Spirit of Play

EYBA Members and Slam teams,

We have fielded a few comments and complaints about teams not adhering to the “Spirit of Play” guidelines outlines in Section 8.15 of the EYBA Rulebook:

• EYBA exists to promote the development of the players in all areas of skill, attitude, and sportsmanship. To ensure this purpose is met every player should receive reasonable playing time.
• Reasonable playing time is defined as an athlete playing a MINIMUM of two significant shifts per half.
• Significant shifts should be no less than 3 minutes.
• No player should play an entire half when substitutes are available
• Exceptions to these guidelines include Injury, Illness, Discipline, Disqualification, Fatigue, Foul Trouble and Excessive Roster Size.

All members, including coaches, players and guardians, should be aware of the Spirit of Play guidelines and abide by them.

All players should be given a minimum of 2 three-minute shifts per half and (guardians) should follow up with the coach if this is not the case. In the case that confronting the coach is not an option (or just uncomfortable), guardians should follow up with their association’s director, who can address Spirit of Play with the coaches.

Same can be said about reporting a coach who is playing a player(s) for an entire half when substitutions are available. Whether the incident is with their team/association or another, directors should be made aware of Spirit of Play violations.