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Sub Grids + Rules + Resources

RosterSheet

Game Roster For Coaches

Game Roster
Game Roster X4
3rd-8th Grade - Filled Out and Given to Site Directors Before The Game 
K-2 - Helpful Guide For Your Team's Sub Pattern
Subgrids

Player Sub Grids - New!
K-2 + 3rd - 8th Grad

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8-Player Sub Grid 2024.png
9-Player Sub Grid 2024.png
10-Player Sub Grid 2024.png
11-Player Sub Grid 2024.png
12-Player Sub Grid 2024.png
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SUB GRID BREAKDOWN
See below for guidlines and useful forms

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Rules
3rd - 8th Grade

Grade Specific Rules Available at Bottom of the Page

Basketball Size

  • 3rd + 4th Grade | 27.5

  • 5th + 6th Grade Boys | 28.5

  • 5th/6th + 7th/8th Grade Girls | 28.5

  • 7th/8th Grade Boys | 29.5

 

Playing Time

  • Buzzardball Winter League is an ALL-PLAY League

  • Coaches are REQUIRED to follow the Player Sub Grid

  • GAME ROSTER is REQUIRED to be turned into the Site Director before the game starts

 

Game Length

  • 20:00 Halves | NEW! in 2024

  • Running Clock 

  • Stopped Clock for SUBS at 15:00, 10:00, and 5:00 marks of the half and FINAL two minutes of the game (if lead is under 10 points)

 

Substitutions

  • Subs at 15:00, 10:00, and 5:00 mark of each half | not a TIMEOUT - Next group will be at the scorer's table ready to go. No subs occur during game play (except for injury + disqualification - see below)

  • Clock Operator will stop clock at each mark; Officials will signal for subs on dead ball whistle (letting a play in progress finish)

  • Site Director will confirm substitutions

  • If injury occurs, first player listed in next segment will sub for injured player

  • Each player is allowed FIVE (5) fouls; the first player listed in the next segment will sub for a disqualified player.

 

Timeouts

  • THREE (3) timeouts per game

  • Extra Timeout Awarded if game goes into OVERTIME

 

Free Throws

  • 1 Free Throw for TWO (2) points (or 3 on 3 ptrs) throughout game

  • Final 2:00 of game | Bonus occurs on 1st Foul (1 FT for 2)

  • No Team Fouls are recorded

  • If basket is made on foul, award AUTOMATIC point (no Free Throw)

 

Defense

  • NEW! Man-to-Man + Zone Defense along with double teams are now allowed in the half court.

  • 3rd + 4th Grade Divisions

    • No Press Allowed

  • 5th/6th + 7th/8th Grade Divisions

    • Press Allowed in 2nd Half

Overtime

  • 3:00 Length | Subs at 1:30 | Stopped Clock in Final 1:00

  • Players that started at the 10:00 mark of the second half start OVERTIME

  • 2nd OT is Sudden Death = First Team to score

  • Coach can choose Players for Sudden Death

 

Home Team

  • Wear WHITE jerseys | listed SECOND on the schedule

  • Sits to the RIGHT of the scoreboard (facing the bench)

  • Warm Up on opposite basket from bench

  • Provide volunteer for the SCOREBOOK

  • Provide GAME BALL

 

Visiting Team

  • Wear DARK jerseys | listed FIRST on the schedule

  • Sits to the LEFT of the scoreboard

  • Warm up on opposite basket from bench

  • Provide volunteer for the SCOREBOARD

 

Other Rules

  • Technical or Flagrant Fouls

    • Technical results in automatic TWO points and ball out of bounds

    • If a player is assessed a TECHNICAL FOUL, they will be removed from the game

    • If a coach is assessed a TECHNICAL FOUL,  they will be removed from the game.

    • The Assistant Coach will take over; if there is no assistant, the game is forfeited.

  • Blowout Rule 

    •  If a team is leading by 20 or more points, the scoreboard will stop until the trailing team scores. 

    • Points will still be recorded in the scorebook even if they don’t show up on the scoreboard.

