Recreation Rules

Rules That Apply to All Grades

General Rules

• All basic basketball rules apply (traveling, double dribble, contact fouls, backcourt, etc.). The referees will use their judgment to allow the game to be played safely and within the intention of the rules. Bear in mind that these players are still learning the fundamentals of the game, and it is both difficult and detrimental to make every call.
• PLEASE RESPECT THE REFEREE’S JUDGMENT AND SET THE EXAMPLE FOR OUR KIDS BY NOT REACTING TO CALLS.
• NO JEWELRY MAY BE WORN, including watches, necklaces, etc., as it can be dangerous for the player and opponents. Players wearing jewelry will be asked to remove it before participating.
• A JUMP BALL will only be used at the start of the game. Possession will alternate at the start of each quarter and on any referee jump ball call.

Rim Height

• 3rd through 8th games – regular 10 foot rims
• 2nd grade – 8 foot rims

Game Clock & Scorebook

• Coaches are responsible for finding a volunteer to run the clock and scorebook
• FOUR (10) MINUTE QUARTERS of running time
• The clock is ONLY stoped the last two (2) minutes of each half for foul shots
• Games MUST end within their 1 hour timeframe or the final quarter should be shortened appropriately
• There is no shot clock, but in the interest of fair play, no team should stall in an effort to protect a lead; the goal is to play basketball. Half-time will be no longer than 3 minutes
• Coaches are responsible for ensuring that the games begin at the time they are scheduled to start

Playing Time

• The Coaches’ aim is to have all players play an equal amount of time during the game.
• Unless a team has only five players available, every player will need to sit for a minimum of one quarter. When a player is sitting out, it must be for a minimum of five (5) minutes of game clock time.
• Mandatory substitutions at the five (5) minute mark in each quarter. All players on the bench enter the game and play for the remainder of the quarter.
• If a team has only four (4) players, the game will be played four on four. If the coaches agree, a player can be “loaned” to the team with four players to be able to play five on five.

Time Outs

• Two (2) time-outs per half.
• A 10-second “Referee’s time-out” will called at the five-minute mark of each quarter to make substitutions.

Fouls

• Players will be allowed six (6) personal fouls.
• If a team has only five players and one of the players has committed six personal fouls, each time a subsequent foul is committed, the opposing team will get two free-throws and possession of the ball.

Guidelines for Recommended Play

1. Please stress sportsmanship during the games; even though important at all times, this is a Recreation league.
2. As such, try to keep games competitive for the sake of fun play. For example, if there’s more than a 15-point differential, perhaps have your kids make more passes before moving up the court.
3. Make substitutions at even intervals throughout the game to ensure not only adequate but quality playing time.
4. PLEASE LEAVE THE GYM CLEAN, GATHER ALL YOUR EQUIPMENT, AND ENSURE ALL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY STORED AS INSTRUCTED BY REC COMMISSIONERS.
5. MAKE SURE THE KIDS HAVE FUN! Good luck and enjoy the season!

Grade Specific Rules

2nd / 3rd / 4th Grade

• Fast Breaks: NO FAST BREAKS
• Backcourt / Press: No pressing and no defense in the backcourt.
• Transition Defense: Not permitted
• Defense Type: ONLY MAN TO MAN DEFENSE is permitted.
  • Coaches may elect to have a free zone in the front court where no defense can be played once advanced past half court.
• Referees: 1 Referee during regular season; 2 during playoffs

5th / 6th Grade

• Fast Breaks: FAST BREAKS are permitted only if a team is leading by less than 10 points.
• Backcourt / Press: No pressing and no defense in the backcourt.
• Transition Defense: Transition defenses can be used to provide minimal defense in the backcourt only after a rebound to prevent or slow down a fast break.
• Defense Type: ZONE AND MAN TO MAN DEFENSE is permitted, but division commissioners will agree to guidelines with coaches prior to the start of the season.
• MAN TO MAN is preferred.
• Referees: 2 Referees

7th / 8th Grade

• Fast Breaks: FAST BREAKS are permitted.
• Backcourt / Press: Pressing is allowed the last two (2) minutes of each half.
• Transition Defense: Transition defenses can be used to provide minimal defense in the backcourt only after a rebound to prevent or slow down a fast break.
• Defense Type: ZONE DEFENSE is permitted.
• Referees: 2 Referees