2025-2026 Basketball Public Release #1
10.3.1 General Guidelines
- 10.3.1-1 If a rule in the sport of basketball is not specifically addressed or contained herein, NFHS (“Federation”) rules shall be applied.
- 10.3.1-1.1 DIAA guidelines may be referred to and applied in certain situations when deemed appropriate.
- 10.3.1-1.2 No coach or coordinator at the affiliate level shall alter, revise, or change any rules prior to, during, or after the conclusion of competition.
- 10.3.1-2 The CYM Sports Coordinator and CYM Boys/Girls Basketball Coordinators are the lead rules interpreter for the sport of basketball within CYM Sports programming.
- 10.3.1-2.1 Interpretation of all CYM Sports rulings and governing rules for the sport of basketball will be declared final by the CYM Sports Coordinator.
- 10.3.1-3 The CYM Boys’ and/or Girls’ Basketball Coordinator is the lead representative(s) and organizer(s) for the sport of basketball within CYM Sports programming.
- 10.3.1-4 The Basketball Ambassador(s) are the lead advocates for all affiliate coaches within CYM Sports programming.
- 10.3.1-4.1 Head Coaches may suggest rule changes to the Basketball Ambassador(s) or CYM Basketball Coordinators prior to or after season.
10.3.2 Administration of Basketball
- 10.3.2-1 A team registration should consist of 10 participants in order to compete in CYM Sports Basketball.
- 10.3.2-1.1 A team may register less than 10, provided they meet the minimum + 1 required to field a team on the court, or a second team is formed to compete in competition.
- 10.3.2-1.2 The Office will not reschedule due to shortage of players on a team, and will result in an administrative forfeit if a team lacks the required, registered players for the game.
- 10.3.2-1.3 Any game that is forfeited due to lack of players and/or coaches where officials show up to officiate will result in a financial charge to that parish/school equal to the cost of the officials and is subject to addition penalties included, but not limited to facility fees.
- 10.3.2-1.4 Forfeited games will not be made up.
- 10.3.2-2 Teams are placed in divisions in accordance with section 10.1.3 Divisional Guidelines.
- 10.3.2-3 Team Submission and Gym Availability/Parish Conflicts are released on October 1st of each year for administrators.
- 10.3.2-3.1 The deadline to submit all forms is 30 days after release, on November 1st.
- 10.3.2-3.2 CYM reserves the right to move forward without an affiliated program, once the deadline has passed to submit forms.
- 10.3.2-3.3 All conflicts, including those of the coach and team, must be placed on the conflict sheets. Once the conflicts are placed in, games will not be adjusted unless it follows 10.1.2 League Guidelines.
- 10.3.2-4 Games will begin for all divisions on the first weekend in December, except for the High School divisions which start after the winter break.
- 10.3.2-4.1 Games will play through the first three weekends of December, then break for two consecutive weekends for Christmas and New Years, then resume.
- 10.3.2-5 Playoffs will begin in the middle of February for divisions offering postseason competition, and end by the last weekend of February or the first weekend of March.
- 10.3.2-6 Each team should plan for tens games; however, the office reserves the right to reduce to nine games based on the availability of facilities.
- 10.3.2-6.1 The amount of games for the season is ultimately determined by the CYM Sports Coordinator and the Office.
- 10.3.2-7 No coach, parent, or coordinator is authorized to change a game without the expressed written consent of the CYM Office and the appropriate CYM Basketball Coordinator.
10.3.3 Equipment
- 10.3.3-1 All divisions will use the standard size basketball, as designated by the NFHS rules and regulations.
- 10.3.3-1.1 All boys’ varsity and high school divisions will use the men’s high school standard size basketball as defined by the NFHS.
- 10.3.3-1.2 The home team is expected to supply the game ball.
- 10.3.3-2 Any player wearing metal dental appliances must wear a mouth guard.
- 10.3.3-3 The home team scorebook will be the official book for all CYM Basketball games and/or tournaments.
- 10.3.3-4 The visiting team will provide a clock operator, provided the host facility or gym does not provide one.
- 10.3.3-5 Uniforms must fall in accordance with 10.1.7 Uniform Guidelines.
