Based on the National Junior
Basketball League 2000-2001
Rules and Regulations
SECTION
1 OFFICIAL RULE BOOK
SECTION
2 LENGTH OF PLAYING PERIODS
SECTION
3 CLOCK
SECTION
4 HALF TIME
SECTION
5 OVERTIME
SECTION
6 TIME-OUTS
SECTION
7 FREE THROW BONUS
SECTION
8 WINTER LEAGUE PLAYER PARTICIPATION
SECTION
9 FIVE (5)-PLAYER RULE
SECTION
10 SIX (6)-PLAYER RULE
SECTION
11 SEVEN (7)-PLAYER RULE (Championship Series only)
SECTION
12 MERCY RULE
SECTION
13 DIVISION 3
SECTION 14 DIVISION 2
SECTION
15 DIVISION 1
SECTION
16 ALL-STAR TOURNAMENT
SECTION
17 ALL-NET AND HIGH SCHOOL DIVISIONS
SECTION
18 SPRING LEAGUE
SECTION
19 SUMMER LEAGUE
SECTION
20 FALL LEAGUE
The National Federation High School Basketball Rule Book shall be the official
rules for
all NJB games. Supplemental rules are set forth in the approved NJB Official
Playing
Rules. Local chapters may adopt changes to the rules only when permitted by
NJB
Headquarters.
1.1 SAFETY FIRST - The safety and well being of our players is always NJB's
main
concern. Referees may stop games at any time to investigate the condition of
a player
who may be hurt and shall resume play as soon as reasonable. Coaches on the
court for
injuries are not required to remove the player. The player may remain in the
game at the
discretion of his coach and the referee. The player's safety is the determining
factor.
1.2 FORFEIT TIME is ten (10) minutes after scheduled game time. If requested,
referees are required to remain at game site and work an organized practice
game or
controlled scrimmage, allowing adequate time to start the following game on
schedule.
1.3 PRE-GAME CONFERENCE - Coaches and referees shall meet prior to tip-off.
1.4 COACHES MUST SIT RULE- All coaches shall remain seated on their team bench
during the contest. Coaches are permitted to stand temporarily to cheer a play
or instruct
players but must then return to their seat. The head coach is responsible for
all conduct of
the team, the bench and the spectators. EXCEPTION: All-Net and High-School
Division coaches are restricted to the coaching box. Excellent sportsmanship
is required.
SECTION 2 - LENGTH OF PLAYING PERIODS
2.1 WINTER LEAGUE DIVISIONAL and ALL-STAR games will consist of five (5)
eight-minute periods with a running clock.
2.1.1 Running clock stops only for
a) Time-outs - Head coach or player on court may request
time-out.
b) Shooting fouls - Clock stops when referee indicates a
shooting foul. Scorekeeper may stop clock at the whistle.
Clock restarts when ball is touched on a rebound or inbound
pass.
2.1.2 One (1) minute allowed between periods to make substitutions. This
is not a time-out. Coaches may instruct players while they line up at the
scorer's table.
2.2 SPRING and SUMMER LEAGUES will consist of four (4) ten-minute periods
with
running clock.
2.3 ALL-NET and HIGH SCHOOL DIVISIONS will consist of four (4) eight-minute
periods with regulation clock.
If the point difference is nine (9) points or less any time during the final
two (2) minutes of
the last period, the clock shall be regulation time for the balance of the period.
This does
not apply to overtime periods.
The 1st and 2nd periods shall constitute the 1st half. The 3rd, 4th, 5th and
overtime
periods shall constitute the 2nd half. Half time shall be three (3) minutes
in duration for all
divisions including All-Net and High School. EXCEPTION: Two (2) minutes for
all
Summer League games.
Overtime periods shall be two (2) minutes in duration. The first minute shall
be a running
clock (see Section 2.1.1) and the last minute shall be a regulation (stop) clock.
Additional
overtime periods shall be one (1) minute regulation clock. Teams are limited
to one
time-out in each overtime period. EXCEPTION: All-Net and High School Divisions
play
with a regulation clock throughout and Summer Leagues do not play overtime.
