Youth Basketball Rules for All Ages

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General Information for All Ages

Program Purpose

Foothills Park & Recreation District (Foothills) offers youth sports programs that encourage fun, personal excellence, and sportsmanship. These programs also help players develop fundamental sports skills.

Staff Authority and Governing Rules

Foothills staff have complete authority to oversee the program and make decisions and adjustments for this recreational setting. Staff decisions are final.

If these rules do not address a situation, the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) basketball rules apply. CHSAA uses the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Basketball Rulebook.

Player Registration

All participants must register with Foothills before participating.

Facility and Gym Rules

  1. Games at the Ridge Recreation Center use the full gym.
  2. Games at the Lilley Gulch Recreation Center use half of the gym.
  3. Food and drinks are not allowed in the gyms.
  4. Water in a sealable container is permitted.

Uniforms and Protective Equipment

  1. Players must wear their Foothills team shirts tucked in.
  2. Players must wear non-marking athletic shoes.
  3. Officials must approve protective equipment, including braces and casts, before each game.
  4. Jewelry is not allowed.
  5. Medical alert bracelets and necklaces are allowed. Players must secure them with tape and keep the medical information visible.

Coaches and Spectators

  1. Each team may have up to three coaches on the player bench.
  2. Little Hoopsters (Ages 3 to 4): One coach per team is required to be on the court.
  3. Ages 5 to 6: One coach per team is allowed on the court, but not required.
  4. Spectators must sit in designated bleacher areas.
  5. Coaches are responsible for their players’ behavior, as well as the behavior of the spectators.

Little Hoopsters (Ages 3 to 4)

Little Hoopsters (Ages 3 to 4) Season Objectives

The season focuses on developing a love of basketball and supporting progress based on each participant’s individual skills.

Areas of Focus

  • Practice dribbling with one or both hands while walking.
  • Learn what a double dribble is:
    • After stopping their dribble, players need to pass or shoot.
    • Players may continue to double dribble throughout the season. Officials should allow for each player’s developing skills.
  • Practice correct shooting form.
  • Learn how to inbound the ball after it goes out of bounds or a team scores.
  • Develop teamwork and social skills by playing with others, sharing the ball, and listening to the coach.
  • Develop coordination through running, jumping, balancing, and changing direction.

Little Hoopsters (Ages 3 to 4) Teams and Players

  1. Games are played 4-on-4.
  2. If a team has too few players, teams may borrow players or play with fewer players, including 3-on-3.
  3. A team that is short of players does not forfeit.

Little Hoopsters (Ages 3 to 4) Game Format and Playing Time

  1. Games are 55 minutes long:
    1. The first 25 minutes are for practice.
    2. After practice, teams play a 30-minute game:
      • Two 12-minute halves
  2. Coaches may substitute players during timeouts and dead balls. Teams are encouraged to substitute during the 6-minute mark of each half.
  3. Each player must receive equal playing time in every game.
  4. Scores are not kept.

Little Hoopsters (Ages 3 to 4) Court and Equipment

  • Basket height: 6 feet
  • Basketball size: Mini Size 3 (22-inch circumference)

Little Hoopsters (Ages 3 to 4) Coaches and Officials

One coach per team is required to be on the court. A maximum of three coaches are allowed on the bench.

Foothills may provide one official if coaches need assistance.

Little Hoopsters (Ages 3 to 4) Starting and Restarting Play

  1. Games begin with an inbound pass.
  2. Afterward, the possession arrow alternates on tie-ups and at half time.

Little Hoopsters (Ages 3 to 4) Defensive Rules

  1. Only man-to-man defense is allowed. Zone defense is prohibited.
  2. Double-teaming is not allowed. Double-teaming occurs when two defenders intentionally and repeatedly guard the same offensive player, putting that player at a disadvantage. Trapping is one example.
  3. Backcourt pressing is not allowed. Defenders cannot guard opponents in the backcourt and must return to the frontcourt once the rebounding team gains possession.
  4. Players may not steal the ball while an offensive player is dribbling or holding the ball.
  5. Swatting a shot is not allowed. A defender may raise their hands straight up to block a shot.

