Basketball Tournament Rules

• REFUND POLICY: Once Tournament is Scheduled and are finalized, NO REFUNDS will be issued.
• All divisions will be determined by the player's age as of 9/29/2023. Players may move up in age groups, but cannot move down. Coaches should contact a United Sports Academy Team Member for any necessary adjustments.
• The home team, as listed on the official schedule, will sit to the left of the scorer's table (if facing it) or on the right side if beside it. Teams will warm up on the opposite side of their benches and shoot on that basket for the first half.

Teams are requireed to warm-up on the opposite side of their benches and shoot on that basket for the first half of the game. It is crucial for teams to start the game with 5 players, with a 5-minute grace period from the scheduled game time. Failure to comply will result in a forfeit with a score of 15-0. The home team is responsible for keeping the official scorebook, while the away team is in charge of the game clock. Additionally, all teams must clean their bench areas before leaving the court after each game. Remember to report the final score and stats to the site director. Players and coaches are expected to show good sportsmanship at all times, including the shaking of hands after each game. Spectators will not be allowed to harass players from the opposing team or officials.

• For 9-11 players the ball size will be 28.5 inches and free throws will be taken from 14 feet away. If applicable, all girls divisions will also use the 28.5" ball. The backcourt timeline for 9-11 players will be 10 seconds, while free throws will have a 10-second shot clock.
  
  
• For boys in the 12-14 age groups, the ball size will be slightly larger at 29.5 inches and free throws will be taken from 15 feet away. Girls who play co-ed in the 12u-14 divisions will also use the 29.5" ball. The backcourt timeline for 12-14u boys will remain at 10 seconds, while the shot clock for free throws will be 8 seconds.
  
  

  Technical fouls: If a coach or player receives a technical foul, the other team is awarded 2 points and the ball. There will not be a shot taken for the technical foul. Players or coaches who receive two technical fouls in a game are ejected from that game.
  .
  Pressing:  Pressing is allowed in all divisions with the following exceptions. 9-11u are only allowed to press during 4th quarter. All division leading teams cannot press if the lead exceeds 20 points in any game.
  
  Fouls: 10 team fouls – One and One, Each player is allowed 5 personal fouls.
  
  Game Length & Clock:9-11u will play (2-16minute halves), 12u-14u will play (2-16minute halves).
  with a continuous running clock stopping only for the following conditions: The clock will stop on all referee’s whistles during the last 1 minute of each half.
   -A referee’s whistle for injuries.
   -A granted timeout by either team.
   -Any other delay deemed necessary by the officials (Game equipment problem, etc.).
  - A five-minute pre-game warm-up will be given to all teams.
  - Half-time will be three minutes in length.
  - If a team is trailing by more than 20 points, the clock will not stop in the second half unless the score drops below 20 points. Please check the posted times for any changes.
  - Games may start early if we are ahead of schedule, so it is advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to each game unless you are the first game of the day.
  - Game time is game time. If a team arrives just prior to the start of the game, they will not have any minutes to warm-up.
  
  Timeouts: Each team is entitled to two 45 sec time outs per half. Un-used time outs DO NOT carry over to the second half.

  Overtime Rules: If the score is tied at the end of regulation, one additional period of 2-minutes will be played. Clock will stop on all referee’s whistles during the last 1 minute of each quarter.
  If the score remains tied after one overtime period, a second un-timed overtime period will be played with the first team to score declared the winner.
  Since overtime is an extension of the second half, each team will receive one additional timeout. No extra timeouts are issued for the sudden death period 4. Timeouts do not carry over. Fouls do carry over.
   
  Team Rosters:
  1. Team roster must be submitted before the 1st game. Team roster is
  limited to 10 players. All players shall play for only one team. Teams will 
  not be permitted to participate until all fees have been paid in full. 
  2. All teams must wear basketball jerseys/shirts  during their games. Each jersey/shirt
  must have the same color and they must have numbers.  No white tees, muscle shirt. Basketball shoes 
  must be worn on the court at all times. All jewelry must be removed-Necklaces, earrings and 
  watches can not be worn during the game. 
  3.The team coaches are entirely responsible to make sure that their players
  fully understand tournament rules and regulations. All coaches are responsible for having 
  proof of student status (school photo ID  or report card)
  4.Each participating team must have an adult coach on the bench at all
  times. All players must have signed a wavier/liability form and an official 
  roster sheet prior to the start of the first game.
  
  Bench Personnel: Only those persons whose names appear on the roster sheet may sit on the players’ bench. This is 
  limited to 10 players and no more than 2 coaches for a maximum of 12 persons.
  
  Coaching responsibilities:
  Each volunteer coach is charged with the responsibility of keeping his/her team players informed of all 
  matter relating to this league. Coaches must stay in the coach’s box which is the length of the chairs 
  (bench). Coaches will be given one warning and a technical foul if the problem persists. One coach is 
  allowed to stand during the game. Maximum of two coaches on the bench. Coaches must be dressed 
  appropriately.
  Coaches are responsible for the actions of their players, bench personnel and fans. Coaches and players will be ejected on the second technical foul for the remainder of the tournament and if a fan is ejected,
   they will not be allowed back in for the remainder of the event and will not be given a refund. A player, coach or fan that is ejected for fighting will be ejected for the remainder of the tournaments per Tournament Director.
   Be a good role model! 
  
  
  

  Each team must BRING THEIR OWN MEDICAL SUPPLIES: there will be NO TRAINER on site if needed.

  Rosters and Proof of Grade
  Rosters are not necessary for all United Sports Academy  tournaments.  For United Sports Academy Tournaments, just in case of a protest of a players grade, a team should have with them at all times a report card for proof of grade.

  
  

  Application of Rules
  • The Tournament Director may modify the Tournament Rules when the Tournament Director deems it in 
  the best interests of the tournament to do so and all teams, coaches, players, and attendees will be bound 
  by any such.
  
  Removing Wristband – entry bands must remain on the wrist at all times while in gym; removing will require repayment.