VH Rumble for the Belt Connecticut Hoopsters

Vertical Hoops – Player Challenge Policy


Vertical Hoops is committed to fair play, integrity, and high-level competition. While we strive to ensure all teams follow eligibility rules, we recognize that it is not always possible to monitor every player and roster at all times.


To maintain fairness, Vertical Hoops has implemented a clear and efficient Player Eligibility Challenge Process for use during events.



Important Notes:

-Players cannot play for multiple programs on the same weekend.

-If a program has multiple teams in same division, player may not play on both teams on a weekend

-Challenges may only be submitted by coaches

-Challenges will not be accepted from players or parents


Official Challenge Process:

If a coach believes an opposing team is using an ineligible player, they must:


Notify the Site Director or

Text Tournament Director Mario Rivera (203-980-1982)

Please include:


Team name

Player number in question

Court number and Venue

Once submitted, Vertical Hoops staff will handle the review process.



Timing of Challenges:


Challenges must be made prior to the start of the game or at halftime

Challenges will not stop or interrupt gameplay


Ruling & Penalties:

If a player is deemed ineligible:

A technical foul will be assessed

The team will receive a game forfeit


If the challenge is unsuccessful:

A technical foul will be assessed to the challenging team


Eligibility Documentation:

Grade/ Age exception Date is June 1st
Example:
Player in 4th grade must be in 4th grade. if the our in 5th grade, they can not turn 11 til after June 1st

Teams that are challenged must be prepared to provide valid documentation for the player(s) in question.

Acceptable documents include:


Birth Certificate

Valid Report Card

If a player is currently registered or has previously been registered in the NSID system, Vertical Hoops staff may verify eligibility directly through the system.


Document Submission Timeline:

For pre-game challenges: documentation must be provided by halftime

For halftime challenges: documentation must be provided by the end of the game

If documents are not provided within this timeframe, the player(s) will be ruled ineligible


Coach Responsibility:

Coaches are strongly encouraged to carry eligibility documents for all players at all times during events

If you choose not to carry documents, it is highly recommended that you verify your team through the NSID system in advance

NSID Verification Link:

http://app.nationalsportsid.com/league/124978/vertical-hoops-weekend-games---player---team-verification



Challenge Limits:

Teams are allowed to challenge a maximum of two (2) players per game


This policy is in place to protect the integrity of the game while ensuring a fair, efficient, and professional event experience for all participants.

Vertical Hoops Officials / Event Feedback Survey

At Vertical Hoops, we are committed to delivering a first-class basketball experience for every player, coach, and family. Your feedback helps us continue to improve every aspect of our events.

Please take a moment to review:
• Game Officials
• Venues & Facilities
• Scorekeepers
• Admissions Staff
• On-Site Event Staff & Directors
• Overall Game Experience

We value sportsmanship, professionalism, and quality competition. Positive and constructive feedback is greatly appreciated and helps us grow.

📲 Scan the QR code on the banner at event or click link below to submit your feedback.
https://forms.gle/GUNgoi1x9XPPNNVo9
Thank you for supporting Vertical Hoops and helping us create the best possible event experience.

Attachment

Vertical Hoops Tournament – Weekend Reminders

Please check your schedules one last time on the Vertical Hoops App.



Weekend Contacts
Karim: 203-809-4770
Sekouba: 475-467-0964


Coach Check-In
Check in at your first game location
Coaches will receive a wristband (must be worn or kept on keys)
Limit: 2 coaches per team (no exceptions)



App Reminder
Using the Vertical Hoops App is the most efficient way to follow schedules and updates throughout the weekend.




Important
PLEASE SHOW UP TO ALL OF YOUR GAMES! We do not want any teams missing games.




Sportsmanship
We pride ourselves on quality, board-certified officials. They are not perfect—please ensure coaches, players, and spectators show respect at all times.

Only 1 coach standing on the sideline
Assistant coaches should be seated
Admission

Weekend Pass: $20
Seniors: $15

Let’s have a great weekend and good luck to all teams!

