INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL RULES

RULE 1  THE GAME, COURT & EQUIPMENT

 

SECTION 1: THE GAME

The game shall be played between two (2) teams of five (5) players. Each team may play with four players otherwise the game will be a forfeit, a no show or loss by default.

SECTION 2: WINNING TEAM

The teams shall be awarded points for scoring according to the rules and unless the game is forfeited, the team having the larger score at the end of the game shall be the winning team. In case of a tie, over-time will be played. (Refer to tie game ruling Rule 4, Section 3).

SECTION 3: JERSEYS

Each team may check out identification jerseys from the equipment room or have numbered jerseys or their own. Jerseys shall be worn right side out with the number clearly marked and visible when reporting on the court. (If using Intramural scrimmage vests, each player must wear shirt under the vest.)

SECTION 4: ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT

No player may wear equipment that is dangerous to other players or designed to gain an advantage of height or reach. Hard or unyielding substances no matter how well covered or padded, jewelry of any type or headwear other than headbands are illegal.

SECTION 5: THE BALL

The official ball shall be either leather or composition covered and shall be of regulation size. Teams must use ball provided by the Intramural Department unless both teams mutually agree upon another ball. 

RULE 2  PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES

SECTION 1: THE CAPTAIN

The captain is the representative of the team and may address an official on matters of interpretation or to obtain essential information. Any player may address an official to request a time-out or permission to leave the court.

SECTION 2: SUBSTITUTES

Substitutes desiring to enter the game shall report to the scorer's table. Scorer shall sound the horn when the ball is dead. Substitute shall remain outside the boundary until an official beckons him/her whereupon he/she shall enter immediately.

SECTION 3: BENCH

 All substitutes must stay on the bench until ready to report into the game.

SECTION 4: NUMBERS

Teams may not charge jersey numbers unless more than ten players are used in a game. Scorekeeper and officials must be notified prior to entry into the game. A technical foul will be given for failure to comply.

RULE 3 - DEFINITIONS

 SECTION 1: IN CONTROL: PLAYER -TEAM

A player is in control when he/she is holding a live ball or dribbling it. A team is in control when a player of the team is in control and also while a live ball is being passed between teammates. There is not team control: during a jump ball, a throw-in, during the tapping of a rebound or after the ball is in flight during a try for a goal.

SECTION 2: FOUL

A foul is an infraction of the rules that is charged and penalized.

1. Foul, Common - A common foul is a personal foul, which is neither flagrant nor intentional, nor committee against a player trying for field goal, nor a part of a double or multiple foul.

2. Foul, Flagrant - A flagrant foul is an unsportsmanlike act and may be a personal or technical foul of a violent or savage nature or a technical non-contact foul that displays vulgar or abusive conduct. It man or may not be intentional

3. Foul, Intentional - An intentional foul is a personal or technical foul that in the judgment of the official appears to be designed or premeditated. It is not based on the severity of the act.

4. Foul, Personal - A personal foul is a player foul that involves contact with an opponent while the ball is alive or after the ball is in possession of a player fro a throw-in.

5. Foul, Technical - A technical foul is: a foul by a non-player or a player foul which does not involve contact with an opponent or a player foul which involves unsportsmanlike contact with an opponent while the ball is dead, except as indicated in last clause of (4) above.

6.  **ALL TECHNICAL FOULS SHALL COUNT AS PERSONAL FOULS.

SECTION 3: HELD BALL

Occurs when opponents have hands so firmly on the ball that control cannot be obtained without undue roughness.

SECTION 4: SCREEN

A screen is legal action by a player who, without causing contact, delays or prevents an opponent from reaching a desired position.

SECTION 5: TRAVELING

Moving a foot or feet in any direction in excess of the prescribed limits while holding the ball. A player must have control of the ball before he/she can travel.

