2023 Provincial Tournament Rules

1. Game Schedules
All scheduled games are to be played as scheduled.

2. FIBA Rules
All MBA games are to be played under the current “FIBA Official Basketball Rules,” except for the variations approved by the MBA and recorded in this document.

3. Ball Sizes
The ball sizes to be used for each age class are as follows:

• 3.1. Under 10 Developmental and Under 12: Size 5
• 3.2. Under 14 Boys and Girls, Under 16 and Under 18 Girls: Size 6
• 3.3. Under 16 and Under 18 Boys: Size 7

4. Mercy Rules
4.1. Teams are to show respect for their opponents at all times. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary actions.
4.2. In Under 12 when a team is ahead by 40 points or more the scores shall be set to 0 for the remainder of the game.
4.3. In Under 12 Division 1 or 1A if a team is ahead by 15 points or more the leading team shall no longer be permitted to employ a pressure defence.
4.4. In Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 age classes, if a team is ahead by 25 points or more, the leading team shall no longer be permitted to employ full court pressure defence of any kind.

5. Game Timing

5. Game Timing 5.1.1. 
Under 10 Games shall be divided into two halves. Each half will consist of 5 3:20 minute shifts or 16 minutes and 40 seconds of playing time.
5.1.2.Half time will be 2 minutes when and where possible. Half-time may be shortened if the game is running behind schedule.
5.1.3.Games shall not exceed a maximum duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes.
5.2. Under 12 will play eight 4-minute stop time shifts, with equal play required.
5.2.1. Each quarter will consist of two 4 minute stop time shifts.
5.2.2. Half time will be 5 minutes when and where possible. Half-time may be shortened if the game is running behind schedule.
5.2.3.Games shall not exceed a maximum duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes.
5.3. Under 14 will play four quarters of 8 minutes each with a 1-minute break between quarters.
5.3.1.Equal play will be required in the first three quarters of games played in all Division with those three quarters being divided into two 4-minute shifts.
5.3.2.Half time will be 5 minutes when and where possible. Half-time may be shortened if the game is running behind schedule.
5.3.3.Games shall not exceed a maximum duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes. (if we allow overtime they can)5.4. Under 16 and Under 18 will play four quarters of 10 minutes each with a 1 minute break between quarters.
5.4.1.Half time will be 5 minutes when and where possible. Half-time may be shortened if the game is running behind schedule.
5.4.2.Games shall not exceed a maximum duration of 1 hour and 25 minutes. Games don’t end in a tie so may go over this in U12 and up
5.5. There shall be no overtime played during regular season games.
5.6. The game clock shall be stopped when a field goal is scored with less than 1 minute remaining in the final quarter or overtime when the difference in the score is 10 points or less.
5.7. Should over time be required during a U12 play-off game four (4) minute shifts shall be played until a winner is determined. Rule 11.1 shall not apply to overtime shifts.
5.8. Should over time be required during a U14, U16 or U18 play-off game five (5) minute periods shall be played until a winner is determined.

6. Shot Clock
6.1. The shot clock for all divisions in the BNS shall be 30 seconds. All FIBA rules surrounding the shot clock shall be in effect.

7. Back Court Possession
7.1. All divisions within the BNS will be permitted to have possession of the ball in their back court for 8 seconds prior to crossing the mid court.

8. Time Outs
Each team shall be permitted a total of five time outs, two of which may be taken in the first half, 3 of which may be taken in the second half with only two permitted to be taken in the final 2 minutes of play.

9. Number of Players
9.1. In the Under 14, Under 16, and Under 18 age classes each team must have a minimum of 5 players present for the start of the game.
9.2. In the Under 12 age class, each team must have a minimum of 8 players for an official game. A team may start a game with 5 players however the all 8 players must play by the fifth shift or the game shall be ruled as a default

10.Under 14 Age Class Variations
10.1. Man to Man Defence – Defence must be man to man. Zone defences of any kind are not permitted.
10.2. No Double Teaming – Double teaming is not permitted. 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 man to man.
10.3. Penalty for Illegal Defences – If in the view of the Referee there is intent to play a zone defence or double team, the following penalties shall be assessed:
10.3.1. On the first offence, play shall be stopped, and a warning shall be issued to the coach utilizing the illegal defence. Play shall resume with the ball being awarded to the offensive team.
10.3.2. On the second and any subsequent offence, the offensive team shall be awarded one free throw and possession at the point of interruption.
10.4. 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. 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.
10.5. 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 if he or she so chooses to not substitute a player and play with only 4 for the remainder of the shift.
10.6. Fourth Quarter Exclusion – Rules 10.4, and 10.5 do not apply in the fourth quarter of a game.

