Youth Basketball Rules

Chelsea Youth Basketball Rules and Regulations 

Chelsea Parks & Recreation Youth Basketball will follow AHSAA and ARPA Rules with the following exceptions.

I. Age Groups: Teams will be made up of the following grade groups: 

A. Boys: K5-1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th-8th, and 9th-12th 

B. Girls: K5-2nd, 3rd-4th, and 5th-6th 

II. Age Requirements: No player will be accepted without an approved birth certificate except in the case of extreme circumstances, which must be authorized by the Basketball Board Committee. These cases may be presented at any Basketball Board Committee meeting and must be approved by a majority of the Committee. *Requests to play up or down in any league will be reviewed by the Board after registration and evaluations are complete. 

III. Team Registration Dates: Team registration dates will be determined by the Parks and Recreation Director prior to the start of each season. These dates will be around September 15th - October 15th. There will be NO REFUNDS to any player(s) who participate in the evaluation process. This is also noted on the registration form. 

IV. Add/Drop Date: The add/drop date will be the day evaluations are held. However, once registration has closed, no one will be added to any division without approval by the Parks and Recreation Director. *Once registration has closed, Chelsea Parks and Recreation may accept individuals from the waiting list or new registrations to certain divisions, in order to fill out those divisions. This does not mean that if you are on a waiting list you will get in the league. No one will be added after the evaluation date for any division. 

V. Recruitment Policy: As a recreational league, Chelsea Parks & Recreation strictly prohibits tryouts as a method of player selection. Players will be evaluated by the coaches and then drafted by the coaches. If a player misses the evaluation they will be randomly assigned to a team at the end of the draft process. 

VI. One Team Per Participant: A participant can only play for one team within the Chelsea Parks & Recreation at a time with the exception of secondary within a club. Chelsea Parks & Recreation will also cooperate with and respect the rules governing dual participation with regard to school teams. 

VII. Team Participation: A team may participate in ONLY ONE LEVEL OF AN AGE DIVISION in the Basketball Program for which they can qualify. 

VIII. Registration Fees: Registration fees for the boys and girls age groups will be determined by the Parks & Recreation Director. 

IX. Verification of Eligibility: All coaches must be able to present the referees with an approved roster at the beginning of every game. Failure to produce an approved roster by halftime will result in forfeiture of the game. Repeated infractions may result in further league disciplinary action. The offending coach will be allowed 48 hours to refute a reported infraction to the Sports Coordinator. 

X. Player Time: For K-1, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th Boys and K-2, 3rd-4th, 5th-6th Girls mandatory substitutions will take place at the 4:00 minute mark of each period. At the 4:00 minute mark, all players sitting out will substitute into the game. Players will remain on the court for the 4:00 minute time period except for the following situations: 

A. A player receives 3 fouls in the first half OR a player receives 4 fouls in the 3rd period. 

B. Injury or illness *7th-8th, 9th-12th Boys: Every player has to play in each half. 

XI. Referees/Scorebook/Scorekeeper/Clock-keeper: Chelsea Parks & Recreation will provide qualified referees, a scorekeeper/clock-keeper, and a bookkeeper 

XII. Game Time: Games will consist of four 8-minute quarters with one minute between quarters. Halftimes will be 5 minutes in length. We will play with a running clock. During time-outs and free throws the clock will stop. The last two minutes of each half the clock will stop on every whistle. Teams must start with 5 players, but they can end the game with less than 5 players on the court. A team with 5 or fewer players at game time can pull 1 player(s) at a time up from the league below them (or same league if lowest division) to a maximum of 6 players. The player(s) that are pulled up must be listed on the team roster. Coaches must rotate players that are pulled up from the league below them. No one player can be pulled up by the same team more than once. Overtime for K5/1st boys, 2nd boys, and K5-2nd girls: 

A. These age divisions will have each team’s players shooting free throws from the age division-designated free throw line. 

B. If the teams have a different amount of players, then the team with the least amount of players will shoot additional shots to match the amount of players on the opposing team. 

