Rules of Play

MINI and JUNIOR DIVISION

In this division we are introducing the children to basketball. Many of the children have not experienced playing basketball in a group, and some have not even played before. No score will be kept in this division. Our main goal is for the children to learn some of the basic skills of basketball and to have fun.

Some of the basketball skills we will be covering this season are; dribbling, passing, shooting and proper defense. By the end of the season each player should have a general understanding of the basic rules of play. It is also our goal to prepare the players, specifically the third graders for the Intermediate Division - where rules are more strictly enforced. It is in the Intermediate Division they will have real Referee’s and score will be kept.

Another important goal of this division, is to teach the players to maintain both self and team control. Basketball is a physical game. However, it shouldn’t cause injuries or altercations.

The Court: The junior and mini division’s plays with 8-foot baskets, where available. After January 1, if both coaches concur some or all of the game can be played full court. However, this is only advisable if there are sufficient players to allow frequent substitution, as they will tire more quickly. Whenever the number of players support it, two games will be played simultaneously in each gym using the side baskets. Teams will consist of 4 players per side (when warranted 3-on-3 can be used in the mini Division) with substitutes rotated on a continual basis. When two games are played simultaneously, each team will be split into two groups, one more experienced and one less experienced

Parents: Are not to give players instruction from the sidelines during the session. This will only cause confusion with the coaches instructions.

Defense: Defense shall be man-to-man only. Defensive players can begin to cover their assigned player after the offensive player crosses half court. NO ZONES OR DOUBLE TEAMING IS PERMITTED.

Referees: Coaches or Assistant coaches will act as referees when games are played. Coaches can stop play at any time for instructions. Every attempt should be made to make the stoppages brief and to maintain a continuous flow to the game.

Violations: (3 seconds, Out of Bounds, Double Dribble, Traveling): Team retains ball, briefly stop and advise player of what they did wrong. Remember learning the basic rules is a goal of this division. In mini-Division, additional leniency should be used to not overburden players with rule details. Focus on the larger picture of the game.

Traveling Violations: For instructional purposes, Traveling with the ball occurs when:

An offensive player brings his dribble to a stop and takes more than the allotted two steps without shooting or passing.
An offensive player in possession of the ball takes more than one step in any direction while not keeping one foot stationary. The stationary foot (pivot foot) must not be moved at any time.
When an offensive player carries the ball while dribbling.

Fouls: There will be no foul shooting

Intentional Fouls: To ensure control is maintained and injuries are avoided when a player intentionally fouls, they should be quietly counseled. If a second occurrence occurs during a session, in addition to counseling, the player should be sidelined for the remainder of the session to reinforce the need for protecting other players.

Picks (Screens): The concept of setting a pick should be developed during the season as the skills increase. The goal is that they understand once you set a pick you do not move to block the opposing player (which in the upper divisions will be called as an offensive foul).

BLOOD RULE: No bleeding Player may remain in the game. The injured player’s parent or the player, when possible, should clean up blood. Coaches shall provide the basic first aid kit (included with the coach's equipment) to the parent or player.

Side Lines: Coaches, Non-Active Players and Parents shall not go onto the court during a game. Junior and mini division games which are played using the side baskets call for strict enforcement of the following rules: At no time should non-active players, siblings, parents or other guests be playing basketball on the unused portion of the gym. This is a distraction to the children playing, the coaches trying to coach, as well as the fact that our insurance does not cover non-registered individuals.

Official Score: This is an instructional division and no scores will be kept. It is the responsibility of the coaches to explain and teach the rules of basketball. Winning shall not be stressed or discussed.

Starting Time and End Times: The first 30 minutes of each session should be used for practice while the remaining 30-45 minutes should be used for game play. All games must be completed within the allotted time. Ideally, the goal is to keep the game to approximately one hour. In no case shall the game run over the allotted gym time. The coaches have the primary responsibility to make sure that gym times are not exceeded.

Player Time: All Players shall play for at least 1/2 the game, or in the case where there are more than 10 players, as equally as reasonably possible. As long as a team has more than five (5) Players, no Player may play more than a total of 3/4 of the game. Perceived violations should be reported to the respective Division Vice President.

