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©2017 Upward Unlimited. Upward ® is a registered trademark of Upward Unlimited. UPWARD BASKETBALL REFEREE HANDBOOK
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Page 1: UPWARD BASKETBALLREFEREE HANDBOOKimages.acswebnetworks.com/1/2458/BasketballRefereeHandbook20… · Upward Basketball 3 Referee Handbook Welcome to Upward Basketball! This handbook

©2017 Upward Unlimited.

Upward® is a registered trademark of Upward Unlimited.

UPWARD BASKETBALL

REFEREE HANDBOOK

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2 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

Table of ContentsIntroduction ..................................................................3

Section One: Refereeing Upward Basketball

Becoming an Upward Basketball Referee ....6Pre-Game .......................................................................9During the Game ......................................................9

Section Two: Rule Levels to Upward Basketball

The Levels of Upward Basketball .....................12Basic Rules for Levels 1-3......................................12Level 1 Modifications .............................................. 18Level 2 Modifications ............................................20Level 3 Modifications ............................................ 22Level 4 Rules ............................................................. 24What to Watch For................................................ 27

Section Three: Calling the Game

Positioning and Responsibilities ......................30Fouls/Violations Hand Signals ......................... 33

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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3Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

Welcome to Upward Basketball!

This handbook is designed to provide you with everything you need to be successful as an Upward Basketball Referee. The information on the following pages is designed to guide you through the season and includes the rules unique to Upward Basketball.

Along with this handbook, you can find additional Upward Basketball Referee resources at MyUpward.org. Here you will find rules to the game, how to make calls and even training videos on how to become an Upward Basketball Referee.

Here’s how to access these online resources:

1. You will receive an email from the league director containing a link to MyUpward.org.

2. Click on the link and create a password (your username will already exist as your email address).

3. You will then be able to access all the referee resources on MyUpward.org.

*If you have not already received this email, please see your league director.

INTRODUCTION

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4 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

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5Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION ONE

REFEREEING

UPWARD

BASKETBALL

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6 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION ONE:

REFEREEING UPWARD

BASKETBALL

Becoming an Upward Basketball RefereeUpward Basketball is designed to promote healthy competition and sportsmanship while also teaching the objectives of game play. Coaches will teach the basic fundamentals of basketball through drills, games and scrimmages along with sharing life lessons through mid-practice huddles. A positive influence to the game is your biggest role in this program.

As an Upward Basketball Referee, you should be able to:

› Understand and know the sport

· By knowing and understanding the sport of basketball, you will be able to call the game effectively. This also includes knowing the rules unique to Upward Basketball.

› Lead by example

· It is important that referees are role models on the court. You should demonstrate a Christ-like attitude through your officiating and through the encouragement of players. Provide positive comments to players during the game for their play, effort and sportsmanship.

› Control the game

· The referee must keep the game under control while promoting a competitive experience. The best way to do this is to blow the whistle sharply to stop play, calling fouls and violations when they occur.

· Any rough play should be stopped immediately. If rough play is not

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7Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION ONE:REFEREEING UPWARD BASKETBALL

stopped quickly, it will escalate and undermine the purpose of the league.

· Player safety should be a concern for every referee. Keep players under control by calling all fouls, encouraging players and giving instruction as an extension of the coach. This will shape the overall attitude and atmosphere of the game while improving the players’ experience, building their confidence and creating opportunities to develop relationships with coaches, players and players’ families.

› Communicate effectively with coaches, players and spectators

· Throughout the game, teach the game to players as you are officiating. When a foul or violation is called, make the appropriate call and explain to players what happened , how it can be corrected and what the consequence is for the infraction.

· Hand signals should accompany all fouls and violations that are called. Coaches and spectators need to know the result of what was called.

· Talk with coaches during game play and at the end of segments. Communicate what you are seeing; build rapport and confidence with the coaches.

· Before the game begins, it is important to communicate with your referee partner. Talk about positioning, and review the responsibilities for each of you. Basic communication before the game begins will make a positive difference during the game.

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8 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

› Employ proper positioning and refereeing mechanics

· This includes coordinating efforts with your referee partner, blowing the whistle, using hand signals and keeping the game on track.

› Manage substitutions

· For Levels 1-3 ONLY, substitutions take place between each segment. Before the start of each segment, player matchups occur at mid-court. The coaches will match players up against someone of equal ability. While this process is the coaches’ job, you will serve as a monitor. If both coaches and referees foresee a match-up problem due to position and height, players can be shuffled around to create a better game situation. This should be done only when all parties agree to the change.

· Remember to keep the substitution time moving. The whole process should take only about a minute. Remind coaches that substitution time is not a time when they should be talking to players about strategy.

