2001-2002 NWBA BYLAWS
CONSTITUTION AND INTERPRETATIONS
OF THE
NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Article I.
The name of this organization shall be the "National Wheelchair Basketball
Association."
Article II.
Section 1: Purposes
The purposes of this Association are
(a) To act as an agency for the promotion and continued growth of wheelchair
basketball for the good it has done the participants and disabled people
everywhere, and the role it has played in educating the public as to the nature
of disabilities, and in removing the apathy surrounding the physically disabled.
(b) To act as an agency for the interpretation and standardization of wheelchair
basketball, its rules and regulations.
(c) To coordinate the efforts of member teams for the benefit of all concerned
and to encourage the formation of new teams for the common good.
(d) To protect the interests of the member teams.
(e) To enforce the rules and regulations that has been set up cooperatively by
member teams.
(f) To act as the national governing body for the sport of wheelchair basketball
in the United States and in which connection, to be recognized as such by
national and international sports organizations such as USA Basketball, the
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the United States Olympic
Committee (USOC), the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Wheelchair
Sports, USA (formerly NWAA), the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation
(IWBF), and the International Stoke Mandeville Wheelchair Sports Federation (ISMWSF).
(g) To sanction international amateur athletic competition in wheelchair
basketball in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and its
Bylaws, and to allow member teams and athletes to compete in such competitions
sanctioned by it.
(h) To protect the member teams and wheelchair basketball as a whole against any
and all abuses from without and mismanagement from within.
(i) To oppose and suppress any malpractices of non-accredited individuals who
may attach themselves to wheelchair basketball and also the malpractice of any
individuals within the Association.
Section 2: Fundamental Policy
(a) The competitive athletic program of this Association is recognized and
designed as a vital part of the disabled individual's total rehabilitation. A
basic purpose of this Association is to maintain wheelchair sports as an
integral part of the individual's rehabilitation and to foster the concept of
the participant as an athlete in his own right, and by doing so, establish the
validity of the sport as a legitimate avenue of athletic expression for all
disabled individuals.
(b) Legislation governing the conduct of wheelchair basketball of member teams
shall apply to basic athletic issues such as player eligibility and recruiting.
Member teams shall be obligated to apply and enforce this legislation and the
enforcement program of the Association shall be applied to a team when it fails
to fulfill this obligation.
Article III.
PRINCIPLES FOR THE CONDUCT OF WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
Section 1: Principle of Amateurism
An amateur wheelchair basketball player is one who engages in the sport for the
physical, mental, social and recreational benefits he derives there from, and to
whom participation in the sport is an avocation.
(a) A wheelchair basketball player shall not be eligible for participation in
the sport if:
(1) he or she takes or has taken pay, or has accepted the promise of pay, in any
form, for participation in the sport, or
(2) he or she has entered into any agreement of any kind to compete in any
professional version of the sport or to negotiate a professional contract in the
sport, or
(3) he or she has directly or indirectly used his or her athletic skill for pay
in any form in the sport.
(b) A wheelchair basketball player may participate as an individual or as a
member of a team against professional athletes, but he may not participate on a
team known to him, or which reasonably should have been known to him, to be a
professional wheelchair basketball team. A professional wheelchair basketball
team shall be any team which is a member of a recognized professional sports
organization or any organized team on which there is an athlete receiving
payment of any kind (other than actual and necessary expenses for game trips)
for his participation.
Section 2: Principle Governing Recruiting
The recruiting of wheelchair basketball players shall be controlled by Bylaws
enacted by the Association.
Section 3: Principle of Ethical Conduct
It shall be a member team's responsibility to apply and enforce the following
principles:
(a) Individuals officially affiliated with, and in the service of a member team
to administer or coach wheelchair basketball and all participating players,
shall deport themselves with honesty and sportsmanship at all times so that
wheelchair basketball as a whole, the teams and they, as individuals, shall
represent the honor and dignity of fair play, and the generally recognized high
standards associated with wholesome competitive sports.
(b) To always hold in esteem other wheelchair basketball teams.
Article IV.
AUTHORITY
Section 1: Authority
This Association shall exercise the following powers:
(a) Represent the sport of wheelchair basketball in USA Basketball, NCAA, USOC,
FIBA, IWBF and ISMWSF and any other organization, which has a relationship to
the sport.
(b) Establish national goals and encourage the attainment of those goals in the
sport of wheelchair basketball.
(c) Serve as the coordinating body for amateur athletic activity in the sport of
wheelchair basketball in the United States.
(d) Exercise jurisdiction over international wheelchair basketball activities
and sanction international competition held in the United States, and sanction
the sponsorship of international competition held outside the United States in
accordance with policies and regulations established by USA Basketball.
(e) Conduct amateur athletic competition in the sport of wheelchair basketball
including national championships and international competition in the United
States, and establish procedures for the determination of eligibility standards
for participation in such competitions.
(f) Designate individuals to represent the United States in international
amateur athletic competition in the sport of wheelchair basketball.
Article V.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Eligibility for Membership
Any group of individuals organized as a team or club for the purpose of playing
wheelchair basketball, which accepts and observes the principles set forth in
the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association is eligible for membership in
this Association.
Section 2: Conditions and Obligations of Membership
The members of this Association agree:
(a) To administer their wheelchair basketball program in accordance with the
Constitution, the Bylaws and other legislation of the Association.
(b) To establish and maintain high standards of personal honor, eligibility and
fair play.
Section 3: Classes of Membership
Membership shall be of the following three classes: conference-member teams,
independents, and clubs. Bylaws may prescribe the procedures by which
conference-member and independent teams may participate in NWBA competition.
(a) Conference-member teams shall be those teams approved for active membership
in a conference recognized by the NWBA. They shall be entitled to all the
privileges of members under the Constitution, Bylaws and Executive Regulations
of the Association, and all privileges incidental thereto.
(b) Independent teams shall be those teams whose geographical location or whose
developmental status at the time of application for membership in the NWBA does
not warrant their compliance with a full conference schedule. They shall provide
sufficient evidence and intent of purpose in becoming members of a recognized
conference when conditions are such that it would be in their and others'
interests to so proceed. They shall be entitled to all the privileges of members
under the Constitution, Bylaws and Executive Regulations of the Association, and
all privileges incidental thereto.
(c) Clubs shall be those approved for the express purpose of organizing a youth
division team or teams under their auspices. A club may enter one or more teams
in youth division play.
Section 4: Annual Dues
The dues of member teams and clubs shall be prescribed by the Bylaws.
Section 5: Termination of Membership, Discipline of Members
(a) Disciplinary powers of the Association shall be exercised in accordance with
the provisions of this section and the Bylaws.
(b) The membership of any member team or club failing to meet the conditions and
obligations of membership may be terminated or suspended or the member otherwise
disciplined by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
(c) The membership of any member team or club failing to pay its annual dues,
fines or assessments for one year shall be automatically terminated.
(d) The membership of any U.S. member team or club and/or individual players
therein, may be terminated or suspended or the member otherwise disciplined by a
majority vote of the Executive Committee if a member (team, player, coach, or
official) should participate in any wheelchair basketball competition anywhere
in the world which has had a sanction placed against it by the Association.
(e) Upon any termination or suspension of membership, all rights and privileges
shall cease forthwith.
Section 6: Reinstatement of Members
(a) Any member team or club whose membership has been terminated under
Constitution V, 5(b), may be reinstated to membership by a majority vote of the
Executive Committee.
(b) Any member team or club whose membership has been suspended may be
reinstated to good standing in accordance with the terms of the suspension
action: or (1) at any time by a majority vote of the Executive Committee, or (2)
a majority vote of the members present and voting at any annual meeting.
(c) Any member disciplined by the Executive Committee of the Association shall
resume good standing in accordance with the terms of the disciplinary action
taken, or may be restored to good standing at any time by (1) a majority vote of
the Executive Committee, or (2) a majority vote of the members present and
voting at any annual meeting.
Article VI.
ORGANIZATION
Section 1: Executive Committee
The establishment and direction of the general policy of the Association in the
interim between annual meetings is committed to an Executive Committee of five
members and a Commissioner of the NWBA, and shall be elected at the annual
meeting as prescribed in this article. The Executive Committee shall also
consist of representatives from each division who are elected by their division.
(a) The Executive Committee shall be constituted as follows:
(1) The President
(2) The First Vice President
(3) The Second Vice President
(4) The Secretary
(5) The Treasurer
Representatives from each Division
(b) Any individual, regardless of race, color, sex or national origin and
physical or mental disability may be eligible for office in the National
Wheelchair Basketball Association.
(c) For the transaction of business, a quorum shall consist of a majority of the
members of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall meet as
follows: (1) prior to the business sessions of the annual meeting, and (2) at
such other times as the President may direct.
(d) The Executive Committee shall:
(1) Transact the business and administer the affairs of the Association in
accordance with the policies of the Association;
(2) Require all income from membership dues, player registration fees, and all
income from other sources, except as may be provided in the Bylaws or Executive
Regulations, to be deposited in the general treasury;
(3) Adopt a budget for the ensuing fiscal year prior to the end of any current
fiscal year;
(4) Adopt regulations providing for: (i) the expenditure of Association funds;
(ii) conduct of Association playoffs and tournaments, and (iii) distribution of
the income of the Association;
(5) Arrange for the bonding of the officers of the Association charged with
handling funds;
(6) Provide for the various accounts and arrange for the auditing of them;
(7) Report its proceedings to the business session of the annual meeting;
(8) Reverse any decision made by the Commissioner of the NWBA which it deems to
be contrary to the best interests of the Association or wheelchair basketball or
which it deems to be contrary to the best interpretation of the Constitution,
Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, by a majority vote;
(9) Name a replacement for any vacancy on the Executive Committee to fulfill the
obligations of that office until the next delegate meeting when an individual is
elected by the delegates to serve the remaining part of the term of the vacated
office;
(10) Determine who shall serve as the representative(s) of the Association and
the sport of wheelchair basketball to any other organization in the world.
(e) The Executive Committee may transact such part of its business by
correspondence, as it may deem advisable.
(f) Election of the Executive Committee. The members of the Executive Committee
shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Association.
(1) Each officer shall be elected for a term of three years based on a
three-year cycle.
(i) The President shall be elected in year two of the cycle
(ii) The First Vice President shall be elected in year three of the cycle
(iii) The second Vice President shall be elected in year one of the cycle
(iv) The Secretary shall be elected in year three of the cycle
(v) The Treasurer shall be elected in year two of the cycle
(vi) The representatives shall be elected in year three of the cycle
(g) Duties of officers
(1) The President shall preside at the meetings of the Association and of the
Executive Committee. In the absence of the President, or in case he is
incapacitated, one of the Vice Presidents chosen by him (or in case of the
President's disability, one of the Vice Presidents chosen by the Executive
Committee) shall take his place and perform his duties.
a) The President of the NWBA will be responsible for a 5 year development plan.
It should provide a year to year outline describing the goals and objectives for
the 5 years and how they will be achieved each year. This plan should address
the following areas:
1) Divisional growth
2) Official's development
3) Administrative growth
4) Fund raising
5) Classification
6) National team
b) The President will be responsible for presenting the 5-year plan to the
delegate body at the Annual meeting. In addition the President will present
progress reports each year describing the progress toward the achievement of the
goals listed in the 5-year plan.
(2) Each Vice President shall perform such duties as the President may elect
(3) The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping records of the meetings of
the Association and the Executive Committee, and reporting to the Association at
each annual meeting the minutes of the Association meetings of the preceding
year
(4) The Treasurer shall be responsible for all funds of the Association and
submitting, at the annual meeting, a detailed report of all receipts and
disbursements during the preceding fiscal year ending December 31. Prior to the
end of any fiscal year, he shall be responsible for presenting to the Executive
Committee a proposed operating budget for the ensuing fiscal year.
