Kindly review the subsequent document thoroughly to ensure a complete understanding of all established rules and codes of conduct. As a club, player, parent, spectator, or staff member, it is imperative that you are fully cognizant of the repercussions associated with any failure to comply with these regulations set by We Got Next Basketball League.

This document encompasses all divisions within the We Got Next Basketball League (WGNBL), detailing our specific amendments. Please be advised that for our Under 10 (U10) Division, we will adhere to all rules, regulations, and policies stipulated by FIBA 3x3, supplemented by the provisions outlined in this document and our affiliation with Basketball England. For further details, including registration procedures, fees, penalties, and adopted policies, please refer to our U11 3x3 division page. We strongly recommend reviewing all rules on this page prior to registration or the processing of any payments.

To ensure our affiliation with Basketball England, all policies, rules, and procedures not explicitly detailed in our internal documents are accessible through Basketball England's official Document Finder.

Upon reviewing and approving the content of this document and all adopted policies, please navigate to the relevant division listed for further details, including registration instructions.

U18 Division

U16 Division

U14 Division

U12 Division

U10 Division

By registering for this league via PLAYHQ as a club, player, parent/guardian, or spectator, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to all the terms and conditions outlined in this document.

Furthermore, you confirm your complete understanding of and commitment to adhering to all adopted policies and procedures from Basketball England, FIBA 3x3, and PlayHQ, and you are fully aware of the consequences of non-compliance.

Index

Section 1 – General League Rules

Section 2 – Club Roles and Responsibilities

Section 3 – Coaches Roles and Responsibilities.

Section 4 – Players Roles and Responsibilities

Section 5 – Competition System / Basic Rules Amendments

Section 6 – Fines/Payments

Section 7- Spectator Code of Conduct

Section 8 – Zero Tolerance Policy

Section 9 – Accidents / Incidents

Section 10 – Investigations / Adopted Policies

Section 1

League Rules

a. The rules of play will adhere to the current FIBA 5v5 regulations, with specific additions and exceptions detailed in Section 5 of this document.

b. The WGNBL league will employ a round-robin format encompassing multiple games, followed by a knockout stage culminating in a final match-up between the two remaining teams. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of one game against every opponent, participating in at least 10 games per season, which includes friendly matches scheduled by the league during the knockout stages.

c. Please allow a minimum of 48 hours for a response from the league regarding any email or inquiry. For all formal reports, kindly refer to section 10 of this document.

d. Clubs are permitted to enter more than one team per division. A second team will be subject to 50% of the standard registration payment; however, full game day payment will apply to all teams entered from the same club. (Please refer to Section 6 and Section 1E).

e. Teams are permitted to register a maximum of 15 players and a minimum of 8 players. Clubs entering multiple teams are required to designate 7 players as "locked" to a specific team, with the remaining 8 players available for game day fulfillment on a second team. Locked players are not interchangeable within the same division and are restricted to playing for their assigned team. A fine will be imposed if a team is found to utilize locked players across multiple teams within the same division (refer to Section 6).

f. To facilitate player development and progression, skilled individuals may be advanced to higher divisions. This advancement is contingent upon age, height, ability, and, critically, a completed Parental/Club Risk Assessment, which must be submitted with the application for transfer. This essential document is accessible on our Health and Safety page. A transfer fee of £20, as detailed in Section 6, is applicable. To initiate a transfer, please submit all completed forms and relevant details to enquires@wegotnextbl.co.uk.

g. Trophies and medals will be awarded. All trophies and medals will become the property of the recipient club or player, with the exception of the League Large Cup. The League Large Cup remains the property of the league and must be returned within eight calendar weeks of the award date. Failure to comply will result in a fine (refer to Section 6).

h. Please be advised that for the current year, the league will not be able to accommodate any rescheduling requests made. In the event that a club/s are unable to attend a scheduled match, please comunicate and agree a date that does not fall outside the season end date with the opposition. A forfeit will be issued to any team that does not attend a game. It is important to note that game day payments are non-refundable for both participating teams, irrespective of the match's outcome. Furthermore, a fine will be levied, as detailed in Section 6.