Little Hoopsters (Ages 3 to 4) Offensive Rules

  1. Lane violations are not called.
  2. Five-second violations are not called.

Little Hoopsters (Ages 3 to 4) Fouls

  1. Fouls are not tracked.
  2. All called fouls result in an inbound pass from the nearest sideline. There are no free throws.

Note: Officials should be lenient when calling minor violations. As players develop their skills, officials should call violations more frequently based on each player’s ability.

Ages 5 to 6

Ages 5 to 6 Season Objectives

This age group focuses on preparing players for the next level of basketball. Players learn to dribble while moving and to pass or shoot after stopping their dribble. Some players learn these skills quickly, while others need more time and practice.

Coaches should discuss any concerns with the official and opposing coach during the pregame meeting.

Ages 5 to 6 Progression of Officiating

Officiating is intended to become more consistent over the season while accounting for players’ skill levels.

Ages 5 to 6 Officiating Games 1 and 2

  • Officials avoid frequent stoppages and are very lenient about traveling and double dribbling.
  • Coaches and staff help players understand that they need to dribble while walking.
  • Players learn to pass or shoot after picking up their dribble.
  • Players who are still developing one-handed dribbling skills may dribble with two hands for now.

Ages 5 to 6 Officiating Games 3 to 5

  • Staff begin calling more violations. Games may have more frequent stoppages as players learn the rules.
  • Traveling and double dribbling are called case by case, with more obvious violations called more often.
  • When these violations are called, the ball remains with the same team and is inbounded rather than being turned over.
  • Coaches should prepare parents for more frequent calls and additional game stoppages.

Ages 5 to 6 Officiating Games 6 and 7

  • Officials call violations more consistently.
  • Traveling and double-dribble violations result in turnovers.
  • Officials may adjust some calls to players’ skill levels based on the needs discussed during pregame coach meetings.
  • Coaches should coordinate with one another and discuss specific team needs.

Ages 5 to 6 Teams and Players

  1. Games are played 5-on-5.
  2. If a team has too few players, both teams may use fewer players on the court or borrow players.
  3. A team that is short of players does not forfeit.

Ages 5 to 6 Game Format and Playing Time

  1. Each game has four 8-minute quarters. The clock stops near the 4-minute point of each quarter for substitutions.
  2. Each team receives two 1-minute timeouts per half. Teams cannot save unused timeouts for the next half.
  3. The clock stops for coach and official timeouts, substitution stops, and quarter breaks.
  4. There is a 1-minute break between quarters and a 3-minute halftime.
  5. Coaches may substitute players at quarter breaks, timeouts, and dead balls. Teams are encouraged to substitute near the halfway point of each quarter.
  6. Each player must receive equal playing time in every game.
  7. No overtime is played.
  8. Scores are not kept.

Ages 5 to 6 Court and Equipment

  • Basket height: 7.5 feet.
  • Basketball size: Size 5 (27.5-inch circumference).

Ages 5 to 6 Coaches and Officials

One coach per team is required to be on the court. A maximum of three coaches are allowed on the bench.

Foothills may provide one official if coaches need assistance.

Ages 5 to 6 Starting and Restarting Play

  1. Games begin with an inbound pass.
  2. Afterward, the possession arrow alternates on tie-ups and at quarter changes.

Ages 5 to 6 Defensive Rules

  1. Only man-to-man defense is allowed. Zone defense is prohibited.
  2. Each player wears a colored wristband and is expected to guard the player wearing the same color.
  3. Double-teaming is not allowed. Double-teaming occurs when two defenders intentionally and repeatedly guard the same offensive player, putting that player at a disadvantage. Trapping is one example.
  4. Backcourt pressing is not allowed. Defenders cannot guard opponents in the backcourt and must return to the frontcourt once the rebounding team gains possession.
  5. Players may not steal the ball while an offensive player is dribbling or holding the ball.
  6. Swatting a shot is not allowed. A defender may raise their hands straight up to block a shot.

Ages 5 to 6 Offensive Rules

  1. Lane violations are not called.
  2. Five-second violations are not called.

Ages 5 to 6 Violations

In Games 3 to 5, officials call traveling and double-dribble violations, but the same team keeps the ball and inbounds it. Starting in Game 6, traveling and double-dribble violations result in a turnover. For the other violations listed below, the referee gives the ball to the opposing team.

