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BASKETBALL LEAGUE RULES & REGULATIONS

1. League Overview

The Basketball League is designed to provide a competitive, organized, and fun environment for players of all skill levels. The league emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and high-quality gameplay.

  • Season Length: 8 weeks

  • Games: 1 game per week

  • Format: 5v5

  • Roster Size: Recommended 7–10 players

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2. Game Format

Match Duration

  • Four (4) quarters of 12 minutes running clock

  • Halftime: 3 minutes

  • Final 2 minutes of the second half may be stop clock (recommended for close games/playoffs)

  • HOT SPOT SHOTS - every quarter, a special floor marker will be placed on the each end of the court, representing a "hot spot". If a basket is made from a hot spot, a special reward will be given to that team (ie. 5 points, deduct 5 points from opponent, automatic free throw, etc. All hot spot rewards will change each quarter and will be declared to each team prior to the start of each quarter
     

Overtime

  • 2-minute overtime period (stop clock)

  • If still tied, sudden death or additional OT (league discretion)
     

Start of Play

  • Games begin with a jump ball or possession arrow (league choice)

  • Alternating possession used after opening tip

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3. Substitutions

  • Unlimited substitutions

  • Must check in at scorer’s table

  • Allowed during stoppages only

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4. Playing Rules

Scoring

  • 2 points: Field goals inside the arc

  • 3 points: Shots beyond the arc

  • 1 point: Free throws
     

Shot Clock (Optional)

  • 24 seconds (adults only)

  • If no shot clock: officials may enforce stalling rules
     

Backcourt Rule

  • 10 seconds to advance the ball past half court

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Key Violations

  • Traveling

  • Double dribble

  • Carrying

  • 3-second violation (offensive)

  • 5-second closely guarded (optional)

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5. Fouls & Discipline

Personal Fouls

  • Illegal contact (holding, pushing, reaching, etc.)
     

Team Fouls

  • Bonus at 7 fouls (1-and-1)

  • Double bonus at 10 fouls (2 free throws)
     

Shooting Fouls

  • 2 or 3 free throws depending on shot attempt

  • And-1 awarded when basket is made
     

Flagrant & Technical Fouls

  • Technical Foul: 1–2 free throws + possession

  • Flagrant Foul: Possible ejection
     

Player Fouls

  • Player fouls out after 5 fouls (or 6 for adult leagues if preferred)

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6. Free Throws

  • Players have 10 seconds to shoot

  • Lane violations enforced

  • Substitutions allowed before final attempt

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7. Timeouts

  • Each team receives:

    • 1 timeouts per half

  • Timeouts do not carry over

  • Length: 30–60 seconds

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8. Mercy Rule 

  • If a team leads by 20+ points, running clock continues

  • Officials may shorten game if outcome is decided

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9. Standings & Playoffs

  • Win: 3 points

  • Loss: 0 points
     

Top teams advance to playoffs at end of regular season.

Tiebreakers:

  1. Head-to-head

  2. Point differential

  3. Points scored

  4. Coin toss

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10. Forfeits

  • Minimum 5 players required to start

  • 5-minute grace period allowed

  • Forfeit score recorded as 20–0

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11. Player Conduct

  • Respect referees, staff, and opponents

  • No fighting, taunting, or abusive language

  • Technical fouls may result in warnings, ejections, or suspensions

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12. Equipment

  • Matching team jerseys required (provided by league)

  • Basketball shoes only (non-marking soles recommended)

  • No jewelry or dangerous equipment

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13. Youth-Specific Modifications

  • Shorter game halves (optional: 16–18 minutes)

  • Lower rims (age dependent)

  • No full-court press (for younger divisions)

  • Emphasis on development, equal play time, and sportsmanship

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14. Facility & Scheduling

  • All games played at designated facility

  • Schedule subject to change

  • Teams responsible for arriving 10–15 minutes early

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15. League Authority

League officials have final authority on:

  • Rule enforcement

  • Game decisions

  • Player discipline

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