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CENTER GROVE BOYS BASKETBALL

Rules for 1st-8th Grade (Revised 11/24)

All rules and regulations not specifically listed hereafter shall be governed by the official basketball rules published by the National Federation of State High School Athletic Association.

Final decisions of rule interpretations will be made by league commissioner, board member or referee and in that specific order.

 

COACHING ETIQUETTE

  1. The Trojan league is a recreational league.  Coaches are expected to keep the league fun for all players, regardless of ability.   The playing time rules shall be strictly adhered to.


  1. The coach is expected to set the tone for his players and parents/fans. Please remember that all players are always watching. Overreacting to calls and other bad behaviors will only be mimicked. CGBBL wants their players to learn good sportsmanship, and that coaches/players/referees making mistakes is part of the sport.



  1. Any coach receiving a technical foul must sit on the bench for the rest of the game and shall not talk with or say anything to the referees for the remainder of the game.  Any breach of this shall result in a second technical foul and ejection.   The coach may stand up during time outs to address his team but must immediately sit down when play resumes.


  1. A coach receiving two technical fouls in one game will be immediately ejected from that game and shall not remain in the gym.  The coach will also be suspended for the next game.


  1. Only the head coach may approach an official during the game.


  1. Only two (2) coaches are allowed on the bench during the game.
    1. Exceptions to this rule include but are not limited to student coaches and teams with players that require special attention. All exceptions must be approved by the grade directors or league members.


  1. Student Coaches will be listed as assistant coaches, and the head coach is an adult, preferably parent of a team member, and will act as a supervisor on the bench. No more than 2 student coaches are allowed on the bench. One (1) will be viewed as the head coach and must follow all rules set for head coaches. The other, if any, will serve as an assistant and must follow all rules set for assistant coaches.


PLAYER ETIQUETTE

  1. All players are required to tuck in their jerseys to start the game. Reminders will be given throughout the game as needed.


  1. Jewelry: No jewelry of any kind is allowed during games, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, pins, watches, etc. to ensure player safety. However, religious jewelry may be permitted if it is securely taped or covered to minimize any safety risk.  Prior approval must be granted by league officials.
    1. Colored wristbands are allowed in 1st-2nd grade for defensive purposes. Other wristbands in these grade leagues are prohibited to prevent defensive confusion.


  1. Headwear: Sweatbands are allowed. No other headwear, such as hats, bandanas, or non-essential headdresses, is permitted during games. However, religious headwear (e.g., hijabs, turbans, yarmulkes) is allowed, provided it is secure and does not present a safety risk. Prior approval must be granted by league officials. 


  1. Any player receiving a technical foul will sit for the remainder of that quarter.  The player may have to sit for the remainder of the game at the discretion league director.



  1. Foul language will not be allowed.  On the first occasion, the player will have to sit for the remainder of the current half-quarter and one additional half-quarter.  If the offense occurs in the last half-quarter of a game and it is the first offense, then the player only sits out the remainder of the current game.  If a second offense happens in the last half-quarter, the player must sit out the rest of the current game and an extra half-quarter the following game.


  1. Any player receiving two technical fouls in the season will be ejected from that game and suspended for one additional game.  Each additional technical foul will result in ejection from the game and suspension for one additional game.  The player can be suspended for the rest of the season following a 3rd or more technical fouls at the discretion of the league directors.


 

PRACTICE AND GAMEPLAY

  1. Players and coaches should arrive a few minutes early so that the practice or game can start promptly at the scheduled time. If there is a game or practice going on upon arrival, be respectful to the other teams by waiting quietly and patiently.
  1. For practices at the elementary schools: Due to the afterschool programs having the facilities until 6:00pm, the entry doors shall remain locked until promptly 6:00pm. This serves as a safety precaution so that the afterschool program children can all be deciphered and accounted for.
  2. DO NOT PROP OPEN SCHOOL DOORS! When doors are left open for a certain period of time, the faculty members of that school receive alerts and emails. This is a security measure.


  1. Five (5) players must start the game, but less than five (5) players may finish. A ten (10) minute grace period will be allowed before the game must be forfeited due to a lack of players. The scores table will be responsible for setting a timer.


