Playing Rules

NFSHSA Rules
House Rules General
Game Timing
Time Outs
Overtime
Player Minimum
Playing Time
Playing Time Rule Violations

Division-Specific Rules Summary

Specific Rules Summary

General Rules, Policies, Guidelines and Procedures

General Rules and Policies
Guidelines

Code of Conduct

Tie Breaking Procedure

NFSHSA Rules
All games shall be played and officiated in accordance with the current Basketball Rules of the
National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHSA).

House Rules General

The objective of the “House” Rules is to complement the NFSHSA to enhance the opportunities
for all participants and to ensure that the proper recreational basketball environment is
maintained. In the event there is a conflict between the NFSHSA Rules and the House Rules,
House Rules will apply.

Game Timing
Games will start at the scheduled start time.

For games running late a minimum of five minutes transition and warm up time between games
will be permitted.

Half times shall be four (4) minutes, unless games are running behind, then lead official can
adjust time allotted for half time.

If the start of a game is delayed by fifteen minutes or more, a running clock may be instituted by
the referee or League official in the interest of getting games back on schedule. A running clock
will not be used during the final 2 minutes of any half.
Stopping the Clock
The clock will stop for the following: a foul, free throws, held ball, violation, injury, to confer
with table or other officials, unusual delay in getting dead ball live, emergency in gym, granting
time out to a coach, responding to scorer to correct an error, ball goes out of bounds and period
of play ends during the last minute of the fourth quarter after a made basket.

Time Outs
Each team will be given 4 full time outs per game. Time outs will be one (1) minute in length.
One extra timeout is given for each overtime period in a game. Injury time outs will not be
charged.

Overtime
In case of a tie at the end of regulation play, one extra period of two (2) minutes shall be played.
If the game is still tied after the first overtime, additional overtime periods will be played as
follows:
Regular Season: An un-timed, sudden death period will be played. The first team to score in
sudden death will be considered the winner.
Tournament Play: Additional two (2) minute overtime periods will be played until a winner is
determined.

Player Minimum
A team must have at least four (4) roistered, eligible players on the court to start a game and at
least three (3) roistered, eligible players on the court to finish a game. The coach of a team that is
playing against a team with less than five players may either play with five or may play down in
the interest of keeping the contest closer.

A team that does not have four (4) players to start a game or three (3) players to finish a game
must forfeit. In the event of forfeiture the teams may elect to play a “scrimmage”, which will not
count in the standings. In such a scrimmage, rostered players from other teams in the division
may be used to complement the team that is short players or players may be “loaned” from one
team to the other.

Playing Time
Adequate and equitable playing time is a key component of the House League basketball
program.

2nd through 8th Grade Divisions

Every player who arrives at the gym prior to the start of the game MUST play at least two (2)
full, unbroken, but not necessarily consecutive quarters of every game (from start to finish with
no substitution). Two half quarters do not equal one unbroken quarter. Players who arrive at
some point during the first half must play at least one (1) full quarter (from start to finish with no
substitution). Players who arrive after the completion of the 1st half will play at the coach’s
discretion (no minimum playing time is required).
For all 9th - 12th Grade Divisions
Every player who arrives at the gym prior to the start of the game MUST play at least one (1)
full, unbroken (from start to finish with no substitution) quarter and some combination of
minutes during the other three (3) quarters that would total eight (8) minutes. Two half quarters
do not equal one unbroken quarter. The intent of this rule is to ensure that each player gets to
play the equivalent of sixteen (16) minutes of each game as long as they arrive at the gym on
time. Players who arrive at some point during the first half must play at least one (1) full quarter
(from start to finish with no substitution). Players who arrive after the completion of the 1st half
will play at the coach’s discretion (no minimum playing time is required).

