SWISHIN’ FOR MISSION

Official Rules and Regulations

1.                    Each team must have at least three (3) players on their roster and be registered with their team by the pre-determined entry deadline.  Due to available time, space and interest, registration may be limited and is first come with completed registration.    Qualification of players, additions and/or changes of rosters after the entry deadline will be at the discretion of the tournament director.

2.                    No one, including coaches and parents will be allowed on the sidelines during games.  Spectators must sit on the bleachers and roped off viewing area or watch from the 3^rd floor.  No one is allowed courtside except teams playing and volunteers.  Food and drinks are not permitted on the gym floor.  Access to the floor seating is permitted only when play is stopped.

3.                    All games must start with three (3) players on each team.  Any number (2 or 1) may complete a game.  Standard outdoor basketball rules are in effect.

4.                    A five-minute forfeit time will be enforced.  Each team is allowed two (2) 30-second time-outs.  Game time stops for all time-outs.  Substitution will be allowed anytime that play has been stopped.  In case of obvious injury only, a one-minute special time-out will be allowed for substitution of that player.

5.                    Before games both teams will warm up at the same time.  Swishin’ for Mission will provide all basketballs.  No personal basketballs are permitted in the play area.

6.                    Only those teams scheduled to play will be allowed to occupy a court at any time.

7.                    No dunking is allowed during the game or during warm-ups.

8.                    Teams will be provided balls for the warm-up period.  Each game will be played to 15, by ones, with the first team to 15 or the team leading after 20 minutes winning the game.  You must win by one basket.  Each monitor should note the time.  The clock will only stop for time-outs.  Should the score be tied at the end of 20 minutes, the monitor will declare a sudden death period.  In this case, whichever team held the ball at the end of the regulation time period will take it out.  The first team to score one basket will be declared the winner.  During all championship games the same rules apply except the winning team must win by two points.

9.                    A coin flip before the start of the game will determine who gets the ball out-of-bounds first.  The ball will change possession after scored baskets.  (No make it, take it.)

10.                 Change of possession (i.e., jump ball) will go to the team starting the game on defense first and will alternate each time thereafter.

11.                 Any change of possession (be out of bounds) will be taken behind the “Back Court” Line.  The ball must be checked by an opposing player before it is put into play.  Ball must be passed in to begin play.

12.                 Ball will be “taken back” to back court line after each “made basket or turnover” of possession.  Failure to “take it back” will result in loss of possession and the point just scored (if applicable).  “Taking Back” means whole body behind back court line.

13.                 All fouls will be called by the players participating.  Cooperation is expected.  Should players be confused about the foul calling, the monitors will have discretion to call fouls as they see fit.  Constant disputing and disruption of the game will not be tolerated.  The Court Monitor or Tournament Director can stop the game and decide the outcome, i.e. both teams may lose.

14.                 All fouls and other infractions will be played out-of-bounds at the “Back Court” line.  There will be no foul shots unless a team reaches 10.  For that foul and any foul thereafter, one free throw will be awarded (even if it is a shooting foul).  A made free throw will count as a full basket.

15.                 Any infractions of regulations will result in loss of possession of ball.

16.                 The team captain is expected to represent his or her team as spokesperson in case of appeals.  NOT all players at one time.

17.                 Any questions, complaints, or comments should be taken up with the monitors in charge of your court.  Two monitors will be on each court to oversee disputes.  They will have the FINAL SAY in all disputes.

18.                 Once play resumes after a disagreement, the problem is considered a dead issue.  The court monitors must be made aware of any disagreements and will make the final decisions if team captains are unable to independently do so.

19.                 Flagrant fouls or continuous misconduct will result in immediate forfeiture and dismissal from the tournament.  Flagrant fouls and misconduct will be decided at the discretion of the court monitors.

20.                 Each participant will sign a release before the tournament and each game acknowledging acceptance of risk.  Neither HPUMC nor workers at Swishin’ for Mission assume any responsibility for personal injuries.

a)       False Information – Information provided to us on your entry form is the basis of our division breakdowns.  Any false information is ultimately the responsibility of the team captain.

b)       Unnecessary roughness – Let’s be good sports.  Disqualifications are left to the discretion of tournament officials, but as a general rule, since it takes two to tango- both teams will be penalized.

Thank you for participating in Swishin’ for Mission.  Enjoy your games.

We invite you to visit Highland Park United Methodist Church.

For more information on worship and mission opportunities contract our Youth office @ 214.523.2233 or our website at www.hpumcyouth.com.