Time-outs will be 45 seconds in duration. Each team will be allowed two (2)
timeouts in
each half and one (1) for each overtime period.. Unused time-outs cannot be
carried
over to the second half or into overtime.They must be used or they will be lost.
Penalty free throws will be shot on the 10th team foul in each half. Bonus
free throws are
1 and 1. There are no 2-shot double bonus situations. EXCEPTION: All-Net and
High
School Divisions shoot bonus per National Federation High School Basketball
Rule
Book.
SECTION 8 - WINTER LEAGUE PLAYER PARTICIPATION
Every player must play one full continuous period in each half. Also, each
player must sit
out one full continuous period before the start of the 5th period, so as not
to play the
entire game. All team and player participation must be fulfilled by the end
of the 4th
period, No free substitution is allowed before the 5th period. EXCEPTION: Medical
reasons, 5 and 6 Player Rules.
***THE PLAYER PARTICIPATION RULE SHALL BE STRICTLY
ENFORCED.***
8.1 PENALTY - Coaches failing to comply with the player participation rule
may be
suspended for the following game and the offending team may forfeit the contest.
All
protests must be in good judgment, executed properly and submitted only after
all
attempts to rectify the situation fail. The protest must be entered in the official
scorebook
before the game is completed. The local chapter will be notified by the offended
coach
and the chapter will render its decision within three (3) days following the
game. The local
board reserves the right to discipline the coach, not excluding a suspension.
8.2 LATE PLAYERS - If a player arrives late to the game, that player's participation
begins at the start of the next full period. A late player arriving prior to
the start of the 2nd
period must play the 2nd period. All late players arriving prior to the start
of the 4th
period must play the entire 3rd and/or 4th periods. A late player's non-participation
in the
1st period satisfies the requirement to sit out one full continuous period.
8.3 SICKNESS ,INJURY, OR HEALTH PROBLEMS - A player temporarily
removed from a game for injury or health reasons may re-enter at the discretion
of the
coach and the referee. If there is blood, the player will be removed from the
game until
the bleeding stops and the wound bandaged. A uniform saturated with blood must
be
changed for a blood-free uniform.A partial period of play for an injured player
will be
considered one full period of participation. The substituting player is still
required to sit
out one full continuous period during the game. NOTE: Teams must have five (5)
players
to start the game but medical reasons, participation rules, ejections or foul
outs may
cause a team to play with four (4) or less players.
8.3.1 If a player is unable to continue playing the remainder of the game,
for
any reason, the coach shall enter the player's name, number and clock time
in the official scorebook. The player shall be ineligible to participate further.
No penalty will be assessed.
8.4 FOUL OUTS AND EJECTIONS - Only a player who has met all conditions of
the
player participation guideline can replace the disqualified player.
8.5 DISCIPLINE - If a player misses consecutive practices without an excuse,
the coach
will notify the player's parents. If this continues, the coach may notify the
Player Agent
and the player may not be eligible to play the next scheduled game. This must
be
approved by the local board of directors.
SECTION 9 - FIVE (5) PLAYER RULE
If a team has only five (5) players present and physically able to play at
tip-off, two (2)
penalty points shall be awarded to the opposing team at the start of each period
except
overtime. Play shall begin with a jump ball. Possession to begin subsequent
periods will
be determined by the possession arrow. If a sixth player arrives, the Six Player
Rule will
go into effect.
SECTION 10 - SIX (6) PLAYER RULE
If a team has only six (6) players present and physically able to play at
tip-off, two (2)
penalty points shall be awarded to the opposing team at the start of the 1st,
3rd and 5th
periods. Play shall begin with a jump ball. Possession to begin subsequent periods
will be
determined by the possession arrow. If a seventh player arrives, no further
penalty will be
invoked.
10.1 Players Must Sit -A different player must sit each period. If a team
has only six (6)
players to start the game, the opposing coach will choose the player to sit
the 1st period.
In this situation only five (5) of the six (6) players are able to sit one period
and one (1)
player is allowed to play the entire game. EXCEPTION: Not applicable if the
opposing
team has only five (5) players.
10.2 If a team with six (6) players has a player foul out before the end of
the 4th period,
the player sitting out cannot enter the game. He or she must stay our in order
to satisfy
the requirement to sit out one full continuous period. Teams may finish a period
with less
than five (5) players.
