FIBA Rules Adaptations for Youth Age Groups: U11 and U13
- Game Format – Playing with Lineups
- Restrictions:
In the first two quarters, teams must rotate player lineups, changing all five players every quarter. A player who participated in the first quarter cannot play in the second quarter. Substitutions are unrestricted in the third and fourth quarters. - Timeouts:
- After the 1st and 3rd quarters: 1-minute break
- After the 2nd quarter: a 5-minute halftime break
- Restrictions:
- Inbounding the Ball after a Turnover
- When a team commits a violation in the offensive zone, the game continues with the opposing team inbounding the ball without referee intervention (rule is void in the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter and overtime):
- If Team A commits a violation (travel, double dribble, etc.) in their offensive zone, Team B inbounds the ball nearest the spot of the violation.
- The player who loses the ball must leave it at the spot of the violation.
- The team that loses the ball cannot request substitutions or timeouts.
- The inbounding team has the right to request a substitution and/or timeout. If they do, the other team may also substitute.
- When a team commits a violation in the offensive zone, the game continues with the opposing team inbounding the ball without referee intervention (rule is void in the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter and overtime):
- 3-Second Rule in Defense
- 3.1 A defender can stand in the paint indefinitely if they are within arm’s reach of the offensive player they are guarding.
- 3.2 A defender cannot remain in the paint for more than 3 seconds if their opponent is outside arm’s reach (e.g., beyond the three-point line). The defender may enter the key but must exit both feet outside before re-entering.
- 3.3 The 3-second count starts when the offensive team crosses the midcourt line.
- Penalties for Violations:
- First offense: The coach is warned, possession is awarded to the offense, and 24 seconds are reset.
- Repeated offense: The coach receives a technical foul (“B” recorded).
- A coach receiving 3 such fouls (“B”) is ejected.
- Double-Team Defense Rule
- 4.1 Permissible Double-Teams:
- Double-teaming an offensive player with the ball is allowed during 2×2 plays (Pick&Roll or Handoff situations) in the offensive zone.
- Double-teaming is permitted in the paint when the offensive player with the ball is touching or inside the key.
- Penalties for Illegal Double-Teams:
- If a double-team violation leads to a turnover, possession is returned to the offense with 24 seconds reset.
- First offense: Warning to the coach.
- Repeated offense: The coach receives a technical foul (“B”).
- A coach receiving 3 such fouls (“B”) is ejected.
- 4.1 Permissible Double-Teams:
- Zone Pressing Rule
- 5.1 Zone pressing defense is prohibited.
- Penalties for Violations:
- Possession is returned to the offense with a 24-second reset.
- First offense: Warning to the coach.
- Repeated offense: The coach receives a technical foul (“B”).
- A coach receiving 3 such fouls (“B”) is ejected.
- Zone Defense Rule
- 6.1 Zone defense is prohibited.
- Penalties for Violations:
- Possession is returned to the offense with a 24-second reset.
- First offense: Warning to the coach.
- Repeated offense: The coach receives a technical foul (“B”).
- A coach receiving 3 such fouls (“B”) is ejected.
- 40-Point Lead Rule
- In U11 and U13 groups, if a team achieves a 40-point lead during the game:
- The scoreboard is turned off (the score is no longer displayed).
- The result is recorded as final in the match protocol.
- The game continues and is played until the official game time expires.
- In U11 and U13 groups, if a team achieves a 40-point lead during the game: