Revision Date: January 3, 2008
A. CLAY MINISTRY
The Christian League of Athletics for Youth ("CLAY") is a non-denominational Christian organization whose primary mission is to promote team competition within the framework of the Christian faith. As such, sponsoring organizations are limited to Christian churches and schools affiliated with Christian churches. Other Christian organizations, if not directly affiliated with a church or parish, may apply for sponsorship. Applications are approved by the Executive Committee.
CLAY's Local Ministries Committee shall be responsible for pre-game prayer, as well as working with gym facilities to consider ministry opportunities on game day. The Local Ministries Committee may also work with the CLAY Ministries Coordinator to explore other ministry opportunities. Sponsoring organizations are encouraged to use CLAY as a complement to existing youth ministry, and/or as a springboard to launch new youth ministry.
B. LEAGUE RULES
1. There is a five (5) player minimum number of players on a roster.
2. Grade levels determine divisions as follows:
Fundamental Divisions:
Kindergarten through Second Grade = "Fun" Division ("F")
Third & Fourth Grades = "Developmental" Division ("D")
Competition Divisions:
Fifth & Sixth Grades = "Competition 1" Division ("C1")
Seventh & Eighth Grades = "Competition 2" Division ("C2")
Ninth & Tenth Grades = "Competition 3" Division ("C3")
Eleventh & Twelfth Grades = "Competition 4" Division ("C4")
3. There will be separate boys and girls divisions for each level, except for Division "F".
4. Sponsoring organizations may allow players on their sponsored teams who have no previous affiliation with the sponsoring organization, provided the player meets all other eligibility requirements imposed by CLAY and the sponsoring organization. Where eligibility requirements differ, CLAY rules shall supercede. The sponsoring organization is responsible to CLAY for the cost of the team and the eligibility of the players.
5. The highest grade level of any player on a team will determine division placement. Players are not permitted to play in a division below their grade level. Players who are older than their peers will be reviewed for proper division placement. Exceptions may be petitioned in writing to the Executive Committee under the following restrictions: requests for playing "down" are limited to two players one grade above the existing divison; the team receiving the player(s) must already be established; every effort has been made to recruit additional players in the spirit of inviting others to participate in the ministry of league play; and with an understanding that if the request is granted, players will be considered in a probationary period during the first two weeks of play and will be observed to ensure their individual skill level does not substantially change the level of competion of the team at the expense of the opponent.
6. Registrations for sponsors, coaches and players are due at least one (1) month prior to the start of the season; the date to be determined each year. Payments for teams are due by the start of the season. Team rosters are closed at the end of the first month of play. Roster "challenges" are only permitted at the end of the game, and only in the absense of players and fans. If it is found a team violated a roster rule, the team violating the rule will forfeit that game, and must correct its roster accordingly.
7. If there are more than eight (8) teams in one division, coaches may be polled for classifying teams by skill level. Regular season play will then be scheduled accordingly. All teams will be "classed" for playoff games ("A", "B", etc.). Classes will consist of no less than two and no more than six teams, and will be determined by the Executive Committee. Classes with only two teams will play a "best two out of three" series. Each class within each division will award a championship. All teams make the playoffs.
8. For divisions with enough teams to have separate schedules by skill level, teams will be evaluated by the Executive Committee after the first three (3) games to ensure proper classification. Coaches of teams that should be reclassed will be consulted prior to any schedule changes.
9. "Fun" Division Special Rules (Grades K-2)
--No "official" referees; older players approved by CLAY officials shall serve as referees.
--Violations do not result in a turnover unless the violation is extreme or intentional.
--One coach is permitted to travel the length of the court to assist players.
--Coaches are not permitted on court except during time outs.
--Portable, variable height hoops will be used and lowered to an appropriate height.
--Court size may be reduced by moving the hoops closer together.
--If the court size is reduced, out-of-bounds lines will be clearly defined before the game starts.
--The foul line may be adjusted, based on the placement of the hoops.
--The five-second closely guarded rule is in effect at the discretion of the referees.
--Baskets made from beyond the three point line will count as three points.
--Defense cannot steal the ball when it is being dribbled - "no steal".
--Defense cannot play the ball when it is in the back court - "no press".
10. "Developmental" Division Special Rules (Grades 3-4)
--Players may move up to the the "hash" line in front of the foul line when making foul shots.
