WVAL Rules
2024-2025 Basketball Rules
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- No minimum number of athletes on a team. There is no minimum playing time for each athlete. It is suggested that teams carry at least 10 athletes and play athletes equally when possible.
- Coaches need to clarify WVAL rules with the referees prior to the start of the game.
- Jump ball starts the game – there after alternate possessions.
- 8th Grade: 7-minute quarters / stop-clock
- 6th & 7th Grade: 2 – (20) twenty-minute halves played, running clock.
- The clock turns into a stop-clock at 2:00 if the game score is within 9 points or less.
- All grade levels will play a 3-minute stop-clock overtime period. The 3-minute OT period will repeat itself until the game ends with a winner & loser.
- When shooting free throws and a timeout is called, clock starts when ball is touched after a throw-in following a made free throw or when the ball is touched in bounds on a missed free throw
- Time outs: All grades: 5 full timeouts per game, one additional for overtime.
- Each home team shall provide TWO ADULT referees for every game. Home scorebook and board should preferably be a trained adult. The home team is responsible for the official scorebook.
- Referees time out for:
- Referees to discuss rules.
- Injuries
- 5 seconds to get the ball in bounds. 10 seconds to get the ball over the centerline.
- Backcourt violation is enforced.
- Smaller gyms move the backcourt line to the hitting line from the volleyball court, or top of the key.
- Line is discussed with both coaches and officials at the start of the game.
- Players may rebound the ball after the release of the ball on a free throw.
- When up by 25 points, the stop-clock turns into a running clock (8th grade only) and no full court press and must stay within the 3-pt line (all grades); no mercy rule for finals.
- 8th grade stopped clock: Shoot 2 free throws on the 5th team foul. Fouls clear at the end of each quarter.
- 6th & 7th grade running clock : Shoot 2 free throws on the 5th team foul. Foul clear at the 10:00 minute mark for each half.
- A player fouls out of the game on their 5th personal foul.
- Technical fouls count as personal and team fouls. Two technical fouls and a player, or coach, is ejected from the game.
- 20. No unsportsmanlike cheering towards players, coaches, or referees.
- Yelling at the referees or coaches.
- Cheering during the opposing team’s free throws.
- Cheering the other team’s failures (missed shot/free throw).
- CONSEQUENCES:
- 1st offense: warning from the referee.
- 2nd offense: technical on opposing crowd (2 shots)
- 3rd offense: close the facility.
- No watches, hair coloring, markings, or jewelry on the court.
- No food, drinks, or GUM in the playing facilities. Water only in all gyms.
- No air horns allowed
- 3 points goals allowed for ALL GRADE LEVELS, in gyms that have a 3 point line.
- West Only-
- EDS & ML multi-use room/gym - No backcourt calls or backcourt pressure - Coach should let the referee know.
- Three grade levels may be broken down to 5/6, 6/7, or 7/8.
- All girls teams and 6th grade boys use 28.5” basketballs. 7th & 8th boys use 29.5” basketballs.
- Roster should be set before the start of the 2nd game.
- No watches, hair coloring, markings, or jewelry on the court.
- WEST Only: Finals to be played at MN or ML