Game Rules

Game Rules & Structure

  • All games will use NFHS Rules (National Federation of State High School Associations), with the following tournament-specific modifications:

Game Format & Timing

  • 6th–8th Grade: Four 7-minute quarters (stop clock)

  • 4th–5th Grade: Four 6-minute quarters (stop clock)

  • The clock will continue running during timeouts and when a team leads by 20 or more points in the second half. Standard stop-clock procedures resume if the margin drops below 20 points.

Pre-Game & Breaks

  • Minimum 4-minute warm-up period

  • 2-minute halftime

  • 1-minute break between quarters

Timeouts

  • Three (3) total timeouts per game (60 seconds)

  • One additional timeout per overtime period (no carryover from regulation)

Fouls

  • Players foul out on their 5th personal foul

  • Team fouls are counted by quarter

  • Beginning with a team’s 5th foul in a quarter, and on all fouls after, two free throws are awarded.

  • Team fouls reset each quarter (EXCEPT for overtime)

Overtime

  • First overtime period are 2 minutes

  • Second overtime are 1 minute

  • Third overtime, sudden death will be used

Game Play Modifications

  • No full-court press or backcourt trapping when leading by 20+ points in the second half

  • 4th/5th Grade Only: Players may step over the free throw line as long as the shot is released from behind the line

Ball Specifications

  • Boys 4th–6th: 28.5 (unless both coaches agree to 29.5)

  • Boys 7th–8th: 29.5

  • All Girls: 28.5

  • Each team must provide a game ball; officials will select the game ball

Uniforms

  • Teams listed first/top: Home (light jerseys)

  • Teams listed second/bottom: Visiting (dark jerseys)

Tournament Guarantee

  • Each team is guaranteed a minimum of 4 games (2 Saturday, 2 Sunday)

Forfeits

  • Teams must have 5 players within 10 minutes of game time

  • If not, a 20–0 result may be recorded at the Tournament Director’s discretion

  • Games may still be played (i.e. 4 on 5) if both coaches agree

Scorekeeping

  • Officials and scorekeepers maintain the official score

  • Any discrepancies must be addressed during the game by coaches

  • Final scores stand at end of game

Sportsmanship Policy

  • All players, coaches, bench personnel, and spectators are expected to display appropriate sportsmanship at all times.

  • Behavior that is disrespectful, disruptive, or unsportsmanlike will not be tolerated.

  • Game officials have full authority over gameplay and participant conduct. All rulings made by officials are final.

  • The Tournament Director may remove any individual, including players, coaches, bench personnel, or spectators, whose behavior is considered inappropriate or disruptive.

Jewelry Policy

  • Jewelry is prohibited during all games.

  • In accordance with NFHS guidelines, jewelry may not be worn or covered. No exceptions will be made.

Referee Communication

  • Coaches should address concerns respectfully through the Court Supervisor

  • Parents must communicate concerns through their coach

Live Streaming

  • Streams are for viewing ONLY and will not be used to review or change any game decisions (score, time, call, etc)

Code of Conduct

Amity Sports recognizes the excitement and energy that come with tournament play. Players compete hard, coaches lead with passion, and fans bring great enthusiasm. Our goal is to provide a high-quality tournament experience with strong competition and a positive environment for everyone involved.

To make that possible, we expect all participants and spectators to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship.

All players, coaches, officials, and spectators are expected to act in a respectful and appropriate manner at all times, both on the court and in the stands. Negative or abusive behavior toward officials, tournament staff, or other participants will not be tolerated and may result in removal or suspension from the event. Officials and tournament staff maintain authority over conduct during and after games, including the ability to enforce penalties following the conclusion of a contest.

Any concerns regarding officiating must be communicated by the head coach to tournament staff in a respectful and professional manner.

Players or coaches who are ejected will serve a minimum one-game suspension unless otherwise determined by the Tournament Director. Any adult bench personnel who are ejected must leave the playing area immediately and remain out of sight and sound for the remainder of the game, with no further contact with the team.

During live play, only the head coach may stand. All other bench personnel must remain seated except during appropriate situations such as timeouts, communicating with the scorer’s table, or reacting to game play.

Amity Sports reserves the right to remove any player, coach, or spectator from any facility for behavior deemed inappropriate. This includes, but is not limited to, profanity, threatening language, taunting, or physical intimidation. Individuals who are removed may be suspended from future games or the remainder of the tournament. No refunds will be issued.

Severe misconduct, including physical altercations or violent behavior, will result in immediate removal from the event.

All incidents will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Tournament Director. Disciplinary action may include suspension of individuals or disqualification of teams from the tournament.

Above all, the safety and well-being of players, coaches, officials, and spectators is the top priority. Everyone is expected to be accountable for their actions and contribute to a positive tournament environment.

All players, coaches, and spectators are subject to this Code of Conduct.

Tournament Safety Policy

Providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants is a top priority for Amity Sports. The following guidelines are in place to support player safety throughout the tournament.

Player Injuries

Coaches and parents are responsible for the care and treatment of injured players.

Treatment of serious injuries is the responsibility of each team’s coaches and parents, including contacting emergency services by calling 911 when necessary. A coach, assistant coach, or parent should have a mobile phone available at all times during games. All serious incidents will be documented by Court Supervisors.

Final decisions regarding a player’s ability to return to play rest with the team’s coaches and parents.

Concussion Awareness

Player safety is a priority, especially regarding head injuries. While tournament staff will monitor games, the responsibility for evaluating and managing potential concussions lies with the team’s coaches and parents.

Players suspected of having a head injury should not return to play without proper evaluation.

Coaches are expected to be informed on concussion awareness and management, consistent with standards from the NFHS (NFHS Learn).