1.1. The Official High School Basketball Rules published by the National Federation of State High School Associations govern the youth basketball program, unless otherwise stated in these rules.
1.2. General Rules:
1.2.1. Each new game starts with one jump ball at the beginning of the game.
1.2.2. The possession arrow determines the all other possessions.
1.2.3. The game consists of two 20-minute halves (running clock).
1.2.4. During the last two minutes of the second half, the clock stops on the whistle.
1.2.5. Each team is allowed (2) time-outs per half.
1.2.6. Each team can commit six (6) fouls per half, on the seventh (7th) team foul, the player fouled shall shoot a free throw (each half). Double bonus (two free throws) is awarded on the 10th team foul per half.
1.2.7. The free-throw line is 12 inches closer to the basket for the 3rd & 4th Grade Div.
1.3. Technical Fouls:
1.3.1. Technical fouls can be assessed against a team by the game's official for any number of reasons, including unsportsman-like conduct by players and/or coaches.
1.3.2. Any technical foul assessed against one team can result in the other team awarded two (2) free throws and a subsequent in bounding of the ball.
1.3.3. Coaches and/or players receiving two technical fouls in a game are automatically ejected from the remainder of the game and further suspended from participating in the next scheduled game.
1.3.4. Any team receiving three (3) technical fouls will automatically forfeit the game regardless of the score.
1.4. Tie Games (Regular Season Games):
1.4.1. An overtime game will consist of a two-minute period with a stopped clock.
1.4.2. Each team is awarded one time out.
1.4.3. If the game is still tied, a shoot-out is conducted involving the last five players on the floor. Each player is given one free throw. If the game remains tied, players shoot free throws until the other team misses.
1.4.4. A full-court press is permitted during the overtime period if applicable.
1.5. Tie Games (Playoff Games):
1.5.1. Overtime periods consists of a (2) minute period with a stopped clock.
1.5.2. The 2-minute overtime period is continued until one team wins.
1.5.3. A full-court press is allowed during each overtime period.
1.6. Player Substitution:
1.6.1. In every game, each player must participate no less than 20 minutes.
1.6.2. All players are required to sit out five consecutive minutes before the 5-minute mark of the second half.
1.6.3. Coaches select and report to the scorekeeper the names of the starting players ("S") and the non-starting players ("NS")
1.6.4. With seven players (7) or fewer in attendance, the order in which the starters will sit out of the game is provided to the scorekeeper.
1.6.5 At every 5 minute mark of the game (15, 10, and 5 minute marks of the 1st half, 15 and 10 minute marks of the 2nd half), ALL players on the bench MUST enter the game.
1.6.6 For divisions where score is not kept, the 5 minute mark substitution rules continue throughout the entire game.
1.6.8. Free substitution is allowed at the 5-minute mark of the second half.
1.6.9. Substitutions are allowed anytime a player is ill, injured, or in foul trouble (three fouls).
1.7. Special restriction with four (4) players available:
1.7.1. A team must have at least four (4) players in order to start a game.
1.7.2. Any team may finish the game with less than five players if players have fouled out. The league permits the last player that fouled out to play the remainder of the game (if that player fouling out results in less than five eligible players remaining). However, a foul committed by that player automatically results in the opposing team player shooting two (2) free throws and possession of the ball.
1.8. Playing on defense:
1.8.1. Zone defense is permitted in all divisions.
1.8.2. Full-Court Press is allowed:
1.8.2.1. 3rd & 4th Grade Division – last 5 min. of second half.
1.8.2.2. 5th & 6th Grade Division – last 10 min. of second half.
1.8.2.3. 7th & 8th Grade Division - during the entire game.
1.8.2.4. 9th - 12th Grade Division - during the entire game.
1.8.3. The team leading by more than 15 points is not being allowed to implement a full court press. (20 pts. for highschool). The first violation results in a warning and the second violation results in a technical foul and two free throws awarded to the opposing team.
1.8.4. Time permitted in the key "in the paint":
1.8.4.1. 3rd -6th Grade Division - five (5) seconds. NOTE: This is a judgement call by the refs. Not a strict black/white call.
1.8.4.2. 7th through 12th Grade Divisions - three (3) seconds.
2.1. The Kindergarten and the1-2 Coed Div. use a youth size ball (27.5”) in the game and at practices.
2.2. Grades 1-2: A defensive player may not pick up an offensive player until the offensive player enters the crosses over the 3-point circle. Kindergarten: A defensive player may not pick up an offensive player until the offensive player enters the key.
2.3. A player may only steal the ball on a pass or loose ball situation.
2.4. The basketball rims are adjusted to 8 ft. approx.
2.5. A full court press is not permitted at any time.
2.6. The free throw line is established by the referee.
2.7. The three or five second rule in the key does not apply.
2.8. Team and individual scores are not kept.
2.9. The playing time is two twenty (20) minute running halves.
2.10. The head coach is allowed on the court and is positioned on the opposite side of the court from the trail official to stay out of the way.
Time Outs:
2 per half (no carry-overs)
Clock Stoppage:
Last 2 minutes of second half. Exception is a 15 point lead or greater in the second half.
Substitution Rules for Rec League Only:
First Half: At the 15, 10 and 5 minute mark all bench players must enter.
Second Half: Non starters must start the second half.
Mandatory substitutions of all bench players at 15 and 10 minute marks of 2nd half.
Free substitution at the 5 minute mark of the second half to the end of the game
All players are required to sit out five consecutive minutes before the
5-minute mark of the second half.
(Open League Free Substitution at any time)
Foul Outs:
Player foul-out of the game on their 5th personal
Quick Division Reference |
|||||
Division |
Ball Size |
Rim Height |
Defense |
Full Court Press |
Seconds in Key |
Grades 1-2 Coed |
27.5 |
8 ft. Rec 9 ft. Open |
3pt line rec (Half court OL) |
none last 1 min of game (open) |
none |
Grades 3-4 Boys |
28.5 Intermediate |
10 ft. |
Half Court |
Last 5 min of game |
5 |
Grades 5-6 Boys |
29.5 Regulation |
10 ft. |
Half Court |
Last 10 min of gm |
5 |
Grades 7-8 Boys |
29.5 Regulation |
10 ft. |
Any |
Whole Game |
3 |
Grades 9-12 Boys |
29.5 Regulation |
10 ft. |
Any |
Whole Game |
3 |
Grades 3-4 Girls |
28.5 Intermediate |
9 ft. |
Half Court |
Last 5 min of game |
5 |
Grades 5-6 Girls |
28.5 Intermediate |
10 ft. |
Half Court |
Last 10 min of gm |
5 |
Grades 7-9 Girls |
28.5 Intermediate |
10 ft. |
Any |
Whole Game |
3 |