Barnstormers Basketball Club
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College Division
Rules

3v3 Half-Court Rules

Hoop Height: 6 feet
Ball Size: 27.5”
Game Format: Two 8-minute halves with a 2-minute halftime
Scorekeeper: Volunteer keeps score and time
Coaches: Maximum of 2; may coach from the court during play

Offensive Rules

  • All players must play at least 50% of each game.

  • No timeouts.

  • Coaches should promote equal passing and ball-handling opportunities for all players.

  • Substitutions occur only during official breaks.

  • Violations (traveling, double dribble, etc.) do not stop play — use these as teaching moments.

  • Coaches and referees should actively guide players to encourage learning and understanding of the game.

Change of Possession

  1. After a defensive rebound or steal, the team gaining possession must clear the ball — both feet and the ball must be behind the clear line before attempting a shot.

  2. After a made basket, the opposing team must check the ball behind the arc before inbounding.

  3. Failure to clear the ball properly results in a loss of possession.

  4. The ball must be checked in with the defender before play begins, and the inbounder must pass the ball in (no dribbling across the clear line).

Defensive Rules

  • Players are matched up using colored wristbands.

  • Only man-to-man defense is allowed.

  • Defenders must stay within 6 feet of their assigned player.

  • No blocking shots or stealing directly from another player’s hands.

  • No double-teaming.

  • If a foul occurs, possession stays with the fouled team.

  • Players do not foul out — use fouls as learning opportunities.

NBA Division Rules

5 vs. 5 Full Court
Offensive Rules

  1. Hoops set at 8 feet.

  2. Score will be kept. Volunteer will keep score and time.

  3. Games: Two 12-minute halves, running clock.
    • 2-minute halftime

  4. Clock stops for timeouts, injuries, or referee requests.

  5. In the final minute (if lead ≤ 9 points), the clock stops for all dead balls.

  6. No overtime; tied games end as official ties.

  7. If a team leads by 20+ points, the score will freeze (game continues for development).

  8. All players play at least 50% of the game.

  9. Player rotation must be set before the game and followed.
    • If less than 10 players show, extra players should not play more than one half.

  10. One 1-minute timeout per half (not cumulative).

  11. Substitutions occur at the 6-minute mark of each half for both teams.

  12. A youth-size basketball (27.5) will be used.

  13. Jump ball starts the 1st quarter; alternating possession thereafter.

Defensive Rules

  1. Players assigned opponents via colored wristbands.

  2. Only man-to-man defense allowed — no zone defense.

    • First offense: warning

    • Subsequent: technical foul

  3. Defenders must stay within 6 feet of their player when inside the defensive zone (3-point line).

  4. Help defense/double teams allowed inside the key only (max 2 defenders).

  5. Half-court defense only — no full-court press.

  6. No free throws.

    • Fouled shooters earn 1 point and possession.

  7. 6+ fouls in a half → 1 point + possession to opponent.
    10+ fouls in a half → 2 points + possession.

  8. No player fouls out — use fouls as teaching moments.

  9. Technical fouls (player, coach, or fan) → 2 points + possession to opponent.