League Rules and Regulations

The following South Florida Youth Basketball League Rules and Regulations are provided on this page. For your added convenience you may also obtain these rules in portable digital file (PDF) format below:

Please note that all teams must play one on one defense, except teams in the Slammers, Jammers, Rim Rockers/Cagers and Lady Cagers) divisions.

Rules of the Game

Tiny Hot Shots - Youth Boys Basketball League: One on One

Tiny Hot Shots – Youth Boys Basketball League: One on One

Use the 28.5 size basketball and set the basket height at 8′.
Games will begin with a center jump. The alternating possession arrow will be used thereafter for jump ball situations and to start each quarter
Games are played with 4 eight minute quarters and a running clock. With two minutes to play or less, clock stops on the whistle for time outs, fouls and balls out of bounds.
NO picks or screens permitted at this level.
Defenders must play One-on-One only. Matching wristband rule applies. Zone defenses are not allowed.
No full court pressing is allowed. Shot attempts beyond half court are not allowed, as the Defense cannot guard beyond half court.
As soon as rebound possession is clearly obtained on the defensive end, the other team drops back to their half-court man to man defensive positions.
With the exception of play within the Lane area, no Double Teaming Defense is allowed. Each team is allowed three Double Teaming violations and/or not guarding opposing player with same wristband per game. A Technical Foul is assessed to the Defense commencing with the fourth violation.
At the start of each half, a running total of Team Fouls begins. Commencing with the 7th Team Foul committed, the opponent will be in a 1-and-1 Free Throw situation. Commencing with the 10th team foul, two Free Throw shots are awarded.
A 5 Second violation is called when the offensive player is immediately guarded, and is inactive (is not dribbling, passing, or shooting) for more than five seconds. Also, players have 5 seconds to inbound the ball.
Each game occupies approximately one hour of gym time. In order to maintain the pace of our league’s schedule, Coaches are asked not to use in Substitution break as an opportunity for an unofficial timeout.
If an Overtime period is necessary, it will be two minute in length. Anything goes as coaches pick of own players.
2nd Overtime: Coaches pick free throw shots. Best of 5 with each team taking turns with shot. 1:1. Team with most of 5 win.
If 2nd OT ends in a tie, sudden death. 1:1 (free throw). Coach Pick of 5 players, shot for shot until someone misses.
Four Timeouts are allowed per team, per game. Each team is allowed only one Timeout per overtime period.
With the exception of those parents volunteering with game clock, score-keeping or playing time tracking board, the score table and player bench area is off-limits. Also, the player’s bench is only for players and coaches.
Coaches: One coach on bench area, other can patrol side line (as long as in SFY issued shirt). The coach cannot patrol the sideline where parents are sitting.

Mini Hot Shots - Youth Boys Basketball League: One on One

Mini Hot Shots – Youth Boys Basketball League: One on One

Use the 28.5 size basketball and set the basket height at 9′.
Games will begin with a center jump. The alternating possession arrow will be used thereafter for jump ball situations and to start each quarter
Games are played with 4 eight minute quarters and a running clock. With two minutes to play or less, clock stops on the whistle for time outs, fouls and balls out of bounds.
NO picks or screens permitted at this level.
Defenders must play One-on-One only. Matching wristband rule applies. Zone defenses are not allowed.
Full court pressing is permitted at this level during the last 2 minutes of EVERY quarter.
Teams up by 10 points or more cannot apply full court press.
As soon as rebound possession is clearly obtained on the defensive end, the other team drops back to their half-court defensive positions.
With the exception of play within the Lane area, no Double Teaming Defense is allowed. Each team is allowed three Double Teaming violations and/or not guarding opposing player with same wristband per game. A Technical Foul is assessed to the Defense commencing with the fourth violation.
At the start of each half, a running total of Team Fouls begins. Commencing with the 7th Team Foul committed, the opponent will be in a 1-and-1 Free Throw situation. Commencing with the 10th team foul, two Free Throw shots are awarded.
A 5 Second violation is called when the offensive player is immediately guarded, and is inactive (is not dribbling, passing, or shooting) for more than five seconds. Also, players have 5 seconds to inbound the ball.
Each game occupies approximately one hour of gym time. In order to maintain the pace of our league’s schedule, Coaches are asked not to use in Substitution break as an opportunity for an unofficial timeout.
If an Overtime period is necessary, it will be two minute in length. Anything goes as coaches pick of own players.
2nd Overtime: Coaches pick free throw shots. Best of 5 with each team taking turns with shot. 1:1. Team with most of 5 win.
If 2nd OT ends in a tie, sudden death. 1:1 (free throw). Coach Pick of 5 players, shot for shot until someone misses.
Four Timeouts are allowed per team, per game. Each team is allowed only one Timeout per overtime period.
With the exception of those parents volunteering with game clock, score-keeping or playing time tracking board, the score table and player bench area is off-limits. Also, the player’s bench is only for players and coaches.
Coaches: One coach on bench area, other can patrol side line (as long as in SFY issued shirt). The coach cannot patrol the sideline where parents are sitting.

