01 · The Spirit of the Game

League Philosophy

Before the X’s and O’s, every player should understand what AV AFBL stands for — and how we’re different from other leagues.

01

Balanced Teams

AV AFBL does everything humanly possible to balance all teams. If one or two teams still turn out stronger by season’s end, that’s a non-issue for the organizers.

02

No Picking Teams

Players can’t choose their team because “I don’t know anybody on my team.” Meeting new friends — before, during and after games — is the whole point.

03

No Dirty Tactics

There is no place for dirty play to win. It creates tension among players and works against everything the league promotes. Play hard and really have fun.

04

Respect the Refs

Bad calls may be questioned respectfully, but never used to disparage referees — they’re human too. The league has a process in place for referees who consistently fall short.

05

Win or Lose

The league’s objectives can be met even in defeat. Winning feels great, but it should never blind us to why we play.

06

Welcome Newcomers

New or referred players may not know our objectives yet. Give them a head start by explaining what we stand for, so they can decide if AV AFBL fits their needs.

07

Captains Keep the Peace

Team representatives and captains are expected to stay proactive and in control to prevent unnecessary confrontation among players.

08

Bring the Family

All players are encouraged to bring their family, relatives and friends to the games. The stands are part of the barkada.

02 · Everyone Plays

Level of Participation

Team representatives shall make every effort to give every player the opportunity to play, regardless of playing ability. As coach, the team representative helps every player maximize their talents so that by season’s end, each one feels fulfilled — having met new friends and kept in shape.

During playoffs, a coach may use sound discretion if they believe it’s in the team’s best interest. Coaches must always accentuate the positive, win or lose. Comments on specific performance should come from an honest, heartfelt sense of pride in the player.

5min
Recommended minimum playing time per player, per game

Applies to the regular season. Coaches may use discretion in the playoffs.

03 · Fun First, Then Competitive

Level of Competitiveness

The primary goal of the league is to offer a quality athletic basketball experience to all members, regardless of ability. The program mixes fun and competitiveness — with the emphasis on fun.

To keep every team roughly balanced, the organizers use a drafting formula that considers three factors:

↕

Height

Size is spread evenly across rosters.

★

Skill Level

Every team gets a mix of experience.

⌛

Age

Ages are balanced within the 35+ division.

04 · Leading the Team

Team Coordinators

Each team is assigned a Team Representative, chosen by the Organizing Committee at the start of every season and serving through its end. The rep is the team’s official contact for all league information and is responsible for sharing it with players.

Team Representative Responsibilities

  1. Represent the team at meetings, when necessary.
  2. Collect entry fees before and after the season.
  3. Explain game rules to all team players.
  4. Provide copies of game schedules to the players.
  5. Schedule team practices, if needed.
  6. Act as, or designate, a team coach.
  7. Strongly encourage all players to attend every game, especially during the playoffs.
  8. Monitor playing time and ensure the recommended 5-minute minimum for every player is met.
  9. Stay proactive and in control of players to prevent inappropriate behavior that could get the game out of hand.

Questions about the rules?

Talk to your Team Representative or reach out to the Commissioner directly.