The Unique Hoops Developmental Basketball League promises to provide a positive and exciting experience for your child. Established in 2009, Unique Hoops stands as the leading basketball program in our community, fostering the development of some of the most accomplished student-athletes in the region.

This handbook contains comprehensive information on the rules and policies of our Youth Basketball League. It’s very challenging to cover every situation, but we have covered most of the guidelines in reference to the season that we expect you to follow.

We are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season and look forward to you and your child enjoying the valuable opportunity and enriching experience of participating in our Youth Basketball League.

ELIGIBILITY

All children must be in grades 2nd - 6th / No exceptions.

ROSTER 

A player may only be listed on one roster per division, unless a decision is made to allow the child to play in both divisions. In such cases, the player is restricted to participating in the specific color they are assigned to in the advanced division.

REFUNDS: 

Refunds will not be issued for our Youth Basketball League under any circumstances.

UNIFORMS

• All players will have matching colored Unique Hoops jerseys 

• All players in the league must wear ALL BLACK SHORTS on game days.

• Referees may ban any equipment they deem unsafe or illegal for players.

Referees may ban any equipment that they deem unsafe of illegal for players

Referees may ban any equipment that they deem unsafe of illegal for player
GAME RULES

GAMEPLAY

RED DIVISION: 14 minute halves / BLACK DIVISION: 15 minute halves

PLAYING TIME

Playing time is determined by the coach's discretion. While all players are ensured a substantial amount of minutes, some may receive more playing time than others.

PRACTICE AND TOURNAMENTS

Scheduling practices require significant time and effort, often necessitating coaches to make sacrifices and allocate time away from their families to instruct children. A player's progress in basketball is directly linked to their level of effort. Attendance and punctuality at practices are essential expectations for all DYBL players.

FULL COURT PRESSING

RED DIVISION: Full-court pressing is restricted in the first half of the basketball game. Teams are not allowed to employ this strategy until the second half.

BLACK DIVISION: There are no restrictions on full-court pressing.

MERCY RULE

If a team is leading by more than 20 points, we will intervene to stop them from pressing, and the game will shift to a running clock format.

TIMEOUTS

Each coach will have three 1-minute timeouts available per game.

FOULS 

RED DIVISION: No player in the RED division can foul out of games. After the sixth foul, the specific player will be required to sit out for at least two minutes of the game..

BLACK DIVISION: Players will be disqualified from the game after committing their sixth foul.

OVERTIME

A 3-minute overtime rule will be applied at the end of regulation if the score is tied. If the score remains tied after the overtime period, the game will proceed to sudden death play. In sudden death, the game begins with a Jump Ball at center court, and the first team to score will conclude the game. For both overtime and sudden death, coaches will be granted one additional timeout.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

All coaches are expected to uphold a high standard of conduct. Positivity and creating memorable experiences for players are our distinctive goals. Our coaches aim to provide opportunities for players to excel, instill discipline, emphasize classroom success, all while teaching the game of basketball. Success requires a positive attitude, with coaches offering constructive criticism when necessary.

PROFESSIONALISM

Coaches are required to maintain a professional demeanor both on the court and in the community. While we encourage coaches to know their players personally, it is crucial to respect the boundary between coach and friend. All coaches must uphold professional relationships with staff, parents, and players, emphasizing clear communication. Private discussions with parents or players behind closed doors are discouraged, except in emergencies. 

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT 

Electronic communication between coaches and student-athletes, including email, text messaging, and social media, should solely serve the purpose of Unique Hoops conveying information about team activities or other basketball-related content. Coaches must adhere to sensible guidelines regarding the frequency and timing of electronic communication with athletes.

COMMUNICATION

Maintaining open lines of communication among coaches, players, and parents is essential. Each season begins with a parent meeting to communicate the expectations of our Youth Basketball League.

CERTIFICATION

 All coaches are REQUIRED to have the following certifications:

• Virginia State Background Check

• Player Concussion Training

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

All players are required to adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in this Handbook. Failure to meet these expectations may lead to suspension from practices and games or complete termination from Unique Hoops Basketball Academy. This document is designed to ensure that players are well-informed participants in the Code of Conduct and Responsibility Guidelines.

PLAYER CONDUCT

• Every player is considered an equal team member, irrespective of ability and playing time.

• Players are expected to treat their teammates with respect at all times.

• Demonstrating positive support for all teammates, coaches, and officials at every game or practice is encouraged to promote good sportsmanship.

• When questions or problems arise with a coach or teammate, players are expected to seek understanding and resolution.

• Players should conduct their personal lives with integrity, displaying self-respect, healthy behaviors, and social responsibility.

• All players must treat officials, opponents, and coaches with dignity and respect. Talking back to coaches or officials will not be tolerated and may result in loss of playing time or suspension from our Youth Basketball League.

• Acts of physical violence, particularly attacks on game or league officials immediately before, during, or after a game, or fights/confrontations between players, will result in termination from the league.

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Your conduct serves as a direct representation of yourself. Actions that could bring embarrassment, whether as a parent, player, or team member, should be avoided. All parents in the league are expected to acknowledge and respect the authority of staff, coaches, and Unique Hoops support; failure to do so may result in exclusion from the league. Violations of the policies and rules outlined in this handbook signify a lack of commitment to the league. Consequences for violations may include reminders, involving external authorities, or dismissal from the league.

Remember, this is YOUTH BASKETBALL!

• Demonstrate sportsmanlike conduct, refraining from unsportsmanlike actions like berating, taunting, making threats, or using profanity.

• Attend games to support your child without imposing your own aspirations on them. Be a supportive and encouraging parent.

• Ensure your child attends all practices and communicates proactively with the coach if unable to participate.

• Show respect for officials before, during, and after games. Let coaches handle disputes with referees, officials, or volunteers responsible for game rules.

• Address concerns privately through email within 48 hours of a game, rather than at the game's end.

• Encourage your child to treat everyone involved with respect, irrespective of race, creed, color, or nationality.

• Be prompt in picking up your child after team functions. Coaches will ensure supervision, but it's unreasonable to expect them to wait repeatedly for players.

• Refrain from coaching from the sidelines during practices and tournaments. Leave coaching to the coaches and focus on cheering.

• Avoid degrading other players' abilities or efforts. Such behavior is disrespectful and not tolerated by any parent or guardian.

VOLUNTARY AT-WILL PLAYER OR PARENT TERMINATION

Recognizing the crucial roles played by players and parents in each team's success, we have strict guidelines to protect Unique Hoops and its community. The Director holds the authority to remove a player or parent from our Youth Basketball League at any time for non-compliance with the Handbook's policies and guidelines, with or without cause.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ORGANIZATION

We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all employees, parents, and players, irrespective of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state, or local law.

The Unique Hoops Youth Basketball League strictly prohibits any form of unlawful discrimination. All employees are expected to fully cooperate in the implementation of this Policy. Specifically, any employee who suspects that another staff member, parent, or player may have violated the Equal Opportunity Policy is encouraged to promptly report the potential violation to the Director of Unique Hoops.

Visit our website 2024 Policy page for a comprehensive list on all of our policy procedures, including guidelines on discriminatory laws, hazing, bullying, sexual misconduct, physical abuse, drug and alcohol use, and disability.

STAFF INFORMATION / INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event of cancellations due to weather or emergencies, the league administrator will promptly communicate with all parents and coaches.

AMENDMENTS

We reserve the right to add, delete, or amend rules, regulations, and policies to enhance the program at any time.