SECTION 11- SEVEN (7) PLAYER RULE (for Championship Series Only)
If a team has only seven (7) players present and physically able to play at
tip-off, two (2)
penalty points shall be awarded to the opposing team at the start of the 1st
and 3rd
periods. Play shall begin with a jump ball. Possession to begin subsequent periods
will be
determined by the possession arrow. If a eighth player arrives, no further penalty
will be
invoked.
If a team has a 25-point lead at any time during the game the scorekeeper
shall notify the
referee to implement the mercy rule. The team with the lead cannot employ full-court
or
half-court pressure and must play defense with both feet inside the 3-point
area at all
times. The clock will run at all times, except for time-outs, until the difference
is 15 points
or less.
12.1 REMOVAL OF TOP PLAYERS (For Winter League Divisional and All-Star
competition only). If the mercy rule is in effect at the start of, or any time
during, the 5th
period, the referee shall notify the opposing coach to select a maximum of three
(3)
players to sit out the balance of the game or until the difference is 15 points
or less.
Eligible substitutes must be available and the removal of players cannot force
a team to
play with less than five(5) players. PENALTY: 1st offense=warning; 2nd=technical
foul.
13.1 DEFENSE - Teams may play zone or man defense at any time during the game.
Zone defense is highly recommended.
13.1.1 "Foot in The Key" Rule- Once a team secures the rebound and
is
advancing in transition, players may not play defense until they have put one
foot in the key. All defensive players must keep one foot in the key area
(top of the key is included) until the ball crosses the attack line for the
first
time of that possession.
13.1.2 Attack Line - Teams may not play defense until the ball crosses the
attach line (28' hash mark). If hash marks are not available, the site director
and referees will designate the attack lines.
13.1.3 Half-Court Press - Allowed after the 4th period. Defense must allow
dribbler to cross the half-court line with both feet and the ball before
applying pressure. A loose ball or pass in flight must cross the half-court
line
before the defense may apply pressure.
13.1.4 Full-Court Press - Allowed during the last two (2) minutes of the 5th
period and overtime.
13.1.5 PENALTY - Any illegal defense - one warning per half. Technical
fouls for additional occurrences in each half. NOTE: If the illegal defense
is
unintentional in the referee's judgment, the ball shall be awarded to the
offense at the point of contact with no penalty.
13.2 FREE THROWS - The free throw line will be ten (10) feet from the face
of the
backboard. A shooter's foot may touch but not completely cross over the line.
A
maximum of six (6) players and the shooter may occupy the lane during free throws.
13.2.1 Each player will shoot a free throw prior to the start of the game.
Each successful free throw will be recorded in the scorebook and count in
the team's overall score. One referee per team will simultaneously
administer the free-throws at each team's respective 1st half baskets.
Both teams will shoot an equal amount of free throws. A team with fewer
players than their opponents will be awarded additional free throws to
balance the total team attempts. That team's coach shall select shooters who
have missed their first attempt. If all players have made their free throws,
the
coach may select any player to shoot the extra free throws. Players who
made free throws may not attempt a second shot until all teammates have
made a free throw.
13.3 ADDITIONAL RULES
13.3.1 "1st Pass/Back Court Rule" - Only shots that hit the rim
or
backboard will require a pass to be made in the backcourt. On shots that
do not hit the rim or backboard, no pass is required. Any time the first pass
is made in the backcourt, it must be completed in the backcourt before the
ball can be advance to the frontcourt. EXCEPTION: During the last two
(2) minutes of the game. PENALTY: Violation - ball awarded to defense at
half court.
13.3.2 Key Violation - An offensive player may not be in the 15-foot key
area for five (5) continuous seconds. PENALTY: Violation
13.3.3 Insufficient Action - The offensive team has five (5) seconds after
crossing half-court to cross the attack line and start their offense.
PENALTY: 1st offense=warning; 2nd=violation.
14.1 DEFENSE - In the 1st half teams must play man-to-man. Any type of half-court
defense is allowed in the 2nd half.
14.1.1 Man-to-Man Defense - A defensive player must be within a six (6)
foot guarding position of any player with the ball below the hash mark.
