National Junior Basketball League 2006-2007 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 PLAYER ADVANTAGE RULE
SECTION 10 FIVE (5)-PLAYER RULE
SECTION 11 SIX (6)-PLAYER RULE
SECTION 12 MERCY RULE
SECTION 13 DIVISION 3
SECTION 14 (empty)
SECTION 15 DIVISION 2
SECTION 16 DIVISION 1
The National Federation High School Basketball Rule Book shall be the official rules for all NJB games. As such, the '10-second back court rule' and the '5-second closely guarded rule' shall apply in both the boys and girls games. No shot clock will be used in any game. The Player Advantage Rule has been eliminated in Winter League Divisional play. However, it will be enforced in Divisional Championship Series and All-Star games. The Five-Player and Six-Player rules will be effective and enforced for the winter season.
Note: Chapters with interleague play must enforce the Advantage Rule.
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
Forfeit time is ten (10) minutes after scheduled game time. If requested, referees are required to remain at the 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 as soon as possible following the end of the previous game to discuss applicable divisional rules. Recommended one minute maximum.
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.
1.5 COACH CONDUCT
Each NJB coach shall be totally responsible for the conduct of their assistant coaches, players, and fans. Absolutely no abusive or vulgar language, nor taunting or criticism towards players or game officials will be tolerated. No smoking will be permitted on the playing courts. No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs will be allowed at any NJB function.
Penalty
After the official warning at the coaches/referee pre-game meeting, the NJB Blue Card shall be issued. (The Blue Card is for all Adults)
1st infraction - First technical foul charged to the Head Coach.
2nd infraction - Second technical foul charged to the Head Coach. The Head Coach is ejected from the game and must exit the gymnasium. Assistant Coach assumes responsibility.
3rd infraction - Game is over and the offending team forfeits the game is placed on immediate suspension.
If any coach is ejected from a game he/she shall be suspended for the next game. If this happens twice in the same season, that coach shall be dismissed for the balance of the season and is not eligible to coach in the Championship Series Tournament or any All-Star Tournaments. Reinstatement of the offending coach to participate in the next season will be at the discretion of the local board of directors. Fighting, as defined by NJB and NFHS will result in a minimum two (2) game suspension.
SECTION 2 - LENGTH OF PLAYING PERIODS
2.1 WINTER LEAGUE DIVISIONAL 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 the court may request a time-out.
b) Shooting Fouls - Clock stops when referee indicates a shooting foul. Clock operator may stop clock on the whistle. Clock restarts when the ball is touched on a missed attempt or on the inbound after an attempt that is made.
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.
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.
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. Time-outs do not accumulate.
Time-outs will be 45 seconds in duration. Each team will be allowed two (2) time-outs 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.
SECTION 8 - WINTER LEAGUE PLAYER PARTICIPATION
Every player who is in attendance at the start of the game 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 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 offended coach shall notify the local chapter 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 by 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.
Exception:
When a player is taken out of the game for sickness, injury, or health problems, but returns to the game before the SECOND DEAD BALL the period of time played by the substitution player will be considered as "sit-out" time.
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 rule can replace the disqualified player. If a substitution made before the 5th period to replace a disqualified or injured player affects the team's ability to comply with the player participation rule, the team must finish the period with less than five players on the court.
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. The local Board of Directors must approve this. Notification should be given to Referee Coordinator and game site management staff.
SECTION 9 - PLAYER ADVANTAGE RULE
For Divisional play Chino Valley has implemented its own version of the Player Advantage Rule. Read about it HERE.
The player advantage rule has been eliminated in Divisional play. During the Championship Series, each NJB Section will determine the policy for the Player Advantage Rule. The Player Advantage Rule will be used in the following way for All-Star Tournament play:
If a team has one or fewer players present and physically able to play at tip-off, the player advantage rule shall take effect. If player(s) arrive during the course of the game the rule will revert to the lesser penalty and if a player arrives to give the team an equal number of players as the opposing team, no further penalty will be invoked.
9.1 ONE PLAYER
If a team has one less player than the opposing team, the opposing coach shall choose which one (1) player to sit out the second and fourth periods.
EXCEPTION: Five and Six Player Rule.
