Basketball Rules

Game Format
- Games consist of two 20-minute halves (running clock, except last 1 minute of the 2nd half). Overtime: 3 minutes (clock stops last 30 seconds). Timeouts: 2 per half, no carryover.
- Each player must wear their issued jersey at all games. No player may participate without their jersey
Player Shortage Rule
- Each team should have 5 players on the court at all times.
- If a team only has 4 players available, the game will still be played (the game will be an automatic forfeit if the team has only 3 players).
- During the regular season the team may borrow or use a substitute player to fill the 5th spot, but the sub must be someone of similar ability (not significantly stronger or weaker than the average skill level for that division).
- During the playoffs if a team has 4 players there will not be sub from another team, rather the game will be played 4v4.
- The goal is to keep games fair and competitive for everyone. League staff or referees have the final say if a sub is considered fair for that game.
- If at any time a team is down to less than 3 players, it will constitute a forfeit, unless that team has a chance to win the game.
Timeouts
- Two timeouts per half. No carryover.
- The clock stops only for timeouts during both halves.
- In the final two minutes of the second half, the clock will stop for any official stoppage (timeouts, fouls, out-of-bounds, etc.)
- In the Event of a tie during regulation we will have a 3 MINUTES OVERTIME. Each Coach will have 1 TIMEOUT NO carry over of Time outs.
- If after the first Overtime and the score is still in a TIE – The game will then end in a TIE. There will NO second OVERTIME during the regular season. In the Playoffs Overtime will be played until there is a winner.
Bonus
- Under 3 minutes there will be a bonus after 2 fouls
- Clock starts on 1 and 1 shooting fouls when the first shot is missed
Ejections and Technical Fouls
- Any player or coach who receives two technical fouls in a single game will be ejected and must leave the playing area immediately.
- Flagrant or unsportsmanlike conduct, including fighting or intentional harm, will result in automatic ejection for the game and possible multi-game suspension.
- Use of foul language, taunting, or any unsportsmanlike behavior will result in a technical foul.
Sportsmanship and Game Play
- Any coach or player ejected for misconduct is not allowed in the gym for the remainder of the game.
- Coaches and players must conduct themselves respectfully towards officials, opponents, and spectators at all times.
- Unsportsmanlike fan conduct may result in technical fouls assessed to the team and may lead to removal from the gym.
- A player fouls out of the game after their 6th foul. This rule applies only to 7th & 8th Grade because of the more physical game that is played.
- A technical foul is counted as a personal foul.
- A 2nd technical foul in the same game will result in the ejection of that player or coach.
Defense:
- Press Rules
- 3rd thru 6th Grades will be allowed to play backcourt defense in the last 3 minutes of the game.
- 7th & 8th Grades can play backcourt defense the entire second half of the game
- In all divisions and at any time that a team has a 20 point lead or higher, that team MUST play defense inside the 3 point arc
- Referees have full discretion in regards to overly aggressive defense and clear violations during play, such as running into a player with no intention of stealing the ball.




