Southeast Nebraska Youth Basketball League
1. League Mission: The mission of this league is the development of youth basketball skills
for grades 3rd through 8th . The opportunity for each participant to receive fair playing time
is encouraged. If a community has two or more teams per grade, the teams should be divided
equally.
2. Possession: First possession will be determined by a jump ball. Each quarter’s possession is
determined by the next ball possession per alternating possession rules.
3. Clock: Four ten minute quarters will be played with one minute between quarters and a
three-minute half time. The game will be played with a running clock. The clock will not stop
for fouls and free throws. The clock will stop at time outs and player injuries. The clock will
stop at all whistles during the last minute of the game if the score is within 10 points. Games
will be played in time allotted.
4. Tie Breaker: If the game ends in a tie, there will be a two-minute overtime with first
possession determined by a jump ball. If the overtime ends in a tie, a free throw sudden
death will be conducted. Each team will select five players to shoot. The teams will take
alternate shots, with the game being decided by the team that makes the most points of the
five shots taken. Only players that are eligible to play at the end of the game may shoot in
overtime.
5. Time outs: Each team will be awarded four time outs per game; two time outs per half. A
coach and/or player may call a time-out. If a third time out is called in a half, a warning will
be given. If a fourth time out is called, a technical will be given. No time outs can be carried
over into overtime. If overtime occurs, each team will have one time out to use in this
two-minute period.
6. Fouls: A player is allowed five fouls per game or one technical foul. Players who have fouled
out are not allowed to play if overtime occurs.
7. Bonus penalty: Bonus penalty goes into effect on the 7th team foul for each half. On the
10th team foul and thereafter, teams will shoot two free throws.
8. Technical Fouls: Technical fouls are given at the discretion of the official. A technical foul
called against a player or a coach will result in two free throws awarded to opposing team.
Players receiving a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct must sit out the remainder of
game. Coaches receiving a second technical foul will be required to leave the facility.
9. Substitutions: Substitutions are only allowed during a dead-ball situation. Players subbing
in must report to the scorer’s table. Referees may call for a substitution after a basket.
10. Equipment/Uniform: Players may not wear any jewelry to include watches, rings,
dangling earrings, necklaces, friendship bracelets, etc. Post earrings that are taped are
allowed.
11. Offense
a. Free Throws – 5th -8th grades will use the regulation lane markings for free throws
and are not allowed to cross those lines at any time. 3rd and 4th grades will shoot
from a 12’ line. If this line is not taped, use the first free-throw lane hash mark.
b. The 3-second lane violation rule will be enforced.
c. The ball must be brought into the forecourt within ten seconds.
d. The over-and-back rule does apply.
e. Fast Break – Fast break is allowed for all grade levels until a team has a 15-point
lead. Teams with a 15-point lead who are being pressed may fast break.
f. Stalling - There is to be no stalling during any point of game. For third and fourth
grades, the game clock will not start during the last minute of the game, on dead ball
situations, until the ball reaches the front court. The clock will continue during live
ball situations. Time keepers must pay attention to referees “chopping in” the clock.
12. Defense
a. Press – 5th -8 th grades can full-court press any time up to a 15-point differential. If
there is more than 15-point differential, as soon as the defense gets the ball, offense
must go down court to become defense.
b. 3rd and 4th grades may not play defense beyond half court line. Full-court press is
not allowed.
13. Rim Height – 3rd girls will play at 8’ rims with 3rd boys and 4th girls at 9’ rims. All other
grades will play using 10’ rims. If a school does not have the capability to lower rims to a
certain height, hoop inserts will be used.
14. Basketball Sizing – 3rd and 4th grades (girls and boys) will use a 27.5” youth ball. 5 th - 8
th grades (boys and girls) will use a 28.5” women’s size ball.
15. Official Requirements - Towns are required to have at least one NSAA official on each
court. A coach from each team and a lead official should meet prior to the start of each game.
The home coach is encouraged to initiate this meeting. When playing at a neutral site, teams
must split officiating costs. The host site must make this cost known prior to game play.
16. Head Coach – Each team should designate one head coach. This is the only coach to be
standing during a game and communicating with referees.
17. Volunteers - Help is required from each team to assist with scorekeeping and timing of the
game. The home team shall provide one adult to operate the score clock and keep book. The
visitor shall provide one adult to keep the official score book.
18. Player Information - Players from other grades are only allowed to play up if a team does
not have enough players. A team of seven players does not need additional players. If a team
has less than seven players for a game, a younger player may play up. A player may never
play down a grade level. Teams cannot split into two teams unless there are 14 players
and into three teams if there are 22 players. If a player is being borrowed, either from a
younger team or from a team in the same grade level, this player may only appear in two
quarters of this additional game, a single appearance in any quarter no matter the time, will
be a “used” quarter. Sharing players during the season tournament is not allowed. All teams
must submit rosters prior to the first game of league play.
19. Coach/Parent Conduct - Coaches and parents are reminded that they are setting an
example for all players. Good sportsmanship should be used at all times.
20. - All other rules should follow NSAA standards.