HYBL is governed by the Virginia High School League (VHSL) rules and referees will enforce VHSL rules commensurate with appropriate enforcement for younger age groups with the following exceptions which are specific to HYBL.
Outside Practices (practices not scheduled by HYBL or held at HYBL approved facilities) Policy:
HYBL does not support, promote, or endorse basketball practices held outside of what has been approved and scheduled by the league. Should your team practice outside of the scheduled events on the website, then HYBL absolves itself of any liabilities incurred during such an event.
Playing Time, Full Court Press, and Defense and Other General Rules:
| Minimum Playing Time* |
- All players must receive a minimum of 10 minutes playing time per half of every game.
- After the first five minutes of each half, all non-starters must enter the game and remain in the game for at least 5 minutes.
- It is encouraged to use the quarter (and 5-minute mark) breaks for substitutions.
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| Maximum Playing Time* |
- If a team has 6 or 7 players each player must sit 5 consecutive minutes per game meaning the maximum is 35 minutes of regulation playing time. However, if a team has 8 or more players, each player must sit 5 consecutive minutes per HALF, for a total of 30 minutes of regulation playing time unless otherwise specified below.
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| Substitutions |
- Substitutions are NOT allowed during the first 5 minutes of a half unless due to injury.
- It is best to sub players on the approved sub breaks for keeping track, however, offensive and defensive (or other) subs are allowed after the first 5 minutes of the half as long as the minimum playing time rules and maximum rules are clearly met during the game.
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| Full Court Press |
The following applies to all divisions that allow full-court pressing. Please see the division-specific rule summary below to see differences in press time allowed by division.
- No press is allowed by the winning team if the point spread is 15 or greater.
- A team losing by 15 or more may press in the division-specific press time allowed.
- If the point spread is less than 15, both teams are allowed to press in the division-specific press allowed time.
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| Defense |
Generally, Man-to-Man defense is mandatory for all Elementary School age divisions (exempting Bitty Ballers), no zone defense allowed. However, please reference the specific division information below for any changes. PLEASE SEE MAN-TO-MAN GUIDELINES AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
For Middle School and High School level divisions the defense is coach's choice, zone defense is allowed although a mix of Man-to-Man and zone is encouraged.
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| Protests |
Any Protests (for example, the opponent not following playing time rules) must be submitted in writing to the Division Director within 48 hours of the violation, otherwise, the protest will not be accepted. |
* Coaches who do not follow the minimum and maximum playing time rules will be contacted by the league's Sportsmanship Oversight Committee which will determine what action, including game forfeiture and possible dismissal from the league, is warranted.
* Players who arrive past the start of the game/half are not subject to the minimum and maximum playing time rules for the half of the game for which they arrive.
Division Specific Rule Summary - Winter 2021-2022
| Division/Grade |
Ball |
Basket |
Foul Line |
Press / Division Specific Rules |
|
Bitty Ballers
(Pre-K/K)
|
27.5" |
8' |
12' |
- 4 v 4
- No full-court press at any time.
|
| Coed 1st |
27.5" |
8' |
12' |
- 4 v 4
- No full-court press at any time.
- No pressing or trapping at the half-court line when the ball is brought up court the first time per possession, thereafter regular half-court rules apply.
- Unless a fast break situation, the initial defensive contact should be in the area around the top of the key.
- Initial defense inside the 3 point line. Once the ball goes inside the 3 point line on possession, you can play half-court defense.
|
| Boys 2nd |
28.5" |
9' |
15'/12'* |
- No full-court press at any time.
- Man-to-man defense.
- No pressing or trapping at the half-court line when the ball is brought up court the first time per possession, thereafter regular half-court rules apply.
- Within the last two minutes of the game extended man-to-man defense is allowed.
- Unless a fast break situation, the initial defensive contact should be in the area around the top of the key.
- Initial defense inside the 3 point line. Once the ball goes inside the 3 point line on possession, you can play half-court defense.
- Within the last two minutes of the game extended man-to-man defense is allowed.
|
| Boys 2nd/3rd Summer / Boys 3rd Winter |
28.5 |
10' |
15'/13'* |
- No full-court press at any time.
- Man-to-man defense.
- No pressing or trapping at the half-court line when the ball is brought up court the first time per possession, thereafter regular half-court rules apply.
- Within the last two minutes of the game extended man-to-man defense is allowed.
- Unless a fast break situation, the initial defensive contact should be in the area around the top of the key.
- Initial defense inside the 3 point line. Once the ball goes inside the 3 point line on possession, you can play half-court defense.
- Within the last two minutes of the game extended man-to-man defense is allowed.
|
| Girls 2nd-4th |
28.5 |
9' or 10' (Summer) |
15'/12'* |
- No full-court press at any time.
