Wheelchair Basketball Regulations

Please note: Regulations are currently under review for the 2024-25 season and so those currently published are subject to change.

WHB i The BUCS Wheelchair Basketball Championships shall be conducted in accordance with the following BUCS sport specific regulations, the BUCS general regulations, and the IWBF (International Wheelchair Basketball Federation) Official Wheelchair Basketball Rules.

WHB ii In the event that these regulations contradict the BUCS general regulations, these BUCS sport specific regulations will supersede, unless specifically stated otherwise.

WHB iii In the event that these regulations contradict the IWBF (International Wheelchair Basketball Federation) Official Wheelchair Basketball Rules, these BUCS sport specific regulations will supersede, unless specifically stated otherwise.

WHB iv In the event that the BUCS general regulations contradict IWBF (International Wheelchair Basketball Federation) Official Wheelchair Basketball Rules, the BUCS general regulations will supersede, unless specifically stated otherwise.

WHB 2 Affiliations

WHB 2.1 All institutions/Playing Entities must affiliate their club to British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) as per the requirements of the BUCS Sport Specific Affiliations Document. Failure to affiliate a club to British Wheelchair Basketball by the deadline stated in the BUCS Sport Specific Affiliations Document will result in sanctions being imposed as outlined in the BUCS Sport Specific Affiliations Document and the possibility of further disciplinary action.

WHB 2.2 All players, coaches and officials must sign up for the appropriate membership and licence with British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) prior to playing in any BUCS Wheelchair Basketball fixtures, as per the requirements of the BUCS Sport Specific Affiliations Document. Failure to do so will lead to sanctions as outlined in the BUCS Sport Specific Affiliations Document and possibly further disciplinary action.

WHB 3 League sizes and format Leagues will contain either three or four teams. In leagues of three, teams shall be scheduled to play each other three times and in leagues of four teams shall be scheduled to play each other twice. Each team within a league will host a round of three matches, involving them and two other teams from the league, with each team scheduled two matches per round.

WHB 4 Withdrawal of teams

WHB 4.1 Teams can be withdrawn at any time prior to 10 working days before the first round of fixtures for their league. Once this deadline passes, teams cannot be withdrawn and any fixtures they do not fulfil will be recorded as walkovers. Please note the penalties incurred for multiple walkovers outlined in REG 13.7.5.

WHB 4.2 Institutions/Playing Entities wishing to withdraw a team once team entries for the season are closed are required to e-mail [email protected] with this request. If they have already been assigned a league, then they must also contact all other institutions/Playing Entities with teams in the league to inform them of this withdrawal.

WHB 4.3 Teams withdrawing will be removed from the competition structure and treated as a new team (note REG 8.3.3) should they wish to re-enter in future seasons.

WHB 5 League points

WHB 5.1 Two points will be awarded for a win and one point for a loss.

WHB 5.2 Where a walkover has been awarded/conceded (REG 13), two points shall be given to the non-offending team and two points deducted from the offending team.

WHB 5.3 No points will be awarded to either team in the case of a void fixture.

WHB 6 Calculating final league positions Final league positions will be primarily based on league points accumulated. However, should there be any ties on points within a league, they shall be split by the following sequential system:

WHB 6.1 A team tied on points who has conceded at least one voluntary walkover shall automatically be placed below any other tied teams who have conceded fewer voluntary walkovers. If a tie still exists, then WHB 6.2 or WHB 6.3 shall be followed as applicable.

WHB 6.2 Tie between two teams

WHB 6.2.1 Where two teams are tied on league points, the result between the teams will be the determining factor in placing one team above the other. Where fixtures are played on a ‘home’ and ‘away’ basis, the aggregate score of the two (or more) matches will determine the higher placed team. If this does not determine the higher placed team;

WHB 6.2.2 Points data shall be used as per WHB 6.2.3 – WHB 6.2.4. If the tie on league points has been effected by any walkovers conceded to either of the teams or any void fixtures, all the relevant results against the team(s) which conceded the walkover(s) or the team(s) involved in the void fixtures (i.e. all the results between the teams tied on league points and the team(s) conceding the walkover(s)/void match(es)) will be removed from the results table and the recalculated points data shall be used.

WHB 6.2.3 The team with the higher points difference shall be deemed the higher placed team. If a tie still exists;

WHB 6.2.4 The team with the higher number of points scored shall be deemed the higher placed team.

