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:

Age 6-8, four 6 Minute quarters. Age 9-11, four 7 Minute quarters. Age 12-13, four 8 Minute quarters. Age 14-17, four 8 Minute quarters.

This format is Stop Time. The game clock stops on all whistles, and time outs.

Each team is allowed two 30-second timeouts and three 60 second per game. Unused timeouts do not carry over.

Overtime periods are half of standard quarter in length. Each team receives one additional timeout for overtime.

A 5 to 10-minute warm-up period will be provided before each game time permitting.

Player Participation: Age 6 thru 11 two full uninterrupted quarters. Age 12 thru 17 one full uninterrupted quarter. If a team has 11 or more players, this does not apply.

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 all age groups except Ages 6-8. Ages 6-8 have lower basket height and a closer free throw line.

The mercy rule goes into effect when a team leads by 25 or more points in the second half. The clock will run continuously except during timeouts. If the score gets to a 10 point differential, then stop time resumes.

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 2 shots after the 5th team foul of each half.

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. Ejection from the league is possible.