 

Officials

  • Officials from Hawkins Officiating are to be treated with respect at ALL times

  • No complaints should be directed at the official(s) during or after the game

  • No shouting out violations or complaints from the stands or the bench

  • Cooling-Off Period is 24 hours. After 24 hours have elapsed, you may e-mail Steve Buzzard at scbuzzard@gmail.com. Please leave the details of the incident. The incident will then be shared with Hawkins Officiating Directors Steve Harank, Andrea Barber, and Jay Crawley. You will receive a response as soon as possible.

 

Site Directors

  • Site Directors will be at each of our game sites

  • Ensure that games are running on time

  • Collect Sub Grid Number Rosters before the game

  • Check Line-Ups before each segment

  • Assist Coaches in having Scoreboard + Scorebook duties occupied before the game starts.

  • Deal with any in-game incidents

Rules

K-2 Rules

Basketball Size

  • Kindergarten, 1st, + 2nd Grade | 27.5

 

Home Team 

  • Wear WHITE jersey | listed SECOND on schedule

  • Sits on RIGHT side | Warm-Up on same side

  • Provide GAME BALL

 

Away Team

  • Wear DARK jersey | listed FIRST on schedule

  • Sit on LEFT side | Warm-up on same side

 

Game Length

  • 16:00 Halves | Running Clock | Subs at 12:00, 8:00, and 4:00 mark | 2:00 Halftime

 

Match Up

  • Players match up at Center Court before the start of each segment

  • Players wear colored wristbands 

  • Man-to-man defense

  • Two darkest wristbands go to top players in the segment

 

Freeze Play

  • When official says FREEZE, all players freeze on the basketball court

  • Player with basketball can dribble into position to score

  • FROZEN players can turn toward the basket

  • Once the shot is taken, ALL players can UNFREEZE to get the rebound if the shot is missed

 

Sub Grid

  • Each player will be assigned a Sub Grid number

  • Sub Grids will be displayed by coaches above team bench

 

End of Game

  • Sportsmanship Line | Players form line and give High Fives or Fist Bumps to opponent

  • Coaches will return wristbands to Site Director table.

  • Please clear the floor in order for the next game to start on time

  • ALL snacks should be distributed outside the gym

 

Water Bottles

  • CAP IT = Please have the kids put the caps back on their water bottle

  • Bins will be located at the end of each bench for the kids to place their water bottle in during the game.

  • Towels will be available for any spills that take place

 

Other Rules

  • 5-on-5 All Season Long!

  • No Score is kept

  • No STEALING the DRIBBLE | Players can steal the pass, block a shot, or grab a loose ball

  • No BACKCOURT defense = after ball is rebounded by opponent, team that becomes defense must retreat to backcourt | defense can start at half-court line

  • K-NBA and 1st-NBA are allowed to have ONE coach be on the floor during play to coach kids

