Robert D Fowler Family YMCA
Youth Basketball Rules
Objective:
The main objective of the YMCA youth basketball program is to teach young boys
and girls important life values and skills. Good sportsmanship, teamwork and respect for
others are yet a few of the topics coaches will introduce. We want to teach the children the
fundamental skills of basketball; dribbling, passing shooting, defense and rules.
General Rules:
 Each game will start with recitation of the “Youth Sports Pledge” and will conclude
with players and coaches shaking hands saying “Good Game”.
 The team and coaches should remain in the designated area on the side-court
(except 3-4 and 5-6 year old team 1 coach can be on the floor.)
 The coaches will be responsible for the conduct of both the players and the parents
of his/her team.
 Officials and Gym Supervisors have the authority to ask any parent, coaches,
players or any other spectators, who do not display conduct in keeping with the
YMCA philosophy, to leave the gym.
 Please remain outside the gym until the game prior to yours is finished.
 All players should learn all positions. Each game a child should play a different
position.
 It is strongly encouraged that teamwork is stressed to avoid a one-man team. Each
team may practice only once per week on the day assigned with the YMCA.
Game Day General Rules
 The timekeeper will only stop the clock for official time-outs and foul shots (until the
players are set and then the clock is re-started once players are set). Otherwise it is
a running clock. The clock does not stop when the ball goes out of bounds.
 (Ages 3-8) are allowed 1 timeout per half. (Ages 9-12) will get 2 timeouts per half.
Each timeout is a 30 second timeout.
 At halftime, the teams in the (7-12 yrs old) age division will switch baskets.
(Excludes 3/4 yrs old and 5/6 yrs old)
 There will be 1 minute breaks between quarters and a 3 minute break between the
halves. No overtime will be played.
 There will be a jump ball at the start of each game. (Excludes ages 3/4 yrs old and
5/6 yrs old). Ages 3-6 will determine possession at the beginning of the game by a
coin toss.
 The teams will alternate possession out of bounds for all “tie-ups” during the game.
(The possession arrow will be kept on the scoreboard.)
 For ages 3-8, a player CAN NOT steal the ball from another player who has
possession of the ball. However, a defensive player is allowed to deflect a pass
and/or go after a loose ball.
Fair Play Rules:
In order to create a relaxed and stress free learning environment for the children,
the following rules will be enforced:
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All teams will follow and enforce the YMCA basketball rules.
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All teams will play to win; but not at all costs. Coaches, players, and
parents/spectators should always put athletes first and keep winning in
perspective.
All teams will behave in an appropriate manner.
All teams will respect the coaches and players of the opposing team.
In an effort to avoid extreme “blow-outs” the following rule will be enforced. If a
team is winning by more than 15 points, the winning team must pass the
basketball at least five times before EACH shot is attempted. Only passes made
past the half-court line will counted. Failure to observe this rule will result in the
following penalties:
1) 1st Violation: Loss of possession.
2) 2nd Violation: Technical Foul; 1 shot and loss of possession.
It is expected that all coaches, players and spectators by their participation in our
youth sports program, have accepted and will abide by the fair play rules.
Players:
A. Playing Time:
Each player must participate a minimum of two quarters each game. If a player
arrives at half-time, he/she is required to play only one quarter. If all players are
not present for a game, “extra” quarters should be given out equally. Additional
playing time should not be a reward for the more advanced players. At the
conclusion of the season, all players should have equal amounts of “extra”
playing time.
B. Substitutions:
Substitutions may only be at the 1/2 way point of quarter and between
quarters. If a player is injured during the game, the coach may substitute for
the remainder of the quarter. All 9-12 year old players must check in with the
time/scorekeeper at the beginning of the quarter.
C. Attendance:
All players are expected to attend practices as well as games. No child will be
disciplined for missing a practice. He/she is still entitled to play a minimum of
two quarters at each game.
D. Positions:
All players should have the opportunity to play all positions by the end of the
season.
Coaches:
A. Each team should have at least two adult coaches.
B. Teams will remain in a designated area for the game.
C. Age 3-4 & 5-6: one coach will be allowed on the court during the game to help
instruct the players.
D. All coaches in the older age groups will remain on their half of the court on the
sideline.
Equipment:
A. All players must wear non-marking athletic shoes.
B. All players must wear team t-shirts/jerseys for all games. Jerseys will be tucked
in during play.