Little Hot Shots - Youth Boys Basketball League: One on One

Little Hot Shots – Youth Basketball League: One on One

Use the 28.5 size basketball and set the basket height at 10”.
Games will begin with a center jump. The alternating possession arrow will be used thereafter for jump ball situation sand to start each quarter.
Games are played with 4 eight minute quarters and a running clock. With two minutes to play or less, clock stops on the whistle for time outs, fouls and balls out of bounds.
Picks or screens permitted at this level.
Zone and man to man pressing is permitted at this level beginning at half court. During the last 2 minutes remaining in each quarter, full court pressing is allowed and both man to man and zone presses are acceptable. At all other times, no full court pressing is allowed.
As soon as rebound possession is clearly obtained on the defensive end, the other team drops back to their half-court defensive positions.
When a team has built a lead of 10 points or more, it is no longer allowed to apply a full court press.
At the start of each half, a running total of Team Fouls begins. Commencing with the 7th Team Foul committed, the opponent will be in a 1-and-1 Free Throw situation. Commencing with the 10th team foul, two Free Throw shots are awarded.
A 5 Second violation is called when the offensive player is immediately guarded, and is inactive (is not dribbling, passing, or shooting) for more than five seconds. Also, players have 5 seconds to inbound the ball.
Each game occupies approximately one hour of gym time. In order to maintain the pace of our league’s schedule, Coaches are asked not to use in Substitution break as an opportunity for an unofficial timeout.
If an Overtime period is necessary, it will be two minute in length. Anything goes as coaches pick of own players.
2nd Overtime: Coaches pick free throw shots. Best of 5 with each team taking turns with shot. 1:1. Team with most of 5 win.
If 2nd OT ends in a tie, sudden death. 1:1 (free throw). Coach Pick of 5 players, shot for shot until someone misses.
Four Timeouts are allowed per team, per game. Each team is allowed only one Timeout per overtime period.
With the exception of those parents volunteering with game clock, score-keeping or playing time tracking board, the score table and player bench area is off-limits. Also, the player’s bench is only for players and coaches.
Coaches: both coaches must remain on bench with players (No Sideline Patrol).

Slammers / Jammers / Rim Rockers - Boys Youth Basketball League

Slammers / Jammers / Rim Rockers – Boys Youth Basketball League

High School Boys Basketball rules apply.
Each game occupies approximately one hour of gym time. In order to maintain our league’s schedule, Coaches are asked not to use the Substitution break as an opportunity for an unofficial timeout.
Games are played with 4 ten minute quarters and a running clock. With two minutes to play or less, clock stops on the whistle for time outs, fouls and balls out of bounds.
Zone and man to man pressing is permitted at this level beginning at half court. During the last 2 minutes remaining in each quarter, full court pressing is allowed and both man to man and zone presses are acceptable. At all other times, no full court pressing is allowed.
With the exception of those parents volunteering with game clock, score keeping or playing time tracking board, the score table and player bench area is off-limits. Also, the player’s bench is only for players and coaches.
If an Overtime period is necessary, it will be two minute in length. Anything goes as coaches pick of own players.
2nd Overtime: Coaches pick free throw shots. Best of 5 with each team taking turns with shot. 1:1. Team with most of 5 win.
If 2nd OT ends in a tie, sudden death. 1:1 (free throw). Coach Pick of 5 players, shot for shot until someone misses.