(5) The representatives shall be ex-officio members of the NWBA Executive
Committee. Representatives shall be responsible for communicating the concerns
of their divisions at all Executive Committee meetings. They shall be
responsible for communicating all transactions and information conducted during
Executive Committee meetings to their respective divisions. Each division will
be financially responsible for ensuring the inclusion of their representatives
in all Executive Committee proceedings.
(h) Termination of office
(1) Any officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the
delegates present at the annual meeting;
(2) Charges of misconduct or ineffective performance of duty must be presented
in a similar manner to Article Six, Section 2(d).
Section 2: Commissioner of the NWBA
The Commissioner of the NWBA shall be an ex-officio member of the Executive
Committee. He shall have executive authority and be responsible to the Executive
Committee only.
(a) The Commissioner of the NWBA shall:
(1) Make and enforce decisions based upon interpretations of the Constitution,
Bylaws, rules and regulations established by the NWBA
(2) Make interpretations and decisions on matters not covered by NWBA rules and
regulations based upon precedence within the Association
(3) Make interpretations and decisions on matters that are not covered by NWBA
rules and regulations and have no precedence
(4) Review, whenever possible, any matters not covered by the Constitution,
Bylaws, rules and regulations with the Executive Committee before rendering a
decision
(5) Report to the Executive Committee with an explanation and justification any
decision rendered without prior review by the Committee
(6) Serve as a professional advisor or resource person to the NWBA
(7) Arrange for the composition, publication and distribution of a periodic
newsletter, which will include official notices, items of business, up-to-date
progress of teams and conferences, officials and other designated persons
affiliated with the sport
(8) Serve as a central officer for the collection, recording and distribution of
administrative forms, proceedings, correspondence and other materials that have
not been specifically assigned to a member of the Executive Committee
(9) Submit an annual report to the Executive Committee and the annual meeting of
the delegates
(b) The Commissioner of the NWBA shall be elected for a three-year term at the
annual meeting of the association in year one of the election cycle.
(c) The Commissioner of the NWBA shall have the authority to appoint upon
recommendation by the conference a Conference Commissioner of the NWBA who shall
have responsibilities and duties as prescribed in Bylaw 4-4.
(d) The Commissioner of the NWBA may be removed from office by a two-thirds
(2/3) vote of the Executive Committee and/or the attending delegates at the
annual meeting at any time if his conduct in office is proven to be illegal,
immoral, unethical, irresponsible, detrimental or contrary to the best interests
of the Association and wheelchair basketball. Such action must be in writing and
fully substantiated by documentation. Charges must be presented to the Executive
Committee through proper administrative channels within the Association, i.e.,
accredited team or conference.
Section 3: Assistant Commissioner of the NWBA
The Commissioner of the NWBA shall have the authority to recommend one
individual to serve as "Assistant Commissioner of the NWBA." The
recommendation shall be subject to approval by the NWBA Executive Committee.
(a) The Assistant Commissioner of the NWBA shall:
(1) Serve to assist the Commissioner of the NWBA in the performance of his
duties as defined in the Constitution, Bylaws and Executive Regulations of the
NWBA, as directed by the Commissioner of the NWBA
(2) Serve as a resource person and communications channel between the NWBA
members and the NWBA Commissioner during periods when the NWBA Commissioner, for
whatever reason (i.e., trips, illness, etc.) may not be readily available to the
membership of the Association
(3) The NWBA Assistant Commissioner shall not be empowered to make decisions and
interpretations as defined in the NWBA Constitution and Interpretations, Article
Six, Section 2, Subsection (a), (1), (2), and (3).
(b) The term of office of the Assistant Commissioner of the NWBA shall be
consistent with the term of office of the Commissioner of the NWBA. The
Commissioner of the NWBA at any time, for any reason, can recommend his or her
replacement to the NWBA Executive Committee.
Section 4: Committee
The Bylaws shall provide for such standing committees as the Association may
consider necessary and may establish the number of members and tenure of all
committees established by the Constitution and Bylaws except the Executive
Committee.
Section 5: Meetings
(a) There shall be an annual meeting of this Association during the dates set
aside for the conduct of the Association's national wheelchair basketball
tournament.
(b) Each conference-member, club member, and independent team member shall be
entitled to one vote and may be represented at the annual meeting by one
accredited delegate.
(c) Member teams are authorized to send visiting delegates who shall be without
voting power and shall not actively participate in the business proceedings of
the Association.
(d) The certification and voting of delegates shall be conducted as follows:
(1) Delegates shall be certified to the Secretary as entitled to represent the
member club or team in question by the proper executive officers of their teams
(2) No delegate shall represent a member team or club unless he or she is
actually identified with such member
(3) Whenever the Association votes by roll call, either written or viva voce, on
any question, on demand of any delegate, the names of the delegates as they vote
shall be checked by the Secretary in order to certify the authority of the voter
(4) Voting by proxy shall not be allowed
Legislative History
1999 NWBT - TC-4 (changes to Article VI, Section 1)
1999 NWBT - TC-5 (changes to Article VI, Section 1(f)(1)
1999 NWBT - TC-6 (changes to Article VI, Section 1(g)
1999 NWBT - TC-9 (changes to Article VI, Section 5(b)
1999 NWBT - TC-10 (changes to Article VI, Section 5(d)(1)(2)
2000 NWBT - TC-1 (changes to Article VI, Section 1(g)(1))
Article VII.
BYLAWS, INTERPRETATIONS, EXECUTIVE REGULATIONS,
AND RESOLUTIONS
Section 1: Bylaws
(a) The Association may at any annual meeting adopt or amend any Bylaws not
inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution by a majority vote of the
members present and voting, except where a greater majority may be required by
the Bylaws.
(b) Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Constitution, the Bylaws
may provide rules and regulations governing:
(1) The administration of wheelchair basketball by members of the Association
(2) The establishment and control of games and tournaments sponsored by the
Association
(3) The procedures for administering and enforcing the provisions of the
Constitution and Bylaws
(4) The adoption of rules of play and competition and the delegation of
authority in connection with such to individuals, officers, or committees
(c) The enumeration of the foregoing particulars, which may be included in the
Bylaws, shall not limit in any way the general power and authority in the
adoption of Bylaws permitted by the first sentence of this section.
Section 2: Interpretations
The Executive Committee and the Commissioner of the NWBA in the interim between
annual meetings are empowered to make interpretations of the Constitution and
Bylaws, which shall be binding after their publication and circulation to the
membership. Any member team of the Association may request that the next annual
meeting pass upon any such interpretation by making a request to the Secretary
prior to one o'clock in the afternoon on the day preceding the final business
meeting of the Association.
(a) If a Constitutional interpretation submitted to the annual meeting fails to
receive a majority of those delegates present and voting, it shall not
thereafter be binding upon the membership
(b) If an interpretation of the Bylaws submitted to the annual meeting fails to
receive a majority of those delegates present and voting, it shall not
thereafter be binding upon the membership
(c) All interpretations approved by the annual meeting shall be incorporated
into the Constitution or Bylaws as Official Interpretations. Other
interpretations issued by the Executive Committee or the Commissioner of the
NWBA may be included in the Official Interpretations if so designated by the
Executive Committee
Section 3: Executive Regulations
The Executive Committee shall have power to adopt Executive Regulations not
inconsistent with provisions of the Constitution or Bylaws.
Section 4: Resolutions
Legislation may be enacted through resolutions not inconsistent with the
Constitution or Bylaws at any annual meeting by a majority of the delegates
present and voting. If a majority of the delegates present and voting so direct,
such resolution shall be referred to the entire membership for a mail vote
conducted by the Commissioner of the NWBA under conditions approved by the
Executive Committee. A two-thirds majority of the members voting in any such
mail vote shall be required for the enactment of the legislation proposed in the
legislation.
Article VIII.
AMENDMENTS
Section 1
This Constitution may be amended at any annual meeting by a two-thirds majority
of the delegates present and voting provided that the proposed amendment shall
have been submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Association by February 1
preceding an annual meeting.
Section 2
The Secretary shall mail a copy of the proposed amendment to all members of the
Association not later than March 1 before an annual meeting.
Section 3
Unless otherwise specified, all amendments shall become effective on the first
day of September following adoption by the annual meeting.
BYLAWS AND INTERPRETATIONS
OF THE
NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Article I.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
Eligibility for membership, conditions and obligations of membership,
termination of membership and reinstatement of membership are governed by
Article Five of the Constitution.
Section 2: Application for Membership
(a) A wheelchair basketball team or club seeking to become a member of the
Association shall make application to the Commissioner of the NWBA on a form
supplied by the Commissioner of the NWBA. Such application shall be accompanied
by a check for the annual dues which would be payable by it if it was an active
member of the Association.
(b) The Commissioner of the NWBA shall determine if the applying team is
eligible for membership in the NWBA division for which it is applying. If the
team is acceptable to a conference as a member, membership in the NWBA shall be
granted as a conference-member team. If for reasons that (1) the team is
unprepared, at the time of application, for conference membership because of its
early developmental and organizational status (so defined as 50% plus one of its
membership are novice players to the NWBA while the maximum number of players
will be five), or (2) the team is deemed to be too distantly located for
conference membership, or (3) the team is not accepted by any conference as a
member, the team may be granted membership in the NWBA as an independent member.
Any team granted independent status solely upon provision of (1) above, shall be
entitled to that status for the period of one year only.
(c) Should the applicant fail to qualify for membership, the dues paid by it
shall be refunded.
(d) A wheelchair basketball club seeking to become a member of the Association
which is acceptable for membership and which has only players on its roster
which meet the eligibility standards for Youth Division players, shall be
designated as a Youth Division Club.
(e) A wheelchair basketball team seeking to become a member of the Association
which is eligible for membership and which has only players on its roster which
meet the eligibility standards for Women's Division players, shall be designated
as a Women's Division Team.
(f) A wheelchair Basketball team meeting the criteria for a Division I team
shall be designated as such.
(g) A wheelchair basketball team meeting the criteria for a Division III team
shall be designated as such.
(h) Any team not meeting eligibility standards for (d), (e), (f) and (g) above
and not wishing to become a Division I team, shall be designated as a Division
II team.
Section 3: Dues to Members
(a) The annual dues of the two classes of members shall be $375.00.
(b) Dues are payable on September 1 of each year and are delinquent on September
30. A member team, which is delinquent in payment of its dues, shall pay an
additional penalty of 25 percent. A member team which continues to be delinquent
in payment of its dues and fines after October 31 shall not be permitted to vote
at an annual meeting of the NWBA or to compete in a conference schedule until
such time as its dues or fines are paid and shall not be permitted to compete in
post season tournaments of the Association in the season in which it is
delinquent. The Constitution of the Association provides for termination of
membership on failure of a member to pay its dues, fines or assessment for one
year.
(c) A newly formed team or former member team may apply in writing to the Office
of the Commissioner for a waiver of dues. Upon receipt of such a request, the
NWBA Commissioner shall be authorized to grant a waiver of NWBA dues, excluding
the membership fees for Wheelchair Sports, USA. The waiver shall be based on the
following considerations:
(1) The team must demonstrate a financial need for such a waiver.
(2) The team must be an additional member from its geographic area.
(3) A new team must have a predominance of novice players or be an independent
and separate team from an existing member team.
(4) A former member team, as defined by its roster, may not have been a member
team within the last three seasons and must have concluded its previous
membership as a team in good standing with the NWBA.
(5) A waiver may be granted for one season at a time and is limited to a total
of two seasons for any given team.
(d) Fines and assessments will be sent to each member by May 1 of each year and
are delinquent on July 1. Delinquent teams' fines or assessments will be
increased an additional penalty of 25 percent. A member which continues to be
delinquent in payment of its fines and assessments after October 31 shall not be
permitted to vote at an annual meeting or to compete in a conference schedule
until such time as its bills are paid and shall not be permitted to compete in
the post season tournaments of the Association in the season in which it is
delinquent. Teams that obviously reform under another name in order to escape
the payment of fines or assessments shall still be responsible for such unless
they have been inactive in the NWBA for a minimum of one year. The Constitution
of the Association provides for termination of membership on failure of a member
team to pay its dues, fines or assessment for one year from the date due.
