Crescent Basketball League (CBL) Official Rule Book

 

 

I. General Rules

1. Team Composition:

• Each team shall consist of 7 players.
• Only 5 players per team may be on the court at any given time.
• Teams are permitted unlimited substitutions during stoppages in play.
• A minimum of 5 players is required to start the game. Failure to meet this requirement results in automatic disqualification and a forfeit of the game.
• If a team is more than 5 minutes late to the scheduled start time, it will be automatically disqualified, resulting in a loss.

2. Game Duration:

• The game consists of four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes.
• Halftime is 3 minutes.
• Overtime periods last 3 minutes, with the game clock stopping in the final minute of overtime.

3. Timeouts:

• Each team is allotted five full (60-second) timeouts per game, which can be used at any point during regulation or overtime. The clock is stopped during all timeouts.

• Each team receives 1 timeout per overtime period.

• Timeouts from regulation do NOT carry over into overtime.

 

4. Game Clock:

• The game clock will stop during timeouts and when instructed by the referees.
• The clock runs continuously unless the score difference is 11 points or less within the final 2 minutes of the fourth quarter.
• If the score difference is 12 points or more in the final 2 minutes, the clock will continue to run unless a timeout is called.
• Should the deficit decrease to 11 points or fewer within the final 2 minutes, the clock will stop for dead-ball situations and fouls. Conversely, if the lead surpasses 11 points during these 2 minutes, the clock will run continuously again.

5. Shot Clock:

   - The shot clock is set at 30 seconds per possession.

   - If the offensive team secures a rebound, the shot clock is reset to 14 seconds.

 

II. Scoring

 

1. Points System:

• A field goal made inside the three-point line is worth 2 points.
• A successful shot made beyond the three-point line is worth 3 points.
• Each free throw is worth 1 point.

 

2. Winning the Game:

• The team with the highest score at the end of the fourth quarter is declared the winner.
• If the game is tied after regulation time, overtime periods will be played until a team leads at the conclusion of an overtime period.

 

III. Game Structure

 

1. Starting the Game:

• A jump ball at center court will commence the game.
• The visiting team’s captain selects which basket their team will defend in the first half. Teams will switch sides at halftime.
• Teams will sit on the opposite side of the bench, facing the basket they are defending in the first half.
• Players and spectators are prohibited from being on the court unless actively participating.

 

2. Possession Arrow:

• After the initial jump ball, possession alternates based on the possession arrow for the remainder of the game.

3. Substitutions:

• Substitutions are allowed during dead-ball situations, including timeouts, fouls, and violations.
• Substituting players must report to the scorer's table before entering the game. 

 

IV. Player and Team Violations

1. Shot Clock Violation:

• Teams must attempt a shot within 30 seconds of gaining possession. Failure to do so results in a turnover, granting possession to the opposing team.
• If the offensive team secures a rebound, the shot clock is reset to 30 seconds.

2. Backcourt Violation:

• Teams have 10 seconds to advance the ball past the half-court line.
• Returning the ball to the backcourt after crossing the half-court line is prohibited unless touched by an opponent.

 

3. Five-Second Violation:

• A five-second closely guarded violation may be called against an offensive player with the ball when they are closely guarded for five seconds or more and fail to pass, shoot, or dribble within that time.
• A player in the front court, below the free-throw line extended, is not permitted to dribble the ball with their back or side to the basket for more than five seconds. The count ends when the player passes, shoots, or dribbles the ball towards the basket.

 

4. Ten-Second Free Throw Violation:

• A shooter is allowed 10 seconds to attempt a free throw. The player must release the ball towards the hoop within 10 seconds after the official places the ball at the shooter's disposal. Failure to do so results in a violation, and possession is awarded to the opposing team.

 

5. Out-of-Bounds and Throw-In Rules:

• A player is considered out-of-bounds if they touch the floor or any object that is on or outside the boundary lines. If the ball touches a player who is out-of-bounds, it is considered out-of-bounds.
• When determining the position of a player who is airborne, their position is based on the last point of contact with the floor before leaving the ground.
• During a throw-in, the player must remain out-of-bounds and release the ball within 5 seconds. They are not allowed to step onto the court before releasing the ball. Failure to do so results in possession being awarded to the opposing team.

