This Summer, Buzzardball celebrates Year No. 30. Head to the Summer Camp Home Page for more information

1) The Tone: You Set the Culture One coach, one voice. Keep it calm, constructive, and consistent. Officials and site directors are part of our Buzzardball team— treat them like partners. Address parent conduct early. Parents coaching from the stands confuses kids and creates problems fast. 2) Game Roster + Sub Grids (This Drives Everything) Every game: Turn in your GAME ROSTER to the Site Director before tip. Grid # is NOT the jersey #. - Grid number = sub grid slot (1–12) - Jersey number = the number on the uniform Site Directors track substitutions directly off the roster. An accurate roster ensures a smooth game. Substitutions Games are 20-minute halves with substitutions every 5 minutes . Sub breaks happen on a dead ball (not a timeout). Have the next 5 players ready about 1 minute before the segment change. If Players Are Missing or Late If a player is late , put them at the end . No “make-up” segments. If a player is injured , the next player on the roster goes in (not coach’s choice). - If they return, they re-enter on the next dead ball. Missed segments do not get made up. 3) Defense + Press Rules You may play any defense . No full-court press in 3rd/4th grade. 56-NBA and 78-NBA: full-court press allowed in the 2nd half . No pressing when up 20+. Better standard: read the room —if you’re clearly in control, pull it back sooner. 4) Fouls + Free Throws (Know These) We track individual fouls . We do NOT track team fouls. Free throws are 1-for-2 (and 1-for-3 on 3-point fouls). Foul on a shot made = count the shot and the automatic point for the foul. Final 2 minutes: any foul results in free throws (1-for-2). - Clock stops inside 2 minutes if the lead is less than 10 . - If the lead is 10+ , the clock keeps running. 5) Overtime OT is 3 minutes with substitutions at 1:30 . Use the roster’s final two segments for OT. If sudden death: any five you choose , first basket wins. 6) Blowout Rule Scoreboard display caps large leads (example: 74–10 may show 30–10). Real score is still recorded for standings/stats behind the scenes. Coaches: manage the moment—development > running it up. 7) Officials + Communication (Do This the Right Way) If you have a question for an official: wait until the ball is dead , then ask respectfully. Avoid personal comments. Keep it professional, short, and calm. Zero tolerance applies for abusive behavior (especially from parents). Site Directors will intervene. 8) Volunteers (Game Can’t Run Without Them) Home team = right side wearing white (as if you were watching the Kings on TV). Home team provides scorebook volunteer. Away team provides scoreboard volunteer. Tip: arrange volunteers ahead of time (text thread/email signup). 9) Site Directors = Your Best Resource Site Directors have a binder with rosters, rules, blank game sheets, and sub grids. If you’re unsure about the grid/roster on game day: ask them early (before the game starts). Understanding the Importance of Communication Effective communication is crucial in Buzzardball. Coaches must maintain a clear line of communication with players, parents, and officials. This ensures everyone is on the same page and helps avoid misunderstandings. Remember, the goal is to create a positive environment for the players. Building Relationships with Parents Engaging with parents can enhance the overall experience. Encourage them to support their children positively. This can help reduce confusion and create a better atmosphere during games. Clear guidelines on how they can contribute will foster a sense of community. The Role of Teamwork Teamwork is essential in Buzzardball. Coaches should emphasize the importance of working together. This not only applies to players on the court but also to coaches, parents, and volunteers. A united front will lead to a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Conclusion Buzzardball is more than just a game; it's about building skills, relationships, and a love for the sport. By following these guidelines, coaches can create a positive environment that fosters growth and development for all players. Remember, the focus should always be on the players' experience and development. For more information, visit Buzzardball Official Site .

Everything you need to know is in the binder Game Rosters Weekly Schedule Division Schedule Jersey/Scorebook Rosters Sub Grid Breakdowns Sub Grids | 7-12 Players Fan Behavior Policy Coach Conduct Agreement Zero Tolerance Policy The 3rd-8th Binder can be found at RIO AMERICANO HIGH SCHOOL, EL CAMINO HIGH SCHOOL, and JOHN BARRETT MIDDLE SCHOOL The K-2 Binder can be found at Sport Courts Fitness at the scorers table. We have for Court 1 and another one for Court 2

Everything you need to know regarding Buzzardball's AMAZING officials from Hawkins Officiating and Buzzardball's Site Director who ensure GAME DAYS are moving along efficiently.

Updated | December 31st, 2025

Buzzardball is happy to add John Barrett Middle School in Carmichael to our game site menu. For the 2026 season, the Gym at John Barrett Middle School will be the home of the 34-WNBA Girls Division and 34-NBA Silver Boys Division. 4243 Barrett Road | Carmichael, CA | 95608 Directions Please watch the video. It will be very helpful. The gym is located on the left side of the school. Plenty of parking available.

