Summerlin NJB Official Playing Rules
- SECTION 1 OFFICIAL RULE BOOK
SECTION 2 LENGTH OF PLAYING PERIODS
SECTION 3 CLOCK
SECTION 4 HALFTIME
SECTION 5 OVERTIME PERIODS
SECTION 6 OFFICIAL TIME-OUTS
SECTION 7 PLAYER PARTICIPATION
SECTION 8 FIVE PLAYER RULE
SECTION 9 SIX PLAYER RULE
SECTION 10 SEVEN PLAYER RULE
SECTION 11 PLAYER MUST SIT RULE
SECTION 12 FREE-THROW BONUS RULE
SECTION 13 MERCY RULE
SECTION 14 MINIORS DIVISION SPECIAL RULES
SECTION 15 JUNIORS DIVISION SPECIAL RULES
SECTION 16 SENIORS DIVISION SPECIAL RULES
SECTION 17 ALL-NET RULES
SECTION 18 HIGH SCHOOL RULES
SECTION 19 SPRING LEAGUE RULES
SECTION 20 SUMMER LEAGUE RULES
SECTION 21 ALL-STAR TOURNAMENT RULES
OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES
National Junior Basketball League has adopted the National Federation Rule Book for the season. These additional rules have been approved by the Rule's Committee and NJB league.
SECTION 1- OFFICIAL RULE BOOKThe National Federation Rule Book shall be the official rules for all NJB games. The approved NJB rules will also be additional rules for all NJB games. Local chapters may adopt changes to the rules only when permitted by NJB Headquarters.
1.1 SAFETY FIRST - The referees may blow the whistle and stop the game to investigate the condition of a player who might be hurt, at any time, and resume play as soon as reasonable. The safety and well being of our players is always our main concern.
1.2 FORFEIT TIME- Ten minutes after scheduled game time is forfeit time.
1.3 COACH SIT RULE- All coaches shall remain seated on their team bench during the contest. The head coach is responsible for all proper conduct from the bench and team spectators. EXCEPTION: All-Net, High-School Division
SECTION 2 - LENGTH OF PLAYING PERIODSThere will be five (5) eight-minute periods for all divisions (except All-Net and High School). Every period will be a running clock, only stopping on:
1) Timeouts.
2) All shooting fouls (once the referee indicates a shooting foul).
3) When the referee stops the clock.
SECTION 3 - THE CLOCKThe clock will be stopped during the last two (2) minutes of the game, on all dead ball situations for all divisions, if there is a point difference less than 10 points. The clock will continue to be a stop clock for the remainder of the game.
SECTION 4 - HALF TIMEThe 1st and 2nd periods will constitute the 1st half. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th periods will constitute the 2nd half. Half time will be three (3) minutes in duration. Three-minute half time will be standard for all divisions including All-Net and High School.
SECTION 5 - OVERTIME PERIODOvertime periods will consist of two (2) minutes. The first minute will be a running clock. The clock will become a regulation clock the last minute of the overtime period and will stop on dead ball situations. NOTE: If a game requires a 3rd overtime period, the clock will be set at one (1) minute. The clock will be a regulation clock.
EXCEPTION: All-Net and High School Division.
SECTION 6 - TIMEOUTSEach team will be allowed two (2) timeouts in each half. The timeouts shall be taken in their respective halves or they will be lost (no accumulations). One additional timeout will be granted to each team for each overtime period.
EXCEPTION: All-Net and High School Divisions.
SECTION 7 - PLAYER PARTICIPATIONEvery player shall play one full continuous period in the first half and one full continuous period in the second half. Every player shall also sit out one full continuous period before the start of the fifth period, so as not to play the entire game. All team and player participation shall be fulfilled by the end of the fourth period, and no free substitutions will occur until the fifth period. The only exception is in case of injury or health problems.
If a player arrives late to the game, that player's participation begins at the start of the next full period. Example: If player arrives shortly before half-time, he is eligible to play at the start of the 3rd period. The player does not have to sit one full continuous period, as he has sat out already.
THE PLAYER PARTICIPATION RULE MUST BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
Penalty: If a team does not comply with the player participation rule, the offending team may forfeit the contest. A protest shall be done properly, in good judgment, and 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 it's decision within three (3) days following the game. The local board reserves the right to discipline the coach, not excluding a suspension.