Substitutions: Substitutions can be made whenever a coach deems it necessary. However, it is encouraged that the coaches coordinate this, so that both teams do it at the same time, to allow line-ups so players know who they are covering.

Shirts: All players' shirts shall be tucked in at all time

Jewelry: No jewelry shall be worn during games ( e.g., watches, earrings, chains, bracelets, etc. )

Eye Protection: Players who wear glasses must use a restraining strap to ensure they do not fall and break.

Equipment: Players may bring their own basketballs to use during appropriate times when the team is practicing. During other times the parent should control the ball. Water bottles may be brought by the players, however, they should be the type that will control a spill.

Profane Language: Use of profane language by Players, Coaches or Parents shall result in the immediate ejection of that individual. Trash talking and/or taunting will not be tolerated. All incidents shall be reported to the Division Vice President.

Fighting: Any Player, Coach or Parent instigating and/or participating in a fight shall result in the immediate ejection of the respective individual.

Ejection: Any Player, Coach or Parent ejected from a game will not be allowed to participate in future League activities until the specifics of the case are brought before the Board of Directors for review.

INTERMEDIATE BOYS

In this Division we are introducing the children to the rules of basketball. For many of the children this will be the first time they will experience these rules being enforced. Although we are keeping score, the main purpose of this Division is for the children to understand the rules, to have fun and to continue their development in the skills of basketball.

Defense: A “Man-to-Man” defense only, double-teaming the ball is allowed. Either team can use a full court press, during the 4th Quarter, and only if the point difference is less than 10 points. If the point difference is 10 points or more, only the team which is losing can press during the 4th quarter, until the point difference is less than ten, at which time either team can press.

Referees: The main purpose of the Referee is to allow the players to develop by maintaining a continuous flow while keeping control of the game and only calling obvious rules violations. There will only be one (1) Referee at each game and he will have a tough job. Coaches, Players and Parents shall not question referee decisions. Refs are trying to do their best to allow the Players to play and develop. Any questions concerning the Refs shall be forwarded to the Division Vice President and then, if necessary, to the League President for Board resolution.

3 Second Rule: Obvious 3 second violations shall result in a change of possession that will be up to the Referee's discretion. A 3 second violation occurs when an offensive player remains in the foul area for 3 or more continuous seconds. Time begins as the offense crosses the 1/2 court line or when the player may be potentially involved in the play. Players are allowed to enter and re-enter the lane area.

Traveling Violations: All Traveling violations called by the Referee shall result in a change of possession. Traveling with the ball occurs when:

An offensive player brings his dribble to a stop and takes more than the allotted two steps without shooting or passing.
An offensive player in possession of the ball takes more than one step in any direction while not keeping one foot stationary. The stationary foot (pivot foot) must not be moved at any time.
When an offensive player carries the ball while dribbling.

Fouls:

Shooting Fouls: Two Shots, One Team Foul
Intentional Fouls: Two Shots + Possession ,One Team Foul
Flagrant Fouls: Two Shots + Possession + Ejection; One Team Foul
Team Fouls: After 6 in any Half, one-and-one situation is invoked. On 10th Team Foul in any Half, two shots.
Personal Fouls: A Player fouls out on the 5th Personal Foul
Technical Fouls: A Coach or Player shall be ejected from the game after the 2nd Technical Foul. Any Technical Fouls resulting from improper language or behavior will result in immediate ejection from the game.
Foul Shots: Players may not enter the lane when a foul shot is taken until the ball hits the rim.

Side Lines: Coaches, Non-Active Players and Parents shall not go onto the court during a game.

Official Score: The Home Team scorebook is the official book. Coaches are encouraged to verify the score after each quarter with the opposing coach. A parent from each team should be chosen as scorekeepers at each game.

Jump Balls: A Jump Ball shall be used to begin each game. The scorers shall note which team gains possession after the first jump. For the remainder of the game alternate teams shall take possession in jump ball situations (e.g., simultaneous possession of the ball, beginning of Quarter 2,3 and 4 ).