Double dribble
Dribbling with both hands at the same time or starting to dribble again after stopping.
Traveling
Moving with the ball without dribbling.
Striking the ball
Punching the ball with a fist or kicking it.
Backcourt
Dribbling or passing the ball into the backcourt after crossing the midcourt line into the frontcourt.

Ages 5 to 6 Fouls

  1. A personal foul is illegal physical contact with an opposing player. Examples include holding, hitting, slapping, tripping, pushing, blocking, hand-checking, and going over a player’s back to rebound.
  2. An offensive foul is illegal physical contact by a player on offense. Examples include charging, illegal screens, player-control fouls (using an elbow to push off or hook), and over-the-back rebounding. The referee gives the ball to the opposing team.
  3. Fouls are not tracked.
  4. All called fouls result in an inbound pass from the nearest sideline. There are no free throws.

Note: Officials should be lenient when calling minor violations. As players develop their skills, officials should call violations more frequently based on each player’s ability.

Ages 5 to 6 Sportsmanship and Technical Fouls

Coaches, players, and spectators are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in a technical foul.

Ages 5 to 6 Player Technical Fouls

  1. Two technical fouls in one game: The player is ejected and suspended from the next game.
  2. Three technical fouls in one season: The player receives a one-game suspension. The player and parents must meet with the Youth Sports Coordinator before the player returns.
  3. Four technical fouls in one season: The player is removed from the league without a refund.

Ages 5 to 6 Coach Technical Fouls

  1. Two technical fouls in one game: The coach is ejected. The Youth Sports Coordinator decides whether the coach is also suspended for the next game.
  2. Three technical fouls in one season: The coach is suspended for at least one game.
  3. Four technical fouls in one season: The coach is removed from coaching duties for the rest of the season.

Coaches are expected to manage their behavior to avoid technical fouls.

Ages 5 to 6 Player and Spectator Behavior

Coaches are responsible for their players’ behavior and the behavior of spectators. An official may assess a technical foul against the coach for inappropriate spectator behavior.

Ages 7 to 8

Ages 7 to 8 Teams and Players

  1. Games are played 5-on-5.
  2. If a team has too few players, both teams may use fewer players on the court or borrow players.
  3. A team that is short of players does not forfeit.

Ages 7 to 8 Game Format and Playing Time

  1. Each game has four 8-minute quarters. The clock stops near the 4-minute point of each quarter for substitutions.
  2. Each team receives two 1-minute timeouts per half. Teams cannot save unused timeouts for the next half.
  3. The clock stops for coach and official timeouts, substitution stops, and quarter breaks.
  4. There is a 1-minute break between quarters and a 3-minute halftime.
  5. Coaches may substitute players at quarter breaks, timeouts, and dead balls. Teams are encouraged to substitute near the halfway point of each quarter.
  6. Each player must receive equal playing time in every game.
  7. No overtime is played.
  8. Scores are not kept.

Ages 7 to 8 Court and Equipment

  • Basket height: 9 feet.
  • Basketball size: Size 5 (27.5-inch circumference).

Ages 7 to 8 Coaches and Officials

Each team may have up to three coaches on the player bench. Coaches are not allowed on the court for age groups of 7 years old and older. Foothills provides one or two officials for each game.

Ages 7 to 8 Starting and Restarting Play

  1. Games begin with a jump ball.
  2. Afterward, the possession arrow alternates on tie-ups and at quarter changes.

Ages 7 to 8 Defensive Rules

  1. Only man-to-man defense is allowed. Zone defense is prohibited.
  2. Each player wears a colored wristband and is expected to guard the player wearing the same color.
  3. Double-teaming is not allowed. Double-teaming occurs when two defenders intentionally and repeatedly guard the same offensive player, putting that player at a disadvantage. Trapping is one example.
  4. Backcourt pressing is not allowed. Defenders cannot guard opponents in the backcourt and must return to the frontcourt once the rebounding team gains possession.
  5. Players may not steal the ball while an offensive player is dribbling or holding the ball.
  6. Swatting a shot is not allowed. A defender may raise their hands straight up to block a shot.

