Website Manager

Login Register

Valley Athletic Association

Login Register

VAA Basketball Rules

VALLEY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

BASKETBALL GENERAL RULES

All coaches must be approved by the VAA Board of Directors.

Responsibilities of the Coach

In order to ensure a minimum level of excellence in our basketball program the VAA Board of Directors has established the following list of responsibilities for which all coaches in all VAA will be held accountable. Please read this carefully. If you have any questions your program Coordinator will be happy to answer them.

Adult supervision must be available at all times during practice sessions, before and after games. Spectators are NOT permitted to be roaming through the halls and trespassing classrooms.

The orderly behavior of all children and coaches under his/her supervision. Coaches should conduct themselves at all times to set the best possible example for the children.

No food or drinks are allowed in the gyms. Coaches are responsible for any trash to be picked up after each game or practice.

All equipment should be inventoried and returned to the League Coordinator or VAA equipment manager as soon as the season ends.

System for All Star selection

At conclusion of each game the opposing coach will select top 3 players:

First all-star - 3 points
Second all-star - 2 points
Third all-star - 1 point
(Tie breaker for all-star game will go to highest number of first place votes)

Award Policy

The league will provide trophies for all Little Dribblers and Instructional players.

The teams with the games that are officiated will have to earn trophies.

Suspensions

When a player is ejected from the game, for any reason, the player is suspended for one additional game. This is the next game the player attends. The player must be in uniform and remain on the bench.

When a Coach is ejected from the game, for any reason, they are suspended for one additional game. This is the next game. They may spectate but cannot communicate to the team from the stands.

General Game Conduct

These rules are necessary when the basketball game is in progress to ensure in a safer and smoother running game.

1. The coaches are to exchange lineups including first and last names along with shirt numbers 10 minutes prior to the start of the game.

2. Only players and coaches are permitted in the bench area during the game. (No friends or relatives)

3. All parents and fans are to observe the game from the opposite side of coaches and players, except the gyms where the space is not available.

4. All players must be in uniform and have their shirts tucked in during the game.

5. No Players are permitted to wear any jewelry.

6. No players are permitted to play with a hard cast even if padded.

7. The head coach must identify himself to the officials before the start of the game. Only head coaches are permitted to speak to the officials. If anyone else has or sees an issue, they must bring it up to the coach.

8. If a referee ejects a player, coach, and/or a spectator, the game must not remain until the ejected person(s) exits the building.

9. Cheer on your own team don't make negative comments to other players or coaches.

10. The referee will terminate the game if the coach cannot control their players, coaches, parents, and/or spectators. This is automatic if a parent or spectator enters onto the playing field during the game except in the case of an injury. The terminated game will be reviewed by the League Officials and appropriate action will be taken.

11. The coaches are responsible for cleaning the bench area at the end of the game. All players are to assist in the cleaning of the bench area after each game.

12. If any players are involved in a fight, and they are still on the complex, the player will be suspended the next game. If a second occurrence is committed at any time during the sport year, then that player is suspended for the rest of the season including the playoffs without any refunds.

13. If there is a problem with a league official, it must be submitted in writing via email to the Basketball Commissioner before any action can be taken.

Supplemental Players

Teams may pick up enough players to begin a game with 5. He/she must be on a league roster of another team from the Valley Athletic Association in the age group directly lower.

If the need arises for players to be called up for the playoffs those players must be approved by the League Commissioner.
This program is exclusively for the benefit of the children playing the game. We must not lose sight that it is a game for the child's enjoyment. Good sportsmanship is best taught by example.

 

(updated 8/8/2025)

 

    VALLEY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

ELEMENTARY BASKETBALL RULES (4th – 6th Grades)

 

Game:

All players must be in full uniform (Valley AA provided shirt) without any alterations to the provided uniform. Any player not in uniform will not be allowed to play in said game.