i. Any infractions of this document or any adopted policy within the league's divisions will undergo an initial investigation by the WGNBL, following the procedures outlined in Section 10 of this document. Subsequent actions or external intervention may be necessitated depending on the severity of the breach. This may include engagement with Basketball England or affiliated entities such as PlayHQ or FIBA3x3 to ensure compliance. Please note that all league appeals are processed through Basketball England.

j. Both teams will be afforded a minimum of 8 minutes for warm-up prior to the commencement of a game, a 1-minute interval between each quarter, and a 4-minute break at halftime.

k. All our staff and volunteers receive training in their respective fields. As members of WGNBL, whether you are an official, referee, or volunteer, please ensure you download, read, fully understand, and sign our Staff Roles & Responsibilities document, available on our Health and Safety page. Fines will be imposed for any breach of this document (refer to section 6).

All members are required to maintain an active PlayHQ profile. Guidance on this process can be found in the "how to REGISTER" section.

(Please note: individuals joining mid-season must complete this registration step 72 hours before their first game and ensure their license is active and green at least 24 hours prior to the event. Additionally, it is crucial to keep the league updated to avoid any game day delays.)

l. Should a color conflict arise, coaches are authorized to identify alternative solutions to proceed with the games, with the referee serving as mediator and witness. Section 1p will apply should no solution is found and fines applied. (Section 6)

m. All participants are required to complete their registration for any of our divisions/Grade by 01/09/2026 A late registration fee of £30 will be assessed for any registrations submitted after this deadline (refer to Section 6 for further details).

n. Teams are permitted to register additional players during the season, with a deadline of 01/02/2027. Such registrations will be approved solely if the club's ability to fulfill its remaining fixtures is demonstrably compromised. Prior to registration, players must be registered with Basketball England and possess an active Green Licence.

Should such an addition be necessary, please submit an email to enquiries@wegotnextbl.co.uk containing the requisite information.

Please be advised that all payments are non-refundable. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that the player successfully clears all league checks and to remit payment only after the League has confirmed this information and requested the payment. Please note that player transfers and additional player registrations will cease after 01/02/2027

o. The league will provide the game ball. The lead referee for the day will be responsible for ensuring the basketball meets the appropriate standards for gameplay.

p. A game will be forfeited by the offending team, and a fine applied (as outlined in Section 6), under any of the following circumstances:

1. Non-attendance at the scheduled match.
2. Participation of a player under an assumed identity.
3. Failure to meet the minimum bench requirements on game day.
4. Not using correct kit colour (Home- light/white, away - dark/Dark
5. A team's withdrawal from a match or engagement in other inappropriate conduct.
6. Postponement of a fixture with less than 48 hours' notice.
7. Utilization of an unqualified coach or a coach possessing less than a Level 2 coaching qualification.
8. Participation of an individual not registered with Basketball England or lacking a valid PlayHQ green license prior to the game day/time.
9. Failure to remit accumulated league fees, fines, or game day fees before fixtures.

r.  Breach of league rules or adopted policies by the Club/Lead coach, which, if no replacement can be found during a live match, will result in a forfeit and the application of Section 1I / 2B.

s. We understand the inclination to approach committee members or staff with inquiries on the day of the event. We kindly request your understanding in advance to limit such approaches to emergencies or to report misconduct or breaches of Rules & Code of Conduct. Please allow all individuals on the day to focus on their responsibilities without distraction, as general enquiries can be submitted via our contact page.

Section 2

Club Roles and Responsibilities

a. Clubs are mandated to ensure that the head coach supervising games within this league holds a minimum qualification of a Basketball Coaching Level 2 Standard or a demonstrably equivalent higher certification. Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in expulsion from the league, the cancellation of all outstanding fixtures if a qualified replacement is not secured, and the assessment of a financial penalty, please consult Section 6.

b. All club personnel are required to maintain a current and valid PlayHQ Green license. Failure to comply will result in a fine, as stipulated in Section 6.

c. Clubs registering two teams are required to designate seven players for Team A and seven players for Team B. These team designations will be provided by the respective clubs. The remaining eight players will constitute a pool from which game day rosters can be fulfilled. It is important to note that designated "locked" players are not interchangeable between teams. A penalty will be imposed if a team is found to utilize locked players across both teams within the same division to gain an unfair advantage (refer to Section 6 for details).

d. Clubs are required to register their teams by 01/09/2026. If an invitation has not been received via PlayHQ, please contact the League to request one.

