Basketball Rules

Revised – October 2022
These rules are for clarification or to note exceptions to CIF rules.
CIF rules apply to any situation not included here.

TIMING AND SCORING 

  1. In all divisions, games shall consist of four 10 minute quarters. This is running time, except for time-outs and the last two minutes of the game, which will be standard stop-clock procedure, if the scoring margin is within 15 points. If the margin is 16 or more, the clock will not stop during the last two minutes, except for timeouts. 
  2. There will be 2 minutes between quarters and 5 minutes between halves. Teams should be on the court, ready to play at the end of these timed breaks. 
  3. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, there will be a 3-minute overtime period until a winner is decided. The last two minutes will be regulation time and each team will receive one additional time-out.  
  4. Each team is permitted four time-outs per game. After a time-out the ball is put into nearest the location it was last in play. 
  5. The home team is required to provide the official timer or scorer. The visiting team is strongly encouraged to provide an assistant at the table. This keeps the scoring and timing disputes to a minimum.
  6. The home team shall provide a scorer’s table, separate from the players’ bench. There must be a scoreboard that is visible to both teams at the table or the wall. 
  7. For all levels, the offensive team is allowed ten seconds to bring the ball across mid-court.

PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES, AND COACHES 

  1. Substitutes will be unlimited, however, they must first check-in at the score table and be beckoned by the referee. 
  2. Each player must have jerseys of the same color and shorts of the same color. Jerseys must be tucked into the shorts. All participants must be in uniform. 
  3. A player is disqualified when they receive their 5th personal foul. 
  4. If any coach, manager, or other non-player in the bench area is ejected, the game is immediately declared a forfeit. If the individual is an adult, they must leave the premises immediately. 
  5. Jewelry may not be worn. It is not acceptable to place tape over jewelry. Players wearing any jewelry covered or not, may not participate. No exceptions.

BASKETBALL – STARTING THE GAME 

  1. Before each game, each coach shall provide a team roster for the official scorebook. Additions or changes to the roster after the game begins will cause a technical foul to be assessed to the team. 
  2. There is a 10-minute grace period. After that, the game will be a forfeit, even if played. If a team arrives late, it is expected that the game will be shortened to keep within the regular schedule. For example, if the game begins 10 minutes late, the quarters should be reduced to 8 minutes each. 
  3. The captain of the visiting school shall have a choice of baskets to begin the game. Teams should warm-up at the basket on which they will begin the game. 
  4. The game will begin with a jump ball at the center circle. After that, tie balls and possession after each quarter will be determined by alternating possession. 

FREE THROWS 

  1. Free throws are awarded for all non-shooting fouls, beginning with the 7th team foul of the half. Two free throws will be awarded beginning with the 10th team foul of the half. An offensive foul is recorded as a team foul. 
  2. All players, including the shooter, may enter the lane after the ball contacts the rim. No player breaks the plane of the free throw lane with their feet until contact is made. 
  3. Free Throw Distances Level
    1. 12’ = 3’ ahead of standard distance Girls and Boys 4A, 4B, 4C, 5B, 5C, 6B, 6C 
    2. 15’ = standard distance Girls and Boys 5A, 6A, All Junior High Divisions 
  4. Free throw line violations are to be strictly enforced for all levels. Stepping on or over the line before the ball contacts the rim is a violation. 
  5. During free throws, a non-shooting team is required to fill both lane positions above the block. The offense occupies the next spot, and the defense the third spot. No players may line up below the block. A maximum of three players may line up on each side of the lane. 

BASKETBALL – FULL COURT PRESS 

  1. Full-Court Press Level
    1. No press is allowed after possession is established, until the final two minutes of the game.
    2. Not allowed if ahead by 15 or more points. 
  2. Girls 4A, 4B, 4C, 5B, 5C, 6B, 6C Boys 4A, 4B, 4C, 5B, 5C, 6B, 6C
    1. Press is allowed only in the last 2 minutes of the game. 
  3. Girls 6A, 5A,  Boys 5A, 6A All Junior High Divisions
    1. Press is allowed at all times, unless ahead by 15 or more points.

Definition of a full-court press: Defending the ball in the back-court after possession has been established. 

THREE-POINT LINE AND COURT/BALL SIZES 

  1. Three-Point Line
    1. The three-point line will be used in all divisions when clearly and legally marked in its entirety on the court. Temporary chalk lines do not constitute “clearly and legally marked.” It is also required that the lines be complete. Shots from the “top of the key” will not count as 3 points, if the complete line is not clearly and legally marked. 
  2. Ball Sizes
    1. The ball used for all elementary divisions and the girls’ junior high divisions will be 28.5”. The junior high boys’ divisions will use the official mens’ size ball. 
  3. Minimum Court Size
    1. To host home games, the court is recommended to be a minimum of 60’ by 40’.