 

6. Strike the Ball, Kicking, and Fist Violation:

• Players are prohibited from intentionally striking the ball with their fist or kicking the ball. Intentional infractions result in a violation, and the opposing team is awarded possession. Accidental contact with the ball by the leg or foot is not considered a violation.
• Repeated intentional violations can lead to further penalties, such as technical fouls, at the discretion of the referees.

 

7. Offensive Three-Second Rule:

• An offensive player cannot remain in the painted area (key or lane) for more than three consecutive seconds while their team is in possession of the ball in the frontcourt.
• If a player violates this rule, a turnover occurs, and the ball is awarded to the opposing team.

 

8. Swinging of Elbows:

• Excessive or reckless swinging of the elbows, especially in close proximity to other players, is prohibited. If a player swings their elbows without making contact, it is considered a violation, and possession is awarded to the opposing team.
• If a player swings their elbows and makes contact with an opponent, it may be considered a personal or flagrant foul, depending on the severity of the contact.
• Flagrant 1 or Flagrant 2 fouls resulting from elbow contact can lead to ejection and further penalties.

 

9. Entering the Basket From Below:

• A violation occurs when the ball enters the basket from below, meaning it passes through the hoop from underneath rather than from above. This is not a valid scoring attempt, and the ball is immediately awarded to the opposing team for possession at the nearest out-of-bounds spot.

10. Illegal Assist in Scoring:

• An illegal assist in scoring occurs when a player uses any means to lift or support a teammate in making a shot. This includes physically boosting a teammate or helping them in any way to gain an advantage in scoring.
• Such actions are considered unsportsmanlike and result in a violation, with possession being awarded to the opposing team.

 

11. Away-From-The-Play Foul:

• An away-from-the-play foul is committed when a defensive player fouls an offensive player who is not involved with the ball during an inbound pass or an active play.
• The offensive team is awarded one free throw and retains possession of the ball.

 

12. Loose Ball Fouls:

• A loose ball foul occurs when a player makes illegal contact with an opponent while neither team has possession of the ball, usually during scrambles for a rebound or a loose ball.
• The team fouled will be awarded possession of the ball, or if in the penalty, free throws are awarded.

 

13. Double Fouls:

• A double foul is called when two opposing players commit personal fouls against each other simultaneously. In this case, no free throws are awarded, and possession of the ball is determined by the possession arrow or the point of interruption.

 

14. Free Throw Penalty Situations:

• Teams will enter the penalty when they commit more than 5 team fouls in a quarter. Each additional foul will result in the opposing team being awarded two free throws.
• In the fourth quarter and overtime, team fouls carry over, and each foul after the fifth will result in two free throws for the opposing team.

 

15. Screening Violations:

• A player setting a screen must remain stationary. If a player moves while setting the screen, it results in an illegal screen, and possession is awarded to the opposing team.

 

16. By Dribbler Violations:

• A dribbler must maintain control of the ball while in motion. If the dribbler loses control, steps out of bounds, or makes illegal contact with a defender, it results in a turnover.

 

17. Basket Ring, Backboard, or Support Violations:

• Players are not allowed to hang on the basket ring, backboard, or its support except to avoid injury. Any violation results in a technical foul.
• Unsportsmanlike behavior, such as slapping the backboard or manipulating the basket ring to affect a shot, will result in a technical foul.

 

18. Too Many Players on the Court (Number of Players):

• Each team is only allowed 5 players on the court during play. If a team has more than 5 players on the court, it results in a technical foul, and possession is awarded to the opposing team. The game will be stopped immediately to correct the situation.

 

V. Fouls and Penalties

1. Personal Fouls:

• Players are allowed 5 personal fouls per game. Upon committing their 5th foul, they will be disqualified from further participation.
• If a team has only 4 eligible players remaining due to foul-outs or injuries, the last player fouled out will continue to play. Any additional fouls by that player result in a technical foul: the opposing team will be awarded 2 free throws and possession of the ball.

