BITTY LEAGUE RULES                       

Game Rules

In general, the games will be governed by IHSA basketball rules.   Listed below are exceptions for specific Storm League rules.

Section A:  Clock/Time

1.       The games will be played using 20 minute halves.

2.       The games will be played using a running clock.  The clock will stop only for the following:

·          Substitutions every 5 minutes on the clock.  Incoming players will match up at half-court and then the game and clock will continue.

·          Timeouts

·          Free throws

·          Every whistle in the final minute of the 1^st half, 2^nd half,  and overtime period.

3.       In the event of a tie at the end of the regulation 2 halves, there will be one 2 minute overtime period.  In the event that the game remains tied at the end of the overtime period the game will be declared a tie.

4.       Each team will be allowed one 1 minute timeout per half.  In the event the game goes to overtime, each team will be allowed one additional 1 minute timeout for the overtime period.

5.       Halftime break will be 4 minutes long.

Section B:  Fouls/Free Throws

1.       Free throws will only be shot in the final 2 minutes of 4^th grade games only.  Shooting fouls in those final 2 minutes will result in 2 free throws unless the basket was made, which would then result in 1 free throw in addition to the basket.

2.       Non-shooting fouls in those final 2 minutes of 4^th grade games only will result in a 1-and-1 free throw situation upon the 7^th team foul (Bonus) in the half.  Non-shooting fouls in those final 2 minutes will result in 2 free throws upon the 10^th team foul (Double Bonus) in the half.

3.      2^nd and 3^rd grade games will not have free throws.

4.       Other than for free throws as specified in rule B.1, shooting fouls will result in 1 point being awarded plus the ball back underneath the basket unless the basket was made, which would then result in 3 points being awarded and the ball going to the opposing team.

5.       Other than for free throws as specified in rule B.2, non-shooting fouls will result in 1 point being awarded plus the ball back upon the 7^th team foul (Bonus) in the half.

6.       Individual foul counts will not be kept and players cannot foul out.

Section C:  Defenses

1.       A zone defense is not allowed under any circumstance.   Once an offensive player comes below the top of the key, the defensive player must be within 5-6 feet of the player they are guarding.

2.       Double teaming the ball is only allowed in the lane.  Double teaming away from the ball is not allowed.

3.       Enforcement of rules C.1 and C.2 will be at the discretion of the referee.  The referee will issue a warning for illegal defense when he determines that a team is not adhering to rules C.1 and C.2.  Coaches are required to work with the referee to get their team in compliance with these defensive rules.

4.     Back-court defense is not allowed under any circumstance.

Section D:  Miscellaneous

1.       Baskets are to be set at 10 feet for 4^th grade, 9 feet for 3^rd grade, and 8 feet for 2^nd grade.

2.       At no time should the score differential be more than 15 points.  Points scored by team leading will only be counted when the differential is below 15 points.

3.       Violation’s such as traveling, double dribble and 5-seconds in the lane will normally be called loosely but are always at the discretion of the referee.

Coaching Rules

·        Every effort should be made to make the playing time approximately equal for every player at each game.  Skill level should not be a determinate for playing time.  Missed practices should not either.

·        Coaches are not allowed to argue with a referee under any circumstance.  A coach will not allow a player to argue with a referee under any circumstance either.

·        Coaches will teach the game of basketball and instruct their team in both practices and games in accordance with the rules stated in the Storm Game Rules, especially with regards to the defensive rules.

·        Coaches will instill a spirit of good sportsmanship in their teams and will always set a good example for their players to follow.

·        Coaches represent the Storm program as a whole, not just their own team, meaning they will provide support and encouragement to any and all players and coaches in the program.

Facility Rules

·         We are playing in these gyms with the permission of the schools and the individual  principals.  We have to take great care of these schools or we will lose our privilege to use them.

·         Our contract with the school district includes use of only the gyms.  We do not have the use of locker rooms at any facility.  Players must come to the gym prepared to play or practice.

·         Players, siblings, and parents must stay in the gym except for restroom visits.  Parents must keep their kids with them in the seating area.

·         No one is allowed to loiter in the hallways at the school for either the games or practices.  Coaches must enforce this.  A high school student will be assigned as a gym monitor for games to assist with this enforcement.

·         No food or beverages may be brought into the gyms except player’s water bottles.  Coaches are responsible for making sure their bench area is cleaned up for the next game.

·         No bouncing of balls, shooting or warming up on the sidelines during games or practices.  Teams must wait until the game or practice before them is finished.

·         Coaches will need to bring a copy of these rules and a scoresheet to each game for use at the scorers table.  Some form of a scoreboard will be provided at each game site.  Each team will need to provide one parent to maintain the scoresheet and scoreboard.