NNH Winter League Rules

Rule Changes Effective 11/1/2023

(Rule Change #9 Effective for 2023-24 Season)

Goal Height:  10 feet (4th-6th Grade)
9 feet (2nd-3rd Grade)

Ball Size:  Wilson Evolution or Solution Regulation 28.5 size ball (2nd-5th Grades)
Wilson Evolution or Solution Regulation 29.5 size ball (6th Grade)

1          (Game Play) A game consists of two 20-minute halves with a continuous running clock stopping on the referee’s whistle for injuries, time-outs, in the last minute of each half. 

2          (Game Play) Overtime: The overtime begins with a jump ball and will be one minute. The second overtime will be sudden death—the first team that scores (free throw or field goal) wins. (Each team will be awarded (1) extra timeout for overtime.) 

3          (Game Play) A team must start with five players. Game time is forfeit time. 

4          (Game Play) Each team has (4) full timeouts per game. 

5          (Game Play) Halftime is two minutes long.

6          (Game Play) Players will foul out on their fifth foul. 

7          (Game Play) The NNH does not regulate playing time per team. 

8          (Game Play) The scoreboard will never show more than a 30-point differential.  Max victory will be a 30 point victory.

9          (Game Play) The bonus will be in effect on the teams 7th foul and consist of one shot worth two points.

10       (Game Play) Coaches must remain in a “Coaching Box” which extends to both ends of a "teams bench. Only the head coach can stand and coach during the game. Two assistants will be allowed on the bench and he/she must remain seated during play. After one technical foul on a coach, that coach must stay seated.

11       (Game Play) The team listed second is the home team, will wear the light colored jerseys, and will sit to the right of the official scorer’s table. Teams will warm up opposite their bench.

12       (Defensive Rules) Full-court and half-court man-to-man and zone defenses are allowed. (SEE EXCEPTIONS FOR: 2nd/3rd Grade Boys.)

13       (Defensive Rules) No teams will be allowed to press full court when ahead by 30 points or more.  The teams are allowed to press again once that point total drops under 20 and until total reaches 30.

14        (Free Throw Rule)  Free Throws will be shot from 15ft foul line. Violations on shooter will be enforced. Players will play the release of the shot.

15       All other rules for this grade level will align with the NFHS Basketball Rules Book.

Important Rules " Exceptions Per Grade Level

2nd - 3rd Grade Boys

Free Throw Distance:   13.5' rather than 15'  (13.5" Will be considered one step in front of the free throw line)

(Small step over line is permitted after shot, officials' discretion if player is gaining advantage going over the line to rebound the basketball.)

Defensive Rules 2nd & 3rd Grade Boys:

Full-court man-to-man and full-court zone defenses are allowed only in the 2nd Half of the game.

On the 3rd Violation of this rule the offensive team will be awarded (1) point and the ball. 

Man to Man defense is encouraged by the NNH.

4th/5th Grade Boys

Free Throw Distance:   15' 

(Small step over line is permitted after shot, officials' discretion if player is gaining advantage going over the line to rebound the basketball.)

Team Uniform Requirements

1.    Each team participating in the NNH must have two (2) different color team jerseys (shirts). One of the jerseys must be light.
Violation of this rule shall be penalized by a two (2) shot technical foul for each illegal jersey, to be assessed at the time the player with the illegal jersey enters the game. 

2.    Team shirts shall be of the same color front and back. Referees discretion on what constitutes as a dark uniform color. Uniform bottoms do not have to be of the same color or style as the uniform top. 

3.    A player’s shirt designed to be worn inside the game pants shall be tucked inside the game pants throughout the game. An undershirt is considered to be part of the shirt and must be a color similar to the shirt. Logos, decorations, trim, commemorative patches, lettering and numbering are not allowed on an undershirt. 

4.    No more than two identifying names or abbreviations of the names may be placed on either, or on both, the front and back of the shirt. The name(s) must be placed so that the following can take place.  Players' jerseys must have numbers on the front or the back.  NNH prefers the numbers on both the front and the back when possible but its not required.

(Official Basketball Numbers are preferred but not required.)

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT & CONDUCT

North Nashville Hoops takes great pride in operating a competitive but sportsmanlike league. The league would obviously not exist without the involvement and support of parents. Each parent is making a tremendous sacrifice in terms of time, finances and energy in the lives of their child. It is completely understood that parents are not just spectators, but are one of the key ingredients to a successful team. It is our desire that the parents of each team will co-exist in a harmonies and encouraging manner. It is imperative that players, parents and coaches work well together given the duration of each season. Unfortunately a team can’t effectively exist with 15-20 coaches. Thus, decisions regarding playing time, positions played, team formation, team organization and addressing the players will be the sole responsibilities of the team’s coaches. Sideline coaching, negativity, yelling, screaming and instructing will only distract and confuse the players. So it will be required that the parents focus on encouraging the team as a whole and let the coaches do the coaching. 
In no circumstance are parents to approach an official, coach, scorekeeper or anyone else during or after a game. If a problem does arise, the concerned parent needs to address the coach and not a player or parents on the sidelines. The head coach will be the spokesman for their team to the league officials.

Other expectations of the parents include:

- Representing the league and the team in a positive manner at all practices and games. Officials are in full control of the game, not the gym supervisor.
- Avoiding bad language, fighting or yelling at or arguing with officials and other parents. Harassing the Official’s will not be tolerated. 
- Violation of these Policies & Procedures could result in some form of disciplinary action against the parent and/or player.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT 

I agree to conduct myself, my team, and my fans in an appropriate manner and to respect all players, fans, officials, coaches, etc. 
 
I understand that game officials are in charge of the game being played and while that game is going on they are in complete control.  I agree that I will not argue with officials, league scorekeepers, league officials or anyone else associated with the NNH.  If you have a problem during your game with an official feel free to (EMAIL) the Director of Basketball Operations and we will be glad to address the problem.

I understand that if I am ejected from a game by an official, I will be administered a (1) game suspension from the league and/or have to complete an online sportsmanship class before being allowed to coach in the next game. This will be a leagues determination as to the penalty. I also understand that a second offense will result in being suspended from the league for the remainder of the season.

I understand that under no circumstance am I to confront an official after a game.

I agree to have (2) uniform colors for my team and that all players are to have official basketball numbers.

PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT 

Players are to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and respect other players, officials, coaches, etc.

Players that are ejected from a game by an official will be administered at (1) game suspension from the league and/or have to complete an online sportsmanship class before being allowed to play in the next game.  This will be a leagues determination as to the penalty.

Players receiving a second ejection from a game by an official will be suspended for (2) games.

Players receiving a third ejection from a game by an official will be suspended for the remainder of the season.

GRADE BASED COMPETITION RULES