Recreation Basketball Rules
Warm-up Period:
Prior to each game, there will be a 5-minute warm-up period. Time may be shortened if games are running late. All basketballs except the game ball must be put back in the coach’s ball bag before tap-off.
Game Duration/Game Clock/Overtime:
Each game will consist of 2 halves, each being twenty minutes running time. Time will be stopped for infractions during the last 2 minutes of the game and on all time-outs (called by referee or team). At ALL levels, time will be stopped for free throws.
Overtime periods will be 3 minutes. The first 2 minutes of overtime will be running time, and the last 1 minute time will be stopped for infractions. If the game is tied after one overtime, then the game will end in a tie.
Half time will be 3 minutes in duration.
Time Outs:
Each team is allowed 3 time-outs per game. Time-outs may be called only when a team has possession of the basketball. Each team is allowed 1 time out in the overtime period.
Alternating Possession:
After the first half tap-off, the alternating possession rule will be in effect for the remainder of the game, except in overtime. The overtime period will start with a tap-off and move to alternating possession thereafter.
3 point shots:
Shots made outside of the 3 point line will result in 3 points for all games where there is a three point line on the court.
Rules for Defense:
There is NO pressure allowed in the backcourt for 3rd-4th boys & 3rd-5th girls leagues. All other age groups may apply full-court pressure during the last 2 minutes of the game for 5th-6th grade boys, five minutes of the game for 7th-8th grade boys, five minutes of the game for 6th-8th grade girls, and the High School League can press for the last 10 minutes of the game.
Rules specific for the 3rd-4th and 5th-6th grade boys and 3rd-5th grade girls leagues.
- Zone defenses are not allowed at any time, except at the 7/8 and High School level.
- Double-teaming is not allowed. Help defense is allowed inside the key area only.
- Trapping is NOT allowed at any time in the junior leagues.
Rules for Substitutions:
Playing time should be spread among all players evenly. NOTE: Preference should be given to non-travel players in the event of odd-numbered rosters.
Player substitutions may occur while the game is in progress, by sending the player to the scoring table and waiting for the referee to allow the substitution.
Fouls:
Each team is allowed 9 team fouls per half. The 10th team foul in any half will result in a 1 and 1 free throw shooting situation. The 13th foul will result in 2 free throws. A player will have fouled out of the game on their 6th foul.
A technical foul assessed to any coach or team will result in 2 free throws for the opposing team and loss of possession. Any coach or player who accumulates 2 technical fouls in a game will be ejected from the game and gym. Any coaches who receive 2 technical fouls in a game, or 3 technical fouls during the season will be subject to removal for the remainder of the season.
Gym Rules:
No basketballs other than league provided basketballs are allowed in the gym during game day. Coaches should instruct their players to leave their personal basketballs at home.
Behavior:
Coaches must remain on the sidelines at all times except to assist his team in matching up against the opposing team prior to tap-off or the resumption of play.
Players shall stay away from the scorer’s table unless he/she is reporting in to enter the game. Players entering the game shall kneel at the scorer’s table until a whistle stoppage of play.
Coaches are required to fill in player names and numbers into the scorebook prior to the start of the game.
Team Attire:
Players must wear shorts and sneakers as well as the team shirt issued by the league, with the number visible. Team shirts must not be altered in any way (i.e. cutting off sleeves or stomach area, adding names or nicknames etc.)
Players must remove all watches and all jewelry (including body piercing jewelry) prior to all practices and games.
Bench
Only coaches and players are allowed on the bench during games. There are no exceptions.
Food/Beverage:
WATER is the only drink allowed in the gym. No food or candy at any time is allowed in the gym.
RESPECT IS EXPECTED FROM ALL. Use of profanity or obscene gestures will result in ejection from the game and the gym. Coaches will not address the referees for any reason. Any issues with refereeing or scoring will be addressed to the Facility Supervisor or the Board of Directors.
Social Media Policy:
Coaches, Players, Parents, Officials and Coordinators are prohibited from posting anything on social media – direct or implied– that could be implied as negative, critical, or derogatory in reference to any specific Norton Basketball Association affiliated individual/teams other than his or her own self or children. Positive comments are of course fine. Posting critical comments on officiating on a social media platform is prohibited by anyone affiliated with a Norton Basketball Association team.
Much like professional sports, college sports, or MIAA (Massachusetts HS sports), commenting on officiating via any media platform (print, electronic, social or otherwise) is not allowed. And suspensions are giving for any such activity.
Any offensive of this guideline will result in a one (1) game suspension for the first offense and removal from the league, with no refund, for a 2nd offense. This includes spectators, parents and family members, coaches, and players.