- Man-to-man defense.
- No pressing or trapping at the half-court line when the ball is brought up court the first time per possession, thereafter regular half-court rules apply.
- Within the last two minutes of the game extended man-to-man defense is allowed.
- Unless a fast break situation, the initial defensive contact should be in the area around the top of the key.
- Initial defense inside the 3 point line. Once the ball goes inside the 3 point line on possession, you can play half-court defense.
- Within the last two minutes of the game extended man-to-man defense is allowed.
|
| Girls 5th-7th |
28.5 |
10' |
15 |
- Press at any time.
- Both zone and man defense are allowed.
|
| Girls 8th-12th |
28.5" |
10' |
15' |
- Press at any time.
- Both zone and man defense are allowed.
|
| Boys 4th |
29.5" |
10' |
15' |
- Press the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter and overtime if agreed at the draft.
- Man-to-man defense.
|
| Boys 5th |
29.5' |
10' |
15' |
- Press the last 5 minutes of the 4th quarter and overtime.
- Man-to-man defense.
|
| Boys 6th |
29.5" |
10' |
15' |
- Press at any time.
- Any defense is allowed.
|
| Boys 7th |
29.5' |
10' |
15' |
- Press at any time.
- Any defense is allowed.
|
| Boys 8th |
29.5' |
10' |
15' |
- Press at any time.
- Any defense is allowed.
|
| Boys 9th-10th |
29.5" |
10' |
15' |
- Press at any time.
- Any defense is allowed.
|
| Boys 11th-12th |
29.5" |
10' |
15' |
- Press at any time.
- Any defense is allowed.
|
* For the 15’/12/14’ foul line divisions, players have the option to move up to 12’ or 14' if not able to get the ball to the rim from 15' (their first attempt of the game must be from 15'). For these players, any return trips to the foul line during the same game will be shot from 12’ or 14'.
Division Specific Rule Summary - Winter 2020-2021
| Division/Grade |
Ball |
Basket |
Foul Line |
Press / Division Specific Rules |
|
Bitty Ballers
(Pre-K/K)
|
27.5" |
8' |
12' |
- 4 v 4
- No full-court press at any time.
|
| Coed 1st |
27.5" |
8' |
12' |
- 4 v 4
- No full-court press at any time.
- No pressing or trapping at the half-court line when the ball is brought up court the first time per possession, thereafter regular half-court rules apply.
- Unless a fast break situation, the initial defensive contact should be in the area around the top of the key.
- Initial defense inside the 3 point line. Once the ball goes inside the 3 point line on possession, you can play half-court defense.
|
| CoEd 2nd Grade |
27.5" |
9' |
15'/12'* |
- No full-court press at any time.
- Man-to-man defense.
- No pressing or trapping at the half-court line when the ball is brought up court the first time per possession, thereafter regular half-court rules apply.
- Unless a fast break situation, the initial defensive contact should be in the area around the top of the key.
- Initial defense inside the 3 point line. Once the ball goes inside the 3 point line on possession, you can play half-court defense.
|
| Girls 3rd-5th |
28.5 |
10' |
15'/14'* |
- Man-to-man defense.
- Press the last 2 minutes of game and overtime only.
|
| Girls MS/HS |
28.5" |
10' |
15' |
- Press at any time.
- Both zone and man defense are allowed.
|
| Boys 3rd |
28.5" |
9' |
15'/12'* |
- Man-to-man defense.
- Press the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter and overtime.
|
| Boys 4th |
28.5" |
10' |
15'/14'* |
- Man-to-man defense.
- Press the last 2 minutes or last 5 minutes of the 4th quarter and overtime. (To be determined at the draft)
|
| Boys 5th |
29.5" |
10' |
15' |
- Press the last 5 minutes of the 4th quarter and overtime.
- Man-to-man defense
|
| Boys 6th |
29.5" |
10' |
15' |
- Press at any time.
- Any defense is allowed.
|
| Boys 7th |
29.5" |
10' |
15' |
- Press at any time.
- Any defense is allowed.
|
| Boys 8th |
29.5" |
10' |
15' |
- Press at any time.
- Any defense is allowed.
|
| Boys 9th |
29.5" |
10' |
15' |
- Press at any time.
- Any defense is allowed.
|
| Boys 10th-12th |
29.5" |
10' |
15' |
- Press at any time.
- Any defense is allowed.
|
* For the 15’/12/14’ foul line divisions, players have the option to move up to 12’ or 14' if not able to get the ball to the rim from 15' (their first attempt of the game must be from 15'). For these players, any return trips to the foul line during the same game will be shot from 12’ or 14'.
