Basketball registrations are now closed.
Divisions for boys and girls (age is as of December 1st)
Pee Wee - Co-ed division for boys and girls 5-7 yrs old (ball size 27.0)
Co-ed Intermediate - for boys and girls 8 & 9 yrs old (ball size 28.5)
Girls Intermediate - just for girls 8 & 9 yrs old (ball size 28.5)
Juniors - Co-ed division for boys and girls 10 & 11 yrs old (ball size 28.5)
Senior Boys - just for boys 12 & 13 yrs old, not yet in high school (official men's size ball)
Senior Girls - just for girls 12 & 13 yrs old, not yet in high school (official women's size ball)
ZERO TOLERANCE: NO FIGHTING, VULGARITY, OR DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR WILL BE ALLOWED! IF A PARENT/GUARDIAN IS EJECTED, THE PLAYER MUST LEAVE ALSO! NO EXCEPTIONS!
The New York State high School rules apply, with certain exceptions. A Coach may call a time out. There are 4 time-outs per game and 1-30 second time out per half, per team plus one additional full time-out for each overtime period. For all divisions except Pee-Wee, there will be only one overtime period during the regular season. All divisions except Pee-Wee use board officials. No “3-point” shot in any division. No jewelry worn during the games.
All players must play at least two full periods by period. Unless the team has less than seven players, each player must sit one full period.
All teams in all divisions (except Pee-Wees) make the playoffs. Regular season standings determine playoff seeds. The Division Champion is the team which wins the playoffs in single elimination tournament.
In all divisions except Pee-Wee, the defense must play “man-to-man” in the first half.
The half-court or mid-court line is also the back-court line.
PEE-WEE DIVISION - 6-minute periods. A Coach from each team will officiate the game. No score is kept. No stealing of the ball while the player is dribbling. No defensive pressure until the offense reaches the top of the key. Once the “play” area has been entered, there is no “safe” zone above the “play” zone. “Man-to-man” defense only. No “picks”. All fouls are to be called, with the offended player shooting one foul shot (unless fouled in the act of shooting). Foul shots are taken as near to the basket as the shooter wants to be. Ball is a size #5-27” circumference. 8 foot hanging baskets will be used. Pee-Wee league ages are 5, 6 and 7. The players must be at least in Kindergarten.
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION - 6-minute periods. Defense must allow the offense at least one step past the mid-court line before applying defensive pressure. Full-court press only by the team behind in the last 2 minutes of play if down by 10 points or less (4th quarter or overtime period). Foul shots are taken from ½ the regular distance of a regular foul shot. Use a 28 ½” circumference ball. Foul shots at 5th foul or in the act of shooting. Intermediate league ages are 8 & 9.
JUNIOR DIVISION - 6-minute periods. Full court press in 4th quarter only. Both teams may press. Use a 28 ½” circumference ball. Junior league ages are 10 & 11.
SENIOR DIVISION - 7-minute periods. Full court press in the 4th quarter only. Both teams may press. “No Press” means that the defense may not get the ball in the back-court from fumbles, bad passes, etc. Senior league ages are 12 & 13. No high school player may participate.
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD - Each Saturday, one or more players may be chosen to receive a certificate for good sportsmanship. Each coach, spectator, player, or official is asked to watch for any player(s) who has done anything sportsmanlike. No one may nominate a player on his/her own team. This is to be based on sportsmanship, not on personality or skill. Pass on any nominations to any commissioner or board member. Every effort will be made to present the award the following week.
TECHNICAL FOULS - 1st technical foul will result in a warning. For the 2nd technical foul, the player or the coach will be suspended for the remainder of the game, and from the next game and will not be allowed in the gym or on the grounds of the building for the time of penalty. If a coach receives a 2nd technical foul during the season, the coach will meet with the basketball committee. A 3rd technical foul in a SEASON will require the person (player or coach) to be suspended for the rest of the season, as well as possible future seasons. If it is during the playoffs, the basketball committee will determine that individual’s eligibility for the following season.