(e) Dues, fines and assessments submitted by a member team or conference must be
sent directly to the Treasurer of the NWBA.
(f) Any assessments approved and levied by the NWBA shall only be applicable to
current member teams.
(g) The annual dues of the Youth Division clubs shall be $175.00.
Section 4: Team Registration
(a) Each conference team or club is required to submit to the Conference
Commissioner by September 1 of each year its roster of players on the Official
Team Registration and Roster Form. The Conference Commissioner will verify and
sign off on each roster. The Conference Commissioner will submit the entire
conferences rosters to the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA by September
30. Teams or clubs in violation of this requirement shall be suspended from
membership in the NWBA until such time as their official roster is submitted.
Then one of the following conditions shall be imposed:
(1) A penalty fine of $50.00 and reinstatement of full privileges of the NWBA
(i.e., voting and postseason play) if the roster has been submitted to the
Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA by October 31.
(2) A penalty fine of $50.00 and reinstatement of all privileges of the NWBA
except participation in postseason play of the NWBA if the roster has been
submitted to the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA after October 31.
Section 5: Club Roster
Youth Division Club Rosters are limited to those players 21 years and younger
and still in high school.
Section 6: Team Roster
Team rosters are limited to 15 accredited players. No additions of veteran
players may be made after January 1 unless a same season transfer has been
granted. Novices may be added to Division II or Division III rosters at any time
during the season. Players over 45 years of age or novices shall not be
considered part of the 15 accredited players for Division II or Division III
teams or Women's Division teams.
Section 7: Submission of Required Forms
(a) In each and every case where a deadline date is required for receipt of
documents or monies from NWBA members or teams, proof of meeting this deadline
date shall be the postmark date on the envelope or parcel mailed. The burden of
proof that a document was sent lies with the originator. The NWBA cannot be held
responsible for correspondence it does not receive.
(b) A metered postal stamp shall not be considered valid proof of mailing.
Registered mail is recommended.
Section 8: Team or Club Representative
(a) Each team or club is required to designate in writing, through the
conference of which it is a member (or in the case of an independent member,
directly) to the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA by September 30 of each
year, an individual who shall serve as the official representative of the team
to the Association for the duration of the fiscal year.
(b) The responsibilities and duties of the official team or club representative
to the Association are prescribed under Regulation 1.
(c) Failure of the team or club representative to carry out the prescribed
responsibilities and duties shall be cause for his or her removal and the
appointment of another individual to represent the team by the Commissioner of
the NWBA.
Section 9: Discipline of Members
(a) Complaints charging any member team or club with failure to maintain the
standards required for membership, or failure to meet the conditions and
obligations of membership in the Association, may be filed either with the
Commissioner of the NWBA or the Conference Commissioner of the NWBA for the
conference of which the member is affiliated, or both. Each shall have the
authority either upon the filing of such a complaint or upon his or her own
initiative, to institute an inquiry or investigation.
(b) A member under investigation:
(1) Shall be given notice of any specific charges against it, and the facts upon
which such charges are based, and
(2) Shall be given the opportunity to answer such charges to the Commissioner of
the NWBA or the Conference Commissioner by the production of evidence.
(c) All members of the Association are under an obligation to cooperate with the
Commissioner of the NWBA, and any Conference Commissioner and to answer all
relevant inquires submitted to them.
(d) The Commissioner of the NWBA shall determine whether he shall impose
disciplinary measures authorized by Constitution 6-2(a), or recommend that such
action be taken by the Executive Committee at the next annual meeting.
Section 10: Conferences
(a) NWBA conferences are constituted by any four or more member teams agreeing
to play a schedule of games in compliance with NWBA rules and regulations. A
conference may choose to establish the member teams into two or more sections,
but each section shall have a minimum of four member teams. A conference may
declare one or more of its sections as "Developmental", with the teams
thereof not qualifying for berths in the sectional playoffs.
(b) A conference shall be recognized by the Association and its teams made
eligible for postseason competition when it has fulfilled the following
requirements:
(1) Established an executive committee of three or more officers.
(2) Drawn up a schedule of games for each season, which defines the format to be
used, and the method in which the "order of finish" in the conference
shall be determined. The schedule of games shall show completion of conference
play, which is consistent with the NWBA's schedule of postseason activities. The
conference schedule shall be submitted to the Office of the Commissioner of the
NWBA prior to the beginning of conference play but not later than September 30
of each year.
(3) Recommended by appointment by the Commissioner of the NWBA, an individual to
serve as the Conference Commissioner of the NWBA (for the conference). The
duties and relationship of the Conference Commissioner of the NWBA to the
conference are covered by Article Four of the Bylaws.
(a) A conference member team may apply for status as a
"conference-independent" team. Application must be made annually in
written form to the NWBA Executive Committee prior to the announced mid-year
meeting of the Executive Committee, and should clearly define the team's reasons
for requesting such status. Conference-independent status is also subject to
approval of the team's conference prior to scheduling for the forthcoming
season.
(1) All teams approved for conference-independent status shall remain members of
the conference with dues as prescribed by the conference. The conference shall
continue to provide administrative services as defined by the conference and
NWBA Bylaws. The conference-independent team will continue to be subject to all
conference rules, regulations, and bylaws, etc., except those, which pertain to
scheduling.
(2) The conference-independent team shall be subject to all scheduling
requirements and shall have playoff privileges as defined in these Bylaws for an
independent team.
(3) Conference-independent teams shall not be included in the "minimum of
four member teams" requirement nor the scheduling requirements for
conferences or divisions as described in Section 10(b) (2) above.
(b) Conferences shall have autonomy in governing their affairs to the extent
that the Constitution, Bylaws, Rules, Regulations and actions of the conference
do not conflict with or are contrary to the Constitution, Bylaws, Rules and
Regulations of the Association. In any situation in which there is deemed to be
a conflict, the Constitution, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Association,
as interpreted by the Commissioner of the NWBA and the Executive Committee,
shall take precedence.
(c) Conferences, as constituted by member teams, do not have membership in the
Association. They are officially recognized by the Association as affiliated
governing units which coordinate the efforts of their member teams in
administration of all details related to player eligibility, approbation of
officials, internal disputes, and meeting NWBA requirements for participation in
postseason competition.
(d) Conferences, which bring together only three teams for the purpose of
playing an approved schedule of games, shall have provisional status and their
full rights to representation in postseason competition shall be determined in
writing by the Commissioner of the NWBA by December 1 of any season in which the
concern occurs. Conferences or divisions, which start the season with four or
more teams but have only three teams, which play scheduled games within the
conference, shall be reduced to having provisional status.
(e) Membership of teams in recognized conferences shall be given final approval
by the Executive Committee.
(f) Teams wishing to transfer from one conference to another may do so only by
petitioning the Executive Committee in writing before September 1 of the season
in which they wish to transfer. The petition must state the reasons for
requesting such a transfer. The decision rendered by the Executive Committee
shall be binding on the conference or conferences concerned.
(g) A recognized conference may set the minimum criteria referees must meet in
order to officiate in that conference's games, provided such criteria meet the
minimum standards set by the NWBA. A recognized conference may require officials
to attend a yearly clinic whose purpose is to clarify rules interpretation and
implementation. The conference may censure officials failing to attend said
clinics for that season.
Legislative History
1999 NWBT - TC-4 (changes to Article One, Section 6)
1999 NWBT - TC-19 (changes to Article One, Section 10 (a)(d)
2000 NWBT - TC-1 (changes to Article One, Section 6)
ARTICLE TWO
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
Section l: Players
(a) The definition and qualification of a wheelchair basketball player is
defined in the playing rules of the Association under Rule 3, Section 1. To be
eligible for play in the NWBA, a player must have an irreversible lower
extremity disability, such as paralysis, amputation, and radiological evidence
of limb shortening, partial to full joint ankylosis or joint replacement, which
consistently interferes with functional mobility. Findings such as soft tissue
contracture, ligamentous instability, edema or disuse atrophy, or symptoms such
as pain or numbness, without other objective findings shall not be considered a
permanent lower extremity disability.
(b) In order to participate in wheelchair basketball and be eligible for
membership on a team engaged in NWBA conference or division competition or
membership on an independent team, a player shall:
(1) Be administered an examination to establish the player's eligibility and
classification in accordance with the rules for classifications defined in Bylaw
2-4 below.
(2) Apply for certification as a player by submission of a completed Official
Player Application and Certification Form to the Office of the Commissioner of
the NWBA. Any attempt to falsify information on the Player Application and
Certification Form shall lead to a minimum of one year's suspension from play
for the player submitting the form.
Section 2: Player Team or Club Registration
(a) A player is registered as a member of a team or club when he or she consents
to having his or her name entered on the team's Official Team Registration and
Roster Form. He or she may not have his or her name entered on the roster of
more than one team in the same season with the exception listed below. Any
player who appears on more than one roster shall be a contested player and shall
be declared ineligible until the teams involved, via their conference
administration and/or the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA resolve the
problem.
(b) Women shall be allowed to be on two rosters if one is a men's team and the
name is on both rosters by January 1 of that season.
Definition: A developing women's team is a team that has been in existence for
less than three (3) years. If a team disbands and reorganizes under a different
name in order to circumvent this rule, then all players will be ineligible for
dual roster status.
(c) A Player 21 years old or younger and still in high school as of the
Association's due date for team or club rosters is eligible for youth division
play. A youth division player may roster with a youth division club and an NWBA
team or teams provided that the NWBA teams are a Amen's@ team and a women's
team.
Section 3: Player Transfer
A player wishing to transfer his or her membership to another team in the NWBA
may do so subject to the following conditions:
(a) Between seasons - A player may transfer his or her membership to another
team or club. The Commissioner of the NWBA, however, shall be empowered to deny
any interconference transfer, or any transfer within a conference. A transfer
will be denied if he or she should determine that such transfer is not in the
best interests of the Association. In the case of transfers within a conference,
that conference shall be allowed to govern all such transfers except those for
which a protest has been submitted to the Commissioner of the NWBA.
(b) Same season - A player must have sufficient cause for requesting a transfer
to another team or club either in the same conference or in a different
conference. Sufficient cause is interpreted principally as relocation of
residence owing to employment, education or training, hospitalization or family
reasons. A player may not be approved for membership on a team if he or she has
changed residence expressly to gain membership on that team or club. Approval
for a same-season transfer may be obtained only through written application to
the Commissioner of the NWBA. No same-season transfer will be approved if
application for such is made after January 1 of the same season in question.
Exceptions-For the collegiate conference-no same season transfer will be
approved if application for such is made after January 15 of the season in
question. Players from a team which folds after the season has officially
started shall not be eligible for a same season transfer. These players can
apply for a between season transfer at the conclusion of the season. [By a 1997
resolution, this bylaw does not apply to Division I.; 1998 TC-11]
Section 4: Player Physical Examinations and Classifications
(a) A player shall be given a physical examination by an NWBA accredited
physician or therapist, conducted according to the Player Classification
Handbook, for the purpose of determining his or her player classification which
shall be based upon the level of disability and guided by the following
criteria:
Class I Complete motor loss at T-7 or above or comparable disability where there
is a total loss of muscular function originating at or above T-7.
Class II Complete motor loss between T-8 through L-2 where there may be useful
motor power of hips (hip flexors, hip adductors); however, where there is no
useful motor power of the lower extremities. Hip flexors may muscle test grade
good (4); hip adductors may muscle test grade fair (3); and quadriceps may
muscle test grade poor (2). Also included in this class are amputees with
bilateral hip disarticulation.
