RULES OF PLAY

Rules of Play for all divisions were voted on and approved by the Board of Directors on 2/09/2022.

The Rules of Play can be downloaded here or read below.

BMYBL

Rules of Play for All Divisions

(Grades 3-8)

Blackstone, MA 01504

3rd – 8th Grade Rec League Rules – Approved by Board of Directors 02/09/2022

Updated 2/10/2022

Section 1 - Game Rules:

• TIME:  Consists of 4 quarters, with 2 periods per quarter, 8 periods per game. A Period is 5 minutes in length of RUN TIME.

*The clock will stop on injuries, timeouts and foul shots as well as the final minute of period 4 and the final 3 minutes of period 8.

• TIMEOUTS: Each team gets 2 timeouts per game to be used in any manner. Only the 5 players and head coach can request a time-out.  If a team calls for a time-out, and they have used their allotted number, they will be called for a technical foul, with the opposing team shooting two foul shots and regaining possession of the ball at the division line.   A timeout will be granted when the referee hears the request and identifies the person making the request.

• OVERTIME: Overtime period is 2 minutes (stop time) in length. Overtime will start with a jump ball at center court. One overtime period will be played in the regular season. The overtime roster will begin at the top of the order (Players 1-5). If the score is still tied the result will be a tie. Additional overtime periods will be played in the payoffs until a winner is determined.  Each team will have 1 time-out per OT period regardless of how many time-outs they have remaining at the end of regulation. 

• HALFTIME: There will be a 4 minute halftime period, after the completion of (4) periods or (2) full qtrs.

• GAME START: Games will start with a jump ball at center court.  The alternating possession procedure will be used for subsequent jump ball situation, including the start of each period. 

• BENCHES: The team listed first or as the home team on the game schedule will sit to the left hand side of the official scorer and clock manager.

• WARM UPS: Prior to the game, teams will warm up at the basket opposite their bench.   The minimum warm-up period is 10 minutes.

• DIRECTION OF PLAY: Teams will switch baskets at half-time. In the event of overtime, the teams shoot at the same basket they used in the second half.

• SCORERS:  Both teams are to provide a scorer for each game.  One individual will keep the scorebook; the other will keep the clock.

• OFFICIAL GAME BALLS: The following basketball size will be used:

a. 7/8th Grade – 29.5” diameter

b. All other grades – 28.5” diameter

• PLAYOFFS: All rules in this document apply to both regular season and playoff games.

• SCHEDULE: Regular Season, Playoff, and Practice Schedules will be determined before the start of each season by the Board of Directors.

• MAKE-UP GAMES: All regular season games will be assumed to NOT be made up in the event of a cancellation.  If the calendar and gym time allows games can be made up as approved by the Board of Directors.

• TIE BREAKERS: If the event of a regular season tie in standings the following tie-breaker rules will apply in this order: head-to-head record, most points scored throughout season, least points allowed throughout season, coin toss.

Section 2 - Participation Rules:

• Coaches are to number their players starting at 1 and going until they account for every player that shows up to play.

• Squads are not necessarily split based on talent.

• Coaches need to provide their rotation to the official scorer 5 minutes prior to the start of their game.

• Players will stay in their numbered spot for the entire game. If a squad is short-handed, either at the start of the game or during the game (due to a player fouling out or injury), the next numbered player will fill the opening. Player rotation schedules must be maintained throughout the game.

• A player arriving after the start of a game will be placed in the last numerical spot available in the rotation. If two or more players arrive after the start of the game, they will be placed in the next available numerical order based on the total number of players.

• Free substitutions are allowed in the last 3 minutes of the game. 

• If a player has 4 personal fouls they may be subbed out for the next available player on the list. They may re-enter the game the next time their spot in the rotation comes up.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
  
•  If a player fouls out or is injured they may be subbed in for by the next available player on the rotation list. The subbed in player will not lose their spot in the next rotation, the fouled out player's spot will simply be eliminated. For example, if Player 3 fouls out or is injured, Player 6 would take their spot in the current rotation for Player 3, but would play the next rotation in their designated Player 6 spot. The Player 3 spot would simply be eliminated and the rotation would proceed as 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.
  

• Once a player comes out of the game they cannot enter the game until their next turn in the rotation.

Note:   If a player fouls out, is ejected or injured, they will be replaced by the next player in numerical order.

Section 3 - Player Rotations                                             

Note:   If there are less than 4 players at START of the game, the game will be declared a forfeit unless the Head Coach is aware of a game where his/her team will be short players due to injury, sickness or vacations and has contacted the League Director in advance of the game to reschedule if possible. Games will start on-time, or 10 minutes after the previous game, without exception. 