C. Each gym supervisor will have a game ball to be used on Saturdays for games.
They will also have extra balls to use in practices, however, we encourage
players to bring their own ball with them to practice (please encourage players
to write their names on the ball with a permanent marker.)
D. Each team will have their goal adjusted to the proper height for all
practices/games.
E. Basketball size shall be as follows:
a. 3-4 yr old will be Mini ball (18 inches)
b. 5-6 & 7-8 will be a Junior ball (27 inches)
c. 9-10 will be an Intermediate ball (28.5 inches)
d. 11-12 Boys will be an Official ball (29.5 inches) Girls will be
intermediate ball (28.5 inches)
Rule Bending:
A. Rule Bending is permissible in the first few games of the season. Rule
bending is permitted to allow all players the opportunity to learn in a relaxed
game environment. This is not a competitive league, no standings will be
kept. The purpose of this league is fun, fitness, skill development,
teamwork and fair play.
 Rule bending is done on an equal basis. No preferential treatment will
be given to an individual or a team.
 By the 3rd game, rule bending will be minimal to non-existent. The
children need to realize that certain infractions have consequences.
All fragrant/dangerous violations should be called from the beginning of the
season. Possession will be awarded to the other team in any flagrant or
dangerous play.
Individual Age Group Specific Rules
3/4 Year Old League
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Ball Size: Mini Ball (18 inches)
Maximum roster is 8 players
Teams will play 4 v 4 at this age group.
Game Length: 5 Minute Quarters
Basket Height: 6 Feet
Must hold the ball on all defensive rebounds and inbound plays until the defense
has the time to drop back into the backcourt. (NO FAST BREAKS)
Must use a man-to-man defense. No double teaming will be allowed. Prior to the
start of the game coaches should attempt to match players by ability. Players will
then be assigned colored wristbands. The players then guard only the person with
the same colored wristband.
A player CAN NOT steal the ball from another player who has possession of the ball.
However, a defensive player is allowed to deflect a pass and/or go after a loose ball.
Will not shoot free throws. All fouls will result in the ball out of bounds.
Will not switch baskets at halftime.
A player must be allowed to inbound the basketball without obstruction. All
defensive players must stand back at least 3 feet.
The defense may only play defense at half court, there is a line to denote half court.
This allows the offense to advance the ball untouched. This age group cannot play
defense until the red line. (The free throw line on the cross court.)
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One timeout per half.
Lane violations will not be called however; coaches must teach players that they
cannot “camp out” in the lane.
All referees are to be treated with the utmost respect.
5/6 Year Old League
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Ball Size: Junior Ball (27 inches)
Maximum roster is 9 players
Game Length: 6 Minutes Quarters
Basket Height: 8 Feet
Must hold the ball on all defensive rebounds and inbound plays until the defense
has the time to drop back into the backcourt. (NO FAST BREAKS)
Must use a man-to-man defense. No double teaming will be allowed. Prior to the
start of the game coaches should attempt to match players by ability. Players will
then be assigned colored wristbands. The players then guard only the person with
the same colored wristband.
A player CAN NOT steal the ball from another player who has possession of the ball.
However, a defensive player is allowed to deflect a pass and/or go after a loose ball.
Will not shoot free throws. All fouls will result in the ball out of bounds.
Will not switch baskets at halftime.
A player must be allowed to inbound the basketball without obstruction. All
defensive players must stand back at least 3 feet.
The defense may only play defense at half court, there is a line to denote half court.
This allows the offense to advance the ball untouched. This age group cannot play
defense until the red line. (The free throw line on the cross court.)
Lane violations will not be called however; coaches must teach players that they
cannot “camp out” in the lane.
One timeout per half.
All referees are to be treated with the utmost respect.
7/8 Year Old League
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Ball Size: Junior Ball (27 inches)
Maximum roster is 10 players
Game Length: 7 Minute Quarters
Basket Height: 9 feet
May “Fast Break” (MUST KEEP THE BALL UNDER CONTROL) up to a 15 point lead. If
a team is winning by more than 15 points, the winning team must pass the
basketball at least five times before EACH shot is attempted. Only passes made
past the half-court line will be counted.
Must use a man-to-man defense. No double teaming will be allowed. Prior to the
start of the game coaches should attempt to match players by ability. Players will
then be assigned colored wristbands. The players then guard only the person with
the same colored wristband.
A player CAN NOT steal the ball from another player who has possession of the ball.
