• 5v5 BASKETBALL

    Current NIRSA (National Intramural Recreational Sport Association) & NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) shall govern all intramural rules used for Basketball at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Intramural Sports reserves the right to make changes or additions to the rules or policies at anytime.

    Facility

    Intramural Basketball is played in the CRC Gymnasium.

    Equipment

    1. Sneakers must be worn.
    2. Athletic shorts or pants must be worn. No belts, belt loops, exposed drawstrings or zippers are allowed.
    3. No leg or knee braces made of hard, unyielding material is allowed.
    4. No jewelry is allowed. Including earrings, rings, necklaces, watches and bracelets of any kind.
    5. No head-wear with a hard surface or exposed knot may be worn. This includes baseball hats, bandannas, do-rags, and stocking caps.

    Players and Timing

    1. Teams should consist of 5 players, minimum of 4 to start.
    2. Two 20-minute running halves with the clock stopping in the last 2 minutes of both halves on fouls, violations, free throws & time-outs.
    3. The game will end when a team is 30 or more points ahead at any time in the second half or when a team is led by 20 or more points under 5 minutes.
    4. Time-Outs
      • Each team will receive one time-out per half.
      • If a time-out is not used in the first half it will carry over to the second.
      • If there is an overtime period time-outs will not carry over.
      • All time-outs must be acknowledged by the officials before being granted.
      • Only a player legally on the court may request a time-out.
      • If the ball is live only the team with the ball can be granted a time-out.
      • If the ball is dead either team may request a time-out.
      • If a team requests a time-out after using all of the ones they had it will be granted and a technical foul will be assessed.
    5. Overtime
      • Overtime will only occur in playoffs.
      • The period will be five (5) minutes long.
      • The clock will stop in the last minute for all fouls, violations, and time-outs.
      • All personal and team fouls carry over from the second half.
      • Time-outs from regulation do not carry over.
      • Each team has one time-out for all of overtime.
    6. Substitutions
      • Substitutions may take place only during a dead-ball situation.
        • During free throw attempts the substitute may check in before the attempt of the final shot.
        • If they are attempting to enter for the shooter they may enter upon the made basket or the next dead ball on a missed basket.

    Playing Regulations

    Start of the Game

    1. Teams play towards the baskets opposite from their bench.
    2. The game will begin with a jump ball between any two players, one from each team.
    3. After possession is gained from the initial jump ball the alternating possession arrow will determine all future jump balls.
    4. During the opening jump ball if a player from Team A wins the tip but hits the ball out of bounds Team B will begin with the ball, Team A will receive the possession arrow.

    Throw-Ins

    1. A player will make a throw-in from the spot designated by the official.
    2. The one exception is after a made basket, the in-bounding player may run the base line.
    3. The throw-in & throw-in count begin when the ball is at the disposal of a player of the team entitled to the throw-in.
    4. The designated throw-in spot is 3-feet wide with no depth limitation & the thrower must keep one foot on or over the spot until the ball is released.

    Scoring

    1. Free throws count for one (1) point.
    2. All baskets made inside the 3-point arc count for two (2) points.
    3. All baskets made outside the 3-point arc count for three (3) points.
    4. The 3-point arc is designated by the black line.

    Dunking

    1. Is NOT permitted during warm-ups or at half-time. The result is a technical foul.
    2. Is permitted during the game.

    Fouls

    1. Each player is allowed five personal fouls before they foul out of the game.
    2. Each personal foul counts towards the team total.
    3. When a team is between seven and ten total fouls the opposing team will shoot “1 and 1” free throws.
    4. Once the team has ten plus total fouls the opposing team will shoot two free throws.
    5. When an offensive foul is called there will not be free throws.
    6. A technical foul results in two free throws and the ball at mid-court for the non-offending team.
    7. An intentional foul results in two free throws and the ball at the spot of the foul for the non-offending team.
    8. A flagrant foul results in two free throws, the ball at the spot of the foul for the non-offending team, and an ejection of the player who committed the foul.

