League Rules

The Vineland Basketball Association (VBA) is committed to providing a positive and fair basketball experience for all participants. These rules have been established to ensure consistency across all divisions and to promote good sportsmanship, fair play, and player development.

Game Format

Games consist of four 8-minute quarters for U12 and U14 divisions, and four 10-minute quarters for U16 and U18 divisions.

The game clock stops on all whistles in the last 2 minutes of each half.

Each team is allowed two 60-second timeouts per half. Unused timeouts do not carry over.

Overtime periods are 3 minutes in length. Each team receives one additional timeout for overtime.

A 10-minute warm-up period will be provided before each game.

Player Participation

All players must play a minimum of one full quarter in each half.

No player may play more than three quarters unless a team has fewer than 7 players present.

Substitutions are allowed only during dead ball situations.

Players arriving after the start of the second quarter are not guaranteed minimum playing time.

Scoring and Timing

Three-point shots are recognized in all divisions.

Free throws are shot from the regulation line in U14, U16, and U18 divisions. U12 division players may shoot from a modified line (3 feet closer).

The mercy rule goes into effect when a team leads by 20 or more points in the second half. The clock will run continuously except during timeouts.

Games tied at the end of regulation will proceed to overtime. If tied after two overtime periods, the game will be recorded as a tie during regular season play.

Defense and Pressing

U12 Division: Zone defenses are not permitted. Full-court pressing is allowed only in the fourth quarter and overtime, and must be removed if leading by 15 or more points.

U14 Division: Zone defenses are permitted. Full-court pressing is allowed in the second half and overtime, and must be removed if leading by 15 or more points.

U16 and U18 Divisions: All defenses are permitted. Full-court pressing is allowed at any time, but must be removed if leading by 20 or more points.

Fouls and Technical Fouls

Players foul out after 5 personal fouls.

Teams shoot 1-and-1 on the 7th team foul of each half, and 2 shots on the 10th team foul.

Technical fouls result in 2 free throws and possession. Any player or coach receiving 2 technical fouls in a game will be ejected and suspended for the next game.

Fighting or extreme unsportsmanlike conduct will result in immediate ejection and a minimum 2-game suspension.