When no hash marks are available, the referee shall designate an alternative.
Help side defense is allowed.
a) Help side defense is defined as a defender playing at a
midpoint position between his assigned player and the player
with the ball. A help side defender must recover and be within
a six (6) foot guarding position of his assigned player if that
player receives the ball.
b) Defensive players may double-team a player with the ball
but may not double-team a player without the ball.
Double-team is defined as two or more players defending an
opposing player.
14.1.2 Half-Court Press - No backcourt pressure allowed during the first
four (4) periods. Defense must allow dribbler to cross the half-court line
with both feet and the ball before applying pressure. A loose ball or pass in
flight must cross the half-court line before the defense may apply pressure.
14.1.3 Full-Court Press - Any type of full-court press is allowed after the
4th period.
14.1.4 PENALTY: Any illegal defense - one warning per half. Technical
fouls for additional occurrences in each half. NOTE: If the illegal defense
is
unintentional in the referee's judgment, the ball shall be awarded to the
offense at the point of contact with no penalty.
14.2 FREE THROWS - The free throw line will be twelve (12) feet from the face
of the
backboard. A shooter's foot may touch but not completely cross over the line.
A
maximum of six (6) players and the shooter may occupy the lane during free throws.
15.1 DEFENSE - In the 1st half teams must play a man-to-man. Any type of defense
is
allowed in the 2nd half.
15.1.1 Man-to-Man Defense - A defensive player must be within a six (6)
foot guarding position of any player with the ball below the hash mark.
When no hash marks are available, the referee shall designate an alternative.
Help side defense is allowed.
a) Help side defense is defined as a defender playing at a
midpoint position between his assigned player and the player
with the ball. A help side defender must recover and be within
a six (6) foot guarding position of his assigned player if that
player receives the ball.
b) Defensive players may double-team a player with the ball
but may not double-team a player without the ball.
Double-team is defined as two or more players defending an
opposing player.
15.1.2 Full-Court Press - Teams may employ a full-court press at any time
during the game. However, during the 1st half all defenses must be
man-to-man.
15.1.3 PENALTY: Any illegal defense - one warning per half. Technical
fouls for additional occurrences in each half.
14.2 FREE THROWS - Shooters cannot cross or touch the free throw line until
the ball
hits the rim.
SECTION 16- ALL-STAR TOURNAMENT
The NJB All-Star Tournament will play by Winter League Divisional rules with
the
following exceptions:
16.1 PLAYER PARTICIPATION- During the first three periods, players must play
one
full continuous period and must also sit out one full continuous period. EXCEPTION:
Medical reasons.
16.1.1 No substitutions permitted in the 1st half. Coaches may substitute
in
the 3rd period only if both players have fulfilled the player participation
requirements during the first half. Free substitution allowed after the 3rd
period.
16.1.2 PENALTY - Violation of the player participation rule may result in
a
forfeiture of the game and a one game suspension for the coach.
16.2 DEFENSE- Winter League Divisional defensive rules apply with the following
exception:
16.2.1 Division 3 - No "Foot in the Key" Rule. Prior to the 5th
period,
teams may not play defense until the ball crosses the attack line.
16.3 ONE, TWO OR THREE PLAYER ADVANTAGE - All-Star teams must have at
least ten (10) players present and physically able to play at tip-off.
16.3.1 If a team has only nine (9) players, their opponents will be awarded
three (3) points prior to tip-off.
16.3.2 If a team has only eight (8) players, their opponents will be awarded
six (6) points prior to tip-off.
16.3.3 If a team has only seven (7) players or less, their opponents will
be
awarded nine (9) points: five (5) points prior to tip-off and four (4) points
at
the beginning of the 2nd period.
16.3.4 If both teams have less than ten (10) players, the appropriate rule
will apply: one player advantage - 16.3.1; two player advantage - 16.3.2;
three player advantage - 16.3.3.
SECTION 17- ALL-NET AND HIGH SCHOOL DIVISIONS
All-Net and High School Divisions will play by the National Federation High
School
Basketball Rule Book. NJB has adopted the following supplemental rules for All-Net
competition:
17.1 LENGTH OF PLAYING PERIODS- Four (4) eight minute periods with a
regulation (stop) clock.
