Oakmont Youth Basketball Rules
by: Jen Shenk
A little unsure about 5 periods in a youth basketball game, I asked around for some clarification on the rules. So if you're like me...confused in the stands...I hope this information, provided by OYBL Board Member and Coach Sam Albert, sheds some light on the rules of the game.
The OYBL (OAKMONT YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE) is a recreational league with the major objective of providing a structured and nurturing environment to teach the fundamentals of basketball. Games are played to enable players to apply their learned skills while having fun and receiving equitable playing time.
JUNIORS DIVISION GUIDANCE AND RULES
The Juniors Division is made up of 3rd and 4th graders divided into separate teams of boys and girls. Player evaluations will be done prior to the start of the season with the objective of making teams of equal ability. The teams will be formed by conducting a draft with the Head Coach of each team selecting the players. Games will be played using the OYBL modifications to the National Federation of State High School Association rules and regulations. Each team will typically have one practice and one game each week for approximately 10 weeks, followed by a playoff tournament and an OYBL Skills Night. The OYBL will contact coaches via e-mail regarding rosters, meetings, league information and updates. An OYBL Juniors Division Coordinator will be assigned by the OYBL Board of Directors to resolve concerns from parents and/or coaches that may arise during the course of the season.
GETTING STARTED
Building use: players must carry “game” sneakers in; restricted to gym or lobby; control siblings; only water in gym; only players on gym floor; clean-up the bleachers and bench areas after each session. If you are playing in the last game of the day/evening, you are responsible for putting the scorebook, scorer’s table and chairs and all basketballs away and ensuring that the gym and lobby areas are picked up.
Support the Team: be prompt and prepared (team jersey and shorts); OYBL “Code of Ethics”; don’t “coach” from the stands.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. All jewelry must be removed during practice and games.
2. Head wear that contains knots, hard or stiff materials are prohibited.
3. A team jersey and shorts will be provided and must be worn for all games. 4. Participants wearing casts are prohibited from play.
5. Basketballs: Juniors Division Boys and Girls - Size 28.5
6. Basketball Hoop Height: Juniors Division Boys and Girls - 9' from the floor
7. No games are to be re-scheduled by the coaches.
8. Seeding for the postseason tournament will be based on the standings at the end of the regular season. End-of-season tie breakers:
a. Won/Loss record head-to-head
b. Coin Toss
9. If there is no school or school is cancelled the GAMES AND PRACTICES ARE ALSO CANCELLED.
GAME TIME REGULATIONS
1. There will be a five (5) minute warm-up period prior to the start of the game.
2. Teams shoot at the basket opposite their bench for warm-ups and the first half.
3. Games will consist of two halves with five periods:
First half: 1st period - 7 minutes
2nd period - 8 minutes (non-designated starters only)
Half-time: 3 minutes
Second half: 3rd period - 4 minutes
4th period - 6 minutes (non-designated starters only)
5th period - 5 minutes
4. If the game ends in a tie, overtime consists of a 3-minute period with one time-out allotted per team per overtime period.
5. Each team is entitled to two time-outs per half with four per game. The time-outs will be 45 seconds long and play will resume after one minute.
6. Time-outs will not be carried over from half to half.
DESIGNATED STARTERS
The OYBL is a recreational league designed to provide equitable playing time for all players. This is accomplished by not allowing the designated starters to play in the 2nd and 4th periods. Each team will choose the number of designated starters based on the size of their roster:
10 or less players: 3 designated starters
11 players: 4 designated starters
12 or more players: 5 designated starters
It is the coach's responsibility to select the best players on their roster as their designated starters. These selections will be discussed and mutually agreed upon by all coaches within your division at a mid-season meeting. All players are eligible to play in the 1st, 3rd and 5th periods.
At the start of the game, if there are not enough non-designated starters to field a team for the 2nd and 4th periods, the opposing coach will select which designated starter/s are eligible to play in the 2nd and 4th periods. These selected designated starter/s are then not eligible to play in the 1st and 3rd periods. All players are eligible to play in the 5th period and any subsequent overtime periods.Conversely, the coach of the short-handed team will select an equal number of designated starter/s from the opposing team that are eligible to play in the 2nd & 4th periods as well as the 1st, 3rd and 5th periods.
If a team is short designated starters no arrangements need to be made as non-designated starters can play in any period.
DEFENSE
1st & 3rd Periods: After the offensive team transitions to defense, those players must retreat behind the half-court line to assert defensive tactics. This transition occurs once a defensive player has gained control of the ball in the shooting team’s front court. Any blatant violation of this rule will result in an Illegal Defense assessment.
2nd & 4th Periods: After the offensive team transitions to defense, those players must retreat within the 3-point arc or the 3/4 court hash mark and remain there until the ball crosses over the line. A defensive player is allowed to reach over to deflect a pass or dribble as long as their feet are behind the line. Once the ball crosses the line, players may then play defense anywhere in the front court as in any other period. During any offensive possession, any interruption of that possession that occurs after the ball has crossed over the line will not stop the defensive team from applying defensive tactics in the entire front court.
