DISTRICT 89 BASKETBALL LEAGUE RULES
1.0 - GENERAL
1.1 In order to participate in the league, a child must attend a District 89 school or St. James.
1.2 There are two divisions within the league: a Junior Division (for 3rd and 4th graders); and a Senior Division (for 5th and 6th graders). The number of registrants will determine the number of teams formed, and the amount of players per team.
** - 2nd graders may only participate if their parent is coaching, and should have at least one year of basketball league experience through the YMCA, Park District, etc.
1.3 Evaluations will be held to allow coaches to observe the players' skills. Teams will be formed via a draft in an attempt to achieve parity. The draft will be conducted in private and the order of player selection will not be revealed. The basketball committee will establish the drafting procedures.
1.4 All players shall wear the official league uniforms during the games. Each player is responsible for the care of their uniform, which becomes the property of the players at the end of the season.
1.5 Footwear shall be either standard basketball shoes or soft-soled athletic shoes of some type. In inclement weather, players should carry their shoes to the school and change there to prevent the gym floor from becoming wet and slippery.
1.6 The team names shall be those of college team for the Jr. League and NBA teams for the Sr. League.
1.7 Volunteer officials (coaches, parents, etc.) will referee the games. The referees will have total authority in rule interpretations and calls. Game protests are allowed only for disputes pertaining to player eligibility or violation of player-usage rules, and only if the respective coaches cannot reach agreement among themselves.
1.8 If a team loses a player during the course of the season, the basketball league committee may elect to replace the player. All such replacements will be made with the intention of maintaining equity and balance among teams.
1.10 Every effort must be made to play the games as scheduled. If unusual circumstances arise that merit special consideration, the basketball committee will determine if and when the game can be re-scheduled.
1.11 The basketball committee may modify or add rules during the season if deemed necessary to address new developments or special circumstances, and if the specific changes are felt to be in the best interests of the league.
2.0 SPECIAL GAME RULES
2.1 Each game will consist of four 7-minute quarters for both the junior league and senior league, utilizing a running clock at both levels. There will be a 1-minute break between quarters and a 3-minute halftime break. There will also be a 30-second break at the midway point of each quarter (3 ½ minute mark) that coaches will be given time to make substitutions and briefly meet with their teams. If overtime is required, there will be a 1-minute break before the first overtime and between subsequent overtime periods.
2.2 If a game ends in a tie, then a 3-minute overtime period will be played. If the game remains tied after the first overtime, then a 2-minute overtime period will be played. If the game remains tied following the second overtime period, subsequent 2-minute overtime periods will be played until a winner is determined.
2.3 Each team is allowed two one-minute timeouts per half. One (1) additional 1-minute timeout will be allowed per overtime period. A team may only call a timeout when they have possession of the ball or during a dead-ball situation.
2.4 Press rule:
Sr. League
Full-court presses are not permitted (See below for the following provisions at the end of a game). On a made basket, the offensive team must return to its defensive half-court area. When the defensive team controls the rebound, the other team must immediately return to the other side of the half-court line The defenders may reach across the centerline, but they cannot step on or over the line unless they have touched (i.e., deflected, stolen, etc.) or caught the ball first. Leaping over the half-court line to intercept a pass is not allowed.
**Full court press will be permitted in the final minute of all games, as well as the final minute of any and all overtime periods.
*Exception - A team that has a 15-point lead will not be permitted to press.
Junior League
Full-court presses are not permitted (See below for the following provisions at the end of a game). On a made basket, the offensive team must return to its defensive half-court area. When the defensive team controls the rebound, the other team must immediately return to the other side of the “designated press” line. The defenders may reach across the “press line”, but they cannot step on or over the line unless they have touched (i.e., deflected, stolen, etc.) or caught the ball first. Leaping over the “press line” to intercept a pass is not allowed. Once the other team’s ball-handler is completely across the mid-court line (both feet and the ball), or has completed a pass to a teammate beyond the half court line, defending players are then permitted to guard the opposing team.
** Full court press will be permitted in the final 10 seconds of all games, as well as the final 10-seconds of any and all overtime periods.
2.6 The following rules regarding fouls apply:
A. Teams will shoot “bonus” free throws on the 7th team foul of each half, and will be in the “double bonus” upon a team’s 10th foul of each half.
B. Both an individual player's personal foul situation and the number of team fouls shall be carried over from regulation into the overtime periods.
C. A player is no longer eligible to play after he/she commits a 5th foul (personal fouls + technical fouls). **Junior division will use the Holiday break timeline, in conjunction with violations.
D. When a defensive player commits an intentional foul, the offensive player fouled shall receive two free throws and his/her team shall retain possession, with a throw-in at the division line. An intentional foul is a foul committed by a player who, in the opinion of the referee, makes no reasonable effort to go for the ball.
F. If a player or a coach either through verbal means or physical actions commits an act which in the opinion of the referee is deemed to be unacceptable behavior or un-sportsmanlike conduct (e.g. throwing the ball, excessive questioning or complaining about the referee's call), the referee has the authority to assess a technical foul and the opposing team will be awarded two (2) free throws plus the ball for division line throw-in. The referee has the authority to eject a player or a coach from the game if the behavior or conduct is deemed excessive in the referee’s judgment.
