Official Game-Day Reference · Updated September 2026
Intramural Basketball Rules
The official LAA reference for coaches, referees, scorekeepers, players and families. These division-specific rules support player development, balanced participation and safe competition.
4 × 10-Minute QuartersSubstitutions Every 5 MinutesMinimum Playing TimeAge-Appropriate Defense
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Start Here40 min.Four 10-minute running-clock quarters Every 5 min.Required substitution intervals 3 timeoutsNo more than two per half; 60 seconds each 5 foulsA player fouls out on the fifth personal foul
Game-Day Quick Reference
Use this section for the decisions that come up most often. Full explanations follow below.
| Division | Pressing | Defense | Stealing off Dribble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 5–8 | No | 2–3 zone on floor dots until a shot; then man-to-man after an offensive rebound | No |
| Grades 3–4 | No | Man-to-man within the arc; no double-team except in paint | No |
| Grades 5–6 | Final 2 minutes only | Coach’s choice; no double-team except in paint | Yes |
| Grades 7–12 | Any time | Any defense | Yes |
Rules authority: These LAA rules govern intramural play. When a situation is not covered, NFHS guidance applies, subject to the decision of LAA officials.
Timing, Substitutions and Timeouts
Regulation Game
- Game window: 50 minutes; games begin on the hour.
- Periods: four 10-minute quarters with a running clock.
- Halftime: two minutes.
- Substitutions: every five minutes in all divisions and only at those marks, except for injuries.
- Clock stoppages: timeouts and all whistles in the final four minutes. Ages 5–8 continue with a running clock.
Overtime and Timeouts
- Overtime: four-minute running clock, stopping for foul shots.
- Regular season: one overtime maximum; ties are permitted.
- Playoffs: continue until a winner is determined.
- OT substitutions: required at the two-minute mark.
- Timeouts: three per game, no more than two per half; each lasts 60 seconds.
Playing-Time Guidelines
Minimum and maximum playing time is based on the number of active players available for that game.
| Active Players | Minimum Playing Time | Maximum Playing Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 20 minutes · 4 shifts | 20 minutes · 4 shifts |
| 9 | 20 minutes · 4 shifts | 25 minutes · 5 shifts |
| 8 | 20 minutes · 4 shifts | 25 minutes · 5 shifts |
| 7 | 20 minutes · 4 shifts | 30 minutes · 6 shifts |
| 6 | 20 minutes · 4 shifts | 35 minutes · 7 shifts |
| 5 | 20 minutes · 4 shifts | 40 minutes · 8 shifts |
Late arrivals: arriving before the second quarter preserves the 20-minute minimum. Arriving after the second quarter begins requires at least 10 minutes.
Forfeit: a team forfeits if it has fewer than five players by the start of the second quarter. The game may still be played, but the forfeit is recorded.
Defensive Rules
Juniors and Ballers
- Defense remains in a 2–3 zone on the floor dots until a shot is taken.
- After a defensive rebound, teams transition normally.
- After an offensive rebound, play switches to man-to-man with no double-teaming.
- No stealing from a player actively dribbling.
Rookies
- No full-court press.
- Man-to-man defense within the three-point arc.
- Defense need not extend more than five feet beyond the perimeter.
- In the final two minutes, defense may extend to prevent stalling.
- No double-teaming except in the paint.
- No stealing from a player actively dribbling.
Starters
- No full-court press except during the final two minutes.
- Coaches may choose the defensive style.
- No double-teaming except in the paint.
All-Stars, JV and Varsity
- Any defense is permitted.
- Full-court pressing is permitted at any time.
Fouls and Free Throws
Personal and Team Fouls
- A player fouls out upon the fifth personal foul.
- Grades 3–12 shoot two free throws when the opposing team reaches 10 team fouls in a half.
- Team fouls reset at halftime; second-half fouls carry into overtime.
Shots and Free-Throw Lines
- Three-point baskets count for Grades 5–12 only.
- The standard free-throw line is 15 feet.
- Grades 3–4 use the designated closer line.
- No stealing off the dribble for Ages 5–8 or Grades 3–4.
Scorekeeping and Technical Fouls
- The official scorebook is final unless overruled by a majority decision of the referee or referees and scorekeeper.
- A technical foul results in suspension for the remainder of that game and the next game.
- A second technical foul in a subsequent game results in removal from the league for the remainder of the season.
Sportsmanship: abusive language or behavior toward players, coaches, officials, volunteers or spectators is not acceptable and may result in additional disciplinary action.
Basketball Sizes by Division
Only LAA-provided basketballs may be used in the gym during games.
| Division | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| Juniors · Ages 5–6 | Size 5 · 27.5 in. | Size 5 · 27.5 in. |
| Ballers · Ages 7–8 | Size 5 · 27.5 in. | Size 5 · 27.5 in. |
| Rookies · Grades 3–4 | Size 6 · 28.5 in. | Size 5 · 27.5 in. |
| Starters · Grades 5–6 | Size 6 · 28.5 in. | Size 6 · 28.5 in. |
| All-Stars · Grades 7–8 | Size 7 · 29.5 in. | Size 6 · 28.5 in. |
| Junior Varsity · Grades 9–10 | Size 7 · 29.5 in. | Size 6 · 28.5 in. |
| Varsity · Grades 11–12 | Size 7 · 29.5 in. | Size 6 · 28.5 in. |
Questions: Situations not addressed by these rules should be directed to the division director or LAA Basketball leadership.