N.B.A. GAME  Rules

Game Format

• Game Structure: 4 quarters, 10 minutes each

• Clock: Running clock (stops only for timeouts and injuries)

• Halftime: 2 minutes

• Break Between Quarters: 1 minute 

• Goal Height : 9.5 Feet

• Ball Size: 27.5

Substitution Policy

• Automatic substitutions occur every 5 minutes of game time

• All bench players must enter during substitution breaks

• All players must play in each half 

Defense & Press Rules 

• Half-court man-to-man defense only, with no help allowed

• Color wristbands are worn to help with defensive match ups

• Help Defense can be played for 3 seconds

• No full-court press, zone defense, or trapping outside the allowed 

• Blocking shots is allowed

• No on ball steals are allowed, however you can pick up a loose ball, and steal the ball on the pass

• Violations result in a warnings

• Timeouts- Each team gets 2 timeouts per half (no carryover)

Fouls & Discipline

• Fighting, arguing with officials, or unsportsmanlike conduct results in ejection and review 

Uniform & Equipment

• Players must wear official PSL pennies

• Shorts must be solid black with no pockets, no large logos, multiple colors, or flashy designs

• Proper basketball shoes are required

• No outside basketballs allowed on the court

• Only squeeze-top water bottles allowed on the bench

Gym Conduct

• Parents must remain in designated spectator areas

• Only players and coaches allowed on the bench

• Disrespect toward referees or staff may result in removal 

Game Format

• Game Structure: 4 quarters, 10 minutes each

• Clock: Running clock (stops only for timeouts and injuries)

• Halftime: 2 minutes

• Break Between Quarters: 1 minute 

• Goal Height - 10 feet 

• Ball Size: 28.5 

Substitution Policy

• Automatic substitutions occur every 5 minutes of game time

• All bench players must enter during substitution breaks

• All players must play in each half 

Defense & Press Rules 

• Half-court man-to-man defense only, with on Ball or help-side blocking allowed

• Pressing is allowed only during the last 30 seconds of the 2nd and 4th quarters

• No full-court press, zone defense, or trapping outside the allowed window

• Steals are allowed

• Violations result in a warnings

• Timeouts- Each team gets 2 timeouts per half (no carryover)

• 1 timeout allowed in overtime 

Overtime

• 1-minute overtime period

• If still tied, sudden death (first basket wins) 

5-Second Violations

• Inbound Rule: Player must inbound the ball within 5 seconds of referee’s signal

• Closely Guarded Rule: In the front-court, a player holding the ball while closely guarded (within 6 feet) must pass, shoot, or dribble within 5 seconds

• Violation results in a turnover

Fouls & Discipline

• Technical foul results in 2 free throws plus possession

• Player must sit out the remainder of the quarter after a technical foul

• Two technical fouls lead to ejection

• Fighting, arguing with officials, or unsportsmanlike conduct results in ejection and review 

Uniform & Equipment

• Players must wear official PSL pennies

• Shorts must be solid black with no pockets, no large logos, multiple colors, or flashy designs

• Proper basketball shoes are required

• No outside basketballs allowed on the court

• Only squeeze-top water bottles allowed on the bench

Gym Conduct

• Parents must remain in designated spectator areas

• Only players and coaches allowed on the bench

• Disrespect toward referees or staff may result in removal 

Development Philosophy: Coaches will assign player roles based on team needs and development goals. Not all players will bring the ball up the court. All positions matter and contribute to the team’s growth and success.