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SAN FERNANDO VALLEY PRIVATE SCHOOL LEAGUE 

BASKETBALL RULES

Revised – September 5, 2019

These rules are for clarification or to note exceptions to CIF rules.

CIF rules apply to any situation not included here.

TIMING AND SCORING

  1. In all divisions, games shall consist of four 10 minute quarters. This is running time, except for time-outs and the last two minutes of the game, which will be standard stop-clock procedure, if the scoring margin is within 15 points. If the margin is 16 or more, the clock will not stop during the last two minutes, except for time-outs.

  2. There will be 2 minutes between quarters and 5 minutes between halves. Teams should be on the court, ready to play at the end of these timed breaks.

  3. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, there will be a 3-minute overtime period until a winner is decided. The last two minutes will be regulation time and each team will receive one additional time-out.

  4. Each team is permitted four time-outs per game. After a time-out the ball is put into nearest the location it was last in play.

  5. The home team is required to provide the official timer or scorer. The visiting team is strongly encouraged to provide an assistant at the table. This keeps scoring and timing disputes to a minimum.

  6. The home team shall provide a scorer's table, separate from the players' bench. There must be a scoreboard that is visible to both teams at the table or on the wall.

  7. For all levels, the offensive team is allowed ten seconds to bring the ball across mid-court.

PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES, AND COACHES

  1. Substitutes will be unlimited; however, they must first check-in at the score table and be beckoned by the referee.

  2. Each player must have jerseys of the same color and shorts of the same color. Jerseys must be tucked into the shorts. All uniforms must have numbers, at least 4” high, on both the front and back. Any player not in a full, complete uniform may not play. No exceptions!

  3. A player is disqualified when they receive their 5th personal foul.

  4. A team must begin the game with five players, but it if has no substitutes to replace disqualified (fouled out) or injured players, it must continue with fewer than five. When there is only one player participating for a team, the team shall forfeit the game, unless the referee believes that the shorthanded team has an opportunity to win the game.

  5. If any coach, manager, or other non-player in the bench area is ejected, the game is immediately declared a forfeit. If that individual is an adult, they must leave the premises immediately. If the ejected individual is not an adult, they should be moved away from the court, under the supervision of a responsible adult. The game will not continue, even as a practice game. No exceptions!

  6. Jewelry may not be worn. It is not acceptable to place tape over jewelry. Players wearing any jewelry (covered or not) may not participate. No exceptions!

BASKETBALL - STARTING THE GAME

  1. Before each game, each coach shall provide a team roster for the official scorebook. Additions or changes to this roster after the game begins will cause a technical foul to be assessed to the team.

  2. There is a 10-minute grace period. After that, the game will be a forfeit, even if played. If a team arrives late, it is expected that the game will be shortened to keep within the regular schedule. For example, if the game begins 10 minutes late, the quarters should be reduced to 8 minutes each.

  3. The captain of the visiting school shall have a choice of baskets to begin the game. Teams should warm-up at the basket on which they will begin the game.

  4. The game will begin with a jump ball at the center circle. After that, tie balls and possession after each quarter will be determined by alternating possession.

FREE THROWS

  1. Free throws are awarded for all non-shooting fouls, beginning with the 7th team foul of the half. Two free throws will be awarded beginning with the 10th team foul of the half. An offensive foul is recorded as a team foul.

  2. A player occupying a marked lane space may enter the lane on the release of the ball by the free-throw shooter. The shooter and the players outside the three-point line may not break the plane of their line until the ball contacts the rim.

3. Free throw line violations are to be strictly enforced for all levels. Stepping on or over the designated line before the ball contacts the rim is a violation.

4. During free throws, the non-shooting team is required to fill both lane positions above the block. The offense occupies the next spot, and the defense the third spot. No players may line up below the block. A maximum of three

BASKETBALL - FULL COURT PRESS

Definition of a full-court press:

Defending the ball in the back-court after possession has been established.

TRAPPING

  1. In the 4C and 5C divisions, the defense may not trap outside the three-point line.

 

THREE-POINT LINE AND COURT/BALL SIZES

  1. Three-Point Line - The three-point line will be used in all divisions when clearly and legally marked in its entirety on the court. Temporary chalk lines do not constitute “clearly and legally marked.” It is also required that the lines be complete. Shots from the “top of the key” will not count as 3 points, if the complete line is not clearly and legally marked.

  2. Ball Sizes – Junior high boys and all 6th grade boys divisions will use the official (29.5”) mens' size ball. All girls and 4th and 5th grade boys will use the official (28.5”) women's size ball.

  3. Minimum Court Size - To host home games, the court must be a minimum of 60’ by 40’.

CONTACT WITH BALL HANDLER / DRIBBLER:

The following acts constitute a foul when committed against a ball handler/dribbler:

  1. Placing two hands on the player.

  2. Placing an extended armbar on the player.

  3. Placing and keeping a hand on the player.

  4. Contacting the player more than once with the same hand or alternating hands.
     

CONCUSSION OR SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION

  1. The coach shall not allow a player to continue play in the game if a concussion is suspected. Prior to returning to practice or competition, the athlete must be medically cleared by an appropriate health care professional. Referees will have no duty to police concussions or concussions symptoms.

  2. Visit www.nfhslearn.com for more info about concussions and concussion symptoms.

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