This Season | 10 Teams | 100 Players Be sure to visit the WINTER LEAGUE HOME PAGE  and INSTAGRAM  for the latest updates leading up to the start of the season. Next Step | Players will be hearing from their coach starting this weekend Rosters will be updated if any changes are made Practices will start the week of Monday, December 8th Game Schedules will be posted in mid-December | K-NBA will play at Sport Courts Fitness 2026 Buzzardball Tip-Off | Sunday January 4th Be sure to visit the Winter League Home Page, where you can find RULES, SUB GRIDS, GYM LOCATIONS + INFORMATION, and the FAQ section

This Season | 5 Teams | 53 Players Be sure to visit the WINTER LEAGUE HOME PAGE  and INSTAGRAM  for the latest updates leading up to the start of the season. Next Step | Players will be hearing from their coach starting this weekend Rosters will be updated if any changes are made Practices will start the week of Monday, December 8th Game Schedules will be posted in mid-December | NEW! 34-WNBA will play at Arden Middle School 2026 Buzzardball Tip-Off | Sunday January 4th Be sure to visit the Winter League Home Page, where you can find RULES, SUB GRIDS, GYM LOCATIONS + INFORMATION, and the FAQ section For more information, be sure to check the WINTER LEAGUE HOME PAGE regularly.

This Season | 9 Teams | 86 Players | GOLD Division This Season | 14 Teams | 140 Players | SILVER Division Be sure to visit the WINTER LEAGUE HOME PAGE  and INSTAGRAM  for the latest updates leading up to the start of the season. Next Step | Players will be hearing from their coach starting this weekend Rosters will be updated with any changes that take place Practices will start the week of Monday, December 8th Game Schedules will be posted in mid-December | 34-NBA Gold will play at El Camino High School. 34-NBA Silver will play at Barrett Middle School (New!) 2026 Buzzardball Tip-Off | Sunday January 4th Be sure to visit the Winter League Home Page, where you can find RULES, SUB GRIDS, GYM LOCATIONS + INFORMATION, and the FAQ section

BUZZARDBALL K–2 COACH HANDOUT (Sport Courts Fitness) Goal:  Fun, confidence, safety, and learning the game. K–2 is a teaching division—keep it positive and moving. 1) Officials & Coaching Mindset Officials are trained high schoolers  who also help teach  the game (not just call it). Patience early (Weeks 1–2) : We’ll get into a strong rhythm by Weeks 3–4. Priority: minimize hard contact  and keep the environment safe. 2) Sport Courts Fitness Flow (Keeping Sundays Smooth) Two courts:  Front = Court 1  | Back = Court 2 Benches are in the middle  between the two courts (look for laminated bench signs ). Court 1 benches are in the middle of the court with the HOME team sitting to the right (if you are facing the benches; like watching the KINGS on TV). The Court 2 benches are on the outside. Enter  through main doors. Exit  through cardio-room exit door after your game. Help us stay on time: subs fast, move to benches quickly, and exit promptly after sportsmanship line. Parent communication tip:  Tell parents “Court 1 = front, Court 2 = back” + bring chairs if desired (soft-bottom recommended). 3) Equipment Ball sizes: Kindergarten & 1st: 27.5 rainbow  (lighter) 2nd grade: 27.5 regular Teams should bring the game ball  (label it). Wristbands  (provided): used to teach man-to-man — “ Guard your color .” Water Bins will be provided at the end of the benches to house the players water bottles 4) Game Format & Subbing 16-minute halves  (designed for flow and less rushing). Subs every 4 minutes  (clock stops). Best practice: Coach clearly sends the next 5, then handles wristbands at the bench or half court. 5) Key K–2 Rules (Big Ones) NO stealing the dribble  (game-changer for confidence). ✅ Steal a pass | ✅ Block a shot | ✅ Grab loose ball ❌ Take the ball from a dribbler’s hands Defense pickup is slightly beyond half court  (gives the dribbler space). No free throws . 8-foot hoops . Warm-up on your bench side  only 6) “Buzzardball Specials” Freeze Play Ref calls “FREEZE!”  Everyone freezes except the player with the ball. That player gets a shot attempt (sometimes more than one). Creates great moments and helps game flow. End of Game = Sportsmanship High-fives/fist bumps line is non-negotiable. Teach gentle, respectful sportsmanship. 7) Fair Play & Rosters Give jerseys exactly as assigned  (helps staff learn names now; critical later in older divisions). K–2 coaches do not  turn in sub grids, K-2 coaches are encouraged to use the Game Roster for organization purposes and learning the use of the sub grid and equal play. 8) Communication & Problem-Solving Coaches are the primary communicators—please remind families to report absences . We will do everything possible to avoid forfeits and keep games happening. If a coach-to-coach issue comes up (defense, physicality, etc.), do not address it on-court —go to the site director privately. Quick Reminders to Tell Parents “Court 1 front / Court 2 back.” Arrive early, listen for microphone announcements. Chairs optional; snacks after the game (ideally outside). Thank you for coaching.  You set the tone for the entire experience.

For our 3rd-8th Grade games, volunteers help us in operating the scoreboard and keeping the scorebook. The HOME team is responsible for the scorebook. The AWAY team is responsible for the scoreboard. Below, you will have access to a video and a flyer to help you understand how the scorebook is kept.

This video gives you a breakdown of the Game Binder that can be found on Game Day at Sport Courts Fitness.