  1. When facing the benches, “Home” team will be on the right, “Visitors” will be on the left. (See drawing below.)                                                                                                                                        image 
  1. Only two (2) coaches are allowed on the bench during the game. Only the head coach may approach an official during the game and is responsible for the conduct of his assistant, players, and parents. More assistants are allowed for practices.


  1. Ball Size:
    1. 1st-6th Grade: Intermediate (28.5) basketball is the official game ball to be used in all regular season and tournament games.


  1. 7th-8th Grade: Full Size (29.5) basketball is the official game ball to be used in all regular season and tournament games.

 

  1. Goal Height:
    1. 1st grade will play on 8-foot rims (This is to encourage proper shooting form.)
    2. 2ND grade will play on 9-foot rims (This is to encourage proper shooting form.)


  1. 3rd-8th grade will play on 10-foot rims



  1. Game Length:
    1. 1st-2nd Grade: Games shall consist of four (4) eight (8) minute quarters and a two (2) minute half-time period. A one (1) minute time will be allowed between quarters. No overtime will be played during the regular season.  The game will be stopped as close as possible to the mid-point of the quarter for substitutions.  This does not require a dead ball situation.


  1. 3rd-4th Grade: Games shall consist of four (4) six (6) minute periods and a two (2) minute half-time period. A one (1) minute time period will be allowed between periods. Overtime periods shall be two (2) minutes in length. Substitutions will be made at the mid-point of each quarter.  The game will be stopped as close as possible to the mid-point of the quarter for substitutions.  This does not require a dead ball situation.


  1. 5th-8th Grade: Games shall consist of four (4) seven (7) minute periods and a two (2) minute half-time period. A one (1) minute time period will be allowed between periods. Overtime periods shall be two (2) minutes in length. Substitutions will be made at the mid-point of each quarter.  The game will be stopped as close as possible to the mid-point of the quarter for substitutions.  This does not require a dead ball situation.


  1. Game Clock:
    1. Due to limited gym availability, gym schedules, and referee's schedules, games on many weekends will need to end at or near the projected schedule. Therefore, directors at their discretion may implement changes to timing rules to keep the games on time, including but not limited to, no warm-ups, no halftimes, running clocks, games ending in ties, etc.


  1. 1st-2nd Grade: The clock will run continuously, except being stopped for shooting fouls and time-outs.  However, it will be left to the discretion of the officials to stop the clock for any delay of game, such as ball in the crowd, injured player, etc.   The clock will stop on all dead ball situations during the last ten (10) seconds of the first three (3) quarters, the last two (2) minutes of the 4th quarter. (A made shot is not a dead ball)



  1. 3rd-8th Grade: The clock is not continuous. Clock will stop on all dead ball situations. (A made shot is not a dead ball)


  1. Timeouts:


  1. 1st Grade: No Timeouts
  2. 2nd Grade: 1 Time-out per Game lasting 1 minute
  3. 3rd-8th Grade: Two (2) time-outs, lasting one (1) minute, shall be granted each team during regular playing time. One (1) additional time-out shall be granted for each team for each overtime period.


  1. Scoring:
    1. 1st Grade: No score will be on the score board.  This is to help promote 1st grade being about fun and skill development.   Any player scoring twelve (12) points during regulation play remains in the game subject to the playing rules but may not score during the remainder of regulation play.  

 

  1. 2nd Grade: Any player scoring twelve (12) points during regulation play remains in the game subject to the playing rules but may not score during the remainder of regulation play. 


  1. 3rd -4th Grade:  Any player scoring fifteen (15) points during regulation play remains in the game subject to the playing rules, but may not score during the remainder of regulation play. Four (4) additional points will be given for all overtime periods total. 


  1. 5th-6th Grade: Any player scoring eighteen (18) points during regulation play remains in the game subject to the playing rules, but may not score during the remainder of regulation play. Four (4) additional points will be given for all overtime periods total.

 

  1. 7th-8th Grade: Any player scoring eighteen (18) points during regulation play remains in the game subject to the playing rules, but may not score during the remainder of regulation play. Four (4) additional points will be given for all overtime periods total.


