Nether-Swarthmore Hoops Rules of Play

ALL DIVISIONS

  1. A minimum of 4 players will be needed for an official game.  If either team has only four players, the game may be played four-on-four by agreement of the coaches.  If a team has fewer than four players, that team forfeits the game. An unofficial game — not counting toward standings and using substitute players from the opposing team — will be played during the allotted time whenever possible.
  1. Each game consists of four 10-minute quarters with a running clock.  The clock stops for time-outs but not for free throws.  During the final two minutes of the game, the clock stops at every whistle.
  1. Games begin with an opening tap, but that is the game’s only jump ball. For tie-ups thereafter, we follow the alternate possession rule and the ball will be inbounded.
  1. If a player accumulates five fouls, the player is out of the game. If the player is disruptive or abusive on the bench, at the discretion of the referee, the player may be required to leave the gym.
  1. Each team has two timeouts per half.  There is no carryover of timeouts. Each timeout will be 30 seconds in length with a stopped clock. 
  1. If overtime is required, each overtime period will be three (3) minutes long with a running clock.   Each team will be allotted one timeout per overtime period.
  1. If a player or coach is ejected from a game, they will not be allowed to play or coach the next game and may, at the discretion of the league, be barred from playing or coaching for the remainder of the season.  No inappropriate or foul language will be tolerated and shall be cause for a technical foul and/or suspension at the discretion of the league.  All players, parents, and coaches are bound by the Swarthmore Recreation Association Code of Conduct.
  1. This league is meant to build character and good sportsmanship.  Coaches are asked to take every reasonable step to avoid “blowouts” of 15-20 points or more.  
  1. Only coaches are permitted to bring balls to the game on game day.  
  1. Except for the rules stated herein, PIAA rules will apply as PIAA referees are scheduled for each game.
  1. If there is a question with respect to any rule not covered by PIAA rules, the coaches may agree on an interpretation of the rule and that will be the rule for that game. Coaches are encouraged to confer in advance of every game to discuss any issues that will affect the conduct of the upcoming game.   
  1. Playoff rules are the same as regular season rules unless otherwise announced.  

DIVISION-SPECIFIC RULES

Girls and Boys 2-3

  1. Basket height is set at 8’6” 
  2. The 2/3 division plays a 4v4 format.
  3. No zone defense.  We will teach man-to-man to build defensive skills and spread the floor.
  4. No full court pressure.  Defense will allow the ball to cross the halfcourt line.
  5. No fast breaks.  Defense should be allowed to set up prior to offense bringing the ball up the court.
  6. Each player should play at least half of every game.
  7. At the five minute mark of every quarter, referees blow the whistle and call for substitutions.  Any player not on the floor should then be substituted into the game.

Girls and Boys 4-5

  1. Basket height set at 10’
  2. The 4/5 division plays a 5v5 format.
  3. Zone defense is allowed.
  4. No full court pressure.  Defense will allow the ball to cross the halfcourt line.  Full court pressure will be allowed in the last 2 minutes of each half in the playoffs except as follows: If a team is up by 10 or more points in the playoffs they may not press.
  5. Each player should play at least half of every game.
  6. At the five minute mark of every quarter, referees blow the whistle and call for substitutions.  Any player not on the floor should then be substituted into the game.

Girls and Boys 6-7, 8-9, 10-12

  1. Basket height set to 10’
  2. Zone defense is allowed.
  3. Hoops plays 5v5.
  4. Each player should play at least half of every game.
  5. For boys 6-7, full court press is allowed during the last 2 minutes of the game, after the third game of the season except as follows: If a team is up by 10 points or more they may not press.  No press defense during the first three games of the season.
  6. For girls 6-7, press defense will be allowed during the last 2 minutes of the game, beginning after the third game of the season.  No press defense for the first three games.

Last updated 2022.10.24