Starting Time and End Times: All games must start promptly at the scheduled time so they may be completed within the allotted time. Ideally, the goal is to keep the game to approximately one hour. In no case shall the game run over the allotted gym time. If the allotted gym time has expired, the referee will end the game and the team leading will be the winner. The coaches have the primary responsibility to make sure that gym times are not exceeded.

Playing Time: Games will consist of four, ten (10) minute quarters running time. The clock should only stop for time outs or any foreseen long delays such as an injury. The clock should not stop for foul shots. During the last two (2) minutes of the first half and the fourth quarter, the clock will stop whenever the whistle sounds.

Quarter Breaks: The 1st and 3rd quarter breaks shall be one minute. The person keeping time should set their clock for the intermission period.

Half-time: Half-time will consist of a brief intermission of two minutes. The person keeping time should set their clock for the intermission period.

Overtime: Overtime shall be played as follows:

Period 1 - Two (2) minutes using stop time. Initial possession determined by Jump Ball.

Period 2 - Two (2) minutes using stop time. If there is no winner, the game is a tie.

Time-Outs: Each Team will be permitted one time-out per half. Each time out shall be one minute. Coaches should call time outs.

Substitutions: Coaches can substitute for any player at any time. However, substituting for players should not be an excuse for another time out. Players can enter a game during time out, or stoppage of play. If a coach wants to substitute a player during a stoppage, without being charged for a time out, the player should sit by the timekeeper, who will notify the referee the next time the ball is out of play. The clock should not stop for substitutions when a time out is not taken. Coaches should review substitution patterns prior to the game to eliminate playing time concerns during and after the game.

Shirts: All players' shirts shall be tucked in at all times.

Jewelry: No jewelry shall be worn during games ( e.g., watches, earrings, chains, bracelets, etc. )

Eye Protection: Players who wear glasses must use a restraining strap to ensure they do not fall and break.

Fighting: Any Player, Coach or Parent instigating and/or participating in a fight shall result in the immediate ejection of the respective individual.

Referee’s: All judgment calls are final. No player, coach, or parent should attempt to challenge a referee’s judgment call. Coaches (only) may ask referees for clarification of rules.

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BOYS SENIOR and SENIOR +

The following rules, based on the Junior High School rules and modified for our program, will be used for all play in the Senior and Senior Plus division:

Defense (Senior Boys Division): A Man to Man defense only, double teaming the ball is allowed. Either team can use full court press. If the point difference is 10 points or more, only the team which is losing can press until the point difference is less than 10, at which either team can press.

Defense (Senior Plus Division): Any variety of defense (zone, man-to-man, zone trap, etc. ) can be utilized. Either team can use a full court press at any time during the game. However, if the point difference is 10 or more points at any time, then only the team behind can use a full court press until the point difference is less than 10.

Referees: The main purpose of the Referee is to allow the players to develop by maintaining a continuous flow, while keeping control of the game, and only calling obvious rules violations. There will only be one (1) Referee at each game and he will have a tough job. Coaches, Players and Parents shall not question referee decisions. Refs are trying to do their best to allow the Players to play and develop. Any questions concerning the Ref's shall be forwarded to the Division Vice President and then, if necessary, to the League President for Board resolution.

3 Second Rule: Obvious 3 second violations shall result in a change of possession that will be up to the Referee's discretion. A 3 second violation occurs when an offensive player remains in the foul area for 3 or more continuous seconds. Time begins as the offense crosses the 1/2 court line or when the player may be potentially involved in the play. Players are allowed to enter and re-enter the lane area.

Traveling Violations: All Traveling violations called by the Referee shall result in a change of possession. Traveling with the ball occurs when:

An offensive player brings his dribble to a stop and takes more than the allotted two steps without shooting or passing.
An offensive player in possession of the ball takes more than one step in any direction while not keeping one foot stationary. The stationary foot (pivot foot) must not be moved at any time.
When an offensive player carries the ball while dribbling.

Fouls:

Shooting Fouls: Two Shots, One Team Foul
Intentional Fouls: Two Shots + Possession ,One Team Foul
Flagrant Fouls: Two Shots + Possession + Ejection; One Team Foul
Team Fouls: After 6 in any Half, one-and-one situation is invoked. On 10th Team Foul in any Half, two shots.
Personal Fouls: A Player fouls out on the 5th Personal Foul
Technical Fouls: A Coach or Player shall be ejected from the game after the 2nd Technical Foul. Any Technical Fouls resulting from improper language or behavior will result in immediate ejection from the game.
Foul Shots: Players may not enter the lane when a foul shot is taken until the ball hits the rim.

