Oradell Junior Basketball Recreation Rules

 

Welcome to the Oradell Junior Basketball League! Our goal is to create a fun and educational environment where young players can develop their basketball skills while learning the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect.

 

General Rules

  • All basic basketball rules apply (traveling, double dribble, contact fouls, backcourt, etc.). The referees will be instructed to use their judgment to allow the game to be played safely and within the intention of the rules. Bear in mind that these players are still learning the fundamentals of the game, and it is both difficult and detrimental to make every call.
    PLEASE RESPECT THE REFEREE’S JUDGMENT AND SET THE EXAMPLE FOR OUR KIDS BY NOT REACTING TO CALLS.
  • NO JEWELRY MAY BE WORN, including watches, necklaces, etc., as it can be dangerous for the player and opponents. Players wearing jewelry will be asked to remove it before participating.
  • A JUMP BALL will only be used at the start of the game. Possession will alternate at the start of each quarter and on any referee jump ball call.

Game Clock & Scorebook

  • Coaches are responsible for finding someone to run the clock and scorebook if one is available. If not, a coach will be required to run the clock and book.
  • FOUR (4) QUARTERS OF TEN (10) MINUTES of running time except for the last two (2) minutes of each half and for foul shots. There is no shot clock, but in the interest of fair play, no team should stall in an effort to protect a lead; the goal is to play basketball. Half-time will be no longer than 3 minutes.
  • Coaches are responsible for ensuring that the games begin at the time they are scheduled to start.

Playing Time

  • The Coaches’ aim is to have all players play an equal amount of time during the game. Unless a team has only five players available, every player will need to sit for a minimum of one quarter. When a player is sitting out, it must be for a minimum of five (5) minutes of game clock time.
    There will be mandatory substitutions at the five (5) minute mark in each quarter.
  • If a team has only four (4) players, the game will be played four on four (i.e., instead of five on five). If the coaches agree, a player can be “loaned” to the team with four players to be able to play five on five.

Time Outs

  • Each team will have two (2) time-outs per half.
  • A 10-second “Referee’s time-out” will also be called at the five-minute mark of each quarter for the coaches to make substitutions.

Fouls

  • Players will be allowed six (6) personal fouls. If a team has only five players and one of the players has committed six personal fouls, each time a subsequent foul is committed, the opposing team will get two free-throws and possession of the ball.

Fast Breaks

  • 7th and 8th Grade:
    • FAST BREAKS are permitted. Transition defenses (transition from offense to defense) can be used to provide minimal defense in the backcourt only after a rebound to prevent or slow down a fast break. The defense should be attempting to clear the zone and get back into their court.
    • The defense cannot apply a full-court press or steal the ball from the player who gains possession after a rebound unless it is in the last two (2) minutes of the half or game.
    • A team can only press in the last two (2) minutes of the half or the game.
  • 5th and 6th Grade:
    • FAST BREAKS are permitted only if a team is leading by less than 10 points.
    • If a team is up by 10 or more points, fast breaks will not be allowed.
    • Transition defenses (transition from offense to defense) can be used to provide minimal defense in the backcourt only after a rebound to prevent or slow down a fast break.
    • The defense should be attempting to clear the zone and get back into their court.The defense cannot apply a full-court press or steal the ball from the player who gains possession after a rebound.
  • 3rd and 4th Grade:
    • NO FAST BREAKS

Defense

  • 7th and 8th Grade:
    • BOTH ZONE AND MAN TO MAN DEFENSE is permitted.
    • Transition defense, as discussed under the FAST BREAK section, is allowed.
    • There will only be full-court pressing in the last two (2) minutes of the half or the game.
  • 5th and 6th Grade:
    • BOTH ZONE AND MAN TO MAN DEFENSE is permitted.
    • Transition defense, as discussed under the FAST BREAK section, is allowed.
    • No pressing and no defense in the backcourt.
  • 3rd and 4th Grade:
    • BOTH ZONE AND MAN TO MAN DEFENSE is permitted.
    • No pressing and no defense in the backcourt.
    • Coaches may elect to have a free zone in the frontcourt where no defense can be played once advanced past half court.

Guidelines for Recommended Play

  1. Please stress sportsmanship during the games; even though important at all times, this is a Recreation league.
  2. As such, try to keep games competitive for the sake of fun play. For example, if there’s more than a 15-point differential, perhaps have your kids make more passes before moving up the court.
  3. Make substitutions at even intervals throughout the game to ensure not only adequate but quality playing time.
  4. MAKE SURE THE KIDS HAVE FUN! Good luck and enjoy the season!
  5. PLEASE LEAVE THE GYM CLEAN, GATHER ALL YOUR EQUIPMENT, AND ENSURE ALL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY STORED AS INSTRUCTED BY REC COMMISSIONERS.

Referee Assignments

  • 3rd/4th Rec League: 1 Referee
  • 5th/6th Rec League: 1 Referee
  • 7th/8th Rec League: 2 Referees
  • All playoffs will have 2 referees.

Thank you for your commitment to making this a great season for our young players. Let’s work together to ensure every game is fun, fair, and a valuable learning experience!