Game Structure

• Warm-Up: Teams get a 5-minute warm-up before the game. Time may be shortened if games are running behind schedule. Dunking is most definitely allowed during warm-ups!
• Game Time: Each game consists of four 10-minute running clock quarters. The clock stops only during timeouts, the last 10 seconds of any quarter, and the last 2 minutes of the game if the score difference is 10 points or less.
• Free Throws: During the final two minutes of the game, the clock stops for free throws if the score difference is 10 points or less. Team foul limits are also set to a minimum of three per team.
• Overtime: The first overtime is a 2-minute stop-clock period. If still tied, a 4-minute sudden-death period with a running clock follows, where the first team to score wins. If neither team scores, the game is decided by a do-or-die shootout from either the free throw or three-point line.

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Regional Rules

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Allowances

• Timeouts: Each team is allowed two 60-second timeouts per game. In case of overtime, each team receives one additional timeout. However, under the Broomfield Bylaw, teams are allowed two player timeouts and one coach timeout for the entire game.
• Fouls: Players foul out after 5 personal fouls, except under the Denver Deviation rule, where disqualification occurs after 7 personal fouls. Team fouls reset each quarter. Bonus free throws begin on the 5th team foul—unless playing under the Denver Deviation, where the bonus begins on the 7th team foul. All bonus situations are single bonus (1-and-1); double bonus is never used.
• Division-Specific: Ball-handling violations, the 3-second rule, and footwork infractions will be enforced at all grade levels. However, lower-level players will receive more leniency to maintain the flow of the game, with experienced referees providing instruction and feedback as part of the learning process.
• Defense: Zone defenses and zone presses are not permitted in the 1st-4th grade divisions. Players may guard their assigned opponents full-court in all divisions, except when the lead exceeds 20 points. We believe relying on tactics that exploit age-related physical limitations undermines the long-term development of both teams, preventing players from learning skills they’ll need as they advance.

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Fair Play Stipulations

• The Ball & Hoop: The correct ball size must be used for each age group: 28.5" for boys up to 6th grade and all girls, 29.5" for boys 7th grade and up. Hoop height will be lowered to 8 feet for 1st grade and 9 feet for 2nd grade when possible.
• Mercy Rule: If a team leads by 20 points or more, no pressing is permitted unless the coach of the losing team allows it. Games will not be ended early, and we encourage all teams to continue playing until the final buzzer.
• Sportsmanship: Technical fouls result in two free throws and possession of the ball. Any individual receiving two technical fouls will be suspended for the remainder of the game. Unsportsmanlike conduct by players, coaches, or spectators may also result in suspension from the following game. For spectators — particularly parents — a five-minute cooling-off period near the exit will be provided prior to full ejection, offering a second chance to de-escalate before permanent removal is enforced.
• Roster Shortages: Teams may start a game with 4 players. The opposing team may choose to either match with 4 players (preferred for competitive purposes) or play with 5. If a team is down to 4 players due to a foul-out, no other players on that team may foul out. Each subsequent foul by that player will result in an automatic extra point for the opposing team.

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Administrative

• Roster & Staff: Each team is allowed up to 2 coaches and 12 players on the bench for any given game. All players must be entered into the scorebook prior to tip-off, with a penalty of a technical foul for any players added afterward.
• Volunteers: Teams DO NOT need to provide a volunteer to operate the scorebook or clock, as one will be provided.
• Player Eligibility: Teams are responsible for ensuring all players meet the league's grade and age eligibility requirements for their division. If you suspect a violation, please submit a 5-second video clip of the player in question during gameplay. We will then request their coach to provide the player's birth certificate or report card to verify eligibility and prevent forfeiture of the team’s victory. However, please keep in mind that some children develop early, and facing stronger competition can be a valuable experience.
• Uniforms: All teams must wear numbered uniforms with clear home and away contrast. We won’t penalize your team for mix-matched jerseys, taped-on numbers, plain tees in team colors, or duplicate digits — but let’s be honest, it’s all pretty cringe. You get two freebies. After that, expect a technical foul. We hope this is a fair compromise.