    Team Control Fouls

    1. A common foul that is committed by a member of the team that has control of the ball is a team control foul.
    2. Control is maintained when:
      • The ball is passed among teammates.
      • During an interrupted dribble.
      • A loose ball.
      • Until the ball is in flight during a try or tap for a basket.
    3. Free throws will never be shot for a team control foul.

    Block/Charge

    1. A block is illegal personal contact, which impedes the progress of an opponent with or without the ball.
    2. A charge is illegal personal contact caused by pushing or moving into an opponent’s torso.
    3. If a defender has obtained legal guarding position the ball carrier must avoid them.

    Free Throws

    1. Free throws will be attempted on all shooting fouls, when a team’s foul count dictates they should, and on a technical, intentional or flagrant foul.
    2. No players are permitted on the marked lane spaces closest to the free throw shooter during free throws. Only 4 defensive & 2 offensive players shall occupy the marked lane spaces.
    3. Players inside the lane space may move on the release of the shot.
    4. The shooter and any players outside the 3-point arc may move when the ball hits the rim.
    5. If a violation occurs:
      • By the offense, the basket is immediately disallowed
      • By the defense, the basket shall be shot again provided the basket is not made & the ball hits the rim.
      • If a double violation occurs they cancel each other out.

    Closely Guarded

    1. A closely guarded count begins when the team with the ball is in the front court and a defender is within six feet of the ball handler:
      • The ball handler dribbles even or past the defender
      • The ball handler passes or shoots the ball
      • The defender backs off more than six feet
    2. The ball handler may not hold or dribble the ball for five seconds while closely guarded.
    3. The ball handler may legally consume 12 seconds while being closely guarded:
      • Hold the ball for four (4) seconds
      • Dribble the ball for four (4) seconds
      • Hold the ball for four (4) seconds
    4. If a defender begins to back off but a secondary defender enters while the first is still within six feet the count remains.

    Delay of Game Warning

    1. One delay of game warning will be issued for any of the following delays:
      • Excessive time taken during a free throw huddle
      • Slapping the ball away after a made basket
      • Breaking the plane during a throw-in
      • Excessive water on the court during a time-out
    2. Once the warning has been issued all following delays will be technical fouls.

    Dribble

    1. A player shall not dribble, catch the ball & then dribble the ball this is a violation = double dribble.
    2. A fumble is an accidental loss of player control when the ball unintentionally drops or slips from the player’s grasp.
      • A player CAN always fumble, dribble & fumble.
      • A player CANNOT dribble, fumble & dribble = double dribble.
    3. During an interrupted dribble the following CANNOT occur:
      • Closely-guarded count shall not start & shall be terminated
      • Player-control fouls
      • A time-out cannot be granted

    3 Seconds

    1. A three second violation will occur anytime a player on offense has any part of their body in the pain for three seconds.
    2. The count begins when the offense has control of the ball in the front court.
    3. If a shot is attempted the three second count resets if the shot misses and the offense gains the rebound.

    10 Seconds

    1. A player shall not be in control of the ball in the back court for more than 10 seconds.

    Traveling

    1. Traveling occurs when a player runs with the ball without dribbling.
    2. When the ball carrier establishes a pivot foot, lifts that foot & puts that foot back to the floor before dribbling, passing or shooting the ball
    3. And exceeds two steps with the ball; excludes receiving the ball after a pass or after a dribble while attempting a lay-up

    Basket Interference and Goal-tending

    1. Basket interference refers to touching the ball while the ball is above & within the basket cylinder, while the ball is on the ring, touching the net while the ball is on the ring & pulling down a movable ring so that the ring contacts the ball before the ring returns to its original position.
      • If committed by the offense the basket is disallowed
      • If committed by the defense the basket is allowed.
    2. Goal-tending refers to a player touching the ball during a try or tap, while the ball is in a downward flight, above the basket ring, has the possibility of entering the basket & the ball is not touching the cylinder / basket ring.