Ages 7 to 8 Offensive Rules

  1. Lane violations are not called.
  2. Players have 10 seconds to inbound the ball.
  3. Players have 10 seconds to bring the ball across half-court.
  4. Five-second violations are not called.

Ages 7 to 8 Violations

The referee gives the ball to the other team as the penalty for the following violations:

Double dribble
Dribbling with both hands at the same time or starting to dribble again after stopping.
Traveling
Moving with the ball without dribbling.
Striking the ball
Punching the ball with a fist or kicking it.
Backcourt
Dribbling or passing the ball into the backcourt after crossing the midcourt line into the frontcourt.

Ages 7 to 8 Fouls

  1. A personal foul is illegal physical contact with an opposing player. Examples include holding, hitting, slapping, tripping, pushing, blocking, hand-checking, and going over a player’s back to rebound.
  2. An offensive foul is illegal physical contact by a player on offense. Examples include charging, illegal screens, player-control fouls (using an elbow to push off or hook), and over-the-back rebounding. The referee gives the ball to the opposing team.
  3. Fouls are not tracked.
  4. All called fouls result in an inbound pass from the nearest sideline. There are no free throws.

Ages 7 to 8 Sportsmanship and Technical Fouls

Coaches, players, and spectators are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in a technical foul.

Ages 7 to 8 Player Technical Fouls

  1. Two technical fouls in one game: The player is ejected and suspended from the next game.
  2. Three technical fouls in one season: The player receives a one-game suspension. The player and parents must meet with the Youth Sports Coordinator before the player returns.
  3. Four technical fouls in one season: The player is removed from the league without a refund.

Ages 7 to 8 Coach Technical Fouls

  1. Two technical fouls in one game: The coach is ejected. The Youth Sports Coordinator decides whether the coach is also suspended for the next game.
  2. Three technical fouls in one season: The coach is suspended for at least one game.
  3. Four technical fouls in one season: The coach is removed from coaching duties for the rest of the season.

Coaches are expected to manage their behavior to avoid technical fouls.

Ages 7 to 8 Player and Spectator Behavior

Coaches are responsible for their players’ behavior and the behavior of spectators. An official may assess a technical foul against the coach for inappropriate spectator behavior.

Ages 9 to 10

Ages 9 to 10 Teams and Players

  1. Games are played 5-on-5.
  2. If a team has too few players, both teams may use fewer players on the court or borrow players.
  3. A team that is short of players does not forfeit.

Ages 9 to 10 Game Format and Playing Time

  1. Each game has four 8-minute quarters. The clock stops near the 4-minute point of each quarter for substitutions.
  2. Each team receives two 1-minute timeouts per half. Teams cannot save unused timeouts for the next half.
  3. The clock stops for coach and official timeouts, substitution stops, and quarter breaks.
  4. There is a 1-minute break between quarters and a 3-minute halftime.
  5. Coaches may substitute players at quarter breaks, timeouts, and dead balls. Teams are encouraged to substitute near the halfway point of each quarter.
  6. Each player must receive equal playing time in every game.
  7. No overtime is played.
  8. The clock stops for all free throws. It resumes when the final shot is made or hits part of the hoop, the floor, or a player.
  9. During the final minute of the game, the clock stops for all dead-ball situations.
  10. Each team must provide a volunteer to operate the clock or manage the scorebook.
  11. Teams keep score using a scoreboard or flip chart. If the score difference reaches 20 points, the displayed score resets to zero. The actual score is still kept. When the score difference drops below 15 points, the display shows the actual score again.

Ages 9 to 10 Court and Equipment

  • Basket height: 10 feet.
  • Basketball size: Size 5 (27.5-inch circumference).

Ages 9 to 10 Coaches and Officials

Each team may have up to three coaches on the player bench. Coaches are not allowed on the court for age groups of 7 years old and older. Foothills provides one or two officials for each game.

