MCBA is excited to welcome all players, teams and officials back for another season of Senior Domestic Basketball. As the new season gets underway, we encourage all participants to familiarise themselves with several important competition updates, rule changes and reminders.
Updated Competition By-Laws
The updated Senior Domestic Competition By-Laws are now available on our website and should be reviewed by all team contacts, players and officials.
Key changes include:
Removal of the 24-Second Possession Rule
In grades where a visual shot clock is not in use, there will no longer be any shot clock in operation. Referees will not be applying an unofficial possession count.New Behaviour Review System
The previous Yellow Card Policy has been replaced. The new system outlines behaviours that may result in penalties and allows sanctions to be applied to both individuals and teams where appropriate.Grading Review Requests
Teams can now submit a Grading Review Request during the first four grading rounds if they believe their current grade placement should be reviewed.
Important Competition Reminders
Fill-In Players
Teams must ensure all fill-in players are registered correctly with full and accurate details. Incorrect or incomplete registrations may result in forfeits.
Please note:
- Fill-in players may only play two games as a fill-in during the season.
- Players must be added to the team roster before playing a third game.
- Games played as a fill-in do not count towards finals eligibility.
MCBA will be closely monitoring fill-in player compliance throughout the season, with increased auditing commencing after Round 2.
Uniform Compliance
Teams are reminded to comply with the MCBA Uniform Policy before taking the court.
Common uniform issues include:
- Mixed uniform colours within a team
- Shorts with pockets
- Loose undershirts worn beneath playing uniforms
MCBA offers individual and team uniform hire options, and playing shorts are available for purchase from the Competition Office. Compression-style undershirts must be fitted tightly to the body for player safety.
TeamPay Registration
All teams must be connected to TeamPay for the 2026/27 Summer Season.
While weekly team sheet fees can still be paid at the Competition Office (subject to a $5 administration fee), TeamPay registration remains mandatory as it is the platform used for important communications, including forfeit notifications.
New FIBA Rule Changes
Several significant FIBA rule changes will take effect from Round 1 of the Summer Season.
Key changes include:
Flagrant and Disruptive Fouls
Unsportsmanlike Fouls have been replaced by:
- Flagrant Fouls (contribute to disqualification)
- Disruptive Fouls (do not contribute to disqualification)
Both carry a penalty of two free throws plus possession.
Technical Foul Categories
Technical Fouls are now split into:
- Category 1 Technical Fouls – Behaviour-based offences such as abuse towards officials or faking a foul. These count towards disqualification.
- Category 2 Technical Fouls – Rule-based offences such as delaying the game or hanging on the ring. These do not count towards disqualification.
Technical Foul Penalty Change
The new penalty for all Technical Fouls is:
- One free throw
- Play resumes from where it was stopped
Act of Shooting Clarification
Players can no longer be considered in the act of shooting from the backcourt unless the game clock or shot clock is about to expire.
As these changes are implemented, we ask all participants to be patient and understanding while players, referees and scorebench personnel adjust to the updated rules.
Child Safety Commitment
As a community sporting organisation, MCBA remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants. We have a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and are dedicated to protecting the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of every child and young person involved in our programs and competitions.
Together, we can ensure basketball remains a safe, positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.
We thank all teams for their cooperation and look forward to another fantastic season of Senior Domestic Basketball.