However, a defensive player is allowed to deflect a pass and/or go after a loose ball.
Will switch baskets at halftime.
Will shoot free throws from the 10 foot line.
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There will be a jump ball at the start of the game. The teams will alternate
possession out of bounds for all “tie ups” during the game.
A player must be allowed to inbound the basketball without obstruction. All
defensive players must stand back at least 3 feet.
The defense may only play defense at half court, there is a line to denote half court.
This allows the offense to advance the ball untouched. This age group cannot play
defense until the red line. (The free throw line on the cross court.)
Lane violations will not be called however; coaches must teach players that they
cannot “camp out” in the lane. By the 3rd game of the season, players should be out
of the lane before the 5 second violation is called.
One timeout per half.
All referees are to be treated with the utmost respect.
9/10 Year Old League
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Ball Size: Intermediate Ball (28.5 inches, Women’s Size Basketball)
Maximum roster is 10 players
Game Length: 10 Minute Quarters
Basket Height: 10 feet
May “Fast Break” (MUST KEEP THE BALL UNDER CONTROL) up to a 15 point lead. If
a team is winning by more than 15 points, the winning team must pass the
basketball to each player on the court (minimum of 5 passes) before EACH shot is
attempted. Only passes made past the half-court line will be counted.
In the final 2 minutes of 4th Quarter, if the margin between both teams is 10 points
or less, the clock will stop for free throws, fouls, out of bounds, etc. Other wise, the
clock only stops for timeouts and subs.
Will be allowed to use zone or man-to-man defense. If a team has a 15 point lead,
they must play zone defense with one foot in the lane.
The defense may only play defense at half-court; there is a line to denote half-court.
This allows the offense to advance the ball untouched.
Will shoot free throws from the 15 foot line.
Will switch baskets at halftime.
Substitutions may be made between quarters or at the 1/2 way mark of that
quarter, (Ex. 5 minutes left to the end of the quarter.) If a player is injured during
the game, the coach may substitute a player for the reminder of the quarter. All
players must check in with the time/scorekeeper at the beginning of the quarter.
Two timeouts per half. Both are 30 seconds in length.
Players are allowed 5 seconds in the paint before they must move out of the lane.
Lane violations will be called at this age group.
Team fouls will be kept per half, 7 team fouls result in a one-and-one situation, and
10 team fouls result in two free throws. Individual fouls will be a max of 5 per
player. Once a player reaches 5 individual fouls, he/she has fouled out of the game
and will need a substitute player.
All referees are to be treated with the utmost respect.
Jump Balls:
a) There will be a jump ball at the start of each game. The possession arrow will be
kept on the scoreboard.
b) The teams will alternate possession out of bounds for all “tie ups” during the game.
Offensive Regulations:
 If a violation is called between the free throw line and the center line, the ball will be
taken out of bounds in the back half of the offensive court.
 Players are allowed in the paint for no more than 5 seconds.
 A player must be allowed to inbound the basketball without obstruction. All
defensive players must stand back at least 3 feet.
 All violations will be called appropriate to the age group playing. Traveling and
double dribble will be called for flagrant violations. The referees will use discretion
for all minor violations. By the 3rd game of the season, the referees will enforce the
“RULES” more strictly.
Defensive Regulations:
 All teams will be allowed to use a zone or man-to-man defense. If a team has a 15
point lead, the must play a zone defense with one foot in the lane.
 The defense may only play defense at half court. In the final 2 minutes of each half
(2nd & 4th Quarter ) the teams may full court press. (There is no full court press if a
team is leading by 15 points or more.)
Team Fouls:
 All players will shoot free throws from the 15 foot line.
 Any flagrant foul called by the referee will result in one technical shot and
possession of the ball for the other team. Two flagrant fouls in one game can result
in the ejection from the game and possibly league.
Technical Fouls:
 A coaching technical will result in two free throws plus ball possession for the other
team. Any coaching technical will be reported to the YMCA by the officials.
Coaches who demonstrate poor sportsmanship will receive an automatic technical
and automatic removal from the gym.
 A player technical will result in one free throw plus possession for the other team.
The player will be expelled from that half of play. The second player technical in
one game results in expulsion from the game and gym.
 The use of profanity will not be tolerated by any participant in the YMCA Youth
Basketball Program. The use of profanity on or off the court is grounds for
immediate ejection from the game (and possibly league). Two free throws will be
awarded and possession to the opposing team.