Home | MABA Intramural Game Rules

Rule #1 - Playing Time

1. Games for the 5th/6th grade and 7th/8th grade leagues will be in two halves with a 2-minute break between halves. Each half will have running time with 'stop-time' during the last 2 minutes of each half and in overtime. There will be a 2-minute break between betweens halves. Each half shall be 20 minutes long for 7th/8th grade games, and 16 minutes for 5th/6th grade games.
2. There are no timeouts allowed. During the last 2 minutes of each half, the clock will stop on the referee's whistle, for turnovers, fouls, free throws, etc. One overtime period of 2 minutes, with 'stop time', will be allowed to break a tie at the end of regulation time. If still tied after overtime, the game will end in a tie.
3. All players will receive equal playing time during the season. Each coach shall establish a rotation and use a rotation sheet, provided by the Board, recording playing time to ensure this rule is followed. At any time during the season the Board may request to see a coach's substitution plan and documentation of actual playing time to verify players are receiving equal playing time for the weeks they attend.

Rule #2 - Backcourt Pressure

1. Backcourt pressure is only allowed in the last 2 minutes of each half, and in overtime in all weeks for 7th/8th grades, and in Weeks 7-12 for 5th/6th. A team may press only if they are behind or tied.
2. Once the defense has gained control of the ball, the retreating team shall not pressure the ball in the backcourt (except when allowed by Rule 2-a). When, in the judgment of the official, violation of this rule occurs, the team transitioning to offense will be given the ball to inbound at the nearest spot in the backcourt.

Rule #3 - Substitutions

1. In the 4th grade leagues, substitutions will be controlled by the coaches as required to achieve equal playing time.
2. In the 5th - 8th grade leagues a rotation sheet shall be used to ensure equal playing time.
3. Substitutions will be made every 4 minutes during each half, at the start of the second half, and at the start of overtime (if OT is necessary). Substitutions at each of these times will be required, unless a team has only 5 players. In-half substitutions will only be allowed at 4, 8, and 12 (and 16 for 7th/8th) minutes from the beginning of the half. On the first whistle (dead ball) or made basket after the 4, 8, and 12 (and 16 for 7th/8th) minute marks, the timekeeper will notify the referees and coaches, and stop the game clock for 10 seconds. The referee will then call the subs in to the game. If the player to be subbed for is shooting a free throw, the referee will call the sub in after the shots have been taken. Players entering at the 12-minute (for 5th/6th grade) or 16-minute (for 7th/8th grade) substitution time will play until the end of the half. Substitutions during overtime play are encouraged, and are to be made at the coach's discretion.

Rule #4 - Fouls

1. Fouls will be called and foul shots taken.
2. Any foul that is flagrant in the judgment of the referee shall result in 2 free throws, and possession. The player committing the foul shall be ejected from the game.
3. 5th/6th grade leagues: shooting fouls and those affecting a player's ability to make a pass or a play should be called.
4. 7th/8th grade leagues: fouls should be called consistently as they occur.
5. For all non-shooting fouls committed during running time in regulation, the ball will be given to the fouled team to inbound at the point nearest the infraction. For all non-shooting fouls in the last 2 minutes of a half or in overtime, the fouled player will shoot 1-and-1. At any time during the game players fouled in the act of shooting will be given 2 free throws if the shot misses, 1 free throw if the shot is good.
6. In the 4th grade leagues, free throws may be shot from less than 15 feet, at a line agreed on by both teams' coaches. Or, the shooter may start behind the normal foul line, but will not be penalized if crossing the line before the ball reaches the rim. g. In the 7th/8th grade leagues, regular high school rules will be followed.

Rule #5 - 3-Second Violation

1. The 3-second violation will be enforced throughout the season in the 5th/6th and 7th/8th grade leagues.

Rule #6 - Possession

1. The 1st half and the overtime period will begin with a jump ball at center court. The team not controlling the jump ball will be given the possession arrow. At each held ball possession will be given to the team with the possession arrow, and the arrow will be switched to the other team.
2. For the 2nd half, the ball will be inbounded at half court by the team with the possession arrow. The arrow is then switched to the other team.

Rule #7 - Scoring

1. There are no 3-point field goals. All field goals will count for 2 points, made free throws are 1 point.
2. Coaches are urged to employ common sense and good sportsmanship to avoid running up the score and blowing out the opposing team. Coaches should take advantage of these situations to develop the skills of their players: have post players bring the ball up the court, put point guards in the low post, create scoring opportunities for normally low scoring players, etc.

Rule #8 - Conduct

1. All players and coaches are to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen at all times. Rule #9 - Game Ball
2. The 7th/8th grade boys league uses an official, NBA-size basketball. All other leagues use smaller balls.

Rule #10 - General

1. The decision of the referee is final and shall not be disputed
2. Providing instruction is important. Referees and coaches should explain calls, as necessary, so the players understand what they should and should not be doing.
3. Timely and consistent calls are important at all levels to maintain control of the game
4. Coaches are responsible for the behavior and language of their players and team parents. Constructive criticism and positive feedback of officials is encouraged, but should be conducted discreetly after the game has ended with a Lead Coach and/or a Board Liaison present.

• 4th grade groups will use the 5th/6th grade game format, 16-minute halves, etc. (see above)

• No credit for 3-point shots (all field goals = 2 points for all groups!)
• No physical or verbal abuse of opposing players; AND
• No verbal abuse of officials by players, coaches or spectators!
• EVERYONE (players, coaches and officials) is doing his/her BEST!

• The Tournament schedule is EXTREMELY TIGHT!
  Please help by keeping your players together and where they should be!
  Consolation Games may use a different time format as warranted.