17.2 HALF-TIME- Three (3) minutes in duration.
17.3 OVERTIME- Overtime periods shall be two (2) minutes in duration. Additional
overtime periods shall be one (1) minute. Regulation clock throughout.
17.4 SHOT CLOCK- All-Net games shall be played without a shot clock. Boys
and
girls games will have ten (10) seconds to get the ball into the frontcourt.
PENALTY:
Violation.
17.5 PLAYER PARTICIPATION- the following requirements shall prevail during
the
Winter Leagues.
17.5.1 All-Net League - It is strongly recommended that each player
present and physically able to play, participate in the game, playing at least
one period during the game. Player participation is the responsibility of the
All-Net coach in the Winter League. Spring, Summer, and Fall League
player participation requirements shall prevail.
17.5.2 High School League - Players must play one full continuous period
prior to the start of the 4th period.
17.6 MERCY RULE- If a team has a 25-point lead at any time during the game
the
scorekeeper shall notify the referee to implement the mercy rule. It is strongly
recommended that top players be removed and the substitutes play. The team with
the
lead cannot employ full-court or half-court pressure and must play defense with
both feet
inside the 3-point area at all times. The clock will run at all times, except
for time-outs,
until the difference is 15 points or less.
The NJB Spring League will play by the National Federation High School Basketball
Rule Book. NJB has adopted the following supplemental rules for Spring League
competition:
18.1 LENGTH OF PLAYING PERIODS- Four (4) ten-minute periods.for all divisions
with a running clock.
18.1.1 Running clock stops only for
a) Time-outs - Head coach or player on court may request
time-out.
b) Shooting fouls - Clock stops when referee indicates a
shooting foul. Scorekeeper may stop clock at the whistle.
Clock restarts when the shooter receives the ball from the
referee for the initial free throw.
18.2 CLOCK- If the point difference is nine (9) or less any time during the
final two (2)
minutes of the 4th quarter, the clock shall be regulation until the end of the
period,
stopping on all whistles.
18.3 OVERTIME- Overtime shall be two (2) minutes in duration. The first minute
shall
be a running clock and the last minute shall be regulation (stop) clock. Additional
overtime periods shall be one (1) minute regulation clock.
18.4 TIME-OUTS- Time-outs will be 45 seconds in duration. Each team will be
allowed
two (2) timeouts in each half and one (1) for each overtime period.. Unused
time-outs
cannot be carried over to the second half or into overtime.They must be used
or they will
be lost.
18.5 FREE-THROW BONUS - Penalty free throws will be shot on the 10th team
foul
in each half. Bonus free throws are 1 and 1. There are no 2-shot double bonus
situations.
18.6 DEFENSE- In the first three (3) periods, teams must play man-to-man.
Any
defense is allowed after the 3rd period.
18.6.1 Man-to-Man Defense - A defensive player must be within a six (6)
foot guarding position of any player with the ball below the hash mark.
When no hash marks are available, the referee shall designate an alternative.
Help side defense is allowed.
a) Help side defense is defined as a defender playing at a
midpoint position between his assigned player and the player
with the ball. A help side defender must recover and be within
a six (6) foot guarding position of his assigned player if that
player receives the ball.
b) Defensive players may double-team a player with the ball
but may not double-team a player without the ball.
Double-team is defined as two or more players defending an
opposing player.
18.6.2 Full-Court Press - Teams may employ any type of full-court press
prior to the ball crossing the half-court line. In the first three (3) periods,
man-to-man defense is required once the ball crosses the half-court line.
18.6.3 PENALTY: Any illegal defense - one warning per half. Technical
fouls for additional occurrences in each half.
18.7 PLAYER PARTICIPATION- Each player must play one full continuous period
in
the 1st half. The 3rd period will be divided in two (2) 5-minute intervals.
The clock will
be stopped at a non-advantage to allow coaches to put all players on the bench
into the
game to replace players who started the 3rd period. All available bench players
(up to 5)
must be substituted at this time. Substitutions may be made in the 2nd period,
but only for
the players who played the entire 1st period. Free substitution is allowed only
after the
3rd period.