For detailed registration instructions, please click HERE.

e. Clubs are required to submit an entry fee of £120 for their initial team registration. A reduced fee of £60 applies to the registration of a second team. A discounted seasonal payment option is also available at £725. Please note that registrations completed before September 1, 2025, will receive a 20% discount, reducing the full seasonal option to £525 and standard registration to £94. The full payment encompasses the registration of one team for all seasonal games, including the finals.

f. A fixed game day payment of £65.00 is required from all clubs who do not take the full payment, payable seven days prior to each scheduled match. Non-compliance with this payment schedule will incur a fine, unless the full payment option has been utilized (Section 6).

NOTE: for 3x3 Pricing and information please visit our brand new page U11 3x3.

g. All outstanding fines must be settled within seven days of the issuance date; a late fee will be assessed thereafter, as stipulated in Section 6.

h. It is an imperative requirement for all clubs to ensure that every player and club personel is officially registered with Basketball England and PLAYHQ by September 1, 2026. The WGNBL maintains a strict policy against the involvement of any unlicensed or unregistered players and coaches. Failure to adhere to this regulation will result in a financial penalty for the club and the immediate disqualification of the individual(s) involved. For comprehensive information regarding applicable fines, please consult section 6 or visit Rules and Code of conduct

i. All participating clubs are mandated to observe the Home (White/Light kit) versus Away (Black/Dark kit) protocol. A penalty of £10 will be levied for any delays incurred due to clubs presenting with incorrect kit colors.

j. Our league adheres to a strict policy of retaining only essential player information, which includes full name, date of birth, Basketball England LP number, and player jersey number. Please be informed that all clubs affiliated with WGNBL are obligated to provide any requested documentation to the league, Basketball England, or FIBA3x3 within a 24-hour timeframe during the course of an investigation.

1. Emergency contact details.
2. Parent/Guardian information.
3. Policies and procedures.
4. Proof of Coaches/Referees/Officials.
5. Parental Permision (for images, league division transfers).
6. Evidence of coaches’ credentials.
7. Additional documentation requested by Basketball England or WGNBL to aid investigation.

Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of club privileges, forfeiture of scheduled matches, and the imposition of financial penalties, as detailed in section 6.

k. Please be advised that our league extends a warm welcome to supporters from all participating clubs and the wider community. Each club bears the sole responsibility of ensuring that their fans review, understand, and adhere to our Spectator Code of Conduct (Section 7), and are fully cognizant of our Zero Tolerance Policy and the enforcement measures the league will implement (Section 8). A penalty of £80 will be imposed on any club or clubs unable to demonstrate that they have taken the requisite steps to enforce or disseminate our regulations within their organization, or for any breach of this rule by club members and supporters

l. Please be advised that should your club withdraw from the league after the season has commenced, all relevant fines and outstanding game day payments for the remaining unplayed fixtures, as detailed in Section 6, will be levied. This provision does not extend to clubs that have made full payment, as all payments are non-refundable once processed (Section 6).

m. Clubs are required to promptly inform the league of any banned players, coaches, or staff personnel. This obligation extends to individuals currently under investigation by other regional leagues or by Basketball England. Failure to comply will result in a fine, as stipulated in Section 6.

n. Please ensure that no player who is banned or currently under investigation participates in any games throughout the season. Non-compliance will result in a fine, as detailed in section 6.