FULL COURT PRESSING: During the 5th period and any overtime periods, the 2 designated guards (identified by arm bands) from each team are allowed to play full court defense. All other players must fall back behind the half court line.
ILLEGAL DEFENSE VIOLATIONS: The first illegal defense violation will result in a warning reported to the scorers and the coaches. The second and any subsequent violations will result in a technical foul - two free throws by any player on the floor and possession of the ball. Illegal defense violations will not be enforced during the 2nd and 4th periods. It is at the discretion of the game official to assess an Illegal Defense violation.
MERCY RULE
The Mercy Rule will be enforced whenever a team is ahead by 15 or more points. Only one designated starter is allowed to play until the lead is reduced to less than 11 points. Full court defense by the leading team is not allowed whenever the Mercy Rule is in effect.
FREE THROWS
All players are allowed to cross over the free throw line once the try is released but must wait until the ball touches the basket before s/he can pursue a miss. Non-designated starters playing during the 2nd and 4th periods are allowed to shoot free throws two steps closer to the basket.
COLLEGE DIVISION GUIDANCE AND RULES
The OYBL is a recreational league with the major objective of providing a structured and The College Division is made up of 5th and 6th graders divided into separate teams of boys and girls. Player evaluations will be done prior to the start of the season with the objective of making teams of equal ability. The teams will be formed by conducting a draft with the Head Coach of each team selecting the players. Games will be played using the OYBL modifications to the National Federation of State High School Association rules and regulations. Each team will typically have one practice and one game each week for approximately 10 weeks, followed by a playoff tournament and an OYBL Skills Night. The OYBL will contact coaches via e-mail regarding rosters, meetings, league information and updates. An OYBL College Division Coordinator will be assigned by the OYBL Board of Directors to resolve concerns from parents and/or coaches that may arise during the course of the season.
Support the Team: be prompt and prepared (team jersey and shorts); OYBL “Code of Ethics”; don’t “coach” from the stands
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. All jewelry must be removed during practice and games.
2. Head wear that contains knots, hard or stiff materials are prohibited.
3. A team jersey and shorts will be provided and must be worn for all games. 4. Participants wearing casts are prohibited from play.
5. Basketballs: College Division Boys and Girls - Size 28.5
6. Basketball Hoop Height: College Division Boys and Girls -10' from the floor
7. No games are to be re-scheduled by the coaches.
8. Seeding for the postseason tournament will be based on the standings at the end of the regular season. End-of-season tie breakers:
a. Won/Loss record head-to-head
b. Coin Toss
9. If there is no school or school is cancelled the GAMES AND PRACTICES ARE ALSO CANCELLED.
GAME TIME REGULATIONS
1. There will be a five (5) minute warm up period prior to the start of the game.
2. Teams shoot at the basket opposite their bench for warm-ups and the first half.
3. Games will consist of two halves with five periods:
First half: 1st period - 7 minutes
2nd period - 8 minutes (non-designated starters only)
Half-time: 3 minutes
Second half: 3rd period - 4 minutes
4th period - 6 minutes (non-designated starters only)
5th period - 5 minutes
4. If the game ends in a tie, overtime consists of a 3-minute period with one 30-second time-out allotted per team per overtime period.
5. Each team is entitled to two time-outs per half with four per game. The time-outs will be 45 seconds long and play will resume after one minute.
6. Time-outs will not be carried over from half to half.
DESIGNATED STARTERS
The OYBL is a recreational league designed to provide equitable playing time for all players. This is accomplished by not allowing the designated starters to play in the 2nd and 4th periods. Each team will choose their designated starters based on the size of their roster:
10 or less players: 3 designated starters
11 players: 4 designated starters
12 or more players: 5 designated starters
It is the coach's responsibility to select the best players on their roster as their designated starters. These selections will be discussed and mutually agreed upon by all coaches within your division at a mid-season meeting. All players are eligible to play in the 1st, 3rd and 5th periods. At the start of the game, if there are not enough non-designated starters to field a
team for the 2nd and 4th periods, the opposing coach will select which designated starter/s are eligible to play in the 2nd and 4th periods. These selected designated starter/s are then not eligible to play in the 1st and 3rd periods. All players are eligible to play in the 5th period and any subsequent overtime periods. Conversely, the coach of the short-handed team will select an equal number of designated starter/s from the opposing team that are eligible to play in the 2nd & 4th periods as well as the 1st, 3rd and 5th periods.
If a team is short designated starters no arrangements need to be made as non-designated starters can play in any period.
DEFENSE
After the offensive team transitions to defense, those players must retreat behind the half-court line to assert defensive tactics. This transition occurs once a defensive player has gained control of the ball in the shooting team’s front court. Any blatant violation of this rule will result in an Illegal Defense assessment.
FULL COURT PRESSING: During the 5th period and any overtime periods, the 2 designated guards (identified by arm bands) from each team are allowed to play full court defense. All other players must fall back behind the half court line.