- 10.3.3-5.1 Teams must have shirts of the same solid color on front and back, with visible numbers. It is recommended to utilize reversible jerseys.
- 10.3.3-5.2 In the event of two teams with the same color uniforms, the visiting team will wear pennies of a contrasting color.
- 10.3.3-5.3 Wearing shirts with the sleeves ripped or cut off is not permitted.
- 10.3.3-5.4 The CYM Rule regarding the color of a t-shirt under a uniform should follow NFHS standards, but is not required. However, officials can determine that a different color is needed or restrict the player from participating in a game. A whole team’s t-shirt under the uniform must match, regardless.
- 10.3.3-6 Players may not wear any jewelry, including earrings during games.
- 10.3.3-7 Teams must bring their own practice balls for games, including when playing at neutral locations.
- 10.3.3-8 A team should bring no more than four practice balls.
10.3.4 General Game Regulations
- 10.3.4-1 Timeouts: All teams will have five (5) timeouts per game (three [3] 60-second timeouts and two [2] 30-second timeouts).
- 10.3.4-1.1 The exception to this rule is that high school division teams will have four (4) 30-second timeouts.
- 10.3.4-2 Technical Fouls: a player who receives a technical foul must be removed from the game.
- 10.3.4-2.1 A player may not reenter the game in that quarter, but may reenter at the start of the next quarter.
- 10.3.4-2.2 For divisions playing halves rather than quarters, each half should be conceptually split into two. If the technical occurs in the first part of the half, they are not eligible to return until the 10-minute marks.
- 10.3.4-2.3 This rule is applicable to overtime periods as well.
- 10.3.4-3 Substitutions: All substitutions must enter from half-court, on the same side as the team is seated.
- 10.3.4-4 For divisions that require defense to not be full court, it is NOT a violation of the defensive rule if a defensive player is running down the floor next to the offensive player with the ball, provided the defensive player does not make any attempt to play the ball. This is at the referee’s discretion.
- 10.3.4-5 Press Rule: All violations in applicable divisions utilizing a press rule will result in the ball being awarded to the offensive team at the spot closest to the violation.
- 10.3.4-6 Game Times: The duration and length of games are set by the Office for Catholic Youth, Young Adult, and Family Ministry, in consultation with CYM Coordinators, Athletic Advisory Committee and facility availability in the present-day landscape of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington.
- 10.3.4-6.1 All varsity games (regardless of boys’ or girls’) are set for six (6) minutes, and shall have a three (3) minute overtime if required.
- 10.3.4-6.2 All junior-varsity games (regardless of boys’ or girls’) are set for five (5) minutes, and shall have no overtime.
- 10.3.4-6.3 All pre-jv games games (regardless of boys’ or girls’) are set for five (5) minutes, and shall have no overtime.
- 10.3.4-6.4 All high school games (regardless of boys’ or girls’) are set for twenty (20) minutes, and shall have no overtime. The clock shall be a running clock, except in the final two (2) minutes of the half.
- 10.3.4-6.4 All varsity, junior varsity, and pre-jv games will have a one (1) minute break between quarters, and a five (5) minute halftime.
- 10.3.4-6.5 Game times are reviewed in the spring & summer to reflect the logistical needs of the basketball program by the office.
10.3.5 Postseason & Championships
- 10.3.5-1 Postseason will be held for the C, Y, and O Divisions in the boys’ and girls’ varsity divisions.
- Note: There is no C2 Championship offered in the boys’ division for 2025-2026.
- Note: The Office is considering expanding to additional divisions. If change, will be communicated.
- Note: The top division, regardless of boys’ or girls’ is known as the Diocesan Catholic League.
- 10.3.5-2 Postseason will be single elimination in the boys’ and girls’ varsity divisions.
- 10.3.5-3 CYM has the sole discretion to move a team from their regular season division, and place them in a different bracket for postseason.
- 10.3.5-3.1 A point system is utilized to determine seeding for postseason in these cases.
10.3.6 Mandatory Play & Sit Regulations
- 10.3.6-1 Mandatory play rules exist in the Varsity Y and Varsity O.
- 10.3.6-1.1 All eligible players on the bench must participate in each game.
