Tournament Rules
Game Format & Rules
Game Format & Timing
Rules: NFHS rules will govern all games, except as noted below.
Game Length:
3rd–6th Grade: 2 × 16-minute halves (running clock).
• Clock stops on foul shots and during the last 2 minutes of each half.
7th–8th Grade: 2 × 18-minute halves (running clock).
• Clock stops on foul shots and during the last 2 minutes of each half.
Warm-Up: 4 minutes (if time allows)
Halftime: 4 minutes (if time allows)
Note: Site director may adjust warm-up and halftime to maintain the schedule.
Overtime Rules
Pool Play games can end in a tie
3rd–4th Grade: Sudden death — first team to score 2 points wins.
5th–8th Grade: Sudden death — first team to score 3 points wins.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES – 3 MINUTE PERIOD WITH A 1 MINUTE BREAK AFTER REGULATION ENDS. IF THE SCORE REMAINS TIED AFTER THE OVERTIME PERIOD – WE THEN MOVE TO THE SUDDEN DEATH RULES ABOVE.
Timeouts:
• 3 per game
• 1 additional per overtime (no carryover from regulation)
Fouls
Bonus (1-and-1): Begins on 7th team foul per half
Double Bonus: Begins on 10th team foul per half
Player Foul-Out: 5 personal fouls
Technical Fouls
Player Technicals
• Player must be subbed out immediately (may return at coach’s discretion)
• 2 technicals = ejection
Coach Technicals
• Coach must sit for the remainder of the game after 1 technical
• 2 technicals = ejection for the remainder of the event
Spectator Technicals
• 1 technical = ejection for the remainder of the event
Additional Notes
Dunking in pre-game warm-ups = automatic technical foul
Mercy Rule & Defense
Mercy Rule: No pressing or trapping in the backcourt with a 15-point lead in the 2nd
half.
Defense:
All defenses allowed at all grade levels except:
3rd–4th Grade: Pressing only allowed in the last 2 minutes if the game is within 15 points.
Free Throws & Ball Sizes
3rd–4th Grade: Players may jump over the foul line if they start behind it.
Ball Sizes:
3rd Grade: 27.5″
4th–5th Grade Boys: 28.5″
6th–8th Grade Boys: 29.5″
4th–8th Grade Girls: 28.5″
Arrival & Forfeits
Arrival: Teams must arrive 30 minutes before scheduled start time.
Teams must be prepared to play 15 minutes before scheduled time.
No-Show Forfeit:
If a team does not have 5 players within 10 minutes of game time → 15–0 forfeit, unless ruled otherwise by the Tournament Director.
Brackets & Tiebreakers
- Number of wins (winning percentage if unequal games played)
- Head-to-head result
- Point differential (max +15 per game)
- Points allowed (no max)
- Points scored (no max)
- Coin flip
Scorekeeping & Disputes
Official score maintained by scorekeepers & referees.
All disputes must be addressed during the game.
Final scores will not be changed unless overruled by the Tournament Director.
Conduct & Sportsmanship
No profanity, verbal abuse, or unsportsmanlike behavior.
Drug & Alcohol-Free Event: Anyone found using alcohol or drugs will be disqualified.
Coaches are responsible for player and spectator conduct.
No food or drinks in the gym other than water or sports drinks.
Help us keep the court clean, please change into indoor shoes before stepping on the court
Tournament staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
AC Sports reserves the right to eject any player, coach, official, or spectator for objectionable behavior.
Referee & Coach Interaction
Coaches should address officiating issues professionally with the Tournament Director, not the referee.
Do not interfere with the scorer’s table.
Serve as positive role models for players.
Registration Requirements
All teams must submit:
• Completed roster
• Proof of insurance listing AC Sports as Additional Insured
• Completed Coach’s Checklist
All materials must be submitted before the tournament begins.
Official Tournament Roster
Must be submitted online prior to first game.
Players not listed are ineligible.
Games with ineligible players = 15–0 forfeit.
Roster/Waiver link will be emailed to all coaches.
Equipment & Uniforms
Teams must bring their own warm-up balls
Uniform Color Policy:
• Home team wears light-colored uniforms.
• If both teams wear similar colors, home team must change.
Eligibility
Determined by grade level (age cutoff corresponds to grade).
Hotels
Teams traveling more than 75 miles must stay in an AC Approved Hotel booked through T1 Housing.
Hotel info available on each tournament page or the AC Sports Hotels page.
Insurance Requirements
Must list:
Atlantic Coast Baseball, LLC dba AC Sports
PO Box 87
Trafford, PA 15085
Upload proof of insurance via your account.
No fee required for adding AC Sports as Additional Insured.
Coaches Checklist
Must be completed before the tournament.
Site Supervisor
AC Sports staff will be on-site to handle:
• Disputes
• Safety issues
• Court logistics