1st/2nd Basketball Rules

All league rules will follow KSHSAA guidelines other than the following:

• Game and Pre-Game Rules: All games will begin no less than 5 minutes following the previous game. It is the official’s decision to allow for more time between games.

• A team must have three players in order to avoid a forfeit. Some games do run ahead of schedule and it’s the responsibility of the coach to have the team on the court when the officials call for starters.

• It’s the responsibility of the coaches to accurately complete the lineup card with the proper numbers for each player.

• Home team will provide the game ball.

• The scorekeeper is the official scorer of the game. Clock is secondary.

• Playing Time: It is required that all players play at least half of each contest. It’s the coach’s responsibility to substitute players to meet this requirement.

• Game Clock: Games will consist of two, 20 minute halves with a running clock. Clock will stop on all time outs and other occurrences as deemed by the officials.

• If there is a lead of 15+ points in the final 2 minutes, the clock will continue to run. No stopping of clock for reasons stated above except for time outs, technical fouls, injuries and other occurrences as deemed by the officials.

• Half time is 5 minutes. Time between games will be no less than 5 minutes. Officials may allow more time between games if needed.

• Overtime: There will be one overtime period of 2 minutes. In the event of a tie at the end of OT, the 2nd OT will be sudden death Possession in each OT will be decided by a jump ball at center court.

• Timeouts: Each team is allotted four timeouts per game. Each time out will be a maximum of one minute in length. Each team will be given an additional timeout for each overtime.

• Technical Fouls: Any technical foul called on a coach or a member of his/her bench will result in immediate ejection from the game and the gymnasium.

• Coaches Box: The coach’s box rule will be enforced and only one coach at a time is allowed to be standing during the game.

• Pressing and backcourt defense: Once a team gains possession, the opposing team must retreat to the defensive end of the court. Possession is defined by securing the ball with one or two hands or a controlled dribble. Any defensive act or movement in the backcourt that causes the offensive team to lose control or possession will result in the offensive team retaining possession by a throw-in at half court and a "press" warning will be issued to the defensive team. Each team is allowed two warnings per game. Each subsequent infraction will result in a two shot technical foul and the shooting team will retain possession via throw-in at half court.

• Frontcourt defense: A defensive player may not defend a player outside the 3 point line. Defensive team will be allowed two warnings per game. Each subsequent infraction will result in a two shot technical foul and the shooting team will retain possession via throw-in at half court. NOTE: If it is determined, only by the officials, that the offensive team is using this rule as a form of stalling/running down the clock, a warning will be given to the offensive team. All subsequent infractions will result in a loss of possession.

• 3 Point Shot: Due to the frontcourt defense rule, the 3 point shot will not be counted as 3 points. All made baskets, other than free throws, will be counted as 2 points. In the name of sportsmanship, it is suggested that all shots are attempted where the defender has the opportunity to guard the shooter.

• Double Team/Multiplayer Defense: This will NOT be allowed in the 1st - 2nd grade division. Any multiplayer defense will result in two warnings and the 3rd infraction results in a two shot technical foul and the offense retaining possession.

• Other fouls, violations and clarifications:

  • “3” second violations will be called. Officials will try to encourage players to stay out of lane. The responsibility for teaching this rule is from the coaching staff.

  • If extra time is needed to line kids up properly during a free throw, the official can request for the clock to be stopped to place kids in their required spots on the lane.

  • No foul can be called on a player while illegally defending in the backcourt or an illegal double team. The rules of illegal defense supersedes the foul.

  • Traveling may be allowed, at the discretion of the official, if the travel is not in excess (two or more steps) in the backcourt, frontcourt, leading to a direct basket and/or allowing the offensive player to gain an advantage on the defender.

  • All double dribble violations will be called.

  • All 5 second throw in and 10 second backcourt violations will be called.

  • The 5 second “closely guarded” rule will not be enforced.