ILLEGAL DEFENSE VIOLATIONS: The first illegal defense violation will result in a warning reported to the scorers and the coaches. The second and any subsequent violations will result in a technical foul - two free throws by any player on the floor and possession of the ball. Illegal defense violations will not be enforced during the 2nd and 4th periods. It is at the discretion of the game official to assess an Illegal Defense violation.
MERCY RULE
The Mercy Rule will be enforced whenever a team is ahead by 15 or more points. Only one designated starter is allowed to play until the lead is reduced to less than 11 points. Full court defense by the leading team is not allowed whenever the Mercy Rule is in effect.
FREE THROWS
All players are allowed to cross over the free throw line once the try is released but must wait until the ball touches the basket before s/he can pursue a miss.
PRO DIVISION GUIDANCE AND RULES
The OYBL is a recreational league with the major objective of providing a structured and The Pro Division is made up of 7th, 8th and 9th graders divided into separate teams of boys and girls. Player evaluations will be done prior to the start of the season with the objective of making teams of equal ability. The teams will be formed by conducting a draft with the Head Coach of each team selecting the players. Games will be played using the OYBL modifications to the National Federation of State High School Association rules and regulations. Each team will typically have one practice and one game each week for approximately 10 weeks, followed by a playoff tournament and an OYBL Skills Night. The OYBL will contact coaches via e-mail regarding rosters, meetings, league information and updates. An OYBL Pro Division Coordinator will be assigned by the OYBL Board of Directors to resolve concerns from parents and/or coaches that may arise during the course of the season.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. All jewelry must be removed during practice and games.
2. Head wear that contains knots, hard or stiff materials are prohibited.
3. A team jersey and shorts will be provided and must be worn for all games. 4. Participants wearing casts are prohibited from play.
5. Basketballs: Pro Division Boys and Girls - Regulation size ball for boys and 28.5 size ball for girls.
6. Basketball Hoop Height: Pro Division Boys and Girls - 10' from the floor
7. No games are to be re-scheduled by the coaches.
8. Seeding for the postseason tournament will be based on the standings at the end of the regular season. End-of-season tie breakers:
a. Won/Loss record head-to-head
b. Coin Toss
9. If there is no school or school is cancelled the GAMES AND PRACTICES ARE ALSO CANCELLED.
GAME TIME REGULATIONS
1. There will be a five (5) minute warm up period prior to the start of the game.
2. Teams shoot at the basket opposite their bench for warm-ups and the first half.
3. Games will consist of two halves with five periods:
First half: 1st period - 7 minutes
2nd period - 8 minutes (non-designated starters only)
Half-time: 3 minutes
Second half: 3rd period - 4 minutes
4th period - 6 minutes (non-designated starters only)
5th period - 5 minutes
4. If the game ends in a tie, overtime consists of a 3-minute period with one 30-second time-out allotted per team per overtime period.
5. Each team is entitled to two time-outs per half with four per game. The time-outs will be 45 seconds long and play will resume after one minute.
6. Time-outs will not be carried over from half to half.
DESIGNATED STARTERS
The OYBL is a recreational league designed to provide equitable playing time for all players. This is accomplished by not allowing the designated starters to play in the 2nd and 4th periods. Each team will choose their designated starters based on the size of their roster:
10 or less players: 3 designated starters
11 players: 4 designated starters
12 or more players: 5 designated starters
It is the coach's responsibility to select the best players on their roster as their designated starters. These selections will be discussed and mutually agreed upon by all coaches within your division at a mid-season meeting. All players are eligible to play in the 1st, 3rd and 5th periods.
At the start of the game, if there are not enough non-designated starters to field a team for the 2nd and 4th periods, the opposing coach will select which designated starter/s are eligible to play in the 2nd and 4th periods. These selected designated starter/s are then not eligible to play in the 1st and 3rd periods. All players are eligible to play in the 5th period and any subsequent overtime periods. Conversely, the coach of the short-handed team will select an equal number of designated starter/s from the opposing team that are eligible to play in the 2nd & 4th periods as well as the 1st, 3rd and 5th periods.
If a team is short designated starters no arrangements need to be made as non-designated starters can play in any period.
DEFENSE
After the offensive team transitions to defense, those players must retreat behind the half-court line to assert defensive tactics. This transition occurs once a defensive player has gained control of the ball and completed one pass to a teammate. Any blatant violation of this rule will result in an Illegal Defense assessment.
FULL COURT PRESSING: During the 5th period and any overtime periods, all players are allowed to play full court defense.
ILLEGAL DEFENSE VIOLATIONS: The first illegal defense violation will result in a warning reported to the scorers and the coaches. The second and any subsequent violations will result in a technical foul - two free throws by any player on the floor and possession of the ball. Illegal defense violations will not be enforced during the 2nd and 4th periods. It is at the discretion of the game official to assess an Illegal Defense violation.
MERCY RULE
The Mercy Rule will be enforced whenever a team is ahead by 15 or more points. Only one designated starter is allowed to play until the lead is reduced to less than 11 points. Full court defense by the leading team is not allowed whenever the Mercy Rule is in effect.