The Hamilton Wenham Senior Basketball League (HWSBL) strives to offer:
1. An opportunity for more seasoned (older) individuals to play basketball.
2. Competitively balanced play at a reasonable cost.
- An emphasis on fairness, fun, fellowship and respectful play.
- A Participation requirement to commit to regular attendance (as further described in the League Rules
- A captain responsibility to attend captain meetings from time to time
The Commissioners review, update and communicate League operation guidelines before each Season. The Commissioners make all determinations and may decide to make exceptions. Team Sponsorships are available (and appreciated!).
Participation in HWSBL games may result in serious injury. Each Player must sign a Waiver Form to protect HWSBL Organizers, Sponsors, and Officials from potential liability.
Participation Requirements: Players must be 35 years of age or older, register online, pay, and sign a Liability Waiver. Prior Players must turn in Team jerseys before participating. Each Player is promised a minimum amount of playing time (see League Rules). Please understand and support the participation requirements before signing up.
Leagues and Teams: Each League has six Teams of up to nine players per Team. There are two Fall Leagues that play one night a week - traditionally a Monday Night League and a Thursday Night League.
Schedules and Championship Play: Each League usually plays a 20 game schedule followed by League Championship games. Game times vary each week so each Team has a similar number of early and late games. Each Player must attend a minimum number of games to qualify for Championship play (see League Rules).
Team Selection: The Commissioners decide who plays on which Teams with the goals of achieving competitive balance, spreading the position talent and otherwise promoting fairness, fun, fellowship and respectful play. Rosters are limited to 9 to 10 Players per Team (54 to 60 players) picked from those who sign up and pay by the deadline. Last year's Players have first shot, then residents of Hamilton or Wenham, then those who work in Hamilton or Wenham, then everybody else. Once the 54 tp 60 player limit has been reached, all others go on a Waiting List.
Season Prep and Strut: Each Season is preceded by designated pick-up play nights for players and prospective players to knock the rust off their game, meet other players and strut their stuff. All first-time Players must attend one or more of these sessions for skill level evaluation. Prospective Players unable to do so will be placed on the Waiting List.
Captain Responsibilities: Team Captains may delegate duties. Captains are expected to;
• Run the Team - Get 5 players to show up for every game, set strategy, name starting Players, make substitutions, ensure minimum playing time, know the Rules, help Players abide by the Rules, and otherwise promote the League goals.
• Control Jerseys - Assign game shirts to Players, keep a record of the Player numbers, and collect, launder and return all game shirts at the end of the Season.
• Help with opening/closing of Gym space