WHB 6.2.5 If the higher placed team cannot be determined from the system above, then this shall be determined by the toss of a coin by the BUCS Executive.

WHB 6.3 Tie between three or more teams

WHB 6.3.1 Where three or more teams are tied on league points, a 'mini league' table shall be formed to calculate the higher placed team from the results between the relevant teams using the following sequential system:

WHB 6.3.2 League points accumulated. If a tie still exists;

WHB 6.3.3 The team with the higher points difference shall be deemed the higher placed team. If a tie still exists;

WHB 6.3.4 The team with the higher number of points scored shall be deemed the higher placed team.

WHB 6.3.5 If the higher placed team cannot be determined from the system above, then this shall be determined by the toss of a coin by the BUCS Executive.

WHB 7 Fixture administration REG 9 shall apply with the following variations:

WHB 7.1 For league fixture rounds, the host team for each round shall take on any responsibilities of the ‘first named (home) institution/Playing Entity’.

WHB 7.2 Where teams agree to change the date of a league fixture, this shall be communicated to the British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) Referee Appointments Officer ([email protected]) at the earliest possible opportunity.

WHB 7.3 In addition to fulfilling REG 9.3.6, the host team shall inform the British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) Referee Appointments Officer of all match details, to assist with appointment of referees. Failure to do so shall result in a £50.00 fine.

WHB 7.4 In addition to REG 9.3.6.1 through REG 9.3.6.4, any change(s) to the start time or venue at any stage once initial time and venue are confirmed should be confirmed in writing to the British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) Referee Appointments Officer/any appointed referees, a minimum of 48 hours before the originally scheduled time of the fixture. Failure to do so shall result in a £100.00 fine, and the possibility referees will not be appointed.

WHB 7.5 Confirmation of fixture details It is the responsibility of the host team to contact the visiting team(s) and the British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) Referee Appointments Officer/any appointed referees in writing (email) to confirm the fixture details at least seven days (not working days, e.g. weekends and bank holidays are included where applicable) prior to the fixture. At this time an emergency telephone number shall be exchanged together with the intended time of departure of the visiting team(s). This correspondence should be conducted through the relevant Athletic Union (or equivalent body).

WHB 7.5.1 In the case of knockout competition fixtures, confirmation of fixture details shall be communicated at least 48 hours (outside of weekends and bank holidays) prior to the fixture.

WHB 8 Equipment

WHB 8.1 Balls Size 7 balls shall be used for all matches. At least two balls must be provided and all balls must be in good condition.

WHB 8.2 Scoreboard A visible scoreboard comprising of a countdown resettable game timing device, team score, the number of time outs taken, and team fouls committed as a minimum shall be used for all matches. The scoreboard must be of a size easily visible to both coaches, preferably on the opposite side to the team bench areas.

WHB 8.3 24-second shot clocks Use of 24-second shot clocks is encouraged, but not compulsory.

WHB 8.4 Table equipment Player foul markers numbered one to five, team foul markers and an alternating possession arrow shall be required.

WHB 8.5 Scoresheets All fixtures should be fully recorded on an official scoresheet.

WHB 8.5.1 It is the responsibility of the first named (home) team for each fixture to keep a copy of the match scoresheet until the end of the season. In the case of a match appeal or dispute regarding a result, the home team must be able to produce the official scoresheet (white copy only) to BUCS when requested.

WHB 9 Team uniforms and equipment

WHB 9.1 All players on a team must wear matching-coloured vests of a single dominant colour with a legal playing number (numbers 0, 00 and 1 to 99).

WHB 9.2 The first named (home) team for each match must wear a ‘light-coloured’ uniform (e.g. white, yellow or pale blue) and their opposition must wear a ‘dark-coloured’ uniform unless otherwise agreed with their opposition and the match officials.

WHB 9.3 All players on a team must wear tracksuit bottoms, trousers or shorts of a uniform colour. Individuals wearing jeans will not be allowed to play.

WHB 9.4 Undershirts may be worn provided they are the same dominant colour as the playing vest.

WHB 9.5 Compression sleeves are permitted providing they are the same dominant colour as the playing vest, black, or white, but all players on a team must wear the same colour.

WHB 10 Match officials

WHB 10.1 Match officials should be appointed as per Appendix 5 (‘BUCS Match Officials Requirements’).

WHB 10.2 For league fixture rounds, British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) will appoint referees to all matches and the host teams shall be responsible for payment of the referees in accordance with WHB 10.9.

