Basketball Rules

BASIC RULES

  • In consideration that the Foothill League is a league of middle school grades 5-6-7-8 and the first experience with interscholastic competition for the majority of the players, the Foothill League will play boys’ and girls' basketball under the current CIF rules with the following exceptions:
  • Backcourt pressure is suspended if one team is down by 20 or more points.
  • Players may enter the lane at the release of the ball during free-throw attempts.
  • A supervising adult must be at the score table for all games.
  • Adult must run the scoreboard and clock
  • Adult must keep the official scorebook
  • Scorers are a part of the official crew working the game shall not vocalize their opinion during the game.
  • Failure to provide an official scorer will result in the home team incurring a $50.00 fine for the first offense and $100.00 for all subsequent offenses.
  • Violations should be reported immediately to the league office by a game official, visiting coach or home team coach or athletic director.
  • When the clock is not visible, the time will be called out, LOUDLY, at 5 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, 20 seconds, and a countdown from 15 seconds. This is recommended as a common courtesy.

PLAYERS

  • Boys cannot play on girls’ teams. Girls can play on boys’ teams.
  • Girls cannot play on both boys’ and girls’ teams. Player must choose one before the first game of the season.
  • A player cannot turn 15 years old before October 1st.
  • Homeschoolers cannot turn 14 years old before October 1st. 

UNIFORMS

  • Basketball shoes must be worn.
  • Uniforms worn as a team should be of similar style and color.
  • Shirts are to be tucked in at all times.
  • Players shall not wear jewelry (including during pre-match warm-ups) with the exception of religious or medical medals. If such medals are worn, they shall be taped to the body under the uniform.
  • Uniforms shall be worn as intended by manufacturers.
  • A number is required on the jersey. It is recommended that there be a number on the front and back. If both coaches agree, in non-playoff scenarios the game can proceed with uniform exceptions.
  • Players without uniform will not be allowed to compete. Each uniform must have a different number. If both coaches agree, in non-playoff scenarios the game can proceed with uniform exceptions.

BALL

  • Boys play with Size 7 balls (29.5”)
  • Girls play with Size 6 balls (28.5”)

TEAM COLORS

  • The home team will wear white or light-colored uniform jerseys.

GAME TIME

  • Two 20-minute halves with a running clock
    • Clock stops for all free-throw attempts
    • Final two minutes of each half, clock stops on the referees whistle
  • Running clock continues if one team is down by 20 or more points.
  • Five-minute rest period at halftime.
  • Three one-minute time-outs and two thirty-second timeouts per game.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

  • See Unsportsmanlike Conduct under Rules.