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2025-2026 Youth Basketball Playing Rules 1. GENERAL RULES: • Anything not covered in these rules is governed NFHS/GHSA rules. • Fouls • Bonus = 6 team fouls • Double bonus = 8 team fouls • Team fouls erased each quarter except for OT (extension of 4th quarter) • Mercy Rule – Running clock for the following: • 3rd quarter 30-point lead – NO timeouts allowed for team leading by 30 • 4th quarter 20-point lead • 10 points or less - return to stopped clock • ONLY the head coach OR their designee may stand during play • NO jewelry or hair bows may be worn. Hair ties/rubber bands ARE legal. • ALL substitutes shall report to the score table to check in and MUST be called onto the floor by an official. • Playing time Players must play one uninterrupted quarter in the first half and must make at least two appearances in the 2nd half. • 4 players to start a game. • 3 players or less will constitute a forfeit • Timeouts: • Regulation time = 60 second timeouts and 30 second timeouts (do not carry over to OT) • Overtime • 1st OT = 2 minutes • 60 second timeout • 8U and 10U - Can end in tie after the 1st OT • 12U and 14U - Still tied after 1st OT = Sudden death period (first team to score wins) 2. 8U Age Group: • Clock = 8 minutes running that will stop for the following: ▪ Free throws: Stops when official reports the foul ▪ Last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter • Free throw line = 12 feet - bottom lane space shall be occupied • Goal Height = 8 ½ feet • Ball = 28.5 (girls) for both boys and girls • Press Rule: ▪ NO full court press ▪ Half court press up to a 20-point lead ▪ 20-point lead must play within 3-point area ---PAGE BREAK--- 3. 10U Age Group: • Clock = 8 minutes running that will stop for the following: ▪ Free throws: Stops when official reports the foul ▪ Last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter • Free throw line = 15 feet - bottom space NOT occupied • Goal Height = 8 ½ ft • Ball = 28.5 (girls) for both boys and girls • Press Rule: ▪ MAY full court press up to a 10-point lead ▪ 10-19 points MAY half court press ▪ 20-point lead or higher MUST play within 3-point area 4. 12U Age Group: • Clock = 8 minutes running that will stop for the following: ▪ Free throws: Stops when official reports the foul ▪ Last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter • Free throw line = 15 feet - bottom space NOT occupied • Goal Height = 10 ft • Ball: ▪ Girls = 28.5 ▪ Boys = 29.5 • Press Rule: ▪ MAY full court press up to a 10-point lead. ▪ 10-19 points MAY half court press. ▪ 20-point lead or higher MUST play within 3-point area 5. 14U Age Group: • Clock = 8 minutes running that will stop for the following: ▪ Free throws: Stops when official reports the foul ▪ Last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter • Free throw line = 15 feet - bottom space NOT occupied • Goal Height = 10 ft • Ball = 29.5 • Press Rule: ▪ A team MAY full court press up to a 20-point lead ▪ 20-point lead or higher MUST play within 3-point area