7.1 SICKNESS ,INJURY, OR HEALTH PROBLEMS - If a player becomes sick, or injured, and is unable to continue during a game, the coach of the player shall enter in the score book, the player’s name, number, time, and period. The player will be ineligible to re-enter the game. No penalty will be assesed. If a player is injured or experiences some health difficulty and is temporarily removed during a game. the player will be eligible to re-enter the game at the descretion of the coach and the game referee. If a player receives an injury that bleeds, then that player will be removed from the game until the bleeding has stopped and the wound bandaged. The partial period of play will constitute one full period for the injured player who was removed. The substituting player shall still sit out one full continuous period.
7.2 DISCIPLINE - If a player misses consecutive practices without an excuse the coach will notify the parents of the player. If this continues the coach will notify the Player Agent and the player will not be eligible to participate in the next scheduled game, per approval of the board of directors.
SECTION 8 - FIVE (5) PLAYER RULEIf only five (5) players for one team are present and physically able to play, that team shall be penalized. Two (2) penalty points will be awarded to the opposing team at the start of each period. A jump ball determines possession for the start of the game. Possession of the ball for each period will be determined by the possession arrow.
SECTION 9 - SIX (6) PLAYER RULEIf only six (6) players for a team are present and physically able to play, that team will be penalized. Two (2) penalty points will be awarded to the opposing team at the start of the first, third, and fifth periods. Possession of the ball will be determined by a jump ball at the start of the game and by the possession arrow thereafter. If a team has six (6) players to start the game, the opposing coach will also choose the player to sit out the first period. Five (5) of the six (6) players shall sit out one full period during the game.
NOTE: If a player fouls out, the player sitting out shall continue to still sit. The team may finish the period with less than five players.
SECTION 10- SEVEN (7) PLAYER RULE (for Championship Series Only)If only seven (7) players for a team are present and physically able to play, that team will be penalized. Two (2) penalty points will be awarded to the opposing team at the start of the first and third periods. A jump ball determines possession for the start of the game. Possession of the ball for each period will be determined by the possession arrow.
SECTION 11 - MUST SIT RULEEvery player shall sit out at least one (1) full continuous period before the start of the fifth period. Exception: when the five (5) and six (6) player rule is in effect.
SECTION 12 - FREE-THROW BONUS RULEThe teams will shoot the one & one bonus:
First Half - On the 10th team foul.
Second Half - On the 10th team foul.
Double bonus rule does not apply.
For JUNIORS DIVISION and 3, a maximum of six players may be on the free-throw lane, excluding the shooter.
EXCEPTION: All-Net and High School Divisions.
SECTION 13 - MERCY RULEIf a team has a 25-point lead at any time during the game, the mercy rule will go into effect. The scorekeeper is responsible to notify the game referee of the 25- point lead, so as to implement the mercy rule. The team will not be allowed to employ a full-court press or a (1/2) half-court press. A zone defense will be used, setting up below the 3-point line. The clock will become a running clock at all times until the point difference is 15 points or less, except for times-outs. In the 5th period only, and with a 25-point lead, the coach of the team that is ahead, shall remove the top players from the game until the point difference is 15 points.
Note: The opposing coach will select a maximum of three (3) players to sit out at the next dead-ball period during a 25-point lead in the 5th period only. Penalty: First offense - a warning from the referees. Second offense - a technical assessed to the team ( It is not a team foul nor is it charged to the head coach).
EXCEPTION: THE FIFTH PERIOD PART OF THIS RULE DOES NOT APPLY TO THE ALL-NET AND HIGH SCHOOL DIVISIONS.
SECTION 14 - MINIORS DIVISION14.1 DEFENSE - Teams may play zone or man defense at any time during the game. Zone defense is highly recommended.
14.1.2 Foot in The Key- Each defensive player shall put one foot in the key ( the top of the key is now included) and shall stay in the key until the ball crosses the attacking hash mark or a designated mark. Once a team secures the rebound and is advancing on a fast break, a defending team member cannot play defense until they have put one foot in the key.
14.2 PRESS - Teams may defense the ball only after the ball penetrates the attacking hash mark (28' line). If hash mark is not available, the court director and referees will designate the line. The defensive players shall remain in the key area until the ball crosses the hash mark the first time of that posession.
14.2.1 Full-Court Press - No full-court pressure except during the last two (2) minutes of the fifth (5) period. Penalty: Only one warning per half will be given to the teams for any illegal back-court or front-court press. A technical foul will be given for continued pressure in each half. If unintentional defense occurs in the backcourt, the referees will award the ball to the offense at the point of contact with no warning to the defense. This is a judgment call from the referees.
