LEAGUE BY-LAWS & REGULATIONS
National Capital Hoops Circuit League By‑Laws & Regulations
Last updated: May 17, 2025
1 League Governance
1.1 Purpose – The National Capital Hoops Circuit ("NCHC" or "the League") exists to provide competitive, development‑focused basketball for youth teams in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.
1.2 Authority – All games are sanctioned by NCHC. The League Commissioner and Disciplinary Committee have final authority on rule interpretations and disciplinary matters.
1.3 Rule Hierarchy – Unless otherwise stated herein, FIBA rules govern play. These by‑laws supersede FIBA rules where conflicts exist.
2 Age & Team Eligibility
2.1 Divisions
DivisionBirth‑Year Window (2024‑25 Season)Supreme 2009–2010 (U15–U16)Premier 2007–2008 (U17–U18)Diamond 2005–2006 (U18–U19) + CÉGEP
*A player is eligible if their birth year falls within the window *on 1 September 2024.
2.2 Playing Up – Younger athletes may "play up" one division with written parental consent and coach approval. Playing down is prohibited.
2.3 Single‑Team Rule – A registered player may compete for only one team in the League during a given season, regardless of division. Dual‑rostering or mid‑season transfers are not allowed.
3 Rosters & Registration
3.1 Roster Size – Minimum 8, maximum 15 players. All names must appear on the official NCHC registration platform.
3.2 Roster Deadline – Final rosters are locked 7 days before Session 1 (“The Premiere” – June 7‑8, 2025). After this date only hardship additions (injury‑replacement) may be requested.
3.3 Add/Drop (Hardship) – Teams may petition the Commissioner to add a replacement player after a season‑ending injury, provided the player has not appeared for another NCHC team. Approval is discretionary and must be received 48 hours before the next game.
3.4 Jersey Numbers – Duplicate numbers within the same team are prohibited.
4 Minimum Participation & Playoff Eligibility
4.1 Game‑Count Requirement – A player must appear in at least 50 % of scheduled regular‑season games (3 of 6) to be eligible for playoff competition.
4.2 Attendance Definition – A player is credited with a game if they are listed in the scoresheet and enter the floor for at least one live‑ball possession.
4.3 In‑Game Minimums – No individual play‑time minimum is mandated, but coaches are encouraged to foster equitable development.
5 Conduct, Technical Fouls & Discipline
5.1 Code of Conduct – Players, coaches, and spectators must uphold sportsmanship. Harassment of officials, profanity, or violent conduct is prohibited.
5.2 Ejections – Game ejection incurs an automatic 1‑game suspension. Fighting or threatening behaviour triggers an automatic 2‑game suspension pending review.
5.3 Accumulated Fouls – Two technicals in the same game = ejection. The ejection penalties apply in addition to the TF fine schedule.
5.4 Bench Control – Head coaches are responsible for conduct of bench personnel and spectators associated with their team.
6 Forfeits & No‑Show Policy
6.1 Notification – Teams unable to play must notify the League 72 hours before tip‑off.
6.2 Multiple Forfeits – Two forfeits in one season disqualify the team from playoffs; a third forfeits the team’s remaining schedule.
7 Refund & Withdrawal Policy
7.1 Team Fees – Entry fees are paid per team.
7.2 Full Refund – Written withdrawal 30 days or more before Session 1 entitles the team to a 100 % refund minus a $50 administrative charge.
7.3 Partial Refund – Withdrawal 15–29 days prior: 50 % refund.
7.4 No Refund – No refunds within 14 days of Session 1 or once the season has begun, including withdrawals due to injury, schedule conflict, or disciplinary expulsion.
7.5 Processing Time – Refunds processed within 10 business days to original payment method.
8 Suspension & Disqualification Guidelines
8.1 Automatic Suspensions – As outlined in §5.
8.2 League‑Imposed Disqualification – The Disciplinary Committee may disqualify a player or coach for egregious behavior, unpaid fines, or falsified documents.
8.3 Team Liability – Teams are responsible for ensuring suspended individuals do not participate. In‑game use of a suspended person results in forfeit and additional $150 fine.
9 Roster & Eligibility Documentation
9.1 Teams must provide government‑issued ID or birth certificates upon request.
9.2 Use of an ineligible player leads to forfeit and potential coach suspension.
10 Protests & Appeals
10.1 Game Protest – Filed in writing within 24 hours. Protest is reviewed by the Competition Committee; bond refunded if upheld.
10.2 Appeal Hearing – May include video evidence and witness statements. Decisions are final.
11 Insurance & Risk Management
11.1 All participants must be covered under the League’s group insurance or provide proof of equivalent personal coverage.
11.2 Teams must supply a first‑aid certified staff member or accept League medical staff.
12 Amendments
The League reserves the right to amend these by‑laws at any time. Notice of changes will be emailed to registered contacts and posted on the League website at least 7 days before they take effect.