Exceptions

 Player injury: In the case of an injury existing prior to start of game, the coach of the
injured player shall notify the opposing coach of the player’s injury before the game is
started. If a player is injured during play of the game, and the injury is minor and the
player, in the judgment of the coach, can return without risk of further injury, then the
coach is obligated to return the player to the game at the first opportunity. For purposes
of following the playing time rules, if a player is removed due to injury during any given
quarter and does or does not return to play during that quarter he/she shall be considered
to have played the entire quarter from which he/she was removed.

 Concussion Management has become a point of emphases in youth sports this year at the
national high school level and in the Optimist sports. The National Federation of High
Schools rule regarding concussion in basketball has been amended directing officials to
remove players from a game who exhibit any one of the signs of an initial concussion.
Haley Smith Basketball abides by the NHFS rules for administering our program. Unlike
high school sports programs we do not have qualified medical personnel on staff or at
games (team doctors or trainers) to assess players who have been removed by an official
as to whether they may return to play in that same game they were injured in. Hence any
player that is asked to leave the game due to signs of a concussion will not be permitted
to return that day. We would ask that parents of the player understand this is for the
safety of our youth and that the player be appropriately evaluated prior to practicing or
playing in the next game. Coaches and officials will be responsible for reporting the
accident through their appropriate chains (age group commissioner and director of youth
officials) so that the board may maintain awareness of the incident and the well being of
the player.

 If a player has a chronic condition, such as asthma, or if a player is recovering from an

injury or illness the coach should always err on the side of caution. If, in the judgment of
the parent, the child can play without endangering his or her health, but stamina is an
issue, the coach should inform the opposing coach prior to the start of the game. In this
case, if the player needs to come out of the game he/she should be treated like an injured
player above. However, abuse or misuse of this ruling could result in a technical foul.
Registration forms have chronic illness listed and should be made known to the
commissioner and the coach and a discussion should occur concerning playing time
conditions.
  Disqualification: If a player is disqualified from the game due to having acquired 5
personal fouls or due to ejection by the referee then no minimum playing time applies.
 Early departure: If a player has to leave the game before it’s conclusion the playing time
rule shall be administered as follows:
o Player leaves before half-time. No minimum playing time is required.
o Player leaves at half-time. Player is required to play at least one (1) full, unbroken
quarter.
o Player leaves after half-time but before the end of the game. Player is required to
play at least one (1) full, unbroken quarter and some portion of another quarter
before half-time of which no minimum playing time is required.

 Disciplinary Reasons: Inappropriate behavior or poor sportsmanship. In the event a

player exhibits inappropriate behavior or poor sportsmanship during a game or a practice
the coach will have the option of disciplining that player by limiting playing time.
Whenever playing time is limited for disciplinary reasons the coach must:
o Notify the player of the reason he/she is being disciplined and the specific
consequences.
o Notify the player’s parent(s) of the reason for the discipline and the specific
consequences.
o Notify the commissioner of the reason for the discipline (when possible &
appropriate).
o Notify the opposing coach that playing time is being withheld from a player due
to inappropriate behavior.
o Reducing or eliminating playing time must be done consistently under this
exception. Players are not to be treated differently based on their ability.

Absence from practice or games

Intentionally asking a player not to show up or asking a player to show up late will not be
tolerated. If a player misses practice regularly, adjustment of minimum play time will be
adjusted to one quarter per game. If a player repeatedly fails to attend team practices and/or
games without notifying the coach or without reasonable excuse (illness, injury, school, work,
etc.) the minimum playing requirement may be waived, provided:

 The coach has made all players and their parents aware of the possible consequences if a
player repeatedly misses practices and/or games.
 The coach notifies the League at least one day prior to the day of the game and obtains
approval to invoke this rule.
 Once the approval from the League is obtained the coach must inform the player and
his/her parents of the consequences prior to the day of the game. The ability to invoke
this rule does not include a situation where a player has a conflict or illness, which
prohibits him or her from making the team’s regularly scheduled practice. If a player has
a regular conflict with his team’s scheduled practice the coach should make The League
aware of this conflict. The League should try to move this player to another team so that
he or she will be able to practice with minimal conflicts.
  The coach notifies the opposing coach and the scorekeeper of this disciplining action.
(The scorekeeper should make a note in the score book referencing this action.)

