Basketball Tournament Rules

Our tournaments feature a pool play format, guaranteeing each team a minimum of three games (unless otherwise stated on the tournament details page). This structure is designed to provide a smoother and more predictable tournament experience for teams and their families.
 
Why We Use the Pool Play Format:
  • Set Schedules: Teams know their exact game times in advance, avoiding the uncertainty and long waits often associated with traditional bracket play.
  • Fair Competition: Tiebreaker rules are used to determine standings fairly and consistently without the need for playoffs.

    This format prioritizes convenience while maintaining a competitive and enjoyable atmosphere for all teams.

Standard IAHSAA or IGHSAU rules will apply. Exceptions listed below. 

Length of Game

All Games will consist of four 9-minute continuous quarters. 

  • Clock stops in last 2 minutes of 4th quarter. 
  • Quarter break will be for subs only…it will not be a timeout. 
  • Halftime will be 2-3 minutes. 
  • If there is a lead of more than 15 points in the 4th quarter, the clock will not stop within the last 2 minutes.

1st Overtime: 2-minute stop clock.

2nd Overtime: Sudden death—first point scored wins.

Team Fouls: Carry over from the 4th quarter.

Timeouts: Each team gets 1 timeout in overtime (no carryover from regulation).Only 1 timeout for overtime, no carryover from regulation. 

  • Teams shoot 2 free throws starting with the 5th team foul each quarter.
  • Team fouls reset at the end of every quarter.
  • Players foul out after 5 personal fouls.
  • Technical fouls award 2 points and possession to the opposing team.

A/B Level Tournaments

1st & 2nd Grade:

  • No Press
  • No Zone Defense

3rd, 4th & 5th Grade:

  • Press will be allowed in the final 2 minutes of the 4th quarter.

  • If the lead is 15 points or more, Press will NOT be allowed.

  • No Zone Defense

6th, 7th & 8th Grade:

  • Press and Zone Defense will be allowed.

  • If the lead is 15 points or more, Press will NOT be allowed.

B/C Level Tournaments

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade:

  • No Press
  • No Zone Defense

6th, 7th & 8th Grade:

  • Press will be allowed in the final 2 minutes of the 4th quarter.
  • If the lead is 15 points or more, Press will NOT be allowed.
  • No Zone Defense

Will be 28.5 ball unless different size is agreed upon by each team. 

Each team will need to provide 1 adult volunteer to keep scorebook/scoreboard for each game. 

Head-to-head 

  • Point differential (15 point maximum) 
  • Fewest points allowed  

Winning all three games does not automatically guarantee a team the championship. First place is determined as follows:

  • Point Differential: Maximum of 15 points per game.
    Example: If you win one game by 20, another by 8, and another by 22, your total point differential would be capped at 15 + 8 + 15 = 38.
  • Fewest Points Allowed: Used if teams are tied in point differential.

For Teams Playing More than Three Games:

  • Only the best 3 games (based on point differential) will be used to determine standings.
  • This ensures fairness, as standings are based on 3 games for all teams.

Medals and Tie Situations:

  • If your team is tied for 1st place after applying tiebreaker rules, 2nd place medals will be awarded.
  • Teams that win all three of their games, regardless of placement, will receive medals.
  • Medals are only determined once tiebreaker rules have been applied.
  • NO athletic trainer on site.
  • Ice will be provided if needed. Each team is responsible for med kits and any other items needed.

At Elevate Sports, where every play counts, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all participants, spectators, and staff. We expect everyone to treat the facility, equipment, employees, and each other with courtesy and respect at all times. Disruptive behavior, abusive language, or failure to follow the instructions of Elevate Sports staff will not be tolerated. Any individual who violates this code of conduct may be asked to leave the premises immediately, and repeated violations may result in permanent removal from Elevate Sports. Your cooperation is essential to maintaining a welcoming environment for everyone.

  • If a player or coach is ejected from a game, they will be removed for the remainder of the tournament. 
  • Warmup between games will be 2-5 minutes. This may change to keep the tournament on schedule. 
  • The team on top of the schedule will be the home team and wear white or light-colored jersey (unless teams agree on different plan)
  • Facility will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the 1st game of the day. 
  • No locker rooms
  • Game time is forfeit time
  • Teams must be at facility ready to play 20-30 minutes before scheduled game time.
  • If games run ahead of schedule, we will begin the following games early, up to 30 minutes.
  • Each team gets 2- 30 second timeouts per game.

Code of Conduct

At Elevate Sports, where every play counts, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all participants, spectators, and staff. We expect everyone to treat the facility, equipment, employees, and each other with courtesy and respect at all times. Disruptive behavior, abusive language, or failure to follow the instructions of Elevate Sports staff will not be tolerated. Any individual who violates this code of conduct may be asked to leave the premises immediately, and repeated violations may result in permanent removal from Elevate Sports. Your cooperation is essential to maintaining a welcoming environment for everyone.

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