League Rules

Above The Rim 113 – Official Rules & Regulations

1. Purpose of the League

2. Player Eligibility

Our mission is providing a secure environment for youth to compete and refine their basketball talents. Each squad competes in two matches weekly. The campaign spans seven weeks ending with a fourteen-day championship bracket to crown the top team in every age category.

Strictly youth participants based on division guidelines. Eligibility is determined by birth year; for example, anyone turning twelve this year must be born in 2014. Registration and waivers are mandatory for all. Only listed roster members are permitted on the court.

3. Safety First

4. Game Format

Accessories like watches or jewelry are forbidden. Proper athletic footwear is required. Play halts instantly for injuries. Officials and coaching staff reserve the right to sideline any player displaying signs of physical distress or injury.

Half-court 3-on-3 play. Teams require 4 to 5 players total. A minimum of 3 starters must be present. Schedule times vary; please arrive 10 minutes prior to tip-off. Teams failing to appear when called will be charged with an automatic loss for that game.

5. Game Length & Clock

6. Scoring

Matches consist of 12 minutes with a continuous clock. Time does not pause for fouls, turnovers, or scoring. No timeouts allowed. The final horn sounds after 12 minutes. In the event of a draw, the first squad to score in overtime will be declared the winner.

Inside the arc counts for 1. Beyond the arc counts for 2. Foul shots count for 1. The highest score at the buzzer wins. There is no requirement to win by two points.

7. Possession & Check Ball

8. Fouls & Free Throws

Following a score, the opposing team starts at the top of the perimeter. The ball must go to the official; play goes live once handed back. Possession starts with a mandatory pass. Defensive rebounds require clearing the arc. Steals or blocks do not require clearing.

Standard regulations apply: no grabbing or tripping. Non-shooting violations result in a check-ball at the top. Shooting fouls: if made, basket counts plus one shot; if missed, one shot awarded followed by change of possession. Penalty kicks in at eight team fouls with possession kept.

9. Substitutions & Coaches

10. Defense & Contact

For ages 8–9 and 10–11, every team must have a coach; if one isn't available, the league will assign a representative. For ages 12–13 and 14–15, coaches are optional. Subs enter on dead balls and must check in. All player rotations must be managed fairly.

Focus on clean defensive play. Manual checking and body contact are strictly prohibited. Maintain respect: no taunting or insults.

11. Uniforms & Equipment

12. Sportsmanship Expectations

Numbered team shirts must be worn. Athletic shorts are required. Players should provide their own hydration. Ball sizes: 28.5 used for 8-11 age groups; full-size 29.5 used for all divisions older than 12.

Players: Honor officials and opponents. Coaches (Ages 8-11): Prioritize development and effort while staying professional. Spectators: Support every child on the court; refrain from criticizing the refs or the opposing coaching staff.

13. Parent Conduct

14. Referees & Disputes

Please remain in the bleachers. Sideline coaching by fans is banned. Hostile language or aggression will not be tolerated. The league maintains the authority to eject spectators. Consistent violations may result in the permanent removal of the family.

The referee's call is absolute. Issues regarding officiating should be addressed with management afterward, not during play.

15. Cancellations

16. Consequences

Inclement weather or gym trouble may lead to delays. Updates will be posted on the site or sent via text. While we strive to rearrange missed games, rescheduling is not always guaranteed.

This is a youth-centric league focused on positivity. Actions threatening safety or respect result in: Warnings, Technicals, Ejection from the venue, Season suspension, or Permanent ban without any possibility of a financial refund.

Every attendee is required to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a quality experience for the children.