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.

Here is a FRESH look at the Buzzardball Rules for the upcoming season!

Here is a FRESH look at the Buzzardball Rules for the upcoming season!

This Season | 10 Teams | 108 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 | 1st-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