    Screens

    1. A screen is a legal move made by a player. Without making intentional contact the player sets a screen to delay or prevent an opponent from reaching a desired position.
    2. The screener must remain stationary and not come outside their body.
    3. Screening a stationary opponent from behind, the screener must allow the opponent one normal step backwards without contact.

    Back court Violation

    1. Once the ball and the entire body of the ball carrier have crossed mid-court, front court status has been achieved.
    2. At this point a back court violation occurs if:
      • Any part of the ball carrier touches the mid-court line.
      • If the ball carrier loses control of the ball into the back court and is the first one to touch it.
      • If a teammate is coming from the back court and touches the ball before achieving front court status.
  • 3v3 OUTDOOR BASKETBALL

    Facility

    Outdoor Basketball will be played on the Basketball Courts in South Campus.

    Equipment

    1. Sneakers must be worn.
    2. Athletic shorts/ pants must be worn. No belts, belt loops, exposed drawstrings or zippers are allowed.
    3. No leg or knee braces made of hard, unyielding material is allowed.
    4. No jewelry is allowed. Including earrings, rings, necklaces, watches and bracelets of any kind.
    5. No headwear with a hard surface or exposed knot may be worn. This includes baseball hats, bandannas, do-rags, and stocking caps.
    6. A game ball will be provided for each contest.
    7. If both captains agree a different ball may be used.
    8. If teams wish to warm up, they must provide their own ball.

    Players and Game Timing

    1. Teams should consist of 3 players.
    2. The times of the games and number of the points for the game will be determined at the start of the tournament and be relayed during the captains meeting.
    3. Overtime
      • If the game is tied after regulation the two captains will rock, paper, scissor shoot for possession.
      • Overtime is a sudden death first to score wins.

    Playing Regulations

    Start of Game

    1. The game will start with a rock, paper, scissors between the captains for possession. (No half time)

    Out of Bounds

    1. If the ball goes out of bounds the opposing team will check the ball in from the three point line.

    Scoring

    1. All baskets made inside the 3-point arc count for one point.
    2. All baskets made outside the 3-point arc count for two points.
    3. The 3-point arc is designated by the black line.

    Fouls

    1. Any foul that is committed will result in checking the ball from the three point line.

    Unsporting Acts/Fouls

    1. Non-Contact - Including but not limited to: excessive/loud profanity, profanity directed at a teammate, profanity directed at an opponent, profanity directed at an official, slamming the ball, throwing the ball, approaching anyone in a threatening manner, taunting, and verbal abuse.
    2. Contact - Including but not limited to: pushing, contacting the official in any manner, and throwing the ball at anyone.
    3. Removing The Jersey – Players are prohibited from removing jerseys, shirts, shorts, or pants within the confines of the playing area in an act of disgust.
    4. Unsportsmanlike acts/fouls will result in ejection from the game and possible disqualification from the tournament.

    Closely Guarded

    1. A closely guarded count begins when the team with the ball is in the front-court and a defender is within six feet of the ball handler.
    2. The ball handler may not hold or dribble the ball for five seconds while closely guarded.
    3. The ball handler may legally consume 12 seconds while being closely guarded:
      • Hold the ball for four (4) seconds
      • Dribble the ball for four (4) seconds
      • Hold the ball for four (4) seconds
    4. The closely guarded count is terminated if:
      • The ball handler dribbles even or past the defender
      • The ball handler passes or shoots the ball
      • The defender backs off more than six feet
    5. If a defender begins to back off but a secondary defender enters while the first is still within six feet the count remains.

    Delay of Game Warning

    1. One delay of game warning will be issued for any of the following delays:
      • Excessive time taken during a free throw huddle
      • Slapping the ball away after a made basket
      • Breaking the plane during a “throw-in”
      • Excessive water on the court during a time-out
    2. Once the warning has been issued all following delays will be technical fouls.

