2003

Northern Burlington Instructional Basketball League

Mini-Ball (1st & 2nd Grade) Rules

GOAL:  To introduce and instruct the fundamentals of the game of basketball to first and second

grade girls and boys while providing time for them to recreate and have fun.

Playing Rules: As adopted by the National Federation Rules Committee and amended by agreement of participating Township Representatives.

Rule 1:            Players

            a.  Eligibility

            Mini-Ball League: Comprised of girls and boys (co-ed teams) in the 1st and 2nd grade, who have not reached their ninth birthday before October 1, 2002.

            b.  Substitutions

                        i.   Coaches must  play each individual one half of every game.  The league has determined that no roster shall contain more than 10 players, and the “ideal’ roster size is 8. The intent of the rule is to play each player as much as possible.  This is an instructional league, and players learn by practicing and playing.  Coaches are encouraged to substitute a few players at a time.  This procedure will provide continuity and allow players to participate with/against all other players. 

ii.  A 30-second timeout will be called at the midpoint of each quarter (3:45 to 4:15

mark) to allow for the substitution of players.  Preferably at a dead ball whistle or after a score, coaches will call out “SUBS” and play will stop.

iii.  Substitutions for emergencies or injuries may be made at any time.                 

Rule 2:            Equipment

            a.  The Ball     Size 5 (24-24.5 inches) or Junior Size.

            b.  Baskets      Eight-foot baskets will be used in this league.    

            c.  Uniforms    An effort has been made to equip all teams with uniform shirts that are different in color to any opponent they may play.  Players should be in proper uniform for all games, including uniform shirt, shorts and sneakers.

Rule 3:            Officials

            Officials will NOT be assigned to Mini-Ball games. HOWEVER, ONE coach from each team will be on the floor to blow the whistle or stop play at any time.  Coaches MUST control and stop the game to instruct players on rules, mechanics, fundamentals, defense, etc.  If allowed, the game will become too fast and too physical.  This must be controlled.

Rule 4:            Timing of Games

a.      8 minutes per quarter running clock throughout the game.

b.     3 minutes for halftime.

Rule 4A:  Time-outs

            a.   As needed or deemed necessary by the coaches of the teams.

2003 NBIBL Mini-Ball Rules

Rule 5: Scoring

            a.   No score shall be kept in Mini-Ball League play.

NO LEAGUE STANDINGS WILL BE KEPT FOR THE NBIBL.

THERE WILL BE NO FORMAL LEAGUE CHAMPION NAMED.

Rule 6: Alternating Possession

            In all jump ball situations other than the start of the game and the start of an overtime period,

teams will alternate taking the ball out of bounds for a throw-in.  The team not obtaining control of the jump ball will begin the alternating procedure.

Rule 7:  Defense

The purpose of the Mini-ball League is to instruct the basic fundamentals and build confidence.

In light of that, the defenses deployed should not be designed to win games, but to instruct players in the art of defending an individual or area. The rules listed below for the advanced leagues are included to inform the coaches of the type of progression that will be expected of the players as they move up in age and leagues.

Mini-Ball:  A 2-3 zone defense is mandatory for Mini-Ball League play.

No double-teaming at any time.  Coaches are encouraged to employ a “zone offense,” to ensure that the ball and ball-handler are not continually crowded.

·         NO FAST-BREAKING in Mini-Ball play.  Once the ball as been rebounded, sufficient time must be provided for the defense to “get back” to set up and defend their goal. 

·         Steals allowed on passes only.  A player is not permitted to physically steal the ball from another player.  A player may intercept a pass going from one opponent to another.

·         Defense at the foul line by two defensive players only.  The other three defensive players should be in the lower zones near the basket.           

Rookie: 

·         Defense at the top of the free throw circle by two defensive players only.  The other three defensive players should be in the lower zones near the basket. 

·         NO FULL COURT PRESSING AT ANY TIME.  No double-teaming unless the ball enters the lane. 

·         A ZONE DEFENSE is mandatory at this level. Every effort must be made to prevent the domination of the game by one or two players.

Minor:

·         Defense at half court after a dead ball or a score. NOTE:  The purpose of the half court defense rule is to allow players sufficient time to set-up offensive schemes.

·         A limited (2 man) press will be permitted (man to man only, no double-teaming) during the last two minutes of the game.

Major:   High school basketball rules apply.

Rule 8:  Fouls

            Mini:  Fouls will be called to educate the players on what is and is not allowed.  Play will simply continue after the whistle and an explanation, or the ball will be inbounded on the side.  On a limited basis (one foul shot per player, per game) shooting fouls will be introduced to educate the players in lining up for a foul shot and boxing out on a miss.  The foul line will be moved forward to an acceptable

distance (9 or 10 feet) depending on the individual.  No fouling out.

            Rookie:  Personal and shooting fouls will be called.  The foul line is moved forward to 12 feet.

Players will foul out of the game after six personal fouls. Overly aggressive play will be dealt with at the discretion of the game officials.

            Minors:   After seven team fouls, one foul shot and one bonus after making first.

Players will foul out of the game after five personal fouls.

            Majors:   After seven team fouls, one foul shot and one bonus after making first.

Players will foul out of the game after five personal fouls.

12/09/2002 – NBIBL