Game Length

• Games consist of four (4) quarters, 7 minutes each, stop clock.

• Halftime: 5 minutes.

• Overtime: 3 minutes, stop clock.

• Additional overtime periods will follow the same format as needed.

 

Warm-Up

• Teams are guaranteed a minimum of 3 minutes for warm-up.

• Warm-up time may be adjusted based on gym scheduling and tournament flow.

 

Running Clock / Mercy Rule

• If a team leads by 25 points or more at the start of the 4th quarter, the clock will run continuously.

• The clock will stop only for timeouts and injuries.

• Once initiated, the running clock remains in effect for the remainder of the game, even if the lead drops below 25 points.

 

Timeouts

• Each team receives five (5) timeouts per game:

  • Three (3) 60-second timeouts

  • Two (2) 30-second timeouts

• Unused timeouts carry over into overtime.

• Each team is granted one (1) additional timeout per overtime period.

 

Roster and Player Eligibility Minimum Players

• A team must have at least five (5) eligible players to start a game.

• Fewer than five players at tip-off results in a forfeit.

• If a team begins with five and later drops below five due to injury or fouls, the game will continue.

 

Roster Compliance

• All players must appear on the official submitted roster.

• Use of a non-rostered player results in an automatic forfeit.

• Rosters are locked once the event begins unless approved by league administration.

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Player Movement

• Players may play up to a higher age division within the same program.

• Players may not play down to a lower age division.

• Players may not compete for multiple teams within the same age division.

• All movement must be finalized before the game begins.
  No mid-game roster changes.

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Defensive and Pressing Rules

• 6th–8th Grade / 14U–17U

  • No full-court pressing while leading by 25 points or more.

• 5th Grade / 13U

  • Pressing is allowed only in the final 2 minutes of each half, unless the team is already leading by 25 points.

• Failure to comply may result in:

  • Team warning

  • Technical foul

  • Coach removal (at discretion of officials and league staff)

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Sportsmanship and Conduct

• Unsportsmanlike conduct by players, coaches, or spectators will not be tolerated.

• Technical fouls, bench misconduct, or spectator interference may result in:

  • Player or coach ejection

  • Team penalties

  • Event or season suspension

• Coaches are responsible for the behavior of players and spectators affiliated with their team.

 

Officials and Rule Enforcement

• All games are officiated by certified referees.

• Official decisions are final.

• Protests will not overturn game results.

• Real Hooperz Only reserves the right to enforce additional disciplinary action if necessary.

 

League Authority

Real Hooperz Only operates with competitive integrity, structure, and accountability.
All rules are enforced to ensure fair play, athlete development, and a high-level competitive environment.
Failure to comply with league rules may result in forfeiture, suspension, or removal from the program.