Game Rules by Age Group
Age-appropriate game structure, scoring, timeouts, and possession rules.
Ages 7-8
Game Structure
Scoring
- Free throw: 1 point
- All field goals: 2 points
- No 3-point field goals
Timeouts
Two 60-second timeouts per half. One timeout per extra period. Unused timeouts do not carry over.
Start of Game
Coin flip - winning team gets throw-in at half court
Ages 9-11
Game Structure
Scoring
- Free throw: 1 point
- All field goals: 2 points
- No 3-point field goals
Timeouts
Two 60-second timeouts per half. One timeout per extra period. Unused timeouts do not carry over.
Start of Game
Coin flip - winning team gets throw-in at half court
Ages 12-14
Game Structure
Scoring
- Free throw: 1 point
- Field goal inside arc: 2 points
- Field goal outside 3-point arc: 3 points
Timeouts
Two timeouts in first half, three in second half. Max 2 in final 2 minutes of 4th period. One per extra period.
Start of Game
Jump ball
Grades 9-12
Game Structure
Scoring
- Free throw: 1 point
- Field goal inside arc: 2 points
- Field goal outside 3-point arc: 3 points
Timeouts
Two timeouts in first half, three in second half. Max 2 in final 2 minutes of 4th period. One per extra period.
Start of Game
Jump ball
Key Differences by Age
| Rule | Ages 7-8 | Ages 9-11 | Ages 12-14 | Grades 9-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Period Length | 8 min | 8 min | 8 min | 10 min |
| 3-Point Shots | ||||
| Overtime Length | 2 min | 2 min | 4 min | 5 min |
| Game Start | Coin flip | Coin flip | Jump ball | Jump ball |
| Max Timeouts (2nd Half) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Understanding Timeout Rules
Ages 7-11 (Youth)
- Two 60-second timeouts allowed in the first half
- Two 60-second timeouts allowed in the second half
- One 60-second timeout per overtime period
- Unused timeouts do not carry over between halves or into overtime
Ages 12+ (Middle School / High School)
- Two 60-second timeouts in the first half
- Three 60-second timeouts in the second half
- Maximum of 2 timeouts in final 2 minutes of the 4th period
- One 60-second timeout per overtime period
- Unused timeouts do not carry over
Why Rules Differ by Age
No 3-Pointers (Youth)
Eliminating 3-point shots for younger players emphasizes fundamental skills, proper shooting form, and balanced team play rather than long-range shooting.
Coin Flip vs Jump Ball
Coin flips for younger ages ensure fair possession without relying on height advantages. Jump balls are introduced as players develop physically.
Shorter Overtime
Shorter overtime periods for younger players reduce fatigue and injury risk while still allowing for exciting finishes.