CVL Handbook 2026–27.

Executive Committee 2026–27

Mission & Values

The SBA is a voluntary association, responsible for administering and governing basketball at junior and senior levels within the county of Surrey, South East England. We share the same mission statement as Basketball England:

SBA Values

Ethical and Transparent. We must be reliable, credible, fair and trustworthy as an organisation.

Responsible. We have a responsibility to the sport, to all involved in the sport within the county, and to the promotion, development and furthering of the game at all levels.

Dedication. All involved in the SBA perform their roles to the best of their abilities with passion and drive, maintaining a professional, pro-active approach.

CVL Venues

Surrey Central Venue League games are played at four venues across the county, with all finals held at ACS International School Cobham.

Rules & Regulations

The CVL Committee will use its discretion in the application of these rules as appropriate.

2026 FIBA rule changes. The 2026 FIBA Official Basketball Rules are valid as of 1 October 2026. In the CVL they take effect from 20 September 2026, the first day of the season, so that the whole season is played under one set of rules.

1. Child Protection & Safeguarding

The Surrey Basketball Association is committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults in accordance with Basketball England’s (BE) Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection Policy and Procedures, which may be accessed on the BE website.

Where possible we will not permit photographs, film, video or other images of children or vulnerable adults to be taken or used without the consent of the child/vulnerable adult AND their parents/guardians or carers.

• Clubs must notify SBA at the earliest time possible if they do not want images to be taken during any SBA event.
• Clubs must ensure that all children, parents/guardians or carers are aware of the Child Protection guidance with regards to the use of images.
• The SBA does not want to prevent family, friends or other spectators from being able to take images at basketball events for legitimate reasons. Anyone taking photos/videos must register themselves with the commissioner at the event. Images should be for personal or club use only and should not be published on social media without the specific consent of all involved.

Further information regarding the taking of, and use of images, can be found on the Basketball England website.

2. Playing Season

The playing season commences on 20 September 2026. The date of the second finals day will be confirmed by the CVL Committee.

3. Number of Teams in a Division / Players in a Game

• The number of teams in a division will be at the discretion of the CVL Committee, together with playoffs.
• Playoffs will be arranged but dependent on the number of teams in each age group; format to be decided by the CVL Committee.

4. League Points

Three points shall be awarded to the winning team and one point to the losing team. No points shall be awarded to a defaulting team.

5. Non-playing Regulations

• All clubs are required to pay a one-off joining fee of £50.00 to the Surrey Basketball Association as a condition of entry into the Association’s competitions for which additional entry fees will be charged. Any unpaid fines will be deducted from this at the start of the season. The Joining Fee will then require ‘topping up’ prior to the start of the following season.
• Any club that withdraws from SBA competitions and who subsequently re-joins will be subject to a new joining fee.
• It is a condition of entry to the Surrey League that each club must send a representative to the Annual General Meeting at the end of the Season. A fine will be incurred for not doing so (see Section 9 on Fines).
• For all disciplinaries, the Surrey Basketball Association Disciplinary Committee will comprise 3 non-involved members from the Surrey Basketball Association Committee, appointed through the Competitions Manager.

6. Player Regulations

Kit Regulations

• All teams shall wear uniform (vest and shorts). Teams must observe the latest BE regulations regarding compression garments worn underneath kit (must be skin tight, and one solid colour). T-shirts are not allowed. Players will be asked to remove any item that is not regulation kit.
• All teams should declare their primary kit colour to the relevant CVL coordinator prior to the beginning of the season. In the event of a colour clash, the second named team on the fixture list will change into alternative colours.
• All CVL teams should have 2 kits of contrasting colours.
• In any competition final or semi-final event staged by the SBA, players will not be allowed on court without the correct team uniform.

Registration

• All clubs competing in the Surrey Basketball Association Junior League must register all of its participants through PlayHQ.
• All players must be registered and verified before the first CVL session. Access to licence cards via the HoopsHQ app.
• All teams must complete their team lists on PlayHQ, including coaches, by midday on the Saturday before the game. The CVL Committee records the submitted lists each week so that we can confirm who played, and who would have played where a game does not go ahead.
• Licence cards must be readily available to the commissioner and/or referee on request.
• Coaches and referees should be appropriately licenced also through PlayHQ.

