Jr. 3SSB Rules

General Tournament Information Jr. 3SSB Tournament Rules Certification Rules Certification Age Breakdown

General Tournament Information

  • The home team must wear light colored uniform tops and the away team must wear dark colored uniforms.
  • Game officials have the authority to eject players and coaches for poor sportsmanship at their discretion. All ejections are reviewed by the referee assignor and tournament director(s).
  • All coaches must check-in at the designated location and receive a wristband in order to sit on the bench. Only two coaches are allowed per team. A program director may take the place of an assistant coach with prior approval.
  • Coaches are responsible for controlling team spectators and fans. Referees and tournament officials have the authority to ask a player or fan to leave for unsportsmanlike conduct. Teams can receive technical fouls for the actions of their coaches, players and spectators for any distractions ruled as unsportsmanlike conduct by the tournament staff.
  • If a coach, player, or spectator is ejected from the game, he or she may be suspended for the next game during tournament play at the tournament director’s discretion. The suspended coach, player or spectator may not be allowed on the property for the game in which they are suspended if the tournament director feels it is necessary. An ejected coach, player, or spectator must leave the vicinity of the playing court and must be out of earshot and out of sight of the officiating staff.
  • Any tournament participant (player, coach, fan, or referee) that has a physical interaction with another player, fan, coach, or referee can be suspended for not only that weekend’s event, but also indefinitely, at the tournament director’s discretion. A return to the facility is at the discretion of the tournament staff. Fighting will not be tolerated at G365 events.
  • Jr. 3SSB does not condone the use of racial slurs from players, parents, or coaches. Use of racial slurs is grounds for ejection from the event.

G365 Tournament Rules

  • All games will consist of two 20-minute halves.
  • All games will be running clock unless the game is within ten points or fewer in the final two minutes of the game. When the game meets these parameters, a stop clock will be used.
  • Teams will be in single bonus at seven team fouls and will shoot one-and-one at seven fouls. When a team reaches ten team fouls for the half, the other team will shoot double bonus.
  • Each team receives three full timeouts per game and one additional timeout per overtime. Unused timeouts do not carry into overtime periods.
  • Players foul out if they receive six personal fouls.
  • Each game will have a minimum of five minutes of warm-up time and halftime will be three minutes.
  • Overtime periods will be two-minute stop clock time. If there is a third overtime period, the game’s result will be decided by sudden death (first team to score would win).
  • If two players on the same team have duplicate numbers and it is caught by either the referee or the scorekeeper, a technical foul will be assessed. If a player shows up late to a game with a duplicate number, a technical may be assessed then as well. If it is not caught by halftime by any party, it cannot be called in the second half of the game.
  • Players cannot play on two teams during the same game time slot, regardless of program. Once a player has checked into a game, they cannot leave that game to play for another team even if they are listed on and eligible to play for multiple rosters.
  • Players are not allowed to play for multiple teams at the same grade/age level, regardless of whether they are playing in different divisions (Gold, Silver, Bronze, etc). Players may play for multiple teams only if they are not in the same grade/age level.
    • Example: If a 7th Grade/13U player is on a “Gold” division team, he may not play for a 7th Grade/13U “Silver” division team. He may, however, play for an 8th Grade/14U team in any division.
    • If a player plays for two teams from different programs in the same division, the first team they play with will be their primary team. When caught, the secondary team will forfeit any future games in which the player in question plays.
    • If a player plays for two teams from the same program in the same division, the first team that they play for is considered their primary team and the secondary team will forfeit any games in which the player in question plays.
  • In all divisions, players may enter the lane when the ball is released out of the shooter’s hand.
  • The home team is responsible for providing the game ball.
  • Only one coach is allowed to stand at a time per team and must stay in the designated coaching box.
  • All boys divisions 6th Grade / 12U and up will use the full size 29.5 regulation basketball. All girls divisions, and boys divisions in 5th Grade and below will use the 28.5 size basketball.
  • Jewelry including necklaces, rings, and metal bracelets are not permitted. Stud earrings are only permitted if they are properly taped and as long as the official can confirm that they do not pose a risk for harm or injury.
  • Any team which does not have five players (or their head coach) by the start of the game will be given a grace period of ten minutes before the game starts. After ten minutes, the team may choose to play with four players, utilize an assistant coach or parent to supervise the kids, or G365 reserves the right to enforce a forfeit.
  • In divisions 11U/5th Grade and younger, teams that have a lead of 20 points or more may no longer use a full-court press defense.
  • Rules that are not listed here will be in accordance with NFHS basketball rules.

