CAL Sports Academy Basketball League Rules
Purpose
Our league provides a structured, safe, and competitive environment where athletes develop skills, confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
- Develop players at all levels from recreational to advanced
- Build skills, confidence, fitness, initiative, and teamwork
- Train coaches through instructional development
- Promote high standards of sportsmanship
- Expand basketball opportunities within the community
Governing Rules
- League play follows National Federation of State High School (NFHS) rules
- Local CAL Sports Academy rules supersede NFHS 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
- Prioritize fun and learning over winning
- Attend practices, games, and meetings or send substitute
- Engage every player
- Remain within coach’s box during games
Coaches represent CAL Sports Academy and are expected to model professionalism and leadership at all times.
League Rules
- Team rosters: Maximum 10 players
- No additions once games begin except for season-ending injury
Logistics
- Uniforms: Must be worn properly. Shirts tucked in. No jewelry.
- Improper uniform may result in delay of game technical
- Minimum Players: 4 required to start game
- If player fouls out with only 4 players remaining, player stays and each additional foul = team 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
Game Format
- Two 20-minute halves (running clock)
- Clock stops final 2 minutes each half
- Timeouts: 2 per half (45 sec), 4 total per game
- Mercy rule: running clock if lead reaches 20+
- Overtime: 3 minutes then 1-minute periods until winner
Playing Time
- Each player must play minimum 15 minutes per game
- Minimum 10 minutes in playoffs
- Discipline exceptions must be declared before tip-off
Technical Fouls
- 2 technicals = ejection
- 2 ejections = season removal
- Unsportsmanlike conduct includes disrespect, profanity, taunting
Officials and Score Table
- Only team captains speak to officials
- Scorekeepers enforce timeout limits
Defense Rules
Grades 1–3: No press, no double teams, man-to-man only
Grades 4–7 Girls / 4–6 Boys: Press and zone allowed
All Leagues: Steals and shot blocking allowed
Playoffs
- Format determined by League Commissioner
- Seeding: record → head-to-head → points
- All players must play minimum 10 minutes
Conduct
- Fighting = ejection + suspension
- Second offense = removal from league
- Spectators may be removed with no refund
Weather and Postponements
- Updates posted on CAL website
- Games may be rescheduled but not guaranteed
- No refunds for postponed games
Awards
- Championship team awards
- League MVP