Section 3

Coaches Roles and Responsibilities

a. Punctual arrival at the venue for scheduled games is mandatory. Repeated instances of tardiness will not be tolerated; more than two late game arrivals or delays attributed to the same coach will incur a financial penalty (Section 6).

b. Please ensure that all referee decisions are accepted, even if their accuracy appears questionable. Should any issues arise, kindly contact WGNBL. Alternatively, depending on the specific circumstances, you may reach out directly to Basketball England, who will also be pleased to provide assistance.

c. All game day team allocations must be finalized at least 12 hours before the scheduled tip-off of the first game at the latest. Non-compliance or delays will result in a fine, as detailed in Section 6.

d. Please ensure that the bench area is properly managed, with all players remaining seated and refraining from any actions that could disrupt the ongoing game.

e. To ensure equitable participation, please allocate a minimum of 3 minutes of game time to each player, prioritizing player development and engagement over competitive outcomes.

f. Coaches are prohibited from implementing a full-court press when leading by 15 points or more. Any coach found to be in violation of this regulation or actively encouraging players to execute a full-court press will receive an initial warning. Subsequent infractions will result in a technical foul.

g. Please be advised that coaches are allocated two 30-second timeouts per half of play. These timeouts are non-transferable and must be utilized within the respective half; any unused timeouts will be forfeited. Additionally, one timeout is permitted during overtime.

h. It is imperative to consistently conduct oneself with respect within the WGNBL.

1. No swearing.
2. No lashing out in anger
3. No smoking or vaping with in the premises.
4. No disrespectfully laughing at others.
5. Maintain discipline on the bench.
6. Actively encouraging players that may be behind in certain aspects of the game.

Non-compliance with the six aforementioned points may result in removal from the premises, forfeiture of the game if an assistant coach is unavailable, and the assessment of a fine (refer to section 6).

i. Prioritize the emotional and physical well-being of young players over the personal desire for victory.

j. It is imperative to acknowledge the individuality of each player, recognizing the significant variability in emotional and physical development within a given age cohort.

k. Implement appropriate strategies to fulfill all obligations to players.

l. Exemplify fair play and sportsmanship to all participants and colleagues, regardless of the outcome.

m. Please keep in mind that the league's primary focus is on junior participants, and therefore, the game is designed for juniors rather than adults.

n. A maximum of 10 players from the 15-player roster are permitted to participate per game day, with a minimum requirement of 5 players. Non-compliance may result in the application of 'Section 1P' and associated fines (Refer to Section 6).

o. Please be advised that basketball is recognized as a sport emphasizing continuous effort and enhancement across all facets. For developmental purposes, kindly adhere to the stringent defensive alteration table provided below.

P. Any coach found to be in violation of or non-compliant with any rule outlined in Section 3 will be subject to a fine and an investigation by the league. Depending on the severity of the breach, the league will engage external governing bodies to assist with any necessary action. (Refer to Section 6).

Section 4

Players Roles and Responsibilities

a. Arrive on time to venue and games

b. Respect the calls of officials and referees even if they appear to be wrong. (no lashing out, innapropriate or violent behaviour will be tolerated)

c. When the coach requests a substitution, please approach the tables and articulate your request for a replacement clearly and audibly.

d. Always act/behave in a respectful manner within the WGNBL: 

1. No swearing.
2. No kicking of basketballs in rage
3. No disrespectfully laughing at other players.
4. Maintain discipline on the bench.
5. Actively encouraging players that may be behind in certain aspects of the game.
6. A player may only play for one club/team within a division
7. Any type of violent behaviour or lashing out will NOT be tolerated.
8. No standing up and interupting the game whislt on the bench.

e. Should a participant face a sanction (suspension) from one league within the region, it is important to note that this sanction will extend to all affiliated competitions within the region until the investigation is concluded and all necessary corrective actions have been implemented. (Please be advised: such players will be denied entry into the We Got Next Basketball League until their license is reinstated.)

f. Should a participant accumulate two or more serious offenses across various leagues over a period of time, WGNBL reserves the right to deny entry, as stipulated in Section 2m.

g. Non-compliance with the aforementioned regulations will result in immediate disqualification from the game on the day of the infraction, and a fine will be levied against the club as stipulated in Section 6.

Furthermore, disciplinary measures may be implemented in accordance with Section 10 of our investigative procedures and the adopted disciplinary policy of Basketball England, should circumstances necessitate such action.