- 10.3.6-1.2 Each player is to play 25% of each game.
- 10.3.6-1.3 Failure to comply with the minimum playing time during the regular season, or in postseason opportunities, will result in a forfeiture and may result in further disciplinary actions.
- 10.3.6-2 Mandatory sit rules exist in all Junior Varsity and Pre-JV Divisions.
- 10.3.6-2.1 All eligible players on the bench must participate in each game.
- 10.3.6-2.2 All players must sit one continuous quarter.
- 10.3.6-2.3 If a player is injured, the opposing coach will pick his/her replacement player. When the injured player is ready to return, he/she must reenter for the replacement player; the replacement player entering will not have this time counted as a quarter played.
- 10.3.6-2.4 Failure to comply with the mandatory sit rule will be playing with only the eligible players for the remainder of the game.
- 10.3.6-2.5 If a team has less than 6 players, the opposing coach can choose who must sit in each quarter.
- 10.3.6-2.6 The official scorebook should track quarters played until all players from each team have sat a full, continuous quarter. Referees should confirm with the home book volunteer at half time, and communicate the additional requirements to each coach at half-time.
- 10.3.6-2.7 A team with the proper number of players (minimum of 10, excluding exemptions) that chooses to intentionally or unintentionally ignore this rule should be reported to the Office for Catholic Youth, Young Adult, and Family Ministry along with the appropriate CYM Basketball Coordinator. This should include a picture of the scorebook.
- 10.3.6-2.8 The head coach and team will be subject to possible disciplinary actions, as determined by the CYM Sports Coordinator and CYM Basketball Coordinator.
- 10.3.6-3 Varsity C does not have mandatory play rules or sit rules.
10.3.7 Related Policies: Varsity
- 10.3.7-1 All rules in 10.3 Basketball Rulebook are applicable to all varsity divisions, unless a specific distinction is made with junior varsity, pre-jv, or high school divisions.
10.3.8 Related Policies: Junior Varsity & Pre-JV
- 10.3.8-1 Stalling is applicable in the Junior Varsity & Pre-JV divisions.
- 10.3.8-1.1 Violations will be the sole judgement of the referee(s), and the penalty will be a loss of possession.
- 10.3.8-2 A Junior-Varsity division is offered for boys’ and girls’ basketball.
- 10.3.8-2.1 Rosters must follow the ideal roster size requirement; anything less must be approved by the CYM Office.
- 10.3.8-2.2 The (____) are offered as competitive and hybrid competition, respectively.
- 10.3.8-2.3 The (____) are offered as developmental and beginner competition, respectively.
- 10.3.8-2.4 The (____) must follow defensive rules restrictions, which include:
- Teams may play full court defense the entire game, except if they have a 15-point lead.
- In such cases of a 15-point lead, they must play defense within the top of the arc, extended.
- Once the offense has passed that line, the defense may defend anywhere on that half of the court for the remainder of the possession.
- 10.3.8-2.5 The (____) must follow defensive rules restrictions, which include:
- Teams may play half court defense the entire game, except if they have a 15-point lead.
- In such cases of a 15-point lead, they must play defense within the top of the arc, extended.
- Once the offense has passed that line, the defense may defend anywhere on that half of the court for the remainder of the possession.
- 10.3.8-3 A Pre-JV Division is offered for boys’ and girls’ basketball.
- 10.3.8-3.1 Rosters must follow the ideal roster size requirement; anything less must be approved by the CYM Office.
- 10.3.8-3.2 The (____) are offered for 4th graders and/or experienced 3rd graders.
- 10.3.8-3.3 The (____) are offered for 3rd graders and/or 4th graders that are just beginning in the sport of basketball (less than 3 years experience).
- 10.3.8-3.4 The (____) must follow defensive rules restrictions, which include:
- They may play defense at half court for all quarters.
- If the lead is more than 10 points, the team with the lead must play defense within the top of the arc, extended.
- Once the offense penetrates that imaginary line, the defense is free to play anywhere within that half court.
- 10.3.8-3.5 The (____) must follow defensive rules restrictions, which include:
- For the first three quarters, all defense must be played within the top of the arc, extended, with no exceptions.
