2013 Basketball Rules Revised (3-1-13) (10-26-13)
High school Rules apply unless league specific
Senior
League
7th – 8th grade
High School
28.5”
8 minute
quarters
Participants
Ball Size Boys
Ball Size Girls
Game Time
Junior
League
5th – 6th grade
28.5”
28.5”
8 minute
quarters
Freshman
League
3rd – 4th grade
27”
27”
8 minute
quarters
Playing time requirement:
Each player (All Leagues) must play at least 12 minutes in three (3) four(consecutive) minute intervals and must-sit out 8 minutes per game and the minutes must be in two (2)
four-(consecutive) minute intervals. The intervals do not need to be consecutive, just the minutes. This
applies unless the player is injured, ill, fouled out, or benched for disciplinary reasons. If the player is
injured, ill or benched for disciplinary reasons, the opposing coach must be made aware of this situation
before the game begins. This Rule is in effect throughout the entire season, including Playoffs. A
violation of this Rule will cause a team to forfeit the game. If one of the teams playing has more than
10 players participating in the game, then the playing requirements must be completed by the
halfway point of the 4th quarter.
HANOVER ONLY:
All team players must play an equal amount of time, as numbers permit. A player should never play
more than 1 half quarter more than any other player. Substitutions during a half quarter are not
permitted except for injury or other medical condition. Playing time should be fair over the course of the
season and extra playing time should be allocated proportional to attendance at practices.
The above playing time rules apply in overtime as well.
The 3rd - 8th Grade Boys and Girls Leagues will play four quarters of eight minutes each.
The first, second and third quarters will consist of running time. The fourth quarter will be stopped time.
The clock will stop for all timeouts, injuries, and foul shots throughout the entire game.
The clock will stop at the halfway mark of each quarter for substitutions only. This is not a coach’s time
out! In the last 30 seconds of play, the clock will not start until the ball crosses mid court.
3rd - 8th Grade Leagues Mercy Rule
If a team wins by more than 30 points during the regular season, the following steps will be taken.
1st offense
Team Warning
2nd offense
Forfeit of the game
rd
3 offense
Forfeit of the game and will not be allowed to participate in the playoffs.
Ejections:
If a coach or a player is asked to leave the game due to poor sportsmanship, he or she
will receive a Two-Game Suspension (this does not include the game being played).
Foul Shots:
The 5th –8th Grade Boys and girls Leagues will shoot from the regulation foul line.
The 3rd - 4th Grade Boys League can move one foot in (closer to the basket) and heels should touch the
foul line.
The 3rd - 4th Grade Girls League can move up to 3 feet closer.
Fouling Out: Fouling Out: All 3rd - 6th graders will foul out upon committing a sixth (6) personal foul.
All 7th- 8th graders will foul out upon committing a fifth (5) personal foul. If as a result of a player fouling
out, their team would have fewer than five (5) players, they may continue to play in the game, provided
that on each subsequent foul he/she commits, the opposing team will, in addition to shooting their foul
shots, be awarded technical foul shots and receive the ball at mid-court.
One and one is in effect on the seventh team foul per half. Two free
throws are awarded on the tenth foul.
Fouling (Team fouls):
Officials:
Each League will use league-approved officials. Officials will have full responsibility for
the control of the game. There will be two officials (5th - 8th grade) and one official (3rd – 4th grade). In
the 5th – 8th grade league if only one official shows, the game will still be played. If no official shows for a
scheduled game, the game must be re-scheduled.
Overtime – In all of the 3rd -4th Grade Leagues a game may end in a tie score and no overtime will be
played. In all the 5th - 8th grade levels if a game ends in a tie, one 2 minute (stopped time) overtime
period will be played. After overtime is completed, the game is over, even if the game is still tied.
Playoff games will have overtime periods. Each overtime period will be four (4) minutes long and will be
stopped time.
Pressing:
The 7th- 8th Grade Teams may only press during the fourth quarter (man-to-man press
only), however, if a team is up by 15 or more points at any time during the quarter they cannot press. If
a team should drop below a 15-point lead, they may press again. The team that is losing by 15 or more
points may press throughout the quarter. The 3rd- - 6th Grade Teams may not full court press at any time.
The defense must drop back if the opposing team gets the defensive rebound; if there is a change of
possession; in the case of dead ball call; or on a basket scored.
Scorekeeper: Each community will provide an official Scorekeeper/Timekeeper, properly instructed in
all aspects of Rules, and who must be at least a freshman in High School.
Substitutions: Substitutions can only happen at the beginning or halfway point of the each quarter (All
Leagues), except in the case of an injury or fouling out.
Free substitution: during 4th quarter and overtime (3rd-8th Grade Leagues), providing all playing time
requirements will have been met. If a team has more than 10 players participating in the game, then
free substitution will not begin for BOTH teams until the halfway point of the 4th quarter. Not
applicable for Hanover teams.
Stealing:
NO STEALING: Boys and Girls 3rd - 4th Grade League only – No Stealing on the dribble
outside the three point line.
Time Outs:
3rd - 8th Grade Leagues – 2 full (60 seconds) per half, can't carry over time outs if they
are not used. 5th - 8th Grade Leagues – 1 full (60 seconds) time out for overtime.
Zone Defense: No zone defense is allowed, man on man defense only. Double teaming is also not
allowed. (3rd - 8th grade leagues). A warning will be given for a zone defense or double teaming and
then a technical foul may be called. If an offensive player has the ball or has clearly established position
inside the 3-point line, then a defensive player must be approximately within six feet. If an offensive
player is outside the 3-point line, a defensive player can play “help” defense, but must remain outside
the key. If an offensive player with the ball beats his/her opponent, then a defensive player can help or
switch. Double-teaming is allowed inside the key. Double team violations will be called at the official’s
discretion. Example: If a player beats his/her opponent then a double team briefly occurs, but the
defensive player currently has the advantage.
PLEASE NOTE: 7th-8th Grade Leagues – The above rule also applies; however teams are allowed to play
a Zone Defense in the 3rd quarter only double teaming is allowed in the 3rd & 4th quarter as well.