deadlines
3.2 Adding Players
4.0 Game Rules
5.0 Code of Conduct
5.1 Zero Tolerance: Fighting/Ejections
1.0 LEAGUE FEES
Winter League entry fee: $3195 per team
MULTI-TEAM DISCOUNT CHART
2-4 Teams: $50 off per team
5-9 Teams: $100 off per team
10 or more Teams: $150 per team
All League fees must be paid before teams are scheduled to play their first game.
** Clubs paying larger amounts can be put on a payment schedule as designed by the Coalition League.
Teams paying fees in full by October 5, 2026 will be eligible to receive 12 basketballs as part of our early bird offer.
1.1 REFUND POLICY
If a Winter League game is cancelled due to poor weather, a facility issue or any cancellation initiated by the Coalition League, each affected team will receive a refund equal to the Winter League registration fee divided by the number of games they are scheduled to play during the season, minus $65. This is to be refunded or credited at the end of the Winter season.
If a team is removed because of compliance issues, they will NOT receive a refund.
1.2 RESCHEDULED GAME REQUESTS
For any game a team wishes to reschedule to a different date after the final schedule is released, the following stipulations apply:
- The cancelling team must be available for the new date.
- The opposing team must agree to the rescheduled date, but if not available, the game will be deemed a 2-0 forfeit loss.
- A $65 fee will be charged to the cancelling team to cover gym costs for any game moved after the final schedule.
2.0 REGISTRATION DEADLINES
Boys U9-U14: October 11, 2026
Boys U15-U19: October 25, 2026
Girls U10-U14: October 19, 2026
Girls U14-U19: October 26, 2026
3.0 ROSTER RULES
Teams are allowed 15 players maximum on a roster.
All players listed on your roster must fall into the required age specifications of that particular division, the chart of reference is listed below. (No late birthdays accepted for age requirements).
Players can ONLY play on 1 team in any specific age group (this includes the Single A division); however, players can play on other teams in older divisions, as long as it is within the same club.
You can have 3 “call-ups” from within your same club, but they must be included in your roster of 15 players. There is no limit on the number of games they can play up.
AGE CATEGORIES
DIVISION |
BIRTH YEAR |
| U10 | 2017 or later |
| U11 | 2016 or later |
| U12 | 2015 or later |
| U13 | 2014 or later |
| U14 | 2013 or later |
| U15 | 2012 or later |
| U16 | 2011 or later |
| U17 | 2010 or later |
| U19 | 2008 or later |
3.1 INDIVIDUAL PLAYER REGISTRATION/DEADLINES
“NEW” – All players must fill out the online individual registration form before the due dates listed below in order to participate in any Coalition League games or playoffs!
Division |
Player Registration Deadline |
| Boys U9-U14 | TBA |
| Boys U15-U19 | TBA |
| Girls U10-U14 | 1 day before League Play #2 |
| Girls U15-U19 | 1 day before League Play #2 |
3.2 ADDING PLAYERS
Teams can add players up until the deadlines indicated below, as long as their rosters do not exceed the 15 player maximum. Those players must meet the age requirements for that category and cannot be a part of any other club participating in the Coalition Winter League.
Players added must also fill out the online individual registration before participating in any games.
All players added and registered online before the deadline are eligible for playoffs.
PLAYER ADDITION DEADLINES
| Boys U9-U19 (all ages) | TBA |
| Girls U10-U19 (all ages) | TBA |
4.0 GAME RULES
All Coalition Winter League games will be governed by modified FIBA (International Basketball Federation), whose rule books are adopted for use at all games.