- In the final quarter, both teams may play half-court defense, provided the lead is not 10 or less.
- If the lead is more than 10 points in the final quarter, only the trailing team may play defense at half court.
10.3.9 Related Policies: High School Divisions
- 10.3.9-1 A High School division is offered for boys’ basketball.
- 10.3.9-1.1 An intermediate division is offered for boys’ basketball in grades 9th and 10th grade.
- 10.3.9-1.2 A senior division is offered for boys’ basketball in grades 9th through 12th grade.
- 10.3.9-2 All high school divisions may press for the entire game, regardless of score.
- 10.3.9-3 All high school divisions are permitted four 30-second timeouts.
- 10.3.9-4 A high school division game is subject to cancelation, if a program can not produce enough for the required line-up, and will not be rescheduled.
10.3.10 Basketball- Specific, Tournament Regulations
- 10.3.10-1 All basketball programs are subject to the rules, regulations, and procedures regarding tournaments, whether pre-season, in-season, or post-season events.
- 10.3.10-1.1 If an affiliated athletic association at a school or parish were to leave the CYM Sports program, they would still be subject to the applicable rules as a member of the Diocese of Wilmington, involved in Ministry for Athletics.
- 10.3.10-1.2 This rule does not apply to private, Catholic institutions involved in CYM Sports Programming. The exception to these regulations are for a school whom historically has no involvement in CYM Sport over the previous ten (10) years.
- 10.3.10-2 Tournaments hosted by a CYM Sports affiliated school or parish require written agreement with CYM, which clearly states that affiliated representatives engaging in the organization of a tournament will avoid conflicts with CYM league competition.
- 10.3.10-3 Tournaments hosted by a CYM Sports affiliated school or parish, regardless of pre-season, in-season, or post-season, must follow CYM Sports Specific Rules established for that year for respective divisions in-full.
- 10.3.10-3.1 Affiliated associations may modify rules, provided there was disclosure in request for approval.
- 10.3.10-4 Tournaments hosted by a CYM Sports affiliated school or parish within the Diocese of Wilmington are subject to oversight by the Office for Catholic Youth Ministry.
- 10.3.10-5 Any issue, included but not limited to: incidents, sportsmanship penalties, fouls, or technicals must be reported to the CYM Sports Office within 48 hours.
- 10.3.10-6 CYM Sports and the Diocese of Wilmington may delicate the handling of issues at tournaments to pastoral leadership and/or school leadership.
- 10.3.10-7 CYM Sports and the Diocese of Wilmington reserve the right to intervene, investigate, or discipline accordingly dependent upon the severity of the issue.
- 10.3.10-8 No tournament(s) and games shall be scheduled during CYM League or Postseason play in which conflicts with posted schedule.
- 10.3.10-8.1 CYM Sports and the Diocese of Wilmington reserves the right to modify a tournaments schedule, if seen as a detriment to league or playoff play.
- 10.3.10-8.2 CYM Sports may authorize a tournament game serve as a league game as well.
- 10.3.10-8.3 CYM Sports may penalize the tournament host program with sanctions, including but not limited to forfeits or declare a team(s) ineligible for CYM postseason.
- 10.3.10-9 All participating CYM schools must have the opportunity to participate in tournaments hosted by a affiliated association.
- 10.3.10-10 Failure to comply with oversight rules as stated in Tournaments section of by- laws may result in penalty fees, sanctions, and other disciplinary actions.
- 10.3.10-11.1 Any association found not in compliance will immediately forfeit eligibility of playoffs for two years for all divisions, regardless if tournament is promoted with select divisions.
10.3.11 Basketball- Specific, Tryouts & Practice Regulations
- 10.3.12-1 All specific tryout and practice regulations for basketball are in accordance with Empowering Disciples: Tryout & Practice Guidelines, and dates provided by the CYM Office.
10.3.12 Basketball- Specific, Technicals-Ejections-Sportsmanship
- 10.3.12-1 All technical fouls, ejections, and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties will be the reviewed by the CYM Office.
- 10.3.12-2 All technical fouls must be submitted to the CYM Office.
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LAST REVISION: OCTOBER 1ST, 2025 @ 12:45 PM