  • No FREE THROWS

Buzzardball Rules
Coach Conduct Agreement
Fan Behavior Policy

Tips
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Coaching Tips

  • Registration Dates + Fees ⭐️
    Online Registration opens on AUGUST 5TH - Register Here $275 (K-2) | $300 (3rd-8th) -- through October 1st - Early Bird Rate $300 (K-2) | $325 (3rd-8th) -- October 2nd-November 15th $350 Late Registration Rate after November 15th (if there are spots available) * Players will be placed on a waiting list REGISTRATION Closes on November 16th
  • Are There Any Discounts for Multiple Children? ⭐️
    Registration is set up for Buzzardball so that everyone gets to enjoy the Buzzardball discount by providing an Early Bird registration rate. The earlier you register, the more you save on your registration.
  • Registration Options (Solo, Friends, Team) ⭐️
    Buzzardball used to hold a draft for the whole league. With the league's growth, we have changed the model. There are options. Here they are ... 1. Register as an individual and be placed on a team. 2. Register with a few friends and be coupled with other players 3. Register as a whole team (8-10 players). You will be able to make the choice on your registration. It will be listed as SOLO, 1-3 FRIENDS, or TEAM Note: If you are registering a team, please do the following * The coach of the team will email the roster to Steve Buzzard at scbuzzard@gmail.com * When the players register, they will list the coach in their registration. * Steve Buzzard will take care of the rest.
  • Registration | Ranking Your Child ⭐️
    On the registration form for 3rd-8th Graders, you will be asked to rank your child. This helps with putting teams together. Don't associate your ranking with your decision to have your child play in a competitive (Gold) or rec division (Silver).
  • Buzzardball's Gold + Silver Divisions ✪
    GOLD (Competitive) vs. SILVER (Beginner-Mid Level) divisions For 34-NBA and 56-NBA Divisions Buzzardball's most popular divisions are the 3rd/4th + 5th/6th Grade Boys where over 200 boys are expected to register. The event is structured with two main divisions: the SILVER division, which is for younger players, and the GOLD division, which is for older players. However, there is flexibility in the division structure, allowing younger kids to play in the GOLD division and older beginner players to play in SILVER. The 78-NBA (Boys) and the 34, 56, and 78-WNBA (Girls) divisions will start as ONE division. For example, eight (8) teams would create a 4/4 split, and ten teams would create a 6/4 or 4/6 split. When scheduling, I create divisions with even number of teams.
  • Buzzardball's Schedule Reshuffle ✪
    Because Buzzardball does not have the opportunity to assess the teams before the season starts, the regular season schedule will feature the first three games. Once the three games are played, Steve Buzzard and the coaches will assess which teams belong in each division, rescheduling the schedule accordingly. With this new approach, Buzzardball teams will have the opportunity to compete in the rest of their regular season against teams of similar skill levels, ensuring a fair and balanced playing field for all. Buzzardball has enjoyed great success with this model for the past few years.
  • How do I become a Coach in Buzzardball? ✪
    It's easy. Please fill out Buzzardball Coach Form If you have any additional questions regarding the league, Steve Buzzard's contact information is below E-mail | scbuzzard@gmail.com Text | 916-947-7464 Buzzardball Coaches must agree to the Buzzardball Coach Conduct Form before taking a team. Listed below or click this link | Coach Conduct Form
  • Practice + Game Locations ✪
    PRACTICE LOCATIONS | from 2023-24 Season Sport Courts Fitness - K-2 teams will practice here because of the 8-foot rim accessibility Touch Shooting Church of God Legend Athletics Brookfield School GAME LOCATIONS Rio Americano High School El Camino High School Arden Middle School Jesuit High School Sport Courts Fitness | K-2 If you know of any gym space that would be available ... let me know and I will take care of your child's registration.
  • Practice Breakdown ✪
    Practices for the 2024-25 season will start on Monday, December 2nd Each team practices ONCE a week for ONE hour. Because of the number of teams that participate in Buzzardball coupled with the gym space available, ALL teams get a one-hour practice weekly. Buzzardball does offer outside sources for kids to get extra training if desired. Practice locations are available on the Winter League Home Page (click Location Link) When you register online, you can indicate which days work best for you. Depending on whether you are registering solo, with a couple of friends, or with a whole team, I will do my best to match you up with a team that meets your request. Practices will run through the end of the season (first Saturday in March for K-2 and second Saturday in March for 3rd-8th Grade). Practices held during the week range from 4:30-8:30 p.m. with our younger grades (K-2) practicing earlier in the afternoon/evening. There are also practices on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Practice day/time are determined by the coaches. You can also view the locations here.