14.2.2 Half Court Press- Teams may half- court press in the fifth period. The ball shall be allowed to enter the front court. Exception: Mercy Rule.
14.3.1 1st Pass/Back-Court Rule: After the defensive team secures the rebound, the first pass shall be in the back court before the ball can be advanced to the front court.
14.3.2 The offensive team has five seconds after crossing half court to penetrate the hash mark and start their offense. If they do not, referees will warn the offensive team for insufficient action. After a warning, a technical foul will be charged to the offending team.
14.3.3 Five (5) Second Violation: An offensive player may not be in the key for 5 seconds or more. The defensive team will be awarded the ball.
14.3.4 Free-Throws: Each player will shoot at least one 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. Referees will administer the free-throws, one referee per team. Both teams will shoot the free-throws at the same time, but at different baskets. A player who has missed will be allowed to shoot an extra shot to balance the team attempts, if necessary. A shooter may touch the line, but not cross completely over the line with their foot. The free-throw line will be at the 10-foot line.
SECTION 15 - JUNIORS DIVISION15.1 DEFENSES: Man to Man or zone defenses are allowed. Any (1/2) half-court defense may be played during the first four (4) periods. The ball shall be allowed to enter the front-court.
15.2 PRESS: Teams may full-court press only during the fifth (5) period and overtime periods. Any press is allowed.
EXCEPTION: When mercy rule is in effect.
15.3 FREE-THROWS: The free-throw line will be at 12 feet. A shooter may touch this line, but not cross completely over the line with their foot.
SECTION 16 - SENIORS DIVISION16.1 DEFENSES: Teams shall play man-to-man defense in the entire 1st half. Teams may play either man-to-man or zone defense in the second half.
16.2.1 Man to Man Defense: The defensive player defending the ball shall be within a six (6) feet guarding position when the guarded player has the ball. A defensive team may double-team a player who has the ball. Teams cannot double team a player without the ball. A double-team is defined as two players only. Help side defense is acceptable.
PENALTY: Referees will give one warning per half to each team. Further infractions will result in a team technical foul.
16.2 PRESS: Teams may employ a full-court press at any time during the game. However, during the first half, the teams shall play a man-to-man press, if they press.
16.3 FREE-THROWS- To be administered per the National Federation Rule Book.
SECTION 17- ALL-NET RULESThe All-Net division will exclusively play by the National Federation Rule Book. The following NJB rules will also prevail.
17.1 LEGNTH OF PLAYING PERIODS- There will be four (4) eight minute periods. For each period the clock will be a regulation clock.
17.2 HALF-TIME- Half-time will be three (3) minutes in duration.
17.3 OVERTIME PERIODS- Overtime shall be two (2) minutes in duration. The 3rd overtime and any that follow will be one (1) minute in duration. The clock will be regulation.
17.4 SHOT CLOCK- All-Net games shall be played without the shot clock. NOTE: Girl games shall utilize the ten (10) second rule in the back court and the mid-court line rule ("over and back").
17.5 PLAYER PARTICIPATION- Player participation shall be the responsibility of the All-Net coach in the Fall and Winter Leagues. Spring and Summer League player participation requirements shall prevail. It is strongly recommended that each player present and physically be able to play, participate in the game, playing at least one period during the game.
17.6 MERCY RULE- If a team has a 25-point lead at any time during the game, the mercy rule will go into effect. The scorekeeper is responsible to notify the game referees of the 25-point lead, so as to implement the mercy rule. The team will not be allowed to employ a full-court press or a half-court press. A zone defense will be used, setting up below the 3-point line. The clock shall become a running clock at all times until the point difference is 15 points or less, except for time outs. The clock will become a regulation clock if the point difference reaches 15 points or less.
SECTION 18 - HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUENational Junior Basketball League has adopted the National Federation Rule Book for league play. The following NJB rules also prevail.
18.1 PLAYER PARTICIPATION - All players will play one (1) continuous period in the first half. If there are more than ten (10) players on a team, they must play a period by the end of the third (3) period.
18.2 MERCY RULE - If the score reaches a 25-point difference, the clock will become a running clock, stopping only on time-outs. If the score reaches a 15-point difference, the clock will become a regulation clock.
SECTION 19- SPRING LEAGUENational Junior Basketball has adopted the National Federation Rule Book for league play. NJB Spring League Rules will also prevail.