Class III All other physical disabilities as related to lower extremity
paralysis or paresis originating at L-3 or below. All lower extremity amputees
are included in this class except those with bilateral hip disarticulation.
Women shall be allowed to roster and participate on a men's team one class level
below their actual medical classification level. No player shall drop below the
Class I level. [1998 TC-7]
(b) A manual muscle and neurological examination should be conducted by the NWBA
accredited classifier, and a NWBA Manual Muscle Evaluation form shall be
attached to all Player Application and Certification Form.
(c) The classification shall be certified by the physician or therapist
administering the examination with his or her signature on the Player
Application and Certification Form and shall designate, by the encircling of the
class number by the certifier, the player's official classification.
(d) A player may not undergo more than one physical examination for the purpose
of obtaining a more favorable classification nor may he submit more than one
Player Application and Certification Form to the Office of the Commissioner of
the NWBA without prior authorization by the Commissioner of the NWBA.
Section 5: Contest of Player Application
(a) A player's classification may be contested at any time by him or herself,
another individual player, a coach, team, conference, NWBA member or NWBA
classifier. A player contesting his or her classification on the basis of a
change in his/her medical condition, may be required to submit detailed,
supporting medical documentation from an appropriate specialist (i.e. physical
therapist, occupational therapist, physiatrist, neurologist, orthopedist) for
review by the designated protest team.
(b) To contest a player's classification, formal application must be made in
writing using the official "NWBA Contest of Player's Classification
Form" and submitted to the Commissioner of the NWBA.
(c) Upon receipt of the written application, the Commissioner of the NWBA shall
adjudicate its merit and render a decision in writing within fifteen (15) days
as to its acceptance or rejection. If it is accepted, the contest may not be
withdrawn at any time by the initiator of the contest. The Commissioner of the
NWBA may request assistance from the Player Classification Committee regarding
the acceptance or rejection of the application. If the contest is adjudged to
have merit, the Commissioner of the NWBA shall proceed to arrange for a physical
re-examination of the contested player as prescribed in Bylaw 2-6.
(d) A contested player required to be re-examined or a player seeking
re-evaluation of his or her own classification may not have the subsequent
classification re-contested again for three basketball seasons unless a
significant change in the player's medical condition warrants a review of the
player's classification, as prescribed in Bylaw 2-5.
(e) Players protesting their own classification must do so no later than June
30, prior to the season.
Section 6: Procedures for Reevaluation of a Contested Player
(a) No application for revaluation of a player's classification shall be
considered unless the application is registered on the NWBA Contest of Player's
Classification Form and accompanied by a check for $50.00 payable to the NWBA.
(b) The $50.00 shall not be returned to the individual, team or conference
initiating the contest.
(c) Upon acceptance of an application, the Commissioner of the NWBA, with the
assistance of the Chairman of the Player Classification Committee, shall appoint
a Protest Classification team to evaluate the contested player and render a
decision.
(d) The Protest Player Classification team shall consist of three (3) persons
who are either physicians or therapists. They shall be NWBA-approved and have
attended the Physician/Therapist Classification Workshop-Seminar provided by the
NWBA. They may not have demonstrated a direct or indirect affiliation with
either the contested player's team or with the individual, team or conference
which has initiated the contest. A predetermined site and time for this
examination should be announced with sufficient lead-time to enable as many
athletes as possible to be re-examined at one time.
If three classifiers are not able to convene in a local site within three months
of the filing of the protest application, the athlete may petition the
Commissioner's Office to request permission to be seen by three certified
classifiers at designated, separate locations. The classifiers will then convene
via conference call and determine the player's classification. If they are
unable to reach a unanimous decision, the player's classification will be
determined by a vote of the three members of the panel.
(e) The responsibility for paying all incurred expenses attributed to the
re-examination rests with the initiator of the contest. However, if the
re-examination results in a classification change for the contested player, then
the contested player shall be responsible for paying the expenses. The contested
athlete's team and/or conference may assist with these expenses.
Section 7: Contest of player classification at the NWBT
(a) Any player participating in the National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament (NWBT)
may have his/her player classification contested.
(b) The Commissioner of the NWBT, with the assistance of the Chairperson of the
Player Classification Committee and the NWBT Tournament Director, shall appoint
a Protest Player Classification team, as specified in Section 6 (d) of this
Article, to be available at the site of the NWBT.
(c) Any protest of an NWBT participant's classification must be lodged with the
Commissioner of the NWBT in the form of a written statement with the protester's
reason for lodging the protest clearly stated above his or her signature. A
check, money order or cash in the amount of $50.00 must accompany the statement.
This shall constitute the fee for the protest. Should the protest examination
result in a change in the player's classification; the protester shall return
the entire protest fee. No amount shall be returned for an unchanged protest
examination. All monies attributable to classification protests shall be
deposited in the NWBA treasury.
(d) The Chairperson of the Player Classification Committee or any NWBA certified
classifier in attendance, may recommend to the Commissioner of the NWBA that the
Protest Player Classification team examine any NWBT participant. Upon approval,
the Commissioner of the NWBT may instruct the Protest Player Classification team
to evaluate the said player. In such a case, the protest fee does not apply.
The results of any re-examination of an NWBT participant shall be effective at
the conclusion of the NWBT and shall not be contested again for three basketball
seasons unless a change in the player's medical condition warrants a review of
the player's classification.
Legislative History
1999 NWBT - TC-4 (changes to Article Two, Section 3(b))
2000 NWBT - TC-3 (changes to Article Two, Section 3(a))
ARTICLE THREE
POST-SEASON COMPETITION
Section 1: Regional Playoffs
All Division II teams in good standing, having completed a schedule of no less
than ten (10) games against other NWBA member teams in the Division II, shall be
eligible to enter into qualification for the regional playoffs or tournaments
leading to the national championship governed by the Association.
Section 2: Qualifications for Regional Playoffs
The team that finishes as a first or second place team in a conference or
division except developmental divisions shall automatically qualify for a
regional playoff berth. Any other member team in good standing, including
independent teams, conference-independent teams, developmental division teams,
and third, fourth, fifth, etc. place conference finisher, may at their option,
submit an application to the Tournament Selection Committee (TSC) for a berth in
the regional playoffs.
(a) All teams desiring a berth in the regional playoffs must submit an
"Application for Post-Season Play" form to the Tournament Selection
Committee.
(1) Application for Post-Season Play form must be submitted to the Office of the
Commissioner of the NWBA on or before the deadline announced in the NWBA
Newsletter. To ensure receipt, a duplicate copy of the application should also
be forwarded to the TSC Chairman. The deadline for submitting said forms shall
be ten (10) days prior to the annual meeting of the Tournament Selection
Committee. Teams may submit their form prior to concluding scheduled play and
should amend their application by promptly reporting the results of any games
played against other NWBA teams after the submission of their application and
prior to the TSC annual meeting.
(2) The first and second place conference finishers, as well as Regional
Tournament hosts wishing to enter post season play, must also submit an
Application for Post-Season Play form for ranking and seeding purposes.
(3) Any member team, including the first and second place conference finishers,
which does not submit an Application for Post-Season Play form as called for in
these Bylaws, will not be considered for a regional playoff berth.
(4) The Tournament Selection Committee shall have the authority to penalize any
member team which it can be reasonably certain has provided incomplete or
inaccurate information on their Application for Post-Season Play form in an
effort to gain a more favorable rank or tournament seed. The penalties may
include but are not limited to a reduction of rank or seed, or disqualification
from post-season play for the year in question.
(5) All teams submitting an Application for Post-Season Play form prior to the
close of the annual TSC meeting will be considered for placement in post-season
play. In the event of a glaring omission, the TSC reserves the right to contact
a team regarding its intentions for post-season play. Application forms received
after the close of the annual TSC meeting will not be considered unless the
Application is postmarked on or before the published submission date.
(b) The Application for Post-Season Play form shall include the following
information:
(1) Team identification data as requested.
(2) Results of all conference games played and the order of finish in the
conference.
(3) Results of all non-conference or exhibition games played against any NWBA
member team, from October 31 through and including the third weekend prior to
the dates set aside for the sectional tournaments, along with a brief summary of
all tournaments in which the team participated.
(4) A "coach's poll" which shall consist of a ranking, from best to
worst, of all teams played during the season.
(5) Any significant roster changes such as additions or deletions of veteran
players.
(6) Travel preferences indicating the range in which the team would be willing
to travel for a more favorable draw or seed in the regional playoffs.
(7) Team photo (8 x 10), color or black &white, with players wearing their
official game uniforms, in a standard basketball setting (i.e. gymnasium).
(c) The Tournament Selection Committee shall determine an official
"ranking" of all teams applying for berths in the regional playoffs.
The ranking shall be the committee's consensus as to the relative
competitiveness or competitive level of the teams, and shall be used in awarding
playoff berths and determining playoff seedings. The following information shall
be considered and weighed in determining the rankings of teams:
(1) The results of all games played by the team during the course of the season.
Consideration shall be given to the competitive level of a team's opponents.
(2) Head-to-head competition between teams.
(3) Competition between mutual opponents.
(4) The consistency of a team's rating in the "coach's poll".
(5) Any significant roster changes such as additions and/or deletions of veteran
players.
(6) The point spread or margin of victory shall not be considered a factor for
the winning team.
(d) There shall be a Tournament Entry Fee of $150.00 for each team entering the
regional playoffs. A check made payable to the NWBA in that amount must
accompany each Application for Post-Season Play form. The fee shall be refunded
to any team not awarded a berth in the regional playoffs. A conference may elect
to pay the entry fee, all or in part, for their first and/or second place
finishers, or any other conference member team.
(e) Of the funds received by the NWBA from Tournament Entry Fees, $100 shall be
designated for use by the regional tournament host of the entering team and $50
shall be used to cover expenses of the Tournament Selection Committee.
(f) To be eligible to enter the regional playoffs, a member team must have
played no less than ten (10) games, from October 31 through and including the
third weekend prior to the dates set aside for the regional tournaments, against
recognized NWBA member teams.
(g) Each team applying for and being awarded a berth in the regional playoffs
shall be responsible for participating as called for in these Bylaws. Failure to
fulfill this responsibility shall result in immediate suspension of the team's
membership in the NWBA and review of the team's actions by the Commissioner of
the NWBA.
(h) The circumstances related to a qualifying team's failure to play its
scheduled regional playoff opponent should be judged as pardonable or
non-pardonable. Pardonable circumstances are those involving unanticipated
events over which the team has no control (i.e., extreme weather conditions,
loss of player personnel for medical reasons, mechanical breakdown en route,
etc.) and which occur immediate to the playing of the game. Non-pardonable
circumstances are those events and factors, which occur in advance of the
scheduled game and are, claimed as direct reasons for a team's withdrawal from
the game (i.e., lack of finances, player personnel employment schedules,
difficulties in organizing team transportation).
(i) The penalty for a qualifying team's failure to play in the regional playoff
attributed to non-pardonable factors and circumstances shall be disqualification
from postseason play for a period of not more than two years. The Commissioner
of the NWBA, with the approval of the Executive Committee, may impose whatever
other penalties are judged to be appropriate.
(j) Failure of a team to submit all requested documentation will result in the
team being fined in an amount to be determined.
Section 3: Structure of Regional Playoffs
The regional playoffs shall consist of four (4) single elimination tournaments
with consolation games. The regional playoffs shall be held the second or third
weekend in March of each year or at a time more suitable to accommodate the date
set for the NWBT. The Tournament Selection Committee shall determine the teams
participating in each of the tournaments and the seeding of teams. The winner of
each regional tournament shall advance to the National Wheelchair Basketball
Tournament.
(a) The regional tournaments are designed to be two or three day events with the
quarterfinal and/or semi-final games being played on day one and the
championship game on day two.
(b) In tournaments in which a team is required to play two games on a given day,
there shall be a minimum of five (5) hours between the starting times of games
in which a team participates.