C. The additional free throws will be shot by players who did not make a free throw during the first round of shooting. 

D. In the event of a tie each team will select one player to shoot one shot at a time until the tie is broken. This player can be a player who made or missed a previous shot.

E. The team that wins the tie will start with a one-point advantage and the team with the least amount of points will get the ball first at the mid-court line. Overtime for all other grades shall consist of 3-minute periods and a winner must be decided no matter how many overtime periods are played. A “Hot Clock” will be declared once a team has a 20-point lead during the second half of a game. Once the clock goes “Hot” it will remain “Hot” for the remainder of the game, regardless of the score. 

XIII. Game Start for K-1, 2nd Boys and K-2 Girls: 

A. These age divisions will begin the game with each team’s players shooting free throws from the age division-designated free throw line. 

B. If the teams have a different amount of players, then the team with the least amount of players will shoot additional shots to match the amount of players on the opposing team. 

C. The additional free throws will be shot by players who did not make a free throw during the first round of shooting. 

D. In the event of a tie each team will select one player to shoot one shot at a time until the tie is broken. This player can be a player who made or missed a previous shot. 

E. The team that wins the tie will start with a one-point advantage and the team with the least amount of points will get the ball first at the mid-court line. 

XIV. Goal Height: 

A. K-1 Boys and K-2 Girls will be 8 feet. 

B. 2nd, 3rd, Boys and 3rd-4th Girls will be 9 feet. 

C. 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th-8th, 9th-12th Boys and 5th-6th Girls will be 10 feet. 

XV. Ball Size: 

A. K-1, 2nd Boys and K-2 Girls will play with a 27.5-inch ball. 

B. 3rd, 4th, 5th Boys and 3rd-4th, 5th-6th Girls Girls will play with a 28.5-inch ball. 

C. 6th, 7th-8th, 9th-12th Boys will play with a 29.5-inch ball. 

XVII. Defensive Pressure: 

A. K-1 Boys and K-2 Girls can start applying defensive pressure at the offensive 3-point arch line. A straight line from the top of the 3-point arch line will be used to determine when a full-court defense pressure can be applied. The offensive team must break the white line near mid-court within 10 seconds. The defense can apply pressure once that 10-second line has been broken by the offensive. 

B. 2nd, 3rd Boys and 3rd-4th Girls can start applying defensive pressure at the half-court line. The offensive player must be given enough space to cross over half-court before being approached by a defensive player. This space is defined as the top of the mid-court tip circle. 

C. 4th, and 5th Boys and 5th-6th Girls can apply defensive pressure before the ball has passed the mid-court line only during the last two minutes of each half and during any overtime period. During times that pressing is not allowed the offensive player must be given enough space to cross over mid-court before being approached by a defensive player. This space is defined as the top of the mid-court tip circle. 

D. 6th Boys can apply full-court pressure with 4 minutes left to play in the second and fourth quarters and during any overtime period. During times that pressing is not allowed the offensive player must be given enough space to cross over mid-court before being approached by a defensive player. This space is defined as the top of the mid-court tip circle. 

E. 7th-8th and 9th-12th Boys will follow AHSAA rules. 

F. No full-court pressure is allowed when a team leads by 20 points or more. 

G. All overtime games will carry over the 4th-period rules that apply to each age group. 

H. Violations of Defensive Pressure rules will result in a team warning. Subsequent violations will result in a bench technical and one point to the opposing team. 

XVIII. Foul Shots: 

A. Foul shots for K-1 Boys and K-2, 3rd-4th Girls will be shot from a line just behind the first hash mark from the rim. 

B. 2nd, 3rd, 4th Boys and 3rd-4th Girls will be shot between the 2nd and 3rd hash mark from the rim. 

C. The regulation line will be used for all other grade levels. 

XIX. Ten-Second Rule: There will be a 10-second rule for all teams bringing the ball across half-court. In the last minute of the game, the defensive team can apply pressure in the backcourt after a stoppage in the game and the ball is being passed in at mid-court. This will stop a team from running out the clock at the end of the game in a competitive game. 