Four (4) Ten-minute quarters with one minute between each quarter, two minutes between halves. A jump ball for possession will start the game and overtime and alternate quarterly possession after that.

There are two 30 second time outs per half. If not used they are not carried over. The clock will only stop for time outs. In the second quarter, the clock will stop when the whistle is blown in the last ten seconds of play to allow the throw-in of the ball. In the last minute of play the clock stops on all whistles.

The clock will stop at 5:00 in each quarter for substitution. Referee will not stop play during an offensive play. Referee wills stop play for substitution when play is slowed or following change of possession.

To start the season, the defense must allow the offense to penetrate inside the three point line in Quarters 1, 2, and 3. During the fourth quarter, defense must allow the offense to penetrate front court. Defense must not play above top of key until ball is transitioned from back court to front court. Once ball penetrates front court, the defense may attack anywhere within front court. Beginning Feb 1st, the entire game will be half-court. The defense must allow the offense to penetrate half court. Defense must not play above top of key until ball is transitioned from back court to front court. Once ball penetrates front court, the defense may attack anywhere within front court. When defense is not allowed outside the 3-point arc, all three point shots will only be worth two points until the half-court defense is allowed. If a team is up by fifteen or more points, the three point shot will only count as two, regardless of defense. When there is no half-court defense, the offense will have ten seconds to pass inside the three point line. There will only be one warning after which the result will be a loss of possession.

No full court press. Backcourt rule is in effect. There is a ten (10) second rule in effect to advance the ball past half court. Players will have five (5) seconds to inbound the ball. The defense must allow three (3) feet on the sideline when defending the inbound pass. Since no back court is being allowed, no turnovers can be called except if the ball goes out of bounds or if ball has not crossed over within 10 seconds (This will allow inexperienced players to have the opportunity to dribble the ball down the court before defense is allowed). In the last minute of play when in-bounding the ball after an out of bounds call or a time out, it will be done at the front court foul line. The ball cannot be thrown into the backcourt when in-bounding or a backcourt violation will result.

Any intentional defending to stop the play is not allowed unless it is in the last minute in the game to stop the clock. First offense will be a warning to the defending coach. Second and addition offenses will be Technical fouls and may lead to the coach(s) being ejected from the game.

A team must have four (4) players to start the game. If there aren’t enough players within 10 minutes of the official start time, the game will be cancelled and forfeited to the team with four (4) or more players. The ball size is a 28.5 Regulation size ball.

There will be league standings. Coaches must meet following game to identify share names of all-stars which shall be recorded in both teams’ books for verification. Home team must email scores and 3 all-star votes within 48 hours to the league commissioner. There will be playoffs; the playoff format will be determined at a later date. The home team must provide a timekeeper for each game. If a timekeeper can’t be recruited from the spectators, then the clock will be started, and time will run without stopping until a timekeeper is found. Scorebooks should be checked between teams at the end of each quarter for accuracy. In the event of a dispute, the home team’s book is the official book.

Substitutions:

The 5 starters must play the first (5) minutes of the quarter. The referee will blow the whistle as close to the 5-minute mark (within 10 seconds) as possible, and the clock will stop to allow the substitutes to enter the game. The clock shall stop at 5:00 of each quarter regardless of whistle. You may not substitute in the first 5 minutes unless there is an injury or if a player is fouled out. The substitutes must play the last 5 minutes of the quarter except due to injury or if he/she fouls out. All players must play at least half the game. The referee may allow a player to be substituted any time during the first 3 quarters if the player is in foul trouble with at least 3 fouls. If there is an illegal substitution the penalty is a technical foul, and the opposing team gets possession of the ball after two foul shots. If a player plays all of the first 5 minutes and into the 2nd 5 minutes of a quarter, you can substitute that player out at any time in the second half of that quarter.