Tie Breaker Rules

  • In the event of a two-way tie in pool play, the tie will be determined by the head-to-head outcome between the teams. If the two teams who are tied have not played each other, the tie will be broken by point differential, followed by least points allowed, followed by points scored.
  • In the event of a three-way tie in pool play, where each team has played the other two once, the tie will be determined by point differential with a maximum +/- of 15 points in any one game and only games against teams involved in the tie will be factored in. In the event that point differential does not break the tie between any of the teams (three or more teams), the tie between these remaining teams will be determined by least points allowed against all of the teams involved in the tie. If there is a tie in point differential and in least points allowed between the three teams that have all played each other, points scored will be used to break the tie.
  • In the event of a three-way tie, where each team involved has played at least one of the other teams they are tied with (but may not have played both teams), any ties will be determined by head-to-head outcome first, followed by point differential, followed by least points allowed. If there is a tie in point differential and in least points allowed between two teams within the three-way tie, head-to-head will still be used to determine which of the two teams advances. If teams who are tied have an equal point differential and points allowed but did not play each other head-to-head, points scored will be used to break the tie.
  • In the event of a three-way tie, where one or more of the teams involved HAS NOT played either of the other two teams they are tied with, head-to-head outcome will not be used as the first tie breaker because one or more of the teams does not have a common opponent between the other teams involved in the tie. Point differential, followed by least points allowed with be used. Point differential and least points allowed are still relevant even if all teams did not play each other in pool play. If teams who are tied have an equal point differential and points allowed and did not play each other head-to-head, points scored will be used to break the tie.
  • For any game that results in a forfeit, the score will be 15 – 0. The winning team receives a +15 and the losing team receives a -15.
  • All other rules, not specifically mentioned herein, will be in accordance with CIF “Southern Section” high school basketball rules.

Certification Rules

Player Eligibility Rules: 2025–2026 Season

  • Playing on Multiple Teams
    • Players are not allowed to play for multiple teams at the same grade/age level, regardless of whether they are in different divisions (Gold, Silver, Bronze, etc).
    • Players may only play for multiple teams if they are not in the same grade/age level.
    • Example:
      • If a 7th Grade/13U player is on a Gold division team, they may not play for a 7th Grade/13U Silver division team.
      • They may play for an 8th Grade/14U team in any division.
  • Penalties:
    • If a player plays for two teams from different programs in the same division, the first team they play with becomes their primary team. The secondary team will forfeit any future games the player participates in.
    • If a player plays for two teams from the same program in the same division, the first team they play for is their primary team, and the secondary team will forfeit any games the player participates in.
  • Team Certification Requirements
    • All teams must be certified 30 minutes prior to their first game at the designated check-in.
    • Failure to submit a roster may result in a technical foul at the start of the team’s first game.
    • All players must be listed on the roster at team certification before their first game.
    • Any player not listed on the official team roster by 8:00 AM on the day of bracket play will be ineligible for the playoff round.
    • Players who miss the first day of the event may still play the next day if they are listed on the certified roster sheet.
  • Age/Grade Guidelines — Boys Divisions
    • Youth teams (8U/2nd Grade through 14U/8th Grade) must follow the 2025–2026 G365 Age/Grade Based Guidelines (see “Certification Birthdates” document).
    • Teams may have up to three (3) grade exceptions per team for Silver divisions.
    • Gold divisions have no limit on grade exceptions.
    • High school players may not participate in the 14U/8th Grade division, regardless of age cutoff.
  • Advanced Grade Players:
    • Players born in the correct birthdate range for a division but in an advanced grade are still eligible for that division, including Gold.
    • Example:
      • A player in 5th grade, born on 8/15/2015 or later, may play in the 10U/4th Grade division.
  • Reclassifying:
    • “Reclassifying” (being held back a grade) does not take effect until August 15.
    • Example:
      • A player who just finished 7th grade and plans to repeat cannot play in 6th grade during the summer.
  • Documentation Required:
    • Birth certificate for all boys players.
    • For a grade exception, a hard copy report card must be presented.
  • Age Rule:
    • A player in the proper grade for a division, but at least two years older than the division’s age limit before May 15, 2026, is ineligible for that division.
    • Example:
      • A 4th grader who turns 12 before May 15, 2026 may not play in 10U/4th Grade and must play in 11U/5th Grade or higher.
  • Age/Grade Guidelines — Girls Divisions
    • All girls divisions are grade-based.
    • Each player must present a hard copy report card.
    • If a girls player plays in a boys division, they must follow boys division rules.
  • High School Divisions
    • Divisions: Frosh/Soph, Junior Varsity, Varsity.
    • Juniors & Seniors may not play Frosh/Soph.
    • Seniors may not play Junior Varsity.
  • CIF Age Rule:
    • “A student whose 19th birthday is attained prior to June 15 of the prior school year may not participate or practice the following year. A student whose 19th birthday is on or before June 14 is ineligible.”
    • Junior college players are not eligible for events.
  • Enforcement & Penalties
    • Teams that fail to follow the certification process may be removed without a refund.
  • Protest Procedure
    • An opposing coach may challenge a player’s age/grade exception
    • Only the head coach or one bench assistant may file a protest – parents or fans cannot protest.
    • Protests must be submitted before the game or within 30 minutes after the game’s completion.

Certification Age Breakdown

  • Gold divisions for all tournaments are grade-based. Under these rules, any player who shows current proof of grade (report card, progress report, or school ID) is eligible to play for that grade level. All other divisions are age-based with three (3) grade exceptions allowed per team.
    • Example:
      • A player in 7th grade is eligible to play in the 13U/7th Grade division regardless of their birthdate. However, birthdate still matters. For instance, an 8th grader may also be eligible for the 13U/7th Grade division if their birthdate falls within the correct range. In short, players who meet the age requirement for a division remain eligible even if they are in a higher grade
  • 8U / 2nd Grade
    • An athlete can be no older than 8 on August 14, 2026
    • Birthday Range: August 15, 2017 – Present
    • If a player was born before 8/15/2017 BUT is in the 2nd grade, that player is eligible for 8U as an exception
  • 9U / 3rd Grade
    • An athlete can be no older than 9 on August 14, 2026
    • Birthday Range: August 15, 2016 – Present
    • If a player was born before 8/15/2016 BUT is in the 3rd grade, that player is eligible for 9U as an exception
  • 10U / 4th Grade
    • An athlete can be no older than 10 on August 14, 2026
    • Birthday Range: August 15, 2015 – Present
    • If a player was born before 8/15/2015 BUT is in the 4th grade, that player is eligible for 10U as an exception
  • 11U / 5th Grade
    • An athlete can be no older than 11 on August 14, 2026
    • Birthday Range: August 15, 2014 – Present
    • If a player was born before 8/15/2014 BUT is in the 5th grade, that player is eligible for 11U as an exception
  • 12U / 6th Grade
    • An athlete can be no older than 12 on August 14, 2026
    • Birthday Range: August 15, 2013 – Present
    • If a player was born before 8/15/2013 BUT is in the 6th grade, that player is eligible for 12U as an exception
  • 13U / 7th Grade
    • An athlete can be no older than 13 on August 14, 2026
    • Birthday Range: August 15, 2012 – Present
    • If a player was born before 8/15/2012 BUT is in the 7th grade, that player is eligible for 13U as an exception
  • 14U / 8th Grade
    • An athlete can be no older than 14 on August 14, 2026
    • Birthday Range: August 15, 2011 – Present
    • If a player was born before 8/15/2011 BUT is in the 8th grade, that player is eligible for 14U as an exception
  • Additional Note:
    • All rosters must be completed via the Passport prior to the first game. If the roster for your team is not completed by the first game, the first game for your team is subject to forfeiture.