High Bridge Youth Basketball

HBYB DIVISIONAL RULES

• Junior Division Rules (2nd & 3rd Grade)

• Intermediate Division Rules (4th & 5th Grade)

• Senior Division Rules (6th, 7th & 8th Grade)
  

Junior Division Rules (2nd & 3rd Grade) 

1. GYM: 

1. Minimum dimensions of 74ft x 42ft with 8-foot baskets (adjustable to 9ft+)

2. Height by week, please adjust for practices the week prior to games)

2. BALLSIZE: 

1. 27.5” (Junior / Size 5)

3. GAME TIME:

1. All games must start on time. Quarters/Half breaks are kept to a minimum to allow the next game to start on time.

2. 10 minute quarters. The clock will continue to run with exception of the last 2 minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters, timeouts, foul shots, injuries and the official’s discretion.

3. Four 30-second timeouts per game. More will result in a technical foul - resulting in 2 foul shots and loss of possession.

4. There are NO overtime periods.  Games will end in a tie. 

4. SUBSTITUTIONS:

1. Playing time must be equally divided and the playing matrix must be submitted at the end of every game.  Coaches failing to submit a matrix or submitting one not aligned to scorers table tracking will be subject to corrective actions at the discretion of the board

2. Coaches must substitute halfway through each quarter at the 5 min. mark, the referee will signal for subs. 

3. Coaches may only substitute players other than at the 5:00 minute substitution break unless an injury or illness.

4. No players may play more than 15 minutes in a half unless the team only has 6 or fewer available players.

5. Coaches are encouraged to take a few seconds to match players up by skill level before each start, and to make sure players know who they are covering. 

5. DEFENSE:

1. In the first 4 games, only a 2-3 zone defense is required. Starting in game 5, man-to-man defense is required.

2. Defenses must stay below the “volleyball line” and Offenses must "actively attack", no hiding behind the volleyball line.

3. No double-teaming above the free throw line extended.

4. No stealing dribble allowed. Intercepting of passes is allowed. Stress no contact, no slapping the ball, no grabbing the ball from someone. 

5. Hands Up / Hands Out Defense.  Arms and hands must be held straight up or out to the side when engaging offensive players.  Teach avoidance of hovering over shooters

6. Fast breaks will be allowed during the last 2 minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters. 

7. No back court defense. The point guard will be allowed to cross mid court without being defended to allow offensive development.

8. No Full court press is allowed.

6. FREE THROWS:

1. Attempted from the foul line, or a closer distance suitable for the shooter’s ability.

2. No more than 6 players line the lane (4 defensive, 2 offensive alternating), All other players must be behind the free-throw line extended and behind the top of the free throw line circle.

3. Players lining the lane may move into the lane upon the shooter’s release. The shooter and other players may not cross the free-throw line until the ball hits the rim or a shot is made. 

7. REFEREES:

1. Certified and non-certified referees will officiate the games. 

2. Please encourage them and understand that they are young adults doing the best of their ability to call the game. Their primary concern is to allow the kids to play, provide some instruction and keep the games under control. 

8. RULES:

1. NJSIAA basketball rules apply, with consideration given to the age and skill level of these players.

2. Players are disqualified upon their 5th personal foul. (Unless only 5 players at time of foul-out or occurring later due to injury, leaving early). Fouls carry into overtime.

3. 2 FT's will be awarded on the 5th foul onward per quarter.  (2023 HS Rule)

4. Offensive team must get the ball over half court within 10 seconds.

5. Passing from frontcourt to backcourt results in a turnover, except on inbound passes.

6. The alternating possession is in effect.

7. Any team dominating play (eg. winning by more than 10 points) is expected to exhibit good sportsmanship by reducing the intensity of their play in accordance with the score (No fast breaks, no stealing, multiple passes before shots, defense plays inside the 3-pt line, etc.). 