Section 5

Competition System / Basic Rules Amendments

All amendments in this section apply only to our U18, U16, U14 and U12 division, for all U10 division (3x3) Rules please visit FIBA3x3 Rules.

a. Please note adapted FIBA 5v5 rules will apply (amendments listed in this section of the document)

b. All scoring recording system will be with the use of PlayHQ

c. Match points shall be awarded as follows: Win 3, Draw 2, Loss 1, Forfeit 0.

d. Game score will be 2 points inside the 3-point line and 3 points outside of it.

e. Games will be played every 3 weeks (Sunday 11am start).

f. In games, player rotation is down to both coaches’ discretion (be mindgull of section 3E)

g. Should a team withdraw or be removed from the league, all subsequent matches will be recorded as a 20-0 victory for the opposing team(s). Please note that all outstanding game day fees for the remainder of the season must be settled by the club within seven days. (Refer to Section 2L).

h. The game will consist of:

1. x4 7 minute quarters (with no runing clock)
2. There will be a 2 minute break per quarter and a 4 minute break at the half time for direction change. 

i. x2 30 sec time out allowed per half played. Lost if not used by the coach.

j. Players will foul out at 5 fouls. Team fouls after the 7 foul. 

k. Only x1 free-throw allowed for any foul committed. The free-throw will be scored at the total points that the foul is committed:

• Inside will be 2 points (chance for a 4 point play if foul committed on the shot)
• Outside the 3 points line will be 3 points (chance for a 6 points play if foul committed on the shot)

L. There will be 2 x referee per game and x1 table official.

m. Player substitutions will be executed by the players themselves, who are expected to approach the designated tables and respectfully request the substitution.

Section 6

Fines/Payments

For all U10 3x3 division Fees and fines information please head over to our U10 Division page

a. All money transactions once finalised are non-refundable.

b. All outstanding fines must be settled within seven days of their issuance date.

c. All payments for game day activities are required to be submitted no later than seven days before the scheduled game day.

d. Please be advised that multiple fines may be levied depending on the nature of the breach.

e. All fees and fines are to be paid via bank transfer using the details below:

We Got Next Basketball League 

Account: 73165925

Sort code: 04-00-03

The League will provide all necessary payment references for fines. To facilitate efficient tracking, kindly include the game date when submitting payments.

f. Any additional games outside of the normal schedule will be charged at the rate of £65 per game played as written in Section 2F.

g. Fee/s listed below:

For any financial enquiries please email wgnblgeneralenquiries@gmail.com

Section 7

Spectator Code of Conduct

The league acknowledges the critical role of support for our developing players in achieving their success. However, it is imperative to remember that this is a junior league. Consequently, all rules and guidelines established or adopted by WGNBL must be adhered to, thereby ensuring a positive basketball experience for all participants. These include:

1. We request that all individuals on the premises demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship by showing respect for players, coaches, officials, and all other personnel.
2. Disruptive vocalizations, taunts, or distracting noises that interfere with game progression will not be permitted.
3. Act appropriately for the age group the league is aimed for.
4. We encourage enthusiastic and supportive cheering, while strictly prohibiting profanity, objectionable cheers, or offensive gestures, as fair play is paramount.
5. Help provide a safe and fun environment; by removing rubbish and utilise the bins provided when finished.
6. Please do not step into the court whilst game is in play.
7. If you have a Basketball please ensure to to keep a hold of it during play time and prevent from bouncing it.
8. Please ensure that all cups and beverages are securely held to prevent any accidental spillage.
9. Remove all rubish and place in the bins provided.
10. Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity.  
11. Be responsible for your own safety - be alert to prevent accidents from flying balls and other avoidable situations.  
12. Please respect the public toilets and think of the next individual coming in.
13. Please note should you require additional seating please inform a member of the league.
14. Be supportive after the game—win or not.  Recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.    
15. We kindly request that you maintain close supervision of any young children, particularly during active game periods. Additionally, please be advised that this is a school facility, and access to classrooms and other school amenities is restricted during weekends and as a league the sports hall is our only Authorized area.

Non-compliance with the regulations outlined above will result in immediate removal from the premises and may lead to a permanent ban, depending on the severity of the infraction. (NOTE: Law enforcement and other external governing bodies may be engaged to ensure the safety and security of all individuals present.)

Section 8

Zero Tolerance Policy

Game officials or league representatives will suspend play if any individual displays inappropriate, disruptive behavior that interferes with other spectators or the game.

