I. Gym Specifications
A. Minimum dimensions: 74ft x 42ft with 8-foot baskets (adjustable to 9ft+).
B. Goal height will be adjusted weekly (please adjust for practices the week prior to games):

II. Ball Size
A. 27.5” (Junior / Size 5)

III. Game Time & Structure
A. All games must start on time. Quarters and half-time breaks are kept to a minimum to allow the next game to start promptly.
B. Quarters will be 10 minutes in length. The clock will run continuously, with the exception of the final two minutes of the second and fourth quarters, timeouts, foul shots, injuries, and at the official's discretion.
C. Teams are allotted four 30-second timeouts per game. Exceeding this limit will result in a technical foul, leading to two foul shots and loss of possession.
D. There are no overtime periods. Games will end in a tie.

IV. Player Substitutions
A. Playing time must be equally divided, and the playing matrix must be submitted at the end of every game. Coaches who fail to submit a matrix, or who submit one not aligned with the scorer's table tracking, will be subject to corrective actions at the discretion of the board.
B. Coaches must substitute halfway through each quarter at the five-minute mark; the referee will signal for substitutions.
C. Coaches may only substitute players outside of the five-minute substitution break if due to injury or illness.
D. No player may play more than 15 minutes in a half unless the team has six or fewer available players.
E. Coaches are encouraged to take a few seconds before each start to match players by skill level and ensure players know who they are covering.

V. Defense
A. For the first four games, only a 2-3 zone defense is permitted. Beginning with game five, man-to-man defense is required.
B. Defenses must stay below the “volleyball line,” and offenses must "actively attack," avoiding hiding behind the volleyball line.
C. No double-teaming is permitted above the free-throw line extended.
D. No stealing from the dribble is allowed. Intercepting passes is permitted. Emphasize no contact, no slapping the ball, and no grabbing the ball from an opponent.
E. Hands Up / Hands Out Defense: Arms and hands must be held straight up or out to the side when engaging offensive players. Coaches should teach players to avoid hovering over shooters.
F. Fast breaks will be permitted during the final two minutes of the second and fourth quarters.
G. No backcourt defense. The point guard will be allowed to cross midcourt without being defended to allow offensive development.
H. No full-court press is allowed.

VI. Free Throws
A. Free throws are attempted from the foul line, or a closer distance suitable for the shooter’s ability.
B. No more than six players may line the lane (four defensive, two offensive alternating). All other players must be behind the free-throw line extended and behind the top of the free-throw line circle.
C. 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.

VII. Referees
A. Certified and non-certified referees will officiate the games.
B. 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.

VIII. General Rules & Sportsmanship
A. NJSIAA basketball rules apply, with consideration given to the age and skill level of these players.
B. Players are disqualified upon their fifth personal foul. (Exceptions may apply if only five players are available at the time of foul-out, or if a player leaves due to injury after the foul-out threshold is met). Fouls carry over into overtime.
C. Two free throws will be awarded on the fifth foul and subsequent fouls per quarter (2023 High School Rule).
D. The offensive team must get the ball over halfcourt within 10 seconds.
E. Passing from frontcourt to backcourt results in a turnover, except on inbound passes.
F. The alternating possession rule is in effect.
G. Any team dominating play (e.g., winning by more than 10 points) is expected to exhibit good sportsmanship by reducing the intensity of their play in accordance with the score. This includes:

• No fast breaks
• No stealing
• Multiple passes before shots
• Defense plays inside the three-point line

H. Coaches are responsible for ensuring their players recognize and adhere to promoting this sportsmanship.-----Would you like any further assistance or additional changes or guidance?