Section 4: Determination of Regional Playoff Berths
The Tournament Selection Committee (TSC) shall have the authority to award
regional playoff berths, and to assign and seed teams into the four (4) regional
tournaments. Teams shall be awarded and assigned regional tournament berths
according to their respective ranking, with geographic considerations, so as to
achieve a relatively consistent balance of competitive levels in each regional
tournament. In assigning berths, the TSC shall also consider the following
provisions:
(a) If awarded a berth, the host team of a regional tournament shall be assigned
to the regional tournament, which it is hosting, or to advance to the regional
tournament, which it is hosting.
(b) Teams applying for a regional tournament berth will normally be assigned to
a regional tournament in the region (i.e., East, South, Midwest or West) in
which they are geographically located. However, teams may indicate on their
application form their desire or willingness to travel for a more favorable
tournament draw or seed and such requests, while in no way guaranteed, may be
granted at the discretion of the TSC.
(c) When and where applicable, a priority relative to travel distance shall be
accorded to first place conference finishers and/or to the higher ranked team(s).
Travel distance shall not be the prime factor as long as a seed advantage is
apparent to a given team.
(d) Teams from the same conference, which are assigned berths in a common
regional tournament, shall be placed so as to minimize potential match-ups in
early rounds.
(e) When and where geographically feasible, teams should be assigned berths so
as to minimize repeated pairings of the same teams or group of teams from year
to year.
Section 5: Pairing and Bracketing of Sectional Tournaments
(a) The pairing and bracketing of teams in the regional tournaments shall be
single elimination with a consolation bracket. The winner of the single
elimination tournament shall advance to the National Wheelchair Basketball
tournament.
Section 8: Determination of Sites for Regional Tournaments
(a) The sites of the four (4) regional tournaments shall be determined by the
NWBA Commissioner and the Chairman of the Tournament Selection Committee from
bids submitted in writing by prospective sponsors by September 1 and awarded no
later than December 1 of the season in which the tournament is to be held.
(b) The first time sponsor of a regional tournament shall be accorded first
priority for the holding of the subsequent season's regional tournament unless
the NWBA Commissioner and the Chairman of the Tournament Selection Committee
shall decide to award the privilege to a sponsor submitting a clearly superior
bid.
(c) A superior bid is one which affords the greatest benefits to the competing
teams in terms of reduction of travel time and distance and expense connected
with the tournament, all other factors being equal (i.e., logistics for game
site, lodging and meals, facilities, etc.).
(d) In the absence of a sufficient number of bids, or as to improve the
geographic location of a specific tournament(s) in relation to the overall
network of tournaments, thereby reducing travel time and distance for teams and
expense connected with the network of tournaments, the NWBA Commissioner and the
Chairman of the Tournament Selection Committee shall be authorized to solicit
additional bids for sponsorship of regional tournaments, up to the deadline
stated for awarding tournament sponsorships.
Section 9: National Tournaments
(a) The national tournament shall consist of the winning team of each of the
Eastern, Midwest, Southern and West Regional Tournaments.
(b) The national tournament shall consist of a single-elimination tournament
with the winner declared as the national championship team.
(c) The pairing and bracketing of the teams in the national tournament shall be
based on seeds as determined by the Tournament Selection Committee. (Refer to
Article 3, Section 7 (a).)
Game I-Seed 1 vs. Seed 4
Game II-Seed 2 vs. Seed 3
Game III-Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2
Game IV-Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2
The winner of Game IV shall be declared the national championship team.
(d) Modifications to Bylaw III-12 (a) through III-12 (d) may be made for any
national tournament providing such modifications are submitted in writing by the
tournament sponsor and approved as prescribed in Bylaw III-13.
(e) The dates designated for the national wheelchair basketball tournament shall
be any weekend that falls within the period beginning with the fourth weekend in
March and ending the second weekend in April.
(f) An All Tournament Team Selection Committee will be appointed by the
Commissioner each year to select the All Tournament Team at the national
tournament.
1. The Committee will be selected from NWBA members who are attending the NWBT.
2. The Committee will include 2 active players or coaches from Division I, 2
active players or coaches from Division II, and 3 additional NWBA members. The
Commissioner will appoint the Chairperson.
3. No member will have any affiliation with a team competing in the NWBT.
4. Committee Members will attend and observe all tournament games and will be
provided with statistical reports on each game.
5. Committee members will receive no reimbursement for participation.
For each Division, the Committee will select a 5 player All Tournament First
Team which will include at least one player in each classification (I, II, III)
and two additional players of any class, and a 5 player All Tournament Second
Team which will include at least one player in each classification (I, II, III)
and two additional players of each class. The Committee will also select a Most
Valuable Player and a Captain James Ure Sportsmanship award recipient.
The Chairperson of the Committee will provide the selections to the Commissioner
at an appointed time preceding the awards banquet.
Section 10: Determination of Sponsorship for the National Tournament
The determination of a sponsor for the annual National Wheelchair Basketball
Tournament shall be made by the delegates attending the annual meeting from bids
submitted in writing by prospective sponsors before February 1 two years prior
to the season in which the tournament is to be held.
(a) In the absence of any bids or in the event of non-acceptance of submitted
bids, the Executive Committee shall invite and adjudicate additional bids at any
time prior to the date set for the national tournament.
(b) The requirements, duties and responsibilities of a sponsor for the conduct
of a national tournament are prescribed under Regulation 5 for men and 6 for
women.
Legislative History:
2001 NWBT - EC-1 (revision of Article 3, Section 2, b; addition of Article 3,
Section 2, j)
2001 NWBT - TC -9 (revision of Article 3 to delete sectional tournaments, change
start of playing season to 10/31 and increase cost of post season play to $150:
listed throughout all parts of Article 3)
ARTICLE FOUR
CONFERENCE COMMISSIONERS OF THE NWBA
Section 1: Definition
Conference Commissioners are officially recognized officers within the structure
of the National Association, each Conference Commissioner representing an
extension of the Office of the NWBA Commissioner for a particular conference.
The position carries the title "Commissioner of the ______________
Conference."
Section 2: Appointment
The Conference Commissioner for a conference is appointed to his office by the
Commissioner of the NWBA upon the recommendation of the conference.
Section 3: Role of the Conference Commissioner
The Conference Commissioner serves primarily in an advisory capacity to the
conference. He has no authority in the normal affairs of the conference except
that given to him by the Commissioner of the NWBA to effect the carrying out of
NWBA policies and procedures.
Section 4: Duties and Responsibilities of the Conference Commissioner
In his appointed office, the Conference Commissioner shall:
(a) Familiarize himself with the NWBA Constitution and Bylaws, Regulations,
policies and procedures and playing rules.
(b) Make himself readily available to conference officers, teams and officials
for information purposes, advice and interpretations of the Constitution and
Bylaws, Regulations, policies, procedures and playing rules.
(c) Communicate all information and directives from the Office of the
Commissioner of the NWBA to the conference officers and teams as required.
(d) Report any violations of NWBA policies, rules and procedures by a conference
or its teams to the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA.
(e) Attend all official conference meetings and the postseason sectional and
regional tournaments of which his or her conference is a part.
(f) Attend the annual meetings of the NWBA conducted in conjunction with the
National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament.
(g) Maintain in current form the conference copies of all NWBA forms required
for the certification of players, teams and officials. The Conference
Commissioner may have additional responsibilities assigned by the NWBA Executive
Committee and the Commissioner of the NWBA as deemed necessary. The
administrative responsibilities of Conference Commissioners are defined in
Regulation 2.
Section 5: Removal
Each conference is authorized to recommend to the Commissioner of the NWBA that
its Conference Commissioner be dismissed if such Conference Commissioner is not
discharging his duties and responsibilities properly, or is not attending
meetings regularly. The Commissioner of the NWBA shall have authority to remove
such Conference Commissioner.
ARTICLE FIVE
DIVISION COMMISSIONERS OF THE NWBA
Section 1: Definition
Division Commissioners are officially recognized officers within the structure
of the National Association, Each Division Commissioner representing an
extension of the Office of the NWBA Commissioner for a particular division. The
position carries the title "Commissioner of the ____________
Division."
Section 2: Appointment
The Commissioner of the NWBA upon recommendation of the division appoints the
Division Commissioner of a division to his or her office.
Section 3: Role of the Division Commissioner
The Division Commissioner serves primarily in and advisory capacity to the
division. He has no authority in the normal affairs of the division except that
given to him or her by the Commissioner of the NWBA to effect the carrying out
of NWBA policies and procedures.
Section 4: Duties and Responsibilities of the Division Commissioner
In his or her appointed office, the Division Commissioner has:
(a) Familiarize himself or herself with the NWBA Constitution and Bylaws,
Regulations, policies and procedures and playing rules.
(b) Make himself or herself readily available to conference officers, teams and
officials for I information purposes, advice and interpretations of the
Constitution, Bylaws, Regulations,
policies, procedures, and playing rules.
(c) Communicate all information and directives from the Office of the
Commissioner of the
NWBA to the division officers and teams as required.
(d) Report any violations of NWBA policies, rules and procedures by a division
or its teams to
Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA.1
(e) Attend all official division meetings and the post-season tournaments of his
or her division.
(f) Attend the annual meetings of his or her divisions.
(g) Attend the annual meetings of the NWBA conducted in conjunction with the
National
Wheelchair Basketball Tournament.
(h) Maintain in current form the division copies of all NWBA forms required for
the certification of players, teams and officials. The Division Commissioner may
have additional responsibilities assigned by the NWBA Executive Committee, the
Commissioner of the NWBA and the division's Executive Committee as deemed
necessary. The administrative responsibilities of Division Commissioners are
defined in regulation 2.
Section 5: Removal
Each division is authorized to recommend to the Commissioner of the NWBA that
its Division Commissioner be dismissed if such Division Commissioner is not
discharging his or her duties and responsibilities properly or is not attending
meetings regularly. The Commissioner of the NWBA shall have authority to remove
such Division Commissioner.
Legislative History
1999 NWBT - TC-11 (changes to Article Five)
ARTICLE SIX
COMMITTEES
Section 1: General Committees
(a) The following are general committees established by the Association:
Hall of Fame Intercollegiate Development
Nominations Player Classification
Fund Raising Tournament Selection Committee
Officials/Rules
(1) The members of the above committees shall be appointed by the President of
the Association in consultation with the Commissioner of the NWBA and approved
by the Executive Committee. One member of each committee shall be designated as
chairperson by the President. At least two (2) members of each committee will be
active players of the NWBA, whose names appear on an NWBA team player roster.
(2) Each chairperson is authorized to recommend to the Executive Committee that
a member be replaced if such member is not discharging his duties properly. The
Executive Committee shall have authority to remove by majority vote such member
and appoint a replacement for the unexpired portion of the term. [1998 TC-8]
(b) Each committee shall consist of seven members. Each committee, however, may
form subcommittees, which may involve additional members.
(c) The Hall of Fame Committee.
(1) It shall receive nominations from the membership from which the names shall
be selected.
(2) It shall make its final selections based on criteria stated in Regulation
9-3.
(d) The Nominations Committee shall present annually a list of three candidates
to the President of the Association for the vacancy on the Executive Committee.
(1) It shall receive nominations from the membership at any time prior to
January 15 of each year.
(2) The names of the candidates selected shall be published in the NWBA
Newsletter at least six weeks prior to the annual meeting.
(e) The Officials/Rules Committee will be chaired by the Supervisor of
Officials.
(1) In addition the committee shall consist of two coaches, tow active players
and two active game officials.
(2) It shall serve as a liaison between game officials and NWBA teams and
players, working in concert with the Commissioner.
(3) It shall have the responsibility to oversee the following areas:
(a) Officials training and development
(b) Officials approbation and yearly testing
(c) Officials discipline
(d) Assisting the TSC in the selection and assignment of officials for post
season play
(e) Revision and printing of the NWBA Rule and Case Book
(f) The Intercollegiate Development Committee shall be responsible for the
development and promulgation of NWBA competitive "intercollegiate"
teams and conferences and shall have the authority to recommend to the Executive
Committee of the NWBA guidelines and eligibility requirements for recognition as
an intercollegiate team under the guidelines, which are adhered to within the
NCAA and NJCAA.