19.1 LEGNTH OF PLAYING PERIODS- There will be four (4) ten minute periods. Each period shall be a running clock, only stopping on:
1) Time-outs
2) Injuries
3) When the game referees stop the clock
4) Shooting fouls- the clock will stop when the foul is signaled and restarted once the shooter receives the ball.
19.2 THE CLOCK- The clock shall be a regulation stop clock during the last two (2) minutes of the game, only if the point difference is less than ten (10) points.
19.3 OVERTIME PERIODS- Overtime shall be two (2) minutes in duration. The first shall be running time, and the last minute shall be regulation stop clock. The 3rd overtime and any that follow will be one (1) minute in duration.
19.4 TIME-OUTS- Each team will be allowed two (2) time-outs in each half. TIME-OUTS DO NOT CARRYOVER! One additional time-out shall be granted to each team for each overtime period.
19.5 FREE-THROW BONUS RULE- Penalty free-throws shall be shot on the 10th team foul in each half. The one-on-one bonus shall be implemented at this point. The double bonus will not be enforced.
19.6 MERCY RULE- If a team has a 25-point lead at any time during the game, the mercy rule will go into effect. The scorekeeper is responsible to notify, the game referees of the 25-point lead, so as to implement the mercy rule. The team will not be allowed to employ a full-court press or a half-court press. A zone defense will be used, setting up below the 3-point line. The clock shall become a running clock at all times until the point difference is 15 points or less, except for time-outs. The clock will become a regulation clock if the point difference reaches 15 points or less.
19.7 DEFENSE- During the first three (3) periods all shall play man-to-man defense once the ball crosses half-court. Any defense is allowed in the 4th period.
19.8 PLAYER PARTICIPATION- All players shall play one continuous period in the first half. The 3rd period will be divided in two 5-minute intervals. The clock will be stopped at a non-advantage to allow coaches to put all players on the bench, in the game to replace players who started the time. Substitution may occur in the 2nd period, only for the players who played in the 1st period and thus have met their playing requirements. In the 4th period, free substitution may occur.
SECTION 20- SUMMER LEAGUENational Junior Basketball has adopted the National Federation Rule Book for league play. NJB Summer League Rules will also prevail.
20.1 LENGTH OF PLAYING PERIODS- There will be four (4) ten -minute periods for all divisions. The clock will stop only on:
1) Time-Outs
2) Injuries
3) When the game referees stop the clock
Half-time will be two (2) minutes in duration.
20.2 THE CLOCK- The clock shall be a running clock throughout the game.
20.3 TIME-OUTS- Each team will be allowed two (2) time-outs in each half. The time-outs shall be taken in their respective halves or they will be lost. NO ACCUMULATIONS.
20.4 FREE-THROW BONUS RULE- Penalty free-throws shall be shot on the 10th team foul in each half. The one-on-one bonus shall be implemented at this point. The double bonus will not be enforced.
20.5 DIVISION RULES- Regular division rules pertaining to defenses and free-throw lines will be the same as the regular NJB season. No free-throws prior to the game for MINIORS DIVISION. Division size basketball are required.
20.6 PLAYER PARTICIPATION- Each player is required to play one full continuous period in the first half and one full continuous period in the second half. The 5 and 6-player rule does not apply. The must sit rule does not apply.
20.6.1 PLAYER PARTICIPATION FOR ALL-NET DIVISION- All players shall play one continuous period in the first half. The 3rd period will be divided in two 5-minute intervals. The clock will be stopped at a non-advantage to allow coaches to put all players on the bench, in the game to replace players who started the 3rd period. All available bench players (up to 5), must be substituted at this time. Substitution may occur in the 2nd period, only for the players who played in the 1st period and thus have met their playing requirements. In the 4th period, free substitution may occur.
20.7 OFFICIAL SCORE- No official score will be recorded. The scorekeeper will keep track of playing requirements, fouls, etc., but no official score will be submitted to Headquarters. No wins or losses will be recorded.
EXCEPTION: All-Net Division
20.8 CONFERENCES AND GRADE REQUIREMENTS- Conferences will include:
1) Established teams- teams enrolling as a group
2) Area teams- individuals placed on area teams
3) All-Net teams- established and new All-Net teams
4) High School League teams
Players shall play in the grade division in preparation for the upcoming fall school semester.
SECTION 21- ALL-STAR TOURNAMENTNational Junior Basketball has adopted the National Federation Rule Book for All-Star tournament play. The following NJB rules also prevail.
21.1 LENGTH OF PLAYING PERIODS- There will be four (4) ten-minute periods for all divisions. Every period will be a running clock, stopping only on the following:
1) Time-outs
2) All shooting fouls. Clock stops when official signals a foul.