SECTION ONE:

REFEREEING UPWARD

BASKETBALL

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9Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

Pre-Game

Before the game begins, bring both teams and coaches together to remind them about game rules, common violations, and the spirit of Upward Basketball. Encourage players and coaches to do their best to honor God with their actions and attitudes.

Here are a few things to discuss during this pre-game gathering:

› Gather both teams and their coaches for a brief word of encouragement and prayer.

› Be sure all players have their jerseys tucked in their shorts.

› Check to see that each player has his or her shoes tied tightly. Have players remove all jewelry, hats and watches.

› Give reminders for game play (no defense in the backcourt, man-to-man defense, three-second violations, etc.).

During the Game As an Upward Basketball Referee, you serve as an on-the-floor coach, teacher, and encourager. It is part of the referee’s role to talk to players during the game. Communicating with players during play will help them improve their game on the court. Often the referee can stop a violation before it happens by talking to the players. Commands like “out of the lane 33,” “watch the pushing,” or “pass or shoot – no double dribbling” can keep the game moving and make it more enjoyable for all. Players, parents, and coaches will appreciate a referee who is committed to both officiating and teaching.

SECTION ONE:REFEREEING UPWARD BASKETBALL

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10 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

Be sure to encourage players. Words of praise, high-fives, or clapping hands are all effective ways to build a young athlete’s confidence and it also establishes a good relationship between you and all players.

Communicating with coaches during the game is also very important because it builds a rapport with the coach while addressing any concerns they may have. As coaches and teams exit the court for halftime, take this opportunity to make adjustments for the second half. Based on the action in the first half, let coaches know what things you will be looking for when play resumes.

SECTION ONE:

REFEREEING UPWARD

BASKETBALL

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11Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO

RULE LEVELS

TO UPWARD

BASKETBALL

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12 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:

RULE LEVELS TO

UPWARD BASKETBALL

The Levels of Upward BasketballUpward Basketball uses a four-level age appropriate format that grows with each young athlete. Each level of Upward Basketball is tailored to meet athletes where they are in their playing ability, allowing them to reach their full potential.

Each level of Upward Basketball includes a specific game format and rules, which are expressed in this guide. Levels 1-3 use a set of common rules with modifications designed for each level. Level 4 uses an exclusive set of rules that follow a traditional middle school format.

Basic Rules for Levels 1-3*Note: These rules do NOT apply to Level 4. Except where the following rules apply, play is governed by the National Federation of State High School Associations’ (NFHS) Rules Book (www.nfhs.org).

Game Format 1. Referees lead both teams in prayer at

center court before every game. This sets the tone and focus for the game.

2. A coin flip or other impartial method determines which team receives possession first. In jump ball situations, possessions will alternate. This promotes fairness for both teams while adhering to the NFHS rule for jump ball situations.

3. Clock format: Running clock throughout the game, stopping only for pre-determined substitutions at the end of each segment and halftime.

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13Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL

4. At the end of each segment, the team that receives the ball next is based upon the direction of the possession arrow. This avoids the offensive team that may have possession in the next segment from stalling at the end of a period.

5. All coaches will adhere to the substitution system. The substitution system allows for equal playing time for all players.

6. There are no timeouts. This allows more playing time and keeps the games on time.

7. Teams switch goals at halftime. This rule is in compliance with NFHS Rules. It also evens any advantage that may occur because of the court.

8. Any game ending in a tie should remain in a tie. No overtimes are played so games stay on schedule.

9. Standings add unneeded pressure to the game and therefore will not be maintained.

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14 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:

RULE LEVELS TO

UPWARD BASKETBALL

Rules for PlayDefense 1. Man-to-man defense will be played at

all times. Zone defenses are not allowed in Levels 1-3. In a man-to-man defense, players are only guarding the opponent that closely matches their ability and height. This allows for a more competitive system for every player on the court while creating an equal opportunity for each player.

2. Defensive players must stay within arm’s reach of the player they are guarding. This prevents defenders from sagging or crowding an area of the court to gain a defensive advantage.

3. Double-teaming is not allowed. However, help defense is strongly encouraged in the following instances:

· Lane Area: If a defender is in the lane and the player he or she is guarding is within arm’s reach, the defender is allowed to provide help defense. Since many goals are scored in the lane, it provides the defense more opportunity to properly defend this area.

· Picks and Screens: Defensive switching is allowed on offensive picks or screens. The non-screened defender can help his or her teammate by temporarily switching until the teammate recovers to defend their offensive player. This is commonly referred to as ”help and recover.” This prevents the offense from continually setting screens to gain an advantage.

· Fast Breaks: When an offensive player has beaten their defender, another defensive player may help. Upon stopping the fast break, defenders should return to guarding their assigned players. This rule

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15Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL

is meant to prevent the defenders from helplessly watching the offensive player score without being able to help.

