Basketball Rules – Recess League
Game Format
We will play 9 round robin half court games to 5 points or 5 minutes (whichever comes first).
Unlike full court games that allow for a change of possession after each score because each team shoots at a different basket, half court basketball requires that both teams shoot on the same basket. Unlike a regular full court game, there is no jump ball. Possession is determined when a designated player from one team “shoots for it.” If that player makes it, his team gets the ball.
Since both teams are sharing the same basket in a half court game, the ball should be “taken back” after each missed shot when the ball changes possession. If you rebound out, dribble it past the foul line or the three-point line to clear it and begin your possession.
If your team scores, the ball will be given to the defending team for the next possession.
After a made basket or a dead ball situation, check the ball at the top of the foul line area by passing it to the defensive player. He/She will toss the ball back to you, indicating that the ball is in play. In most cases, the offensive player who checks the ball cannot make a move without first passing the ball into one of his teammates.
Players on the court
Each team must consist of 5 players on a court. Minimum 2 of each gender on the court at all times.
Scoring
Any shot from behind the three-point circle will result in 2 points.
Any shot from within the three point circle will result in 1 points.
A foul shot will count as 1 point.
Game Play
Substitutions can occur only on deadball situations(out of bounds, fouls, etc).
One substitute from each team will be in charge of keeping score on the flip score cards.
The referee will monitor the score and signal if a shot was a three-pointer or two.
Teams will be allowed one time out per game. You may only call a timeout when your team has possession of the ball.
Fouls and Misconduct
- This league is all about meeting new people and having fun. Any rough play will result in being ejected from the game. There is no place for physical play.
- Foul shots will be called but will be rare. The referees will be calling the following defensive fouls: Blocking, Hacking, and Holding.
- If any of these fouls occur during the act of shooting it will result in two foul shots if attempting a two pointer, or three foul shots if attempting a three pointer.
- If the shot is made, then the player will receive one foul shot.
- Players lined up during a foul shot attempt must wait until the ball is released before they enter the key.
- The referees will also be calling Charging and Offensive fouls which will result in a change of possession.
- Technical fouls will result in one free throw and possession for the other team.
- Flagrant fouls will result in two foul shots and the ball going back to the team who was fouled.
- Flagrant fouls could result in removal from the game if the referee deems necessary. Remember, this is social so there really shouldn’t be flagrant fouls.
Violations
The following will result in a turnover: Traveling, double dribbles, carries, goaltending, backcourt, and out of bounds.
Traveling – taking 3 or more steps without dribbling the ball.
Double dribble – a player dribbles the ball with both hands at the same time or they start dribbling and then start dribbling again.
Carry/Palming – a player dribbles illegally by putting his hand below the ball and dribbling in a carrying motion.
Goaltending – is the violation of interfering with the ball while it is on its way to the basket and it is (a) in a downward flight, (b) entirely above the rim and has the possibility of entering the basket, and (c) not touching the rim.