18.8 MERCY RULE- If a team has a 25-point lead at any time during the game
the
scorekeeper shall notify the referee to implement the mercy rule. It is strongly
recommended that top players be removed and the substitutes play. The team with
the
lead cannot employ full-court or half-court pressure and must play defense with
both feet
inside the 3-point area at all times. The clock will run at all times, except
for time-outs,
until the difference is 15 points or less.
The NJB Summer League will play by the National Federation High School Basketball
Rule Book. NJB has adopted the following supplemental rules for Summer League
competition:
19.1 LENGTH OF PLAYING PERIODS- Four (4) ten-minute periods.for all divisions
with a running clock.
19.1.1 Running clock stops only for
a) Time-outs - Head coach or player on court may request
time-out.
b) Shooting fouls - Clock stops when referee indicates a
shooting foul. Scorekeeper may stop clock at the whistle.
Clock restarts when the shooter receives the ball from the
referee for the initial free throw.
19.2 CLOCK- All divisions, including All-Net and High School, shall utilize
a running
clock throughout the game including the last two (2) minutes
19.3 HALF TIME - Two (2) minutes in duration.
19.4 OVERTIME- No overtime in Summer Leagues, including All-Net and High School
Divisions.
19.5 TIME-OUTS- Time-outs will be 45 seconds in duration. Each team will be
allowed
two (2) timeouts in each half.. Unused time-outs cannot be carried over to the
second
half.They must be used or they will be lost.
19.6 FREE-THROW BONUS - Penalty free throws will be shot on the 10th team
foul
in each half. Bonus free throws are 1 and 1. There are no 2-shot double bonus
situations.
19.7 DIVISION RULES - Division rules pertaining to defenses and free throw
lines will
be the same as the Winter League. EXCEPTION: No free throws prior to the game
for
Division 3.
19.8 PLAYER PARTICIPATION- Each player must play one full continuous period
in
each half. Players are not required to sit out. Five and Six Player Rules are
not in effect.
19.8.1 Player Participation for All-Net and High School Divisions - Each
player is required to play one full continuous period in the first half. If
there
are more than ten (10) players on a team, any player not playing a full
continuous period in the first half must play the entire 3rd period.
19.9 MERCY RULE- In one-side games bench players should be used as much as
possible.
The NJB Fall League will play by the National Federation High School Basketball
Rule
Book. NJB has adopted the following supplemental rules for Fall League competition:
20.1 LENGTH OF PLAYING PERIODS- Four (4) ten-minute periods.for all divisions
with a running clock.
20.1.1 Running clock stops only for
a) Time-outs - Head coach or player on court may request
time-out.
b) Shooting fouls - Clock stops when referee indicates a
shooting foul. Scorekeeper may stop clock at the whistle.
Clock restarts when the shooter receives the ball from the
referee for the initial free throw.
20.2 CLOCK- All-Net and High School - will be running clock, except in the
last two
(2) minutes of the game if the point difference is 9 points or less.
20.3 HALF TIME - Two (2) minutes in duration. Three (3) minutes in duration
for High
School and All Net.
20.4 OVERTIME- Overtime periods shall be two (2) minutes in duration. Additional
overtime periods shall be one (1) minute. Regulation clock throughout.
20.5 TIME-OUTS- Time-outs will be 45 seconds in duration. Each team will be
allowed
two (2) timeouts in each half.. Unused time-outs cannot be carried over to the
second
half.
20.6 FREE-THROW BONUS - Penalty free throws will be shot on the 10th team
foul
in each half. Bonus free throws are 1 and 1. There are no 2-shot double bonus
situations.
20.7 DIVISION RULES - Division rules pertaining to defenses and free throw
lines will
be the same as the Winter League for divisions 1, 2, and 3.. EXCEPTION: No free
throws prior to the game for Division 3.
20.8 PLAYER PARTICIPATION- Each player must play one full continuous period
in
each half. Players are not required to sit out. Five and Six Player Rules are
not in effect.
20.8.1 Player Participation for All-Net and High School Divisions - Each
player is required to play one full continuous period in the first half. If
there
are more than ten (10) players on a team, any player not playing a full
continuous period in the first half must play the entire 3rd period.
20.9 MERCY RULE- In one-side games bench players should be used as much as
possible.