WHB 10.3 For league fixture rounds, the host teams shall be responsible for appointing and payment of table officials.

WHB 10.4 For the National Championship Quarter-Final and Semi-Final stages, British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) will appoint referees to all matches and the first named (home) teams shall be responsible for payment of the referees in accordance with WHB 10.9.

WHB 10.5 For the National Championship Quarter-Final and Semi-Final stages, the first named (home) team shall be responsible for provision and payment of table officials.

WHB 10.6 For the National Championship Final, British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) will appoint referees to all matches and BUCS shall be responsible for payment of the referees in accordance with WHB 10.9.

WHB 10.7 For the National Championship Final, BUCS shall be responsible for provision and payment of table officials.

WHB 10.8 If referees fail to turn up, the British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) Referee Appointments Officer should be contacted.

WHB 10.9 Payment of referees

WHB 10.9.1 Referees should be paid either on the day or receive payment within the following three working days if being paid by bank transfer. Failure to pay in line with these terms will lead to the team responsible incurring a £50 fine.

WHB 10.9.2 For league fixture rounds referees shall be paid a £75 day rate which shall include up to their first 100 miles of travel, plus £0.25 per mile for any additional mileage and any car parking or toll fees incurred. When two referees travel in the same vehicle, only the driver can claim travel expenses. When only one referee officiates a match, they additionally receive 50% of the second referee's fee.

WHB 10.9.3 For National Championship matches, referees shall be paid a £25 match fee, plus travel expenses of £0.30 per mile for up to their first 100 miles of travel, £0.25 per mile for any additional mileage, and any car parking or toll fees incurred. When two referees travel in the same vehicle to a game, only the driver can claim travel expenses. When only one referee officiates at a game, they additionally receive 50% of the second referee's fee.

WHB 10.10 Failure to provide the appropriate Table Officials, as per Appendix 5 ('BUCS Match Officials Requirements'), may lead to the team responsible incurring a £50 fine, unless officials withdraw from the fixture within 48 hours (outside of weekends and bank holidays) of the fixture start time (written evidence required). Teams may not play under protest or appeal a match result based on a lack of appropriate Table Officials.

WHB 11 Teams

WHB 11.1 The maximum squad size for each match shall be 12 players. The minimum squad size for each match shall be five players.

WHB 11.2 A coach, assistant coach and up to a maximum of seven team staff are permitted to sit on the team bench. All individuals on the team bench must be registered with British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) and hold the relevant licence as per WHB 2.2.

WHB 11.3 At least one female player must be on court at all times.

WHB 11.3.1 Team captains shall inform the table officials which of their players meet this regulation at each match.

WHB 11.4 At least one player with a permanent physical disability must be on court at all times.

WHB 11.4.1 All athletes meeting the criteria set in regulation WHB 11.4 must send medical documentation signed by a medical practitioner confirming their permanent disability to [email protected]. Documentation should be sent as far in advance as possible to ensure BWB can assess the information prior to fixtures.

WHB 11.4.2 Team captains shall inform the table officials which of their players meet this regulation at each match.

WHB 11.5 Eligibility for individual players shall be as per REG 4 but the following exceptions shall apply:

WHB 11.5.1 Teams may include individuals from other institutions/Playing Entities who meet WHB 11.4, subject to the following:

WHB 11.5.1.1 The institution with which the individual is registered must either be a current BUCS member or, if not, be eligible for membership should they apply.

WHB 11.5.1.2 There must be written agreement for the individual to represent the team from both the institution with which the individual is registered and the institution/Playing Entity which they wish to represent.

WHB 11.5.1.3 A maximum of two such individuals may represent a team per match.

WHB 11.6 Teams must show/provide the scorer, no later than 20 minutes prior to tap-off, their electronic Licence Cards found on the British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) Membership Portal.

WHB 11.7 The table officials must present the scoresheet to each team coach and request they sign next to their name at least 10 minutes before tap-off. Each coach is responsible for ensuring that the names of all participating players are listed on the scoresheet. Teams are advised to always check the scoresheet before tap-off to ensure the correct details have been listed.

WHB 11.7.1 This is in addition to the requirement for teams to complete BUCS Team Sheets (as per REG 11.2).

WHB 12 Discipline

WHB 12.1 British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) is empowered to discipline a player, coach, club, team, team follower or official whose actions are considered to bring the game into disrepute. BWB is authorised within its absolute discretion to suspend or fine a coach, player, club or team in circumstances where it considers it appropriate. These provisions apply to all BWB affiliated competitions.