G. Player/Team control foul clarification: If the team currently in control of the ball commits the foul, no “bonus” free throws are awarded, regardless of the team foul count (it does count as a team foul, however). A player control foul is a foul on the offense when they are in possession of the ball. Over the back on a rebound is NOT a team control foul because there is no possession. If the offending team is over the foul limit (7 or more fouls) the fouled player will shoot free throws on over the back, but not on player control fouls, charging or illegal screens.
2.7.1 Game time is kept by the "running" clock method. That is, the clock is stopped only when a team calls a timeout, when the referee calls a timeout for an injury, on shooting fouls, and on every whistle in the final minute of the 4th quarter and overtime. On the player's last free throw, the clock is to be restarted when either 1) the shot is missed and touches a player in bounds; or 2) the ball is inbounded after a made free throw and touches a player in bounds. If the ball doesn’t hit the rim, it’s a violation and the opposing team is awarded a throw-in along the base line.
2.8 All games will begin with a jump ball at center court. When two opposing players have joint possession of the ball (i.e., a "held" or "jump" ball situation), the alternating possession rule will be enforced in the Senior League. In the Junior League, the team that is losing will get possession of the ball. If the game is tied, then the defensive team will get the ball. However, in the final minute of the game, and during any overtime period, alternating possession will be used. A jump ball at center court is to be used to start each overtime period.
2.9 If a team has fewer than 4 players, the team must forfeit the game. 5 minutes after the scheduled start of the game is forfeit time. In this situation, the opposing team will receive the forfeit win, however, they should give the opposing team a couple of players and play a practice game. If a team has only 4 players, every effort should be made to find the short-handed team a 5th player that is agreed upon by both coaches. This way, the team that has all of their players is not penalized by having to have more kids sit out than necessary. At no time should the teams play 5-on-4. If a team has only 5 players present, and a player fouls out, the player that fouled out will remail in the game, however, every foul committed by that player going forward will be treated as a “Double-bonus” situation, and two free throws will be given, regardless of how many team fouls that team has for the half.
2.10 On inbounds passes, the defender must be a minimum of 3 feet (or 3 squares) away from the end line or sideline to allow ample room for the player to inbound the ball.
2.11 In the Junior Division only, the following ball control and ball-handling violations will not result in a change in possession (i.e., a turnover) for any games played before the Christmas break.
1. Traveling
2. Double Dribble
3. Over and back
4. 3 seconds in the lane
5. 10 second back-court violation
6. 5 second closely guarded violation
7. 5 second violation while in-bounding the ball
8. Stepping over the boundary line during an in-bounds play
The referee will blow the whistle and the call will be made for instructional purposes; however, the team that committed the violation will retain possession of the ball. A ball that goes out of bounds is a turnover. Fouls will be called and treated, as they normally would be.
2.12 In both the Junior & Senior Division, teams are required to play man-to-man defense. Zone defenses are not permitted at any time. If a referee determines that a team is playing a zone defense, a warning will be given to the bench/coach. If the referee determines that a team is playing zone for a second time, the coach will be assessed a technical foul. If this should happen again, the coach will be assessed a second technical foul and ejected from the game.
3.0 PLAYING TIME RULES
Any violation of these playing time rules will result in a game forfeit by the offending team.
3.1 – See the attached playing time chart that should be utilized by all coaches, for specifics on playing time rules.
| Playing Time Chart | |||||||||||
| 1st Qtr. | 1st Qtr. | 2nd Qtr. | 2nd Qtr. | 3rd Qtr. | 3rd Qtr. | 4th Qtr. | 4th Qtr. | ||||
| Player | 7:00-3:30 | 3:30-0:00 | 7:00-3:30 | 3:30-0:00 | 7:00-3:30 | 3:30-0:00 | 7:00-3:30 | 3:30-0:00 | |||
| 1 | |||||||||||
| 2 | |||||||||||
| 3 | |||||||||||
| 4 | |||||||||||
| 5 |
If a team has:
5 players - No subs, everyone plays all 8 rotations.
6 players - Everyone sits out at least 1/2 a quarter. You will end up having four players that play 3 1/2 quarters (7 rotations), and two players that play 3 quarters (6 rotations).
7 players - Everyone sits out at least one FULL quarter. Five players should play 3 quarters each (6 rotations), and two players should play 2 1/2 quarters each (5 rotations).
8 players - Everyone should play an even amount, 2 1/2 quarters (5 rotations)
9 players - Everyone should sit at at least 1 1/2 quarters. Four players should play 2 1/2 quarters (5 rotations), while the remaining five players should play 2 quarters each (4 rotations)
10 players - Everyone should play equally, 2 quarters each (4 rotations)
***No player should ever sit twice before others haven't sat out once.
3.2 The only time exceptions should be made to the playing time rules on the chart are:
A. A player arrives late to the game.
B. A player is injured during the course of the game and has to be removed.
C. A player fouls out of a game, prior to receiving his/her allotted playing time.
D. There is a disciplinary reason that the player may be played less. In these instances, it should be discussed with the opposing coach, as well as the officials.