RULE SUMMARIZATION CHART
** Grey shaded areas are shared rules between age groups
Age Category |
U9-U10 |
U11-U12 |
U13-U14 |
U15-U19 |
| Number of players to start game | 5, then 8 players by shift #4 | *BOYS* U11: 5 players
*GIRLS* U11: 5, then 8 players by shift #4 U12: 5 players |
5 | 5 |
| Ball Size | Size 5 (27.5) | Size 5 (27.5) | Size 6 (28.5)
U14 Boys Quest for the Ring Division only – size 7 (29.5) |
Boys – size 7 (29.5)
Girls – size 6 (28.5) |
| Free Throw Line | Can take a full step over the line (13’) | 15’ | ||
| 3pt Line | NFHS ( 6m)
FIBA New (6.75m) |
NFHS ( 6m)
FIBA New (6.75m) |
FIBA Old (6.25m)
FIBA New (6.75m) |
FIBA New (6.75m)
NFHS (6m) |
| No Charge Semi-Circle | Not in use | In use | ||
| Restricted Area (Key) | Old FIBA rectangle
NFHS (one spot up on free throws) |
New FIBA rectangle
NFHS (one spot up on free throws) |
||
| Shot Clock (24) | Not in Use | In use | ||
Age Category |
U9-U10 |
U11-U12 |
U13-U14 |
U15-U19 |
| Game Duration (regulation) | *BOYS* U9-U10: 1st half = 4 x 4-min shifts; 2nd half = 2 quarters (open subs) Every player must play at least 1 of the 4 shifts in the 1st half *GIRLS* U10: 8 x 4-minute shifts (2 shifts = 1 quarter)Shifts 7-8 (4th quarter) are open |
*BOYS* U11 + U12: 4 x 8-minute quarters (No Shifting)
*GIRLS* U11: 8 x 4-minute shifts (2 shifts = 1 quarter) U12: 4 x 8-minute quarters(No Shifting) |
4 x 8-minute quarters | 4 x 8-minute quarters |
| Halftime | Minimum of 2 minutes during halftime | |||
| Overtime Rules | Regular Season
1st Overtime – 2 minutes (starts with possession arrow) 2nd Overtime – first to score (starts with jump ball)
Playoffs – 2-minute extra shift(s) as necessary
Equal participation rules are not in use in overtime (open shifts). |
|||
| Team Fouls (penalty) | Penalty resets to 0 at the end of each “period”, which is the end of shifts 2, 4, and 6
Overtime: As per FIBA (no reset) |
U11: Penalty resets to 0 at the end of each “period”, which is the end of shifts 2, 4, and 6
U12: Penalty resets at the end of each quarter
Overtime: As per FIBA (no reset) |
Penalty resets at the end of each quarter.
Overtime: As per FIBA (no reset) |
Penalty resets at the end of each quarter.
Overtime: As per FIBA (no reset) |
| Equal Participation Rule & Substitutions | *BOYS* U9-U10: Every player must play at least 1 of the 4 shifts in the 1st half; open subs in the 2nd half + all overtimes *GIRLS* U10: |
*BOYS* U11: Every player must play at least 1 of the 4 shifts in the 1st half; open subs in the 2nd half + all overtimes *GIRLS* U11: |
Does not apply | Does not apply |
Age Category |
U9-U10 |
U11-U12 |
U13-U14 |
U15-U19 |
| Drop Back Rule/Pressing | *BOYS* Pressing allowed in the 2nd half onlyFall Back = 15 Points *GIRLS* |
*BOYS* U11: Pressing allowed the entire game – fallback is 15pts
*GIRLS* U11: Pressing allowed for the last 2 shifts (final quarter+ overtime) Fallback = 15pts
U12: Pressing allowed the entire game – fallback is 15pts |
Drop back rule enforced at 20 points or more
Pressing: No Restrictions |
No drop back rule
Pressing: No Restrictions |
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 (girls) and U9-U10 (boys) 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.
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.
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Spectators may be removed for unsportsmanlike conduct at the discretion of league staff and officials.
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A coach may be asked to speak with the spectator and issue a warning regarding their behaviour. A warning is a courtesy, not a requirement, and may not be given in all situations.
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If the behaviour continues, or if the coach declines to assist, the spectator may be required to leave the facility. League conveners and officials reserve the right to require immediate removal without prior warning, depending on the severity of the behaviour.
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Failure of the spectator to comply may result in a forfeit being assessed to that team.
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.