RULES OF THE GAME
Except where the rules unique to CrossOver apply, play is governed by the National Federation of State High School Associations' (NFHS) Rule Book (website: www.nfhs.org).
• Man-to-man defense will be played at all times (except for 5th & 6th Grade).
• Defensive players must stay within arm's reach of the player he or she is guarding.
• Double-teaming is not allowed. Help defense is permitted in the following situations:
| • Picks and Screens : Defensive switching is allowed on offensive picks or screens. The non-screened defender can help his or her teammate by temporarily switching until the teammate recovers to defend their offensive player. |
| • Fast Breaks : When an offensive player has beaten their defender, another defensive player may help. Upon stopping the fast break, defenders should return to guarding their assigned players. |
• Full-court presses are not allowed for any age group. Defensive players may not guard their opponents in the backcourt.
• Backcourt violations will not be called for 1st through 4th grades, but will be for 5th & 6th.
• The offense must purposefully attack the defense in every situation –not stalling. After a warning from the referee, a violation will be called resulting in a turnover.
• Referees are to call and explain all violations.
• When possible, referees will advise players of potential violations before the violation occurs.
• The three second restriction (lane violation)should not be called in the 1st and 2nd grade division. However, coaches should encourage offensive movement in and out of the lane area.
• NO TECHNICAL FOULS OR PROTEST OF GAMES.
• No score will be given for a basket in the wrong goal. It will be treated as a turnover.
• A player committing two fouls in one six-minute segment must sit out the remainderof that segment. The next player in the rotation comes in as the substitute.
Note: In a second foul situation, when a team only has five players at a game, replace the substitution rule with a two-point penalty by awarding the fouled team two additional points. The opposing team then takes possession.
• Non-shooting fouls result in the ball being taken out on the side by the offended team.All shooting fouls result in free throws.
• The game clock runs continuously for all age groups.
SUBSTITUTION SYSTEM
• Every child will play at least half of the game.
• No child will sit out back-to-back six minute segments.
• The starting lineup shifts down one player every game,allowing every child to be in the starting lineup.
• In most cases, each child will play against someone of equal ability.
• Coaches are not open to making unfair substitutions
• Playing time for all players is virtually even over the course of the season.
GAME DAY RECOGNITION
In order to build self-esteem and team spirit, each player will awarded a wristband after each game. Make it a point to explain why each player receives a particular star. Encourage parents and family members to be a part of these presentations and to cheer for players as the stars are awarded.
Here is a list of the wristbands and what they represent…
| • White : Christlike |
| • Blue : Best Effort |
| • Gold : Best Sportsmanship |
| • Gray : Best Offense |
| • Red : Best Defense |
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