League Play Format Age Group Differences

It is important to acknowledge that not all age groups are created equally. The various age groups have vastly different needs, abilities and attention spans. In this section, we will review these differences and highlight how the Code Red program will most successfully serve the various needs of the group.

 

Age Group (5-8 Yr Old’s)

Basketball Size-25.5 inch

Program Structure- 5v5 Cross Court

Game Time- 4 x 8min running clock quarters.

2- 30-second time-out per half.

1.    Defensive Structure - Man-to-man defense only. Players must immediately return to their defensive side of the court when the opposing team gains possession of a defensive rebound; no back-court pressure and no double team. Help defense is allowed between the free throw line and the basket inside of the paint.

2.    No steals off dribble or from players’ hands– Keeping kids from stealing the ball helps the development of both the offensive and defensive player. The offensive player is able to learn how to dribble properly and the defensive player learns how to play defense without reaching. In this age division, players are also not allowed to take the ball once it is picked up. Players can steal passes.

3.    Help Defense – help defense is allowed under the basket in this age division. Players can block shots on the opposing team.

 

Coaches - Only two coaches are allowed on the court at a time. Coaches are allowed to help kids on the offense and defense side of the ball in this age group.

Substitutions - Allowed between quarters, during timeouts, free-throw attempts, stoppage of ball going out of bounce and due to injuries.

Travel/Double-Dribble - Enforced based on the referee's discretion on multiple occurrences by the same player and the rule will be explained.

Shooting Fouls – Free throws are allowed at this age. We want to teach them proper line up.

 

Age Group 9-10 Yr Olds

Basketball Size-28.5 inch

Program Structure- 5v5 full court

Game Time- 4 x 8min running clock quarters, Stop clock under a min the 2nd and 4th

2- 30-second time-out per half.

 

1.    Defensive Structure - Man-to-man defense only. No back-court pressure.

2.    Help defense is allowed between the free throw line and the basket inside of the paint.

2.    Coaches are not allowed on the court and must remain on the sidelines at all times.

4.    Substitutions are allowed between quarters, during timeouts, and due to injuries.

 

Rule Enforcements 

Travel/Double-Dribble - One warning and the rule will be explained. Will be called on each obvious infraction after first warning.

No steals off dribble - Keeping kids from stealing the ball helps the development of both the offensive and defensive player. The offensive player is able to learn how to dribble properly and the defensive player learns how to play defense without reaching. Players can steal passes and take the ball when the dribble is picked up and the ball is not protected.

Shooting Fouls - Players will shoot standard free throws on any obvious shooting fouls.

Personal fouls will be kept but not enforced on the player unless they get 3 fouls in a quarter. They will then have to sit out the rest of the quarter

 

 

Age Group 11-12 Yrs. Old

Basketball Size-28.5 inch

Program Structure- 5v5 

Game Time- 4 x 8min running clock quarters stop under a min in the 2nd and 4th

2- 30-second time-out per half.

1.   Defensive Structure – Man-to-man defense

2.   Help defense is allowed between the free throw line and the basket inside of the paint.

3.   No back-court defense allowed except under 2min in each qt.

4.   Coaches are not allowed on the court and must remain on the sidelines at all times

5.   Substitutions are allowed on dead balls, between quarters, during timeouts, and due to injuries.

 

Rule Enforcements 

Will play four 8-minute quarters.

Travel/Double-Dribble - Enforced on every obvious infraction. Rule will be explained as needed.

Stealing - Players can steal the ball at this level.

Shooting Fouls - Players will shoot standard free throws on any obvious shooting fouls.

Fouls will count. They get a total of 5 per game.

 

*Rules ALL players must adhere to when they are on the court. 

Jerseys must be tucked in to ensure that the players look professional and uniform. This also prevents hazards for players from getting their jerseys caught on something while they are playing.

Players are not permitted to wear jewelry such as, but not limited to, rings, watches, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. The only exception is jewelry that alerts medical personnel to a specific condition. Sunglasses and glasses are permitted