GENERAL INFORMATION

Games
Games consist of 2 - 24 minute halves, running time. Substitutions occur at every 4 minute interval with a short half-time before the start of the second half. We have two official referees for each game. There are 7 teams of 12-14 players and 3 games played each night, so each team receives a bye (no game) every 7 weeks of play.

Game 1:
Warm-up 5:30 – 5:45 pm / Tip-off 5:45 pm sharp

Game 2:
Warm-up 6:45 – 7:00 pm / Tip-off 7:00 pm sharp

Game 3:
Warm-up 8:00 – 8:15 pm / Tip-off 8:15 pm sharp

For players playing the last game of the night, please note that we pay for staff by the half hour so if we do not exit until 9:31 pm - we pay until 10 pm. Please be quick in exiting the gym/change rooms so as not to incur additional expense for the League.

Scorekeeping Duties
Each team is assigned specific games to scorekeep. Everyone on your team should take turns in sharing the responsibility. If everyone volunteers just once - you will have fulfilled your obligation. Scorekeeping works best in pairs.

New as of the 2005-2006 Season – teams are assigned a maximum of 2 points for fulfilling their assigned scorekeeping duties (1 point for each scorekeeper who is a member of the team assigned).

Click here to learn How to Scorekeep.

General Rules

1. When a player commits 5 fouls, they must leave the game.
2. When a team has committed 7 fouls, the other team receives a bonus free throw on every foul committed against them for the remainder of the half (6 4-minute quarters).
3. Teams are allowed 2 timeouts per half.
4. If a tie occurs there will be a 5-minute overtime (playoffs only).
5. If your team does not have 5 players ready to play 5 minutes after game time, your team will automatically default the game. A scrimmage may be played instead by borrowing players from another team.

Good Sports
Rainbow Hoops is a recreational league meant to create a lesbian-positive environment and allow players of all levels of experience to enjoy the game of basketball. Although it should not have to be said, altercations with other players or refs will not be tolerated.

Team Reps
Team Reps are players who have volunteered to represent their team. The team reps role is to:

• Liaise with the Collective, referees and their team
• Recruit scorekeepers from their team as per the League schedule
• Call/email team members to avoid default games
• Unlock the Equipment and Supply Box and help set up scorekeepers when playing first game

Team reps meet 2-3 times per year with the Collective.

First In - Last Out
As previously mentioned, our league is run solely by volunteers, as a result your assistance is always welcome and sometimes necessary.

If you play the first game, ask the Gym Staff Member for our equipment. Team Reps are given the combination to the box. Our equipment includes 5 basketballs, a clipboard, scoresheets, pens, a timer, score counters and First Aid items.

If you play the last game, please round up the five balls and put the scorekeeping stuff back in the box and our friendly Gym Staff Member will put it away for you.

All players are expected to keep the gym clean by disposing of empty water bottles and food wrappers, etc., at the end of each game.

50% Rule
A player must participate in at least 50% of the regular season games in order to play in the playoff games. If a player is not able to participate due to illness or injury, their name must appear somewhere on the scoresheet in order for them to be recognized as being in attendance for the game.

Standings and Playoffs
Points are awarded as follows:

Win - 3 points | Tie - 2 points | Loss - 1 point | Default - 0 points | Scorekeeping - Max. of 2 points

Other Incidental Rules

1. All earrings, necklaces, and rings MUST be removed during games
2. Piercings MUST be removed (not taped - no exceptions!)