Fouls:

A player fouls out of the game when accumulating six (6) fouls. Players will shoot two free throws starting at the 5th team foul of each quarter. When shooting free throws, players are allowed to enter the lane once the ball is released. However, the shooter and players behind him are only allowed to enter the lane once the ball hits the rim. If the ball does not hit the rim, it’s a dead ball and the defensive team will receive possession.

Playing Time:

Every player must play at least twenty (20) minutes of the game if he is physically capable. Disciplinary problems will be an exception to this rule. You must notify the opposing coach when presenting lineups that disciplinary actions are being imposed on a player(s). Also, notify the coordinator immediately after imposing the discipline--but prior to the game --as to the reason for the disciplinary action. If the league coordinator or Commissioner is informed that a coach is not following the playing time rule, the following action will be taken. A. The coach will be informed by the Commissioner of the complaint. The Commissioner or his delegate may elect to monitor the playing time of the cited team to see if the rule is being abused. B. If the rule is being abused, the coach will be informed on site. The coach will not be allowed to coach the team’s next two (2) games. The player/players who did not play the minimum amount of time will play the minimum time plus the amount they were shortchanged over the next two (2) games. A second violation of this rule will result in the offending coach being relieved of coaching privileges for the rest of the season. C. If the rules are abused during the playoffs, the Commissioner will enforce the rule as above. The playing time rule is still in effect for the playoffs!!

Overtime period:

After a one-minute overtime period has elapsed, the game can end in a tie. Playoff games cannot end in a tie.

Sportsmanship:

As a coach, it is very important to show good sportsmanship to your team and the opposing coach and his players. This is also true for the parents on the sidelines, so please be sure that they are aware of their responsibilities as spectators. Head coaches are expected to control the actions of their assistants, players and families. If a situation becomes dangerous or abusive to the referees or players, the referee is empowered to declare a forfeit for the offending team.

COACHES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR TEAM PARENTS AND CHILDREN. PLEASE FREQUENTLY NOTIFY ALL PARENTS AND CHILDREN THAT THERE ARE NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED IN ANY GYMS AT ANY TIME. NO OUTSIDE BASKETBALLS ARE ALLOWED IN THE GYMS AT ANY TIME. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!

 

(updated 8/8/2025)

VALLEY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL RULES (9th-10th GRADES)

 

Game:

All players must be in full uniform (Valley AA provided shirt) without any alterations to the provided uniform. Any player not in uniform will not be allowed to play in said game.

Four (4) Ten-minute quarters with one minute between each quarter, two minutes between halves. A jump ball for possession will start the game and overtime and alternate quarterly possession after that.

There are two 30 second time outs per half. If not used, they are not carried over. The clock will only stop for time outs. In the second quarter, the clock will stop when the whistle is blown in the last ten seconds of play to allow the throw-in of the ball. In the last minute of play the clock stops on all whistles.

The clock will stop at 5:00 in each quarter for substitution. Referee will not stop play during an offensive play. Referee will stop play for substitution when play is slowed or following change of possession.

There is a ten (10) second rule in effect to advance the ball past half court. Players will have five (5) seconds to inbound the ball. The defense must allow three (3) feet on the sideline when defending the inbound pass.

If a team is up by fifteen or more points, the three-point shot will only count as a two pointer and full court pressing will not be allowed. Teams pressing when up by 15 or more will be charged with a technical foul and the opposing team gets possession of the ball after two foul shots. Any intentional defending to stop the play is not allowed unless it is in the last minute in the game to stop the clock. The first offense will be a warning to the defending coach. Second and addition offenses will be technical fouls and may lead to the coach(s) being ejected from the game.

A team must have four (4) players to start the game. If there aren’t enough players within 10 minutes of the official start time, the game will be cancelled and forfeited to the team with four (4) or more players. The ball size is a 29.5 Regulation size ball.

