Half-Court Hoops Rules | Agape Hoops (2024)

National High School Federation (NHSF) rules will govern all Half Court Hoops games with the exception listed in rules stated below.

Half Court Hoops season begins September 1^stof each year and ends August 31^st. All age divisions are determined by the age of the participant on the very last day of competition for that season (August 31^st).

General

The division a youth team plays in is determined by the age of the oldest member of the team.
Adults Open Division has no restrictions in regard to height, age or playing experience.
Adults Competitive is not available for players that have played professionally or collegiately at the Division I level.
Adult Recreational is not available for players that played at any level higher than high school.
All players must sign waiver form. If a player is under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign.
Entry fees are non-refundable. This includes, but is not limited to, cancellations caused by inclement weather, personal scheduling conflicts and inability to make the tournament. In case of inclement weather, the event operator has the right to reduce the number of scheduled games or reduce time of games. Every attempt will be made to complete the tournament in all age groups.
In the event that not enough teams are registered in any age group the teams will be move up one age group (ie, 9 & Under would move to 10 & Under). Under no circ*mstances would teams be moved more than one age group. Every attempt will be made to have a championship game at age division entered.
All age groups play on 10’ baskets.
All women’s divisions and Boys 12,11,10 & 9 & Under divisions will use the intermediate size ball (28.5).
Teams are guaranteed six (6) games.
Jerseys are NOT required for participation.
Jewelry (watches, earrings, rings, etc) casts, and hats are not allowed to be worn by players during a game.
Any player throwing a punch will immediately be dismissed from the tournament and must leave the tournament site. Any team starting or participating in a fight will be eliminated from the tournament. Officials judgment is final.
Misconduct by any player or team in their final game of a tournament or after they have been eliminated from the tournament may jeopardize further participation in Half Court Hoops events for the remainder of that year.

Rosters

Four players are allowed on each roster. No players can be added to the roster after tournament check-in.
Players may appear on only one roster for each tournament. A player participating with more than one team will be disqualified from the event and the team will forfeit all games in which the player participated.
Proof of age must be presented at check-in. Approved proofs of age include birth certificate, passport, immigration papers, or drivers license.
If any of the players information listed on the teams registration form is inaccurate (age, height, experience), the player will be disqualified. Players must be prepared to show identification at anytime during the tournament.
Females are allowed to play on male teams.

Game Play

A coin flip will determine which team has initial possession. The winning team can take initial possession or defer and have first possession in the event of overtime.
The game is played on a regulation basketball half court with one basket.
Length of game – first team to score 21 points or 15 minutes running clock. Teams will be given 2-5 minutes warm-up before game at the same basket. Overtime: If the game is tied at the end of 15 minutes, first possession in overtime was established on the coin flip to start the game. The first team to score wins the game.
Substitutions are only allowed during dead-balls.
The ball changes possession after each scored basket or made free throw. A player from the non-scoring team will resume play by dribbling or passing the ball from inside the court under the basket (not from behind the end line) to behind the 2-point arc and must have both feet behind arc. The defensive team is not allowed to play the ball in the lane. If the defensive team rebounds, they must return the ball behind the arc by dribbling or passing. (The ball does not need to be checked). If the offensive team rebounds the ball they can continue their attempt to score without returning to behind the arc. On a steal or turnover inside the arc, the ball must be dribbled or passed behind the arc.
All jump balls go to the defensive team.
Stalling is a violation. Teams must be active and attempt to score. If a team is not actively trying to score, the official will give warning and begin a five count. If no shot is attempted the ball will be turned over to the opposing team.
Possession of the ball by either team following a dead ball, other than a score, will begin behind the arc with the ball being checked by a defensive player.
A game may start with a minimum of two players.
Each team is allowed one (1) 30 second timeout per game. The clock will stop for timeouts.
Dunking is allowed in games only. Dunking during warm-ups will result in a technical foul being called.

Scoring

Each goal scored inside the arc is worth one (1) point. Goals scored behind the arc are worth two (2) points.
Free throws are worth one (1) point. If a player is fouled and makes the shot, no free throws are awarded. On a miss inside the arc the shooter is awarded one (1) shot. On a miss behind the arc the shooter is awarded two (2) shots. Regardless if the shots are made or missed the defensive team receives the ball. Starting with the seventh (7) team fouls, a player is awarded a one (1) point shot on each foul.

Fouls

A player will be disqualified from the game on his fourth personal foul.
A player receiving two (2) technical fouls in one game will be disqualified for the remainder of the tournament.
Intentional Fouls – player shoots two (2) free throws and team retains the ball.
Technical Fouls – any technical foul will result in opposing team getting two (2) foul shots and ball.
Flagrant Fouls / Gross Misconduct – a flagrant foul can be a violent contact foul or a technical non-contact foul that displays unacceptable conduct. The opposing team receives two foul shots and the ball. The team captain can choose any team member to shoot. A second flagrant foul results in a game forfeiture. Any team receiving three flagrant fouls in an event will be eliminated from that event.

Post Game

The captain of the winning team is responsible for obtaining the score-sheet from the court monitor / official and deliver it to the tournament central command. Failure can result in a forfeit.

Protests

All protest must be filed within one (1) hour of the conclusion of the protested game accompanied by a $50.00 protest fee. The protest fee is refundable if protest is upheld. Official’s calls are NOT grounds for protests. Tournament Directors rulings are final.