Ages 9 to 10 Starting and Restarting Play

  1. Games begin with a jump ball.
  2. Afterward, the possession arrow alternates on tie-ups and at quarter changes.

Ages 9 to 10 Defensive Rules

  1. Only man-to-man defense is allowed. Zone defense is prohibited.
  2. Double-teaming is not allowed. Double-teaming occurs when two defenders intentionally and repeatedly guard the same offensive player, putting that player at a disadvantage. Trapping is one example.
  3. Defenders may switch the players they guard only when responding to an offensive pick or screen.
  4. Backcourt pressing is not allowed. Defenders cannot guard opponents in the backcourt and must return to the frontcourt once the rebounding team gains possession.
  5. Players may not steal the ball while an offensive player is dribbling or holding the ball.

Ages 9 to 10 Offensive Rules

  1. A five-second lane violation is called when an offensive player remains in the lane longer than five seconds without an attempted shot. The five seconds reset if a shot hits the rim or any part of the backboard.
  2. Players have five seconds to inbound the ball.
  3. If a defender closely guards a player who has the ball, that player must dribble, pass, or shoot within five seconds. Otherwise, the referee calls a violation.
  4. Players have 10 seconds to bring the ball across half-court.
  5. A player setting a pick or screen must remain stationary with their feet shoulder-width apart. The player cannot extend their legs, hips, shoulders, or elbows to block a defender. Otherwise, the referee calls a foul.
  6. After a timeout, teams must inbound the ball from the same backcourt location where the timeout was called. Teams cannot move the ball forward before inbounding it.

Ages 9 to 10 Violations

The referee gives the ball to the other team as the penalty for the following violations:

Double dribble
Dribbling with both hands at the same time or starting to dribble again after stopping.
Traveling
Moving with the ball without dribbling.
Striking the ball
Punching the ball with a fist or kicking it.
Backcourt
Dribbling or passing the ball into the backcourt after crossing the midcourt line into the frontcourt.
Carrying
Sliding a hand completely under the ball while dribbling, briefly resting it in the hand, then continuing the dribble.

Ages 9 to 10 Fouls

  1. A personal foul is illegal physical contact with an opposing player. Examples include holding, hitting, slapping, tripping, pushing, blocking, hand-checking, and going over a player’s back to rebound. If the foul occurs during a shot attempt, the referee awards free throws to the shooter.
  2. An offensive foul is illegal physical contact by a player on offense. Examples include charging, illegal screens, player-control fouls (using an elbow to push off or hook), and over-the-back rebounding. The referee gives the ball to the opposing team.
  3. Each team is allowed 6 fouls before the bonus takes effect on the seventh team foul. The tenth team foul results in the double bonus.
  4. Each player is allowed 5 personal fouls per game. On the fifth foul, the player must sit out the remainder of the game.

Ages 9 to 10 Sportsmanship and Technical Fouls

Coaches, players, and spectators are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in a technical foul.

Ages 9 to 10 Player Technical Fouls

  1. Two technical fouls in one game: The player is ejected and suspended from the next game.
  2. Three technical fouls in one season: The player receives a one-game suspension. The player and parents must meet with the Youth Sports Coordinator before the player returns.
  3. Four technical fouls in one season: The player is removed from the league without a refund.

Ages 9 to 10 Coach Technical Fouls

  1. Two technical fouls in one game: The coach is ejected. The Youth Sports Coordinator decides whether the coach is also suspended for the next game.
  2. Three technical fouls in one season: The coach is suspended for at least one game.
  3. Four technical fouls in one season: The coach is removed from coaching duties for the rest of the season.

Coaches are expected to manage their behavior to avoid technical fouls.

Ages 9 to 10 Player and Spectator Behavior

Coaches are responsible for their players’ behavior and the behavior of spectators. An official may assess a technical foul against the coach for inappropriate spectator behavior.

Ages 11 to 12

Ages 11 to 12 Teams and Players

  1. Games are played 5-on-5.
  2. If a team has too few players, both teams may use fewer players on the court or borrow players.
  3. A team that is short of players does not forfeit.