WHB 12.2 Club Officials and BWB licenced Officials including Referees must respond, within seven days, to legitimate requests for information made by BWB when conducting preliminary investigations. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £100 and will be taken into consideration when complaints and appeals are being considered.

WHB 12.3 BWB shall be entitled in its absolute discretion to impose penalties for the following – please note that BWB retains the right to impose a time specific ban (with relevant licence(s) suspension) rather than match should the circumstances necessitate the change:

Incident	Suspension	Fine	Data Retention Period
1. Repeated instances of violent behaviour or physical violence (includes repeated incidents of pushing, hitting, assaulting players/officials/coaches/spectators)	10 matches – unlimited	£250 – £1,000	5 years or length of ban + 1 year
2. Premeditated violent behaviour (includes planning to push, hit, assault players/officials/coaches/spectators as well as threatening with violence)	10 matches – unlimited	£250 – £1,000	5 years or length of ban + 1 year
3. Isolated instance of violent behaviour or physical violence (includes a single incident of pushing, hitting, assaulting players/officials/coaches/spectators)	6 – 8 matches	£250	2 years
4. Threatening or aggressive behaviour (includes intimidation and threatening to physically injury someone)	4 – 6 matches	£50 – £150	2 years
5. Aggressive verbal abuse (includes discriminatory abuse, continuous abuse, repeatedly shouting at a player/official/coach/spectator)	2 – 10 matches	£50 – £250	2 years
6. Obscene and foul language (includes insults and swearing and the use of sledging directed at any player/official/coach/spectator)	2 – 4 matches	£50 – £150	2 years
7. Conduct likely to bring the game into disrepute/breach of code of conduct (includes any conduct that can be considered against the spirit of the game by a player/coach/official undertaken within the sport’s environment*)	2 – 10 matches	£50 – £500	2 years
8. Corruption/match-fixing/betting (includes conspiring to commit corruption, attempting to influence players/coaches/officials to affect the outcome of a match outside of playing parameters)	10 matches – unlimited	£500 – £1,000	5 years or length of ban + 1 year
9. Dangerous play likely to cause injury (includes any action during play which endangers the health and well-being of another player/coach/official)	1 – 4 matches	£50 – £150	2 years

 

WHB 12.4 Any sanction imposed will not be considered served, until the fine has also been settled. The suspension will continue to be in place until the debt is resolved.

WHB 12.5 In the event of BWB considering the alleged behaviour as above, then any party may be required to attend or provide information to a disciplinary panel hearing in which the penalties can be applied.

WHB 12.6 BWB recognises the impact social media platforms have on the modern society and promotes the use of all platforms for the promotion of the sport. In line with these regulations, any registered member found to bring the game into disrepute through the use of social media channels (including slander of BWB in its entirety or any member of staff) will be penalised in line with point 7 of WHB 12.3.

WHB 12.7 There shall be a right of appeal to any decision made by BWB. This process is outlined in WHB 12.9.

WHB 12.8 Disqualifying Fouls

WHB 12.8.1 Any licenced player, coach, or team staff member disqualified from a game because of a disqualifying foul, will receive disqualification points and a fine in line with the offence listed in the table under WHB 12.3. The fine will be issued 14 days after the date of issue, permitting any appeal to be lodged within seven days of the disqualification.

WHB 12.8.2 Any player, coach, or team staff member who is licenced for a club with multiple teams must serve the suspension for the team they were representing at the time of receiving the disqualification. This applies to all BWB affiliated competitions.

WHB 12.8.3 The player, coach or team staff member who is suspended from a fixture due to receiving a sanction is not permitted to take part in any of the other club games, in any capacity, unless the team for which they served the suspension is playing two games on the same weekend.

WHB 12.8.4 Any unserved ban from a previous season shall be carried forward to the following season.

WHB 12.8.5 All reports from match officials regarding disqualifying fouls will be reported to BWB who has the jurisdiction to impose additional penalties if considered necessary in adherence with WHB 12.3.

WHB 12.9 Appeals Any decision made by BWB can be appealed. All appeals must be made to [email protected] within seven days of notification of the decision. The appeal fee of £150 (returnable if upheld) must be paid to British Wheelchair Basketball at the time of submission. The appeal must be written and will be judged by the independent panel, (minimum of three persons), considered qualified to adjudicate who will be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer. The result is final and shall be notified to the appellant within seven days by BWB.