There will be league standings. Coaches must meet following game to identify share names of all-stars which shall be recorded in both teams’ books for verification. Home team must email scores and 3 all-star votes within 48 hours to the league commissioner. There will be playoffs; the playoff format will be determined at a later date. The home team must provide a timekeeper for each game. If a timekeeper can’t be recruited from the spectators, then the clock will be started, and time will run without stopping until a timekeeper is found. Scorebooks should be checked between teams at the end of each quarter for accuracy. In the event of a dispute, the home team’s book is the official book.

Substitutions:

The 5 starters must play the first (5) minutes of the quarter. The referee will blow the whistle as close to the 5-minute mark (within 10 seconds) as possible, and the clock will stop to allow the substitutes to enter the game. The clock shall stop at 5:00 of each quarter regardless of whistle. You may not substitute in the first 5 minutes unless there is an injury or if a player is fouled out. The substitutes must play the last 5 minutes of the quarter except due to injury or if he/she fouls out. All players must play at least half the game. The referee may allow a player to be substituted any time during the first 3 quarters if the player is in foul trouble with at least 3 fouls. If there is an illegal substitution, the penalty is a technical foul, and the opposing team gets possession of the ball after two foul shots. If a player plays all of the first 5 minutes and into the 2nd 5 minutes of a quarter, you can substitute that player out at any time in the second half of that quarter.

Fouls:

A player fouls out of the game when accumulating five (5) fouls. Players will shoot two free throws starting at the 5th team foul of each quarter. When shooting free throws, players are allowed to enter the lane once the ball is released. However, the shooter and players behind him are only allowed to enter the lane once the ball hits the rim. If the ball does not hit the rim, it’s a dead ball and the defensive team will receive possession.

Playing Time:

Every player must play at least twenty (20) minutes of the game if he is physically capable. Disciplinary problems will be an exception to this rule. You must notify the opposing coach when presenting lineups that disciplinary actions are being imposed on a player(s). Also, notify the coordinator immediately after imposing the discipline--but prior to the game --as to the reason for the disciplinary action. If the league coordinator or Commissioner is informed that a coach is not following the playing time rule, the following action will be taken. A. The coach will be informed by the Commissioner of the complaint. The Commissioner or his delegate may elect to monitor the playing time of the cited team to see if the rule is being abused. B. If the rule is being abused, the coach will be informed on site. The coach will not be allowed to coach the team’s next two (2) games. The player/players who did not play the minimum amount of time will play the minimum time plus the amount they were shortchanged over the next two (2) games. A second violation of this rule will result in the offending coach being relieved of coaching privileges for the rest of the season. C. If the rules are abused during the playoffs, the Commissioner will enforce the rule as above. The playing time rule is still in effect for the playoffs!!

Overtime period:

After a one-minute overtime period has elapsed, the game can end in a tie. Playoff games cannot end in a tie.

Sportsmanship:

As a coach, it is very important to show good sportsmanship to your team and the opposing coach and his players. This is also true for the parents on the sidelines, so please be sure that they are aware of their responsibilities as spectators. Head coaches are expected to control the actions of their assistants, players and families. If a situation becomes dangerous or abusive to the referees or players, the referee is empowered to declare a forfeit for the offending team.

COACHES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR TEAM PARENTS AND CHILDREN. PLEASE FREQUENTLY NOTIFY ALL PARENTS AND CHILDREN THAT THERE ARE NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED IN ANY GYMS AT ANY TIME. NO OUTSIDE BASKETBALLS ARE ALLOWED IN THE GYMS AT ANY TIME. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!

 

(updated 8/8/2025)

 

Instructional Basketball Rules & Regulations

The Instructional Basketball Divisions at Valley AA are strictly developmental, where the focus is on player development and fun.  We do not keep score in any of the Instructional Basketball Divisions.

Referees: There are no official referees in any of the Instructional Basketball Divisions. Coaches will serve as game referees.  Coaches have been guided to call the games as fair as possible, this means that coaches can be on the floor during the game.  Because this is a developmental league, traveling calls and double dribble calls will not be called.  Coaches are to remind and encourage players to dribble the ball while they are in possession of it.