Clubs Having More Than One Team in the League

• No player may play for more than one team in any Surrey competition within the same age group category.
• Clubs with two or more teams (at the same age group) must provide definitive lists for each team to the relevant CVL Co-ordinator before they play their first game of the season.
• If any players join a team part-way through a season the club must assign them to one of the teams and advise the relevant CVL Co-Ordinator. They will stay on that team for the remainder of the season.

Girls Playing in Mixed Divisions

• Where a club enters a team in the girls’ division for an age group, the club’s girls in that age group play for that team.
• Where a club has no girls’ team at that age group, its girls may play in the club’s mixed team, and may play down an age group.
• Where a club enters both a girls’ team and a mixed team at an age group, a girl may play for both, but may not play down an age group.

Transfers

A player may transfer from one club to another only by written permission from the Surrey CVL Committee. Written intention to transfer must be received from the player and the two clubs concerned before permission can be granted.

Fixture Dates

The schedules displayed on PlayHQ / HoopsHQ shall be deemed to be confirmed. Fixtures can only be changed in exceptional circumstances and at the permission of the CVL Committee.

Postponed Games

Hopefully the game will be re-arranged by mutual consent prior to the league closure dates. The matter will be resolved by the Surrey CVL Committee, whose decision will be final.

Forfeiture of Points

All games shall be played on the scheduled day, but any team failing to appear on court, ready to play, within 15 minutes of the scheduled Jump Ball time may be liable to forfeit all points at the discretion of the Surrey CVL Committee. Any team failing to appear on court may, at the discretion of the Surrey CVL Committee, be invoiced for expenses incurred by SBA.

7. Player Disqualification

If a player or coach commits a disqualifying foul, s/he must leave the arena. There will be an automatic two (2) game ban from the team’s next Surrey League games. If this ban is ignored, the team shall forfeit the game in which the ban should have been effective.

The ban will not apply where the disqualification is a game disqualification under the FIBA rules – that is, two category 1 technical fouls, two flagrant fouls, or one of each; however further sanctions may be imposed depending on the nature of the fouls.

Foul types from 2026. The 2026 FIBA rules replace the unsportsmanlike foul with two separate fouls. A flagrant foul is the more severe and counts towards a game disqualification. A disruptive foul is the less severe and does not. Technical fouls are divided the same way: category 1 counts towards a game disqualification, category 2 does not.

• A full report by the referees must be sent to the Competitions Officer within 2 working days. A player/coach who is disqualified can neither play nor coach during the two match ban.
• Teams will receive notification of the banned player/coach or coach/player.
• All disqualifications must be referred to the Disciplinary Committee where further action may be taken. All case reviews will be done on an individual basis and the club will be notified of all action to be taken and decisions made by the Disciplinary Committee. The Player, Coach or Player/Coach’s previous disciplinary record will be taken into consideration.

8. Appeals Procedure

Clubs, teams or individual members have the right of appeal to the Surrey Basketball Association Committee on any fine imposed or on any decision that affects them within 7 days of that fine or decision, or on any dispute considered by the Surrey Basketball Association Committee to be within the Association’s jurisdiction. Appeals received outside this timeframe will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Any appeal must be accompanied by the specified APPEAL FEE of £50.00. On receipt of the appropriate fee the Appeals Committee (the Surrey Basketball Association Chairperson, plus 2 non-involved members from the CVL Committee) will convene and review the appeal.

Should the appeal be upheld, any monies paid may be returned as the Surrey Basketball Association deems appropriate. The club, team or individual lodging the appeal shall have the right to be represented when the appeal is heard. Reasonable notice having been given to the party or parties concerned.

9. Fines

A CVL Co-Ordinator or Commissioner will notify the Treasurer of any breach of rules incurring a fine. The Treasurer will then issue the appropriate fine to the club(s) concerned. Fine details will be reported at the next Surrey Executive Committee monthly meeting for ratification.

