Rules and Regulations | bballnationals

RULES AND REGULATIONS

A player can not play for multiple teams. Breaking this rule will result in games forfeited.

Teams forfeiting games will be flagged for the following year's tournament.

2026 Age Grid

Division: Birthday

U10: Born Sep 1 2015 or later

U11: Born between Sep 1 2014 and Aug 31 2015

U12: Born between Sep 1 2013 and Aug 31 2014

U13: Born between Sep 1 2012 and Aug 31 2013

U14: Born between Sep 1 2011 and Aug 31 2012

U15: Born between Sep 1 2010 and Aug 31 2011

U16: Born between Sep 1 2009 and Aug 31 2010

U17: Born between Sep 1 2008 and Aug 31 2009

U18: Born between Sep 1 2007 and Aug 31 2008

Open: This division is for athletes who have graduated high school

Competition Format

Each team plays six games
Each game consists of two 16-minute stop-time halves
Three-minute overtime period and double overtime is sudden death (first basket wins)
Running time may apply if there's a 30-point difference in the second half

Game Ball

All teams should bring their own warm-up balls. Teams will mutually agree to use one of their warm-up balls during the game
A size 6 will be used for girls games
A size 7 will be used for boys games, a size 6 ball for boys U10/11 division. The U12 boys division will use a size 7 ball unless both teams mutually agree to use a size 6 instead

Warm-Up and Half Time

Pregame warm-ups will last a minimum of FIVE (5) minutes
The halftime break will be TWO (2) minutes

Scheduling and Referees

The first listed team in the draw is the home team and should wear the light-colored uniforms, unless one team does not have home and away color uniforms. Teams may make arrangements among themselves to change this guideline. Teams MUST bring both uniform tops to all games if they have them

Rules

A player who has committed SIX (6) personal fouls must leave the game immediately
Bonus will take place on the 8th foul in each half - teams will shoot 2 foul shots
All other FIBA rules will still apply
There are not any restrictions on the use of zone presses or zone defences in any division, no matter point differential
The (closer) marked three-point line will be used for all ages except for the Open Division. The (further) marked FIBA three-point line (6.25m) will be used for the Open Divisions.
U10 may jump over the free throw line when shooting foul shots

Rosters and Jerseys

Team rosters become "frozen" after the start of a team's first game.
Teams must have official, matching jerseys for their games.
Each player on a team requires a unique jersey number - no tapped numbers.

Time Outs

Each team is granted four (4) timeouts per game, a maximum of two (2) timeouts per half. Each timeout will last sixty (60) seconds. Overtime will see one (1) timeout per team (no carryovers into OT). Timeouts must be requested through the score table and will be granted at the next stoppage in play.

Code of Conduct and Spirit of the Game

Team coaches are responsible for the conduct and supervision of their players and fans/parents. Unacceptable behaviour may result in the culprit being banned from the gym for the remainder of the tournament
Inappropriate actions or behaviour of players, coaches or spectators will not be tolerated. The decisions of the Tournament Officials and Organizers are final. The Canada Basketball Code of Conduct will be in effect throughout the tournament. Any player or coach who is ejected from a game will face a mandatory 1 game suspensions (i.e. will not be able to participate in the following game).
No external advertisements are permitted.

Tie-Breaking Procedures

The final pool standings are to be determined by the best win/loss records of the teams.
In case of ties, the fist tie breaker is head-to-head matchups.
If there is a three way tie and the head to head does not solve the tie-breaker, the tie will be broken in the following order:
1. Total Point Differential between the 3 games played (point differential for any single game is capped at +/- 25)
2. Total Points Allowed between the 3 games played
3. Total Points Scored between the 3 games played
If head-to-head is not applicable, all pool play games count towards tie-breakers, not only head to head matchups. If the teams are tied (hold identical records at the end of pool play), the tie will be broken in the following order:

Point Differential between ties teams (point differential for any single game is capped at +/- 25)
Total Points Allowed
Total Points Scored

Team Challenge Policy: Challenging Player Age or Team Roster

To ensure fair competition and uphold the integrity of our event, the following rules apply to any team challenge regarding player age or roster legitimacy:

Who Can File a Challenge:
Only the Head Coach or Club Manager of a team may submit a formal challenge regarding a player’s age or a team’s roster.
Challenge Timing:
- All challenges must be submitted prior to the start of the challenged team’s next game.
- Challenges submitted after a game has concluded will not affect that game’s outcome.
Challenge Process:
- The challenge must be submitted in writing to the Tournament Director or Site Coordinator.
- Include the team name, player number and name (if known), and specific reason for the challenge.
- A challenge fee of $100 may be required. This fee will be refunded if the challenge is successful.
Verification:
- The tournament committee will review the player's identification and any required documentation (such as proof of age or eligibility).
- All information will be handled with confidentiality and respect.
Consequences for Ineligible Players:
- If a player is found to be ineligible, their team may be subject to forfeiture of games, disqualification, or other penalties at the discretion of the Tournament Director.
False or Frivolous Challenges:
- Submitting baseless or repeated challenges may result in disciplinary action against the challenging team, including fines or suspension from further tournament participation.

Thank you for helping us maintain a fair and respectful competition environment.