BLOOD RULE: No bleeding Player may remain in the game. The injured player’s parent or the player, when possible should clean up blood. Coaches shall provide the basic first aid kit (included with the coach's equipment) to the parent or player.

Side Lines: Coaches, Non-Active Players and Parents shall not go onto the court during a game.

Quarter Breaks: The 1st and 3rd quarter breaks shall be one minute. The person keeping time should set their clock for the intermission period.

Half-time: Half-time will consist of a brief intermission of two minutes. The person keeping time should set their clock for the intermission period.

Overtime: Overtime shall be played as follows:

Period 1 - Two (2) minutes using stop time. Initial possession determined by Jump Ball.

Period 2 - Two (2) minutes using stop time. If there is no winner, the game is a tie.

Time-Outs: Each Team will be permitted two time-outs per half. One time-out shall be one minute and one time-out shall be for 20 seconds. Time-outs do not carry over from the first half to the second half. Coaches should call time outs.

Player Time: All Players shall play for at least 1/2 the game, or in the case where there are more than 10 players, as equally as reasonably possible. Perceived violations should be reported to the respective Division Vice President. After an investigation by the Division Vice President, violations of this rule will result in the forfeiture of the game.

Substitutions : Coaches can substitute for any player at any time. However, substituting for players should not be an excuse for another time out. Players can enter a game during time out, or stoppage of play. If a coach wants to substitute a player during a stoppage, without being charged for a time out, the player should sit by the time keeper, who will notify the referee the next time the ball is out of play. The clock should not stop for substitutions when a time out is not taken. Coaches should review substituting patterns prior to the game to eliminate playing time concerns during and after the game.

Shirts: All players' shirts shall be tucked in at all times.

Jewelry: No jewelry shall be worn during games ( e.g., watches, earrings, chains, bracelets, etc. )

Eye Protection: Players who wear glasses must use a restraining strap to ensure they do not fall and break.

Profane Language: Use of profane language by Players, Coaches or Parents shall result in the immediate ejection of that individual. Trash-talking and/or taunting will not be tolerated. All incidents shall be reported to the Division Vice President.

Fighting: Any Player, Coach or Parent instigating and/or participating in a fight shall result in the immediate ejection of the respective Player or Coach.

Ejection: . Any Player, Coach or Parent ejected from a game will not be allowed to participate in future League activities until the specifics of the case are brought before the Board of Directors for review.

Referees : All judgment calls are final. No player, coach, or parent should attempt to challenge a referee’s judgment call. Coaches (only) may ask referees for clarification of rules.

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GIRLS INTERMEDIATE DIVISION

General Rules

· All players must play an equal amount of time, no exceptions. For ten players or less each player must play at least half of each game or 20 minutes. Substitutions will take place every 5 minutes and during normal game play. Playing time will be monitored.

· Only children registered in the program are allowed to participate in basketball activities.

· Players, parents and other guests must remain in the gym at all times.

· All other areas are OFF LIMITS !! Parents bringing sibling children must keep positive control over them and keep them off the court at all times. Proper supervision must be used when children leave the gym to use the restrooms.

· Each team must keep a scorebook, the home team scorebook is the official book.

· Remember this is an instructional league with emphasis on fair play for everyone.

· ALL players must shake hands at the conclusion of EVERY game.

Normal Girls Junior High Rules apply except as modified below in the RULES OF PLAY
Please be reminded of normal school rules, NO FOOD IN GYMS, NO SMOKING ON
SCHOOL GROUNDS (N.Y.S. LAW), PARK IN MARKED SPOTS ONLY!!

RULES OF PLAY

Coaches and referees are strongly encouraged to briefly review the rules prior to the start of play.

Pressing: No pressing in the backcourt. Teams on defense must fall back to behind the top-of-the-key until the ball is advanced over the half-court line.