Other HYBL Specific Rules:
| Subject |
Rule |
| Game Volunteers |
- Each team is responsible for providing a volunteer to work either the game clock OR the scorebook.
|
| Game Attire |
- No jewelry permitted, including pierced ear studs and earrings.
- No wrist bands of any kind are allowed to be worn during games.
- Jerseys must be tucked in.
- Players must wear tennis shoes with non-marking soles.
- Team members must wear HYBL provided jerseys unless there is a case where the player is waiting for jersey delivery, in which case the player must wear a similar color to his or her teammates.
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| Forfeits |
- Playoff Forfeit Rules:
- Each team must have at least 4 players to start the game, otherwise, a forfeit is called at game-time. Teams can agree to play 4 on 4 if both coaches agree or play 4 on 5.
- Teams may NOT borrow players for the playoffs. In the event that a team has less than 4 players, the scheduled teams may scrimmage with borrowing players or play 3-on-3.
- Referees are paid for forfeits and are expected to participate
- The game will be recorded in the scorebook as a forfeit with a score of 2-0
- If a scrimmage is played, the clock will not stop during scrimmages. Each scrimmage will run 4 quarters with no timeouts and no stoppage of the clock in the last two minutes. Half-time will be for two minutes. Player stats and fouls will not be recorded in the stat book. There will be no overtime in scrimmages and the scrimmage must end at 10 minutes before the hour if another game is scheduled, 5 minutes before the hour if it is the last scheduled game.
- Winter Season Forfeit Rules:
- Each team must have at least 4 players to start the game, otherwise, a forfeit is called at game-time. Teams can agree to play 4 on 4 if both coaches agree or play 4 on 5.
- Players may be "borrowed" to make up a full 5 provided both coaches approve and the division director is notified. Directors will discuss agreements for borrowing players with their division coaches
- In the event that a team has less than 4 players, the scheduled teams may scrimmage with borrowing players or play 3-on-3.
- Referees are paid for forfeits and are expected to participate.
- The game will be recorded in the scorebook as a forfeit with a score of 2-0.
- If a scrimmage is played, the clock will not stop during scrimmages. Each scrimmage will run 4 quarters with no timeouts and no stoppage of the clock in the last two minutes. Half-time will be for two minutes. Player stats and fouls will not be recorded in the stat book. There will be no overtime in scrimmages and the scrimmage must end at 10 minutes before the hour if another game is scheduled, 5 minutes before the hour if it is the last scheduled game.
- Summer Season Forfeit Rules:
- Each team must have at least 4 players to start the game, otherwise, a forfeit is called at game-time. Teams can agree to play 4 on 4 if both coaches agree or play 4 on 5.
- In the summer season teams who may have less than five of their players available for the game are allowed to "borrow" players of equal caliber from same grade or younger divisions as long as they are registered HYBL players. The game will be officiated as per usual and the game will count in the standings. Both coaches must be in agreement on the substitute players or the game will count as a scrimmage.
- In the event that a team has less than 4 players, the scheduled teams may scrimmage with borrowing players or play 3-on-3.
- Referees are paid for forfeits and are expected to participate.
- The game will be recorded in the scorebook as a forfeit with a score of 2-0.
- If a scrimmage is played, the clock will not stop during scrimmages. Each scrimmage will run 4 quarters with no timeouts and no stoppage of the clock in the last two minutes. Half-time will be for two minutes. Player stats and fouls will not be recorded in the stat book. There will be no overtime in scrimmages and the scrimmage must end at 10 minutes before the hour if another game is scheduled, 5 minutes before the hour if it is the last scheduled game.
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| Tiebreakers for Playoff Seeding |
In case two teams are tied at the end of the regular season, the following process will be followed to determine the final seeding:
1. Best head-to-head record; if split then
2. Quality Wins Winning Percentage: calculate the winning percentage of each tied team against the highest seeded team; if the same, then go to the second-highest seeded team; and so on; if still tied then
3. Coin Flip: one HYBL Board must be present and one adult witness (team representatives need not be present)
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| Clock Management |
- Games - there will be four 10-minute quarters and the clock will stop briefly at the five-minute mark of each quarter for substitutions.
- The clock will run continuously except for time outs and in the last two minutes of the 4th quarter. The clock will not run after a timeout until there is a live ball.
- In the final two minutes of the game, the clock will stop on all dead-ball situations (only).
- The clock will not stop in the final two minutes if there is a difference in score of 15 POINTS OR MORE in all divisions except for the Boys 2nd and 3rd and Girls 2nd-3rd Divisions, where the clock will not stop if there is a difference of 10 points or more.
- The clock shall not re-start after a clock stoppage or time-out until the ball is touched by a player on the court. In case of made free throws in the final two minutes, the clock shall not start until ALL free throws are completed and the ball is thrown in bounds.