No Coach will take any player or groups into the locker room, or anywhere else, at any time. All team activities will be on the gym floor. Only two coaches on the bench per game. Only the head coach may stand/walk in front of the bench during play. If a coach receives a technical foul, the coach must sit on the bench the rest of the game, and no one may stand/walk in front of the bench for the rest of the game. If a penalized coach leaves the bench for anything negative (complaining, yelling at a referee, etc.), the coach will leave the building and grounds. If a coach receives a 2nd technical foul, the coach will leave the building and grounds. Please help us to keep the bench area free from of anyone not involved in playing for or coaching your team. Coaches and players are responsible for cleaning up the bench area after the game.
The purpose of Elmira Small Fry (ESF) is to provide an enjoyable youth activity. This is not the NBA, NCAA, or High School. The head coach is responsible for any assistants being familiar with all rules. Parents/guardians must attend a practice to learn the rules and policies. Please be respectful with the officials. If you have problems, please bring them to a commissioner or a board member. Let’s all help to make this a fun time for all.
PRACTICES - ESF requires only 1 practice per week, an hour and half maximum. If a coach decides to have 2 practices (MAXIMUM) no player will suffer who has a commitment such as church, family, or school (it is the player’s obligation to inform the coach). Coaches choose their practice sites and times.
PLAYING TIME
TO GUARANTEE EACH PLAYER 2 FULL PERIODS, ALL TEAMS WILL FOLLOW THE ESTABLISHED PLAYING RULES (PLAY means MUST PLAY; SIT means MUST SIT).
-with 9 players:
1st Period
Play: A, B, C, D, E
Sit: F, G, H, I
2nd Period
Play: A, F, G, H, I
Sit: B, C, D, E
3rd Period
Play: B, C, D, E, F
Sit: A
4th Period
Play: G, H, I
Sit: --
-with 8 players:
1st Period
Play: A, B, C, D, E
Sit: F, G
2nd Period
Play: A, B, F, G, H, I
Sit: C, D, E
3rd Period
Play: C, D, E, F, G
Sit: A, B
4th Period
Play: H
Sit: --
-with 7 players:
1st Period
Play: A, B, C, D, E
Sit: F, G
2nd Period
Play: A, B, C, F, G
Sit: D, E
3rd Period
Play: F, G, D, E, (A)
Sit: B, C
4th Period
Play: --
Sit: A
With 6 players, all must play and all must sit at least once minute of each half.
With 5 players, use all time-outs selectively. No playing requirements in overtime.
No substitutes are allowed before the 4th period unless: 1. injury or illness; 2. a player fouls out; 3. disciplinary reasons. Players who have met the playing and sitting requirements in the first 3 periods may be freely substituted for in the 4th period.
If a player is late one period, count that period as sat. If a player comes late for 2 or 3 periods, use discretion.
If a player is a disciplinary problem during practice or a game or misses several practices, decide on a strategy and discuss it with the commissioner or assistant commissioner.
If a team is going to be short the coach should notify the commissioner in advance. In the Senior and Junior divisions, a player(s) from a lower division may play up a division to bring the player number to seven (he or she doesn’t remain with that team). In the Intermediate or Pee-Wee divisions flexibility will prevail.
Remember, we are here to help the kids have a good time.
COACHES
1. Each Coach will conduct himself/herself appropriately during games and practices.
2. If a Coach receives an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty during a game, the Coach will be asked to leave the game.
3. Assure that ineligible players are not allowed to practice or play.
4. Lead and participate in the "end of the game handshake" with the opposing team in a sportsmanlike manner in keeping with the spirit of the game of the sport (be certain to include any cheerleaders in the handshake if applicable – not every team has them).
5. All Coaches are prohibited from physically pushing/shoving, punching, or any in way physically assaulting another Coach, a parent or a player. If any of these actions should occur, the Coach will be removed from the league.
6. Each Coach is responsible for maintaining an attendance roster throughout the season for his/her team. The attendance roster will track player attendance at practices and games.
7. Each Coach shall meet with the parents of their players to discuss player safety, ESF rules, and other matters of interest to the parents.
8. Interested coaches are to complete an application and background check form. This information will be reviewed by the appropriate committee, a determination will be made and presented to the Board with supporting documentation.
9. Coaches will be reviewed on an annual basis. Coaches wishing to return will need to complete an application and background check annually. These reviews will be completed by the appropriate committee, a determination will be made and presented to the Board with supporting documentation.