4. At the beginning of each segment, players will line up at half court and “match up” with whom they are guarding. This act is performed to promote equal player match-ups. Equal match-ups combined with man-to-man defense create five competitive pairings on the court.

5. Full court presses are not allowed. Defensive players may not guard their opponents in the backcourt. This will allow for more play to occur in the front court and create an equal opportunity for each child to participate both on offense and defense.

6. Due to the shortness of the court, backcourt violations will not be called. If playing on a regulation-size court (84 feet) as opposed to cross-court, backcourt violations should be called.

7. A player committing two fouls in one segment must sit out the remainder of that segment. The next player in the rotation comes in as the substitute and is rewarded some extra game time. This does not change the normal rotation as the fouled-out player does not re-enter the game until he or she is scheduled to do so. This rule allows the offending player time to regroup during the remainder of the segment while realizing that there is a consequence for the violation.

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16 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:

RULE LEVELS TO

UPWARD BASKETBALL

Offense 1. The offense must purposefully attack

the defense in every situation – no stalling. After a warning from the referee, a violation will be called resulting in a turnover. This will prevent a team with the lead from running the clock out by staying in the backcourt.

2. Isolation plays will not be a part of Levels 1-3 because they take away the opportunity for improvement for all players and contradict the spirit of the rules.

3. Non-shooting fouls will result in the ball being in-bounded from either the baseline or sideline. All shooting fouls will result in free throws. By not administering “bonus” situation free throws, all players on the court can contribute to consistent game action.

4. No score will be given for a basket in the wrong goal. It will be treated as a turnover. This will prevent further embarrassing a player for making this mistake.

All other rules have specific modifications for Levels 1-3. See the following charts for these modifications:

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17Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL

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18 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:

RULE LEVELS TO

UPWARD BASKETBALL

Rule Adjustments by DivisionLevel 1 Modifications

RULE

EXPLA

NATION/C

OMMENTS

Go

al H

eig

ht

7 fe

et

Bal

l Siz

e25

Gam

es c

on

sist

of

six,

4-m

inu

te s

egm

ents

an

d

an 8

min

ute

hal

ftim

e. O

ne

min

ute

is a

llott

ed f

or

sub

stit

uti

on

s b

etw

een

seg

men

ts.

Th

is k

eep

s g

ames

to

ap

pro

xim

atel

y a

45-

min

ute

ti

me

fram

e. I

t al

so a

llow

s ea

ch p

laye

r to

be

in

the

gam

e fo

r sh

ort

er s

egm

ents

th

an o

lder

ag

e d

ivis

ion

s.

Sco

re is

no

t ke

pt

Th

e fo

cus

of

this

ag

e is

to

lear

n f

un

dam

enta

ls, n

ot

win

nin

g a

nd

losi

ng

3-s

eco

nd

vio

lati

on

is n

ot

calle

d

Ref

eree

s sh

ou

ld a

dvi

se p

laye

rs o

f th

is p

ote

nti

al

vio

lati

on

bu

t n

ot

pen

aliz

e.

Co

ach

es a

re a

llow

ed o

n t

he

flo

or

wit

h p

laye

rsT

he

focu

s is

fo

r co

ach

es t

o in

stru

ct a

nd

en

cou

rag

e p

laye

rs a

t al

l tim

es.

Ste

alin

g t

he

bal

l fro

m t

he

dri

bb

ler

is n

ot

allo

wed

To

en

cou

rag

e th

e o

ffen

sive

pla

yer

to d

rib

ble

wit

h

corr

ect

form

wit

ho

ut

the

pre

ssu

re o

f h

avin

g t

he

bal

l sto

len

Ste

alin

g t

he

bal

l off

a p

ass

is n

ot

allo

wed

To

en

cou

rag

e th

e o

ffen

sive

pla

yer

to p

ass

wit

h

corr

ect

form

wit

ho

ut

the

pre

ssu

re o

f h

avin

g t

he

bal

l sto

len

(co

ntin

ued

on

next

pag

e)

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19Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL

Vio

lati

on

is n

ot

calle

d f

or

hav

ing

tw

o h

and

s o

n t

he

bal

l wh

ile d

rib

blin

g

Du

e to

lim

ited

han

d-e

ye c

oo

rdin

atio

n, t

his

allo

ws

a p

laye

r to

est

ablis

h c

orr

ect

dri

bb

ling

fo

rm

thro

ug

h r

hyt

hm

an

d p

ress

ure

on

th

e b

all

Vio

lati

on

fo

r d

ou

ble

dri

bb

ling

is c

alle

d b

ut

do

es

no

t re

sult

in a

tu

rno

ver

Pla

yers

sh

ou

ld le

arn

th

e co

nce

pt

of

do

ub

le

dri

bb

le b

ut

sho

uld

be

allo

wed

th

e o

pp

ort

un

ity

to

corr

ect

it w

ith

ou

t p

enal

ty

Vio

lati

on

fo

r tr

avel

ing

is c

alle

d b

ut

do

es n

ot

resu

lt

in a

tu

rno

ver

Pla

yers

sh

ou

ld le

arn

th

e co

nce

pt

of

trav

elin

g b

ut

sho

uld

be

allo

wed

th

e o

pp

ort

un

ity

to c

orr

ect

it

wit

ho

ut

pen

alty

Vio

lati

on

fo

r tr

avel

ing

is n

ot

calle

d w

hen

a p

laye

r sh

uff

les

feet

wh

en t

ryin

g t

o s

et u

p f

or

a sh

ot

Bec

ause

th

is a

ge

gro

up

is s

ing

le s

kill

focu

sed

, p

laye

rs w

ill t

end

to

sh

uff

le t

hei

r fe

et w

hen

fo

cusi

ng

on

set

tin

g u

p f

or

a sh

ot.

Th

is is

co

rrec

ted

as

th

e p

laye

r d

evel

op

s in

ski

ll as

he

get

s o

lder

.

Fas

t b

reak

s ar

e n

ot

allo

wed

in a

ny

tran

siti

on

si

tuat

ion

Th

is p

rom

ote

s a

con

tro

lled

gam

e. P

laye

rs a

t th

is

age

lear

n b

ette

r w

hen

th

e p

ace

is c

on

tro

lled

Sh

oo

tin

g f

ou

ls d

o n

ot

resu

lt in

fre

e th

row

at

tem

pts

A p

laye

r w

ho

get

s fo

ule

d w

hile

sh

oo

tin

g g

ets

to r

etry

his

/her

sh

ot

fro

m t

he

spo

t o

f th

e fo

ul

wit

ho

ut

bei

ng

def

end

ed.

Bal

l is

live

afte

r sh

ot

is

atte

mp

ted

. T

his

allo

ws

a p

laye

r to

att

emp

t a

sho

t th

at h

e w

as t

ryin

g t

o t

ake

pri

or

to t

he

fou

l fro

m

the

sam

e sp

ot.

Level 1 Modifications (continued)

RULE

EXPLA

NATION/C

OMMENTS

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20 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:

RULE LEVELS TO

UPWARD BASKETBALL

Level 2 Modifications

RULE

EXPLA

NATION/C

OMMENTS

Go

al H

eig

ht

8 f

eet

Bal

l Siz

e25

Gam

es c

on

sist

of

six,

6-m

inu

te s

egm

ents

an

d

an 8

min

ute

hal

ftim

e. O

ne

min

ute

is a

llott

ed f

or

sub

stit

uti

on

s b

etw

een

seg

men

ts.

This

kee

ps

gam

es to

ap

pro

xim

atel

y an

hou

r tim

e fr

ame.

Sco

re is

NO

T k

ept

Yo

un

g a

thle

tes

at t

his

ag

e sh

ou

ld n

ot

focu

s o

n

the

sco

re b

ut

rath

er t

he

dev

elo

pm

enta

l ski

lls

bei

ng

tau

gh

t.

3-s

eco

nd

vio

lati

on

is N

OT

cal

led

Y

ou

ng

ath

lete

s at

th

is a

ge

sho

uld

fo

cus

on

o

ffen

sive

bas

ics

(dri

bb

ling

, pas

sin

g, s

ho

oti

ng

, an

d

reb

ou

nd

ing

).

Co

ach

es a

re a

llow

ed t

o w

alk

the

sid

elin

es t

o

enco

ura

ge

and

inst

ruct

pla

yers

Th

e fo

cus

is f

or

coac

hes

to

inst

ruct

an

d

enco

ura

ge

pla

yers

at

all t

imes

.(c

ont

inue

d o

n ne

xt p

age)

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21Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL

Fre

e th

row

s ar

e aw

ard

ed o

n a

ll sh

oo

tin

g f

ou

ls.

Tw

o s

ho

ts a

re a

ttem

pte

d b

y th

e fo

ule

d p

laye

r at

th

e 10

’ lin

e. C

oac

hes

may

qu

ickl

y co

me

on

to

the

cou

rt t

o li

ne

up

pla

yers

in p

rop

er f

ree

thro

w

po

siti

on

s. A

fter

th

e se

con

d s

ho

t, t

he

bal

l will

be

inb

ou

nd

ed b

y th

e o

pp

osi

ng

tea

m r

egar

dle

ss o

f sh

ot

resu

lt.