- Half-time will be limited to three (3) minutes.
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| Substitutions |
- After the first 5 minutes of the first and third quarters, all non-starters must come in to the game and remain in the game for at least 5 minutes.
- It is encouraged for coaches to use the quarter breaks and period breaks for substitutions.
- The Minimum and Maximum playing time rules specified at the top of this page strictly apply to game substitutions.
- Players must wait for the referee to wave them into the game.
- The clock will stop briefly at the 5:00 mark of each quarter for substitutions.
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| Timeouts |
- Each team is limited to three (3) one-minute time-outs per game and one time-out for overtime.
- The three regular time-outs may be taken at any time.
- Regulation time outs don't carry over to overtime time outs.
- In an overtime game, each team gets one timeout.
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| Overtime |
- If the game is tied at the end of regulation, there will be one (1) two-minute overtime period with the clock stopping on dead-ball situations.
- If the game remains tied at the end of the OT period, the game ends in a tie except in advancement playoff games (not consolation games) where two-minute overtime periods will continue until there is a winner.
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| Game Court |
- No persons except players and officials are allowed on the gym floor during games, timeouts, and half-time.
- This includes player's siblings and players from other teams waiting for their game, who are not allowed to "shoot around" or other occupy the gym floor during timeouts or halftime.
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| Fouls |
HYBL follows VHSL guidelines for fouls, including but not limited to:
- 5 fouls by one player in a game will result in fouling out of the game.
- 7 fouls by a team in one half will result in the "bonus" 1 and 1 foul shooting for the other team.
- 10 fouls by a team in one half will result in the "double bonus" 2 shot foul shooting for the other team.
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| Technical Fouls |
- A technical foul results in a personal foul and a team foul.
- Any player or coach receiving two technical fouls in a game will be ejected from the game and will be suspended for their team's next game.
- Technical fouls are penalized two foul shots by a player on the offended team, selected by the coach, and possession of the ball.
- Three technical fouls assessed to one team, regardless of the reason, will immediately cause the game to be forfeited. The team will leave the gym immediately.
- Any player or coach receiving a total of 3 technical fouls in a single season will be suspended from playing or coaching for the remainder of that season.
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| Rule Violations that will result in Ejection from Gym |
- Any individual seen hanging on to the rim of the basket or the net will be ejected from the practice/game and the recreational facility.
- Foul Language.
- Fighting or assault on a referee is an automatic ejection and will be reviewed for possible suspension from the league for the season.
- Two technical fouls in one game.
- All gym ejections will be reviewed by the HYBL Board for possible longer suspensions.
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Man-to-Man Defense Guidelines
Boys 2nd-5th, Girls 2nd-5th
Over the years various definitions of man-to-man defense have been used, cited, and debated in youth basketball. This has caused substantial confusion for coaches, players, referees, and fans. To bring some consistency to this subject the following Guidelines are to be used:
1. MAN TO MAN DEFENSE: Each defensive player must guard a different offensive player. The distance between the defensive guarding player and the offensive guarded player will be dependent on whether the guarded player has the ball or not and the position of the guarded player to the ball as well as the guarded players' position on the floor. There is no requirement that the two (2) best players guard each other.
2. DOUBLE-TEAMING: Double-teaming occurs when two defensive players guard the same offensive player whether he or she has the ball or not. Double-teaming at any time is permitted in the general area of the top of the key to the baseline on a player with the ball. Double-teaming between the general area around the top of the key and half-court is prohibited.
3. OFFENSES: We do NOT want off-ball players standing around without being involved in the offense. Full clear-outs (four corners or aligning all other players away from the ball) designed to isolate a team’s best player to emphasize ONLY one-on-one basketball at the expense of team basketball, are prohibited. Offenses should include team concepts and sharing the ball. Offenses should include reasonable spacing and may have "4 or 5 out" provided reasonable off-ball movement and cutting. Furthermore, pick-and-rolls (with proper picks emphasized) are okay as long as the offense features reasonable spacing away from the pick-and-roll as well as off-ball movement to promote team concepts. The defensive players may establish positions to be able to assist the defensive player guarding the player with the ball.
4. DISTANCE: There is no requirement that at all times a defensive player is within any set distance of the offensive player he or she is guarding. However, the defensive player must move with the player he or she is guarding, rather than simply occupying an area of the court. If a player does not move with his or her man, this constitutes a violation of the spirit of the man-to-man rule.
5. SWITCHING OR HELP DEFENSE: Defensive players may switch in the event of a screen or a pick. Furthermore, a player may leave the player he or she is guarding to switch to or help on a player with the ball who has beaten the player who was guarding him or her.
