Referees will consult the 2004-06 National Federation of State High School Associations’ Rule Book for Basketball in any matter not covered by this booklet.
Game Timing
1. The game will be divided into four (4) quarters of nine (9) minutes each. The clock will only stop for timeouts and discretionary timeouts as directed by the referees. Examples of discretionary timeouts include a player needing to tie his/her shoes, a ball well out of play or an equipment malfunction. Officials are cautioned not to allow this rule to be abused, as it will create an unfair situation from one game to the next. Also it will cause games to run behind schedule. A technical foul will be assessed to teams that try to gain a competitive advantage through game delay.
2. Each team is allowed one (1) timeout per quarter. Timeouts not used are forfeited. Timeouts are one (1) minute in length. Referees and Coaches must strictly adhere to the (1) minute time limit.
3. There will be a two (2) minute break between quarters and a five (5) minute break between halves.
4. 5-second rule: The offensive team must vacate the free throw lane before five (5) seconds have elapsed. The time starts after the ball crosses mid court.
5. The offensive team has five (5) seconds to place the ball in play after it is presented by the referee. This includes free throws.
6. The game official will designate the person responsible for operating the game clock. In the event that a volunteer cannot be found then the home team will be responsible for supplying this person.
Miscellaneous
1. A center jump will start the game. Possessions will alternate at each jump ball situation according to the possession arrow including the change of quarter.
2. Teams will start the game defending the goal nearest their bench and alternate at the half. That means pre-game warm-up is located on the other side of the court from your bench.
3. A maximum of two adults are allowed in the bench area of each team. Those adults must be the designated coach and assistant. Coaches may change the designated assistant only by receiving permission from the game official in advance. The team scorer must sit at the scorer’s table. Game officials will assess a technical for violation of this rule.
4. Coaches are responsible for behavior of their parents and fans. Children are not permitted to cross the end line area of the court while the game is in progress. No one is allowed to sit in the end line area. These rules are for the safety of the spectators and players. Players are to remain seated while the game is in progress. Only one coach from each team is allowed to be standing while the ball is in play.
5. The modified fast break-
Once a team has recovered the ball in the backcourt, they have two options.
Note: Recovery is defined as two-handed possession of the ball. Referees must be prompt in making this call.
The options are:
A. Hold the ball and not fast break.
The best way to indicate this is to “wrap up” with the ball in a curled position. At the first indication the referee will signal possession by pointing towards the recovering teams frontcourt. At this point the defensive team must retreat.
B. Fast break.
If the player with the ball looks down court, and/or makes a step towards their goal, and/or brings the ball back in a passing mode then the referee shall allow defensive pressure. Once the player makes any of the moves described above, he/she will not be allowed to change the decision. If the offense elects not to fast break then the defense may only defend behind the green line just over half court
6. All players entering the game must check in at the scorer’s table. This includes changes in the quarter. Coaches must have their players ready to play at the referee’s whistle. The referee will place the ball at the “throw in” point and count 5 seconds off. If the offensive team has not in-bounded then the possession will change. (However the possession arrow will still favor the team not penalized since this is not a jump ball situation).
Note: The referee will not hand the player the ball after a basket is made in the course of normal play.
7. Free throws will be attempted from one foot inside the foul line.
8. A team must have five (5) players in attendance to start the game. There will be no grace period.
9. Only protests of player age eligibility are permitted.
10. No food, drink, or water bottles are allowed in the gym. Coaches should instruct parents and team moms that they are not to distribute team drinks in the gym. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on school property. Please instruct parents not to smoke outside the gym doors. Only balls supplied by KRA are allowed in the gym.
11. Technical fouls count against team and player totals. Players are disqualified after five (5) fouls. Teams shoot the bonus on the 8th and successive team foul per half.
12. There are no overtime periods during regular season games. Games ending in a tie will be recorded as such. During tournament play, a “Shoot Off” orchestrated by the referees will resolve ties. Each team will identify 5 players to participate in the “Shoot off”. Each team will shoot foul shots (alternating) at the same basket they were shooting at during the 4th quarter. All remaining coaches and players will remain seated during the “Shoot-Off”. One shot per designated player, score will be tallied on the official scoreboard. This process will be repeated until a winner is determined.
13. MINIMUM PLAY: Every player must play at least two (2) full quarters, one (1) per half at a minimum. No substitutions will be made, except for injury (see 14. below), during the 1st and 3rd quarters. Any player present must play in compliance with the minimum play rules described in the KRA Policy 0008 (Minimum Play). A player eligible for minimum play is defined as any uniformed player in attendance before the start of the second quarter. Violation of this will result in a technical foul called on the team making the infraction. Play will stop and the correct substitution will be made. The second violation of the rule will result in forfeiture of the game. Coaches may inquire the official scorekeeper before play starts to ensure substitutions were made correctly. Repeated violation of this rule is grounds for suspension and/or removal of the coach.
14. Injuries: Players that are removed from play because of an injury and are capable of returning must do so. Every effort will be made to meet the minimum play requirements. Final decision with regard to minimum play in the event of an injury rests with the game officials and official scorekeeper. If a child shows up after the beginning of the second quarter, only one quarter is required.
15. Coaches will designate someone to raise the basketball hoop following a PeeWee game (if applicable).
16. Coaches must notify the official score keeper of all players that are not present.
17. The ball must hit the rim before players can enter the free throw lane during free throw situations.
18. Each player will attempt one free-throw during half time; one point per successful attempt will be added to the team’s core accordingly.