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Tiny Hoopsters - Girls Youth Basketball League

Tiny Hoopsters – Girls Youth Basketball League: One on One

Use the 28.5 size basketball and set the basket height at 9′.
Games will begin with a center jump. The alternating possession arrow will be used thereafter for jump ball situation sand to start each quarter.
Games are played with 4 eight minute quarters and a running clock. With two minutes to play or less, clock stops on the whistle for time outs, fouls and balls out of bounds.
No picks or screens permitted at this level.
Defenders must play One-on-One only. Zone defenses are not allowed.
No full court pressing is allowed. Shot attempts beyond half court are not allowed, as the Defense cannot guard beyond half court.
As soon as rebound possession is clearly obtained on the defensive end, the other team drops back to their half-court defensive positions.
With the exception of play within the Lane area, no Double Teaming Defense is allowed. Each team is allowed three Double Teaming violations per game. A Technical Foul is assessed to the Defense commencing with the fourth Double Teaming violation.
At the start of each half, a running total of Team Fouls begins. Commencing with the 7th Team Foul committed, the opponent will be in a 1-and-1 Free Throw situation. Commencing with the 10th team foul, two Free Throw shots are awarded.
A 5 Second violation is called when the offensive player is immediately guarded, and is inactive (is not dribbling, passing, or shooting) for more than five seconds. Also, players have 5 seconds to inbound the ball.
Each game occupies approximately one hour of gym time. In order to maintain the pace of our league’s schedule, Coaches are asked not to use in Substitution break as an opportunity for an unofficial timeout.
If an Overtime period is necessary, it will be two minute in length. Anything goes as coaches pick of own players.
2nd Overtime: Coaches pick free throw shots. Best of 5 with each team taking turns with shot. 1:1. Team with most of 5 win.
If 2nd OT ends in a tie, sudden death. 1:1 (free throw). Coach Pick of 5 players, shot for shot until someone misses.
Four Timeouts are allowed per team, per game. Each team is allowed only one timeout per overtime period.
With the exception of those parents volunteering with game clock and score keeping duties, the score table is off-limits to players and parents.
Coaches: One coach on bench area, other can patrol side line (as long as in SFY issued shirt). The coach cannot patrol the sideline where parents are sitting.

Mini Hoopsters - Girls Youth Basketball League

Mini Hoopsters – Girls Youth Basketball League: One on One

Use the 28.5 size basketball and set the basket height at 9′.
Games will begin with a center jump. The alternating possession arrow will be used thereafter for jump ball situation sand to start each quarter.
Games are played with 4 eight minute quarters and a running clock. With two minutes to play or less, clock stops on the whistle for time outs, fouls and balls out of bounds.
No picks or screens permitted at this level.
Defenders must play Man-on-Man only. Zone defenses are not allowed.
No full court pressing is allowed. Shot attempts beyond half court are not allowed, as the Defense cannot guard beyond half court.
As soon as rebound possession is clearly obtained on the defensive end, the other team drops back to their half-court defensive positions.
With the exception of play within the Lane area, no Double Teaming Defense is allowed. Each team is allowed three Double Teaming violations per game. A Technical Foul is assessed to the Defense commencing with the fourth Double Teaming violation.
At the start of each half, a running total of Team Fouls begins. Commencing with the 7th Team Foul committed, the opponent will be in a 1-and-1 Free Throw situation. Commencing with the 10th team foul, two Free Throw shots are awarded.
A 5 Second violation is called when the offensive player is immediately guarded, and is inactive (is not dribbling, passing, or shooting) for more than five seconds. Also, players have 5 seconds to inbound the ball.
Each game occupies approximately one hour of gym time. In order to maintain the pace of our league’s schedule, Coaches are asked not to use in Substitution break as an opportunity for an unofficial timeout.
If an Overtime period is necessary, it will be two minute in length. Anything goes as coaches pick of own players.
2nd Overtime: Coaches pick free throw shots. Best of 5 with each team taking turns with shot. 1:1. Team with most of 5 win.
If 2nd OT ends in a tie, sudden death. 1:1 (free throw). Coach Pick of 5 players, shot for shot until someone misses.
Four Timeouts are allowed per team, per game. Each team is allowed only one Timeout per overtime period.
With the exception of those parents volunteering with game clock and score keeping duties, the score table is off-limits to players and parents.
Coaches: One coach on bench area, other can patrol side line (as long as in SFY issued shirt). The coach cannot patrol the sideline where parents are sitting.

