Major Notable Rule Changes for 2024
3.1 Under 10 Developmental and Under 12: Size 5
3.2 Girls, Under 16 and Under 18 Girls: Size 6
3.3 Under 14, 16 and 18 Boys: Size 7
4.1 Weather
4.2 Referee issues
4.3 Team travel issues
4.4 Facility issues
Note: It is the expectation that coaches and teams respect the spirit of the game, and therefore the mercy rule, in the best interest of the athletes on both teams.
6.2.1 Each quarter will consist of two 4 minute stop time shifts.
6.2.2 Half time will be 5 minutes when and where possible. Half-time may be shortened if the game is running behind schedule.
6.3 Under 14 (with the exception of D1 and D2 who will play 4 eight minute quarters) will play six 4-minute stop time shifts (in the first three quarters) and 1 eight minute fourth quarter, with a 1-minute break between quarters.
6.3.1 Half time will be 5 minutes when and where possible. Half-time may be shortened if the game is running behind schedule.
6.4 Under 16 and Under 18 will play four quarters of 10 minutes each with a 2 minute break between quarters.
6.4.1 Half time will be 5 minutes when and where possible. Half-time may be shortened if the game is running behind schedule.
6.5 The game clock shall be stopped when a field goal is scored with less than 2 minutes remaining in the final quarter or overtime when the difference in the score is 10 points or less.
6.6 Should overtime be required during a U12 play-off game, four (4) minute shifts shall be played until a winner is determined. As noted in 13.1, equal play rules do not apply to overtime.
6.7 Should overtime be required during a U14, U16 or U18 play-off game five (5) minute periods shall be played until a winner is determined. In U14 Division 3 and below, Rule 14.4 shall not apply to overtime shifts.
13.1 Equal Play - In all levels of Under 12 no one player shall play more than a one shift difference than any other team mate (by the end of the game) and no player shall be permitted to play more than five (5) shifts in a game (excluding overtime). If eight (8) or more players have not been used in accordance with “Equal Playing Time” by games end, the scorer shall record clearly on the score sheet that the game is a default against the violating team.
13.1.1 Should a player arrive to a game late or leave a game early they are required to play equal time for the portion of the game which they are at the game.
13.2 Substitutions during a shift - If a player fouls out, becomes injured or is unable to play their shift, they must be replaced by a player who has not played for more than 20 minutes (5 shifts X 4 minutes). The player replacing this player will be charged with the full shift and the injured or unable to play player will also be charged for the full shift. The coach may choose to not substitute a player and play with only four (4) for the remainder of the shift.
13.3 No 3 Point Baskets - All successful attempts at a basket with the exception of free throws, shall be awarded 2 points. There shall be no 3 point shots in the Under 12 age class.
13.4 Free Throw Line - The free throw line will be shortened by 3 feet to a 12 foot length.
13.5 No Full Court Defense - After a made basket, or dead ball in the front court, the team now going on defense must retreat back to the 3 point line area in their own back court until the opposing team crosses half court. In the case where there is no 3 point line, the top of the key area should be used. After a defensive team violation, the offensive team will be permitted to inbound the ball in their own backcourt in alignment with their 3-point line/top of the key, regardless of the spot of the violation.
13.5.1 Full court defense exception - In Under 12 Divisions 1 and 2, a player to player only, full court press will be permitted.
13.6 Player to player defense - Defense must be Player to player. Zone defenses of any kind are not permitted.
13.7 No Double Teaming - Double teaming is not permitted (with the exception of rule 13.7.1). Help defense is permitted but not in a sustained manner such as a trap. When an offensive player has beaten their defender another defender may step in to help momentarily (maximum of 2 seconds) but then must immediately return to guard their own offensive player or switch players to return to player to player.
13.7.1 Once the ball has entered the key, double teaming the ball is permitted.
13.8 Penalty for Illegal Defenses - If in the view of the Referee there is intent to play a zone defense or double team, the following penalties shall be assessed:
13.8.1 On the first offense, play shall be stopped, and a warning shall be issued to the coach utilizing the illegal defense. Play shall resume with the ball being awarded to the offensive team.