Ages 11 to 12 Game Format and Playing Time

  1. Each game has four 8-minute quarters. The clock stops near the 4-minute point of each quarter for substitutions.
  2. Each team receives two 1-minute timeouts per half. Teams cannot save unused timeouts for the next half.
  3. The clock stops for coach and official timeouts, substitution stops, and quarter breaks.
  4. There is a 1-minute break between quarters and a 3-minute halftime.
  5. Coaches may substitute players at quarter breaks, timeouts, and dead balls. Teams are encouraged to substitute near the halfway point of each quarter.
  6. Each player must receive equal playing time in every game.
  7. No overtime is played.
  8. The clock stops for all free throws. It resumes when the final shot is made or hits part of the hoop, the floor, or a player.
  9. During the final minute of the game, the clock stops for all dead-ball situations.
  10. Each team must provide a volunteer to operate the clock or manage the scorebook.
  11. Teams keep score using a scoreboard or flip chart. If the score difference reaches 20 points, the displayed score resets to zero. The actual score is still kept. When the score difference drops below 15 points, the display shows the actual score again.

Ages 11 to 12 Court and Equipment

  • Basket height: 10 feet.
  • Basketball size: Size 6 (28.5-inch circumference).

Ages 11 to 12 Coaches and Officials

Each team may have up to three coaches on the player bench. Coaches are not allowed on the court for age groups of 7 years old and older. Foothills provides one or two officials for each game.

Ages 11 to 12 Starting and Restarting Play

  1. Games begin with a jump ball.
  2. Afterward, the possession arrow alternates on tie-ups and at quarter changes.

Ages 11 to 12 Defensive Rules

  1. Teams may play man-to-man defense or a 2–3 or 3–2 zone defense.
  2. Double-teaming is prohibited outside the paint but is allowed inside the paint. Double-teaming occurs when two defenders intentionally and repeatedly guard the same offensive player, putting that player at a disadvantage. Trapping is one example.
  3. Backcourt pressing is not allowed. Defenders cannot guard opponents in the backcourt and must return to the frontcourt once the rebounding team gains possession.
  4. Stealing is allowed when the offensive player is dribbling or has picked up the ball. The defender must not commit a reaching foul.

Ages 11 to 12 Offensive Rules

  1. A five-second lane violation is called when an offensive player remains in the lane longer than five seconds without an attempted shot. The five seconds reset if a shot hits the rim or any part of the backboard.
  2. Players have five seconds to inbound the ball.
  3. If a defender closely guards a player who has the ball, that player must dribble, pass, or shoot within five seconds. Otherwise, the referee calls a violation.
  4. Players have 10 seconds to bring the ball across half-court.
  5. A player setting a pick or screen must remain stationary with their feet shoulder-width apart. The player cannot extend their legs, hips, shoulders, or elbows to block a defender. Otherwise, the referee calls a foul.
  6. After a timeout, teams must inbound the ball from the same backcourt location where the timeout was called. Teams cannot move the ball forward before inbounding it.

Ages 11 to 12 Violations

The referee gives the ball to the other team as the penalty for the following violations:

Double dribble
Dribbling with both hands at the same time or starting to dribble again after stopping.
Traveling
Moving with the ball without dribbling.
Striking the ball
Punching the ball with a fist or kicking it.
Backcourt
Dribbling or passing the ball into the backcourt after crossing the midcourt line into the frontcourt.
Carrying
Sliding a hand completely under the ball while dribbling, briefly resting it in the hand, then continuing the dribble.

Ages 11 to 12 Fouls

  1. A personal foul is illegal physical contact with an opposing player. Examples include holding, hitting, slapping, tripping, pushing, blocking, hand-checking, and going over a player’s back to rebound. If the foul occurs during a shot attempt, the referee awards free throws to the shooter.
  2. An offensive foul is illegal physical contact by a player on offense. Examples include charging, illegal screens, player-control fouls (using an elbow to push off or hook), and over-the-back rebounding. The referee gives the ball to the opposing team.
  3. Each team is allowed 6 fouls before the bonus takes effect on the seventh team foul. The tenth team foul results in the double bonus.
  4. Each player is allowed 5 personal fouls per game. On the fifth foul, the player must sit out the remainder of the game.

Ages 11 to 12 Sportsmanship and Technical Fouls

Coaches, players, and spectators are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in a technical foul.

