It is our goal to coordinate a set of rules that will provide teams an opportunity to compete against teams of similar skill levels and competitive backgrounds.  To do this, we will coordinate with the various leagues to provide a set of rules (especially in the younger ages) that allows for team to develop and grow through the game of basketball.

Code of Conduct

Technical Fouls

Players and coaches are only allowed one direct technical foul in the tournament. If a player or coach receives a second direct technical at any time during the tournament, that participant will be ejected from the tournament and not permitted to participate in the remaining tournament games. In addition, any coach or player involved in a verbal or physical altercation on tournament premises will not be permitted to participate in the remainder of the tournament

Fan Conduct

Coaches are responsible for informing their parents and fans that unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. That included taunting, arguing, or fighting with referees, fans, players, or coaches. If a referee has a problem with a parent or fan, the applicable coach will be asked to talk with them as a warning. If problems persist, the referee will contact the site manager and that parent or fan will be asked to leave the premises without a refund.

Timing Rules

Timing Rules will be used based on grade:

• Grades 1-4
  • Games will consist of two (2) 20-minute running clock halves.
  • Inside the last 2 minutes of the game, the clock will stop on all whistles, unless the point spread is 20 or more. 
• Grades 5-8
  • Games will consist of two (2) 12 minute stop-clock halves.
  • Clock will stop on all whistles, unless the point spread is 20 or more points in the second half.

Additional Timing Rules that Apply to All Ages:

• Halftime shall be 3 minutes in length.
• No pressing allowed for grades 5-8 after a 25 point lead.
• Two (2) 30 second time outs per half will be allowed to each team plus one (1) 60 second time out per game.  The 30 second time-outs from the first half DO NOT carry over if you do not use both of them in the first half.  One (1) additional 30 second time out per team will be awarded for each overtime period. 
• In the case of an overtime game (and double overtime), the clock will be set on three (3) minutes and a jump ball will ensue.  In case of a third overtime, a jump ball will ensue and first point to score – WINS – sudden death.

Additional Rules

• Basketball size will be determined by age:
  • 1st/2nd Grade:  27.5" unless both team agree to use the 28.5"
  • 3rd-8th Grade:  28.5" ball
• Goal Height will be determined by age:
  • 1st/2nd Grade:  8 ft
  • 3rd Grade:  9 ft
  • 4th-8th Grade:  10ft
• Each team is responsible to provide a designated representative to assist in keeping the scorebook or running the game clock.  This must be an adult (at least 16 years of age) who will conduct themselves in a professional manner. For the integrity of the game this must be a neutral zone, if a person cannot remain unbiased and refrain from coaching or yelling from the score table they will be replaced.
• Each coach is responsible for completely and correctly filling out the scoresheet for each game. This will include a players' FIRST NAME, LAST NAME, AND UNIFORM NUMBER.
• Each team is responsible for their own warm up and game balls and/or any other items brought to the game.  USSSA is not responsible for items lost.
• If previous game runs over, clock will be set for 5 minutes and game will begin at the conclusion of the 5 minutes, unless both coaches agree to begin at end of previous game.
• Teams may begin a game with four players.
• If a team forfeits two(w) or more pool games, the team will be disqualified from the event and cannot participate in the tourney round of play.
• No refunds once the schedule has been published and or tournament play has started.

Game-play Rules Addendum for Younger Ages (Grades 1-4)

• 1st-4th Grade will have the option of shooting free throws at the 12 ft line.

Full Court Press

• In 1st-4th Grade, Full Court Press will NOT be permitted.
• This extends 6 feet into the offensive half of play

• Zone Defenses are NOT permitted
• Double-teaming will NOT be permitted OUTSIDE OF THE LANE

• Teams are not permitted to run a Stack/Iso/Spread offense
  • Examples include 4 players stacked on opposite side of the court, four players spread in opposite corners of the floor, etc.
  • 1st offense will be a warning, 2nd offense will be a technical on the coach.

Playing Time Restrictions & Minimums

• No player may be permitted to play the entire game without subbing out (unless team only has 5 players for the game)

• Players must participate in both halves of the game.

Pool Play Tie-Breaking Procedure

• Best record
• Head-to-Head 
  In case of 3-way tie or if two teams are still tied after previous tiebreakers: 
  • a)Point Differential (max +/- 15 per game) among tied-teams
  • b) Point Differential overall (max 15)
  • c)points allowed
  • d)coin flip.

• In case of a team forfeit, the score will be recorded as 15-0.