Tournament Director's Guidelines
Packet
for Hosting a Middle Atlantic Association AAU Girls' Basketball
Age Group Championship
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I.
SANCTION FEE/APPLICATION FEE
A. The MAA has a fee structure determined by the National AAU for sanctioned events. This fee can also include Third Party Insurance. This fee must be separate from the MAA-GBC Application Fee.
B. Registration/Fee Structure for teams entering a MAA-GBC Age Group Championship will be determined by a vote of the membership at the first meeting of the year, October/November.
II.
PROCESS
A. Any team/club wishing to host an AAU sanctioned event must fill out the AAU Sanction Form and submit this form with checks covering MAA Fee, Third Party Insurance and Application Fee.
B. Any application 35 days prior to approval will have to provide the additional fee for AAU House concerning Third Party Insurance.
C. This Sanction Request will be signed by either the Chairperson or Registration Chairperson and then sent after approval, to the MAA Registration Chairperson and mailing to AAU House.
D. If you are not approved, all fees and monies are returned to the team/club requesting AAU sanction.
III.
DATES
A. All MAA Association Championships (National Qualifiers) must take place between the last weekend of April and prior to Memorial Day weekend.
B. Days of competition: Friday through Sunday (unless agreed upon by both teams and Tournament Director, with final decision by the Tournament Director).
IV.
SITES/BIDS
A. There are 8 MAA National Qualifying tournaments for 9 age groups.
B. A club wishing to bid for a MAA Association Championship (National Qualifier) must be a club in Good Standing with the MAA-GBC.
C. All clubs will have an equal opportunity to bid and to host an MAA Association Championship.
D. Clubs selected to host a National Qualifier will abide by a set of Operational Guidelines set forth by the MAA-GBC. Failure to abide by these rules can result in the pulling of an event, suspension of future events and possible action by the MAA-GBC Disciplinary Committee.
V. AWARDS (MEDALS)
A. The Registration Chairperson and the MAA-GBC will provide the paperwork for Medals for all Association Championships.
B. The Host Tournament Director must distribute the Medals and Nationals Packets at the conclusion of the National Qualifier in both A and B Tournaments under the Virginia Proposal. Three NIC Packets will be available for teams 4, 5, 6 in the A-Bracket and for 1, 2, 3 in the B-Bracket. Failure to do so within 5 days, unless approved by the Registration Chairperson, can result in disciplinary action.
VI.
SEEDING MEETING
A. All those clubs in good standing with the AAU and the MAA will receive notification of the Seeding Meeting.
2004
Rule Change:
B.
Each club wishing to enter that will not be attending the MAA-GBC Seeding
Meeting must make sure all necessary materials for entry is in the hands of the
chairperson before the meeting starts. Clubs that attend the meeting must bring
all necessary materials with them.
C. The closing deadline is 8 PM on the day of the Seeding Meeting.
1. No other methods of application are acceptable after this deadline.
2. All express mails must be received prior to the Seeding Meeting.
D. Registration Materials will be defined as: Complete roster (player uniform number if available, name, home town, state, AAU card number, date of birth, Coach’s information), Team Entry Form, Check, and copy of Birth Certificate.
2004
Rule Change:
E.
The top 8 teams from the year before's next lowest age group will be seeded
according to finish,
except for 10-And-Under.
F. In cases of a tie, the team seeded higher the previous year will receive the higher seed.
G. Each club must have the Entry Fee for their team(s) at the Seeding Meeting. No arrangements will be honored. A check must accompany a team Registration Form at the meeting.
H. All non-seeded teams will be drawn.
1. Each team drawn in order past 8 will be entered according to pull. In tournaments involving round robin/pool play, follow draws and seed in zig-zag fashion. Any teams after eight will be placed accordingly (see I below)
2004
Rule Change:
2.
Only the top 8 teams from the previous
year can be seeded.
If a seeded team does not return, the next lower seed advances up the bracket,
only in the top 8.
(i.e. the ninth place team does not move up if one of the top 8 does not enter).
2004
Rule Change:
I.
Only the official AAU/Middle Atlantic team bracket will be used for seeding.
J. During the draw process, if two teams from the same club play first round games, the next team drawn takes their place, and the next open spot goes to that team which was not inserted. If a continual problem exists due to the total number of teams, and the fact that a club enters more than two teams per age group, it may be necessary for teams within the same club to play each other in the first round.
K. The Tournament Director must have a completed bracket within 7 days of the draw, and mailed and postmarked to participating teams.
L. All consideration will be given to provide best possible times for those teams traveling over two hours to their game.
M. At the Seeding Meeting (under the Virginia Proposal), each team must declare which of the two tournaments available, A or B, they will be participating in.