Ages 11 to 12 Player Technical Fouls

  1. Two technical fouls in one game: The player is ejected and suspended from the next game.
  2. Three technical fouls in one season: The player receives a one-game suspension. The player and parents must meet with the Youth Sports Coordinator before the player returns.
  3. Four technical fouls in one season: The player is removed from the league without a refund.

Ages 11 to 12 Coach Technical Fouls

  1. Two technical fouls in one game: The coach is ejected. The Youth Sports Coordinator decides whether the coach is also suspended for the next game.
  2. Three technical fouls in one season: The coach is suspended for at least one game.
  3. Four technical fouls in one season: The coach is removed from coaching duties for the rest of the season.

Coaches are expected to manage their behavior to avoid technical fouls.

Ages 11 to 12 Player and Spectator Behavior

Coaches are responsible for their players’ behavior and the behavior of spectators. An official may assess a technical foul against the coach for inappropriate spectator behavior.

Ages 13 to 14

Ages 13 to 14 Teams and Players

  1. Games are played 5-on-5.
  2. If a team has too few players, both teams may use fewer players on the court or borrow players.
  3. A team that is short of players does not forfeit.

Ages 13 to 14 Game Format and Playing Time

  1. Each game has four 8-minute quarters. The clock stops near the 4-minute point of each quarter for substitutions.
  2. Each team receives two 1-minute timeouts per half. Teams cannot save unused timeouts for the next half.
  3. The clock stops for coach and official timeouts, substitution stops, and quarter breaks.
  4. There is a 1-minute break between quarters and a 3-minute halftime.
  5. Coaches may substitute players at quarter breaks, timeouts, and dead balls. Teams are encouraged to substitute near the halfway point of each quarter.
  6. Each player must receive equal playing time in every game.
  7. No overtime is played.
  8. The clock stops for all free throws. It resumes when the final shot is made or hits part of the hoop, the floor, or a player.
  9. During the final minute of the game, the clock stops for all dead-ball situations.
  10. Each team must provide a volunteer to operate the clock or manage the scorebook.
  11. Teams keep score using a scoreboard or flip chart. If the score difference reaches 20 points, the displayed score resets to zero. The actual score is still kept. When the score difference drops below 15 points, the display shows the actual score again.

Ages 13 to 14 Court and Equipment

  • Basket height: 10 feet.
  • Basketball size: Size 7 (29.5-inch circumference).

Ages 13 to 14 Coaches and Officials

Each team may have up to three coaches on the player bench. Coaches are not allowed on the court for age groups of 7 years old and older. Foothills provides one or two officials for each game.

Ages 13 to 14 Starting and Restarting Play

  1. Games begin with a jump ball.
  2. Afterward, the possession arrow alternates on tie-ups and at quarter changes.

Ages 13 to 14 Defensive Rules

  1. Teams may play man-to-man defense or a 2–3 or 3–2 zone defense.
  2. Double-teaming is prohibited outside the paint but is allowed inside the paint. Double-teaming occurs when two defenders intentionally and repeatedly guard the same offensive player, putting that player at a disadvantage. Trapping is one example.
  3. Backcourt pressing is not allowed. Defenders cannot guard opponents in the backcourt and must return to the frontcourt once the rebounding team gains possession.
  4. Stealing is allowed when the offensive player is dribbling or has picked up the ball. The defender must not commit a reaching foul.

Ages 13 to 14 Offensive Rules

  1. A five-second lane violation is called when an offensive player remains in the lane longer than five seconds without an attempted shot. The five seconds reset if a shot hits the rim or any part of the backboard.
  2. Players have five seconds to inbound the ball.
  3. If a defender closely guards a player who has the ball, that player must dribble, pass, or shoot within five seconds. Otherwise, the referee calls a violation.
  4. Players have 10 seconds to bring the ball across half-court.
  5. A player setting a pick or screen must remain stationary with their feet shoulder-width apart. The player cannot extend their legs, hips, shoulders, or elbows to block a defender. Otherwise, the referee calls a foul.
  6. After a timeout, teams must inbound the ball from the same backcourt location where the timeout was called. Teams cannot move the ball forward before inbounding it.