9.2 TWO PLAYER
If a team has two less players than the opposing team, the opposing coach shall choose which two (2) players to sit out the second and fourth periods.
EXCEPTION: Five and Six Player Rule.
9.3 THREE PLAYER
If a team has three less players than the opposing team, the opposing coach shall choose which three (3) players to sit out the second and fourth periods.
EXCEPTION: Five and Six Player Rule.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. Players are to be selected BEFORE the 2nd and 4th periods to sit out.
2. The coach MAY NOT select the same player to sit out during the 4th period. A different player shall be selected.
3. The coach must notify the game referees of such player prior to the team check-in at the Scorer's Table.
Scorekeepers must note the player that sits out the 2nd period in the scorebook.
Coaches, Referees, and Game Officials shall prevent any potential player participation violations prior to the start of the period.
SECTION 10 - FIVE (5) PLAYER RULE
If a team has only (5) players present and physically able to play at tip-off, the opposing team shall be awarded points:
Boys Division 1 and 2:
Ten (10) points: Five (5) points prior to the tip-off and five (5) points at the start of the 2nd half.
Boys Division 3:
Eight (8) points: Four (4) points prior to the tip-off and four (4) points at the start of the 2nd half.
Girls Division 1:
Six (6) points: Three (3) points prior to the tip-off and three (3) points at the start of the 2nd half.
Girls Division 2 and 3:
Four (4) points: Two (2) points prior to the tip-off and two (2) points at the start of the 2nd half.
If a sixth player arrives, the Six-Player Rule (Section 11) will go into effect.
SECTION 11 - SIX (6) PLAYER RULE
11.1 A different player must sit each period (including the 5th). 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.
11.2 If a team with six (6) players has a player foul out during the game, the player sitting out cannot enter the game for the remainder of that period. He or she must stay out in order to satisfy the requirement to sit out one full continuous period. Teams may finish a period with less than five (5) players. The team with (6) six players shall not be allowed any free substitutions in the 5th period.
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
If the mercy rule is in effect at the start of, or any time during, the 5th period, it is mandatory for 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 offense = technical foul.
13.1 DEFENSE
Teams may play zone or man defense at any time during the game. Zone defense is recommended.
13.1.1 Transition Rule
Once a team secures the rebound or inbounds the ball and is advancing in transition, defensive players may not play defense until they have retreated below (or inside) the 3-point arc. All defensive players must stay below the arc until the ball crosses the attack line for the first time of that possession. A Foot in the Key is not required.
13.1.2 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.
13.1.3 Full-Court
Press
Allowed during the last two (2) minutes of the 5th period and overtime.
PENALTY:
Any illegal defense - one warning per half.
Technical fouls for additional occurrences in each half.
EXCEPTION: If the illegal defense is unintentional in the referee's judgment, the ball shall be awarded to the offense out of bounds nearest the point of interruption 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 five (5) players, three (3) defensive and two (2) offensive may occupy the free throw lane. The area of the lane closest to the shooter will remain empty.
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. The required pass is started and completed in the backcourt before the ball can be advanced to the frontcourt. On shots that do not hit the rim or backboard, no pass is required.
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 offense = violation (turn-over)
15.1 DEFENSE
In the 1st half teams must play man-to-man.
Any type of half-court 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 offensive player with the ball below the hash mark. All other defensive players may be in a help side defense position and not be closely guarding an offensive player.
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 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.
15.1.3 Full-Court Press
Any type of full-court press is allowed after the 4th period.
15.1.4 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.
15.2 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 five (5) players, three (3) defensive and two (2) offensive may occupy the free throw lane. The area of the lane closest to the shooter will remain empty.
16.1 DEFENSE
In the 1st half teams must play a man-to-man.
Any type of defense is allowed in the 2nd half.
16.1.1 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. All other defensive players may be in a help side defense position and not be closely guarding an offensive player.
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.
16.1.2 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.
16.1.3 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.
16.2 FREE THROWS
The free throw line will be fifteen (15) feet from the face of the backboard. A maximum of six (6) players, four (4) defensive and two (2) offensive may occupy the free throw lane. The area of the lane closest to the shooter will remain empty. The shooters feet cannot cross or touch the free throw line until the ball hits the rim.