  • 2025 Buzzardball Game Dates ⚡️
    January 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th February 2nd, 23rd March 3rd, 10th NOTES Buzzardball League Photo Day is on Sunday, February 9th, in the morning (8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.) at Rio Americano High School. No games on February 16th - President's Holiday The final week of the K-2 Season is Sunday, March 2nd 3rd-8th Playoffs are Sunday, March 9th Buzzardball Championships at Golden One Center are tentatively scheduled for Sunday, March 16th.
  • Buzzardball Game Times ⚡️
    I try to keep everything consistent from season to season. So here are the traditional times for each division. Please note that this could change depending on how many teams we have playing this year. The times below are based on the 2023-24 season. For those of you participating in the Next Level Flag Football program, I will try my best to accommodate your request. Kindergarten | 9, 10, 11 am 1st Grade | 12, 1, 2, 3 pm 2nd Grade | 4, 5, 6 pm All K-2 Teams will play at Sport Courts Fitness in Sacramento (3727 Bradview Drive, Suite 100) 3rd-4th Grade Boys Gold | 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 pm @ Arden Middle 3rd-4th Grade Boys Silver | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 pm @ El Camino Small 5th-6th Grade Boys Gold | 9, 10, 11 am, 12, 1, 2 pm @ Rio Americano Main 5th-6th Grade Boys Silver | 10, 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 @ Rio Americano Small 7th-8th Grade Boys | 3, 4, 5, 6 pm @ Rio Americano Main 3rd-4th Grade Girls | 10, 11 am, 12, 1 pm @ El Camino Main Gym 5th-6th Grade Girls | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 pm @ El Camino Main Gym 7th-8th Grade Girls | 9 am @ El Camino Main Gym POSSIBILITIES We may play games at Jesuit High School at 8:00, 9:00, and 10:00 a.m. I will rotate the boys' divisions with the dates we have. We will possibly have games at 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. and possibly 7:00 p.m. at Sport Courts Fitness with 3rd- 8th-grade teams. Stay tuned.
  • Buzzardball Championship at Golden One Center ⚡️
    Buzzardball is fortunate to host the Buzzardball Championships for 3rd-8th Grade Boys and Girls at Golden One Center. We have hosted Buzzardball's Championship Games at the home of the Sacramento Kings since 2009. 2009-2011 | Arco Arena 2011-2012 | Power Balance Pavilion 2012-2016 | Sleep Train Arena 2016-Current | Golden One Center In order to secure court time at Golden One Center to host SIX (6) Championship Games (3rd/4th, 5th/6th, 7th/8th Boys + Girls), the league has to amass $20,000 in ticket sales. You can help us by purchasing tickets to Kings home games and G1C events. Any money you spend goes toward the league total. KINGS TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE - Discounted prices for Buzzardball families G1C EVENTS - Including Disney on Ice There is a process. The aim each season is to have the championships played all on one day on either a Saturday or Sunday near the last week of the season. A request is put in and we find out the date usually a month out from the date that has been requested. For the 2025 Buzzardball Championships - I have requested Sunday, March 16th! Stay tuned!
  • Basketball Rim Heights 🏀
    🏀 K-2 plays on 8-foot rims 🏀 3rd-8th Grade plays on 10-foot rims
  • Basketball Size 🏀
    K-2 | 27.5 3rd/4th Girls | 27.5 3rd/4th Boys | 27.5 5th/6th Girls | 28.5 5th/6th Boys | 28.5 7th/8th Girls | 28.5 7th/8th Boys | 29.5
  • Does Buzzardball issue trophies 🏆 at the end of the season?
    No. However, coaches will be issued certificates to give to players if they desire. Additionally, teams can have end-of-the-year parties and celebrate with trophies and awards. This allows for flexibility and personalization in recognizing and rewarding the hard work and achievements of the players and teams involved in the Buzzardball Winter League.
  • Playoffs for GOLD + SILVER Division Teams ✪
    * Top Gold Division Teams are eligible to play at Golden One Center ** Depending on the number of teams in the division, the number of teams eligible for G1C will be determined by the Director Steve Buzzard. Could range from 4-8 teams. Teams beyond those eligible for the playoffs will play a Consolation Game on Playoff Sunday. * Silver Division Teams do not play at Golden One Center. The Silver Division Teams will have their own playoff and crown a Silver Champion on the final day of the season on Sunday, March 9th, 2025 * Final Day of the Regular Season is on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025 * Playoff Sunday is March 9th. Everyone plays on Sunday ** Consolation games for the teams at the bottom of the standings will be one game. ** Playoff teams with the top part of the standings will play early games at their home gym. Silver Championship games and Gold Division games to punch tickets to Golden One Center will take place at Sport Courts Fitness.

Scorekeeping
 

The HOME team will be in charge of the scoreboard while the AWAY team will be in charge of the scorebook. Below is tutorial video explaining how scorekeeping works for Buzzardball.

Scorekeeping
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