Size of Ball: Size 27.5 (Size 5) Basketballs in all Instructional Basketball Divisions.

 

PRACTICE STRUCTURE

 

Practice Length

Court Set-up

Practice + Game Duration

Practice + Game

Start Times

(Instr. Boys & Girls)

Practice + Game

Start Times

(Little Dribblers)

 

25 - 30 minutes

Skills & Drills

 

Each team has half the court for practice

 

60 minutes

6:30pm

or

7:45pm

 

Saturday

9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm

 

GAME STRUCTURE

 

Game Length

Scoring

Start of Game Possession

Minimum: Two 15-minute halves

 

Running clocks in each half

All field goals: 2 points

 

No 3-point field goals

Home Team awarded possession. Starts with throw-in at half court

Start of Game Possession: For Instructional Boys & Girls, as well as Little Dribblers, the home team will start with the ball to mitigate significant differences in height and coordination among children. Alternating possession rules will then ensue throughout the game.

GAME TACTICS

 

Playing Time

Set Defense

Pressing Defense

Double-Team & Crowding

Stealing from the Dribbler

Equal Playing Time

 

Only player-to-player defense

Pressing is not allowed

Double-Team and Crowding is not allowed

Stealing from the dribbler is not allowed

Definitions

●      Player-to-Player Defense

●      Each player is responsible for guarding and moving with one offensive player.  This requires the defensive player to move according to the offensive player’s movements with or without the ball.

●      Defense can only be played up to the three-point line.

●      If an offensive player with the ball advances past their defensive player, another defender may rotate to guard that offensive player.

●      Pressing Defense – Defensive guarding, either on or off the ball, within the backcourt.

●      Double-Team/Crowding – Two or more defensive players guarding a single offensive player

●      Stealing from the Dribbler – Defensive players are not to reach in/at the dribbler.

Rationale

Playing Time: To ensure that all young children participating in the sport have an opportunity to experience the game, equal and fair playing time is recommended for all Instructional Basketball Divisions.  Equal and fair playing time is encouraged throughout all segments of the game.

Set Defense: The player-to-player requirement for the Instructional Basketball Divisions encourages physical activity and movement, and promotes the development of individual skill related to guarding a player both on and off the ball.

Pressing Defense: Pressing defense is prohibited in the Instructional Basketball Divisions, in order to help children develop principles of movement with and without the ball in a half-court setting.

Double-Team/Crowding: Crowding the ball with multiple players (referred to as “double-teaming”) is not allowed in any of the Instructional Basketball Divisions due to skill and size discrepancies among children at these ages.

Stealing from the Dribbler: In the Instructional Basketball Divisions, players are not allowed to steal the ball from an active dribbler.  This allows ball-handlers to develop dribbling skills and confidence with the basketball.  Passes may be stolen.

Code of Conduct

●      Players, coaches, parents and spectators are expected to show respect for one another.

●      Keep all cheering in a positive manner and show good sportsmanship.

●      Berating, fighting, foul language, and swearing is not allowed.

●      Unsportsmanlike conduct of any kind is not tolerated whether during the game or afterward in the parking lot, etc.

●      Violation of these rules for a player or coach may result in a suspension from the league with no refund.

●      Coaches are in charge of their parents. If your parents are screaming at the other team players, the other coach; please do your best to calm them down.

○      If you have a parent who does not listen to you, becomes aggressive, etc, please do not go "toe to toe" with them. Text or call the Instructional Basketball Commissioner.

●      Any spectator or parent using foul language or determined to be acting inappropriately by coaches or Valley AA administration may be ejected.

●      Multiple game suspensions could be imposed by the league commissioner, depending on the severity of the situation and offense.

 

(updated 8/8/2025)

VALLEY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL RULES (7th & 8th GRADES)

Game:

All players must be in full uniform (Valley AA provided shirt) without any alterations to the provided uniform. Any player not in uniform will not be allowed to play in said game.