(1) It shall meet yearly during the National Intercollegiate Wheelchair
Basketball Tournament and the National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament.
(2) It shall determine the sponsor for the National Intercollegiate Wheelchair
Basketball Tournament from bids submitted to the committee chairman before
February 1, of the preceding season in which the tournament is held.
(3) It shall identify all "intercollegiate" wheelchair basketball
teams.
(4) It shall record and maintain all NIWBT records.
(5) It shall approve NIWBT format of games.
(6) It shall recommend to the President of the NWBA persons to serve on the
committee and the committee's chairperson and secretary-treasurer.
(7) It shall strive to foster the development of "intercollegiate"
wheelchair athletic programs among the nation's colleges and universities.
(8) It shall establish eligibility standards and requirements for participation
in accordance with standards established by the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA), and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
(9) It shall be responsible for the development and implementation of the
standards and procedures for the selection of an intercollegiate All-American
wheelchair basketball team annually.
(g) The Player Classification Committee shall be responsible for reviewing and
evaluating the player classification system and recommending to the Executive
Committee for consideration and approval by the membership of the NWBA, any
changes or amendments which it deems necessary and advisable. It shall also have
these additional responsibilities:
(1) Conduct a program of classification workshop/seminars for the purpose of
certifying physicians and therapists to classify players in the NWBA.
(2) Assist in the selection and appointment of NWBA certified physicians and
therapists to any Contest Player Classification Team, the annual NWBT Player
Classification Board and any Regional Tournament Classification Team.
(h) The Tournament Selection Committee (TSC) shall be responsible for reviewing
and evaluating all "Application for Post-Season Play" forms submitted
by member teams, as well as any other appropriate information, and shall have
the authority and responsibility to perform all duties as defined in Article
III, Sections 2, 3 and 4, and in Regulation 4, Section 2.
(1) The Tournament Selection Committee shall be composed of a Chairperson and
six (6) at-large sectional representatives. The term of office for each member
shall be three (3) years. The term of office of two (2) of the at-large members
shall expire and be subject to appointment, or reappointment, each year. The
Commissioner of the NWBA shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Tournament
Selection Committee.
(2) The Tournament Selection Committee shall meet annually on the third weekend
before the dates set aside for the sectional tournaments of each year. The site
of the annual meeting shall be at the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA, or
as otherwise approved by the NWBA Executive Committee.
Section 2
The Association may establish other committees for any purpose and provide for
their appointment, tenure and duties.
Legislative History:
2001 NWBT - EC-5 (revision of Article 6, Section 1)
ARTICLE SEVEN
U.S. REPRESENTATION IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
Section 1: Selection of U.S. Teams
The selection of any team to represent the United States in international
wheelchair basketball competition shall be made only from among accredited
players in the NWBA. They shall be selected without discrimination as to the
nature or cause of disability.
Section 2: U.S. Paralympic Games, World Championship and Pan American
Wheelchair Games Teams
The players and staff selected to represent the U.S. in the quadrennial
Paralympic Games, World Championship and Pan American Wheelchair Games shall be
the responsibility of the Competitions Committee for Wheelchair Basketball for
Men and the Competitions Committee for Wheelchair Basketball for Women of USA
Basketball. The selection process shall be determined by the Committees in the
first year of the quadrennium for each designated competition.
Section 3: USA Basketball Competitions Committees for Wheelchair
Basketball for Men and Women
The Executive Committee shall recommend to the President of USA Basketball four
individuals to serve as NWBA appointees for each of the Men's and Women's
Committees for the quadrennium between Olympic years. The Executive Committee
shall also recommend the appointment of two athlete representatives to each
Committee. The two athlete representatives will be active players of the NWBA,
whose names appear on an NWBA team player roster. The Chairperson for each
Committee shall be nominated by the Executive Committee and recommended to USA
Basketball for confirmation. Two At-Large members shall be appointed to each
Committee by the President of USA Basketball.
Section 4: U.S. Representation in International Competitions Other Than
the Paralympic Games, World Championships or Pan American Wheelchair Games
For any international competition other than the Paralympic Games, the World
Championships for men, the World Championships for women, and the Pan American
Wheelchair Games, the process for selecting a U.S. team shall involve the
establishment of a National Team Selection Committee of five persons appointed
by the Executive Committee of the NWBA and chaired by the appointed coach of the
team.
Section 5: Non-Olympic and Non-World Cup Year Competition
(a) The coach shall be selected 9 months prior to the scheduled international
competition. The procedure for identifying and selecting the coach shall be as
follows:
(1) Two months prior to the appointment, an announcement in the NWBA Newsletter
will solicit interested and qualified coaches to submit letters of consideration
to the President of the NWBA within 30 days of the announcement.
(2) The Executive Committee of the NWBA will select a committee of five persons
to review and select a coach from among the applicants. At least two (2) members
of the committee will be active players of the NWBA, whose names appear on an
NWBA team player roster. The successful applicant shall demonstrate the
background and the ability to teach, manage and coach with a developmental,
international team concept. The committee will have 30 days to make a decision.
(3) The assistant coach will be appointed by the coach of the select team and
shall also be able to demonstrate the skills necessary to coach within a
developmental framework.
(b) Players who are deemed appropriate for the developmental team concept shall
be defined as being eligible NWBA players of any age, who possess the potential
physical and mental skills to play competitively on an international level. In
addition, in order to provide opportunities for junior and collegiate players, a
minimum of five players with current or previous national junior or collegiate
tournament experience shall be invited to the trials. All players shall
demonstrate a commitment towards future participation and development in
international competition.
(1) The Executive Committee of the NWBA shall designate a Developmental Team
Committee (DTC) of five individuals who have an interest in, and understand the
international developmental team concept. A minimum of two members shall be
coaches from the Central Intercollegiate Conference or the National NWBA/PVA
Basketball Camp staff.
(2) The DTC will nominate at least 15 players and no more than 30 players for
review by the appointed national coach.
(3) The coach of the national select team shall be empowered to invite any
qualified player to attend the trials.
Following the trials, the coach, together with the NWBA, will hold a training
camp prior to the international competition.
ARTICLE TEN
DIVISION I
Section 1: Purposes
The purposes of Division I are:
(a) To coordinate the teams wishing to compete at an elite level with players
from a wide geographical area.
(b) To create an environment where the game of wheelchair basketball can be
played at the highest level.
(c) To assist in developing players for international competition.
Section 2: Organization
(a) The Division I Executive Committee shall consist of a Chairman, a Vice
Chairman, a Secretary and two at-large members elected by the Division I teams
at a separate meeting held during the annual NWBA delegates meeting.
(b) Term of office for elected positions on the Division I Executive Committee
shall be three years. In year one, the Vice Chairman and one at-large member
will be elected. In year two, the Secretary and one at-large member will be
elected. In year three, the Chairman will be elected.
Section 3: Membership
(a) Division I team will be any member team:
(1) Choosing to roster players outside their geographic area in the amount no
greater than six points.
(2) Petitioning to play in Division I
(3) Players can play for their nearest Division I team without being considered
a player out of its geographic area. If a player bypasses his nearest Division I
team he is then considered out of his geographic area
Section 4: Player Eligibility
(a) A players place of residence shall not restrict a between seasons transfer
between Division I teams.
(b) Rosters for Division I teams are to be sent to the office of the
Commissioner by September 30. Players may be added to a Division I roster until
December 31. No player may be eliminated from a Division I roster after the
September 30 deadline. No same season transfers will be allowed in Division I. A
player may transfer from a lower division to Division I if done by December 31
of that season.
(c) Where a player is listed on the roster of two or more Division I teams:
(1) The team, which has a signed letter of intent from the player in question,
shall have the right to list such player on their roster.
(2) Where no team has a letter of intent from the player in question, the player
in question shall be ruled a contested player and will be ineligible until such
time as the Commissioner of the NWBA rules as to which team has the right to
list such player on their roster.
(d) A player who signs two or more letter indicating an intent to play for
different teams in Division I in the same season shall be declared ineligible to
play for that season.
(e) Roster for Division I teams shall be limited to twelve (12) players,
regardless of age or experience. If a player quits or is injured, a replacement
player may be added to the Division I roster to give them a total of twelve
players if done by December 31.
(f) Players rostered on a Division I team may not also play for a Division II
team. (This would not prohibit a player listed on a Division I roster from
playing for a team in the Women=s of Youth Divisions)
Section 5: Post- Season Competition
(a) Division I has the authority and responsibility to structure post season
play for purposes of determining a national championship team.
(b) Division I has the authority and responsibility to seek bids and determine
the sponsor for the annual Division I National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament.
(c) A Division I team must have played at least four (4) other Division I teams
and a minimum of ten (10) games during the regular season to be eligible for
post-season play.
(d) Post-season play shall consist of four Regional tournaments (East, South,
Midwest and West) with the winners of such tournaments advancing to the Division
I National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament.
(e) Teams desiring a berth in the Regional tournaments must submit an
Application for Post-Season Play form to the Office of the Commissioner of the
NWBA on or before the deadline announced in the NWBA newsletter. To ensure
receipt, a duplicate copy of the application should also be forwarded to the
Tournament Selection Committee chairman. The deadline for submitting the
application will be ten (10) days prior to the annual meeting of the Tournament
Selection Committee. Teams may amend their applications after submission by
notifying the TSC chairman of the results of any games played after the date of
submission and prior to the TSC annual meeting.
(f) The Tournament Selection Committee shall have the authority to penalize any
Division I team which it can be reasonably certain has provided incomplete or
inaccurate information on their application in an effort to gain a more
favorable rank or tournament seed.
(g) The Application for Post-Season Play form shall include the following
information:
(1) Team identification data as requested.
(2) Complete results of all games played against any NWBA team from September
1st through to the date set aside for submission of such form.
(3) An indication as to whether the team is willing to travel for a more
favorable draw or seed in the Regional Tournament.
(h) There shall be an entry fee of $50.00 for each Division I team applying for
post-season play. A check made payable to the NWBA in that amount must accompany
each Application for Post-Season Play form.
(i) Funds received by the NWBA from the tournament entry fees shall be used to
cover the expenses of the Tournament Selection Committee.
(j) The Tournament Selection Committee shall determine the official ranking of
all Division I teams applying for a berth in post-season play. They shall also
determine the teams feeding into each regional tournament and the seeding of
those teams. Teams shall be awarded and assigned tournament berths according to
their respective ranking, with geographical considerations in mind, so as to
achieve a relatively consistent balance of competitive level in each tournament.
In assigning berths, the TSC shall also consider the following provisions:
(1) If awarded a berth, the host team of a sectional tournament shall be
assigned to the tournament it is hosting.
(2) Teams may indicate on their Application for Post-Season Play form a
willingness to travel for a more favorable tournament draw or seed. Any
preferences indicated may be granted at the discretion of the TSC.
(k) The Division I Regional tournaments shall be scheduled by the NWBA with
input from the Division I Chairman, relative to the NWBA=s overall schedule of
post-season competitions. The Regional tournaments shall take the format of
single elimination tournaments with consolation games. The winner of each
Regional tournament shall advance to the Division I National Wheelchair
Basketball Tournament.
(l) Regional tournaments are designed to be two-day events with the quarter
final and/or semi-final games conducted on day one and the championship and
consolation games conducted on day two.
(m) The sites of the four Regional tournaments shall be determined by the NWBA
Commissioner and the Chairman of the Tournament Selection Committee from bids
submitted in writing by prospective sponsors by September 1 and awarded no later
than December 1 of the season in which the tournament is to be held. The NWBA
Commissioner and the Chairman of the Tournament Selection Committee shall award
the tournament to the sponsor, which submits a bid affording the greatest
benefit to the competing teams in terms of reduction of travel time and distance
and expenses connected with the tournament, all other factors being equal (i.e.
logistics associated with the tournament, lodging, meals, facilities, etc.)