11.Under 12 Age Class Variations
11.1. Equal Play – In all levels of Under 12 no one player shall play more than a one shift difference than any other team mate and no player shall be permitted to play more then five (5) shifts in a game (excluding overtime). If 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.
11.1.1. 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.
11.2. 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 if he or she so chooses to not substitute a player and play with only 4 for the remainder of the shift.
11.3. Minimum number of players – A team shall consist of not less than eight (8) players five of whom must be present to start a game. In the event of a default due to a shortage of players within the BNS’s standards (8 players by the start of playing the fifth shift), the game shall still be officiated and scored. A team must have used a minimum of eight (8)players to complete an official game. If a player becomes injured or fouls out and you only have 8 players, you must play the remainder of the game with one less player.
11.4. 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.
11.5. Free Throw Line – The free throw line will be shortened by 3 feet to a 12 foot length.
11.6. No Full Court Defence – 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, regardless of the spot of the violation.
11.6.1. Full Court Defence Exception – In Under 12 Divisions 1 and 1A, a man to man only, full court press will be permitted.
11.6.2. Should the defending team violate the rule and the official stops the game, the ensuing throw-in will take place at the top of the three point line (or key if not three point line) in the offensive teams back court.
11.7. Man to Man Defence – Defence must be man to man. Zone defences of any kind are not permitted.
11.8. No Double Teaming – Double teaming is not permitted. 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 man to man.
11.9. Penalty for Illegal Defences – If in the view of the Referee there is intent to play a zone defence or double team, the following penalties shall be assessed:
11.9.1. On the first offence, play shall be stopped, and a warning shall be issued to the coach utilizing the illegal defence. Play shall resume with the ball being awarded to the offensive team.
11.9.2. On the second and any subsequent offence, the offensive team shall be awarded one free throw and possession at the point of interruption.
11.10. Last 30 Seconds Timing – In order to allow the defence to attempt to gain possession of the ball without the clock expiring, the clock shall not start when:
11.10.1. The offensive team has a 3-point lead or less;
11.10.2. There is 30 seconds or less remaining in the game;
11.10.3. And the offensive team has not yet brought the ball over half.
11.10.4. This rule does not apply to Under 12 Division 1 and 1A where full court pressure is permitted.
11.11. 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.
11.12. Should over time be required during a play-off game, any player who has not fouled out during the game shall be permitted to play in the overtime shift(s).

12. DIVISION 1 HIGH SCHOOL EXCLUSION RULE:
12.1 Eligibility – With the exception of those athletes noted in Rule 12.3, a player who plays Division 1 high school basketball can only play AA or AAA Provincials.
12.2 Classification of a Division 1 Player – A player shall be deemed playing on a Division 1 high school team if they have played more than two (2) high school Division 1 games, including exhibition and/or tournament play.
12.3 Grade 9 Athletes – Acknowledging the fact that some high schools begin at Grade 9, and that a Grade 9 athlete who makes a high school team might not necessary receive ample playing time, Grade 9 athletes are exempt and can play in Club Provincials.

To ensure a competitive environment for all participating athletes, please apply the classification clarifications below with regards to any high school athletes playing Varsity or Junior Varsity on your team. This will help guide your registration process, however please note that regular seeding for these divisions still applies.

Select the division that best represents your placement during the year. Again, please note that you may not end up in the same division as registered and divisions will be determined by the seeding process. Below is simply a guideline. All teams participating in the 2023 Provincial Championships required to submit all exhibition/seeding game sheets must upload them to Basketball Nova Scotia GAME SHEET SEEDING SUBMISSIONS

Questions on Eligibility: Additional questions about your athlete’s eligibility should be directed to Basketball Nova Scotia’s Technical Director at basketballtd@sportnovascotia.ca. NOTE: There will be no exceptions to the eligibility rules – regardless of geographical location.

13.1 U16 /18 Girls – Registration Classifications
*Any club team with one (1) or more Division 1, 2 & 3 high school athletes or Prep School Players (Grades 10-12, as per the NSSAF Division Allocations – NSSAF Division Allocations) on their roster are required to play AA or AAA Club Provincials.
U16/U18 Girls: Divisions:
AAA Division:
· Defined as Division 1 high school athletes, including Prep School Players, (although may field Division 2 athletes as well).
Eight (8) participating teams per AAA division.
First come, first serve registration, as in first eight teams to register fill those available spots.
AA Division:
Defined as Division 2 & 3 high school varsity level athletes.
Eight (8) participating teams per AA division.
First come, first serve registration, as in first eight teams to register fill those available spots.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If a team registers in the incorrect division, noted per the eligibility rules, that team will unfortunately be disqualified from the competition.

And, when there is a low volume of teams that could be classified as AA or AAA, teams may be grouped into other divisions based on seeding info at the discretion of Basketball Nova Scotia. If there is not enough teams registered to create a AAA or AA division they will be cancelled.

13.2 U18 Boys: Divisions
*Any club team with one (1) or more Division 1, 2 & 3 high school athletes or Prep School Players (Grades 10-12, as per the NSSAF Division Allocations – NSSAF Division Allocations) on their roster are required to play AA or AAA Club Provincials.
U18 Divisions:
AAA Division:
· Defined as Division 1 high school athletes, including Prep School Players, (although may field Division 2 athletes as well).
Eight (8) participating teams per AAA division.
First come, first serve registration, as in first eight teams to register fill those available spots.
AA Division:
Defined as Division 2 & 3 high school varsity level athletes.
Eight (8) participating teams per AA division.
First come, first serve registration, as in first eight teams to register fill those available spots.