XX. Lane Violations: 

A. There will be a 5-second lane violation used in the K-1, 2nd, 3rd Boys and K-2 Girls divisions. 

B. There will be a 3-second lane violation used in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th-8th, 9th-12th Boys and 3rd-4th, 5th-6th Girls. 

XXI. Foul Allowed: 

A. K-1 Boys and K-2 Girls: Players will be allowed 4 fouls per half. Overtime will be considered an extension of the second half allotment. Once a player receives their 4th foul they must sit out the remainder of that particular half. If the violation occurs in the first half that player will be allowed to play the second half of that game and will start the second half with zero fouls. 

B. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th Boys and 3rd-4th, 5th-6th Girls: Players will be allowed 6 fouls per game. C. 7th-8th, 9th-12th Boys: Players will be allowed 5 fouls per game. 

XXII. Technical Fouls: 

A. K-1, 2nd, 3rd Boys and K-2 Girls divisions: Any technical foul is an automatic 2 points for the other team and loss of ball possession. 

B. 4th, 5th, 6th Boys and 3rd-4th, 5th-6th Girls: Teams will shoot 2 free throws and receive possession of the ball at the mid-court line. The team that received the technical will be required to stand behind the mid-court line while the player is shooting the free throws. 

C. Bench players can’t shoot technical foul shots unless an injury occurred to a player in the game. 

XXIII. Three Point Line: All age groups will use the 3-point line in accordance with the AHSAA rules. 

XXIV. Jump Balls: Each game and each overtime period for the 3rd - 12th Boys and 3rd - 6th Girls will begin with a jump ball served by the referee. All other jump balls will be awarded under the alternate possession of a jump ball. The clock operator under the supervision of the referee will maintain this indicator. 

XXV. Scheduling: Once the schedule has been set by the Sports Coordinator and verified by the Parks & Recreation Director, games must be played as scheduled (date, time, location). The Park & Recreation Director must approve any game schedule changes. The coach requesting the schedule change must receive approval 7 days prior to play. 

XXVI. Clock: The clock will stop only on time outs (60 seconds), jump balls, and foul shots, unless the last two minutes of the second and fourth quarters. In the last two minutes of the second and fourth quarters and during overtime play, the clock will stop on every whistle. There will be one minute counted out on the clock in between quarters, and five minutes counted out on the clock between halves. 

XXVII. Time-Outs: 

A. Teams will receive a total of 2 (1 minute) timeouts per half. Timeouts will be granted when a team has possession of the ball or during a dead ball. Only a player on the court or the head coach can call a timeout. 

B. Any timeouts left over at the end of the game that ends in a tie will be carried over to the first overtime period. 

C. Each team will receive one timeout for each overtime period played. No carry-over timeouts will be allowed after the first overtime period due to meeting the time constraints of the game schedule. 

XXVIII. Automatic Dismissal: 

A. Coaches, players, parents, and spectators may be subject to ejection for the following: a. Abusive and foul language b. Flagrant bad conduct If an ejection occurs the person must immediately leave the premises or the game will be called and forfeited. The premises include the gym, concession area, and parking lot. 

B. Two technical fouls by a coach or player during a game will result in an automatic ejection and receive a one-game suspension for the next game. This includes playoff games. However, a coach or player may be ejected with only one technical foul if it is deemed flagrant or extreme. The result would be a one-game suspension. *Two ejections in a season could end the player, coach, or fans' ability to participate in any further Chelsea Parks & Recreation programs for that year.

C. If a suspension occurs, the player or coach will not be allowed in the gym during the rest of that game and for the following week's suspended game. The coach/player will not be allowed to participate in the team practice during the week of the suspension. 

D. If a coach or player's ejection occurs during a loss in the playoffs, the coach or player must serve their one-game suspension the first game of the following season. 

E. A reprimand may be issued by Chelsea Parks & Recreation against any offending coach regarding the coach’s, player or fan's unsportsmanlike conduct at any time during the performance of their duties. Chelsea Parks & Recreation shall be responsible for its dealing with that coach. With the issue of the second reprimand, the coach may be barred from Chelsea Parks & Recreation activities. 

XXIX. Protest: 

A. Protests will be allowed only for illegal players. 

A question of a referee’s judgment cannot be protested. 

