2012 BASKETBALL RULES of PLAY
(12/11/2011)
1. In order to maintain the recreational nature of the league, if a team has 6 or more players, no child will be allowed to play the entire game. All players must play one half, unless the he or she fouls out or is injured. Coaches are advised to give all children equal time on the court.
2. All players must be in uniforms for games.
3. Players are not permitted to wear jewelry or unsecured eyewear.
4. Ball must cross half-court within 10 seconds. Forward motion must be maintained by player bringing ball up court. SPECIAL RULE FOR 3RD/4TH GRADE GIRLS BRINGING THE BALL UP: The defensive players must wait below the top of the key until the offensive team brings the ball below the top of the key. After the ball crosses that imaginary line, then the defense is released to cover the entire forecourt.
5. PRESSING
a) 3/4 boys and girls-no backcourt defense at any time.
b) 5/6 boys and girls-backcourt defense will only be permitted during the last 2 minutes of the game. If a team is winning by 10 points or more, they may not employ backcourt defense. If they do, they will be given a warning first, thereafter a technical. (two shots and possession)
c) 7/8 boys and girls-back-court defense is allowed at any time. 10 point rule applies. (see above)
6. A player committing a fifth foul in a game must be removed from the game, unless he/she is your last player. Technical foul will apply to the last player.
7. After the 7th team foul is committed in a half, a player will shoot one and one.
After 10 fouls, 2 shots.
8. One coach from each team may stand. Other coaches and all players must sit on the bench. Failure to do so may result in a technical foul.
9. All substitutes must report to the scorer’s table prior to entering the game.
10. It is imperative that each game start on time. The referees will be instructed to begin the game on schedule. If a team has 4 players at tip-off time, they may start with 4. If a team has fewer than 4 players at tip-off time, they must forfeit the game. They may, however, choose to play the game, borrowing players from the opposing team, etc. The game will be considered official.
11. Tip off is used at the beginning of each game. Alternate possession thereafter.
12. Time clock will be stopped after all whistles in last two minutes of each half only.
13. Grades 5--8, B & G-- three second rule in the key for the offensive team.
Grades 3 and 4, B & G, five second rule in the key for the offensive team.
14. Play will consist of two twenty minute halves. The first eighteen minutes will be played as straight running time. The last two minutes of each half will be played with the clock stopping for each whistle. The same time rules apply to all leagues and levels.
15. Three minute break at half time.
16. One minute for time-outs; teams are permitted 2 time-outs and one 20 second per half.
17. In the event of a tie game, a three minute running overtime will be played, (time permitting, and at the discretion of the coaches, with final ruling by the referee), and an additional time-out will allotted for each team. Time-outs may not be carried over into overtime. Backcourt defense will be allowed in the last minute of the overtime for grades 5-8.
18. All other High School rules shall apply.
19. Coaches hold down scores. NO PROTESTS, shake after all games.
20. No league standings will be kept for the recreation programs.
21. If referees are not present at a game, the visiting coach is asked to notify the Home Team’s Town Coordinator with-in 24 hours.
22. Ball sizes are as follows: 3-4g—27.0; 5-8g--28.5; 3/4b--28.5; 5-8b—29.5 or 30.0
23. 3rd/4th and 5th/6th grade players may jump and land across the foul line when shooting foul shots as long as the jump is not used to gain a subsequent rebounding advantage. 3rd/4th grade players may take a step up and shoot foul shots from 12 feet.
24. Remember-this is for the children,-make it a valuable learning experience.
25. 3-4 girls basket height will be 10 feet for 2012. This is due to gym restrictions in some of our venues.