The following will describe and categorize varying infractions by degrees of severity and the penalties incurred by such infractions.
Discipline administered may encompass more than one section per incident. The terms of suspensions listed are a minimum for each infraction. A player's past record is considered, and will influence the decision. Initiation and retaliation, where applicable, are also considered.
Probationary periods and requirements to issue letters of apology may also be assessed.
This is designed to deal with infractions committed by player(s), teams and guests of teams. Incidents of misconduct directed against GAME OFFICIALS will be dealt with by the Discipline Committee of the GHBA. The Discipline Committee will consist of any 3 of the following: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary.
A player who fails to go immediately to his bench after being ejected will incur further penalty. A player under suspension for any of the following sections shall not involve themself with the game in any way and shall not enter the gym when their team is involved in any regular season game(s) falling within their suspension.
Game suspensions will be carried over from one season to the next, and apply to an individual no matter what team they plays with.
Players will be notified verbally or in writing of the decision made.
Monetary fines will be imposed on players for the following suspensions in the amount of $25 per game (plus GST) to a maximum of $500 (plus GST) for suspensions arising from one game. All fines are to be paid via e-transfer before reinstatement of a player. Fines paid by cash or cheque will be increased by a minimum of $5.
Players may appeal their suspension after paying the fine and an additional $25 appeal fee. The appeal fee plus any reduction in the fine will be refunded if the appeal is successful. Appeals are allowed for suspensions other than those related to accumulation of technical or unsportsmanlike fouls.
The GHBA will support the suspension of any player assessed by the facilities we play in, the Hamilton Board Officials, or Ontario Basketball.
Individuals or teams that demonstrate a year over year pattern of fines, suspensions, ejections, significant fouls or other discipline issues will be subject to additional sanctions, fines and suspensions.
One to Six Game Suspensions
The length of suspension for the following will be determined based on specific game/ incident circumstances.
- Any player accumulating four technical and/or unsportsmanlike fouls (including those received while on the bench), be it through a single game or accumulated over the season, receives an automatic one game suspension.
- A further two technical &/or unsportsmanlike fouls (cumulative five for season) will result in an additional two (2) game suspension and related fine.
- Upon reaching six technical &/or unsportsmanlike fouls for the season, the player is suspended for the balance of the season including play-offs.
Note that players that must leave a game when they are assessed the prescribed number of technical &/or unsportsmanlike fouls per FIBA rules that results in an automatic game suspension. If at the same time the player also reaches one of the thresholds noted above, the suspensions noted above still apply.
- A player ejected from a game, except for players leaving for the reason noted above. Additional sanctions will be assessed for not leaving in a timely manner and/or continuing to argue with referees or other officials after being ejected.
- A player found playing under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Abusive, threatening and/or disrespectful language, contact or gestures directed towards players, officials, facility staff or other spectators, prior to, during or after the game.
- Striking on purpose an opponent or official with the ball, or actions that appear to suggest an opponent or official will be struck by a ball.
- Joining an altercation between 2 or more players.
- Intentionally kick, punch, push or otherwise strike an opponent prior to, during or after the game.
- Fighting.
- Intent to injure. (Second such offense will result in a playing ban for the remainder of the season at minimum)
- Players who refuse to leave the gym when directed to by an official.
- Spitting or trying to spit on a player or official.
- Failing to treat gym staff, equipment and facilities with care and respect.
- Failing to observe the rules of the facility including the requirement to leave by the official closing time.
- A player playing under another name or playing with more than one team. Discipline is increased where the player does so while suspended.
(Second offence of any of the above (or combination of these) will result in a minimum of three games suspension and a player review by the disciplinary committee.)
Season or Permanent Suspensions
- Players involved in a violent altercation, or exhibiting threatening behavior towards opponent(s), official(s), facility staff or patrons before, during or after the game.
- Players that assault, threaten, harass or otherwise abuse officials or scorekeepers before, during or after games.
- Players that accumulate 3 or more game ejections during a season and/or who demonstrate an ongoing disregard for league officials and/or regulations.
- Any combination of any the above infractions in one or more seasons may result in season, multi-season or permanent expulsion depending on the severity of the incident(s).
- Players with multiple seasons of 4 or more technical / unsportsmanlike fouls per season will be subject to reduced thresholds for suspensions, probationary period, season or permanent suspension depending on the severity of individual’s history.
- Any action that jeopardizes CSMBA's reputation and / or facility bookings.
Team Discipline
Teams will be disciplined for the following:
- Default of game (not able to field five (5) players at start of game due to missing players or not having a valid uniform). Team will lose their $100.00 performance bond and must replenish it prior to playing their next game.
- Teams knowingly playing ineligible players as follows (for league and exhibition games):
- Unregistered or suspended player(s).
- Player(s) registered with another team.
- Players that have not completed the online registration including completion of waivers.
- Players playing under a false name and or jersey number.
Fines will range between $50 and $500 (plus GST) fine per player or team, game forfeiture, suspension of player(s) or teams for the remainder of the season or permanently.
- Teams who do not take steps to control disruptive behavior by their players, coaches and guests, which result in injuries or damage to other persons, property, the rental facility/staff or GHBA’s reputation, during any game, warm-up or post game activity. Fines to range from $25 to $500 (plus damages), suspensions or expulsion depending on the severity of the incident.
- Teams that demonstrate ongoing disciplinary issues including but not limited to:
- multiple technical & unsportsmanlike fouls, player ejections, called games
- disrespect and/or abuse of facility staff and property, scorekeepers, game officials and opposing teams
- failure to pay fees or fines on time
- serious player suspensions
Discipline can include fines, probationary periods with a requirement to post a bond and suspension for the balance of the season, the following season or permanently.