INTERLOCK BASKETBALL LEAGUE (IBL) – YOUTH BASKETBALL BY-LAWS (2026)
League Purpose
The Interlock Basketball League (IBL) is committed to providing a competitive,
developmental, and safe youth basketball environment. All coaches, players, and
spectators must follow these bylaws to ensure fairness, integrity, and respect throughout
the season.
Age Divisions
Age divisions are determined by the player’s age as of January 1st of the playing year.
• 6U – 6 years old and under
• 8U – 8 years old and under
• 10U – 10 years old and under
• 12U – 12 years old and under
Player Eligibility & Certification
All IBL players must be fully certified through the league before participating in any game.
Players may play up an age level.
Players are not allowed to play down under any circumstances. Any player playing up must
be listed on both rosters (primary team and the team they are playing up for).
Any player found playing in an age group they are not eligible for will be removed from the
league.
Any team caught knowingly using an illegal player will be removed from the league and all
games may be forfeited.
Coaches & Sideline Rules
A maximum of 3 coaches are allowed on each team’s bench.
Coaches must maintain professional conduct at all times.
Any coach who abuses referees, players, or spectators with language or behavior will be
ejected immediately — no warning.
If a coach is removed from a game, they will be suspended for the following game.
Further disciplinary actions may be taken for repeated incidents.
Officials
All officials must be approved by IBL or hosting team.
Minimum 1 referee is permitted for 6U games. 2 referees for 8U and up.
Referee decisions are final.
Any abuse from players, coaches, or spectators toward referees may result in ejection and
further league discipline.
Sportsmanship & Conduct
Players, coaches, and spectators must display respect and good sportsmanship at all
times. Fighting, threats, or unsportsmanlike conduct may result in suspension or removal
from the league. IBL reserves the right to issue suspensions or remove participants for
repeated misconduct.
Game Rules By Age Division
6U Division Rules
Goal height: 6 or 8 feet - Ball: 28.5 size
Game Format-
Halves: 10 minutes or (4) 5-minute quarters
Halftime: 2 minutes
Timeouts: 2 per half (35 seconds to 1 minute time out)
Gameplay Rules-
• Players may steal the ball only on a pass (no on-ball steals).
• Very lenient travel and double-dribble enforcement to support learning.
• No full-court press at any time.
• Man-to-man or zone defense allowed.
• Clock will run continuously until the referee stops the clock.
• Minimum of 1 referee allowed.
8U Division Rules
Goal height: 8 feet - Ball: 28.5 size
Game Format-
Halves: 12 minutes or (4) 6-minute quarters
Halftime: 2 minutes
Timeouts: 2 per half (35 seconds to 1 minute time out)
Gameplay Rules-
• Steals allowed only on a pass
• Lenient calls on travel and double dribble.
• Full-court press allowed in the last 2 minutes of each half only.
• No pressing when leading by 20 points or more.
• Clock will run continuously until the referee stops the clock.
• Players foul out at 5 fouls. After 5 team fouls players will shoot 1 and 1 free throws.
10U Division Rules
Regulation hoops - Ball: 28.5 size
Game Format-
Halves: 12 minutes or (4) 6-minute quarters
Halftime: 2 minutes
Timeouts: 2 per half (35 seconds to 1 minute time out)
Gameplay Rules-
• Standard basketball rules.
• Full-court press allowed in the last 2 minutes of each half.
• No pressing when leading by 20 points or more.
• Clock will run continuously until the referee stops the clock.
• Players foul out at 5 fouls. After 5 team fouls players will shoot 1 and 1 free throws
12U Division Rules
Regulation hoops - Ball: Men’s basketball
Game Format-
Halves: 12 minutes or (4) 6-minute quarters
Halftime: 2 minutes
Timeouts: 2 per half (35 seconds to 1 minute time out)
Gameplay Rules-
• Standard basketball rules.
• No pressing when leading by 20 points or more.
• Clock will run continuously until the referee stops the clock.
• Players foul out at 5 fouls. After 5 team fouls players will shoot 1 and 1 free throws.