VII.
DOCUMENTATION
A. The document requirements for the MAA-GBC Association Championship (National Qualifier) are:
1. Team Entry/Roster Form/Check for $365
2. Copy of the Original Birth Certificate (with State Seal)
B. All these materials will be presented to the Registration Chairperson prior to the seeding meeting.
1. The Tournament Director will receive a printout of the Documentation for their event.
C. Team Entry Form/Check
1. This form will have the following:
a. Club name
b. Head Coach/address/phone/fax/email
c. Contact person/address/phone/fax/email
d. Place for Check/Fee for National Qualifier
2. A Check/Money Order must accompany the Team Entry Form at the Seeding Meeting and before the deadline.
3. Note: No club shall have more than two teams in a B bracket unless you have at least one in A bracket.
D. Team Roster Form
1. Shall contain the following data:
a. Name/Home Town/State/Birth Date/AAU Number.
b. Check Box for Birth Certificate Copy.
c. Check box for Coach’s/Director’s verification of Original Birth Certificate.
d. Determination if the team will compete in the "A" or "B" Bracket. (Ammended 11/12/00)
E. Birth Certificate
1. A copy of the Original Birth Certificate (with State Seal) must accompany the Team Roster Form.
2. Any club may question a player’s age and the Birth Certificate.
a. A player has a minimum of three (3) hours before the next game that the team plays… from the time point of challenge, to produce an original and/or a photo ID if requested by the Tournament Director.
b. An Official Government Passport will suffice as documentation for this challenge besides the Original Birth Certificate.
c. Other forms including those listed in the Girls Basketball Handbook and AAU Code will also suffice.
2002 Rule Change: A clarification on birth certificate deadline due to confusion at 2001's 16-and-under tournament: All photocopies of birth certificates are to be handed in at seeding meeting. Any extension to that deadline shall be at the discretion of the tournament director for each age group championship. If a director gives an extension to one club, he must do it for all that ask. A director's decision to extend deadline in one age group will not impact any other age group.
VIII.
TOURNAMENT INFRACTIONS COMMITTEE
A. The Tournament Director in conjunction with the Tournament Infractions Committee will make all decisions regarding infractions. Decisions will be made based on MAA-GBC Bylaws and AAU Code Book.
1. The Tournament Infractions Committee will consist of the MAA-GBC Age Group Championship Tournament Director who will serve as Chairman, and two coaches from teams participating in the MAA-GBC Age Group Championship but who are not involved in the reported infraction. The Infractions Committee will entertain only violations of the MAA-GBC Championship Tournament Guidelines and the AAU Code. A hearing will be held with all parties present. Teams or individuals found to be in violation of these Guidelines or the AAU Code at the the MAA-GBC Age Group Championship will be immediately suspended from any further competition and shall forfeit all previous games and forfeits any opportunity for advancement to the AAU National Championships. The decision of the Tournament Infractions Committee is final. Request for a re-instatement after the MAA-GBC Age Group Championships can be made to the MAA-GBC Chairman.
B. No game protests permitted under NCAA rules.
C. All issues must be dealt with within a 3 hour time frame from the written complaint.
1. Complaints
2004 Rule Change:
a. The Committee will entertain only those issues which are not game related (officiating).
1. A forfeit is classified
as a team not fielding five players with a coach, all with current AAU
registration, within 15 minutes of the scheduled start of a game.
2. It is not a forfeit if both teams and the
tournament director all agree the game will not be played. Any disputes will be
settled by the MAA-GBC chairperson.
b. The penalty for a forfeit is as follows:
1. A $150 fee (to cover cost of gymnasium and officials)
to the host club and $1,000 to the aggrieved
team that must be paid by Aug. 31.
2. Lose any acquired seed for the following year in the next
highest age group.
c. An appeal can be made to the MAA-GBC complaints committee.
d. All parties must be present for the complaint to be heard.
D. All tournament games must be played. In the event that a game is not played due to forfeit or no show, the following penalties will be imposed by the MAA-GBC Tournament Committee:
1. A $150 fee (to cover cost of gymnasium and officials)
2. Lose any acquired seed for that tournament
3. Forfeit opportunity to attend the National AAU Championship.
E. In the event of a team’s inability to play a game due to extreme or unusual circumstances, a request can be made to the tournament committee and their ruling will be final.
IX.
ROSTER
A. Each team is limited to a maximum of 15 players and 4 bench personnel.
B. All coaches must have AAU Cards.
C. All players must have AAU Cards.
X.
