CYB

Our core objective is to introduce youngsters to the game of basketball and the concept of healthy competitions, with a strong commitment to diversity and fun. Winning is not our focus; our primary goal is to offer every child who chooses to participate an equitable and enjoyable experience. 

Practices will begin the week following Thanksgiving. Practice days and times will be determined and communicated by each team’s coach.

• Games will begin after Christmas Break and will primarily be played on Saturdays.

• Each team will play a combination of home and away games throughout the season.

• Home games will be played in either the Main Gym or Auxiliary Gym at Jennings Elementary School.

• Away game locations, times, and other details will be communicated by each team’s coach.

Game Format & Timing

Game Length

• All grade levels will play two 18-minute halves with a running clock.

• The clock will stop during the final two minutes of each half.

• The clock will stop for all timeouts.

Mercy Rule

• If a team leads by 20 or more points, the clock will continue running during the final two minutes of each half.

• The clock will still stop for timeouts.

Overtime

First Overtime

• 2-minute overtime period.

• Clock stops on all dead balls.

• Each team receives one additional timeout.

Second Overtime

• Sudden death for up to 3 minutes.

• If no winner is determined, the game will be declared a tie.

Other Timing Rules

• Halftime: 3 minutes

• Pre-game warm-up: 6 minutes

Scheduled Game Times

• 8:30 AM

• 9:30 AM

• 10:30 AM

• 11:30 AM

Games must start on time. Warm-up and halftime periods may be adjusted as needed to maintain the schedule.

Home Team Responsibilities

• The home team determines the order in which games are played.

• The home team is responsible for tracking team and player fouls.

Basketball Size

Grades 3–5 (Boys & Girls)

• Official High School Girls Basketball (28.5)

6th Grade Girls

• Official High School Girls Basketball (28.5)

6th Grade Boys

• Official High School Boys Basketball (29.5)

Timeouts

• Each team receives four (4) timeouts per game.

• Timeouts are 1 minute in length.

Fouls

• Players are allowed five (5) personal fouls.

• Team foul counts reset at halftime.

Bonus Free Throws

• Once a team reaches 7 team fouls in a half, the opposing team will shoot two free throws for each additional foul.

Intentional & Technical Fouls

• The opposing team receives:

  • Two free throws, and

  • Possession of the ball

Free Throw Rules

3rd Grade

• Shoots from the bottom of the foul circle (volleyball baseline).

• Players may cross the line when shooting.

4th Grade

• Shoots from the bottom of the foul circle.

• Players may not cross the line before releasing the ball.

5th Grade

• Shoots from the free throw line.

• Players may cross the line after the shot is released.

6th Grade

• Shoots from the free throw line.

• Players may not cross the line before releasing the ball.

Lane Positions

3rd & 4th Grade

• Players fill lane spaces between the first and second hash marks.

5th & 6th Grade

• Players fill lane spaces from the first hash mark and back.

All Grades

• Players may enter the lane upon the shooter's release of the ball.

• The shooter may not enter the lane until the ball touches the rim.

Filling a Team

To ensure games are played and players receive fair playing time:

• Players may move up up to two grade levels to help complete a roster.

• Players of a similar skill level may move down one grade level with coordinator approval.

• The purpose is to provide playing opportunities, not create a competitive advantage.

Community Participation

• Communities may not recruit players from other towns to fill teams.

• Exceptions may be made if a player attends school in another community.

Playing Time

• Players should receive approximately equal playing time whenever possible.

• Exceptions may be made for:

  • Missed practices

  • Disciplinary reasons

  • Inappropriate behavior

Referees

Officials

• Adult referees should be used whenever possible.

• If adults are unavailable, high school students may officiate with adult supervision.

• All referees should review league rules before officiating.

Spectator Conduct

If a parent or spectator becomes disruptive:

• Referees may call an Official's Timeout.

• Team coordinators will address the issue and issue a warning.

• Continued misconduct will result in removal from the gym.

League Administration

Facility Requirements

• Facilities should open at least 30 minutes before the first game.

Coordinator Responsibilities

Coordinators are responsible for:

• Communicating with opposing teams regarding game times.

• Coordinating weather-related cancellations and make-up games when necessary.

• Making a good-faith effort to field a team at every grade level.

Weather Policy

• Traveling teams determine whether road conditions are safe for travel and may cancel if weather conditions are unacceptable.

Rules by Grade Level

All grade levels will play using a combination of WIAA/IHSA Junior High Rules and Saturday Morning Basketball League Rules.

Defensive Rules

All Grades

• Zone defense is not allowed.

• Over-and-back rules apply.

• Teams have 10 seconds to cross half court.

• Natural traps are allowed when they occur naturally during play.

• On inbound plays, players may not be double-teamed.

3rd & 4th Grade

• No full-court press.

• No double-teaming.

5th & 6th Grade

• Man-to-man full-court press is allowed only during the final two minutes of each half.

• No full-court press is allowed when a team leads by 15 or more points.

Scoring

• All field goals are worth either:

  • 2 points, or

  • 3 points (when shot from behind the three-point line)