Fine reasons and amounts

• Ineligible and unregistered players (ringer / plays for another team) – club fined up to £50.00 plus loss of game.
• Forfeiting a scheduled fixture, 8+ days’ notice – £30 plus loss of game.
• Forfeiting a scheduled fixture, less than 7 days’ notice – game fee for both teams minus cost of table officials, plus loss of game.
• Failure to make scheduled tip-off time (as reported) – £5.00.
• Failure to provide a competent table official capable of completing an official scoresheet:
  • 1st offence: £5.00 per game
  • 2nd offence: £10.00 per game
  • 3rd & subsequent offences: £10.00 plus 1 league point deducted
• Club non-attendance at SBA AGM – £20.00 (in line with Seniors).

10. Miscellaneous

• Any other situations not covered by Surrey Basketball rules above will be sanctioned under Basketball England rules.
• Surrey Basketball will appoint a commissioner to a game to report back to the Committee on an ad hoc basis.

11. General League Rules (all age groups)

• The SBA provides table equipment for all CVL (Junior League) games. Teams must provide their own basketballs for warm-ups.
• Referees will be appointed by the CVL Co-ordinators. Each team must provide one competent table official for all games. Failure to provide a competent table official will result in a fine (see Section 9 on Fines).
• Game fees at each CVL session must be paid in cash (no exceptions).
• Passerelle operates exactly as set out in the age-specific rules below. There are no additional restrictions on the 11th and 12th players in a squad. This is to be applied consistently at every venue.

12. League Format

• The teams in each league play each other a number of times dependent upon the number of teams.
• The teams to play each other in the Final will be determined using the play-off system.

Tiebreakers

In the event of a tie between teams at the end of the season, league standings will be determined by the following criteria in order:

1. A table shall be compiled taking into account only the matches played between teams involved in the tie. The teams shall then be placed in accordance with the points awarded for wins in this table.
2. In the event of further equality, the difference between the actual points scored and points conceded in these matches will be taken into account.
3. In the event of further equality, the difference between actual points scored and points conceded in all matches in the League will be taken into account.

13. Licence Cards

• All players must be registered in order to participate in a Surrey League fixture.
• Licence cards must be produced via the HoopsHQ app for each game.
• No player or coach will be allowed onto a CVL Junior League court without the above.

14. Play Offs / Cup Final Registration

All players need to have played in at least 4 CVL junior league games during the regular season to be eligible to play in the play-offs/finals. In the case of injury, the CVL sub-committee must be informed for consideration to allow the player to participate in the play-offs/finals. In this case, players need to be registered before 31 January 2027.

Where a team has submitted its team list on PlayHQ by midday on the Saturday before a game and that game is then cancelled, the game counts towards the four for every player named on that list. This applies only where the list was actually submitted by the deadline – the CVL Committee records the submitted lists each week so that they can be referred back to.

15. Game Fees

Game fees must be paid to the relevant Commissioner in cash prior to the game.

16. Referees

Without referees, teams would not be able to play any games. Coaches, players and supporters must treat them with respect at all times or else face disciplinary action.

Referee match fees (paid by CVL)

17. Table Officials

• Each team must provide one table official capable of completing the scoresheet.
• Teams must provide a competent table official at every game they play in. Failure to provide a competent table official will result in a fine (see Section 9 on Fines).

Table official payments (paid by CVL)

18. Commissioners

The Surrey Basketball Association will provide Commissioners at the CVL Junior League for the current season.

The Commissioner will

• Assist in setting up the courts and table equipment
• Collect game fees from teams
• Check licence cards and player eligibility
• Oversee games and ensure officials are appointed and respected
• Enforce SBA photography policy
• Ensure all results are submitted on PlayHQ
• Pay officials at the end of the session
• Assist in putting away table equipment and tidying up
• Provide the relevant CVL Co-Ordinator and SBA Treasurer with details of costings for the session
• Report any incidents to the CVL sub-committee

Commissioner fees (paid by CVL)

• £15.00 per game.
• £20.00 where a Commissioner covers two games running at the same time.

Observers may also be appointed to some CVL sessions.