And, when there is a low volume of teams that could be classified as AA or AAA, teams may be grouped into other divisions based on seeding info at the discretion of Basketball Nova Scotia. If there is not enough teams registered to create a AAA or AA division they will be cancelled.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If a team registers in the incorrect division, noted per the eligibility rules, that team will unfortunately be disqualified from the competition.

And, when there is a low volume of teams that could be classified as AA or AAA, teams may be grouped into other divisions based on seeding info at the discretion of Basketball Nova Scotia. If there is not enough teams registered to create a AAA or AA division they will be cancelled.

14. AGE REQUIREMENTS
14.1 Current Season – The term “current season” shall be defined as the normal period of operation for the basketball season extending from September 1st August 31st.
14.2 Under 10 Developmental Jamboree Eligibility – A player must not have reached the age of 10 prior to January 1st of the current season.
14.3 Under 12 Eligibility – A player must not have reached the age of 12 prior to January 1st of the current season.
14.4 Under 14 Eligibility – A player must not have reached the age of 14 prior to January 1st of the current season.
14.5 Under 16 Eligibility – A player must not have reached the age of 16 prior to January 1st of the current season.
14.6 Under 18 Eligibility – A player must not have reached the age of 18 prior to January 1st of the current season.
*All of the dates noted are January 1st, 2023

15. ROSTERS
15.1 Playing for Another Club – A player must play provincials with club that he or she was registered within league play.
15.2 Playing in Higher or Lower Division – Any player may play in an older age class, but no player shall play down in an age class younger than their eligibility. **No team shall be permitted to play at an age level higher or lower than which they played all year (i.e. U10 to U12). All teams will remain in the same age group in which they played throughout the course of the minor basketball season with the exception of U10 teams, which are not permitted to play in U12 Provincial Championships. Any and all U10 teams are only permitted to participate in the U10 Jamboree. 
15.3 Number of Rosters Athlete can Play On – No player can be listed on more than one roster for Provincial Championships. (Includes U10 Jamboree)
15.4 Official Team Roster for Coaches Subject to Rule 15.5, all persons present on the bench during a game must be listed on the team’s official roster. This includes coaches, assistant coaches, managers and other team or club officials.
15.5 Coaching Approval Request – During Provincials, should a coach be unavailable for a team’s game, and a person not listed on the team’s roster be required to fill in, approval in writing must be granted by the Executive Director

16. OVERTIME
U12, U14, U16, U18:
If a winner has not been determined at the end of regulation play, there will be 5 minutes of overtime. If a winner still hasn’t been determined after that, overtime periods of 5-minutes will repeat until a winner has been determined after the time expires at the end of one of the periods. 

**Please look into specific age class’s for possible variations based on equal shifting rules.**

17. GAME LOST BY FORFEIT
17.1.1 The team is not present or is unable to field 5 players ready to play 15 minutes after the game is scheduled to begins
17.1.2 Its actions prevent the game from being played.
17.1.3 It refuses to play after being instructed to do so by the crew chief. 

17.2 Penalty

17.2.1 The game is awarded to the opponents and the score shall be 20 to 0. Furthermore, the forfeiting team shall receive 0 classification point. 
17.2.2 For a 2-games (home and away) total points series (aggregate score) and for Play- Offs (best of 3), the team that forfeits in the first, second, or third game shall lose the series or Play-Offs by ‘forfeit’. This does not apply for Play-Offs (best of 5 and best of 7). 
17.2.3 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. 

19. FIBA TIE BREAKING PROCEDURE
19.1 Procedure – Teams shall be classified according to their win-loss records, namely two (2) points for each game won, one (1) point for each game lost (including lost by default) and zero (0) points for a game lost by forfeit.  
19.1.1 If there are two teams in the classification with equal points, the result(s) of the game(s) between the two teams involved will be used to determine the placings. 
19.1.2 If the points and the goal average in the games between the two teams are still the same, the classification will be determined by the goal average of all the games played in the group by each team. 
19.1.3 If more than two teams are equal in the placing, a second classification will be established, taking into account only the results of the games between the teams that are tied. See below.
19.1.4 If there are still teams tied after the second classification, then goal average will be used to determine the placing, taking into account only the results of the games between the teams still tied. 
19.1.5 If there are still teams tied, the placing will be determined using the goal average from the results of all their games played in the group. 
19.1.6 If, at any stage, using the above criteria, a multiple team tie is reduced to a tie involving only two teams, the procedure in 19.1.1 and 19.1.2 above will be applied. 
19.1.7 More than two teams – equal points:

Team   Wins   Losses   

A            1           1

B            1           1

C            1           1

Results between A, B, C: 

Game	Result
A vs. B	82 (A) – 76 (B)
A vs. C	77 (A) – 80 (C)
B vs. C	88 (B) – 77 (C)

Team	Points for or Against	Goal Difference	Placement
FOR (+)	AGAINST (-)
A	+159	-156	+3	2nd
B	+164	-159	+5	1st
C	+157	-165	-12	3rd