Game Rules
We allow plenty of time for our games to be played according to standard high school rules. We encourage our IAABO officials to call the game consistent with these rules. We do deviate from the standard rules with the number of timeouts allowed during a game and in overtime situations. See rules below:
Home team is the first team listed.
Game Format
- Game time:
- Grades 7–12: 16-minute halves
- Grades 3–6: 14-minute halves
- 5-minute halftime
- Warm-up: 5 minutes
- Start times:
- Arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled start time
- Games may start early if both teams and officials are present and ready
- A 5-minute warm-up period is allotted for games running behind schedule
Timeouts
- 2 timeouts per half, no carryover
- All timeouts are full (60 seconds)
Fouls
- Player fouls: 5 fouls per game
- Team fouls:
- Bonus begins at 10 team fouls in the half
- 2 shots awarded when in bonus
- Fouls reset at half
- Technical fouls:
- Standard in-game rules apply
- Second technical results in removal from the gym for the remainder of the game
- Three total technical fouls results in ineligibility for the remainder of the tournament
Overtime
- 1st OT: 3 minutes; 2nd OT: 2 minutes; 3rd OT: Golden Basket (first to score)
- 1 timeout (60 seconds) per overtime period, no carryover
- Fouls continue as an extension of the second half
Defense
- Grades 5–12 may play full-court defense
- Grades 3–4: see 3rd/4th Grade Exceptions below
Mercy Rule
- Sportsmanship should guide all coaches in this situation
- The rule is not automatic
- Running time may be applied when all of the following are true:
- Second half only
- 20+ point differential
- Coach of the losing team approves switching to running time
- Clock remains running except for:
- Free throws
- Timeouts (charged, injury, or officials’)
Game Ball
- Best ball from either team
- Standard size for boys (29.5) and girls (28.5)
- Grades 3–6 will use a 28.5 ball unless both coaches agree to a larger ball
Official Book
- Game officials will designate the official book prior to the start of the game
- The official bookkeeper must sit at the scoring table
- We encourage both teams to have a book at the table
3rd/4th Grade Exceptions
At this level we are focused on doing what is developmentally good for these young athletes, letting them learn the game and allowing the game to have some flow. Officials will enforce these rules as they see fit.
- No backcourt or full-court defense is allowed. No full-court pressing.
- Once a team gains control of the ball, the defense must get back to the front court.
- The normal 10-second rule applies to getting the ball into the front court, as determined by officials.
- Free throw – foul line exception: A player shall start at the foul line, and be allowed:
- To touch the foul line and go over it by one step while using their normal shooting motion.
- Officials monitor this and call it as they see fit.
Player Equipment
All players must be properly equipped in accordance with IAABO rules and guidelines.
- Coaches: Do not put player safety in jeopardy.
- Officials: Enforce the rules and report any incidents to the tournament directors.
Player Eligibility
- A player may only play for one team during the tournament. If a player appears on two rosters, they must choose one team.
- Exception: If a team arrives without the minimum five players needed to play, the coaches of the two teams scheduled to play each other may agree to loan players so the game can go forward. Under this arrangement:
- Only players from the two teams playing that specific game may participate.
- The short-handed team will be recorded as the losing team; the team with enough players will be recorded as the winning team.
- Play the game anyway — you have the court time and the officials. This is about the kids playing and enjoying the game.
Sportsmanship
Coaches, players, and fans: sportsmanship matters. Tournament directors and site management reserve the right to remove anyone they feel is behaving inappropriately.
Team Responsibilities
- Please be at your gym and ready to play at least 20 minutes before game time. Games can start earlier than scheduled game time if both teams and coaches are ready to play. The site administrator will determine game time if a conflict arises.
- Both teams are encouraged to have a bookkeeper at the table
- Teams must provide their own warm-up balls
- Each team must have a coach on sidelines at all times. Please do not ask us to schedule games so a coach can coach two teams. You must have a coach for each team entered in the tournament.
General Rules
- Water and sport drinks are allowed in the gyms
- Site director and clock keeper will oversee games at each site. Any questions please see site director.
- Teams must provide their own medical supply needs
- Gyms will open at 7:30 each morning
- Any person who does not show good sportsmanship will be asked to leave.
- A championship trophy will be awarded in each age division
Championship Determination
Teams that finish undefeated will be declared champion in their age level bracket. If two teams finish 3-1 the champion will determined by the following criteria:
- Head to head competition between the 3-1 teams
- Point spread of wins over teams in the same bracket. Max point spread that will count in this calculation is 10 points.
- If the result is still a tie, co-champions will be declared
Final determination will be determined by the Rules Committee of the Kingdom Basketball Club. Adjustments to the schedule may occur to facilitate quality matches and championship designation.
Sportsmanship Award
Each year the Kingdom Basketball Club recognizes a team that stands out in the area of sportsmanship. The winner of this award, chosen by the officials and tournament personnel, is the team (players and coaches) that displays the best sportsmanship, positive attitude, and courteousness, both on the court and off, during the tournament.
Facilities
We are so lucky to be able to play our games in these fine local gyms and support our local schools and athletes. Please show respect for all the facilities.