Section 4 - Playing Rules:

• ALL NORMAL BASKETBALL RULES PERTAIN

• COMMUNICATION: Only the Head Coach can address the referees about game issues.  Coaches, players and parents are not to speak to the official scorer except at half-time.  Coaches should track their own team’s fouls/points. In case of a discrepancy, they should inform the referee at the next dead-ball. 

• SCORE BOOK:The score book at the table will be considered the official book.

• TIMEOUTS: Each team gets 2 timeouts per game to be used in any manner. Only the 5 players and head coach can request a time-out.  If a team calls for a time-out, and they have used their allotted number, they will be called for a technical foul, with the opposing team shooting two foul shots and regaining possession of the ball at the division line.   A timeout will be granted when the referee hears the request and identifies the person making the request.

• PLAYER FOULS:  Five (5) fouls per player in all leagues. Technical fouls count against this total. A player is to be removed from the game on the 5th foul and replaced by a player from their team on a rotating basis. Players may be subbed out during game play if they receive their 4th personal foul, but may not re-enter the game until their normal turn in the rotation.

• TEAM FOULS:  A foul against a player counts both against the player’s count as well as the team total.  Once a team reaches 7 fouls in a half the team penalty situation is invoked. The opposite team will shoot one and one with 7 team fouls and 2 shots with 10 or more team fouls. 

• FOUL SHOTS: The shooter must begin behind the foul line (or designated free throw spot (one step in for 3rd/4th grade) when shooting.  For the 3rd/4th & 5th/6th grade they may go over the free throw line if they choose to start behind the line.

• FOUL SHOT ALIGNMENT: The defensive team must fill the two lanes above the block. The remaining slots are optional to be filled but it is recommended in the in-town program to have all of the spots filled on an alternating basis. (See Below). All players in the lane may leave their position on the release of the ball except the shooter and any players outside the lane; they must wait until the ball has hit the rim. If the defensive team makes the violation, and the free throw is missed, the shooter will reattempt the free throw, a made free throw will result in no violation being called. If the offensive team makes the violation, the made free throw will not count. If Both Teams make the violation, the made free throw will not count.   If this is the last free throw attempt, the alternate possession rule will be used.

• VIOLATIONS: If the ball does not hit the rim, it is a violation on the shooter.  In the case of a (2) shot foul, and the second shot does not hit the rim, the ball goes to the opposite team.

• If a player is fouled attempting a three point shot, the shooter will receive (3) foul shots if the shot is missed.

• TECHNICAL FOULS:  If a technical foul is called against a team, the opposing team will be given (2) free throws.   The shooting team may select any of the (5) players that are currently on the court to shoot the free throw.  All other players are required to stand behind the half court line. Once the (2) shots are completed, the team shooting the technical, will receive the ball at the half court line.  If a matching technical foul is called on both teams, there is no shooting, and control of the ball will be maintained by the team having possession before the infraction. A technical foul against a player results in a personal foul against the player and a team foul. All technical fouls count as a team foul.

        *Examples of technical fouls: Unsportsmanlike conduct, abusive language, obscenity, slamming the ball.

• FLAGRANT FOULS:  A flagrant foul will result in a technical foul or the ejection of the player or coach as determined by the referee. Examples of a flagrant foul are fighting (including throwing a punch), taunting, attempt to injure.

• EJECTION:  Any player or coach who is ejected from a game is ineligible to participate in the next game.  The ejected player should remain in the gym until his/her parent can take control of that player.

*Exception: A player control foul (offensive foul) and team control foul results in a change of possession.  Free throws are not attempted for these fouls.

NOTE Simultaneous fouls (personal or technical) against both teams does not result in a jump ball unless neither team has team control of the basketball

• FULL COURT PRESS: 

  • The 3rd/4th grade division pressing is not allowed at any time. There is no penalty for pressing in these leagues.  The referee will simply direct the defensive team to drop back to their side of the court. The exception is if the defense is trying to foul to stop the clock. 

  • The 5th/6th  grade division pressing is only allowed in the final 5 minutes of the game. Only the team losing may press. Under no circumstance is the team in the lead allowed to press. If the game is tied pressing is allowed.

  • The 7th/8th grade division may press at any time until a team has a 8 point lead. 

  • A warning will be issued the first time a team violates the pressing rule.  Each subsequent infraction will result in 1 shot foul with the lane cleared. The ball will then be awarded to the team that shot the foul shot at mid court. 

  • When full court pressing is not permitted, the offensive team will be allowed to bring the ball into the front court before the defense can pressure their man. This means NO TRAPPING at Half-Court. Players can pick up their man at the top of the three-point arc extended.