RULE 4 -SCORING AND TIMING REGULATIONS

SECTION 1: SCORING

1. A successful try from the field beyond the nineteen-foot nine-inch line counts three points for the team into whose basket the ball is thrown. (For a successful three-point field goal, the player must have one or both feet on the floor and beyond the three-point line when attempting the shot. After the release of the ball, one may land on the line or in any part of the two-point area. Touching the line places the shooter in the two-point area. There is no relation to the plane regarding the position of the shooter.) A goal from the field other than from the three-point area counts two points for the team into whose basket the ball is thrown. A goal from a free throw is credited to the thrower and counts one point for his team.

2. Each team shall be responsible for a scorekeeper who will sit together at the scorer's table. Their score shall be the official game score.

3. The scorekeepers must see that the line-up is in the scorecard three minutes before play is to start. All players before entering the game must be recorded on the scorecard. Names must be listed alphabetically; no nicknames allowed. ID numbers must also be recorded on the scoreboard.

4. Any team leading by twenty-five (25) points after the first five (5) minutes of the second half shall be declared the winner immediately.

SECTION 2: TIMING

1. Playing time shall be played in two halves of sixteen minutes each with an intermission of three minutes between halves. The clack shall run continuously.

2. Each team is allowed four time-outs of one-minute duration per game and two 20-second timeouts during the final two minutes of the game (including overtime). Teams may not leave the floor during the 20-second timeouts and will be penalized with a technical foul if not ready to play at the official's direction. No additional timeouts will be granted during overtime periods. Timeouts will be granted for the following:

a) When an official acknowledges a request for timeout.

b) When a player is injured.

c) At official's discretion.

3. Timeouts in excess of the allotted number may be granted at the expense of two shot technical foul for each.

Special note:  A player must be in contact with the floor to request a time out.

SECTION 3: THE SCORE

1. If the score is tied at the end of the second half, play shall continue without change of basket for one or more extra periods with a one-minute intermission between each extra period. The game ends if, at the end of any extra period, the score is not tied.

2. The first over-time period shall be three minutes. The second shall be two minutes. Any additional periods shall be one minute.

3. As extra periods are an extension of the second half, additional personal fouls are granted and not additional time-outs are granted.

RULE 5 - LIVE BALL AND DEAD BALL

 SECTION 1: GAME - HOW STARTED

The game shall be started by a jump ball in the center circle. Any two opponents may mump the ball at the center circle at the beginning of the game or extra periods. In jump ball situations, other that at the start of the game and start of extra periods, teams will alternate taking the ball out of bounds at the spot nearest to where the jump ball occurs. The team not obtaining control of the initial jump ball will start the alternating process.

SECTION 2: LIVE BALL

The ball becomes alive and the clock shall start:

1. On a jump ball when the ball is tapped.

2. On a throw-in when the ball touches or is touched by a player who is inbound.

3. On a free throw when the ball is touched by a player. On multiple throws, the clock shall not start until the last throw is touched by a player. (Either on the rebound or on a throw in.)

SECTION 3: JUMP BALL

1. For any jump ball, each jumper shall have one or both feet on or inside that half of the jumping circle, which is farther from his/her own basket, and both feet within the restraining circles.

2. Neither jumper shall: tap the tossed ball before it reaches its highest point; nor leave the jumping circle until the ball has been tapped; nor catch the jump ball; nor touch it more than twice.

3. When the official is ready to make the toss, a non-jumper shall not move into the circle or change position around the circle until the ball has left the official's hand.

4. None of the eight non-jumpers shall have either foot break the plane of the restraining circle cylinder until the ball has been tapped.

SECTION 4: DEAD BALL

The ball becomes dead or remains dead when:

1. A legal goal is made.

2. It is apparent the free throw will not be successful on a free throw for a technical foul or a false double foul or a free throw that is to be followed by another throw.

3. Held ball occurs or ball lodges on the basket support.

4. Official's whistle is blown.

5. Time expires for a half or extra period.

6. A foul occurs.

7. Any floor violation occurs or there is basket interference or there is a free throw violation by the thrower's team. NOTE: The ball does not become dead until the try ends when the player is in the Act of shooting. The trying motion must be continuous and begins after the ball comes to rest in the player's hand or hands and is completed when the ball is clearly in flight.

