League Rules
Subscribe to our NewsletterGrace Upward basketball has some unique rules that we wanted to outline here. This will allow parents, coaches and referees to all be on the same page with regards to game play.
| Rules for 1-2 Grade Boys and Girls | |
| Rule | Explanation of Rule |
| Basket Height | 8 Feet |
| Ball Size | 28.5 Inches (intermediate) |
| Court | Games are played on 1/2 court with 2 baskets |
| Game consists of six, 6-minute segments with an 8 minute halftime. Substitutions are only made at the end of each segment | This keeps games to approximately one hour |
| Score is not kept | Young Athletes at this age should focus on skill development and not the score |
| No 3-second violations | |
| No backcourt violations | |
| No backcourt defense is allowed | This allows for players to bring the ball into the offensive court. |
| All Defense is man to man | Must use Upward substitution system. Players will wear colored wrist bands and must defend the opponent with the same color wristbands |
| Coaches are allowed on the court | Coaches should instruct at encourage their players at all times |
| No shooting fouls or foul shots | This allows for continuous game play |
| No stealing off the dribble or a held ball. Stealing is allowed for passes | This allows for continuous game play |
| Out of Bounds, Double Dribble and Traveling violations are all called. Turnover results | These are basic basketball rules that players should learn. Coaches and referees are encouraged to explain all violations. |
| Rules for 3-4 Grade Boys and 3-5 Grade Girls | |
| Rule | Explanation of Rule |
| Basket Height | 9 Feet |
| Ball Size | 28.5 Inches (intermediate) |
| Court | Games are played on full court |
| Game consists of six, 6-minute segments with an 8 minute halftime. Substitutions are only made at the end of each segment | This keeps games to approximately one hour |
| Score is kept | Young Athletes at this age should learn how to handle winning and losing after competitions. This translates into life lessons. |
| 3-second violations are called | Players should understand the concept of offensive movement |
| Backcourt violations | |
| No backcourt defense is allowed | This allows for players to bring the ball into the offensive court. |
| All Defense is man to man | Must use Upward substitution system. Players will wear colored wrist bands and must defend the opponent with the same color wristbands |
| Coaches are allowed to walk the sidelines | Coaches should instruct at encourage their players at all times |
| No stealing off the dribble. Stealing is allowed for passes and a held ball. | This allows for continuous game play |
| Double Dribble and Traveling violations are all called. Turnover results | These are basic basketball rules that players should learn. Coaches and referees are encouraged to explain all violations. |
| Shooting fouls result in 1 point awarded, possession turns over. | Lining up for foul shots wastes too much game time. |
| Rules for 5-6 Grade Boys | |
| Rule | Explanation of Rule |
| Basket Height | 10 Feet |
| Ball Size | 29.5 Inches (full size) |
| Court | Games are played on full court |
| Game consists of six, 6-minute segments with an 8 minute halftime. Substitutions are only made at the end of each segment | This keeps games to approximately one hour. Upward Substitution rules are still used |
| Score is kept, Standings will be kept | |
| Backcourt defense is allowed | Pressure stops once a team is up 15 points. |
| Man-to-Man and Zone defenses are allowed | |
| Coaches are allowed to walk the sidelines | Coaches should instruct at encourage their players at all times |
| Full stealing is allowed. | |
| Rules for 7-8 Grade Boys and 6-8 Grade Girls | |
| Rule | Explanation of Rule |
| Basket Height | 10 Feet |
| Ball Size | 29.5" for boys, 28.5" for girls |
| Court | Games are played on full court |
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Boys games consist 2 20 minute stop time halves Girls play 4 7-minute stop time quarters |
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| Score is kept, Standings will be kept | |
| All Standard NFHS Rules apply to the game | |
| Backcourt pressure is allowed | |
| Man-to-Man and Zone defenses are allowed | |
| Foul shots for all shooting fouls | 1 and 1 and Bonus foul shots |
| Players have 5 fouls in a game | Players can foul out of a game |
| Free Substitution at any stoppage | Boys must play 1/3 of the game. Girls should play 1/2 the game. |
If you have any questions about the Upward rules, please find a referee and ask for clarification. We hope you enjoy the year.
