Playing Time: Each player must play equally in each game as per the separate instruction (minimum ˝ game). Each player present must sit out an equal amount of time if the number of players (6 or more) permit. Games will stop at approximately the midpoint of each quarter on any out of bound (including a made shot) situation or when the official or referee deems appropriate.
Each team is allowed two time outs per half. Time outs will last one minute. Time outs may not be carried into the next half. One additional time out is allowed per each overtime. Midquarter stoppages for substitutions only, (no team meetings) are not counted as a time-out. If a team is taking advantage of the mid-point stoppage for substitutions, at the discretion of the official, after a warning, the violating team will be charged a time-out. If no time-outs remain, the team will be charged with a delay of game,technical foul, 2 shots.
Personal fouls will be recorded. Each player is allowed five personal fouls before being removed from the game. Technical fouls are are both a personal and a team foul.
Team fouls will be recorded. The penalty situation is in affect on the 7th foul of each half. On the 7th the free-throw shooter is awarded a one and one bonus; on the 10th foul, and above, for the remainder of the half, the free throw shooter will be awarded two bonuses shots. It is the mutual responsibility of both coaches to notify the referee when the penalty situations are in effect.
Substitutions are permitted only at the nearest half waypoint of each quarter only. A player may not be substituted because of foul trouble except at the designated half way-point of the quarter. (Not applicable in 11th and 12th grade Boys Division).
Games must start with five players, but may finish with less (foul outs, injuries, etc.). Start of game delays of more than ten minutes because of not enough players effect forfeit. In the event of a forfeit, the remaining players in attendance will be split among the two teams and a scrimmage will be played.
Quarters for 3rd through 6th grades plus 7th & 8th grade Girls Divisions will last for ten minutes running clock stopping only for foul shots, injuries, and time outs. Quarters for 7th & 8th grade boys Divisions will last for seven minutes, all H. S (9th – 12th) eight minutes – clock will stop when the ball is considered “ dead”. Games should be completed within their designated time slot.
There will be a one-minute rest between quarters and three minutes between halves for all divisions (as time permits).
Games may end in a tie. Teams are permitted to play one(1) three minute overtime period. The exception being that in the playoffs, teams will play subsequent three minute periods until a winner is determined. Please note that the equal playing time rules is still in effect. A jump ball will start each game and overtime periods. At the start of 2nd, 3rd, & 4th quarters and a change of possession will be awarded based on alternate possessions. Mid quarter time outs is not a change of possession.
For games up through and including 6th grade boys and 8th grade girls, the ball is considered free until it crosses half court. (See rule 13). Defense will allow a three-foot buffer zone in the front court. Note: teams get ten seconds to get the ball over half court regardless if a timeout is called. If a time out is called, the referee is to pick up the count where he left off prior to the time-out. Once the ball is brought into the front court, an inbound pass can be challenged full court. If the defensive rebounder tries a long pass immediately towards mid court or beyond, and the official deems that the pass was intended to cross mid-court, it is considered a live ball and may be defended. In small gyms, once the ball crosses the mid court line, the backcourt will be considered to be the rear foul line extended.
6th grade boys and 7th & 8th grade girls will be able to full court press at the beginning of the last part of the final quarter after the final substitution of the 4th quarter and during overtime. This rule carries over to playoffs. If a team is leading by 11 points or more they are not allowed to press. Once warned, second and subsequent violations would be a technical foul. 7th grade boys and up along with 9th grade and above girls will allowed to full court press at all times.
Basket height for 2nd grade divisions is eight feet, 3rd grade is eight and one half feet, 4th grade is nine feet and all other divisions are ten feet as conditions permit.
Three seconds in the lane will be called for the 5th grade and above divisions. Five seconds in the lane will be called in the 3rd and 4th grade divisions. No lane violations for 2nd grade unless abuse is observed.
The five second closely guarded rule will not be used in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade divisions.
Comparison of score books is recommended after each quarter.
Games are considered postponed (probably eliminated) if schools are closed due to inclement weather. These games may or may not be rescheduled. All other cancellations will be authorized by the Association Exec. Board only. No games may be canceled for any reason without first authorization of the executive board.
Jewelry is not permitted to be worn by players at practices or games. The rule bans the wearing of, but is not limited to, all rings, bracelets, earrings (including “posts”), necklaces and watches. Medical alert bracelets are exempt from this rule but should be taped down using athletic tape. This rule applies to both sexes. If a player cannot remove jewelry, including earrings then he/she will not be permitted to play. No hard (plaster, fiberglass, hard leather) casts, as well as metal braces are permitted either in practices or games.
Ball size for league games are as follows:
2nd, 3rd & 4th grade teams- Junior size ball
5th and 6th grade boys and all women 5th grade and up- Women’s 28.5 size
7th grade & up boys- Regulation Size
Anyone who engages in fighting or the verbal abuse of a referee or another player or coach during or after a game including, but not limited to a player, coach, parent or spectator shall be ejected for the remainder of that game. This individual shall be suspended for the following game and further penalties could be assessed at the discretion of the Executive Board. A single occurrence may result in expulsion from the program. The Executive Board will review all reported incidents and their rulings and findings shall be final.
Upon a second ejection, at minimum, a player will be suspended for the game following. Additionally, all reported incidents will be reviewed by the Executive Board to determine if further penalties are necessary.
Man to man defense is strongly encouraged in all grade divisions and is mandatory for the 2nd grade division. Coaches are permitted on the court during the game play in the 2nd grade division.