Rules of the Game

No Game Scores: Scores will not be kept.

Equal Playtime: Every player must receive equal playing time during each game, unless ill or injured. Coaches and parents should report violations of this rule to Lay-Ups.

Coach-Referees: A coach or representative from each team will act as the referee during the game, focusing on keeping the game flowing and calling necessary fouls and violations.

Player Match-Up: Coaches will match players based on ability, size, and experience using wristbands at the start of each period. Adjustments can be made for mismatches during play.

Possession Start: Home team starts with the ball; visiting team starts with the ball after halftime.

Game Format: Teams play 5-on-5. Basket height will be 8½ feet, using a Junior-sized basketball. For Kindergarten games, hoops will be set at 7 feet.

Game Timing: Games consist of 8 four-minute periods with running time. There will be a two-minute break at halftime.

Substitution & Timeouts: half way through each 8-minute period, the clock stops for substitutions and player match-ups. Play may continue until a natural stopping point is reached.

Rule Enforcement: Violations (traveling, double dribbling, etc.) will be called at the coach-referee's discretion. The goal is to teach the rules while maintaining game flow.

Fouls: After any called foul, the fouled team will take the ball out of bounds closest to where the foul occurred.

Man-to-Man Defense Only: Players must match up using wristbands. No zone defense or double-teaming is allowed. Defenders must guard their assigned player until a shot or pass is made.

No Stealing Off the Dribble: Stealing from the dribble is not permitted. Defensive players may only intercept passes or take the ball from loose situations. If a dribble steal occurs, possession will be returned to the offense.

Shot Blocking: Defenders may not leave their feet to block shots. Hands must remain straight up in a legal position. No blocking from behind or stuffing attempts over another player are allowed.

Half-Court Defense: Defensive pressure can only begin once the ball crosses the half-court line.

No Full-Court Press: Teams must allow the offense to advance the ball across the half-court line without pressure.

Sportsmanship: Verbal abuse, bad comments, trash-talking, or disrespect toward other players, coaches, or referees will not be tolerated. Violations can result in ejection from the gym.

Post-Game: At the end of the game, all players and coaches will shake hands and clear the court promptly for the next game.