B. The coach shall submit a protest in writing within 48 hours of the disputed competition to the Sports Coordinator. 

C. A Basketball Board meeting will be held and a decision made within 7 days of the submitted protest. 

XXX. Standings: Coaches must record their game scores to league officials at the scorers table at the end of each game played. Season standings will be calculated as follows:

A. Win/Loss record 

B. Head-to-Head record 

C. Head-to-Head point differential D. Record versus next highest opponent 

XXXI. Tournament Brackets: Chelsea Parks & Recreation will use a single elimination tournament bracket. The first-place team will play the last-place team. The first-place team and the second-place team shouldn’t play against each other unless it is the championship game. 

XXXII. Rules for Coaching Selection: 

A. Prospective team coaches must apply for team assignments every year by registering in the RecDesk System. 

B. Any new prospective coach is subject to an interview before the Parks & Recreation Director. 

C. At the first meeting after this deadline, the Basketball Board shall approve the list of coaches. 

D. Applications will be discussed and evaluated for their age groups based on experience and attributes that would be of most value to the league and to the players. 

E. Applicants will be voted on by Parks & Recreation Staff by secret ballot voting, those applicants receiving the most votes will be given a team to coach. Seniority does not determine who will be given a team to coach. 

F. Late applicants must also be approved to coach by the Basketball Board. If approved, they will be assigned any remaining teams on a first come, first served basis. 

G. All applicants must complete and pass the background check as determined by Chelsea Parks & Recreation. 

XXXIII. Rules for Coaching: 

A. Team coaches are required to attend a preseason meeting conducted by the Sports Coordinator to review rules, procedures, and preseason preparation needs. Failure to attend this meeting without prior approval may result in dismissal. 

B. Team equipment will normally be issued at the team selection meetings. 

C. Coaches are responsible for having their teams participate in all Chelsea Youth Basketball activities including the preseason jamboree, award ceremonies, and team pictures. 

D. Coaches shall ensure their team’s bench and surrounding area are trash-free following all practices and games. 

E. Coaches must notify the Sports Coordinator within 24 hours upon the coach’s notification of a player that has been injured during a practice or game. 

F. Coaches must notify the Sports Coordinator immediately if a player quits their team. 

G. Coaches must notify and receive approval from the Sports Coordinator before suspending a player before a game(s) as a disciplinary action. 

H. Coaches shall inform parents of Chelsea Parks & Recreation rules and guidelines. 

I. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages shall be used before or during any practice or game. Confirmed violations will result in immediate dismissal. 

XXXIV. Evaluations and Drafting Committee Process: 

A. Evaluations for Chelsea Basketball will be conducted for the purpose of assessing player skills in order to balance the teams. Team selection meetings will be conducted as soon after the evaluation process as possible. 

B. The evaluation committee will be appointed by Chelsea Parks & Recreation. There will be evaluation sheets filled out for each player based on a prescribed point system as shown on the evaluation form. The scores will be totaled giving each player a final overall score. 

C. Drafting of all basketball divisions will be approved by the Chelsea Parks & Recreational Officers present. No parents or non-Chelsea Parks & Recreation Officials will be allowed to attend any of the Basketball drafts. 

XXXV. Uniforms: Only uniforms provided by Chelsea Parks & Recreation are allowed for game day. Any altered uniforms or uniforms created outside of the league will result in disqualification of the team for that game. 

XXXVI. North Shelby Basketball: Effective 8/21/13, all North Shelby Basketball participation and activities will be managed by Chelsea Parks & Recreation. North Shelby Basketball teams will be selected via tryouts. Rules concerning participation: 

A. Effective with the 2019 season, players on NSBA rosters are not required to participate in the Chelsea Recreational League. They may play both, but not required as in previous years. 

B. All players will participate at their appropriate grade level per North Shelby regulations. The board will consider requests to play down a grade level pending their age, but no movement up in grade levels. 

C. Chelsea North Shelby participants must be enrolled in the Chelsea School District. 

D. Roster Number and Coaches for NSB-A teams will be selected by Chelsea Parks and Recreation.