--Players who cannot hit the hoop on a foul shot may take an additional step forward.
--The five-second closely guarded rule is in effect at the discretion of the referees.
--Defense cannot steal the ball when it is being dribbled - "no steal" (see B.12 Final Two Minutes Exception).
--Defense cannot play the ball when it is in the back court - "no press" (see B.12 Final Two Minutes Exception).
11. "Competition 1" Division Special Rules (Grades 5-6)
--Defense cannot play the ball when it is in the back court - "no press" (see B.12 Final Two Minutes Exception).
--Defense IS PERMITTED to steal the ball when it is being dribbled.
12. Final Two Minutes Exception For "Developmental" & "Competition 1" Divisions
--The "no steal" and "no press" rules are abandoned in the last two (2) minutes of play and overtime. This is to allow those players to receive game-time experience with regular basketball play - not to run up the score or otherwise embarrass a losing team. This will be expanded to the entire fourth quarter during playoffs for Class A brackets.
C. GAME RULES
1. PIAA rules are in effect unless otherwise addressed. If there is a conflict between PIAA and CLAY, CLAY is the governing authority unless it constitutes a safety issue.
2. If a team is not ready to start the game within ten (10) minutes of the scheduled starting time, the team forfeits the league game. A team is not considered ready unless it has a minimum of four (4) players and an adult coach on the bench with the team, who meets the requirements set forth in Section F below.
3. Teams may play with four (4) players. The opposing team is not required to reduce its number of players. If a team does not have a least four (4) players as noted in Section C.2, the team forfeits the league game.
4. In the event of a forfeited league game, a scrimmage is permitted, but any "pick up" players must not exceed the upper grade level of the division without the permission of the opposing coach. The team forced to use "pickup" players will forfeit the game for official scorekeeping purposes, however, the scorekeeper(s) and referees will participate, treating the game as though it is an official CLAY game, or they will forfeit payment for that game. If there is a forfeit because of a "no show" by one or both of the teams, the game cost (gym rental, scorekeeper credit and referee fees) will be passed on to the sponsoring organization(s) of the "no show" team(s).
5. All players' shirts must be numbered, and team members must not share numbers. If a player does not have a numbered shirt, a number must be taped on the shirt, visible to the referees, for the player to be permitted in the game. If players on the same team have the same number, a taped "X" should be added to one of the numbers. Names and nicknames are permitted on jerseys, however, players with inappropriate or offensive nicknames will be required to turn their jersey inside out and tape numbers in order to participate in the game, and must replace the jersey before playing in further games. If the number of players missing games due to this rule consitutes a forfeit, the game cost (gym rental, scorekeeper credit and referee fees) will be passed on to the sponsoring organization(s) of the offending team(s).
6. All players in uniform must play, unless they are injured or ill. Injured or ill players in uniform must be reported to the scorekeeper and opposing coach prior to the game, and cannot enter the game later during play. Coaches may request a player be cleared by a doctor or other medical professional before allowing further participation.
7. Each team is permitted five (5) time-outs during regular play, and two (2) time-outs per overtime period. Time-outs are 30 seconds in length. There is no carry-over of time-outs from regular play to overtime, nor from one overtime period to another.
8. It is recommended that players do not wear game shoes outside. If they are, they must be completely dry before stepping onto the court. Coaches and others involved with the teams and the games must also make sure their shoes are completely dry before stepping onto the court.
D. CLOCK RULES
1. Each quarter will be seven minutes in length with a running clock, with the following exceptions:
--The clock will stop during time-outs; referees will signal the stopping and starting of the clock.
--The clock will start and stop per PIAA rules for the last thirty (30) seconds of the first three (3) quarters, and the last two (2) minutes of the fourth quarter.
--Time outs are thirty (30) seconds in length; the horn will sound at fifteen (15) seconds and at the end of the time out.
--Referees, facility administrators and CLAY Executive Committee members may stop the clock for injuries and to control the behavior of teams, coaches and fans. Facility administrators and CLAY Executive Committee members must signal the referees who will indicate to the scorekeeper to stop the clock. The clock will not restart until signalled by the referees.
2. Each overtime period will be two (2) minutes in length, with the clock starting and stopping per PIAA rules.
3. There is no "mercy" scorekeeping. All points earned must be displayed.
E. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
1. Players must be in school (Kindergarten though twelfth grade). Further, players cannot exceed the age of eighteen (18) unless in school per PIAA rules.