13.8.2 On the second and any subsequent offense, the defensive team shall be penalized and the offensive team will be granted 1 free throw and will inbound the ball at the point of interruption. If a team is in violation of one rule more than 3 times during one game, the referee will write a report (including teams involved, nature of the violations, any possible intentional violations) and send it to the BNS Executive Director at bnsexecutivedirector@sportnovascotia.ca for review.
13.9 Last 24 Seconds Timing - In order to allow the defense to attempt to gain possession of the ball without the clock expiring, the clock shall not start when:
13.9.1 The offensive team has a 3 point lead or less, there is 24 seconds or less remaining in the game, and the offensive team has not yet brought the ball over half.
13.9.2 This rule does not apply to Under 12 Division 1 and 2 where full court pressure is permitted.
13.10 Penalty Foul Shots - In the Under 12 age level 2 shifts will count as 1 quarter. (Shifts 1 and 2- 1st quarter; shifts 3 and 4 - 2nd quarter; etc.) A team accumulating a total of 5 team fouls in a quarter, would allow the opposing team to reach a penalty situation where they would shoot 2 free throws for the fifth and every foul thereafter in the quarter. The foul count is reset to 0 at the start of each subsequent quarter.
13.11 Should overtime be required, any player who has not fouled out during the game shall be permitted to play in the overtime shift(s).
13.12 The last two minutes of play will follow FIBA rules (on a scored basket, the clock will stop) except for 13.9 - which will apply in the last 24 seconds of the game.
14.1 Defence must be player to player. Zone defences of any kind are not permitted.
14.2 No Double Teaming - Double teaming is not permitted (with the exception of rule 14.2.1). Help defence is permitted but not in a sustained manner such as a trap. When an offensive player has beaten their defender another defender may step in to help momentarily but then must immediately return to guard their own offensive player or switch players to return to player to player.
14.2.1 Once the ball has entered the key, double teaming the ball is permitted.
14.3 Penalty for Illegal Defenses - If in the view of the Referee there is intent to play a zone defense or double team, the following penalties shall be assessed:
14.3.1 On the first offense, play shall be stopped, and a warning shall be issued to the coach utilizing the illegal defense. Play shall resume with the ball being awarded to the offensive team.
14.3.2 On the second and any subsequent offense, the defensive team shall be penalized and the offensive team will be granted 1 free throw and will inbound the ball at the point of interruption. If a team is in violation of one rule more than 3 times during one game, the referee will write a report (including teams involved, nature of the violations, any possible intentional violations) and send it to the BNS Executive Director at bnsexecutivedirector@sportnovascotia.ca for review.
14.4 Equal Play - In all levels of Under 14 Division 3 and lower, no one player shall play more than a one shift difference than any other team-mate over the duration of the first three quarters of the game (with those three quarters being divided into two 4-minute shifts). If players have not been used in accordance with “Equal Playing Time” by the end of the third quarter, the scorer shall record clearly on the score sheet that the game is a default against the violating team. Equal play does not have to be followed in the fourth quarter, which will consist of 1 eight minute quarter.
14.5 Substitutions during a shift - If a player fouls out, becomes injured or is unable to play their shift, the player replacing this player will be charged with the full shift and the injured or unable to play player will also be charged for the full shift. The coach may choose to not substitute a player and play with only four (4) for the remainder of the shift.
14.6 Fourth Quarter Exclusion - Rules 14.4, and 14.5 do not apply in the fourth quarter or in overtime.
15.1 The U16 and U18 girls age groups will be combined to form a U16/18 division.
15.2 All under 16 and 18 age athletes are eligible to compete in the Club Provincial Championships.
15.3 According to the seeding criteria, teams must play and submit to BNS a minimum of 2 seeding games.
15.4 All under 16 and 18 teams will be seeded starting with Division 1.
15.5 All under 16 and 18 divisions must have a minimum of six (6) teams and can have a maximum of eight (8) teams. If the minimum number of teams is not available, the division will be canceled.
