HOOPS Rules

“Over and back” –
Standard rules apply.

Substitution –
is to be done anytime there is a dead ball, i.e.: between quarters, during timeouts, during multiple free throw attempts, after the referee blows a whistle. The substitute shall kneel by the timekeeper table and wait until the referee motions for him/her to come onto the court.

Free Throws –
Players positioned along the key may enter the key after the ball is released by the shooter, but the shooter cannot enter the key until the ball hits the rim.

Swinging elbows –
is not allowed, even after a rebound.

Flagrant Foul –
Standard definition. An intentional foul is considered a normal personal foul and is not deemed flagrant unless unnecessary force or dangerous force is used.

Technical Foul –
Standard definition.

Attitude Technical Foul –
Using foul language, disputing a referee, slamming the basketball, etc.  We are trying to exalt Christian character.  What would make everyone in the gym say, “Ooo.  That should NOT have happened.”  What would make mom at home say, “Wow!  They talk like that on the court?!”

Ejection from the game –
5 total fouls, a single flagrant foul, a single attitude technical foul, or a second technical foul requires the player to remain on the bench for the remainder of the game.

Younger Teams (7-9)

1. 5 minute pregame warmup if time allows.
2. Each game consists of 2 halves, 20 minutes long.
3. Each team is allowed (2) 30 second timeouts per half (clock continues to run).
4. Halftime is 5 minutes long; or as long as the referee and game coordinator decide.
5. Free throws will not be incorporated at this level of play.
6. Man-to-man defense only. No zone defense or switching.
7. Defensive players are allowed to guard their players only once the offensive player has reached the 3-point line.
8. A pass will be encouraged before a shot is taken.
9. Play will be stopped for traveling, double-dribbling, reaching-in, charging and other calls. At the beginning of the season, the referee can explain the infraction to the player and play can resume without the ball changing hands. As the season progresses, enforcement will become more strict.
10. Stealing is not allowed in the 1st half of the game. In order to keep this rule as simple as possible, defensive players are not allowed to touch the ball at all until a shot is taken (i.e. may not grab errant passes, loose balls, etc). Normal stealing rules take effect for the 2nd half.
11. Teams use balls sized appropriate for age. Youth size 27.5”

Middle Teams (10-13)

1. 5 minute pregame warmup if time allows.
2. Each game consists of 2 halves, 25 minutes long.
3. The referee and the game coordinator may adjust the time of the 2nd half in order to finish the game on time.
4. Each team is allowed (2) 30 second time-outs per half (clock continues to run).
5. Half-time is 5 minutes long; or as long as the referee and game coordinator decide.
6. Last 60 seconds of the game; clock stops for free throws if time allows.
7. Zone defense IS allowed.  Full-court defense IS allowed UP UNTIL your team has a 10 point lead.
8. At 7 team fouls each half, all defensive and loose ball fouls will result in a 1-and-9. At 10 team fouls each half, all defensive and loose ball fouls will result in 2 free throws.
10. Teams use balls sized appropriate for age. Intermediate 28.5” ball.

High School teams (14-18)

1. 5 minute pregame warmup if time allows.
2. Each game consists of 2 halves, 25 minutes long.
3. The referees and the game coordinator may adjust the time of the 2nd half in order to finish the
game on time.
4. Each team is allowed (2) 30 second timeouts per half (clock continues to run).
5. Half-time is 5 minutes long; or as long as the referees and game coordinator decide.
6. Last 2 minutes of the game, clock stops for free throws, dead balls, and 30 second timeout, if
game allows.
7. At 7 team fouls each half, all defensive and loose ball fouls will result in a 1-and-1. At 10 team fouls each half, all defensive and loose ball fouls will result in 2 free throws.
8. Defenses may play full-court, as well as incorporate zone defense and/or double-teams.
9. Teams use balls sized appropriate for age. Men’s 29.5” and intermediate 28.5” for the girls.

Guidelines for Substitutions: All Age Groups

1. Every player is guaranteed playing time in every game.
2. Every player has to play at least 33% of the game.
3. Every player has to sit out for at least 25% of the game.
4. Try to use extra playing time as a reward to players for extra effort and good attendance rather than for God-given skill.
5. Coaches should try to talk to the opposing coaches before the game about who showed up and didn’t show up, and how that might affect subs.
6. Trust the opposing coaches to make good judgments; and be trustworthy yourself.