Basketball Rules

Co-ed divisions typically require at least two women on court at all times; some leagues score women’s three-pointers as four or add similar bonuses — check the league rule set.

Five players per side on court. Leagues commonly allow starting with four to avoid forfeits; rosters usually carry 8–12.

Most rec leagues play two 20-minute halves with a running clock, switching to a stopped clock in the final two minutes of the second half if the margin is within a league-set threshold (commonly ≤10).

Playoff overtime is commonly 3 minutes with a stopped clock in the final minute. Many leagues let regular-season games end tied after one OT.

Rec leagues typically allow two timeouts per half (no carryover) and one per overtime period; the clock stops during timeouts even when otherwise running.

On the 7th team foul of a half the opponent shoots one-and-one; on the 10th, two shots. Shooting fouls are always two (or three) free throws.

NFHS Rule 4-8

Most rec leagues play without a shot clock; referees may apply a five-second closely-guarded count and stall warnings late in games.

Field goals count 2 points, or 3 from beyond the three-point arc. Free throws count 1.

NFHS Rule 5

Dunking is legal during live play. Hanging on the rim (except to protect a player underneath) is a technical foul, and pregame dunking is commonly barred by facility rules.

A player is disqualified on their fifth personal foul. Two technical fouls also disqualify and typically carry a league suspension review.