Jaguars3/4 Boys
Rules
3–4 Grade Division
| Ball Size | Boys: 28.5 (Girls: 27.5) |
|---|---|
| Rim Height | 9 feet |
| Time | Four 8-minute quarters; Running clock |
| Defense | Man-to-man only |
| Double Dribbling | Not allowed |
| Traveling | Not allowed |
| Stealing | Allowed |
| Half-Court Trap | Not Allowed |
| Fast Breaks | Allowed |
| Track Fouls | Yes |
| Substitutions | At every dead ball |
| 3-Second Violation | No |
| Free Throw Distance | 12 feet |
| Coaches | Not allowed on court |
All Divisions
Man-to-man defense will be played at all times. Zone defenses are not allowed. In most cases, players are guarding the opponent that closely matches ability and height, creating a more competitive system for all on the court.
Defending players should stay within arm's reach of the player they are guarding.
Double-teaming is not allowed. However, help defense is strongly encouraged in the following instances:
- Offensive picks and screens — Defensive switching is allowed on offensive picks and screens. The non-screened defender can help his or her teammate by temporarily switching until the teammate recovers to defend his or her offensive player. This is commonly referred to as "help and recover."
- Fast breaks — During any fast break (when the team that gains possession pushes quickly into the opponent's end of the court), another defensive player not assigned to the ball handler may help to slow or stop the fast break. Upon stopping the fast break, defenders should return to guarding their assigned players.
Full-court press is not allowed. Defensive players may not guard their opponents in the backcourt. Defense may not pick up their player until after they cross the white line. This creates an equal opportunity for each child to participate both on offense and defense.
Backcourt violations will not be called unless coaches or players take advantage of this leniency.
Offense must purposefully attack the defense in every situation—no stalling. After a warning from the referee, a violation will be called resulting in a turnover.
Referees will call and may explain violations. This is done because referees serve as "on-the-floor coaches" teaching players what is and is not acceptable on the court. The detail of explanations will vary according to the age group and understanding of the players and should decrease as the season progresses.
When possible, referees will advise players of potential violations before the violation occurs. Doing this often prevents a violation from occurring.
No score will be given for a basket in the wrong goal. It will be treated as a turnover. This will prevent further embarrassing a player for making this mistake.