(n) In the absence of a sufficient number of bids, or as to improve the
geographic location of a specific tournament in relation to the other sites,
thereby reducing travel time and distance for teams and expenses connected
therewith, the NWBA Commissioner, the Division I Chairman and the Chairmen of
the Tournament Selection Committee shall be authorized to solicit additional
bids up to the deadline stated for awarding tournament sponsorships.
(o) The tournament results shall be communicated to the NWBA Commissioner by the
tournament director within 24 hours of the conclusion of the tournament.
Section 6: Selection of Game Officials
(a) Each Division I team applying for post-season competition shall recommend
one game official and one alternate for post-season play. The recommendations
shall be submitted in written form to the Office of the Commissioner no later
than ten (10) days prior to the dates set aside for the TSC annual meeting. All
game officials recommended to officiate in the post-season must be qualified and
eligible as defined in Regulation 8 of the NWBA Executive Regulations.
(b) The assignment of game officials to the Regional tournaments shall be made
by the Tournament Selection Committee. The TSC shall recommend additional
officials as necessary to ensure an adequate number of qualified game officials
for the tournaments.
(c) For tournaments involving 4, 5 or 6 teams, the Tournament Selection
Committee shall assign four (4) officials to officiate. All games will be
officiated by three (3) officials.
(d) In determining game assignments, the tournament director for each tournament
shall conduct a draw wherein the assigned game officials will draw the sequence
of games from a pool and the official will not work the game(s) he has selected
in the draw.
(e) Travel expenses for game officials for Regional tournaments shall be paid by
the NWBA but will be the responsibility of the tournament hosts and/or the
Division I teams feeding into post-season play on a pro-rated basis.
(f) Game fees, lodging and meal expenses of the officials assigned to Regional
tournaments shall be covered by the sponsor of the Regional tournament.
Section 7: Selection of Game Officials for the National Championship
Tournament
(a) The tournament director for each Regional tournament shall poll the
participating teams in regard to the selection of an official and an alternate
for the Division I National Championship Tournament. Each team participating in
the tournament shall have one (1) vote in selecting the official and alternate
to officiate in the National Championship Tournament. The names of the officials
selected shall be communicated to the NWBA Commissioner by the tournament
director with 24 hours of the conclusion
of the tournament.
(b) The travel expenses, game fees, lodging, and meal expenses of the official
assigned to the National Tournament shall be covered by the sponsor of the
Division I National Tournament.
Section 8: Conduct of Division I National Championship Tournament
The sponsor of the tournament shall:
(a) Arrange for and underwrite the expense involved in the provision of suitable
gymnasium facilities for all games.
(b) Promote the tournament to the best of its ability.
(c) Provide round trip travel, lodging and meals for four (4) appointed game
officials, and pay each official at the rate established by the Commissioner of
the NWBA.
(d) Provide two (2) new official NCAA basketballs for use at the tournament.
(e) Provide an official NCAA tournament scorebook, which shall become part of
the files of the NWBA at the conclusion of the tournament.
(f) Arrange for the purchase and engraving of the following awards:
Award Number
National Championship 1
Individual awards for team 15
Award for second place 1
Individual awards for team 15
Awards for other participating teams 2
Individual awards for other participating teams 30
Sportsmanship Award 1
Most Valuable Player Award 1
All-tournament team awards 10
(g) Arrange for personnel to perform the duties of the official scorer, official
timer, statisticians, spotters, and public address announcer.
(h) Arrange for the holding of a post-tournament banquet for the presentation of
awards.
(i) In the event that a net profit is realized, the sponsor shall agree to share
the net profits with the NWBA. The amount of sharing shall be agreed to
beforehand and approved by the Commissioner of the NWBA.
Section 9: Responsibilities of Teams Qualifying for the National
Tournament
(a) All qualifying teams shall furnish the sponsor with a team photograph, team
history, team roster with jersey numbers, along with any other information
request by the sponsor.
(b) Pay the travel expense of all team personnel to and from the tournament
site.
(c) Any team failing to furnish materials and information requested by the
sponsor shall be violation of the conduct of the Division I National
Championship Tournament, and the tournament sponsor may refuse to provide
lodging and meals for the team and may charge the team for all awards it or its
members receive.
Section 10: Autonomy
Division I has the responsibility and authority to govern its affairs, draft
legislation and conduct business specific to Division I. No legislation shall be
passed that is incongruent with the NWBA Constitution and Bylaws.
Legislative History
1999 NWBT - EC-4 (changes to Bylaw Article Ten, Section 8)
1999 NWBT - TC-13 (changes to Bylaw Article Ten, Section 3(a)(b)
1999 NWBT - TC-23 (changes to Bylaw Article Ten)
2000 NWBT - TC-5 (changes to Bylaw Article Ten, Section 3(a), Section 4(b)(d)
ARTICLE ELEVEN
DIVISION II
Section 1: Organization
(a) The Division II Executive Committee shall consist of a Chairman, a Vice
Chairman, a Secretary and three at-large members elected by the Division II
teams at a separate meeting held during the annual NWBA delegates meeting.
(b) Term of office for elected positions on the Division II Executive Committee
shall be three years. In year one, the Vice Chairman and one at-large member
will be elected. In year two, the Secretary and one at-large member will be
elected. In year three, the Chairman and one at-large member will be elected.
(c) The Division Commissioner for Division II shall be appointed to the office
by the Commissioner of the NWBA upon the recommendation of the Division. The
Division Commissioner of the NWBA for Division II serves the role and fulfills
the same duties and responsibilities of a Conference Commissioner, as outlined
in Article 4, but on a division level instead.
Section 2: Membership
(a) Division II teams shall be locally based with players being permanent
residents of the same city, town, or small geographic area. Players should be
able to practice weekly without the burden of long driving distances or flying.
Teams drawing from a large geographic area will be scrutinized carefully for
membership in Division II
(b) All member teams meeting the criteria stipulated in Art. 10, Sec. 2(a),
which do not petition for Division I membership, and which do not exclusively
compete within the Collegiate, Women's or Youth Divisions shall be classified as
a Division II member.
(c) Any rostered player not meeting the eligibility requirement for Division II
shall cause the team in question to be disqualified from membership in Division
II and automatically placed in Division I for the current season by the
Commissioner of the NWBA.
Section 3: Player Eligibility
(a) Players rostered with a Division II team may not also be rostered with a
Division I or Division III team. This would not prohibit a player listed on a
Division II roster from playing with a team in the Women=s or Youth divisions.
(b) Teams flying players in from another geographic area will be disqualified
from membership in Division II.
(c) Where a player is listed on the roster of two or more Division II teams:
(1) The team, which has a signed letter of intent from the player in question,
shall have the right to list such player on their roster.
(2) Where no team has a letter of intent from the player in question, the player
in question shall be ruled a contested player and will be ineligible until such
time as the Commissioner of the NWBA rules as to which team has the right to
list such player on their roster.
(d) A player who signs two or more letters indicating an intent to play for
different teams in Division II in the same season shall be declared ineligible
to play for that season.
(e) All players requesting a between seasons transfer will be required to
complete a letter of intent before the transfer can be processed. Copies should
be sent to the team rep, the Division Commissioner and the Commissioner of the
NWBA.
Section 4: Penalties
(a) The Division II Committee can make recommendations to the NWBA Commissioner
at any time during the season regarding any Division II team believed to have
knowingly provided incomplete or inaccurate information on their roster, which
would otherwise disqualify the team for membership in Division II. Fines,
forfeiture of games or suspension from play for the remainder of the season may
be assessed by the NWBA Commissioner, if necessary.
Teams falsifying information on a letter of intent will be declared ineligible
for post-season play for the current season and will face the forfeiture of all
games played.
Section 5: Autonomy
Division II has the responsibility and authority to govern its affairs, draft
legislation and conduct business specific to Division II. No legislation shall
be passed that is incongruent with the NWBA Constitution and Bylaws.
Legislative History
1999 NWBT - TC-14 (changes to Article Eleven, Section 2(a)(b)
1999 NWBT - TC-24 (changes to Article Eleven)
ARTICLE TWELVE
DIVISION III
Section 1: Purposes
(a) To develop new teams and players in the NWBA.
(b) To create an opportunity for novice and inexperience players to develop
their skills at an appropriate level.
(c) To create an opportunity for teams and players to progress to a higher level
of play.
(d) To provide an entry level atmosphere for teams to participate in the NWBA.
Section 2: Membership
NWBA teams wanting to play in Division III must so indicate on their Official
NWBA Team Registration and Roster form by the required date of submission for
such form each season. The Commissioner of the NWBA will rule on the eligibility
for membership of any teams in question. Membership in Division III may include:
(a) Any newly formed team of novice and/or inexperienced players.
(b) Any team which does not have the financial resources to participate in
another division.
(c) Any team wanting to compete at a recreational level.
Section 3: Player Eligibility
(a) Players rostered with a Division III team may not also be rostered with a
Division I or Division II team. This would not prohibit a player listed on a
Division III roster from playing with team in the Women=s or Youth divisions.
(b) All players rostered with a team must be from the same local geographical
area thereby preserving the idea of developing grass roots level teams within
the NWBA.
Section 4: Player Transfers
(a) Between season transfers should occur prior to the September 30 deadline for
team registration. Any player requesting a between season transfer shall be
required to submit a signed Letter of Intent form to the Office of the
Commissioner of the NWBA in order to be eligible to play for the team to which
the player is transferring. A copy of this form should be retained by the player
and/or the team to which the player is transferring.
(b) Where a player is listed on the roster of two or more teams:
(1) The team, which has a signed letter of intent from the player in question,
shall have the right to list such player on their roster.
(2) Where no team has a letter of intent from the player in question, the player
in question shall be ruled a contested player and will be ineligible until such
time as the Commissioner of the NWBA rules as to which team has the right to
list such player on their roster.
(c) A player which signs two or more letters indicating an intent to play for
different teams in the same season, unless otherwise allowed, shall be declared
ineligible to play for that season.
Section 5: Organization
(a) The Division Commissioner of Division III is appointed to the office by the
Commissioner of the NWBA upon the recommendation of the division. The Division
Commissioner of the NWBA for Division III serves the role and fulfills the same
duties and responsibilities of a Conference Commissioner, as outlined in Article
4, but on a division level instead.
(b) Division III teams and their rosters shall be monitored by the Division
Commissioner. Teams not meeting the criteria of Division III or who would be
better served in another division will be recommended to the Division III
committee for review. The recommendations of the Division III committee
regarding the eligibility of a team for Division III will be forwarded to the
Commissioner of the NWBA for review.
(c) Division III Committee will consist of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary
and three at large members elected at the Division III delegates meeting.
(d) Terms of office for elected positions on the Division III Committee shall be
three years. In year one, the Chairman and one at large member is elected. In
year two the Vice-Chairman and one at large member is elected. In year three the
Secretary and one at large member is elected.
Section 6: Penalties
(a) The Division III Committee can make recommendations to the NWBA Commissioner
at any time during the season regarding any Division III team believed to have
knowingly provided incomplete or inaccurate information on their roster, which
would otherwise disqualify the team for membership in Division III. Fines,
forfeiture of games or suspension from play for the remainder of the season may
be assessed by the NWBA Commissioner, if necessary.
(b) Teams falsifying information on a letter of intent will be ruled ineligible
for post-season play for the current season. Fines, forfeiture of games or
suspension from play for the remainder of the season may be assessed by the NWBA
Commissioner, if necessary.