    Dribble

    1. A dribble occurs when a player inbounds controls the ball and pushes, throws, or bats the ball to the floor to begin a dribble.
    2. A dribble ends when the dribbler does the following:
      • Holds the ball following a dribble
      • Commits a violation (Travel, Double Dribble, Carry)
      • An opponent bats the ball away
      • The ball becomes dead
    3. A player shall not dribble, catch the ball & then dribble the ball this is a violation = double dribble.
    4. A fumble is an accidental loss of player control when the ball unintentionally drops or slips from the player’s grasp.
      • A player CAN always fumble, dribble & fumble.
      • A player CANNOT dribble, fumble & dribble = double dribble.
    5. During an interrupted dribble the following CANNOT occur:
      • Closely-guarded count shall not start & shall be terminated
      • Player-control fouls
      • A time-out cannot be granted

    3 Seconds

    1. A three second violation will occur anytime a player on offense has any part of their body in the paint for three seconds.
    2. The count begins when the offense has control of the ball in the front court.
    3. The three second count resets if the shot misses and the offense gains the rebound.

    Traveling

    1. Traveling occurs when a player runs with the ball without dribbling.
    2. When the ball carrier establishes a pivot foot, lifts that foot & puts that foot back to the floor before dribbling, passing or shooting the ball.
    3. Exceeds two steps with the ball; excludes receiving the ball after a pass or after a dribble while attempting a lay-up.

    Basket Interference and Goaltending

    1. Basket interference refers to touching the ball while the ball is above & within the basket cylinder, while the ball is on the ring, touching the net while the ball is on the ring & pulling down a movable ring so that the ring contacts the ball before the ring returns to its original position.
      • If committed by the offense the basket is disallowed.
      • If committed by the defense the basket is allowed.
    2. Goaltending refers to a player touching the ball during a try or tap, while the ball is in a downward flight, above the basket ring, has the possibility of entering the basket & the ball is not touching the cylinder / basket ring.

    Kicking

    1. Intentionally striking the ball with ANY part of the leg or foot is a kicking violation.

    Screens

    1. A screen is a legal move made by a player. Without making intentional contact the player sets a screen to delay or prevent an opponent from reaching a desired position.
    2. The screener must remain stationary and not come outside their body.
    3. Screening a stationary opponent from behind, the screener must allow the opponent one normal step backwards without contact.
  • The March Madness Tournament is a multi-event tournament that includes a 3-on-3 Tournament, a 3-point competition, a slam dunk contest, and a knockout competition.

    3v3-Tournament3v3 TOURNAMENT

    Players and Timing

    1. The game shall be played between two teams of three players.
    2. The times of the games and number of the points for the game will be determined at the start of the tournament and be relayed during the captains meeting.
    3. Overtime
      • If the game is tied after regulation the two captains will rock, paper, scissor shoot for possession.
      • Overtime is a sudden death first to score wins

    Playing Regulations

    Start of the Game

    1. The game will start with a rock, paper, scissors between the two captains for possession. (there is no half time)

    Out of Bounds

    1. If the ball goes out of bounds the opposing team will check the ball in from the three point line (takes the place of a throw in)

    Scoring

    1. All baskets made inside the 3-point arc count for one point.
    2. All baskets made outside the 3-point arc count for two points.
    3. The 3-point arc is designated by the black line.

    Fouls

    1. Any foul that is committed will result in checking the ball from the three point line instead of free throws.

    Unsporting Acts/Fouls

    1. Non-Contact - Including but not limited to: excessive/loud profanity, profanity directed at a teammate, profanity directed at a member of the opposing team, profanity directed at an official, slamming the ball, throwing the ball, approaching anyone in a threatening manner, taunting, and verbal abuse.
    2. Contact - Including but not limited to: pushing anyone, contacting the official in any manner, and throwing the ball at anyone.
    3. Removing The Jersey – Players are prohibited from removing jerseys, shirts, shorts, or pants within the confines of the playing area in an act of disgust.
    4. Un-sportsman like acts/fouls will result in ejection from the game and possible disqualification from the tournament

    Closely Guarded

    1. A closely guarded count begins when the team with the ball is in the front court and a defender is within six feet of the ball handler.
    2. The ball handler may not hold or dribble the ball for five seconds while closely guarded.
    3. The ball handler may legally consume 12 seconds while being closely guarded:
      • Hold the ball for four (4) seconds
      • Dribble the ball for four (4) seconds
      • Hold the ball for four (4) seconds
    4. The closely guarded count is terminated if:
      • The ball handler dribbles even or past the defender
      • The ball handler passes or shoots the ball
      • The defender backs off more than six feet
    5. If a defender begins to back off but a secondary defender enters while the first is still within six feet the count remains.

