YMCA Youth Basketball Rules – Updated December 2025

Division: Girls 5–6

League Format

We currently have 11 players registered for this division.

Every Saturday from January 17 through March 7, players will have:

• Practice: 8:30 AM
• Game: Starts promptly at 9:00 AM

Game Rules

• Game Length: Two 10-minute halves with a running clock (stops only for injuries).
• Halftime: 3-minute break.
• Substitutions: Made halfway through each half.
  • Exception: Injuries.
• No record of team or individual fouls; players do not foul out.
• Basket Height: 6–7 ft
• Ball Size: 27.5” junior size
• Games may be played on a half or full court.
• If tied at the end of regulation, the game ends in a tie.

Offense

• No lane violations (3 seconds in the key).
• No backcourt violations (over-and-back).
• No shooting fouls; if fouled during a shot, the offense takes the ball out on the nearest sideline.
• If players bunch up or make no progress, officials will stop play, instruct players to spread out, and resume with possession at the nearest sideline.
• Violations (e.g., double-dribble):
  • First time: referee explains and demonstrates proper form.
  • Subsequent violations: turnover.
• Jump ball called immediately when two players fight for possession.

Defense

• Defense must stay inside the 3-point line (no press beyond the arc).
• Defensive players may not break the plane of the 3-point line to intercept passes.
• Reach-in steals are not permitted; pass interceptions are allowed.
• Players may take the ball only if the opponent clearly loses control.
• Defenders must keep arms straight up when contesting a shot.

General Information

• Jerseys:
  • All players need a new jersey this season as we’ve partnered with the Los Angeles Clippers for official team jerseys.
  • Jerseys must be purchased through the Augusta Sportswear website.
• Practices:
  • Begin promptly at 8:30 AM every Saturday.
  • Most practices will be held at the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA during the week.
• Games:
  • Immediately follow practice at 9:00 AM on Saturdays at Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA.

Important Dates

• Regular Season Begins: Saturday, January 17
• Picture Day: To be determined
• Season Ends: Approximately Saturday, March 7
• Make-Up Day: If a game is canceled, a make-up game may be scheduled.
• Teams will play 8 games total.