Ste

alin

g t

he

bal

l off

a d

rib

ble

or

pas

s is

allo

wed

Do

ub

le d

rib

ble

vio

lati

on

is c

alle

d in

all

circ

um

stan

ces

Tra

velin

g v

iola

tio

n is

cal

led

in a

ll ci

rcu

mst

ance

s

Fas

t b

reak

s ar

e al

low

ed in

an

y tr

ansi

tio

n s

itu

atio

n

Pla

yers

at

this

ag

e sh

ou

ld b

e ta

ug

ht

and

hel

d t

o

thes

e b

asic

bas

ketb

all r

ule

s.

Level 2 Modifications (continued)

RULE

EXPLA

NATION/C

OMMENTS

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22 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:

RULE LEVELS TO

UPWARD BASKETBALL

Level 3 Modifications

RULE

EXPLA

NATION/C

OMMENTS

Go

al H

eig

ht

9 f

eet

Bal

l Siz

e28

.5”

Gam

es c

on

sist

of

six,

6-m

inu

te s

egm

ents

an

d

an 8

min

ute

hal

ftim

e. O

ne

min

ute

is a

llott

ed f

or

sub

stit

uti

on

s b

etw

een

seg

men

ts.

Th

is k

eep

s g

ames

to

ap

pro

xim

atel

y an

ho

ur

tim

e fr

ame.

Sco

re IS

kep

t Y

ou

ng

ath

lete

s at

th

is a

ge

sho

uld

lear

n h

ow

to

h

and

le w

inn

ing

an

d lo

sin

g a

fter

co

mp

etit

ion

. T

his

tr

ansl

ates

into

life

less

on

s.

3-s

eco

nd

vio

lati

on

is c

alle

d a

nd

res

ult

s in

a

turn

ove

r

At

this

ag

e, y

ou

ng

ath

lete

s sh

ou

ld u

nd

erst

and

th

e co

nce

pt

of

off

ensi

ve m

ove

men

t b

y n

ot

allo

win

g

an o

ffen

sive

pla

yer

to s

tay

in t

he

lan

e m

ore

th

an

3 s

eco

nd

s.

Co

ach

es a

llow

ed t

o w

alk

the

sid

elin

es t

o

enco

ura

ge

and

inst

ruct

pla

yers

Th

e fo

cus

is f

or

coac

hes

to

inst

ruct

an

d

enco

ura

ge

pla

yers

at

all t

imes

.

(co

ntin

ued

on

next

pag

e)

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23Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL

Level 3 Modifications (continued)

RULE

EXPLA

NATION/C

OMMENTS

Clo

ck r

un

s co

nti

nu

ou

sly

wit

h s

pec

ial r

ule

s in

ef

fect

wit

h f

ewer

th

an t

wo

min

ute

s re

mai

nin

g in

th

e g

ame:

No

n-s

ho

oti

ng

fo

uls

res

ult

in t

he

off

ensi

ve t

eam

get

tin

g o

ne

po

int

and

th

e b

all.

Sh

oo

tin

g f

ou

ls r

esu

lt in

th

e o

ffen

sive

tea

m

s

cori

ng

tw

o p

oin

ts. T

he

op

po

sin

g t

eam

th

en

t

akes

po

sses

sio

n.

Pla

yers

fo

ule

d in

th

e ac

t o

f sh

oo

tin

g a

nd

m

akin

g t

he

bas

ket

are

cred

ited

wit

h t

he

bas

ket

p

lus

on

e p

oin

t. T

he

op

po

sin

g t

eam

th

en t

akes

po

sses

sio

n.

Bec

ause

th

e cl

ock

do

es n

ot

sto

p, t

his

ru

le k

eep

s th

e g

ame

mo

vin

g w

ith

ou

t w

asti

ng

th

e ru

nn

ing

g

ame

clo

ck o

n li

nin

g u

p f

or

free

th

row

att

emp

ts

Fre

e th

row

s ar

e aw

ard

ed o

n a

ll sh

oo

tin

g f

ou

ls.

Tw

o s

ho

ts a

re a

ttem

pte

d b

y th

e fo

ule

d p

laye

r at

th

e 12

’ lin

e. R

emai

nin

g p

laye

rs a

ssu

me

pro

per

fr

ee t

hro

w p

osi

tio

nin

g. B

all i

s liv

e if

sec

on

d s

ho

t is

m

isse

d.

Ste

alin

g t

he

bal

l off

a d

rib

ble

or

pas

s is

allo

wed

Pla

yers

at

this

ag

e sh

ou

ld b

e ta

ug

ht

and

hel

d t

o

thes

e b

asic

bas

ketb

all r

ule

s.