RULE 6 - OUT OF BOUNDS, THROW-IN, FREE THROW

 SECTION 1: OUT OF BOUNDS PLAYER

A player is out of bounds when he touches the floor or any object other than a player on or outside a boundary. For location of a player in the air, his/her position is that from which he/she last touched the floor.

SECTION 2: OUT OF BOUNDS BALL

The ball is out of bounds when it touches: a player who is out of bounds; or any other person, the floor or any object on or outside a boundary; or the supports or over the back of the backboard; or ceiling, overhead equipment or supports. 

SECTION 3: FREE THROW

1. The official shall put the ball in play by placing it at the disposal of the free thrower. Rebounders will align themselves beginning at the space above the block.  A teammate of the thrower is entitled to the next adjacent lane space on each side and to each other alternate position along each lane line. Not more than one player may occupy any part of a designated space.  Only 2 members of the FT'ers and 4 defensive team members may occupy the designated spaces during the try.

2. The try for a goal shall be made within 10 seconds after the ball has been placed at the disposal of the free thrower at the free throw line. This shall apply to each free throw.

3. After a free throw which is not followed by another free throw, the ball shall be put in play by a throw-in: as after a field goal if the try is successful or by any player of the free thrower's team from out of bounds at the division line if the free throw is for a technical foul.

RULE 7 - VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

 SECTION 1: FREE THROW

 A player shall not:

1. After the ball is placed at the disposal of a free thrower, he/she shall throw within ten seconds in such a way that the ball enters the basket or touches the ring before it is touched by a player.

2. Touch the ball or basket while the ball is on or within the basket.

3. Touch the floor on or across the free throw line or lanes.

4. Disconcert the free thrower in any way once the ball has been placed at the disposal of the free thrower.

SECTION 2: THROW-IN

 No player shall:

1. Leave the designated throw-in spot.

2. Consume more that five seconds from the time the throw-in starts until it is released by the person making the throw-in.

3. Throw the ball so that it enters the basket before touching anyone.

SECTION 3: 

No player shall run with the ball, kick it, strike it with the fist or cause it to enter and pass through the basket from below.

SECTION 4: DOUBLE DRIBBLE

Dribble a second time after his/her first dribble has ended unless it is after he/she has lost control because of:

1) A try for a field goal

2) A bat by an opponent

3) A pass or fumble which has then touched or been touched by another player.

SECTION 5: THREE SECOND RULE

A three second violation shall occur when a player remains for more that three seconds in that part of his/her free throw lane between the end boundary and the farther edge of the free throw line while the ball is in control of he/her team inhis/her frontcourt.

SECTION 6: PALMING OR CARRYING THE BALL

Legal if the palm of the hand faces the floor as it is impossible for the ball to rest on the hand while the palm and the fingers are facing downward or in a vertical position. To carry or palm the ball, the hand or palm must be in such a position that the ball would come to rest in the hand if the hand were not moved.

SECTION 7: EXCESSIVE SWINGING OF ARMS AND ELBOWS

Excessive swinging of arms and elbows even without contact is a violation. If swinging results in contact with an opponent, it is a personal foul.

SECTION 8: 10 SECOND RULE

A player shall not be (and his/her team shall not be) in continuous control of a ball, which is in back court for more than 10 seconds.

SECTION 9: GOAL TENDING AND BASKET INTERFERENCE

A player shall not:

1. Touch the ball or basket when the ball is on or within basket.

2. Touch the ball when it is touching the cylinder having the ring at its lower base.

3. Touch the ball during a field goal try while it is in downward flight entirely above the basket ring level and has the possibility of entering the basket in flight.

4. Trap the ball against the back of the backboard.

SECTION 10: PENALTIES

1. For Sections 1- 8, the ball becomes dead or remains dead when violation occurs. Ball is awarded to opponent for a throw-in at the out-of-bounds spot nearest the violation. A shot made during the dead ball period following a violation is no good and the opponent is awarded the ball at the free throw line extended.

2. For Section 9, if a violation is at opponent's basket, offended team is awarded two points. The subsequent procedure is the same except that the official will hand the ball to the player for the throw-in. If the violation is at a team's own basket, no points can be scored and the ball is awarded to the offended team at the free throw line extended. If there is a violation by both teams, play shall be resumed by a jump ball (alternating possessions).

