The Yellowknife Basketball Association (YKBA) is sanctioned by Basketball NWT and adheres to all International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rules and regulations, including:
- Four 10-minute quarters and a five-minute overtime period if necessary
- A 24-second shot clock and 14-second shot clock after an offensive rebound
- Two timeouts in the first half and three in the second half but only two timeouts can carry over to the last two minutes of the fourth quarter. Teams are also allowed one timeout per overtime period. All timeouts are 60 seconds long and can’t be carried over
- A player fouls out once they accrue five personal fouls
- Teams will alternate possession (in any jump ball situation) after the first jump ball of the game
The following rules and regulations are specific to the YKBA:
- The YKBA has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to harassment. Players are asked to treat other players, referees and scorekeepers with respect at all times. Failure to do so will result in a technical foul
- Technical/ Flagrant 2 Fouls: Technical and Flagrant 2 fouls (unnecessary and excessive force during gameplay) may be called at the referee’s discretion.
- 2 flagrant/technical fouls will result in a player’s dismissal from the game until a $25 fine is paid before the player is allowed back into the games. The $25 fine is due before the team’s next game or the player will be ineligible to play. A player who commits three flagrant/technical fouls will be suspended for 1 game.
- Calling any of the officials, timekeepers, scorekeepers, or any member of the basketball committee insulting names will not be tolerated and will result in a technical foul. .
- League Fees: 2026–27 YKBA League Fee: $325 per player + Basketball NWT registration/insurance fee. The YKBA fee includes jersey, gym rental, referees, scorekeepers, regular season and playoffs.
- Scheduling: The league will try to publish its schedule on the YKBA website and via email as early as possible for everyone’s convenience
- Players must be on team rosters in order to play. They must at least have played 25% of the team’s regular season games before they can play with them in the playoffs. Unless and exemption s approved by the YKBA executive.
- Playoffs: All YKBA teams will qualify for the playoffs. A playoff format will be communicated by the executive ahead of time.
- Player Jerseys: Players are asked to wear YKBA-issued Jersey for Games.
TEAM CORES & PLAYER DRAFT
YKBA uses a hybrid team-building system that allows players to register with an existing group while also providing a way for individual players to join the league.
Teams may register a core of up to 8 players who will remain together. A team core may have fewer than 8 players, but 8 is the maximum number of players that can be protected together before the draft. The remaining roster positions will be filled through the YKBA player draft.
Players who do not have a team can register individually and will be entered into the draft. Players may also request to be placed with one or two other players. YKBA will make reasonable efforts to accommodate these requests, but placement cannot be guaranteed.
After registration closes, YKBA will determine the number of teams and roster sizes based on total registration. The draft will then be used to fill the remaining roster positions.
YKBA reserves the right to organize the draft and team placement in a way that promotes reasonably balanced and competitive teams.
