Nether-Swarthmore Hoops Rules of Play 2024-2025

ALL DIVISIONS

  1. A minimum of 4 players will be needed for an official game. If either team has only four players, the game may be played four-on-four by agreement of the coaches. If a team has fewer than four players from its official roster available to play, that team forfeits the game. Teams are encouraged to use substitute/replacement players to play during the allotted game time for fun, but this game will be considered a forfeit by the team using substitutes/replacements. Substitute/replacement player is defined as any player NOT on the official Teamsnap roster.
  1. Each game consists of four 10-minute quarters with a running clock. The clock stops for time-outs but not for free throws. During the final two minutes of the game, the clock stops at every whistle. For 2/3 and 4/5 divisions, where there is no full court press, the clock will not start until the basketball crosses the half court. 
  1. Games begin with an opening tap, but that is the game’s only jump ball. For tie-ups thereafter, we follow the alternate possession rule and the ball will be inbounded.
  1. If a player accumulates five fouls, the player is out of the game but may remain on the bench to cheer on teammates.
  1. Beginning with the 7th team foul of each half, players will shoot 1-and-1. The foul count resets for half but NOT for overtime. (Note this is deviation from current PIAA rules.)
  1. Each team has two timeouts per half. There is no carryover of timeouts. Each timeout will be 30 seconds in length with a stopped clock. 
  1. If overtime is required, each overtime period will be two (2) minutes long with the clock stopping at every whistle as in the final 2 minutes of regulation. Each team will be allotted one timeout per overtime period.
  1. Referees will look to eliminate flopping (faking being fouled) during games. Flopping is defined as unsporting act that occurs when a player simulates being fouled, or makes theatrical or exaggerated movements where there has been no illegal contact by committing acts such as:
  • Overtly embellishing the impact of incidental contact on block/charge plays or tries for goal.
  • Using a “head bob” to simulate illegal contact or
  • Using any other tactic to create the appearance of being fouled and gaining an advantage
  1. If a player or coach is ejected from a game, he will not be allowed to play or coach the next game and may, at the discretion of the league, be barred from playing or coaching for the remainder of the season. No inappropriate or foul language will be tolerated and shall be cause for a technical foul and/or suspension at the discretion of the league.  All players, parents, and coaches are bound by the Swarthmore Recreation Association Code of Conduct.
  1. This league is meant to build character and good sportsmanship. Coaches are asked to take every reasonable step to avoid “blowouts” of 20 points or more.  
  1. Only coaches are permitted to bring balls to the game on game day.  
  1. Coaches are responsible for lining up a team parent (or middle/high school aged sibling) for each game to (1) work the game clock or (2) keep the game book. EVERY FAMILY SHOULD EXPECT TO WORK ONE GAME DURING THE SEASON.
  1. Except for the rules stated herein, PIAA rules will apply as PIAA referees are scheduled for each game.
  1. If there is a question with respect to any rule not covered by PIAA rules, the coaches may agree on an interpretation of the rule and that will be the rule for that game. Coaches are encouraged to confer in advance of every game to discuss any issues that will affect the conduct of the upcoming game.   
  1. Playoff rules are the same as regular season rules unless otherwise announced in writing to the division prior to the beginning of playoffs.  

DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES

Girls and Boys 2-3

  1. Basket height is set at 8’6”. 
  2. No zone defense is allowed. We will teach man-to-man to build defensive skills and spread the floor.
  3. No full court pressure. Defense will allow the ball to cross the half court line.
  4. No intentional double teaming “game plan.” Help defense is permitted.
  5. No fast breaks after rebounds. Defense should be allowed to set up prior to offense bringing the ball up the court. 
  6. Fast breaks breaks are permitted after steals only. Steals involving ripping or tearing the ball from another player’s hands or other aggressive act will be called as fouls or result in a jump ball, per the referee.  
  7. Each player should play at least half of every game.
  8. At the five minute mark of every quarter, referees blow the whistle and call for substitutions.  Any player not on the floor should then be substituted into the game.

Girls and Boys 4-5

  1. Basket height set at 10’.
  2. No zone defense is allowed.
  3. No full court pressure. Defense will allow the ball to cross the half court line. 
  4. No intentional double teaming “game plan.” Help defense is permitted.
  5. Each player should play at least half of every game.
  6. At the five minute mark of every quarter, referees blow the whistle and call for substitutions.  Any player not on the floor should then be substituted into the game.

Girls 6-8 and Boys 6-7, 8-9, 10-12

  1. Each player should play at least half of every game.
  2. Basket height set to 10’
  3. Zone defense is allowed.
  4. For boys 6-7, full court press is allowed during the last 2 minutes of the game, after the third game of the season except as follows: If a team is up by 10 points or more they may not press.  No press defense during the first three games of the season.
  5. For girls 6-7, full court press is allowed during the last 2 minutes of the game, after the third game of the season except as follows: If a team is up by 10 points or more they may not press.  No press defense during the first three games of the season.
  6. For boys 8-9 and 10-12, full court press is allowed during the last 2 minutes of each half for the duration of the season.

updated 2024.12.04