3) When the referee stops the clock.
21.2 CLOCK- The clock will stop during the last two (2) minutes of the game on all dead ball situations, for all divisions, if the point difference is less than 10 points. The clock will remain a stop clock for the remainder of the game.
21.3 OVERTIME PERIODS- Overtime periods will be three (3) minutes in duration. The first two minutes will be a running clock, the last minute will be a regulation clock.
21.4 TIME-OUTS- Each team will be allowed two (2) time-outs in each half. The time-outs must be taken in their respective halves or they will be lost (no accumulations). One additional time-out will be granted to each team for each time-out period.
21.5 FREE-THROW BONUS RULE- The teams will shoot the one-and-one-bonus, both halves, after the sixth team foul.
21.6 MERCY RULE- If a team has a 25-point lead at any time during the game, the mercy rule will go into effect. The scorekeeper is responsible to notify the game referees of the 25-point lead, so as to implement the mercy rule. The team will not be allowed to employ a full-court press or a half-court press. It is recommended that top players be removed and the substitutes play. A zone defense will be used, setting up below the 3-point line. The clock will become a running clock at all times until the point difference is 15 points or less, except for time-outs. The clock will become a regulation clock if the point difference reaches 15 point or less.
21.7 COACH SIT RULE- All coaches shall remain seated on their team bench during the contest. The head coach is responsible for all proper conduct from the bench and the team spectators. Excellent sportsmanship is required.
21.8 PLAYER PARTICIPATION- All players that are present and physically able to play, shall play one full continuous period in the game. Exception: health reasons and injuries.
PENALTY: If a coach does not play every player, the offending coach shall be suspended the next game.
21.9 MINIORS DIVISION
21.9.1 DEFENSE- Teams may play zone or man defense at any time during the game.
21.9.2 PRESS- Teams may defend the ball only after the ball penetrates the attacking hash mark (28" line). If hash mark is not available, the court director and referees will designate the line. There is no half-court pressure in the first three (3) periods.
Half-Court Press- Teams may half-court press in the fourth period. The ball shall be allowed to enter the front court.
Exception: Mercy Rule
Full-Court Press: No full-court press except during the last two (2) minutes of the fourth period.
Exception: Mercy Rule
PENALTY: Only one warning per half will be given to the teams for any illegal back-court or front-court press. A technical foul will be assessed. If unintentional defense occurs in the back court, the referees will award the ball to the offense at the point of contact with no warning to the defense. This is a judgment call by the referees.
21.3.9 ADDITIONAL RULES- For MINIORS DIVISION only:
Offense Rule: The offensive team has five (5) seconds after crossing half court to penetrate the hash mark and start their offense. Referees will warn the team for insufficient action. After a warning, a technical foul will be charged to the offending team.
Five Second Violation: An offensive player may not be in the paint for 5 seconds or more. The defensive team will be awarded the ball.
Free-Throws: Each player will shoot at least one 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. Referees will administer the free-throws. One referee per team. Both teams will shoot the free-throws at the same time, but at different baskets. A player who has missed will be allowed to shoot an extra free-throw to balance the team attempts, if necessary. A shooter may touch the line, but not cross completely over the line with their foot. The free-throw line will be at the 10-foot line.
21.10 JUNIORS DIVISION
21.10.1 DEFENSE- Man-to-man or zone defenses are allowed. Any half-court defense may be played during the first three periods.
21.10.2 PRESS- Teams may full-court press only during the fourth period and overtime periods. Any press is allowed.
Exception: When Mercy Rule is in effect.
21.10.3 FREE-THROWS- The free-throw line will be at 12 feet. A shooter may touch the line, but not cross completely over the line with their foot.
21.11 SENIORS DIVISION
21.11.1 DEFENSE- Teams shall play man-to-man defense in the entire 1st half. Teams may play either man-to-man or zone defense in the 2nd half.
Man-to-man Defense: The defensive player shall be within six (6) foot guarding position, when that player offensive, has the ball. A defensive team may double-team the player with the ball. Teams cannot double-team a player without the ball. A double-team is defined as two players only. Help-side defense is allowed.
PENALTY: Referees will give one warning per half to each team. Further infractions will result in a team technical foul.
21.11.2 PRESS- Teams may employ a full-court press at any time during the game. However, during the 1st half, the team shall play a man-to-man press.
Exception: When Mercy Rule is in effect.
