GAME RULES

1. Games are to be played using official youth basketball rules.    

2. Games will start at 5:30pm, but no later than 6:00pm.  No scheduled games will begin unless BOTH teams have at least 5 players (a game cannot start with only four players, but a game can end with four players). 

3. Teams will play a minimum of 2 games per week.   For a minimum of 8 games.

4. Site Coordinators must start the clock at the scheduled game time.
a. Once the clock starts a team will have ONLY 15 minutes to begin the game or it becomes a forfeit.
b. Late teams will be assessed ONE POINT for each full minute late (according to game clock).  


5. Only two registered coaches and their registered players are allowed on the bench.  
a. The game cannot begin until all ineligible persons are removed from the bench area.
b. If the offending team refuses to clear the bench area, the game must be forfeited. 
c. If at any time during a game, ineligible persons are discovered to be seated in a team's bench area, the offending team will be assessed a two-shot technical and the ineligible persons removed.

d. In the event of a second offense for that team during that game, the game will be forfeited.  


6. All teams must bring their own practice balls; the league will ONLY provide the game ball.  

 
7. Teams are not allowed to apply full ‑ court pressure defense if they are winning by 20 or more points throughout the game.  There will be a change in possession if a team is found in violation.  

 
8. ONLY one Coach is allowed to stand during the game.  

a. If anyone other than the Head Coach is discovered to be standing during the game, this will result in a technical foul being assessed to the offending team.  

 
9. ONLY the Head Coach can approach the scorer’s table.  

 
10. ONLY the Head Coach can approach the official(s) during timeouts.  

 
11. Length of Games 

a. The 13 and Under division - two fifteen (15) minute halves running time with stop time the last two minutes of each half.  

b. The 15 and Under division - two sixteen (16) minute halves running time with stop time the last two minutes of each half.  

c. The 18 and Under division - two twenty (20) minute halves running time with stop time the last two minutes of each half.

d. The clock stops on all time outs.

e. Only officials are allowed to stop the clock at other points during the game, i.e. to consult on a disputed call, etc. 

f. Overtime periods will run for three (3) minutes: running time the first two (2) minutes, and stop time the last minute.      


12. Time-outs:

a. Each team has two (1) time-out per half with none carrying over.  

b. Teams receive one (1) timeout during overtime.
  

13. Player Uniform: 

a. All players must wear rubber‑soled shoes, their own BNBL shirt of the present year and shorts.  

b. Players cannot cut, alter, or write on their BNBL. 

c. Players not in uniform will not be allowed to participate or sit on the bench, except in extreme situations.

d. If a player is discovered to be playing without the proper uniform, a two-shot technical foul will be assessed AND that player will be ejected from the game.

14. Coach Uniform:

a. All coaches must wear a collared shirt to be allowed on the bench.  This will be the only acceptable coaches’ uniform.       

- The first offense will result in a two-shot technical and the coach being issued a warning.  Each team will receive only one warning.  The Site Coordinators should note the infraction in the score-book for future reference.       

- The second offense will result in a two-shot technical and the coach being asked to leave the bench area until s/he is in uniform, handing the coaching duties to the assistant coach.    

- In the case that the assistant coach is not in uniform, or there is no assistant coach, the game will be forfeited. 

b. During the playoff games, all coaches must wear their BNBL-issued coach's polo.