Playing Rules – Age Specific

U10 Mixed & U11 Girls Divisions

• Age: boys born on or after 01/09/2016, girls born on or after 01/09/2015.
• Games to be played with a Size 5 basketball.
• Timings: 6-minute quarters with stopping clock.
• Passerelle rules apply: 5 players play the entire first quarter. Then a different 5 players play the entire second quarter. Players can sub in and out in quarters 3 and 4.
• A player who receives 3 personal fouls in Q1 or Q2 is allowed to be substituted. In this case, the opposition coach shall select the substitute to play. This rule also applies to injured players.
• There will not be any points deducted for having less than 10 players.
• If a team has less than 10 players, the opposing coach selects the player(s) to be substituted. (If the CVL Committee finds this system is being abused during the season, e.g. teams bringing 5 players, the ruling will be reconsidered.)
• One free throw equals the relevant number of points (1, 2, or 3).
• 1-minute interval between quarters.
• 3 minutes at half time.
• A team may take one 30-second time out in each quarter.
• Tied game: 1-minute overtime using possession arrow. Repeat if game is still tied after 1 minute.
• Fouls: 4 personal fouls only (foul out on 4th foul). Shooting on 4th team foul per quarter.
• Defence: Zone defence is not permitted.
• Full-court defence is not permitted.
• All players and coaches must be registered through PlayHQ before the first game their team plays in.
• Licence cards must be made available to the Commissioner upon request at each game.
• Any team subsequently found to have played an unlicensed player will be fined and the game awarded to the opposition.
• All teams must have a nominated Safeguarding / Welfare Officer.

U12 Mixed & U13 Girls Divisions

• Age: boys born on or after 01/09/2014, girls born on or after 01/09/2013.
• A maximum of two National League players in school year 7 are allowed per team. This rule applies to boys only – there are no National League player restrictions in the U13 Girls division.
• Games to be played with a Size 5 basketball.
• Timings: 7-minute quarters with stopping clock.
• Passerelle rules apply: 5 players play the entire first quarter. Then a different 5 players play the entire second quarter. Players can sub in and out in quarters 3 and 4.
• A player who receives 3 personal fouls in Q1 or Q2 is allowed to be substituted. In this case, the opposition coach shall select the substitute to play. This rule also applies to injured players.
• There will not be any points deducted for having less than 10 players.
• If a team has less than 10 players, the opposing coach selects the player(s) to be substituted.
• 1-minute interval between quarters.
• 3 minutes at half time.
• A team may take one 30-second time out in each quarter.
• Fouls: 4 personal fouls only (foul out on 4th foul). Shooting on 4th team foul per quarter.
• Tied game: 1-minute overtime using possession arrow. Repeat if game is still tied after 1 minute.
• Defence: zone defence is not permitted at this age group.
• Full-court defence is allowed in the second half only, however it must be stopped if the team is 20 points or more ahead.
• All players and coaches must be registered through PlayHQ before the first game their team plays in.
• Licence cards must be made available to the Commissioner upon request at each game.
• Any team subsequently found to have played an unlicensed player will be fined and the game awarded to the opposition.
• All teams must have a nominated Safeguarding / Welfare Officer.

U14 Mixed & U15 Girls Divisions

• Age: boys born on or after 01/09/2012, girls born on or after 01/09/2011.
• A maximum of two National League players in school year 9 are allowed per team. This rule applies to both boys and girls in the U14 Mixed division.
• Games to be played with a Size 6 basketball.
• Timings: 8-minute quarters with stopping clock.
• Passerelle rules apply, mirroring the National League: in the first and third quarters, five players start and the other five come on at the 4-minute mark – the halfway point of the quarter – or as close to it as play allows. Players can sub in and out in quarters 2 and 4.
• A player who receives 3 personal fouls in Q1 or Q3 is allowed to be substituted. In this case, the opposition coach shall select the substitute to play. This rule also applies to injured players.
• There will not be any points deducted for having less than 10 players.
• If a team has less than 10 players, the opposing coach selects the player(s) to be substituted.
• 1-minute interval between quarters.
• 3 minutes at half time.
• A team may take one 30-second time out in each quarter.
• Tied game: 1-minute overtime using possession arrow. Repeat if game is still tied after 1 minute.
• Fouls: 4 personal fouls only (foul out on 4th foul). Shooting on 4th team foul per quarter.
• Zone defence is not permitted at this age group.
• Full-court defence is allowed by either side – it must be taken off if a team is 20 points or more ahead.
• All players and coaches must be registered through PlayHQ before the first game their team plays in.
• Licence cards must be made available to the Commissioner upon request at each game.
• Any team subsequently found to have played an unlicensed player will be fined and the game awarded to the opposition.
• All teams must have a nominated Safeguarding / Welfare Officer.