Fouls: Foul shots will be taken on all shooting fouls from 12 feet away (normal line is 15 feet). The are no Team Fouls, therefore no bonus situation. A player will be removed from the game on the 5TH foul. Technical fouls will be called if a player (in the game or on the bench) or coach acts inappropriately. Examples of inappropriate behavior include: throwing the ball, cursing, flagrant fouls and excessive arguing of a referee's call.

Violations : Violations will be called with some allowance for players' age and ability. When necessary, referee will explain the violation so all players learn the rules, * i.e., a player walks, referee blows the whistle, explains the violation, and the team retains possession.

Defense: "Man-to-Man" defense only. No zone defense. No double teaming. *Players stay within 5’ of the opposing player he or she is guarding unless screened. Switching is permitted. If the offense is affected by the double team (deflected pass/shot, double dribble, etc.) then possession is retained by the offense. Double teaming is a violation. Each team will be given *three* warnings. Thereafter, a double teaming violation will be considered a technical foul. The other team is awarded two foul shots and possession of the ball.

Referee: Referee should be a high school basketball player, knowledgeable adult, coach, or certified official as deemed fit by the hosting parish. IJ uses certified officials

Game Time: A 10-minute running time with four quarter format is used. In running time, the clock only stops for time-outs or extended delays as determined by the referee (such as for an injury). The clock does not stop for foul shots. The last 2 minutes of the 4^TH quarter will be stop time. One minute between quarters, half time is 2 minutes. Substitutions at the 5 minute mark must be timely. Overtime – One 2 minute period, using stop time.

Time-Outs: Each team may call one-45 second time out per half. An official time-out shall be called by the timekeeper as close to the mid-point of each period as practical. This should occur during a dead ball situation or when the offense team in their backcourt. During the official time-out, teams must substitute and any player not in the game must come in to play (unless the team has more than 10 players in which case the coach should establish a rotation which ensures equal play). Please see above.

Blood Rule: No bleeding player may remain in the game. An injured player’s parent should clean up blood when possible, using appropriate precautions. Blood on a uniform must be cleaned off to the satisfaction of the referee or the uniform changed prior to the player returning to the game.

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GIRLS SENIOR AND SENIOR Plus

General Rules

All players must play an equal amount of time.
All players must play an equal amount of time. Point emphasized!
Only children registered in the program are allowed to participate in basketball activities.
Players, parents and other guests must remain in the gym at all times. All other areas are OFF LIMITS !! Parents bringing sibling children must keep positive control over them and keep them off the court at all times. Proper supervision must be used when children leave the gym to use the restrooms.
Winning shall not be emphasized and there will be no standings kept. ALL players must shake hands at the conclusion of EVERY game.
Normal Girls Junior High Rules apply except as modified below in the RULES OF PLAY
Please be reminded of normal school rules, NO FOOD IN GYMS, NO SMOKING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS (N.Y.S. LAW), PARK IN MARKED SPOTS ONLY!!

RULES OF PLAY

Coaches and referees are strongly encouraged to briefly review the rules prior to the start of play.

Pressing: No pressing in the backcourt except for the last quarter. Teams must advance the ball over the half-court line in 10 seconds. The team on defense must fall back to behind the half-court line. When pressing, if the winning team has a 10 point or greater lead, they must stop pressing until the lead falls below 10 points..

Fouls: Normal rules. Five fouls you are out. Team fouls shall be tracked and a bonus one-and-one occurs on the 7^TH foul and two shot bonus occur on the 10^TH team foul. (A technical foul is a personal foul and a team foul).

Defense: A “Man-to-Man” defense only, double-teaming the ball is allowed.

Referee: Referee should be a certified official.

3 Point Shot: Where clearly marked, a 3-point shot will be allowed. (Senior Plus Only)

Game Time: The hosting parish may use any format their allotted time will accommodate. The visiting coach and the official must be apprised of the format to be used during pre-game discussions. Infant Jesus will use a 10-minute running time format. The clocks only stop for time-outs and for injuries or other extended delays. The clock does not stop for foul shots. The last 2 minutes of the 2^ND and 4^TH quarter will be stop time.

Time-Outs: Each team may call two 45-second time outs per half.