 

2. Shooting Fouls:

• A player fouled during a shot attempt is awarded free throws as follows:
  • 2 free throws for a missed 2-point field goal.
  • 3 free throws for a missed 3-point field goal.
  • 1 free throw for a made basket, commonly referred to as an "And-1."

 

3. Technical Fouls:

• Technical fouls may be issued for unsportsmanlike behavior, violations by team personnel, or delay of game.
• Upon receiving a technical foul, the opposing team is awarded 2 free throws and possession of the ball.
• A player accumulating 2 technical fouls in a single game will be ejected.
• Delay of game warnings will be issued, and any subsequent infractions will result in technical fouls. After accumulating 4 technical fouls in a season, the player will be suspended for one game, including playoff games. Additional technical fouls will lead to suspensions after the 6th, 8th, and 10th technical.

 

4. Flagrant Fouls:

• Flagrant fouls are classified as Flagrant 1 (unnecessary contact) or Flagrant 2 (excessive or violent contact):
• Flagrant 1: The opposing team is awarded free throws and possession.
• Flagrant 2: The player committing the foul will be ejected, and the opposing team will receive free throws and possession.

5. Team Fouls:

• Teams enter the penalty after committing 7 team fouls in a half. Beginning with the 7th foul, the opposing team is awarded a 1-and-1 free throw opportunity. On the 10th team foul and beyond, the opposing team is awarded two free throws (double bonus) for each foul.
• Team fouls from the second half carry over into any overtime periods.

6. Charging:

• An offensive player who contacts a stationary defender will be called for charging, resulting in a turnover.

7. Blocking:

• A defender must establish legal positioning to avoid being called for a blocking foul.

8. Unsportsmanlike behavior

•  Any ejection results in 1 game suspension.
• Any 2 ejections in a season results in a season suspension
• Fighting results in season suspension
• Unnecessary or derogatory language aimed at referee or other players will not be tolerated
• and will result in technical foul.
•  No swearing! even if not directed at anyone in particular
•  All Technicals and Flagrant fouls will result in 2 Free Throws and ball out of bounds at half court.
•  Ejection occurs with any of the following:
  • Flagrant 2
  • (2) Technicals or (2) Flagrant fouls or 1 of each
•  A single technical can result in an ejection at the referee’s digression

 

VI. Free Throws

1. Free Throw Procedure:

• Players line up along the lane during free throw attempts.
• The shooter must remain behind the free-throw line until the ball makes contact with the rim.

2. Free Throw Lane Violations:

• Entering the lane before the ball touches the rim constitutes a violation.
• Offense violations result in the opposing team gaining possession, while defense violations grant the shooter an additional free throw.

VII. Conduct and Sportsmanship

1. Respect for Officials:

• All players, coaches, and team personnel are expected to respect and cooperate with officials. Any verbal abuse, dissent, or unsportsmanlike behavior will result in technical fouls and potential suspensions.

2. Bench Decorum:

• Coaches and players must remain near the bench during play. Only during timeouts and halftime are they permitted on the court.

3. Fighting:

• Fighting is strictly prohibited and will result in automatic ejection and potential further disciplinary action, including suspension.

VIII. Equipment and Uniforms

1. Game Ball:

• The official CBL game ball will be size 7 (29.5 inches) and made of leather or composite material. All game balls must be approved by league officials.

2. Uniform Requirements:

• Teams must wear matching jerseys with visible numbers on both the front and back.
• Players must wear appropriate basketball sneakers to ensure safety.

3. Protective Gear:

• Players are permitted to wear protective equipment, such as mouthguards, knee pads, and eyewear. No jewelry or other harmful items are allowed on the court. 

Note: The rules and regulations outlined in this document are subject to change at the discretion of the Crescent Basketball League (CBL) management. Any updates or modifications will be communicated to all teams and participants in a timely manner.