    Delay of Game Warning

    1. One delay of game warning will be issued for any of the following delays:
      • Excessive time taken during a free throw huddle
      • Slapping the ball away after a made basket
      • Breaking the plane during a throw-in
      • Excessive water on the court during a time-out
    2. Once the warning has been issued all following delays will be technical fouls.

    Dribble

    1. A dribble occurs when a player in-bounds controls the ball and pushes, throws, or bats the ball to the floor to begin a dribble.
    2. A dribble ends when the dribbler does the following:
      • Holds the ball following a dribble
      • Commits a violation (Travel, Double Dribble, Carry)
      • An opponent bats the ball away
      • The ball becomes dead
    3. A player shall not dribble, catch the ball & then dribble the ball this is a violation = double dribble.
    4. A fumble is an accidental loss of player control when the ball unintentionally drops or slips from the player’s grasp.
      • A player CAN always fumble, dribble & fumble.
      • A player CANNOT dribble, fumble & dribble = double dribble.
    5. During an interrupted dribble the following CANNOT occur:
      • Closely-guarded count shall not start & shall be terminated
      • Player-control fouls
      • A time-out cannot be granted

    3 Seconds

    1. A three second violation will occur anytime a player on offense has any part of their body in the paint for three seconds.
    2. The count begins when the offense has control of the ball in the front court.
    3. If a shot is attempted the three second count resets if the shot misses and the offense gains the rebound.

    Traveling

    1. Traveling occurs when a player runs with the ball without dribbling.
    2. When the ball carrier establishes a pivot foot, lifts that foot & puts that foot back to the floor before dribbling, passing or shooting the ball
    3. And exceeds two steps with the ball; excludes receiving the ball after a pass or after a dribble while attempting a lay-up

    Basket Interference and Goal-tending

    1. Basket interference refers to touching the ball while the ball is above & within the basket cylinder, while the ball is on the ring, touching the net while the ball is on the ring & pulling down a movable ring so that the ring contacts the ball before the ring returns to its original position.
      • If committed by the offense the basket is disallowed
      • If committed by the defense the basket is allowed.
    2. Goal-tending refers to a player touching the ball during a try or tap, while the ball is in a downward flight, above the basket ring, has the possibility of entering the basket & the ball is not touching the cylinder / basket ring.

    Kicking

    1. Intentionally striking the ball with ANY part of the leg or foot is a kicking violation.

    Screens

    1. A screen is a legal move made by a player. Without making intentional contact the player sets a screen to delay or prevent an opponent from reaching a desired position.
    2. The screener must remain stationary and not come outside their body.
    3. Screening a stationary opponent from behind, the screener must allow the opponent one normal step backwards without contact.

    3-point-competition3-POINT COMPETITION

    Rules

    1. 5 shots from 5 various spots in 1 minute.
    2. The 5th ball in each spot is worth two points (money ball).
    3. Rounds determined at the start of the tournament to be relayed by the officials in the meeting.

    Slam-Dunk-ContestSLAM DUNK CONTEST

    Rules

    1. 2 dunks per round
    2. 2 minutes to successfully complete a dunk
    3. Points will be determined by judges
    4. Rounds will be determined at the start of the tournament to be relayed by the officials in the meeting.

    Knockout-CompetitionKNOCKOUT COMPETITION

    Rules

    1. Participants will be broken up into four even groups as deemed by officials.
    2. The second and third round will be determined at the start of the tournament to be relayed by the officials in the meeting.