8. Coaches are responsible to ensure their players recognize and adhere to promoting this sportsmanship.

HBYB Basketball Rules Revised Aug 2024

Interdediate Division Rules (4th & 5th Grade) 

1. GYM: 

1. Minimum dimensions of 74ft x 42ft and 10-foot baskets

2. BALLSIZE: 

1. 28.5” (Women's Official / Size 6)

3. GAME TIME:

1. All games must start on time. Quarters/Half breaks are kept to a minimum to allow the next game to start on time.

2. 10 minute quarters. The clock will continue to run with the exception of the last 2 minutes of the 2 nd and 4 th quarters, foul shots, timeouts, injuries and at the discretion of the officials.

3. Four 30-second timeouts per game. More will result in a technical foul - resulting in 2 foul shots and loss of possession.

4. No overtime during the regular season.  In the Playoffs, there will be one 2-minute overtime.  OT periods will continue until a winner is determined.  Teams receive one additional 30-sec timeout per OT period plus any remaining from the game.

4. SUBSTITUTIONS:

   1. Coaches failing to submit a matrix or submitting one not aligned to scorers table tracking will be subject to corrective actions at the discretion of the board

1. Playing time must be equally divided and the playing matrix must be submitted at the end of every game.  

2. Coaches must substitute halfway through each quarter at the 5 min. mark, the referee will signal for subs. 

3. Coaches may only substitute players other than at the 5:00 minute substitution break unless an injury or illness.

4. No players may play more than 15 minutes in a half unless the team only has 6 or fewer available players.

5. Coaches are encouraged to take a few seconds to match players up by skill level before each start, and to make sure players know who they are covering. 

6. Overtime Players will be freely chosen by the coach, substitutions can occur at any time during OT periods at coaches discretion.  The matrix does not apply in overtime.  Overtimes will only occur during playoffs. 

5. DEFENSE4

1. In the first 4 games weeks, 2-3 zone defense must be played. During the remainder of the regular season man-to-man defense must be played. During mid-season games man-to-man defense must be played. During Playoffs, either 2-3 zone or man-to-man may be played.

2. No back court defense. The point guard will be allowed to cross mid court without being defended to allow offensive development. Defenses must stay below the “volleyball line” an Offenses must "actively attack" within 5 seconds of initially entering the frontcourt, no hiding behind the volleyball line.

3. No double-teaming allowed above the free throw line extended.

4. Stealing is allowed

5. Fast breaks will be allowed during the last 5 minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters and in any overtime period.

6. No Full court press is allowed. 

7. On Ball Screens. Only single picks for the ball handler are allowed. Players may leave their man to switch off an offensive pick.

6. FREE THROWS:

1. Attempted from the foul line or at 13.5 ft line based on players' recognised ability.

2. No more than 6 players line the lane (4 defensive, 2 offensive alternating), All other players must be behind the free-throw line extended and behind the 3-pt line.

3. Players lining the lane may move into the lane upon the shooter’s release. The shooter and other players may not cross the free-throw line until the ball hits the rim or a shot is made. 

7. REFEREES:

   1. Their primary concern is to allow the kids to play and keep the games under control.

1. Two certified referees will officiate the games.

8. RULES:

   1. No fast breaks, no stealing, multiple passes before shots, defense plays inside the 3-pt line, etc.

   2. Coaches are responsible to ensure their players recognize and adhere to promoting this sportsmanship.

   1. For coaches, one technical foul results in "seat belt rule" - coach must site and coach from the bench for the remainder of the game 

   2. Two technical fouls in a game results in ejection and suspension for the next game for either a coach or a player.

1. NJSIAA basketball rules apply, with consideration given to the age and skill level of these players.

2. Players are disqualified upon their 5th personal foul. (Unless only 5 players at time of foul-out or occurring later due to injury, leaving early). Fouls carry into overtime.

3. Offensive team must get the ball over half court within 10 seconds.

4. Passing from frontcourt to backcourt results in a turnover, except on inbound passes.

5. The alternating possession is in effect.

6. 3-point shots will be awarded.

7. Any team winning by 10 points or more is expected to exhibit good sportsmanship by reducing the intensity of their play in accordance with the score

8. Unsportsmanship like behavior from a fan, parent or other may result in a Technical Foul being assessed against the team they support.  This may be assessed either from a referee or a board member.