TOURNAMENT FORMAT
A. Virginal Proposal as adopted at the National Level for competition in the year 2000. "A" and "B" Brackets. Associations may have an "A" BRACKET AND A "B" BRACKET in their Association Qualifying Tournament with no crossover required.
1. All teams, both A & B, will count toward sending teams to the National Championship Tournaments.
2. Teams playing in the "B" Bracket qualify only for the NIC Tournaments. "A" Bracket teams can qualify for either NIC or National Championship Tournaments. If a team in the "A" Bracket qualifies for the National Championship, they can not play in the NIC.
3. Teams that qualify for the National Championship or the NIC may pick up a player from the "B" bracket (see additional rules in the Handbook regarding "pick-up" players).
4. In all “B” Brackets, pool play/round robin format will be implemented. Followed by a seeding and a single elimination Championship Tournament.
5. If there are seven (7) or more teams competing in any “A” Bracket, then a straight, double elimination, Championship Tournament can be implemented.
6. In the “B” Bracket, all teams will be pulled out of a hat at random and seeded accordingly.
7. The “Blue Tournament” will be the designation for the National Championship Qualifier.
8. The “Green Tournament” will be the designation for the National Invitational Championship Qualifier.
9. In pool play/round robin format, higher seeded teams will be determined by:
a. Record
b. Head to Head
2004 Rule Change:
c. In the case of a three-way tie, the team with the most points (involving the margin of victory in games between the three teams, with a maximum of 13 points applied each game), is declared the top team, the team with the next most points is second, and the team with the third most points is third.
10. In the 10-And-Under Association Championship, all teams will participate in double elimination format with the addition of a "B" Bracket. Teams will be drawn and placed accordingly at the Annual Seeding Meeting.
11. No club shall have more than two teams in a B bracket unless you have at least one in A bracket.
XI.
TOURNAMENT RULES/SITE REQUIREMENTS BY HOST
A. All written materials/forms must be approved by the MAA-GBC Registration Chairman and the Tournament Director. This must be completed before such registration becomes official. At that time, those materials will be sent out.
1. Before hosting a Middle Atlantic Association Tournament, understand that a club must first:
a. Apply for and receive a Sanction acquired through the MAA Registration Chairman and report your event’s Sanction Number to the MAA Girls’ Basketball Chairperson.
b. Have on hand at the time of the tournament to be awarded to the winners upon completion of their last game:
i. Entry Packets for the Nationals (1, 2 ,3) and National Invitational Championships A-Bracket (3) and B-Bracket (3).
ii. Fifteen player Medals (gold, silver and bronze) for both Nationals and the National Invitational Championships. These can be ordered through the MAA-GBC Chairperson.
2. Upon completion of the tournament, the Tournament Director must forward the following list of items to the National Certification Chairman. These proofs should be received by the National Certification Chairman three (3) weeks after the Association tournament OR by the receiving deadline for the Nationals, whichever is EARLIER. Please, send a copy of the originals. DO NOT send the originals as they can get lost in the mail!
a. All actual roster sheets used in the Association tournament.
b. All score book sheets from the Association tournaments.
c. Tournament Bracket showing team names, scores, and dates of play. In ties for 5-6 and 7-8 place, the higher seed goes to the team who placed higher and had the higher seed from the preceding year.
d. Contact winning coaches to see if they have added any pick-up players. Send the score sheets that show them playing in the Association Tournament and highlight their names.
e. Indicate the total number of teams that participated in the Association in that age group that was under your direction.
f. Send all the above required materials to: Kathy Campbell, Girls’ Basketball Certification Chair, 14828 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD, 21111, phone: 410-683-1351, fax: 410-683-1355.
3. Upon completion of the tournament, a copy of the tournament bracket showing team names, scores, dates of play and a list of final standings (teams 1-8) must be forwarded to the Girls Basketball Chairman for their records and for seeding for the following year’s tournaments.
4. Under no circumstances, will an athlete compete without proof of AAU membership. The reason for this is for insurance purposes. If an athlete signs an AAU card, but that card is not registered at the National Office, they are not covered by insurance and is considered an insurance risk. The Middle Atlantic Association cannot and will not accept responsibility for this risk.
5. Up to the official start of the tournament, any team can replace a player already designated on a roster if that player has suffered an injury, which would prohibit that player from participating in said tournament, and a licensed Medical Doctor has issued a document to the Middle Atlantic Association Chairperson establishing that the athlete has suffered such injury. The Coach/Club Director is to contact the Registration Chairperson and confirm/verify this information and copies of the Medical Report from the physician are to be forwarded to the Tournament Director and the Girls Basketball Chairperson before said athlete is permitted to participate.