Do

ub

le d

rib

ble

vio

lati

on

is c

alle

d in

all

circ

um

stan

ces

Tra

velin

g v

iola

tio

n is

cal

led

in a

ll ci

rcu

mst

ance

s

Fas

t b

reak

s ar

e al

low

ed in

an

y tr

ansi

tio

n s

itu

atio

n

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24 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:

RULE LEVELS TO

UPWARD BASKETBALL

Level 4 Rules*The following rules are exclusive to Level 4. They follow a more traditional middle school format and game play. Except where the following rules apply, play is governed by the National Federation of State High School Associations’ (NFHS) Rules Book (www.nfhs.org)

Game Format

RULE

EXPLA

NATION/C

OMMENTS

Ref

eree

s le

ad b

oth

tea

m in

pra

yer

at c

ente

r co

urt

bef

ore

eve

ry g

ame

Th

is s

ets

the

ton

e an

d f

ocu

s fo

r th

e g

ame

Go

al H

eig

ht

10 f

eet

Bal

l Siz

e28

.5”

(gir

ls),

29

.5’ (

bo

ys)

Gam

es c

on

sist

of

4, s

ix-m

inu

te q

uar

ters

Fo

llow

s m

idd

le s

cho

ol r

ule

s an

d a

llow

s g

ame

to b

egin

an

d e

nd

wit

hin

an

ho

ur

tim

efra

me

Th

e cl

ock

sto

ps

at e

ach

wh

istl

eS

top

pag

e o

f p

lay

incl

ud

es v

iola

tio

ns,

fo

uls

, o

ut-

of-

bo

un

ds

pla

y, t

imeo

uts

, an

d in

jury

Ove

rtim

es a

re 2

min

ute

s in

len

gth

(r

egu

lati

on

clo

ck)

Giv

es b

oth

tea

ms

the

op

po

rtu

nit

y to

win

th

e g

ame

wit

h r

easo

nab

le e

xten

ded

tim

e.

If s

till

tied

at

the

end

of

the

ove

rtim

e p

erio

d, t

he

gam

e en

ds

in a

tie

.

Tea

ms

are

allo

wed

on

e (1

) 3

0-s

eco

nd

ti

meo

ut

per

hal

f (1

per

tea

m p

er h

alf)

Th

is a

llow

s a

coac

h t

o m

eet

wit

h p

laye

rs

and

ad

just

str

ateg

y d

uri

ng

a g

ame.

All

gam

es a

re p

laye

d o

n a

fu

ll-si

zed

re

gu

lati

on

co

urt

(n

o c

ross

co

urt

)T

his

is a

pp

rop

riat

e fl

oo

r si

ze f

or

pla

yers

at

this

leve

l.

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25Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL

RULE

EXPLA

NATION/C

OMMENTS

A ju

mp

bal

l is

use

d t

o s

tart

th

e g

ame

and

ove

rtim

e p

erio

d

Ath

lete

s at

th

is a

ge

hav

e th

e p

hys

ical

ab

ility

to

jum

p f

or

the

bal

l to

ob

tain

po

sses

sio

n.

It a

lso

fo

llow

s th

e N

FH

S

rule

s fo

r st

arti

ng

a g

ame

or

ove

rtim

e

Zo

ne

and

man

def

ense

s ar

e al

low

ed (

bo

th s

ho

uld

be

use

d t

hro

ug

ho

ut

the

seas

on

)

Pla

yers

at

this

leve

l po

sses

s th

e ab

ility

to

def

end

an

d

atta

ck b

oth

zo

ne

and

man

pri

nci

ple

s. Z

on

e an

d m

an

def

ense

s ar

e a

par

t o

f th

e g

ame

of

bas

ketb

all a

nd

sh

ou

ld b

e u

nd

erst

oo

d b

y p

laye

rs a

s th

ey p

rep

are

for

the

nex

t le

vel.

Pre

ss d

efen

se is

allo

wed

in t

he

bac

kco

urt

at

all t

imes

ex

cep

t if

a t

eam

has

a 1

5-p

oin

t ad

van

tag

e

To

pro

mo

te f

airn

ess

and

inte

gri

ty o

f th

e g

ame,

tea

ms

wit

h a

15-

po

int

adva

nta

ge

sho

uld

dro

p in

to a

bas

ic h

alf-

cou

rt d

efen

se.

All

pla

yers

are

allo

wed

fiv

e (5

) fo

uls

eac

h g

ame.

Aft

er

the

5th

fo

ul i

s co

mm

itte

d, t

he

pla

yer

is o

ut

for

the

rem

ain

der

of

the

gam

eT

his

ru

le f

ollo

ws

trad

itio

nal

mid

dle

sch

oo

l ru

les

form

atA

fter

th

e se

ven

th t

eam

fo

ul i

n e

ach

hal

f, b

on

us

free

th

row

s ar

e aw

ard

ed t

o t

he

fou

led

tea

m (

1 an

d 1

)

Th

ree

po

int

sho

ts a

re a

llow

ed o

nly

if t

he

cou

rt

feat

ure

s a

thre

e-p

oin

t ar

c.