9. Flagrant fouls will result in a player’s automatic ejection from the game. Two (2) foul shots and ball awarded to the team that was fouled

10. Technical fouls by Coaches or Players 

HBYB Basketball Rules Revised Aug 2024

Senior Division (6th, 7th & 8th Grades)

1. GYM: 

1. Minimum dimensions of 74ft x 42ft and 10-foot baskets

2. BALLSIZE: 

1. 29.5” (Men’s Official Size / Size 7)

3. GAME TIME:

1. All games must start on time. Quarters/half breaks are kept to a minimum to allow the next game to start on time.

2. 10 minute quarters. The clock will continue to run with the exception of the last 2 minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters, foul shots, timeouts, injuries and at the discretion of the officials.

3. Four 30-second timeouts per game. More will result in a technical foul - resulting in 2 foul shots and loss of possession.

4. No overtime during the regular season.  In the Playoffs, there will be one 2-minute overtime.  OT periods will continue until a winner is determined.  Teams receive one additional 30-sec timeout per OT period plus any remaining from the game.

4. SUBSTITUTIONS:

   1. Coaches failing to submit a matrix or submitting one not aligned to scorers table tracking will be subject to corrective actions at the discretion of the board

1. Playing time must be equally divided and the playing matrix must be submitted at the end of every game.  

2. Coaches must substitute halfway through each quarter at the 5 min. mark, the referee will signal for subs. 

3. Coaches may only substitute players other than at the 5:00 minute substitution break unless an injury or illness.

4. No players may play more than 15 minutes in a half unless the team only has 6 or fewer available players.

5. Overtime Players will be freely chosen by the coach, substitutions can occur at any time during OT periods at coaches discretion.  The matrix does not apply in overtime.  Overtimes will only occur during playoffs. 

5. DEFENSE:

   1. No pressing in the 1st quarter unless your team is down by 6 or more points. 

   2. No pressing if your team is up by 6 or more points.  (Refer to good sportsmanship rule)

1. All defenses allowed, Man-to-Man, Zone, etc.

2. Full court press is allowed with the following exceptions: 

6. FREE THROWS:

1. Attempted from foul line.

2. No more than 6 players line the lane (4 defensive, 2 offensive alternating), All other players must be behind the free-throw line extended and behind the 3-pt line

3. Players lining the lane may move into the lane upon the shooter’s release. The shooter and other players may not cross the free-throw line extended until the ball hits the rim or a shot is made.

7. REFEREES:

   1. Their primary concern is to allow the kids to play and keep the games under control

1. Two certified will officiate the games.

8. RULES:

   1. No fast breaks, no stealing, multiple passes before shots, defense plays inside the 3-pt line, etc.

   2. Coaches are responsible to ensure their players recognize and adhere to promoting this sportsmanship.

   1. For coaches, one technical foul results in "seat belt rule" - coach must site and coach from the bench for the remainder of the game 

   2. Two technical fouls in a game results in ejection and suspension for the next game for either a coach or a player.

1. NJSIAA basketball rules apply

2. Players are disqualified upon their 5th personal foul. (Unless only 5 players at time of foul-out or occurring later due to injury, leaving early). Fouls carry into overtime.

3. 2 FT's will be awarded on the 5th foul onwards per quarter. (2023 HS rule)

4. Offensive team must get the ball over half court within 10 seconds.

5. Passing from frontcourt to backcourt results in a turnover, except on inbound passes.

6. The alternating possession is in effect.

7. 3-point shots will be awarded.

8. Any team winning by 10 points or more is expected to exhibit good sportsmanship by reducing the intensity of their play in accordance with the score

9. Unsportsmanship like behavior from a fan, parent or other may result in a Technical Foul being assessed against the team they support.  This may be assessed either from a referee or a board member.

10. Flagrant fouls will result in a player's automatic ejection from the game. Two (2) foul shots and ball awarded to the team that was fouled

11. Technical fouls by Coaches or Players 

HBYB Basketball Rules Revised Aug 2024