  1. 1st-8th Grade: If a player that has attained his maximum points is fouled, which results in free throws, the player’s coach will designate a player on the floor to shoot the fouled player’s free throws. If a player exceeds the maximum point-out and scores, his basket will be disallowed, and his team will lose possession of the ball. EXCEPTION: If a player scores that results in the player reaching or going over the maximum scoring limit and is fouled while scoring, all points count, and he may finish his scoring opportunity at the free throw line.


  1. Substitutions:
    1. Playing Time Guidelines for 1st-8th Grade:


            



  1. Any disciplinary action to limit a player’s playing time due to missed practice, or for any other reason, must be approved by the grade directors, and a notice to the scorer’s table, and opposing coach before game time.  


  1. A player arriving late is not eligible to play until the conclusion of the half-quarter in which he arrives. If a player arrives prior to the start of the third period, he must play at least one (1) half-quarter. An injured/sick player who cannot continue is exempt from the period playing rule. Once an injured/sick player is able to re-enter the game, he should do so immediately and play for the remainder of that half-quarter. After an injured/sick player re-enters the game, if he is removed a second time due to the injury/illness, he becomes ineligible to play during the remainder of the game. Any eligible player on the bench may enter the game for an injured/sick player or a player fouling out, regardless of skill level. Substitution will also be allowed for a player injured/sick or fouling out. The half-quarter for which a player enters the game under such circumstances will not count as a half-quarter for the player. An injured/sick player who cannot continue is exempt from the half-quarter rule. Once an injured/sick player can re-enter the game, he should do so immediately and play for the remainder of that half-quarter. After an injured/sick player re-enters the game, if he is removed a second time due to the injury/illness, he becomes ineligible to play during the remainder of the game.


  1. Any eligible player on the bench may enter the game for an injured/sick player or a player fouling out, regardless of skill level. The half-quarter for which a player enters the game under such circumstances will not count as a half-quarter for the player.



  1. 1st-2nd Grade:
    1. No player may sit out two (2) consecutive half-quarters, unless it is due to injury, illness or arriving late. A half-quarter is the four (4) minute playing time between substitutions.


  1. No player may enter the game for a second half-quarter until all eligible players have entered the game for one (1) half-quarter.



  1. 3rd-8th Grade:
    1. No player may sit out two (2) consecutive half-quarters, unless due to injury, illness or arriving late during the 1st and 4th quarters. A half-quarter is half of the full time of a quarter. Players may sit back-to-back half-quarters only during the 2nd and 3rd quarters. No player may sit out both half-quarters of the 1st and 4th quarters. No player may sit out three consecutive half-quarters.  No player may enter the game for a second half-quarter until all eligible players have entered the game for one (1) half-quarter and so on. If a player sits out back-to-back half-quarters in one half, they cannot sit back-to-back in the other half. Substitutions will be allowed provided the coach(s) provide a printed version of the substitution pattern to share with the league director, game officials and opposing coach. The intent is to provide “equal” playing time for all boys. Any disciplinary action to limit a player’s playing time due to missed practices or for any other reason must be approved by the grade directors with the request being made before game time.  See the below table for playing time guidelines and substitution examples.


  1. Example 1:
    If a coach chooses to sit a player for the 2nd half-quarter of the 1st quarter, that player may sit for the 1st or 2nd half-quarter of the 2nd quarter, but not both halves of 2nd quarter.


  1. Example 2:
     If a coach chooses to sit a player for both half-quarters of the 2nd quarter, that player cannot sit during the 1st half-quarter of the 3rd quarter.



  1. Example 3:
     If a coach chooses to sit a player for the 1st half-quarter of the 2nd quarter, that player may sit for the entire 3rd quarter but must play in the 1st half-quarter of the 4th quarter.


  1. Example 4:
     If a coach chooses to sit a player for the 2nd half-quarter of the 2nd quarter, that player may sit for the 1st half-quarter of the 3rd quarter but not both half-quarters of the 3rd.



  1. Coaches may play any eligible players during an overtime period.  This does not include players that have fouled out, or left the game for injury or illness. There will be no substitutions during overtime except for injury or a player fouling out.