Little Hoopsters - Girls Youth Basketball League

Little Hoopsters – Girls Youth Basketball League: One on One

Use the 28.5 size basketball and set the basket height at 9”.
Games will begin with a center jump. The alternating possession arrow will be used thereafter for jump ball situation sand to start each quarter.
Games are played with 4 eight minute quarters and a running clock. With two minutes to play or less, clock stops on the whistle for time outs, fouls and balls out of bounds.
Picks or screens permitted at this level.
Defenders must play Man-on-Man only. Zone defenses are not allowed.
As soon as rebound possession is clearly obtained on the defensive end, the other team drops back to their half-court defensive positions.
During the last 2 minutes remaining in Quarters 2 and 4, full court pressing is allowed (man to man only). At all other times, no full court pressing is allowed.
When a team has built a lead of 12 points or more, it is no longer allowed to apply a full court press.
During the last 2 minutes remaining in Quarters 2 and 4, shot attempts beyond half court are legal. At all other times, shot attempts beyond half court are not allowed, as the Defense cannot guard beyond half court.
At the start of each half, a running total of Team Fouls begins. Commencing with the 7th Team Foul committed, the opponent will be in a 1-and-1 Free Throw situation. Commencing with the 10th team foul, two Free Throw shots are awarded.
A 5 Second violation is called when the offensive player is immediately guarded, and is inactive (is not dribbling, passing, or shooting) for more than five seconds. Also, players have 5 seconds to inbound the ball.
Each game occupies approximately one hour of gym time. In order to maintain the pace of our league’s schedule, Coaches are asked not to use in Substitution break as an opportunity for an unofficial timeout.
If an Overtime period is necessary, it will be two minute in length. Anything goes as coaches pick of own players.
2nd Overtime: Coaches pick free throw shots. Best of 5 with each team taking turns with shot. 1:1. Team with most of 5 win.
If 2nd OT ends in a tie, sudden death. 1:1 (free throw). Coach Pick of 5 players, shot for shot until someone misses.
Four Timeouts are allowed per team, per game. Each team is allowed only one Timeout per overtime period.
With the exception of those parents volunteering with game clock and score keeping duties, the score table is off-limits to players and parents.
Coaches: One coach on bench area, other can patrol side line (as long as in SFY issued shirt). The coach cannot patrol the sideline where parents are sitting.

Cagers / Lady Cagers - Girls Youth Basketball League

Cagers / Lady Cagers – Girls Youth Basketball League

High School Boys Basketball rules apply.
Each game occupies approximately one hour of gym time. In order to maintain our league’s schedule. Coaches are asked not to use Substitution breaks for timeouts.
Games are played with 4 ten minute quarters and a running clock. With two minutes to play or less, clock stops on the whistle for time outs, fouls and balls out of bounds.
Zone and man to man pressing is permitted at this level beginning at half court. During the last 2 minutes remaining in each quarter, full court pressing is allowed and both man to man and zone presses are acceptable. At all other times, no full court pressing is allowed.
With the exception of those parents volunteering with game clock and score keeping duties, the Score Table is Off-Limits to Players and Parents.

