BASKETBALL RULES
Most of these rules are similar to the International Basketball Federation Rules. We have added some rules or subtracted based on the way we at ESMSA Basketball feel our program should be run/played.
Game Rules:
1. This is a learning and developmental league therefore all children should play an equal amount of playing time. Failure to do so may result in removal of coaching duties or penalties such as a forfeit.
2. 3rd boys and 4th girls may be played with 5 players depending on agreement between coaches on both teams prior to the start of the game (to allow learning and spacing during play). The referee is allowed at times to stop play and offer instruction. The coaches in this division are also permitted to go on the court in the middle of a game (to teach/explain a rule, play, and situation) with permission from the referee. It is our goal in this division to teach the game with the progression of playing 5 vs 5 by the middle to end of the season.
3. 4th girls and 3rd boys divisions will play 4 (8) min quarters, 4,5,6th boys and 5/6th grade girls should all play (4) 10 min quarters.
1. Games will be played with running time except for the last 2 minutes of each half. During the last 2 minutes of each half the clock will stop as normal.
2. There is to be a 1 min break in between each quarter.
3. There are (2) 60 second time outs permitted per half.
4. In the event of a tie (1) 5 min overtime may be played at the discretion of the referee and directors of the league.
4. Team fouls are to be kept as follows (upd 6/2023):
1. Teams will shoot two free throws for common fouls when in the “bonus” (This change eliminates the one-and-one scenario and sets new foul limits each quarter for awarding the bonus free throw).
2. In addition to awarding two foul shots for all common fouls, teams will reach the bonus when their opponent commits five fouls in each quarter and team fouls will reset at the end of each quarter.
5. On change of possession the defensive team must get back past half court before they can defend the offensive team.
6. Defense is to be man-to-man at all times
1. Teams are required to match up.
1. Coaches are not allowed to have their best defender wait at half court and defend the ball carrier no matter which player brings the ball up the floor.
2. Teams are not allowed to double team the ball. Meaning you are not allowed to send two defenders to guard the ball at the same time.
1. If a player gets an offensive rebound and multiple defenders are standing next to them preventing the player from putting the ball back up this does not constitute a double team. However if the offense team pulls the ball out of the paint then the defense is required to match up.
2. If multiple offensive players are standing next to the ball handler allowing their defender to take the ball away from the ball handler this is not a double team.
3. If the ball handler dribbles the ball past another defender the defender can attempt to steal the ball. However they cannot leave their man.
3. Teams are allowed to play help defense. Meaning if a defender is beat off the dribble then a teammate is allowed to leave there man to help stop the ball.
4. Teams are allowed to leave their match ups and stop a fast break. However once the fast break is stopped and the offense is slowed down. The defense is required to play man to man.
5. Switching on picks is legal and not a double team.
7. A full court man to man press (4th - 6th girls/boys) is allowed in the 4th quarter unless a team has a 10 point or more lead. The leading team in this event may not do a full court press unless the point differential goes back to 6 points or under.
8. 3 point field goal/basket are permitted on courts that have 3 point lines if both coaches agree to it before the game starts.
9. 3 seconds in the paint is in effect for all courts that have the designated lines. (Referees are allowed discretion on this rule)
10. Discretionary rules - ESMSA basketball directors have the discretion to institute the following rules if need be. Coaches will be made aware of the implementation of these rules prior to that week’s games.
1. ESMSA can institute mandatory substitutions at halfway and the end of each quarter. We would like to leave substitutions up to the coaches however if playing time becomes an issue we will institute mandatory substitutions.
2. ESMSA Basketball can institute a personal foul rule of 5 fouls by a player and the player is out of the game. This rule will require more book keeping and volunteers. We would like to avoid having to institute this rule. However if fouls become an issue and team fouls are not an effective penalty then we will institute the personal foul rule. If a player is getting out of control, please substitute them out and explain to them what they are doing wrong.
**If your team is leading by 15 points or more than the leading team should pull back their play and (pass the ball 5X prior to shooting, relax more on defense, and make more substitutions (starters/subs) to make the play fairer. In no way should any team run up the score.
***All players and coaches should display sportsmanship and appropriate behavior during all games and practices. There is to be no cursing, arguing with referees, players or coaches. Coaches must be supportive and teach/guide all players. A violation of this and you may be suspended at the discretion of the league directors.
All ESMSA equipment must be properly cared for. All coaches are responsible for their league issued equipment. If equipment is lost you are responsible for replacing it. All equipment handed out should be returned at the end of the season.
In the event that a team does not have enough players to legally play a game. Then the coaches will play a scrimmage. Players may be borrowed by the other team in order to play the scrimmage. The team that does not have enough players (will count the game as a forfeit and submit a score of 10 to 0).
*All teams will make the playoffs in the 4th girls, 4/5th boys, 5/6th girls and 6th boys. Seeding for playoffs will be based on team records and in a tie of records will be determined by the PF/PA differential.
All coaches are responsible for submitting their scores at the end of each game on the SSU Play
If there are any injuries to a player, fighting, bad behavior, or unusual events at any time you must notify the league directors immediately.