Co

urt

s w

ith

ou

t a

3-p

oin

t lin

e sh

ou

ld n

ot

awar

d 3

po

ints

n

o m

atte

r th

e sh

ot

dis

tan

ce

Rules for Play

(co

ntin

ued

on

next

pag

e)

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26 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:

RULE LEVELS TO

UPWARD BASKETBALLP

layi

ng t

ime

req

uire

men

ts fo

r ea

ch p

laye

r in

Lev

el 4

are

:

• E

ach

ath

lete

pla

ys a

min

imu

m o

f ¼

of

each

gam

e

Eac

h a

thle

te m

ust

pla

y in

bo

th h

alve

s o

f ea

ch g

ame

Lev

el 4

do

es n

ot

use

th

e su

bst

itu

tio

n s

yste

m f

ou

nd

in

Lev

els

1-3

. Th

is a

llow

s fl

exib

ility

in m

anag

ing

pla

yin

g

tim

e fo

r ea

ch c

oac

h b

ased

on

th

e g

ame

situ

atio

n w

hile

p

rom

oti

ng

fai

r g

ame

par

tici

pat

ion

fo

r al

l pla

yers

En

d o

f se

aso

n t

ou

rnam

ents

are

hig

hly

en

cou

rag

ed f

or

Lev

el 4

En

d o

f se

aso

n t

ou

rnam

ent

pla

y ad

ds

exci

tem

ent

to y

ou

r le

agu

e. A

min

imu

m o

f 2

gam

es p

er t

eam

in

tou

rnam

ent

pla

y.Rules for Play (continued)

RULE

EXPLA

NATION/C

OMMENTS

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27Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL

What to Watch For (Levels 1-3 ONLY)If you are refereeing in Levels 1, 2 or 3, there are some common violations that will frequently occur on the court, as well as situations that specifically relate to the rules unique to Upward Basketball.

Common Violations Defense in the Backcourt

No full-court press defense of any kind is permitted in Levels 1-3. Referees must keep the flow of traffic away from the ball in the backcourt so that the offense can move the ball up court. Saying things such as, “Defense, get back” helps keep the flow of the game smooth. This is especially important in the first few weeks, when some players are new or still getting reacquainted with this rule.

Zone Defense and Sagging Defenders No zone defense of any kind is permitted in Levels 1-3. Some teams like to “sag” back in the lane and almost present themselves in a zone. This is illegal in Upward Basketball. Defensive players must stay within arm’s reach of the player they are guarding.

Double-Teaming While double-teaming is not allowed, help defense is encouraged in the following three situations:

› In the Lane Area

› Offensive Picks and Screens

› During Fast Breaks

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28 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

Fouls on Picks and ScreensProtect players by watching for the following fouls on picks and screens:

› Moving While Setting Pick - A common form of moving pick is for the offensive player setting the screen not to plant his or her feet or give the defender room to move. A moving pick or screen is illegal. Offensive players may attempt to block the defender any way they can. Make the call early, and teach players the correct way to set a pick.

› Arms Out While Setting Pick - Along with a moving pick, players will want to make themselves a larger pick by using the span of their arms to gain an advantage when shielding defenders. This is illegal. Players need to learn to protect themselves with their arms by their sides, not extended like a clothesline.

› Players Running Through Picks - Defenders must try to avoid picks and screens and not simply try to shove through them. It is illegal for a defender to push through the offensive player setting the pick.

For further explanation regarding fouls on picks and screens, refer to the NFHS website (www.nfhs.org).

SECTION TWO:

RULE LEVELS TO

UPWARD BASKETBALL

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29Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION THREE

CALLING THE GAME

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30 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION THREE:

CALLING THE GAME

How to Make a CallPositioning and Responsibilities You can’t call what you don’t see. Refereeing at any level is about being in the right position. This requires good communication between you and your partner. Each game will require two referees that alternate as lead and trail duties with each change of possession. The lead referee is the first official down the court and positions himself along the baseline in the near court. The trail official positions himself diagonally from the lead in the near court beyond the top of the key or three point line. During a change of possession, the lead and trail officials switch, making the lead the new trail and the trail the new lead.

In the above diagram, the lead official (L) has on-ball coverage (shaded area) because that official is near the ball. The trail official (T) is off the ball and covers the rest of the court. The lead official’s coverage area extends to the free-throw line and includes the entire free-throw lane.

