recreation league

grades 4 to 8

RECREATION BASKETBALL - Grades 4 to 8

BRANFORD YOUTH BASKETBALL

DIVISION RULES - Grades 4 to 8

These rules are designed to teach fundamental skills, promote fairness, and ensure all players have a positive developmental experience.

GAME FORMAT

• Warm-Up: Brief warm-up period before the game.
• Game Length: Four (4) 8-minute quarters.
• Timeouts:  2 timeouts per half per team (30 seconds each)
• Rotations:  Every 4 minutes (not a timeout - coaches must be ready)
• Foul Shots:  Clock stops for foul shots
• Halftime: 3-minute halftime.
• Ball Size:  Ball size 6 (28.5”), except the 7/8 boys' division will require players to use size 7 (29.5")
• Rim Height: 10-foot rims.
• Head Coach:  Only the head coach may stand and communicate with officials during the game.
• Assistant Coach:  Only (1) assistant coach per team if head coach permits and they shall remain on the bench if head coach is present during the game.
• Officials: The league provides all officials for games (referees, clock and scorebook)

PLAYING TIME

Substitutions (player rotations)

• Substitution pattern needs to be used.  No exceptions!
• The game at the 4-minute mark per quarter for substitutions.
• Free substitutions are allowed during the last 8- minutes
• All players must play in the last 8 minutes of the game.
• Player fouling out - you can pick from the bench, and that player can stay in if they are the next rotation

Injured Player

• If the injured player is ready to return before the rotation ends, they may re-enter. Replacement leaves and returns at their regular rotation.
• If the replacement finishes the rotation, they remain in and continue their normal shift.

Overtime

• 2 minutes of overtime
• Coach chooses any 5 players 
• No timeouts allowed

DEFENSE RULES

• Man-to-Man Defense Only
• No double-teaming
• No zone defense
• No Pressing
• Full court press is allowed in the first 3 quarters only if losing by 10 points or more
• If losing in the 4th quarter or OT, full-court press is allowed
• Otherwise, defense begins at half court
• Additional Defensive Guidelines
• Defense may not guard the ball until the offense reaches the 3-point line.
• After a rebound, offense may push the ball immediately; defense is not required to be set.

OFFENSE RULES

• Offense may not stall or hold the ball to kill the clock when leading late in the game.
• Emphasis on development: spacing, passing, dribbling, and team play.

VIOLATIONS

• Backcourt violations enforced
• 10 seconds to cross half court
• 5 seconds to inbound
• 3-second lane violation

FOULS & FREE THROWS

• 5 fouls per player
• 1-and-1 after 7 team fouls in a half
• 2 shots after 10 team fouls in a half
• Rebounders may enter the lane on the release; the shooter must wait for the ball to hit the rim 

POSSESSION & TRANSITION

• After rebounding or stealing, the offensive team may push the ball up the court without waiting for the defense to set up.
• Defense sets up once the offense crosses the 3-point line.

SUBSTITUTION PATTERN

A recommended substitution chart ensures all players receive:

• Equal playing time
• Opportunities to start
• Rotation through positions

The Player Rotation Chart can be downloaded here https://www.branfordbasketball.com/downloads