Any individual may report violators to league members present, who will then issue a warning or remove the individual from the premises.

Upon removal, play will recommence. Lost time will not be recovered, and violators may face additional disciplinary action.

This inappropriate and disruptive behavior encompasses:

1. Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.  
2. Taunting of players, coaches, officials, or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of any type of violence.
3. Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, player’s bench, officials, tables or on the court surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard or injury.
4. Violent or inapropriate behaviour of any type will not be tolerated.
5. Smoking or vaping within the premises at any time.
6. Alcohol and drugs consumption will not be tolerated within the premises at any time.

Please be advised that any individual found to be in violation of these regulations will be requested to vacate the premises. Law enforcement may be contacted by a member of the league management team or staff if the situation necessitates such action. Upon removal, play will recommence. Any lost time will not be recuperated, and Section 2m /2n will be enforced.

We encourage you to promptly report any breaches of this section to the league representative present on the day or as soon as feasible. Alternatively, you may utilize our Feedback and Report page for submitting a more comprehensive report.

Violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the local governing body and WGNBL.

We encourage you to promptly report any violations of this section to the league representative on the day of the incident or as soon as feasible. Alternatively, you may utilize our Feedback and Report page for submitting a more comprehensive report.

NOTE: all information not covered in this outlined information is covered and can be found via Basketball England.

Section 10

Investigations/adopted Policies

For all adopted polices please visit Basketball England affiliation page

We prioritize the thorough investigation of all reported breaches to our established rules and code of conduct. To uphold the high-quality services provided by We Got Next Basketball League to all stakeholders, including customers, participants, and visitors, we will leverage our comprehensive investigation system. This system is designed to proactively prevent, effectively stop, and ultimately eliminate any breaches identified within our documentation and processes. Beyond addressing individual incidents, this system presents a valuable opportunity to implement systemic changes and improvements across the League's policies and procedures.
We are committed to actively listening to, thoroughly investigating, and appropriately acting upon all reports, complaints, and information provided by members of the public. We will leverage external and emergency services as necessary to support these investigations and ensure the implementation of appropriate actions. Should you believe your complaint or concern warrants further investigation, or if you are not satisfied with the final resolution provided by We Got Next Basketball League, support is available through Basketball England.

1. Making the Report/Giving us Information
   
   If you are unhappy, witnessed an event/situation and would like to make a report to inform us of any breach of our policies, Rules and code of conduct so that the appropriate action is taken to stop or prevent any situation that might happen or has taken place, please fill in our Report Form,

Upon completion and submission of the form, a designated committee member will utilize the compiled information to issue a reference number via email for the submitted complaint or information, concurrently verifying the accuracy of all provided details.

This step signifies the League's acknowledgment and acceptance of the provided information. We kindly request a 24-hour period for an initial response and a 30-day timeframe for the completion of a comprehensive investigation. Please note that updates and additional information may be requested to facilitate the investigative process.

2. The investigation
   
   We will then gather all details reported, these details include:
   • The individual who is giving us the report, these include: name, address, and contact info.
   • Date and Time of incident.
   • Witnesses name, address, and telephone contact (if required).
   • Who or what they are reporting (if there is a named individual/or was it a group incident/anything else).
   • What club this person belongs to, where the incident took place.
   • A breakdown of the Report/complaint/information into its individual points (if possible)

Upon the comprehensive collection of all pertinent information and evidence, we will initiate all relevant and necessary actions to conduct a thorough investigation, aiming to deliver a conclusive outcome within a 30-day timeframe.

3. Outcome

Upon the conclusion of the investigation, a comprehensive email will be issued, detailing all actions taken and the resulting outcomes, thereby finalizing and closing the process or report. Any subsequent steps deemed necessary will also be outlined within this communication.

Kindly be advised that all appeals will be directed to Basketball England to ensure compliance with our BE Affiliation. Should you wish to initiate or pursue these steps, please refer to the Basketball England Appeals section.

NOTE: all information not covered in this outlined information is covered and can be found via Basketball England.

WGNBLRCC – 25-26 V3

Alternatively, if you have any questions or concerns regarding this document, please do not hesitate to contact us via 

enquiries@wegotnextbl.co.uk