6. Summary of relevant rule changes - 2000.
a. 302.3 Representation. An athlete may elect to participate in his Association of bona fide residence or an Association which geographically adjoins that Association. EXCEPTPION: In team sports, a maximum of three (3) athletes may participate with a team from an adjoining Association(s). This means that an athlete must register in the Association where s/he resides.
b. The "CROSS ONE LINE" CODE CHANGE is, in effect, the same rule Girls' Basketball has been using. However, permission is not needed from either Association and the non-resident is to register in her HOME Association.
c. The "three maximum" rule is still in effect. As 3 players from outside the Association conducting the competition may be on the roster.
7. Game Times:
a. Four (full) time outs and 16 minute halves for 10 through 13-U.
b. Four (full) time outs and two (twenty second) time outs, and 18 minute halves for 14 through 18-U.
c. Ten minute half time for all age groups.
d. Any overtime will consist of 5 minutes.
8.
2004
Rule Change:
Game RULES:
All games will be played under the current Women's NCAA rules (which are also
the official national AAU rules) with the exception there is a 10-second
backcourt, there is no 30-second clock, the held ball rule will be in effect on
the dribble as well and the Rawlings 10-panel ball does not have to be used.
a. Only the Head Coach will be permitted to stand during games.
b. One-and-one free throws will occur on the 7th foul, and two free throws will be awarded on the 10th.
c. Players will play on the release of the ball on all free throws.
d. Any fan misbehavior could result in ejection from the gym, and ultimately from the remaining tournament games. This will be decided by the game officials and tournament officials.
e. There will be an official scorekeeper and timekeeper at the official table, and the scorebook will be official. The scorekeeper and timekeeper will be designated by the Tournament Director or Site Director. The Host Club will provide Official Game Score Sheets.
f. Teams will have contrasting colors in uniform jerseys. The team on the top part of the bracket will be designated as the home team will wear light or white colored jerseys and will be seated on the right side of the scorer’s table (facing the court).
g. The game ball shall be of circumference of 28.8 – 29 inches with a weight of 18-20 oz.
h. 2002 Rule Change: All association championships must have either a trainer or EMT at at least one site during the duration of the tournament.
i. It is suggested that Tournament Results be posted at a central location.
j. 2002 Rule Change: It will be permissible to charge admission to association championships for adults (over 18) only. The maximum allowable charge will be $3 per day or $5 for tournament pass.
9. Scheduling:
a. No team can play more than three games in a day. A forfeit/no show does not count as a game in this respect.
b. Each team must be given a period of ninety (90) minutes between the end of their last game and the beginning of their next game.
c. All games will be scheduled to be scheduled Friday through Monday with Monday only being utilized if one of the teams advancing have met the three-games-a-day rule.
d. No games shall be scheduled before 7 PM on Monday or Friday nights and 8 AM on Saturday or Sunday. No games may be scheduled to start after 9:30 PM on any night.
10. Officials
a.
10. Officials
2004
Rule Change:
It
is required that all referees be certified by either a state or national
federation and
that they wear appropriate attire with certification patches on their uniform
while officiating Association Championship events.
Both officials should both sign the official scorebook.
b. No official can work more than two games in a row.
c.
2004
Rule Change:
Officials
will be paid a minimum of $30 per game for all MAA-GBC
Championship
Tournaments.
XII. 2004
Rule Change: NATIONAL ADVANCEMENT
A.
Each club has 7 days to notify the Tournament Director from the end of the
designated weekend of tournament their desire to compete at the AAU National
Tournament. This must be done by mail, fax, e-mail or in writing after the
game.
NO NOTIFICATION
is to be taken by the tournament director as decision NOT TO ADVANCE TO
Nationals.
1. If a club wishes not to advance, the Tournament Director
will notify the next place team their opportunity to attend the National
Tournament.
2. The next club will receive the Information Packet directly
from the previous team by express mail within 48 hours of their notification
deadline.
a. Failure to do this will cause the violating club to pay a
fine of $1,000 to the aggrieved club by Aug. 31 and the loss of its seed for the
following year in next highest age group.
XIII.
OFFICIAL MAA-GBC TEAM ENTRY FORM:
A. Registration Materials defined as:
1. Completed Team Entry Form: Roster (player uniform number if available, player name, AAU card number, date of birth, home town, state, Coach’s information).
2. Check/Money Order.
3. Copy of Original Birth Certificate (with State Seal).
XIV. OTHER RULE CHANGES:
Coaches' Dress Code. All bench personnel, both male and female, must adhere to the COACHES' DRESS CODE by wearing a shirt with a collar, long pants or dress shorts/skirts, and closed toe shoes. Each violation will result in a technical foul.