2. High school varsity players may not play in CLAY, even if the season ends.
3. Each sponsoring organization is required to have its own eligibility rule regarding religious participation. This can include attending church, Sunday School and/or youth group; participating in sponsored activities such as retreats, Vacation Bible School, etc. It is up to the sponsoring organization to enforce its rule.
4. Players may not play on more than one team. Exceptions may be petitioned in writing to the Executive Committee under the following restrictions: requests are only considered for playing on a team whom players have an established relationship; the two teams cannot be in the same division; the player in question is not eligible for this exception and the exception listed in Rule B.5; and with an understanding that if the request is granted, players will be considered in a probationary period during the first two weeks of play and will be observed to ensure individual skill level does not substantially change the level of competion of the team at the expense of the opponent.
F. COACH RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Coaches must be a minumum of eighteen (18) years old, and be at least five (5) years older than the oldest player on the team. Each coach must also agree to submit to a background check. The cost for the background check may be passed on to the coach. Documentation from other organizations indicating existing background check clearance will be accepted.
2. Coaches must be present with their team before, during and after the scheduled game. If the coach is going to be absent, a responsible adult meeting the requirements set forth above must replace him or her before the game can commence.
3. Coaches are responsible for the actions of the team at all times. Coaches are expected to address poor player conduct before, during and after the game. This includes, but is not limited to, taunting and "trash-talking".
4. Coaches are expected to enforce the following rules for themselves and their players:
--No smoking in or on the grounds of any facility, regardless of any designated smoking areas.
--No loitering or roaming of the facility or its grounds.
5. Coaches' behavior reflects directly upon the coach, team, sponsor and CLAY. DO NOT HARASS PLAYERS, SCOREKEEPERS, FACILITY REPRESENTATIVES OR FANS. Facility administrators and CLAY Executive Committee members may request the removal of coaches who cannot control their own behavior.
6. Coaches are encouraged to play lesser skilled players and discourage "running up the score" if playing a significantly weaker team. This should not affect the outcome of the game, however.
7. Coaches are expected to ensure their players know all rules that pertain to the league and the division in which they are participating.
8. Coaches must meet any eligibility rules imposed by the sponsoring organization(s) for which they coach.
G. FACILITY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Those providing facilities for game day play are responsible for maintaining the safety and security of game day activities. This includes, but is not limited to, proper maintenance and upkeep of the facility and grounds. An adult representative of the facility, who has the authoriity to act on behalf of the facility, must be present for all CLAY games.
2. Facility providers must submit a certificate of insurance to CLAY prior to the start of the season.
3. Facilities are paid a per game gym rental fee and a per game "scorekeeper credit". Both are paid at the end of the season; scorekeeper compensation is at the discretion of the facility.
4. Facility providers will supply scorekeeper(s) and those scorekeepers or facility administrators will fax completed scoresheets to the number listed by each Monday following game day. Failure to do so will result in a loss of scorekeeper credit for that game day.
5. Facility providers will supply game day balls (one "boy" standard ball and one "girls" 28.5" ball; facilities hosting "Fun" division games will also provide a "small" ball - 27"), but are not responsible for providing practice balls for visiting teams.
H. REFEREES
This section does not apply to the "Fun" division, with the exception of CLAY sanctioning.
1. Referees must be sanctioned and in good standing order with the PIAA, and sactioned by CLAY.
2. Referees are expected to know and uphold all PIAA and CLAY rules, and conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the position.
3. Referees are asked to honor the opening prayer by either participating in the prayer or remain off court until after the prayer.
4. There will be two (2) referees per game; three (3) for high school playoff games.
5. Referees are compensated on a per game basis, payable monthly. January games will be paid by the end of February; February games will be paid by the end of March; March games will be paid by April 15. Referees are paid based on the sign-in sheets used on game days. Failure to sign, or failure to provide a legible name will result in the forfeiture of that game's pay. The person actually performing the officiating is responsible for signing in, even if "subbing" for someone else.
6. The CLAY Executive Commitee has the right to ban referees from further games for unbecoming conduct, and to request the removal of referees during games for serious issues or safety concerns. All referee issues are to be directed to the designated referee scheduler, who will address the issue. If a referee is removed from a game, the game will be suspended until a replacement referee is retained.