Section 7: Autonomy
Division III has the responsibility and authority to govern its affairs, draft
legislation and conduct business specific to Division III. No legislation shall
be passed that is incongruent with the NWBA Constitution and Bylaws
Legislative History
1999 NWBT - TC-15 (changes to Article Twelve, Section 5)
1999 NWBT - TC-16 (changes to Article Twelve, Section 6)
1999 NWBT - TC-25 (changes to Article Twelve)
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
AMENDMENTS
Section 1
These bylaws may be amended at any annual meeting by a majority vote of the
delegates present and voting provided that the proposed amendment shall have
been submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Association no later than six
weeks preceding an annual meeting.
Section 2
The Secretary shall mail a copy of the proposed amendment to all members of the
Association not later than March 15 before an annual meeting.
Section 3
A proposed amendment to the Bylaws may be amended at an annual meeting by a
majority vote of the members present and voting provided that the amendment to
the proposed amendment shall have been submitted in writing to the Secretary
prior to one o'clock in the afternoon on the day preceding the final business
session.
Section 4
The Executive Committee may propose amendments to amendments at the time of the
annual meeting without the procedural requirement described in Bylaw 13-3,
provided that in each instance the proposed amendment to an amendment has been
approved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee and copies are
distributed before or during the business session.
Section 5
Unless otherwise specified, all amendments shall become effective on the first
day of September following adoption by the annual meeting.
Legislative History:
2001 NWBT- EC-4 (revision of Article 13, Section 4)
EXECUTIVE REGULATIONS
OF THE
NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
REGULATION 1
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF
OFFICIAL TEAM OR CLUB REPRESENTATIVES
Section 1
The official team or club representative designated by a member team or club may
be any individual, player or nonplayer, who shall serve as the channel of
communication between the team and the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA.
The appointment of a team representative should be regarded as a serious undertaking for all member teams. All information, which is routinely published in the NWBA Newsletter, directives and reports from the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA and intended for the team, is directed to the team representative. The team's failure to appoint a responsible individual to carry out the duties of the office properly leaves it vulnerable to penalties for failure to comply with stipulated requirements as they are transmitted to the team representative.
Section 2
The team or club representatives shall be responsible for:
(a) Furnishing the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA, through the
conference secretary, his or her mailing address and home and business telephone
numbers before September 30 of each season.
(b) Submitting or ensuring the submission of the team's or club's roster on the
NWBA Official Team Registration and Roster Form and the team's or club's annual
NWBA dues before September 30 of each season.
(c) Submitting or ensuring the submission through channels of a properly
completed NWBA Official Player Application and Certification form for each new
player (novice) added to the team's or club's roster.
(d) Submitting or ensuring the submission of the results of all home games
within ten (10) days of its being played to the Conference Commissioner. The
host team shall be responsible for the submission of the results of all games
played at its home site, i.e., conference games, tournaments, exhibition games,
etc. Conference Commissioners will check game report forms for accuracy,
completeness, and place in order according to the Conference Game Numbers. These
will be forwarded to the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA on November 20,
December 20 and January 20 of the season.
(e) Transmitting to the team and club members and supportive staff all
information received from the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA and which
bears on the responsibilities and conduct of the team as a member of the NWBA.
(f) Receiving and ensuring the proper recording and filing of the team's and
club's copies of all forms processed through channels.
(g) Receiving and conserving all blank forms entrusted to him by the Conference
Commissioner.
(h) Passing on to his successor the team's and club's records as he has compiled
them should he be replaced as the official team or club representative.
REGULATION 2
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
CONFERENCE COMMISSIONER
Section 1
The conference commissioner shall have administrative responsibility for:
(a) Maintaining an inventory of all blank NWBA forms used in the registration of
players, teams and officials and the reporting of game results.
(b) Distribution of the blank NWBA forms to conference teams and officials as
required.
(c) Maintaining a complete and accurate record of the conference's copies of all
forms processed through channels for the certification of players, registration
of teams and approbation of officials.
(d) Reviewing for his signature of approval, each Official Player Application
and Certification Form submitted for a player in the conference.
(e) Forwarding to the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA all forms received
and approved for final review and processing.
(f) Screening and evaluating all applications for the medical reexamination of
players in the conference and forwarding such recommendations in writing to the
Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA.
(g) Arranging for the establishment of a medical jury to re-examine players
approved for re-examination by the Commissioner of the NWBA.
(h) Maintaining a record of all expenses, which may be reasonably incurred in
the conduct of the office and submitting such itemized expenses to the treasurer
of the conference for reimbursement.
(i) Participating in the selection of game officials to officiate in sectional
playoffs, regional and national tournaments as prescribed in Regulations 3, 4,
and 5.
(j) Transferring to his successor, the conference records as he has compiled
them should he be replaced as the conference commissioner for the conference.
(k) Transferring to the Conference Commissioner of another conference the
appropriate records related to any team or player transferring to that
conference. Records related to approbated game officials shall be transferred at
the same time.
(l) Receive all team rosters to check for accuracy and compliance to division
eligibility rules and forward to the Office of the Commissioner by September 30.
(m) Receive and check for accuracy and completeness game report forms, place
game report forms in order and submit to the Office of the Commissioner on
November 20, December 20, and January 20 of the season.
REGULATION 3
CONDUCT OF REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS
Section 1: Responsibilities of Sponsors of Regional Tournaments
The sponsor of a regional tournament shall:
(a) Arrange for and underwrite the expense involved in the provision of suitable
gymnasium facilities for all games.
(b) Communicate all pertinent information regarding the time and site of the
tournament to:
(1) All teams which are assigned to or qualify for the tournament
(2) The conference commissioners of the conferences involved
(3) All officials who are assigned to the tournament within 48 hours of being
notified who the participants of the tournament will be.
(c) Pay no less than the prescribed fee for the game officials assigned and
account for their lodging and meals while at the site of the tournament. The
recommended fee shall be no less than $50.00 per game for regional tournaments.
(d) Promote the tournament to the best of its ability with the prerogative of
retaining the major portion of the net proceeds or contributing it to a
worthwhile program or project in the community.
(e) Make a reasonable and proportionate rebate to all participating teams,
wherever possible, for their travel, lodging and meal expenses from the
tournament income.
(f) Procure appropriate trophies and awards for the competing teams and players.
They may consist of: trophies for the first, second, third and fourth place
teams; individual emblems or awards for the team members, if possible;
individual awards for the Most Valuable Player and Most Sportsmanlike Player, if
possible; and individual awards for players selected to the All-Regional
Tournament Team.
(g) Send the results of all games immediately upon conclusion of the tournament
to (1) the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA, and (2) the director of the
national tournament to which the winner shall advance.
(h) Appoint one individual to serve as "Tournament Director" who shall
be responsible for:
(1) Ensuring that the tournament is conducted in accordance with the rules,
regulations, policies and procedures as set forth in these Bylaws and Executive
Regulations of the NWBA.
(2) Serving as the "official contact person" for the tournament and
shall be responsible for communicating all pertinent information relative to the
tournament to all appropriate parties involved.
(3) Fulfilling all other duties and responsibilities as set forth in these
Bylaws and Executive Regulations of the NWBA.
Section 2: Responsibilities of Teams Qualifying for Regional Tournaments
The responsibilities of all teams qualifying for the regional tournaments shall
be to:
(a) Furnish the sponsor, at the time of qualification for the regional playoff,
an 8" x 10" glossy, black and white team photograph, a team history,
short biographies of all players and photographs of outstanding players along
with any additional materials suitable for promotion of the tournament. A
duplicate copy of all materials should be forwarded at the same time to the
Director of the National Tournament.
(b) Furnish the sponsor with a roster of all team personnel planning to attend
the tournament indicating the number in wheelchairs, the number that are
ambulatory or semi-ambulatory, and whether any specific arrangements need to be
made in housing accommodations. A duplicate copy of all materials should be
forwarded at the same time to the Director of the National Tournament.
(c) Furnish the sponsor with a team roster indicating the team player's position
and jersey numbers.
(d) Pay, if necessary, the travel, lodging and meals expenses of all team
personnel.
(e) Assist in the travel arrangements of game officials assigned to the regional
tournament who originate in the qualifying team's area.
Legislative History:
2001 NWBT - TC-10 (revision of EC regulation 3, Section 1, 1 (c)(g), Section 2,
2 (a))
REGULATION 4
SELECTION OF GAME OFFICIALS FOR
REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS
Section 1: Selection of Game Officials for Regional Playoffs
(a) Each conference president shall recommend two (2) game officials and a
minimum of two (2) alternates for each division of the conference.
(b) All recommendations of game officials by a conference are subject to
approval of the Conference Commissioner. The Conference Commissioner, on
approving the selections, shall forward said recommendations in writing to the
Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA post marked no later than ten (10) days
prior to the dates set aside for the TSC Annual Meeting.
(c) Each independent team applying for a playoff berth shall recommend one (1)
game official and one (1) alternate. The recommendations shall be in written
form and submitted to the Office of the Commissioner of the NWBA post marked no
later than ten (10) days prior to the dates set aside for the TSC Annual
Meeting. All such recommendations are subject to approval of the Commissioner of
the NWBA.
(d) The Commissioner of the NWBA may recommend additional officials as necessary
to ensure an adequate number of qualified game officials available to the
Tournament Selection Committee for assignment to the regional playoffs.
(e) All game officials recommended to officiate in post-season play must be
qualified and eligible as defined in Regulation 8.
Section 2: Assignment of Game Officials to the Regional Playoffs
The assignment of game officials in the regional playoffs shall be made by the
Tournament Selection Committee, as follows:
(a) The Tournament Selection Committee will assign six (6) officials to each
regional tournament.
(b) The Tournament Selection Committee shall also designate a minimum of two
game officials from the list of recommended officials, as alternate officials
for each regional tournament.
(c) The responsibility for paying the travel expense for regional tournament
game officials shall be that of the NWBA from that portion of the membership
dues so earmarked.
(d) All games at the regional and national tournament levels shall be officiated
by three officials.
Legislative History:
2001 NWBT- TC -10 (Revise EC Regulation 4 Section 1, 1(d), Section 2 (a - e),
Section 3 (a-d))
REGULATION 5
CONDUCT OF THE ANNUAL NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Section 1: Responsibilities of the Sponsor of the National Tournament
The sponsor of the national tournament shall:
(a) Arrange for and underwrite the expense involved in the provision of a
suitable gymnasium facility and equipment for all games.
(b) Promote the tournament to the best of its ability.
(c) Provide round trip travel, lodging, meals and ground transportation for four
appointed game officials and pay each official at the rate of $100 per game.
(d) Arrange for the housing of all official team delegates and conference
officers attending the national tournament and the annual NWBA meetings.
(e) Arrange for adequate and suitable space for the conduct of the annual
meeting of the NWBA, which will be held on the two days preceding the first game
of the tournament.
(f) Arrange for suitable transportation services at tournament expense for all
participants in the tournament and NWBA meetings where required.
(g) Arrange for the purchase and engraving of the following trophies and awards:
Awards Number Charged to
National Championship 1
Individual awards to national champions 15 Tournament
Team trophy for second place 1 Tournament
Individual awards for second place team 15 Tournament
Team trophy for third place 1 Tournament
Individual awards for third place team 15 Tournament
Team trophy for fourth place 1 Tournament
Individual awards for fourth place team 15 Tournament
Captain James S. Ure Award for Sportsmanship 1 NWBA
Most Valuable Player Award 1 NWBA
All-National Tournament Player Awards 10 Tournament
(h) Print a tournament program, which shall include a photograph of each of the
competing teams in the tournament and a brief biography of all players along
with their positions and jersey numbers. The program shall also contain a
history of wheelchair basketball as edited and approved by the Commissioner of
the NWBA, the record of past national tournaments, NWBA conference standings for
the immediate past season and other information pertinent to wheelchair
basketball and wheelchair sports which would have general interest and
educational value.
(i) Provide two new, unused basketballs, as prescribed by NCAA rules and
regulations for use in all games of the