GAME STRUCTURE

4 personal fouls

3 team fouls per quarter

2 timeouts per half.

DISQUALIFICATION

Immediate suspension for the next game

Organizer may disqualify players/coaches in case of serious misconduct

SUBSTITUTIONS

Rolling substitutions allowed

Enter only at midcourt after the other player has left the court

Violations → technical foul for the coach

SPECIAL RULES U12

In the age group U12, specific tournament rules apply to simplify and adapt the game:

• A mini ball (size 5) is used, man-to-man defense is mandatory in this age group ..

• Backcourt play is not allowed. The free-throw line is moved forward to 4 meters from the board.

• Playing time is 4 × 6 minutes of stop-clock time with a 3-minute halftime break, and each team has 2 timeouts per half..

• Three-point shots do not count..

• On an inbound from the baseline, defenders must stay behind the free-throw line, and the inbound pass must be allowed.

CRITERIA FOR MAN TO MAN DEFENSE

The requirement for man-to-man defense applies to the U12, U13, and U14 age groups.To ensure fair implementation, the following basic rules apply:

Each player must be clearly assigned to an opponent, and this assignment must remain visible in set play. Help defenders may sink back to the basket-to-basket line but may not cross it.On the strong side, the defender must stay within two meters of their opponent.

Tip: Some leniency is allowed in cases of penetration, double-teaming, or rebounds. The focus is on keeping the game fair, dynamic, and transparent for all teams.

ALLOWED ACTIONS

Certain tactical actions are explicitly allowed in man-to-man defense, giving teams more flexibility:

• Double-Teaming is permitted — both on the ball and in the low post. However, the double-team must be released once the action is over.

• Switching (changing defenders during an attack) is also allowed and helps respond flexibly to game situations.

• On the strong side, the defender may sink back to the basket-to-basket line to close passing lanes.

• When the weak side becomes the strong side, the defender must immediately guard their opponent again within two meters .

PROHIBITED ACTIONS

To ensure fair play, certain tactics in man-to-man defense are prohibited::

• Two defenders may not permanently double-team the same ball handler,especially if the ball is being passed frequently.

• Constant switching of defensive assignments within a few seconds is not allowed, as it disrupts the flow of the game.

• "Parking" in the key — defenders positioning themselves in the zone without actively guarding an opponent — is also prohibited.

Note: These restrictions are intended to ensure that the game remains active, dynamic, and fair .

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATIONS

Anyone who violates the defense rules must expect clear sanctions:

• First Offense: Warning by the referee.

• Second Offense: The opposing team is awarded a free throw and an additional inbound at midcourt..

• Repeated, obvious violations: The coach receives a technical foul (C-foul).

The decision on warnings and sanctions is always at the discretion of the referees.Teams and coaches are therefore expected to follow the rules consistently.

REFEREES

• on the court 10 minutes before the game

• In case of absence: the venue supervisor arranges a replacement

• If no official referee is present → the replacement takes over officiating

PROTESTS

• Protests must be filed within 60 minutes after the end of the game

• Protest fee: 100 € (Refund only if granted)

• The decision of the referee committee is final