Four (4) Ten-minute quarters with one minute between each quarter, two minutes between halves. A jump ball for possession will start the game and overtime and alternate quarterly possession after that.

There are two 30 second time outs per half. If not used, they are not carried over. The clock will only stop for time outs. In the second quarter, the clock will stop when the whistle is blown in the last ten seconds of play to allow the throw-in of the ball. In the last minute of play the clock stops on all whistles.

The clock will stop at 5:00 in each quarter for substitution. Referee will not stop play during an offensive play. Referee wills stop play for substitution when play is slowed or following change of possession.

The defense must allow the offense to penetrate half court. Defense must not play above top of key until ball is transitioned from back court to front court. Once ball penetrates front court, the defense may attack anywhere within front court. Backcourt rule is in effect. There is a ten (10) second rule in effect to advance the ball past half court. Players will have five (5) seconds to inbound the ball. The defense must allow three (3) feet on the sideline when defending the inbound pass. During the time of no back court being allowed, no turnovers can be called except if the ball goes out of bounds or if ball has not crossed over within 10 seconds (This will allow inexperienced players to have the opportunity to dribble the ball down the court before defense is allowed).

Teams may play full court defense only in the last two minutes of the game through January. Beginning February 1st, teams may play full court defense for the entire fourth quarter. If a team is up by fifteen or more points, the three-point shot will only count as a two pointer and full court pressing will not be allowed. Teams pressing when up by 15 or more will be charged with a technical foul and the opposing team gets possession of the ball after two foul shots. Any intentional defending to stop the play is not allowed unless it is in the last minute in the game to stop the clock. The first offense will be a warning to the defending coach. Second and addition offenses will be technical fouls and may lead to the coach(s) being ejected from the game.

A team must have four (4) players to start the game. If there aren’t enough players within 10 minutes of the official start time, the game will be cancelled and forfeited to the team with four (4) or more players. The ball size is a 29.5 Regulation size ball.

There will be league standings. Coaches must meet following game to identify share names of all-stars which shall be recorded in both teams’ books for verification. Home team must email scores and 3 all-star votes within 48 hours to the league commissioner. There will be playoffs; the playoff format will be determined at a later date. The home team must provide a timekeeper for each game. If a timekeeper can’t be recruited from the spectators, then the clock will be started, and time will run without stopping until a timekeeper is found. Scorebooks should be checked between teams at the end of each quarter for accuracy. In the event of a dispute, the home team’s book is the official book.

Substitutions:

The 5 starters must play the first (5) minutes of the quarter. The referee will blow the whistle as close to the 5-minute mark (within 10 seconds) as possible, and the clock will stop to allow the substitutes to enter the game. The clock shall stop at 5:00 of each quarter regardless of whistle. You may not substitute in the first 5 minutes unless there is an injury or if a player is fouled out. The substitutes must play the last 5 minutes of the quarter except due to injury or if he/she fouls out. All players must play at least half the game. The referee may allow a player to be substituted any time during the first 3 quarters if the player is in foul trouble with at least 3 fouls. If there is an illegal substitution the penalty is a technical foul, and the opposing team gets possession of the ball after two foul shots. If a player plays all of the first 5 minutes and into the 2nd 5 minutes of a quarter, you can substitute that player out at any time in the second half of that quarter.

Fouls:

A player fouls out of the game when accumulating five (5) fouls. Players will shoot two free throws starting at the 5th team foul of each quarter. When shooting free throws, players are allowed to enter the lane once the ball is released. However, the shooter and players behind him are only allowed to enter the lane once the ball hits the rim. If the ball does not hit the rim, it’s a dead ball and the defensive team will receive possession.

