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.

Emergency Scoresheet 2026

Live Scoring (E-Scoring) & Match Results

Home teams to score all YBL games

It is the each clubs’ responsibility to make sure their squad list, players and coaches are in the team line-up ahead of the game. We follow Basketball England’s rule regarding e-Scoring. Unless contradicted in this policy.

All games must be Live Scored using PlayHQ. The YBL shall impose a fixed penalty in accordance with this policy. You can start a session by clicking the ‘live’ button at the top of every YBL webpage.

If there is a technological problem that prevents the game being Live Scored, the only paper scoresheet permitted is the official 'YBL Emergency Scoresheet'. Any technological issues must be reported to the YBL when uploading the scoresheet in accordance with this policy.

A legible copy of the Scoresheet, shall be uploaded via the YBL WhatsApp number - 07810146224, no later than 23:59 on the day of the game following the completion of the Match. The YBL shall be entitled to impose a fixed penalty.

Where a game is not Live Scoring the home team is responsible for uploading the result to PlayHQ no later 23:59 on the day of the game. This includes the full breakdown of player points (by basket type) and fouls (by foul type).

The use of “fill-in” players on Live Scoring should not be used. The YBL will check any players who have been listed as fill-in. Any participant found not to be eligible will result in the fixture being forfeit by default.

The home team shall be responsible for ensuring the game data has been synced (if not connected to internet at time of the game) to PlayHQ no later than 23:59 on the day of the match.

One match cannot be used to produce the result for two league fixtures or a league and cup fixture. For example, where two teams are scheduled to play each other home and away in a league, they cannot agree to only play once, with the result of this match being recognised for both scheduled matches. 

The YBL shall impose a fixed penalty for a breach of this policy in accordance with YBL Regulations and in-line with Basketball England Regulations. 

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. 

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. 

Officials Libaray