E. During the playoffs.
3.3 - Play-off playing time rules –
A. Everyone must play at least 2-quarters (in regulation).
B. Everyone must play at least 1 quarter in each half.
C. Everyone must sit at least once, unless a team has only 5 players.
D. If a player has only played 2-quarters and the game goes to overtime, they must play at least half of the OT, so they don’t end up with less than ½ game played.
3.4 Player substitution during play is permitted under the following circumstances:
a. Coaches may substitute at the mid-point of the quarter ( 3 ½ minute mark, or 1 ½ minute mark in overtime)
b. A player fouls out of a game.
c. A player has an injury that requires him/her to leave the game.
4.0 BASIC RULES OF BASKETBALL
4.1 The league will follow the rules of the National Federation of High Schools, except as modified by the special rules contained in this and other sections of the District 89 League Rules. The 4.0 subsections that follow set forth some of the basic rules of basketball and are described in simple terms in order to serve as a teaching tool. The list is by no means all-inclusive.
4.2 OUT OF BOUNDS LINES ‑ A player who has possession of the ball cannot touch or go over the lines that form the boundaries of the court.
4.3 TRAVELING ‑ On offense, a player can only take one step without dribbling. If he/she takes two steps, it's called traveling (also called walking and steps) and possession of the ball is transferred to the other team (a turnover). If the player keeps one foot stationary (called a pivot foot), he/she can move the other foot as many times as they wish.
4.4 DOUBLE DRIBBLE ‑ A player can only touch the ball with one hand at a time one he/she is dribbling. Also, if the player dribbles, then holds the ball (with one hand or two), and then dribbles again, it's also a double dribble violation and results in a turnover.
4.5 3 SECONDS IN FREE THROW LANE ‑ When on offense, a player cannot stay inside the free throw lane for more than 3 seconds. Players should not just stand inside the free throw lane on offense (unless they're trying for a rebound).
4.6 10 SECOND VIOLATION ‑ After a made basket or a change in possession, the offensive team has 10 seconds in which to pass or dribble the ball past the half‑court line. This line is also called the 10‑second line.
4.7 5 SECOND VIOLATION ‑ When in‑bounding the ball, the offensive player has 5 seconds after the whistle to pass the ball into a teammate, otherwise it's a violation and a turnover. Also, if a player is being guarded in the front court (within 6 feet), and is either or holding the ball, he/she has 5 seconds in which to either dribble out of the area or pass the ball, otherwise it's a turnover. The 5 second count is terminated on a dribble once the offensive player advances the ball ahead of the defender.
4.8 FOULING ‑ Hitting/slapping, blocking, charging, pushing, etc. are fouls. When a player commits a foul, he/she must raise their hand. When a player commits his/her 5th foul, then the player has "fouled" out of the game.
4.9 BACKCOURT VIOLATION ‑ Once a team on offense brings the ball past the half‑court line they cannot allow the ball to go back past this line (unless a member of the opposing team hits or deflects the ball). If they do, it's a backcourt violation (also called "over and back") and results in a turnover.
4.10 FREE THROW LINE VIOLATIONS ‑
Type 1 – Senior League - the shooter cannot step over the line on the shot. If the shooter jumps to shoot the ball, he/she must land without touching or going over the free throw line. *Junior League – Players must start behind the free throw line, but may jump over the line when shooting. This is not a violation.
Type 2 ‑ A player who is standing on the side of the free throw lane cannot enter the lane (that is, they can't step on or over the lines) until the ball is released by the shooter.
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5.0 GAME PROCEDURES
5.1 Each team shall provide a scorekeeper who shall record the scoring, fouls and playing time for both teams. The scorekeepers should verify the scoring, fouls and playing time with each other after each quarter.
5.2 Referees will be assigned to games based on a schedule. Referees will be coaches and other volunteer adults and older children. No parent or sibling shall referee a game where his/her child is on one of the teams.
6.0 COACHES NOTES
6.1 Remember to review the rules with your players prior to the first game.
6.2 The practice schedule and game schedule will be posted on the league's web site. (d89bl.com)
6.3 Players should be instructed NOT to bring their personal basketballs to the games. There are plenty of balls at the school for pre-game warm-ups and they only risk misplacing or losing their ball.
6.4 There is to be no shooting, dribbling or any horseplay on the court during time-outs, or in the school hallways. It is the responsibility of all coaches (and parents) to monitor their players and other kids to ensure that calm and order is preserved.
6.5 Players should be encouraged to wear "street" shoes to the school and to change into their basketball shoes in the hallway outside the gym. This is especially important in wet and inclement weather.
7.0TOURNAMENT RULES:
7.1 In the event two teams have identical records during the regular season, the following criteria will determine rankings for the tournament.
1) Head to head records, with all teams that are tied.
2) If multiple teams had identical head to head records, the second tie will be points allowed within those head to head games. If there is still a tie between multiple teams, than point differential within those head to head games will decide it.
3) If there still remains a tie after the first three tie breakers, then over all "points against" will be used.
