RVSL Rules

Basketball

Everyone moving, everyone involved. Small sides for the youngest so every kid touches the ball.

Team size & setup

Game format

Item	12 & Under	13 & Up
Game length	Four 8-minute quarters	Four 10-minute quarters
Full-court press	Not allowed	Allowed in the 4th quarter only
Ball size	Size 5 (27.5")	Girls Size 6, Boys Size 7
Playing time	At least 50% of the game	At least 20% of the game

How the game starts

The game begins with a jump ball (13 & up) or a possession arrow (12 & under). The team with the ball tries to score in its basket.
A basket inside the arc is 2 points, beyond the arc is 3 points (where a three-point line is used), and a free throw is 1 point.
After a made basket the other team inbounds from the baseline and brings the ball up the floor.

Flow of play

Players advance the ball by dribbling or passing, you cannot travel (move both feet without dribbling) or double-dribble.
The offense has the ball until it scores, turns it over, or the defense gains possession.
Man-to-man defense is encouraged in younger divisions so kids learn to guard and move without pressing.

Fouls & penalties

No holding, pushing, hitting, charging, or intentional fouling to intimidate.
A shooting foul awards two free throws (one if the shot is made and counts).
Team-foul bonus: after a team's 5th foul in a quarter, the opponent shoots two free throws on every foul that quarter.
Leagues with players under age 9 may award an inbounds possession in place of free throws.

Equipment

Age-appropriate ball size and hoop height (above) so shooting form develops correctly.
Non-marking court shoes; no jewelry.
Matching pinnies or jerseys so officials can track possession.

What technique looks like

Balanced shooting form (feet, eyes, elbow, follow-through), heads-up ball handling, footwork on pivots, and passing under pressure.

Scored the RVSL way

Referees rate both teams on the five criteria: effort, technique, teamwork, fun, and sportsmanship.

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