RULES

ALL DIVISIONS ARE GOVERNED BY THE FOLLOWING “ACROSS THE BOARD” RULES:

• • Four (4) 8-minute quarters, clock stops for shooting fouls, one-minute time outs, and last two (2) minutes of the game.

  • Four (4) total one-minute timeouts per game, plus one additional time out per overtime period.

  • In case of ties, overtime period(s) will be two minutes. Overtime periods will be limited to three (3) periods. There may be an exception during tournament play. Clock will run during 1st minute, clock stops for shooting fouls and dead balls during final minute of overtime period.

  • Forfeits will be declared at 5 minutes after the hour of scheduled game time.  A team must consist of five (5) eligible (on the roster) team players.  In the case of a forfeit, a scrimmage game may take place but must be conducted following the rules set forth and adopted by the TBA Board of Directors beginning with the 2024-2025 season:

    • Teams may "trade" players to ensure each team has at least five (5) players.

    • Quarters will consist of six (6) minute running clock that will only stop for time-outs.

    • Each team will have one (1) time-out per half.

    • The scorekeeper on duty will record the game activity as normal (fouls, points, running score, etc.) and the scoreboard will display time only as the winner was already declared via the forfeit.
      MERCY RULE:  Mandatory zone defense inside the 3 point line while opponent has a 20 point lead until the lead has been cut to 15 points. Clock will not stop during last two minutes of game as long as Mercy Rule is in effect.

  • PLAYING TIME:  ALL team members MUST be allowed EQUAL playing time.  Every player MUST participate in a minimum of two (2) FULL quarters each game or sixteen total minutes in all league games with a ten person roster is present. If a team is playing with less than their ten \person roster due to absences, NO PLAYER shall be allowed to play more than four (4) minutes more than any other player.  Should a team violate this rule, they will be required to sub at the 4-minute mark and at the end of a quarter.  An exception will only be made for injury or a fouled out player.  This rule allows players time to be tracked by the scoring table admin.   
    Tournament Exception - Every player to participate in a minimum of one (1) full quarter per game.

  • All players shall be advised that no personal basketballs will be permitted in the gym. Only TEAM balls are allowed and shall be monitored by the coaches to be used on the court during pre-game warm-ups.

  • All foul shooting will be from the standard foul lines on courts with the exception of the COED division.

  • All coaches, players and parents must adhere to the TBA Code of Conduct (available on website).

  • Any coach or player receiving two (2) technical fouls, at any time, during the season, will be expelled for the remainder of the season, including tournament play without refund. 

  • UNIFORM DRESS: All players who choose to wear a T-Shirt under their game jerseys during league play, shall be advised that said T-Shirt MUST BE WHITE, and either sleeveless or short sleeved.  No bandanas.  Additionally league officials strongly discourage leggings and/or arm sleeves. If necessary, they MUST ALSO BE WHITE. Uniform Topsail Basketball shorts MUST be worn as part of the game uniform.  Shorts other than the TBA uniform shorts are not permitted during game play. 

• • Man to man defense only - no trapping or double teaming

  • Defense may not pick-up until ball crosses half court, except for the last two (2) minutes of the game

  • Defense may not pick-up until ball is inside the 3 point line while Mercy Rule is in effect

  • Rim height - 8' / Intermediate Basketball Size - 28.5

  • Foul shots will be taken from a marked line closer than the standard foul line

• • Man to man defense only - no trapping or double teaming

  • Defense may not pick-up until ball crosses half court, except for the last two (2) minutes of the game

  • Rim height - 9' / Intermediate Basketball Size - 28.5

• • Defense of choice (zone/man) – Mercy Rule does apply

  • Defense may not pick-up until ball crosses half court, except for the last two (2) minutes of each half

  • Rim height – 10’

  • Boys Basketball Size - Intermediate 28.5 

  • Girls Basketball Size - Intermediate 28.5

• • Defense of choice (zone/man) – Mercy Rule does apply

  • Rim Height – 10’

  • Boys Basketball Size - Full Size 29.5