Game rules for 5th and higher below. For 3rd & 4th Grade game rules click here

2008-09 H-W Youth Basketball – Rec Basketball
Game Rules 5th Grade and Higher

• Games will consist of two 20-minute halves with running time. The exception is the last 10 seconds of the first half and the last two minutes of the game when the clock will stop for infractions, fouls, etc. Referee has discretion to adjust clock.

• Each player should get equal playing opportunities. Each eligible player must play a minimum of 8 minutes of game time per half if healthy.

• Substitutions are the responsibility of the coaches.  Coaches should have the substitutes prepared to enter the game. Referee will inbound the ball within 20 seconds of substitutions. If needed, the referee will stop play and allow the players to "match up" to eliminate confusion of whom they are covering on defense.

• Three point shots are allowed

• Allow the opposing team to bring the ball up to half court before any defensive player can cover the offense. No defensive pressure in the backcourt until the last 2 minutes of the second half for 5th/6th Grade and last 4 minutes for 7th/8th Grade.

• No defensive pressure in the backcourt if the defensive team is ahead by more than 10 points.

• Man to man defense only should be used to teach the players proper defensive positioning and concepts. Please refrain from any zone defenses. 

·        Man to Man Defense means to keep within 3 to 4 feet of your man on strong side. No double-teaming will take place. Weak side defenders may put one (1) foot in the lane. Two feet in the lane on weak side or double-teaming is a violation which results in a warning. Technical fouls may be awarded by the referee after the second warning.

·        In the frontcourt, between the 3 point arc and the half court line, 'help' defense is not allowed. This means there is no trapping or double teaming. (However , If the offensive team sends the other 4 players to the farthest 4 corners of the court, the defensive players will NOT be expected to stay within 3 to 4 feet of their man, EVEN OUTSIDE the 3 pt. arc.)

·        In the area between the 3 point arc and the 'paint', help defense is allowed, but it must be ‘help & recover’ or ‘switching’ defense, so one offensive player is guarded by only one defensive player.  This means that a double team or a 'trap' would not be allowed in this area. Inside the paint there is no restriction.

• Each team is allowed 3 one-minute timeouts per game. Clock stops during the timeout.

• Positive and encouraging comments only.

• Any disrespect shown by players toward other players, coaches, or referees will not be tolerated. Referee has final say on all conflicts or issues.

• Each team must provide a volunteer for scoring or scoreboard operation. Fouls should be kept track of and 5 fouls results in a player being out of the game. 7 team fouls per half results in a one and one free throw and 10 fouls or more is an automatic 2 shot foul.

• Girls use 28.5 Ball, Boys use 29.5 (Regulation) ball

2008-09 H-W Youth Basketball – 3^rd & 4^th Grade
Game Rules

·        Games will consist of two 18 minute halves with running time. The exception is last one minute of a game when the clock will stop for infractions, fouls, etc. Clock will also stop for substitutions at the prescribed times, or for injury.
   

·        Each player should get equal playing opportunities.  Each eligible player must play a minimum of 8 minutes of game time per half.
 

·        Preferably, substitute only at the 14, 10, and 5-minute marks of each half. Referee will stop play and allow the players to "match up" to eliminate confusion of whom they are covering on defense. Coaches should have the substitutes prepared to enter the game. Referee will inbound the ball within 20 seconds of substitutions.
 

·        Shots made behind the 3 point arc will count as 2 points.
 

·        No defensive pressure in the backcourt. Allow the opposing team to bring the ball up to half court before any defensive player can cover the offense.
 

·        Man to man defense should be used to teach the players proper defensive positioning and concepts. Please refrain from any zone defenses. A player must stay with his or her "man" No chasing the ball is allowed. In the paint, double teaming is allowed.
 

·        Each team is allowed 2 one-minute timeouts per game. Clock stops during the timeout.
 

·        Positive and encouraging comments only.
 

·        Any disrespect shown by players toward other players, coaches, or referees will not be tolerated.
 

·        Each team must provide a volunteer for scoring or scoreboard operation.
 

·        28.5 Ball will be used.

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