15.6 Seeding information and rosters must be submitted to BNS no later than 4 weeks before the start of the tournament.
15.7 FIBA rules will be followed.
16.1.1 The team is not present or is unable to field five (5) players ready to play 15 minutes after the game is scheduled to begin.
16.1.2 A team’s actions prevent the game from being played (as determined by BNS).
16.1.3 A team refuses to play after being instructed to do so by the officials.
16.1.4 A team does not follow equal play rules after more than 1 warning OR if an athlete plays or does not play the proper number of shifts, according to the equal play rule.
16.1.5 If an athlete who is ineligible based on any of the rules above (roster section, eligibility section) plays in any part of a game.
16.2 Penalty for a forfeit
16.2.1 The game is awarded to the opponents and the score shall be 20 to 0. Furthermore, the forfeiting team shall receive 0 classification points.
16.2.2 If in a tournament the team forfeits for the second time, the team shall be disqualified from the tournament and the results of all games played by this team shall be nullified.
17.3.1 Higher goal difference (difference between the number of points scored vs. the number of points scored against) of the games between them.
17.3.2 Higher number of goals scored in the games between them.
17.3.3 Higher goal difference of all games in the group
17.3.4 Higher number of goals scored in all games in the group
If these criteria still cannot decide, a draw shall decide on the placings.
17.4 If two or more teams have equal points and HAVE NOT played each other, the following criteria will be followed:
17.4.1 Higher goal difference (difference between the number of points scored vs. the number of points scored against) of the games between them
17.4.2 Higher number of goals scored in the games between them
17.4.3 Higher goal difference of all games in the group
17.4.4 Higher number of goals scored in all games in the group
If these criteria still cannot decide, a draw shall decide on the placings.
17.5 If, at any stage, using the above criteria, a multiple team tie is reduced to a tie involving only two teams, the procedure in 17.3 and 17.4 will be applied.
17.6 More than two teams - equal points:
Example 1
A vs. B 100-55 B vs. C 100-95
A vs. C 90-85 B vs. D 80-75
A vs. D 75-80 C vs. D 60-55
| Team | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Goals | Goal Difference |
| A | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 265:220 | +45 |
| B | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 235:270 | -35 |
| C | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 240:245 | -5 |
| D | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 210:215 | -5 |
Therefore: 1st A - winner against B 3rd C - winner against D
2nd B 4th D
Example 2
A vs. B 100-55 B vs. C 100-85
A vs. C 90-85 B vs. D 75-80
A vs. D 120-75 C vs. D 65-55
| Team | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Goals | Goal Difference |
| A | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 310:215 | +95 |
| B | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 230:265 | -35 |
| C | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 235:245 | -10 |
| D | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 210:260 | -50 |
Therefore: 1st A
Classification of the games between B, C, D:
| Team | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Goals | Goal Difference |
| B | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 175:165 | +10 |
| C | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 150:155 | -5 |
| D | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 135:140 | -5 |
Therefore: 2nd B, 3rd C - winner against D, 4th D
Example 3
A vs. B 85-90 B vs. C 100-95
A vs. C 55-100 B vs. D 75-85
A vs. D 75-120 C vs. D 65-55
| Team | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Goals | Goal Difference |
| A | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 215:310 | -95 |
| B | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 265:265 | 0 |
| C | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 260:210 | +50 |
| D | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 260:215 | +45 |
Therefore: 4th A
Classification of the games between B, C, D:
| Team | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Goals | Goal Difference |
| B | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 175:180 | -5 |
| C | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 160:155 | +5 |
| D | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 140:140 | 0 |
Therefore: 1st C 2nd D 3rd B
Example 4
A vs. B 85-90 B vs. C 100-90
A vs. C 55-100 B vs. D 75-85
A vs. D 75-120 C vs. D 65-55
| Team | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Goals | Goal Difference |
| A | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 215:310 | -95 |
| B | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 265:260 | +5 |
| C | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 255:210 | +45 |
| D | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 260:215 | +45 |
Therefore: 4th A
Classification of the games between B, C, D:
| Team | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Goals | Goal Difference |
| B | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 175:175 | 0 |
| C | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 155:155 | 0 |
| D | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 140:140 | 0 |
Therefore: 1st B 2nd C 3rd D
18.1 Divisions shall be appointed by a seeding committee consisting of the BNS Manager of Sport and Technical Programs (MSTP) and a minimum of two (2) others with knowledge of the landscape of minor basketball in the province.