Playing Time Rule Violations

The League will review each incident when a coach/team is accused of a playing time violation.
The League takes these accusations seriously. The League will respond to each alleged violation
as it deems appropriate based on a thorough review of all the facts and circumstances. Any team
that violates the “playing time” rules will be required to forfeit said game and all games in which
this team has played may be reviewed. Additional disciplinary action may also be taken against
the coach including but not limited to a temporary or permanent suspension from coaching
duties.
Division-Specific Rules Summary

2nd grade Co-Ed 6 2 Full No Press 28.5 No 3-point shot

Minutes Quarters Foul shot from 24” in front of line

Boys 3rd & 4th 6 2 Full No Press 28.5 No 3-point shot

Grade Minutes Quarters Foul shot from 12" in front of line

Girls 3rd /4th/5th Grade 6 2 Full No Press 28.5 No 3-point shot

Minutes Quarters Foul shot from 24" in front of line

Boys 5th & 6th Grade 6 2 Full If leading by 10 Regulation The 3 point rule will be followed if
Minutes Quarters Points the floor has an official 3 point
marking

Girls 6th/7th/8th Grade 8 2 Full If leading by 15 28.5

Minutes Quarters Points

Boys 7th & 8th Grade 8 2 Full If leading by 15 Regulation

Minutes Quarters Points

Boys 9th & 10th Grade 8 1 Full + 8 If leading by 15 Regulation

Minutes additional Points
minutes

Girls 9th & 12th Grade 8 1 Full + 8 If leading by 15 28.5

Minutes additional Points
minutes

Boys 11th & 12th Grade 8 1 Full + 8 If leading by 15 Regulation

Minutes additional Points
minutes
General Rules, Policies, Guidelines and Procedures

General Rules
The League reserves the right to interpret and modify these rules as needed to ensure the desired
philosophy and playing experience achieved.

Man Defense
Coaches are expected to teach and have their team play man to man defense during each game.
Teaching and playing a man to man defense is an important component of helping each player to
gain a full understanding of the different defenses in basketball. Teaching a man to man defense
is an important responsibility for every good coach. It will be mandatory play for the second
quarter for grades 2nd through 8th. It is highly encouraged for grades 9th thru 12th. Man-
to-Man defense is a type of defense in which each player is assigned to defend and follow the
movement of a single player on offense. Often, a player guards his counterpart (e.g. center
guarding center), but a player may be assigned to guard a different position. The strategy is not
rigid however, and a player might switch assignment if needed, or leave his own assignment for
a moment to double team an offensive player.

Other Rules

1. The coach or assistant coach must enter or verify team rosters in the official scorebook
prior to the start of each game.
2. Gym floors will be kept clear, except for warm-up of current teams, between quarters and
halves.
3. Coaches and players must remain in the area of their “bench” while the game is in
progress.
4. Food and drinks are not allowed in Fairfax County Gyms. Coaches are discouraged from
having “team snacks” due to concerns about spillage in the gyms and schools.
5. On the first two occasions a team violates the no press rule (see Division Specific Rules
Summary), the officials will stop play, warn the coach and the offending team, and award
the ball to the non-offending team. After two warnings, subsequent violations of the no
press rule will result in a technical foul being assessed to the bench (which, as with all
technical fouls, will also be assessed as a team foul). The non-offending team will shoot
two free throws and retain possession of the ball.
6. With the exception of technical fouls assessed as a result of a team violating the no press
rule, any coach or player who receives two (2) technical fouls will be ejected from the
game and will not be allowed to coach or attend/observe the next played game. Any
player or coach that is ejected twice in the same season for the reasons stated above (even
if the ejections occurred with different teams) will be dismissed from the league for the
remainder of the season.
7. The Executive Board reserves the right to make decisions when player, coach or spectator
conduct falls outside of the Code of Conduct and therefore requires disciplinary action.
8. Protests of games should be avoided. Unavoidable protests must be noted in the official
scorebook by the coach making the protest either during or immediately following the
game under protest. Protests can only be made if the opposing team is suspected of a rule
 violation. Protests involving judgment calls by the referees will not be recognized. The
coach that lodges the protest must submit to the division commissioner in writing of the
reasons for the protest. The League Board will review and determine the resolution of
protests. All decisions of the Board will be final.
9. Any person harassing an official, player or coach or otherwise behaving in a disruptive
manner must be asked to stop by the coach. If the coach is unsuccessful the offending
person will be asked to stop by the “ranking official” in the gym including but not limited
to the Volunteer Building Director, age group commissioner, league commissioner or
referee. If these requests fail the offending person will be asked to leave the gym and the
immediate premises. If everything else fails, as a last resort, the game will be stopped and
the team associated with the offending person will lose by reason of forfeit. If the
offending person is the coach, they are given a technical foul and if it continues another
technical foul will be given, the game will be stopped and end as is.