Playing Time:

Every player must play at least twenty (20) minutes of the game if he is physically capable. Disciplinary problems will be an exception to this rule. You must notify the opposing coach when presenting lineups that disciplinary actions are being imposed on a player(s). Also, notify the coordinator immediately after imposing the discipline--but prior to the game --as to the reason for the disciplinary action. If the league coordinator or Commissioner is informed that a coach is not following the playing time rule, the following action will be taken. A. The coach will be informed by the Commissioner of the complaint. The Commissioner or his delegate may elect to monitor the playing time of the cited team to see if the rule is being abused. B. If the rule is being abused, the coach will be informed on site. The coach will not be allowed to coach the team’s next two (2) games. The player/players who did not play the minimum amount of time will play the minimum time plus the amount they were shortchanged over the next two (2) games. A second violation of this rule will result in the offending coach being relieved of coaching privileges for the rest of the season. C. If the rules are abused during the playoffs, the Commissioner will enforce the rule as above. The playing time rule is still in effect for the playoffs!!

Overtime period:

After a one-minute overtime period has elapsed, the game can end in a tie. Playoff games cannot end in a tie.

Sportsmanship:

As a coach, it is very important to show good sportsmanship to your team and the opposing coach and his players. This is also true for the parents on the sidelines, so please be sure that they are aware of their responsibilities as spectators. Head coaches are expected to control the actions of their assistants, players and families. If a situation becomes dangerous or abusive to the referees or players, the referee is empowered to declare a forfeit for the offending team.

COACHES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR TEAM PARENTS AND CHILDREN. PLEASE FREQUENTLY NOTIFY ALL PARENTS AND CHILDREN THAT THERE ARE NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED IN ANY GYMS AT ANY TIME. NO OUTSIDE BASKETBALLS ARE ALLOWED IN THE GYMS AT ANY TIME. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!

 

(updated 8/8/2025)

VALLEY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

SENIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL RULES (7th-10th GRADES)

Game:

All players must be in full uniform (Valley AA provided shirt) without any alterations to the provided uniform. Any player not in uniform will not be allowed to play in said game.

Four (4) Ten-minute quarters with one minute between each quarter, two minutes between halves. A jump ball for possession will start the game and overtime and alternate quarterly possession after that.

There are two 30 second time outs per half. If not used, they are not carried over. The clock will only stop for time outs. In the second quarter, the clock will stop when the whistle is blown in the last ten seconds of play to allow the throw-in of the ball. In the last minute of play the clock stops on all whistles.

The clock will stop at 5:00 in each quarter for substitution. Referee will not stop play during an offensive play. Referee wills stop play for substitution when play is slowed or following change of possession.

The defense must allow the offense to penetrate half court. Defense must not play above top of key until ball is transitioned from back court to front court. Once ball penetrates front court, the defense may attack anywhere within front court. Backcourt rule is in effect. There is a ten (10) second rule in effect to advance the ball past half court. Players will have five (5) seconds to inbound the ball. The defense must allow three (3) feet on the sideline when defending the inbound pass. During the time of no back court being allowed, no turnovers can be called except if the ball goes out of bounds or if ball has not crossed over within 10 seconds (This will allow inexperienced players to have the opportunity to dribble the ball down the court before defense is allowed).

Teams may play full court defense only in the last two minutes of the game through January. Beginning February 1st, teams may play full court defense for the entire fourth quarter. If a team is up by fifteen or more points, the three-point shot will only count as a two pointer and full court pressing will not be allowed. Teams pressing when up by 15 or more will be charged with a technical foul and the opposing team gets possession of the ball after two foul shots. Any intentional defending to stop the play is not allowed unless it is in the last minute in the game to stop the clock. The first offense will be a warning to the defending coach. Second and addition offenses will be technical fouls and may lead to the coach(s) being ejected from the game.

A team must have four (4) players to start the game. If there aren’t enough players within 10 minutes of the official start time, the game will be cancelled and forfeited to the team with four (4) or more players. The ball size is a 28.5 Regulation size ball.

