Rules for Grades 2 and 3
Rev. 10/12/2024 Bergen Travel Basketball League Rules
Division: Second (2nd) and Third (3rd) Grade Boys and Girls
The BTBL 2nd and 3rd grade division will adhere to high school basketball rules with the following exceptions:
- Basketball Size: 28.5
- Basket Height: 10’ for 3rd grade boys and 8.5’ for 3rd grade girls/ 2nd grade boys
- Time: Seven minute quarters with no overtime and no running time
- The roster Size: 2nd grade only - No limit. Suggestion is 10.
- Playing time per player: players must play a quarter/all players must sit a quarter. If less than 10 show up the "best player must sit a full quarter".
- Foul Shots/Line: the shooter shoots two feet in front of the regulation foul line. They may go over the line in the process of their shot, except to gain rebounding advantage
- Fouls: Five regular fouls for any given player and the player fouls out of the game Two technical fouls for any given player and the player fouls out of the game.
- Fouling out can also be a combination of regular and technical fouls. When a player reaches a combined total of five fouls, that player officially fouls out.
- Fighting and/or use of profanity – see general rules
- Foul shots - HS Rules = 2 shots upon the 5th and over foul within each quarter.
- There are no 3 point shots at this level.
- The full court press cannot be used at this level.
- Towns may enroll 3rd grade boys in an 8.5’ basket flight if there are enough teams to make an 8.5 foot flight.
- Girls can agree to play on a 10’ basket when an 8.5’ is not an option
- Towns may enroll their 3rd grade boys in the Army flight/more competitive.
Defense :2nd Grade Boys and 3rd Grade Girls
- The defensive unit for these teams cannot pick up until the offense reaches their three point area. Once the ball is passed into the three point area, the defense can go in and out of that area to defend. The offense has the normal 10 seconds to pass half court and another 10 seconds to pass into the three point area. During the last two minutes of the game the defense can pick up at half court unless one team is ahead by 10 points.
- Zone defense is not allowed. Double teaming is not allowed but if a player gets past the person guarding them then the remaining defensive players are allowed to help.
Defense : 3rd Grade Boys
- The defensive unit for these teams can pick up at half court, however, after the leading team has a 10 point lead then the leading team cannot pick up on defense until the offense reaches their three point area. Once the ball is passed into the three point area, the defense can go in and out of that area to defend. The offense has the normal 10 seconds to pass half court and another 10 seconds to pass into the three point area.
- Zone defense is not allowed. Double teaming is not allowed but if a player gets past the person guarding them then the remaining defensive players are allowed to help.
Note: it is inappropriate to use time outs to take advantage of the backcourt 10 second rule.
Additional Information:
- Each team receives four full one minute time outs. There are no 30 second time outs in this division,
- Only one coach can stand. Only the head coach can call time out. Only the head coach can address the officials.
- There are no playoffs for this division.
- Coaches are responsible for their own fan behavior (unless there is a Site Manager)
- There will be a post season flighting tournament whereby BTBL staff will create groupings of 4 teams selected across all flights to aid in determining flighting for the following year (third grade only).
Note: Referees should review all rules with BOTH teams prior to the game. Coaches are responsible to initiate said rule review.
Tips For Coaches:
- Treat the rules with respect to their intent.
- Treat your opponent as you would have them treat you.
It is strongly suggested that coaches explain these rules to their players and the players’ parents. Tell them that these rules apply only to the 2nd and 3rd grade levels. Also, if an opposing coach is not following the rules, it is your responsibility as the coach to rectify the situation. Tell your team parents that it is inappropriate for them to get involved during the game. They should refrain from yelling from the stands. It sets a bad example—that of poor sportsmanship, for the kids. Kindly remind them that whether or not they agree with the calls or the decisions made, the game is in the hands of the referees and the coaches. Parents are there to be positive support for the players.
Coaches, please sign and date below to acknowledge you have read, understand and will comply with the rules as they are stated above. Please give your signed copy to your town’s league representative.
Name: _______________________________________ Date:__________________
UPDATED: 12/2/2024