T

L

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31Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION THREE:CALLING THE GAME

If the ball moves outside the lead official’s coverage area, the trail official then assumes on-ball coverage, and the lead official’s coverage is now off the ball (see above).

Above, you can see that the ball has now moved up high near midcourt on the lead official’s side. In this situation, the trail official has ball coverage, and the lead official has off-ball coverage. The lead official’s coverage area has now extended beyond the free-throw lane. This extended coverage helps the trail focus on the action occurring around the ball.

T

L

T

L

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32 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION THREE:

CALLING THE GAME

Responsibilities of both referees: › Watch for fouls and violations (traveling,

double dribble, etc.)

› Watch down the sideline and baseline

› Administer free throws (help line up players along the lane if necessary)

› Administer dead ball throw-ins (baseline or sideline)

› Blow the whistle to end the play. When one referee blows the whistle, the other should blow the whistle as well.

If you desire to be a quality referee, there are four common positioning traps to avoid:

› Both officials stay in the trail position or on opposite sidelines – If this occurs, there is no way to make an accurate call on action “in the paint” or near the baseline.

› Both officials watching the ball – If this happens, who is watching action away from the ball? The only time the lead official watches the ball is when the ball is in his or her area. The lead official does not watch the ball if it is in the trail official’s area or the perimeter area.

› Being lazy – Doing one’s best is a big part of Upward Basketball. This effort is expected from the coaches, players, and the referees. Remember, hustle up and down the floor the entire game to get in the proper position to make the call. This will make your job as well as your partner’s job much easier.

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33Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION THREE:CALLING THE GAME

Allowing the ball to be thrown-in under the basket – If action is stopped from the free-throw line corners to the baseline corners, the ball should be thrown-in along the baseline closest to the stopped action. Never allow the basketball to be thrown-in directly under the basket or parallel to the lane area. (see diagram below)

Fouls/Violations Hand Signals Often times, referees will blow the whistle to signal either a foul or a violation. In order to make this call, you must be able to recognize not only what represents a foul or violation, but also what the appropriate hand signals are for each. Remember, coaches, parents, and players want to know why the whistle was blown. Using proper hand signals is an effective way to communicate what is happening on the court. Below is the definition of a foul and a violation as well as their basic hand signals. Please view training videos on the referee resources of MyUpward.org for demonstrations of the following hand signals.

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34 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION THREE:

CALLING THE GAME

Fouls

A foul is defined as any illegal contact made between a player and his/her opponent. A personal foul can be committed by an offensive or defensive player. When a foul is committed, the referee should blow the whistle sharply and raise their fist high in the air above the head. The hand signal that follows details the type of foul that was committed.

Below are the different types of fouls and their proper hand signal:

Holding Foul involving grabbing onto the arm, hand or wrist of the offensive player.

› Signal: Hold one arm at a 90-degree angle with fist turned with knuckles facing outward as the other hand grabs the wrist.

Blocking Illegal contact which impedes the progress of an opponent. A blocking foul is called when the defender blocks with the body and his/her position is not clearly established.

› Signal: Place both hands on hips.

Player Control Foul (Offensive Foul) A foul called when an offensive player runs into a defender who has an established position (both feet are in a stationary position).

› Signal: Place one hand behind the head at a 90-degree angle.

Pushing A foul in which a defender pushes or shoves an offensive player in order to impede his/ her movement or progress.

› Signal: Sign a pushing motion with both palms facing opposite the chest.

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35Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION THREE:CALLING THE GAME

Violations

A violation is defined as an infraction of the rules by the offensive team that does not result in a free throw; the ball is turned over to the opposing team for a throw in. If there is a violation, the referee should blow the whistle sharply, and raise an open hand high in the air above the head. Then the referee should make the appropriate hand signal that corresponds to the violation being committed.

The following are definitions of common violations and their proper hand signals:

Traveling When the ball handler takes too many steps or moves the pivot foot without dribbling.

› Signal: Rotate clenched fists and forearms around each other.

Double Dribble Occurs when a player stops dribbling and then dribbles again without giving up possession, or when a player dribbles the ball with both hands at the same time.

› Signal: Sign a patting motion in front of the body with one hand at a time.

Palming or Carrying the Ball When a player moves his/ her hand under the ball and scoops it while dribbling.

› Signal: Hold one arm to the side of the body as the other hand waves back and forth in a side-to-side motion.

After the play has ended, the referee should address what occurred by:

› Quickly explaining the violation/foul to the players by telling them how it can be avoided and the result of the infraction.

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36 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook

SECTION THREE:

CALLING THE GAME

The extent of the explanation will vary according to the age and understanding of the players and should decrease as the season progresses.

› Communicating whether the consequence results in alternating possession (violation or non-shooting foul) or free throw attempts (shooting foul).


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