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Interdediate Division Rules (4th & 5th Grade) 

  1. GYM: 
    1. Minimum dimensions of 74ft x 42ft and 10-foot baskets
  2. BALLSIZE: 
    1. 28.5” (Women's Official / Size 6)
  3. GAME TIME:
    1. All games must start on time. Quarters/Half breaks are kept to a minimum to allow the next game to start on time.
    2. 10 minute quarters. The clock will continue to run with the exception of the last 2 minutes of the 2 nd and 4 th quarters, foul shots, timeouts, injuries and at the discretion of the officials.
    3. Four 30-second timeouts per game. More will result in a technical foul - resulting in 2 foul shots and loss of possession.
    4. No overtime during the regular season.  In the Playoffs, there will be one 2-minute overtime.  OT periods will continue until a winner is determined.  Teams receive one additional 30-sec timeout per OT period plus any remaining from the game.
  4. SUBSTITUTIONS:
    1. Playing time must be equally divided and the playing matrix must be submitted at the end of every game.  
      1. Coaches failing to submit a matrix or submitting one not aligned to scorers table tracking will be subject to corrective actions at the discretion of the board
    2. Coaches must substitute halfway through each quarter at the 5 min. mark, the referee will signal for subs. 
    3. Coaches may only substitute players other than at the 5:00 minute substitution break unless an injury or illness.
    4. No players may play more than 15 minutes in a half unless the team only has 6 or fewer available players.
    5. Coaches are encouraged take a few seconds to match players up by skill level before each start, and to make sure players know who they are covering. 
    6. Substitution rules apply in overtime. If a player played the last 5 minutes of the 4th quarter, then they should sit for the first OT.  A player may play the entire 2-min OT, but must sit if a 2nd OT period results.
  5. DEFENSE:
    1. In the first 3 games weeks, 2-3 zone defense must be played. During the remainder of the regular season man-to-man defense must be played.
      1. During Playoffs, either 2-3 zone or man-to-man may be played.
    2. Defenses must stay below the “volleyball line” an Offenses must "actively attack" within 5 seconds of initially entering the frontcourt, no hiding behind the volleyball line.
    3. No double-teaming above the free throw line extended.
    4. Stealing is allowed

    5. Fast breaks will be allowed during the last 5 minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters and in any overtime period.

    6. No back court defense. The point guard will be allowed to cross mid court without being defended to allow offensive development.
    7. No Full court press is allowed. 
    8. On Ball Screens. Only single picks for the ball handler are allowed. Players may leave their man to switch off an offensive pick.
  6. FREE THROWS:
    1. Attempted from the foul line, or a closer distance suitable for the shooter’s ability.
    2. No more than 6 players line the lane (4 defensive, 2 offensive alternating), All other players must be behind the free-throw line extended and behind the 3-pt line.
    3. Players lining the lane may move into the lane upon the shooter’s release. The shooter and other players may not cross the free-throw line until the ball hits the rim or a shot is made. 
  7. REFEREES:
    1. Two certified referees will officiate the games.
      1. Their primary concern is to allow the kids to play and keep the games under control.
  8. RULES:
    1. NJSIAA basketball rules apply, with consideration given to the age and skill level of these players.
    2. Players are disqualified upon their 5th personal foul. (Unless only 5 players at time of foul-out or occurring later due to injury, leaving early). Fouls carry into overtime.
    3. 2 FT's will be awarded on the 5th foul on per quarter.  (This new 2023 HS rule maybe adjusted after 3rd week of games based on impact to play)
    4. Offensive team must get the ball over half court within 10 seconds.
    5. Passing from frontcourt to backcourt results in a turnover, except on inbound passes.
    6. The alternating possession arrow is in effect.
    7. 3-point shots will be awarded.
    8. Any team winning by 15 points or more is expected to exhibit good sportsmanship by reducing the intensity of their play in accordance with the score
      1. No fast breaks, no stealing, multiple passes before shots, defense plays inside the 3-pt line, etc.
      2. Coaches are responsible to ensure their players recognize and adhere to promoting this sportsmanship.
    9. Unsportsmanship like behavior from a fan, parent or other may result in a Technical Foul being assessed against the team they support.  This may be assessed from either from a referees or a board member.
    10. Technical fouls by Coaches 
      1. One technical foul results in "seat belt rule" - coach must site and coach from the bench for the remainder of the game 
      2. Two technical fouls in a game results in ejection and suspension for the next game

HBYB Basketball Rules Revised Nov 2023