Vertical Hoops – Player Challenge Policy


Vertical Hoops is committed to fair play, integrity, and high-level competition. While we strive to ensure all teams follow eligibility rules, we recognize that it is not always possible to monitor every player and roster at all times.


To maintain fairness, Vertical Hoops has implemented a clear and efficient Player Eligibility Challenge Process for use during events.



Important Notes:

-Players cannot play for multiple programs on the same weekend.

-If a program has multiple teams in same division, player may not play on both teams on a weekend

-Challenges may only be submitted by coaches

-Challenges will not be accepted from players or parents


Official Challenge Process:

If a coach believes an opposing team is using an ineligible player, they must:


Notify the Site Director or

Text Tournament Director Mario Rivera (203-980-1982)

Please include:


Team name

Player number in question

Court number and Venue

Once submitted, Vertical Hoops staff will handle the review process.



Timing of Challenges:


Challenges must be made prior to the start of the game or at halftime

Challenges will not stop or interrupt gameplay


Ruling & Penalties:

If a player is deemed ineligible:

A technical foul will be assessed

The team will receive a game forfeit


If the challenge is unsuccessful:

A technical foul will be assessed to the challenging team


Eligibility Documentation:

Grade/ Age exception Date is June 1st
Example:
Player in 4th grade must be in 4th grade. if the our in 5th grade, they can not turn 11 til after June 1st

Teams that are challenged must be prepared to provide valid documentation for the player(s) in question.

Acceptable documents include:


Birth Certificate

Valid Report Card

If a player is currently registered or has previously been registered in the NSID system, Vertical Hoops staff may verify eligibility directly through the system.


Document Submission Timeline:

For pre-game challenges: documentation must be provided by halftime

For halftime challenges: documentation must be provided by the end of the game

If documents are not provided within this timeframe, the player(s) will be ruled ineligible


Coach Responsibility:

Coaches are strongly encouraged to carry eligibility documents for all players at all times during events

If you choose not to carry documents, it is highly recommended that you verify your team through the NSID system in advance

NSID Verification Link:

http://app.nationalsportsid.com/league/124978/vertical-hoops-weekend-games---player---team-verification



Challenge Limits:

Teams are allowed to challenge a maximum of two (2) players per game


This policy is in place to protect the integrity of the game while ensuring a fair, efficient, and professional event experience for all participants.

Vertical Hoops – Belt Battle Game Rules

Ball Size: (28.5") is used for 4th–6th grade, (29.5") for 7th grade and older

It is not up to game officials to coordinate ball size compliance. It is up to the coaches playing to coordinate correct ball size prior to the start of the game with the other team coach.

Time Rules

Two (2) 16-minute halves
Clock stops on all whistles
2–4 minute warm-up period
Running clock when a team is ahead by 20+ points in 2nd half with 12 mins left
All teams must be ready to play at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled game time

Zone Defense (4th–5th Grade Only)

No zone defense in the 1st half
Zone defense is allowed in the 2nd half
Pressing Rules (4th–5th Grade Only)

No pressing in the 1st half
Pressing is allowed in the 2nd half
Press must be dropped if leading by 20+ points
Fouls

6 fouls = player disqualification
8 team fouls = 1-and-1 bonus
No double bonus (2 shots) unless in the act of shooting
Timeouts

Each team is allowed 3 full timeouts per game

Overtime
5th grade thru varsity - First team to 4 points wins. No Clock.
4th grade and below: - First team to 4 points or 2 minutes
Technical & Flagrant Fouls

2 technical fouls = ejection for the remainder of the tournament (coach or player)
Flagrant fouls follow college rules
Fighting = technical foul + removal from the remainder of the tournament
No exceptions. No arguments

Vertical Hoops – Belt Battle

The schedule is now LIVE!

Please download the Vertical Hoops app to view game times, venues, and all event-related information. We’ve done our best to accommodate scheduling requests; however, not all requests could be fulfilled.