Policies

Code of Conduct
All participants will:

 Model sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for all participants at all times, including
teammates, coaches, players, opposing players, officials and parents
 Be humble in victory and courteous in defeat.
 Make no demonstrable protests about officiating during play of the game
 Shake hands with opposing coaches, players and referees at the conclusion of each game.
Players are expected to:
 Attend all games and practices; notify the coach in the event you will be absent or late for
a game or practice.
 Follow the directions of the coaches, realizing that the coaches are volunteering their time
to help make this league possible.
Parents are expected to:
 Arrange for appropriate, timely transportation for their child to/from practices and games.
 Ensure that coaches are notified in the event that their daughter/son will be late or absent
from a practice or a game.
 Provide positive support and encouragement.
 Assist coaches and the league as needed, including volunteering support as scorekeeper,
timekeeper, team parent, building director or other volunteer position

Coach

 Know and play by the letter and the spirit of the rules with particular emphasis on
ensuring full compliance with the playing time rule
 Demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship and decorum at all times
 Provide balanced direction and feedback to players during practices as well as before,
during and after games – encouraging and reinforcing positives whenever possible, as
well will constructively pointing mistakes/opportunities for improvement
  With respect to questions around officiating - in a calm, non-confrontational demeanor,
seek out officials before or after the start of a quarter to ask about interpretation of a rule
or to seek clarification of an official’s specific call or non-call
 Control players, parents and fans associated with your team

Guidelines

Lopsided Contests
Despite the League’s overt efforts to ensure balanced teams, lopsided contest will occur. In these
circumstances, coaches are encouraged to follow these sportsmanship guidelines:

 DO limit playing time of top scorers to the minimum and give lesser players an
opportunity for additional experience
 DO consider moving players to positions they may not ordinarily play or play a style of
offense or defense to which they are less accustomed
 DO NOT encourage players to go into a deliberate stall mode
 DO NOT tell players to stop playing their game

Procedures

Tie Breaking Procedure

The following procedures will be used to determine final division standings and seeding for post
season tournament.

1. When two teams are tied in the standings, regular season head-to-head results are used as
the tiebreaker.
2. If the two tied teams split their regular season games or did not play each other, the tie is
broken by comparing the combined record of each team's opponents throughout the
season. The team with the stronger "strength of schedule" wins.
3. If the two tied teams split their regular season games or did not play each other, and
strength of schedule is equal, the tie is broken by comparing each team's record against
the team occupying the highest position in the standings, and then continuing down the
standings until one team gains an advantage.
4. If three or more teams are tied, the combined records of each team against the other tied
teams are used to break the tie. After this procedure, if two teams remain tied, procedures
1, 2 and 3 are followed.
5. If there is more than one tie in the standings, and when utilizing the tie breaking
procedures there are a pair of teams tied, a team's record against the combined tied team
is used, rather than performance against the individual tied teams.
6. If procedures above fail to establish an advantage, a coin flip to break the tie will be
conducted by the commissioner.