Basketball League Rules
Purpose
Our league is designed to provide a safe, positive, and competitive environment for boys and girls of all ages and levels.
- Develop players at all levels (recreational, travel, and premier).
- Build skills, confidence, fitness, initiative, and teamwork.
- Train coaches through ongoing instructional clinics.
- Promote high standards of sportsmanship.
- Expand basketball opportunities to underserved communities.
Governing Rules
- League play follows National Federation of State High School (NFSH) rules.
- Local CAL Sports Academy rules supersede NFSH rules where applicable.
Coaching Requirements
- Be of high moral character and respected in the community.
- Have basic basketball knowledge and fundamentals.
- Avoid inciting players or parents against officials.
- No profanity, alcohol, tobacco, or inappropriate behavior during activities.
- Prioritize fun and learning over winning.
- Attend all practices, games, and meetings (or send an approved substitute).
- Engage every player, especially newer/younger athletes.
- Stay within the coach’s box; players not in the game remain on the bench.
League Rules
- Team rosters: Max 10 players.
- No additions once games begin, except for season-ending injuries (not in final 2 weeks).
Logistics
- Uniforms: Must be worn properly (tucked in, no jewelry, no alterations).
- Improper uniform = technical foul before tip-off.
- Minimum Players: 4 required to start. If a player fouls out, they remain in the game but each additional foul counts as a technical.
- Basketballs: Grades 2–6 → 28.5″; Grades 7–12 → 29.5″.
- Hoop Heights: Grades 1–3 → 9’6”; all others → 10’.
- Scorekeepers: Must remain neutral; interference = removal.
Game Format
- Two 20-minute halves (running clock).
- Clock stops in final 2 minutes of each half.
- Timeouts: 2 per half (45 sec), 4 total per game (no carryover).
- Mercy Rule: Clock runs if lead is 20+ in 2nd half.
- Overtime: 3 minutes with 1 timeout; then 1-minute periods until winner.
Playing Time
- Substitution patterns ensure minimum playing time.
- Each player must play at least 15 minutes per game (10 in playoffs).
- Discipline exceptions must be declared to opposing coach & scorekeeper before tip-off.
Technical Fouls
- 2 technicals = ejection + possible suspension.
- 2 ejections = season disqualification.
- Uniform violations = 2 free throws before game + jump ball restart.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct includes:
- Disrespecting officials
- Profanity/vulgarity
- Taunting/baiting
Officials & Score Table
- Referees report calls at the score table for clarification.
- Only team captains may speak to officials during play.
- Scorekeepers enforce timeout limits (horn after 45 seconds).
Offense
- 3-second lane violation.
- Double dribble and traveling = turnover.
Defense
Grades 1–3 (Beginner/Development)
- No full-court press.
- No double-teams.
- Man-to-man defense only.
Grades 4–6 (Boys) & Grades 4–7 (Girls)
- Full-court press allowed.
- Double-teams allowed.
- Zone and man-to-man defense allowed.
Grades 7–11 (Boys)
- Full-court press allowed.
- Double-teams allowed.
All Leagues
- Steals and shot blocking allowed (without fouling).
- 5-second closely guarded rule enforced (within 6 feet, frontcourt).
Fouls
- 5 fouls = disqualification (unless only 4 players available).
- With 4 players, fouled-out player stays, but every foul = technical.
- Free throws: regulation line (15 ft).
- Lane violation = 3 seconds.
Playoffs & Championships
- Format determined by League Commissioner.
- Seeding: record → head-to-head → total points if tied.
- All players must play at least 10 minutes per playoff/championship game.
Protests
Must be submitted in writing within 24 hours to: office@calsportsacademy.com
Conduct
- Fighting or flagrant misconduct = ejection + 1-game suspension.
- 2nd offense = removal from league.
Spectator/Coach Misconduct
- Warning or technical foul
- Technical foul or ejection
- Removal from gym/program (no refund)
Game Postponement
For inclement weather or other uncontrollable situations:
updates will be posted on the CAL Sports Academy website.
League Coordinator will notify coaches and referees.
Games may be rescheduled when possible, but rescheduling is not guaranteed.
Awards
- Awards to first-place teams.
- MVP Award for outstanding player performance.