U16 Mixed Divisions

• Age: boys born on or after 01/09/2010, girls born on or after 01/09/2009.
• A maximum of two National League players in school year 11 are allowed per team. This rule applies to both boys and girls.
• Games are played as per the normal FIBA rules.
• Games to be played with a Size 7 basketball.
• Zone defence is only allowed in Quarters 1 & 3.
• No full-court press once a team is 20 points or more ahead – the press must be taken off.
• All players and coaches must be registered through PlayHQ before the first game their team plays in.
• Licence cards must be made available to the Commissioner upon request at each game.
• Any team subsequently found to have played an unlicensed player will be fined and the game awarded to the opposition.
• All teams must have a nominated Safeguarding / Welfare Officer.

U18 Men’s Division

• Age: boys born on or after 01/09/2008, girls born on or after 01/09/2007.
• A maximum of two National League players in school year 13 are allowed per team. This rule applies to both boys and girls.
• Games are played as per the normal FIBA rules.
• Games to be played with a Size 7 basketball.
• Zone defence is only allowed in Quarters 1 & 3.
• No full-court press once a team is 20 points or more ahead – the press must be taken off.
• All players and coaches must be registered through PlayHQ before the first game their team plays in.
• Licence cards must be made available to the Commissioner upon request at each game.
• Any team subsequently found to have played an unlicensed player will be fined and the game awarded to the opposition.
• All teams must have a nominated Safeguarding / Welfare Officer.

Codes of Conduct

Basic standards of sportspersonship, such as players shaking hands and thanking referees and table officials, are expected from all teams in the Surrey League as a matter of common courtesy. Clubs are also responsible for the conduct of their officials and supporters, who should likewise behave in a respectful manner.

Supporters must not shout obscenities to, boo or distract players from the opposite team. Failure to observe these requirements may result in disciplinary action being taken against the club and fines imposed.

Those involved in the Surrey League, in whatever capacity, must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person – player and non-player alike – and treat everyone equally within the context of the game. In particular, those involved in the league are expected to be aware of the special needs of young people and vulnerable adults, including their well-being and potential difficulties or possible abuse.

Club contacts and secretaries must make their players and spectators aware of the Codes of Conduct and ensure they are explained at the start of the season.

The Surrey Basketball Association is committed to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards of behaviour and conduct at basketball games and events. Any concerns regarding the breach of the Codes of Conduct should be presented to the SBA Executive Committee as soon as possible after a game.

Safeguarding

Please refer to the Basketball England Safeguarding Policy for information on guidance and good practice.

Each club within the Surrey League must

• Have safe-recruitment guidance for all roles within the club
• Ensure “bench personnel” (coaches, team managers, table officers, game day support staff, etc.) are DBS checked
• Have a nominated Welfare Officer who is DBS checked, trained in Safeguarding, and aware of Basketball England’s Safeguarding Policy

Local Safeguarding Children Boards

• Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership
• London Safeguarding Children Partnership
• Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership
• Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership

For any other queries, email safeguarding@basketballengland.co.uk.

Tournaments & Events

The SBA is proud of its involvement in basketball throughout the county, and is always happy and willing to promote events organised by Surrey teams to encourage participation in the sport. For more information, please contact anyone on the Committee who will be happy to help.

Newsletters may be produced to keep all those involved in the Surrey League up to date with rule changes, courses for table officials and referees, and any guest speakers that are invited to talk on topical matters.

The Annual General Meeting is held during the summer off-season – all clubs must send a representative to this meeting or else suffer a fine.