Semi-Final and Championship Substitution Rule Adjustment (Pilot)
At the January Board meeting, the Board agreed to pilot a test program to address potential unfair advantages caused by uneven game-day roster sizes deep in the playoffs.
As such, MTYB will pilot a modified substitution rule for Semi-Final and Championship rounds only.
Reminder: Standard Substitution Rule
Coaches must clear their bench at the 4:00 mark of the 1st through 3rd quarters. The 4th quarter is coach discretion.
Semi-Final and Championship Adjustments Based on Game-Day Rosters
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Equal rosters (e.g., 9 vs 9, 8 vs 8): Standard substitution rules apply.
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One-player difference (e.g., 9 vs 8, 8 vs 7): Mandatory substitution and bench clearing apply only during the 1st and 2nd quarters.
The entire second half is coach discretion.
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Two-player difference (e.g., 9 vs 7, 8 vs 6): Mandatory substitution and bench clearing apply only during the 1st quarter.
The remainder of the game is coach discretion.
Guiding Principle
We do not want players sitting for entire halves or entire games. Coaches are expected to use good judgment to promote fair playing time.
At the same time, in Semi-Final and Championship games, MTYB wants outcomes determined by play on the court, not by uneven game-day roster availability.