Ages 13 to 14 Violations

The referee gives the ball to the other team as the penalty for the following violations:

Double dribble
Dribbling with both hands at the same time or starting to dribble again after stopping.
Traveling
Moving with the ball without dribbling.
Striking the ball
Punching the ball with a fist or kicking it.
Backcourt
Dribbling or passing the ball into the backcourt after crossing the midcourt line into the frontcourt.
Carrying
Sliding a hand completely under the ball while dribbling, briefly resting it in the hand, then continuing the dribble.

Ages 13 to 14 Fouls

  1. A personal foul is illegal physical contact with an opposing player. Examples include holding, hitting, slapping, tripping, pushing, blocking, hand-checking, and going over a player’s back to rebound. If the foul occurs during a shot attempt, the referee awards free throws to the shooter.
  2. An offensive foul is illegal physical contact by a player on offense. Examples include charging, illegal screens, player-control fouls (using an elbow to push off or hook), and over-the-back rebounding. The referee gives the ball to the opposing team.
  3. Each team is allowed 6 fouls before the bonus takes effect on the seventh team foul. The tenth team foul results in the double bonus.
  4. Each player is allowed 5 personal fouls per game. On the fifth foul, the player must sit out the remainder of the game.

Ages 13 to 14 Sportsmanship and Technical Fouls

Coaches, players, and spectators are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in a technical foul.

Ages 13 to 14 Player Technical Fouls

  1. Two technical fouls in one game: The player is ejected and suspended from the next game.
  2. Three technical fouls in one season: The player receives a one-game suspension. The player and parents must meet with the Youth Sports Coordinator before the player returns.
  3. Four technical fouls in one season: The player is removed from the league without a refund.

Ages 13 to 14 Coach Technical Fouls

  1. Two technical fouls in one game: The coach is ejected. The Youth Sports Coordinator decides whether the coach is also suspended for the next game.
  2. Three technical fouls in one season: The coach is suspended for at least one game.
  3. Four technical fouls in one season: The coach is removed from coaching duties for the rest of the season.

Coaches are expected to manage their behavior to avoid technical fouls.

Ages 13 to 14 Player and Spectator Behavior

Coaches are responsible for their players’ behavior and the behavior of spectators. An official may assess a technical foul against the coach for inappropriate spectator behavior.

Glossary

Backcourt
The half of the court containing a team's defensive basket.
Backcourt press
Defending an opponent in the backcourt to apply pressure before the ball reaches the frontcourt.
Bonus
1-and-1 free throws. A free-throw penalty that applies after a team reaches a specified number of team fouls. Player must make the first free throw to earn the second. See the age-specific foul rules for when the bonus begins.
Carrying
Resting the ball in a hand while dribbling and then continuing to dribble.
Closely guarded
When a defender guards the player with the ball closely enough for the five-second rule to apply.
Dead ball
A period when the ball is not in play, such as after an official stops play.
Double bonus
Two free throws. A more extensive free-throw penalty after a team reaches a higher number of team fouls. See the age-specific foul rules.
Double dribble
Dribbling with both hands at the same time or dribbling again after stopping.
Double-teaming
Two defenders intentionally and repeatedly guarding one offensive player at the same time, putting that player at a disadvantage.
Frontcourt
The half of the court containing the basket a team is trying to score in.
Hand-checking
Using a hand or arm to make illegal contact with or restrict an opponent.
Inbound pass
A pass that puts the ball back into play from outside a boundary line.
Jump ball
An official tosses the ball between opposing players to start play.
Lane (paint)
The marked area near the basket, often called the paint.
Man-to-man defense
A defensive strategy in which each defender is responsible for guarding an assigned offensive player.
Pick or screen
A player positions their body to slow or block a defender's path while a teammate moves.
Player-control foul
A foul committed by a player who controls the ball, such as an illegal push-off.
Possession arrow
An indicator showing which team receives the ball at the next alternating-possession situation.
Reaching foul
Illegal contact made while reaching for the ball.
Tie-up
A situation in which opposing players have firm control of the ball at the same time.
Traveling
Moving with the ball in a way that violates the dribbling or pivoting rules.
Turnover
When possession of the ball changes from one team to the other.
Zone defense
A defensive strategy in which players primarily guard assigned areas of the court.
Revised:
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