Sydney Basketball League (SBL) competitions follow all FIBA approved rules with a few exceptions and SBL specific rules as listed below:
In SBL games the clock stops for violations, free-throws and time-outs. The clock does NOT stop between a score and the ball being inbounded until the last minute of the game. The clock will run during the last minute of the game if the points difference is over 11 points.
Teams will be given a 1 minute half-time each game.
Teams are allowed one time-out (1 minute duration) per half.
A team can only start a game with at least 4 players on the court. If a team is running late then for every minute after 3 minutes from when the game was supposed to start (when the clock hits 12 minutes) the team will be penalised 2 points. If a team is more than 15 minutes late, the game will be declared a forfeit (The team will lose three competition points and a forfeit fee will be issued).
If the score is even at the conclusion of the game a 1 minute break will occur. The overtime period ensues and consists of 3 minutes (2 minutes running clock with the last minute fully timed). Your team’s time-outs roll-on from the second half of the game and no extra time-outs are given. Your team’s fouls and personal fouls DO NOT reset at the beginning of overtime and stay as they were in the second half of the game.
If a winner has not been declared after the first overtime then consecutive 1 minute overtimes will be played until a winner is declared.
In semi and grand final matches the 3 minutes overtime is fully timed.
If a team is losing by 35 points or more, the clock will become a running clock for the time that a 35+ point lead is maintained. Referee discretion in changing to a running clock may be used prior to a 35-point deficit.
Unlike FIBA rules, there is no possession arrow in SBL. A jump ball will be played at every jump ball situation and will be done at the nearest circle. The two players involved in the held ball situation will be the ones who have to partake in the jump ball.
All players need to set up their account/profile before taking the court. This is vital for your individual player stats.
We recommend all new players register at least 48 hours before their first game.
We understand that there will be times where you may be delayed (work commitments, traffic, etc) to get to the start of your game.
However, to be able to be a part of the game you must take the court by half time.
Exceptions to this are if you are a regular player for the team. Please ensure you check with the Venue Manager on the night before taking the court.
This rule has been put in place to ensure teams are not disadvantaged by fill-in guest players who are helping the team out, say for example if one of their 5 players on the night foul out.
Forfeits in SBL are unacceptable.
A forfeit is called if a team cannot start the game (min requirement of 4 players) by the end of the first half. By forfeiting this game, the team will lose three (3) competition points and a forfeit fee of $150 will be issued.
If a team fails to notify SBL office of a forfeit (info@sbl.com.au or 0414 866 647) within the below specified timeframe, the team will lose three (3) competition points and a forfeit fee of $150 will be issued.
If a team forfeits multiple times in a single season they may be subject to being removed from the competition.
The offending team must pay the applicable forfeit fee prior to their next competition game. Failure to make payment will result in team suspension until fees are paid in full.
At the end of the regular season the top 4 teams will participate in the playoffs.
Player eligibility in finals:- All players must be registered and must be regular players (played at least 33% of the season’s games) to participate in the finals.
There are some exceptions to this rule e.g. if players have been part of the team for some time prior to the current season, have had an injury, and also will not make an unfair impact on the game. Each situation will be dealt with on a case by case basis. This needs to be reviewed and approved by SBL HQ prior to the game taking place.
Uniforms are a very important factor for not only the players, referees and bench but also for building the reputation and look of SBL.