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Playing Time and Substitution Rules

The following Playing Time & Substitution Rules apply to all regular season games and playoff games:

Each coach must commit to playing all of the players as equitably as possible during the course of the game.
Substitutions are made at the beginning and midpoint of each quarter.
Whenever substitutions are made, the Coach must “Clear the Bench”. In other words, those players which are sitting must play at the next substitution break.
A “session” is defined as a half-quarter. There are 8 sessions per game.
In games with 8-minute quarters, each session in 4 minutes.
In games with 7-minute quarters, each session in 3.5 minutes.
In games with 6-minute quarters, each session in 3 minutes.
In games with a running clock and 10-minute quarters, each session is 5 minutes.
No player will remain on the bench for two consecutive sessions.

For all divisions which play 5-ON-5 basketball:

Roster of Ten: Everyone plays 4 sessions.
Roster of Nine: Four play 5 sessions. Five play 4 sessions.
Roster of Eight: Everyone plays 5 sessions.
Roster of Seven: Five play 6 sessions. Two play 5 sessions.
Roster of Six: Four play 7 sessions. Two play 6 sessions.

For all divisions which play 4-ON-4 basketball:

Roster of Eight: Everyone plays 4 sessions.
Roster of Seven: Four play 5 sessions. Three play 4 sessions.
Roster of Six: Two play 6 sessions. Four play 5 sessions.
Roster of Five: Two play 7 sessions. Three play 6 sessions.

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Score Rules

Guidelines in Score Keeping

Follow these guidelines in keeping the score-book

It is very important for the scorekeeper to keep the running score. This is a quick reference if there is a discrepancy with the score-book.
Individual points should be marked in the appropriate column for quarters one, two, three and four. Place a “2” or “3” for the appropriate points scored for each goal. Do not give a player a 3 point field goal unless verified by the official.
If a player shoots a foul shot, place a “O” in the appropriate place. If he/she makes the shot, fill in the “O”. If they miss it, leave it blank.
At the end of each quarter, total the number of points scored by the team and place the points at the bottom of the column. In the second, third and fourth quarters, place the points scored during the quarter in the top space and the total points for the game in the bottom space. This will allow you to continually check to see if the running score, score board, and your quarter scores are correct.
If a player is called for a foul, mark the foul in the column labeled fouls. On the fifth foul a player is ejected from the game.
You must also keep a total of the team fouls. After you have marked the individual’s foul, go to the top of the page and find either fouls first half of fouls second half and mark a team foul. It is important to keep an accurate account of team fouls because on the seventh foul the opposing team shoots one and one. On the tenth foul the opposing team shoots two foul shots. If the player was in the act of shooting, it is automatically a two shot foul. The official will question you during the game as to how many team fouls you have for each team.
You will also need to keep up with time outs by each team. This can be found at the bottom of the page. Each team is giving five time outs per game. In the older divisions it is important to mark weather it is a 20 second or full time out. They are allowed two 20 second time outs and three 60 second time outs per game. I usually mark the quarter in which the time out was called and the time on the clock but this in not absolutely necessary.
At the end of the game, please take time to total each player’s points for the game and place the total in the column labeled “TP” for total points. Then check to be sure your points total up to the FINAL score which you have placed in the space below the running score.

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Game Clock Procedures

Procedures for Running the Game Clock

The clock is a running clock, which means once the game begins, only stop the clock for the following reasons:

At the midpoint of each quarter for substitutes.
When a team calls time out.
When an official tells you to because of an injury, equipment problem, etc.
When there is a shooting foul- begin the clock when the ball hits the rim on the second or last foul shot.
During the last two minutes of each half the clock is stopped each time the ball goes out of bounds as well as the above mentioned events.

IT IS IMPORTANT for the clock keeper to confer with the scorekeeper to verify the score is correct on the scoreboard.

THE SCORE BOOK IS THE OFFICIAL SCORE, NOT THE SCOREBOARD!