  1. A substitution template will be available for coaches’ use. It is not required, but will make lineups a lot easier to set.


  1. Offense:
    1. Coaches are encouraged to form offensive strategies that incorporate involvement for all players. The “spread” or “4-corner” offense with the intention of player “isolation”, whether for purposes of helping an offensive player to score or to keep an offensive player away from the basket to minimize the number of defensive players near the basket, is illegal. The result will first be a warning and then a two (2) shot technical and ball possession. A “spread offense” is different from the offensive team “spreading the floor”. Spreading the offensive floor followed by team movement towards the basket is sound basketball strategy and is not a spread offense in terms of “isolation”. Thus, setting up an offense in a spread position to begin the offensive play is not illegal. The first violation of this rule will result in a warning.  Any further violations will result in a technical foul.  Illegal defense should not be called if a team is running an illegal offense. So that the offensive team must initiate play, the five (5) second closely guarded rule will be in effect.


  1. 1st-2nd Grade: 
    1. It is expected that every kid on the team will bring the ball up the court at least once per half.


    1. Defense:
      1. 1st-2nd Grade:
        1. Defense is not allowed in the backcourt. After the ball is turned over for any reason, such as a made basket, defensive steal, or after a defensive rebound, the defense must retreat beyond the 10 second line. Zone and triple team defenses are not allowed, only man-to-man defense will be allowed.

     

    1. On weak side defense you may take a “help” position, but you must remain within 2 feet of your man unless helping. If the offensive player is more than 2 feet outside the 3-point line, the defensive player may remain at the 3-point line.

     

     

    1. Double teaming is NOT allowed outside the 3-point arc.  Upon a pick-and-roll, fast break, or help situation outside the 3-point arc, it is at the referee’s discretion. Adequate time will be allowed for the defender to recover and pick up his offensive man before double-teaming is called.  

     

    1. No steals off the dribble will be allowed, only passes can be stolen.  

     

     

    1. To begin each half-quarter a free in will be allowed.


    1. A player may not jump to block a shot but is allowed to stand with his hands extended above his head.

     

     

    1. 3rd-8th Grade:
      1. After the ball is turned over for any reason, such as a made basket, defensive steal, or after a defensive rebound, the defense must retreat beyond the 10 second line, unless during the allowed time specified in item ii.


    1. To begin each half-quarter a free in will be allowed.



    1. ZONE DEFENSES AND TRIPLE TEAM DEFENSES ARE NOT ALLOWED DURING REGULAR PLAY!!! Only man-to-man defense will be allowed. On weak side defense you may take a “help” position, but you must maintain awareness of your man. Double teaming is NOT allowed outside the 3-point arc.  Upon a pick-and-roll, fast break, or help situation outside the 3-point arc, at the referee’s discretion, adequate time will be allowed for the defender to recover and pick up his offensive man before double-teaming is called.


    1. DEFENSE EXCEPTIONS: In the last two (2) minutes of the fourth period and the entire over-time period a team may play a man-to-man trap, full-court trap, zone, or press at any time. Full court double-teaming the player with the ball will be allowed in these time periods only. Full court press will not be allowed when a team has a lead of 10 points or more, rules for that team will go back to the standard defensive rules until the lead is reduced to less than 10 points.



    1. Defensive tactics in excess of those stated will not be permitted. A delay of game will be called if the defense does not retreat beyond the 10 second line resulting in the stoppage of a fast break.  A delay of game can also be called if any contact is made with a player or the ball prior to the ball being passed into play.  Once the ball passes the plane of being put in bounds, contact can legally be made.  The first delay of the game results in a delay of game warning.  Each subsequent delay of game will result in a team technical foul.  A team technical foul results in 2 free throws by the opposing team by a shooter decided upon by the coach of that team.  A team technical foul also counts as a common foul. 

     

    1. Foul shots will be shot on the 5th common foul of each quarter. Two penalty shots will be awarded. Foul shots will be taken from the 12’ line.  A player may step over the line on a follow-through, but not run in for a rebound until the ball hits the rim.

     

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