There will be league standings. Coaches must meet following game to identify share names of all-stars which shall be recorded in both teams’ books for verification. Home team must email scores and 3 all-star votes within 48 hours to the league commissioner. There will be playoffs; the playoff format will be determined at a later date. The home team must provide a timekeeper for each game. If a timekeeper can’t be recruited from the spectators, then the clock will be started, and time will run without stopping until a timekeeper is found. Scorebooks should be checked between teams at the end of each quarter for accuracy. In the event of a dispute, the home team’s book is the official book.

Substitutions:

The 5 starters must play the first (5) minutes of the quarter. The referee will blow the whistle as close to the 5-minute mark (within 10 seconds) as possible, and the clock will stop to allow the substitutes to enter the game. The clock shall stop at 5:00 of each quarter regardless of whistle. You may not substitute in the first 5 minutes unless there is an injury or if a player is fouled out. The substitutes must play the last 5 minutes of the quarter except due to injury or if he/she fouls out. All players must play at least half the game. The referee may allow a player to be substituted any time during the first 3 quarters if the player is in foul trouble with at least 3 fouls. If there is an illegal substitution the penalty is a technical foul, and the opposing team gets possession of the ball after two foul shots. If a player plays all of the first 5 minutes and into the 2nd 5 minutes of a quarter, you can substitute that player out at any time in the second half of that quarter.

Fouls:

A player fouls out of the game when accumulating five (5) fouls. Players will shoot two free throws starting at the 5th team foul of each quarter. When shooting free throws, players are allowed to enter the lane once the ball is released. However, the shooter and players behind him are only allowed to enter the lane once the ball hits the rim. If the ball does not hit the rim, it’s a dead ball and the defensive team will receive possession.

Playing Time:

Every player must play at least twenty (20) minutes of the game if he is physically capable. Disciplinary problems will be an exception to this rule. You must notify the opposing coach when presenting lineups that disciplinary actions are being imposed on a player(s). Also, notify the coordinator immediately after imposing the discipline--but prior to the game --as to the reason for the disciplinary action. If the league coordinator or Commissioner is informed that a coach is not following the playing time rule, the following action will be taken. A. The coach will be informed by the Commissioner of the complaint. The Commissioner or his delegate may elect to monitor the playing time of the cited team to see if the rule is being abused. B. If the rule is being abused, the coach will be informed on site. The coach will not be allowed to coach the team’s next two (2) games. The player/players who did not play the minimum amount of time will play the minimum time plus the amount they were shortchanged over the next two (2) games. A second violation of this rule will result in the offending coach being relieved of coaching privileges for the rest of the season. C. If the rules are abused during the playoffs, the Commissioner will enforce the rule as above. The playing time rule is still in effect for the playoffs!!

Overtime period:

After a one-minute overtime period has elapsed, the game can end in a tie. Playoff games cannot end in a tie.

Sportsmanship:

As a coach, it is very important to show good sportsmanship to your team and the opposing coach and his players. This is also true for the parents on the sidelines, so please be sure that they are aware of their responsibilities as spectators. Head coaches are expected to control the actions of their assistants, players and families. If a situation becomes dangerous or abusive to the referees or players, the referee is empowered to declare a forfeit for the offending team.

COACHES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR TEAM PARENTS AND CHILDREN. PLEASE FREQUENTLY NOTIFY ALL PARENTS AND CHILDREN THAT THERE ARE NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED IN ANY GYMS AT ANY TIME. NO OUTSIDE BASKETBALLS ARE ALLOWED IN THE GYMS AT ANY TIME. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!

 

(updated 8/8/2025)

Site Links

Valley A.A.

5895 Hulmeville Rd 
Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020
Phone : 215-752-9649
Email : [email protected]
Copyright © 2025 Valley Athletic Association  |  Privacy Policy |  Terms of Use  |  License Agreement |  Children's Privacy Policy | 
  Log In
Sports Connect