RULE 8 - FOULS AND PENALTIES

 SECTION 1: TECHNICAL FOULS***

A player shall not:

1. Wear an illegal number or shirt.

2. Grasp either basket during the time of the official's jurisdiction or dunk or stuff prior to the game (this item applies to all squad members). IF SO, AUTOMATIC EJECTION AND FORFEITURE OF GAME.

3. Leave the court for an unauthorized reason.

4. Attempt to gain an advantage: by interfering with ball after a goal or by failing to immediately pass the ball to nearer official if in control when a violation is called.

5. Use unsportsmanlike tactics such as: disrespectfully addressing or contacting an official or gesturing is such a manner as to indicate resentment, using profanity or causing unsportsmanlike conduct.

6. Enter the court without being beckoned by an official.

7. Intentionally slap the backboard at any time.

SECTION 2: PERSONAL FOUL

1. A player shall not: hold, push, charge, trip, nor impede the progress of an opponent by extended arm, shoulder, hip or knee or by bending the body into other than a normal position. He/she shall not contact an opponent with his/her hand unless such contact is only with the opponent's hand while it is on the ball and is incidental to an attempt to play the ball. Contact caused by a defensive player approaching the ball holder from behind is a form of pushing and that caused by the momentum of a player who has thrown for goal is a form of charging.

2. A dribbler shall not charge into nor contact an opponent in his/her path nor attempt to dribble between two opponents or between an opponent and a boundary, unless the space is such as to provide a reasonable chance for his/her to go through without contact. If a dribbler, without contact, passes an opponent sufficiently to have head and shoulders in advance of him/her, the greater responsibility for subsequent contact is on the opponent. If a dribbler is his/her progress has established a straight-line path, he/she may not be crowded out of that path, but if an opponent is able legally to establish a defensive position in that path, the dribbler must avoid contact by changing direction or ending his/her dribble.

3. A player who screens shall not:

a. When he/she is behind a stationary opponent, take a position closer that a normal step from him/her.

b. When he/she assumes a position at the side or in front of a stationary opponent, make contact with him/her.

c. Take a position so close to a moving opponent that this opponent cannot avoid contact by stopping or changing direction. In (c) the speed of the player to be screened will determine where the screener may take his/her stationary position. This position will vary and may be one to two normal steps or strides from his/her opponent.

d. After assuming his/her legal screening position, move to maintain it, unless he/she moves in the same direction and path of his/her opponent.

SECTION 3: PENALTIES

1. For Section 1, offended team is awarded two free throws and its captain shall designate the thrower. In case of an intentional foul on a shooter and the shot is unsuccessful, two free throw are awarded and the ball is awarded out of bounds to the offended team. If the shot was successful, the offended player receives two shots and the ball in play after the second shot. A second technical charged to any coach, squad member or bench personnel shall be considered flagrant and the coach, squad member or bench personnel shall be automatically ejected from the game. After the free throw, the offended player is awarded the ball out of bounds at the point of interruption.

2. For Section 2, offender is charged with one foul and if it is his/her fifth personal foul or it is flagrant, he/she is disqualified and must leave gym within two minutes. The offended player is awarded free throws as follows:

a. One free throw for a foul against a field goal thrower whose try is successful or each foul which is a part of a multiple foul.

b. Two free throws for a foul against a field goal thrower whose try is unsuccessful, an intentional foul or any flagrant foul.

c. Three free throws for a foul against a field goal thrower whose 3-point try is unsuccessful.

d. Bonus free throw for each common foul (except player control) beginning with a team's fifth personal foul during the half, providing the first attempt is successful.

e. No free throw for offensive team fouls. Ball shall be surrendered to opponent for throw-in.

NOTE: ALL PLAYER EJECTIONS SHALL CARRY A MINIMUM AUTOMATIC ONE GAME SUSPENSION.

Rules not specifically covered will be ruled upon by the IM staff according to IM and NCAA guidelines.