Kindergarten RULES!

There will be a HUGE difference between the first game of the season and the last game as the kindergarten players learn the basics of the game. The first game will likely not look a whole lot like basketball, but be patient and be quick to encourage your son/daughter!

The goal will be set at 7 ½ feet at Good Shepherd.

Each Friday night there will be a 25 minute practice for the teams followed by a 5 minute devotion segment. After a water break the games will then begin.

The games will consist of four 4 minute segments. There will be 1-2 minutes in between each segment to allow for player substitutions/rotations.

All players will rotate through a predetermined lineup in order to ensure equal playing time for all! (In other words the coaches will not be deciding who plays during each segment)

Players will line up at half court and will be matched up with a person on the opposing team that they will be responsible for guarding. Players will wear armbands to help them (and the coaches) to remember who they are supposed to be guarding.

Score is not kept during the game. Coaches are allowed on the floor with the players and in fact the coaches will also serve as referees.

In kindergarten the following rules should be followed:

• 3 second violation will not be called
• Stealing the ball from the dribbler is not allowed in order to encourage the player to dribble with correct form without the pressure of having the ball stolen.
• A violation will not be called for having two hands on the ball while dribbling, however coaches are encouraged to work with players on this.
• Double dribbling will be called, but 3 warnings should be given before a double dribbling violation is called.
• Violations will not be called for traveling when a player is simply shuffling their feet when trying to take a shot. Violations may be called if a player runs down the court without dribbling the ball. Referees should warn a player the first time and then call the violation on the second occurrence.  This will help players to learn.
• Fast breaks are not allowed in the kindergarten league.
• Shooting fouls do not result in free throw attempts in kindergarten. Instead the player may retry his shot from the spot of the foul without being defended.
• The main goal is to begin to teach the fundamentals while having fun in a God-honoring atmosphere!