YMBA Game Policies
MERCY RULE - ALL AGE GROUPS
• The Mercy Rule is to be implemented when a team is 20pts or more in front.
• The team who is in front, is required to drop back and play man-to-man defense within the 3pt line.
• This restriction helps to promote sportsmanship in junior basketball.
20 POINT GAME LIMIT FOR PLAYERS – Under 10, 12 and 14’s equivalent, (A Res Boys & B Grade Girls).
- Each player may shoot up to a limit of 20 points in a game, including finals.
- If a player reaches 20 points, they must then pass to other members in the team to enable others to have a chance at scoring
- If a player on 19 points scores a field goal, only 1 point is allowed.
- If a player on 20 points is intentionally fouled he or she may nominate another player in their team to take the free shots (points count).
- If a player on 20 points shoots and the basket is good, then VIOLATION, NO SCORE and side ball to the opposition is the result.
- 16/UNDER AGE GROUP – No 20 point limit applies BUT this will be reviewed by the Age Group manager at week 3 of competition and if players aren’t sharing the ball around, then this rule will be enforced again. (YMBA Committee)
YMBA Man to Man Defense Rules
U10, 12 & 14 Defense Rules: (Equiv=up to & includingB Grade Boys and A Res Girls)
- STRICTLY MAN-TO-MAN DEFENSE FOR U/10, U/12 & U/14
YMBA supports the “No Zone” Defense Policy that is enforced by BVC and in many Victorian Basketball Associations.
Banning Zone defense at the Under 10, 12 & 14 age groups encourages all coaches to teach their kids better Man to Man principles at both the Defensive and Offensive ends, which ultimately creates a higher standard of basketball.
Man-to-man defense should also be encouraged in the U16’s, but is not compulsory.
- HALF COURT MAN-TO-MAN DEFENSE
Players in U/10 are not permitted to play full court man-to-man defense. Half court man-to-man defense only. Players may not form a defensive “wall” at the centreline. They must pick up a specific player and be man-on-man.
U/12's are to play half court man-to-man in the first half, and then may play full court man-to-man defence in the second half only.
This is to encourage all children to have a turn at dribbling the ball down the court.