Note: Teams may not end up in the same division as registered and divisions will be determined by the seeding process.
18.2 Divisions will be determined by:
18.2.1 Division that a team requested at the time of registration for Club Provincial Championships.
18.2.2 Division that a team played in league play during the season.
18.2.3 Number of teams that requested the division.
18.2.4 Results of games played throughout the season vs. metro and rural teams.
18.3 In the U12 and U14 age groups, if a division has four (4) or fewer teams, the division will be canceled.
Note: Eight (8) team divisions is the goal for championship play, and BNS has the oversight and discretion to adjust division rankings accordingly.
18.4 In the U16 and U18 age groups, if a division has six (6) or fewer teams, the division will be canceled.
18.5 All teams participating in BNS Club Provincial Championships who did not play in the current (Metro Basketball Association) season are required to submit a minimum of three (3) exhibition/seeding games and must upload them to the Basketball Nova Scotia database (with the exception of U16/18 teams who only need two (2) seeding games). Teams that played in the Metro Basketball League (MBA) are only required to submit seeding game sheets IF they are playing with a roster that is different than the one they played with all season or if they are playing a team not currently playing in the Metro league.
18.5.1 Game sheets must include team rosters for the home and away team. The roster for seeding games must be the same roster that is submitted to BNS for Club Provincial Championships. All players on the roster must play in the seeding game.
18.5.2 If there are athletes who were not present for a seeding game, the game MAY be submitted, but the team must submit at least 2 other games, where the missing athlete was playing. (All athletes on official rosters must be present for at least 2 seeding games).If you are a team from HRM OR play in MBA, at least one of the three games should be against a team from outside of the HRM/doesn’t play in the MBA.
18.5.3 Seeding information and rosters for U12 and U14 age groups must be submitted to BNS no later than 6 weeks before the start of the tournament.
18.5.4 Seeding information and rosters for U16 and U18 age groups must be submitted to BNS no later than 4 weeks before the start of the tournament.
PROTESTS
19.1 A team may file a protest if its interests have been adversely affected by:
19.1.1 A violation of coach or player eligibility, OR equal play rules.
19.2 Protests must be communicated within 20 minutes of the end of the game, to the host of the division facility who will contact BNS directly.
19.3 In case of a team’s protest the scoresheet and the host may be used to help provide insight on the situation being assessed.
19.4 Protest outcomes from BNS Provincial Club Championships will be decided by a Protest Review Committee comprised of the BNS Executive Director, BNS MSTP, and 1-2 others.
19.5 In order to be admissible, a protest shall comply with the following procedures:
19.5.1 The head coach of the protesting team shall notify the division host, and provide a written explanation of the protest reasons, on the reverse side of the scoresheet.
19.5.2 The Protest Review Committee will review the protest details and decide on the protest as soon as possible, in any case no later than before the next game is played by the protesting team and the opposing team.
19.5.3 The final decision by the Protest Review Committee is not subject to further review or appeal.
19.5.4 The Protest Review Committee may decide not to change the result of the game unless there is clear and conclusive evidence that a rule has been broken. In the event that the protest is successful, the team that is being protested against will forfeit the game and take a loss on their record, and the protesting team will be credited a win.
19.6 After the protest resolution, a written decision will be shared with the parties involved.
20.1 If a player or coach is ejected from a game, they will be suspended from the following game at the event.
20.2 Anyone who displays abusive behavior toward anyone involved with the tournament (coaches, athletes, parents, spectators, hosts, facility staff, BNS staff), will be removed for the remainder of the tournament.