Bergen Travel Basketball League Rules
2010
Division: Third (3rd Grade)
BTBL will adhere to High School Basketball Rules with the following exceptions:
Basketball Size = 28.5 Basket Height = 10’ boys; 8.5’ girls
Time = 6 minute quarters; No Overtime; No running time
Roster Size = 10 Maximum
Playing Time = ½ of each game per player*
Foul line = Shoots 2 feet in front of regulation foul line. May go over line except to gain rebounding advantage
Fouls – Regular = 5 and out; Technical = 2 and out
Fighting and/or use of profanity – see general rules
Bonus = in effect on the 7th team foul
Fouling out = upon 5th individual foul including technical fouls
3 point shot = no
Full court press = never (it is inappropriate to use time outs to take advantage of the
backcourt 10 second rule)
Time Outs = 4 full one minute, no 30 second time outs
Overtime = no OT
Coaches on Bench = 2 maximum
Playoffs = none
REFEREES SHOULD REVIEW ALL RULES PRIOR TO GAME WITH BOTH TEAMS.
* When a team has 10 players there are no substitutions in any quarter. If you have less than 10 there are absolutely no substitutions in the first or third quarters. If you have less than 10 players present at a game the players who did not play in the first and third quarters will play all of the second and fourth quarters. Any remaining time in the second and fourth quarters is to be divided equally with the 5 players who played in the first and third. Each of the players who are substituting in the second and fourth should come into these quarters only once (no subbing in and out). Each coach should do the math and balance playing time. Treat the rules with respect for their intent. Treat your opponent as you would have them treat you. If a player shows up late in the first quarter they will play all of the second and fourth quarters. If a player shows up in the second quarter they should be inserted into the game ASAP and will also play the entire 4th quarter. If a player shows up after the half they should play only one full quarter. Under no circumstances should any player who was at the game from the beginning play more than 3 minutes more than any other player on the team. If a team breaks the 10 man roster limit they must work out their own rotation of players who come to a game. Only dress, warm up and play 10 players. By handling it in this manner all players and their parents will understand the situation and will not feel badly when it is their turn to sit out a game. The idea is let these kids play and coaches focus more on teaching than winning.
Coaches: It is strongly suggested you explain these rules to your players and their parents. Tell them this is a 3rd Grade Only Rule. Also, please tell your team parents to avoid getting involved from the stands. If an opposing coach is not following the rules it is your responsibility to rectify the situation. Tell your team parents it is inappropriate for them to get involved during the game. It sets a bad example of poor sportsmanship to the kids. The game is in the hands of the Referees and the Coaches, not the parents.