All teams are guaranteed a minimum of three games, unless your program specifically registered for the two-game option.
If your current schedule does not show games on Sunday, please be aware that you will still play on Sunday. Sunday matchups will be determined and updated based on Saturday’s results.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information—including schedules, game updates, messages, and venue addresses—we strongly recommend downloading the Vertical Hoops app

Coaches List Reminder

Vertical Hoops will no longer accept on-site coaching assignments. This policy is due to past issues with non-coaching personnel using official coach admission passes.

All coaches are required to complete the coaching form by 3:00 PM this Friday. After this deadline, the final coaches list will be sent to print.

Anyone not listed on the pre-printed coaches list
Will not receive a coach admission pass
Will be required to pay for entry

Stay tuned for additional updates, including the final schedule announcement tomorrow, along with more event details.

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to a great event.

VH Belt Battle on May 18,17,2026 (Connecticut)

We’re excited for this weekends in Connecticut.

Please review the following important information and share with team administrators and coaches:


Invoice & Scheduling Policy

All invoices must be paid in full in order for teams to be scheduled.
Deadline for payment: Wednesday at 10:00 AM
Teams with unpaid invoices by the deadline will not be scheduled for the event.
Schedule Request Policy

Please complete the Schedule Request Form (Team Contact Information section) for absolutely necessary requests only.

https://forms.gle/ir8PdSuCRTKK2r3QA



Deadline for submissions: Tuesday at 11:00 PM
Event schedules will be released on Wednesday between 2 and 5 PM
All requests must be submitted through the form — no email or text requests will be accepted.
Requests are reviewed on a first come, first served basis.
Coaching Conflicts

Priority will be given to same-team coaching conflicts.
These requests apply to Saturday games only.
Sunday bracket play game times cannot be requested or guaranteed. We recommend all coaches that coach multiple team teams have assistance for Sunday’s games as we have no room for adjustment to Sunday schedules due to bracket play.
Vertical Hoops – Updated Coach Admission Policy

Due to an increasing number of individuals falsely identifying as coaches at event venues and using admission passes intended for verified staff, Vertical Hoops is implementing an updated Coach Admission Policy effective immediately.

Policy Details:

Coach admission passes will only be issued to coaches whose names appear on the official Vertical Hoops pre-printed event check-in list.
To be included on this list, all coaches must complete the required submission form no later than 3:00 PM on Friday prior to the event.
If you have already submitted a schedule request form, no further action is needed—your information will be accepted.
Any individual who is not listed on the official pre-printed coach check-in list will be required to pay for admission.

No exceptions. No on-site additions.
Program Directors:
Please distribute this information to all coaches within your program to ensure full compliance and avoid any issues at event entry.

Schedule & Refund Policy

Once the schedule is released on weds, no refunds will be issued.
If necessary, any adjustments will be provided as a credit toward a future event.



Roster Eligibility Policy
Vertical Hoops does not require roster verification for non–Mohegan Sun events. However, we strongly encourage all programs to complete roster verification through NSID to ensure fair and competitive play.

For teams participating in non–Mohegan Sun Vertical Hoops events:

Coaches and program directors are strongly encouraged to carry documentation for all players, including:
Birth certificates
School report cards
These documents should be readily available in the event of a team or player eligibility challenge.

The current age exemption cutoff date is June 1, in accordance with NSID guidelines.
Vertical Hoops reserves the right to review player eligibility if a formal concern is raised during the event.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain integrity and fairness across all divisions.

Game Forfeit Policy

Vertical Hoops will make every effort to manage and minimize game forfeits throughout the event. However, some forfeits may occur due to circumstances beyond our control.

In the event your team is impacted by a forfeit:

No refunds or credits will be issued.
All teams are expected to meet their scheduled game commitments. Any team that forfeits a game will be monitored, and repeated forfeits may result in:

Disqualification from future Vertical Hoops events
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a fair and competitive environment for all teams.


We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to a great weekend and spring season of basketball!


For any questions, concerns or future events registration for any of our Spring VH Events, please email mario@verticalhoops.com