• MAN-TO-MAN DEFENSE:

  • 3rd/4th grade and 5th/6th grade mandate a man-to-man defense.  Zone Defenses are allowed in the 7th/8th grade division. The director should review defense requirements with the referees prior to the game.

  • The defensive player is not mandated to guard their player until the offensive player is below the 3 point arc or the team is pressing.

  • Double team or trap defense is not allowed above the 3 point arc.

  • Help defense is allowed below the three point arc.  This means a double team or trap defense is allowed inside the 3 point arc, BUT NOT above.

  • There are no man-to-man defense restrictions on the ball handlers in the paint.

  • Referees should call a zone defense infraction only when the league doesn’t allow zones and they deem that 2 or more defensive players are guarding one offensive player above the 3 point arc.

• TIME ALLOTMENTS:

  • A player taking a free throw has 10 seconds to take the shot.

  • A player has 5 seconds to inbound the ball. 

  • A team has 10 seconds to bring the ball over half court.

  • There is a 60 second timeout at the end of the 1st and 3rd quarter.

  • There is no timeout between A and B squad changes. 

• VIOLATIONS: Back-court, Double-Dribble, Traveling, Palming the ball, leaving the lane too soon on a foul shot, stepping over the out of bounds line, stepping over the line when passing the ball from out of bounds, three  seconds, running out of bounds, free throw lane violations, 5 seconds closely guarded.

• WARNINGS: A warning will be given to a team if:

  • Defensive team guarding a player inbounding the ball reaches over the line. (Note: the inbounding player shall be given 3 feet)

  • Pressing when it is not permitted.

    • Note: One warning to a team in 5th/6th and 7th/8th grade divisions.  A 1 shot foul will be called on the second and subsequent offense. The ball will then be awarded to the team that shot the foul shot at mid court. 

Section 5 - Other Rules:

• JEWELRY: No jewelry of any kind is allowed on the court during practices or games.  This includes LIVESTRONG or other bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, noserings, and headbands that have loose tails.

• INJURIES AND DISCIPLINE: All injuries or disciplinary issues must be reported to the BMYBL Board ASAP. A player who removes him/herself from the game or is removed due to an injury may re-enter the game if the injury is minor. Any player that suffers a head injury which results in loss of consciousness, or appears dazed or confused shall be immediately removed from the game and is prohibited from re-entering that game or subsequent practices or games without medical clearance.

• ETHICS:

  • Fans/parents/players/coaches are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner. Referees and Division Directors will not tolerate any unruliness. Any person behaving in an unacceptable way will be asked to leave the gym. Failure to do so will result in forfeit of the game to the associated team.

  • The HEAD COACH and League Director are responsible for the behavior of their fans/parents. 

  • Referees will be trained that they are not to address any fan issue.  If the referee feels that action must be taken against a fan, they will either contact the on-site director or the head coach.

  • Any fan related issue must be reported to the BMYBL Board as soon as possible.

• SPORTSMANSHIP: This league is for ALL of the kids. All players should get an equal amount of playing time and be treated with respect. The goal of every coach should be to ensure that all children that participate will be glad that they did and will be looking forward to playing in the BMYBL next season.

• SCORE REPORTING: HEAD COACHES must provide scores to league directors after each game.  The scores may be posted on the BMYBL website and will be used to determine playoff positioning.

• INSURANCE LIABILITY: All family, friends and guests are welcome to be spectators at the games provided that they follow the rules listed above. No one is allowed on the court or to handle basketballs that is not  signed up as a current player in good standing, a coach, or a referee. Any and all injuries shall be reported to the Division Director on duty immediately.

• SCHOOL RULES:

  • When entering or exiting the gym, use the main entrance only. All other doors are emergency exits only.

  • Only water is permitted into the gym. No flavored drinks or food is allowed. All trash must be disposed of in the proper receptacle. Not following this rule may lead to our rental agreement being voided.

  • Only BMYBL balls are allowed in the gym. DO NOT bring balls in from home.

  • No walking around the school premises. Our rental agreement allows us only to go from the main entrance to the gymnasium and the restroom facilities closest to the gym.

  • Players are all expected to carry their game sneakers to the gym and changing into them once they arrive.  This is in an effort to preserve our gymnasium floors.

Reminder: This is a recreational league.  Please allow all players the same opportunity to learn and play regardless of his/her skill level.  Encourage all players during and after all activities.  

Coaches are expected to be positive role models and support the players, coaches and referees in the program! 

Thank You for Your Support!!

Reminder: This is a recreational league.  Please allow all players the same opportunity to learn and play regardless of his/her skill level.  Encourage all players during and after all activities.

Coaches are expected to be positive role models and support the players, coaches and referees in the program!

Thank You for Your Support!!