NORTH HAVEN YOUTH BASKETBALL (NHYB) GENERAL RULES AND DIVISION RULES

1. Coaches are to follow the player substitution pattern sheets regarding playing time. Coaches must present substitution sheets at scorer’s table before the start of their game. Players showing up late for a game must be added to the bottom of the rotation sheet and then confirmed with referee and opposing coach. Every five minutes there will be substitutions.  This will occur when there is a break in the action. This will ensure that each player will receive approximately the same amount of playing time. If a team has ten players a different group of five may start the second half.

2.   Each team will have a total of three-time outs for the entire game.  They can be taken at any time and will carry over into overtime. One additional time out is provided to each team in overtime.

3.   Any player bleeding or with blood on their clothing must leave the game immediately.  Players can only re-enter the game after wounds are covered and any blood that has been exposed is covered.  Coaches should use rubber gloves when helping a child that is bleeding.  The custodian should be notified immediately after an incident with blood involved, so he can take action to clean up blood on the floor etc.

4.   All games running time, two, twenty minute halves.  The game clock is stopped in the last two minutes of each half on the referee’s whistle.

5.   Fouls are to be recorded for all age divisions.  Players will foul out of the game on the 5^th foul.  On the 7^th team foul of the half it will be a one and one situation.  On the 10^th team foul of the half it will be 2 free throws awarded.  Coaches should teach proper defensive skills.

6.   If a player fouls out of a game or is injured and needs to leave the game then that player must be replaced with a player of equal skill (like for like).

7.   Overtime - In the case of a tie game, there will be a two-minute stop time period played.  Each team will be given one time out in overtime. Each coach can select his/her 5 players for the overtime period providing these players have not fouled out of the game. Personal fouls as well as 2^nd half team fouls will carry-over into the overtime period. Regular season, only 1 overtime, playoffs, continued overtime until winner is decided.

8.   Players are not allowed to wear jewelry of any kind during practice or the games.

9.   Unsportsmanlike conduct, including foul language, will not be tolerated from the players    or coaches.  There is absolutely no arguing with referees.  Coaches are responsible for controlling the conduct of their players as well as the fans.  Spectators who disrupt the game or yell at the referees or players will be asked to leave the gym.

10.    Technical Fouls (or ejection from a game) – Any coach/player receiving his/her 1st technical foul will receive a warning by the NHYB Board.  A board commissioner will contact the coach/parents to discuss.  

Any coach/player receiving his/her 2nd technical foul in the same game will be ejected from that game and asked to leave the gym.  In addition, they will serve a 1 game suspension the following game; includes post season games.

Any coach/player receiving technical fouls in multiple games will have their actions reviewed by the board and are subject to discipline at the discretion of the board.  They may be asked to attend a NHYB Board meeting and as mentioned above are subject to further disciplinary actions which may result in additional suspensions, banning from post season games and/or termination from the league.

   11.    Coaches are to make sure the bench area is clean after the game.  Please make sure all water bottles etc. are removed after your game.

   12.    Coaches are to provide good examples for all the players at all times.

   13.    Any type of stall offense is not allowed at any time. Isolation offenses that allow only the best players to shoot should not be used. 

   14.    As coaches please keep in mind that the games are “For the Kids”.  Focus on teaching the players and not displaying a win at all cost attitude.  Remember that this is a Rec League so teach team play and let the kids play and have fun.

Boys (Grades 1-2) / Girls (Grades 1-2):

1. Eight foot baskets are used along with a 28.5 ball.
2. Person to person half-court defense only.
3. No zone defense allowed.
4. After a defensive rebound is made, the other team must retreat to their defending basket.  Players are not allowed to stop and attempt a steal after the defensive rebound is made. 
5. At the start of the game and at the 5 minute substitution time a player line-up is allowed so the players know who they are guarding on defense. This line up is by skill level and not necessarily by height/size. Start better skill level from bench.
6. Foul shots will be taken at the pre-determined distance decided by both coaches.  Referees may allow players to cross the foul line on their shot.  Players must start their shot at the agreed upon foul line.
7. Team and personal fouls are recorded.  Players foul out on the 5th foul.
8. Coaches are allowed on the court for instructional purposes.

Boys (Grades 3-4) / Girls (Grades 3-4): 

1. Ten foot baskets are used along with a 28.5 ball.
2. Person to person half-court defense only.
3. No zone defense allowed.
4. At the start of the game and at the 5 minute substitution time a player line-up is allowed so the players know who they are guarding on defense. This line up is by skill level and not necessarily by height/size. Start better skill level from bench.
5. After a defensive rebound is made, the other team must retreat to their defending basket.  Players are not allowed to stop and attempt a steal after the defensive rebound is made.
6. A defensive player can make a play on a non guarded offensive player within CLOSE PROXIMITY. (no more than three feet) NO DOUBLE TEAMS!
7. On a steal with a breakaway, another defensive player can make a play on that offensive player not assigned to them.
8. Picks and Screens are allowed within vicinity of the ball. NO off ball screens.
9. To defend picks and screens, a switch can take place; however, players involved in the switch must return to assigned player as soon as possible. No Double Teams.
10. Inbound plays are allowed.
11. Foul shots will be taken at the pre-determined distance decided by both coaches.  Referees may allow the younger players to cross the foul line on their shot.  Players must start their shot at the agreed upon foul line.
12. Team and personal fouls are recorded.  Players foul out on the 5th foul.

Boys (Grades 5-6) / Girls (Grades 5-6): 

1. Ten foot baskets are used along with a 28.5 ball.
2. Any half-court defense is allowed (e.g. man or zone).  Full court press is allowed only when the pressing team is leading by less than 10 points.  A team leading by 10 or more points cannot press. Press is only allowed after made baskets except in the last 2 minutes of the game when it is allowed at any time.
3. After a defensive rebound is made. The other team must retreat to their defending basket.  Players are not allowed to stop and attempt a steal after the defensive rebound is made.  However, in this division, the player is allowed to make a steal at this time if he does so while retreating back to half court in transition.  The referee will determine if the steal is made in transition.
4. Younger players are allowed to cross the foul line on a foul shot by approximately 1 foot.  The referee will use his judgment on this call.  All players are required to start their foul shot behind the foul line.
5. Team and personal fouls are recorded.  Players foul out on their 5th foul. 

Boys (Grades 7-8)  Girls (Grades 7-8): 

1. Teams play on 10 foot baskets. Boys will use the regulation size ball 29.5 and the girls will use the 28.5 ball.
2. Any half court defensive is allowed (e.g. man or zone).  Full court press is allowed only when the pressing team is leading by less than 10 points. A team leading by 10 or more points cannot press.
3. High School rules apply.
4. Team and personal fouls are recorded.  Players foul out on their 5th foul.