YBL introduces new Rule Changes as of 4 September 2026.

The new season is fast approaching, and preparations are well underway.

As you gear up for your opening fixture, please ensure you’re familiar with the latest FIBA rule updates. These include the revised technical foul categories and the introduction of Flagrant and Disruptive fouls, which the YBL will implement from the very first game of the season. You can review all updates in the FIBA Rule Changes document.

If you’re unsure how these changes will be applied in practice, make sure you attend one of Basketball England’s Regional Conferences this September — an ideal opportunity to gain clarity and ask questions directly.

Finally, please make sure that all players and coaches are fully registered in PlayHQ, and that your club is ready to operate Live Scoring from Day One.

Rule 17 - Individual Licencing & Memberships (Basketball England Rules & Regulations 2026/2027)

17.12.1  - Before each Match, the Club must present to the Opposing Team, if requested, the licence cards of all participants who are to compete in the Match. In addition, the licence cards of any Accompanying Delegation members must also be present for inspection. This can be done by either presenting the individual licences on a device, showing the Team ID page on HoopsHQ or printing the licences page off (in colour).

17.12.2  - Any disputes over the eligibility of a player/coach/bench personnel should be raised with the Crew Chief who has the final say on participation in the match (this cannot be done retrospectively).

17.12.3  - Teams should review the licence cards and accept the licence of the individual as proof of eligibility. Should any challenge be made to the validity of such licences, the captain should sign the scoresheet under protest and follow the protest procedure (in-line with YBL Game Regulations 2026).

17.12.4  - Before each Match, all Officials must present their licence card if requested by the teams involved. 

17.12.6 - In the event of a valid licence not being produced for a Player, Coach or Bench Personnel that person shall not be permitted to participate in the Match in question. 

League requirements & payments for YBL Compeitions in the 2026/2027 Season

The YBL adheres to Basketball England’s officiating regulations including having a minimum of two table officials and two referees per-game.

These fees set out in this booklet are the standard requirement and are explained in the table below.

Our fees match the scale set by Basketball England. Officials are not permitted to request to officiate solo. Level 1 officials are not permitted to officiate on their own (BE Rule 45.3.2.)

If clubs utilise a 3PO (table or floor) officials game fee’s do not change unless prior agreement for development has been made with the club organising.

Neutrality (BE Rule 42)
Basketball England rules state that the crew chief must be a neutral L2+ official. The YBL acknowledge that this may not always be possible. If an in-house official is appointed, it must be with the prior agreement of the opposition. Senior divisions must have two neutral officials, unless agreed by both teams. BE rules state a minimum requirement for each fixture is two referees and table officials.

Payment of officials
It is the responsibility of the home club to pay all officials. A payment guide can be found within the YBL Official’s Section on the website and in this booklet. Any CVL event - all costs are split equally between attending teams, including the hosting team. This cost covers, venue hire and officials costs.

Appointment of Official’s
The YBL does not appoint officials for any regular season fixture i.e. home and away fixtures, for any division/cup including seniors, except YBL One.

YBL events and tournaments, (including stages of YBL Championships, where appropriate) we will only appoint officials. YBL Championships and other Finals we will appoint and pay officials.

The YBL and BE reserves the right to appoint additional referees to fixtures to form three-person officiating crews where desired.

The YBL and BE reserves the right restrict any referee from officiating in any fixture if they are not deemed competent and don’t meet the required standard. 



Officials Library