Player Eligibility, Refunds & Rules
Eligibility and Player Documentation
Team coaches are responsible that all players meet the player eligibility guidelines. Failure to comply, will result in team disqualification. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND that one of the following be available for review or validation:
Player Age Eligibility 2025 – 2026 Season
Big Time Hoops is age-based, determined by birth date, that allow players in each division to compete against other players currently at the same age level. Please do not rely on GRADE level, as some players are older or younger as compared to other players in the same GRADE.
- 9U Age: Players must be 9 or younger before Aug 31, 2026. Two player exceptions, if players turn 10 between May 1st - Aug 31st.
- 10U AGE: Players must be 10 or younger before Aug 31, 2026. Two player exceptions, if players turn 11 between May 1st - Aug 31st.
- 11U AGE: Players must be 11 or younger before Aug 31, 2026. Two player exceptions, if players turn 12 between May 1st - Aug 31st.
- 12U AGE: Players must be 12 or younger before Aug 31, 2026. Two player exceptions, if players turn 13 between May 1st - Aug 31st.
- 13U AGE: Players must be 13 or younger before Aug 31, 2026. Two player exceptions, if players turn 14 between May 1st - Aug 31st.
- 14U AGE: Players must be 14 or younger before Aug 31, 2026. Two player exceptions, if players turn 15 between May 1st - Aug 31st.
- 15U AGE: Players must be 15 or younger before Aug 31, 2026. Two player exceptions, if players turn 16 between May 1st - Aug 31st.
- 16U AGE: Players must be 16 or younger before Aug 31, 2026. Two player exceptions, if players turn 17 between May 1st - Aug 31st.
- 17U AGE: Players must be 17 or younger before Aug 31, 2026. Two player exceptions, if players turn 18 between May 1st - Aug 31st.
- 18U AGE: Players must be 18 or younger before Aug 31, 2026. (NO JUCO or COLLEGIATE PLAYERS)
Event-Day Eligibility: The standard cut-off date is waived if the player is the required division age on the actual day of the event.
Example for a 12U Team (2026 Event Year): A player is eligible if they are 12 years old and turn 13 on or after August 31, 2026. If they turn 13 on April 15, 2026, they are ineligible for 12U.
GRADE GUIDE to Determine Player Age
Player Proof of Age
Player Proof of Age (one of the following)
- Clean Copy of Birth Certificate and Current Report Card
- Government Issued ID with D.O.B. (Passport, Walker ID, Drivers License)
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY PROTEST INFORMATION
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY PROTEST – Must be in Writing and $100 fee per player
Team Coach must submit protest, to Event Director within 2 hours of the start time of the protested game. Example: game time is 1pm, the protest window is open until 3pm.
- Protest is valid, $100 fee is returned to protestor
- Protest is invalid, $100 fee is retained by Big Time Hoops
Upon protest, teams must immediately provide proof of eligibility. Please review the PLAYER ELIGIBILITY section for items that can validate players age
REFUNDS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Refunds
A $55 transaction fee will be deducted from all refunds 60 to 8 days of event. NO REFUNDS ISSUED WITHIN 7 DAYS OF EVENT.
**FULL REFUND WILL BE ISSUED, IF, BIG TIME HOOPS IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A COMPLETE DIVISION**
Forfeits & Tip-Off
Teams must be ready to tip-off at scheduled game time. Exceeding this time by (7) minutes will be considered a forfeit (SEE EXCEPTION BELOW). Each minute that the team exceeds the scheduled start time; that team will be assessed a 3 point penalty. Example: game start time at 11 a.m., late team arrives at 11:01 but does not jump ball until 11:05 a.m.. The opponent of the late team will be awarded 15 points.
Teams must have a minimum of 4 players to start a game.
Exception: The tournament director assigned to the tournament can allow a grace period for unforeseen circumstances. (Example: Traffic conditions). This can only happen when the team is communicating its difficulties. Only the tournament director can forfeit a game. Officials do not have the authority to forfeit a game.
Games will not start early unless both coaches agree. Neither referees nor site directors have the authority to require teams to start a game prior to the scheduled starting time.
Game Play Rules
Game rules are subject to change based on Type of Event
The Home Team(appearing at top or left of schedule) is responsible for providing the game ball (ages 9U – 12U ball size is 28.5), which must be a composite or leather indoor basketball. Rubber balls are not acceptable for game use.
- (15) mins per half (grades 9 thru 12 / ages 15U – 18U)
- (14) mins per half (grades 6 thru 8 / ages 12U – 14U)
- (13) mins per half (grades 3 thru 5 / ages 9U – 11U)
- (2) Min halftime
- One full and one 30 sec time out per half
- Minimum of 4 minute warm-up
- Overtime consist of 2 mins, each team having one full timeout, sudden death starts in the 2nd Overtime (first team to score 2 points)
- Free throws are “ON THE RELEASE”
- 10 second backcourt, ages 12 and Up
- Each player has 5 fouls before disqualification
- Bonus on 10th foul, two free-throw attempts (no ONE in ONE)
- High School Federation Rules apply for all other scenarios
- Slaughter Rule: Clock runs when opposing team is trailing by 20 points, clock will stop on whistle when deficit reaches 15 or below.
Each team is responsible for its own warm up balls.
Zero Tolerance Items:
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO COMPLY, STAY HOME!
Zero Tolerance Items:
- No Aggressive Behavior (including verbal) and No Intimidation to a person within the facility. Non-compliance will result in the immediate Ejection from the Venue and Event
- No Profanity – Non-Compliance will result in the immediate Ejection from the Venue and Event
- No Fighting – Team is ejected from event, authorities called, and possible criminal charges filed
- No Removing Wristband – entry bands must remain on the wrist; removing will require repayment
Athletes, coaches, administrators, spectators, and all other persons connected directly or indirectly with registered TEAM, shall adhere to the principles of good sportsmanship and the ethics of competition before, during and after all contests in which they participate and/or attend. Each participating TEAM and its head coach shall be held strictly accountable for unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of its players, coaches and spectators.
If player, spectator or coach is ejected by an official, they must leave the gym immediately. Failure to comply will result in the disqualification of the associated team.
SPECTATOR BEHAVIOR
Head Coach will be held accountable
Officials will speak to both Teams concerning the Spectator Behavior. The coaching staff should speak to disruptive spectator.
If, spectator behavior does not improve, stoppage of play is executed. Spectator has 2 minutes to leave venue, failure will result in a team forfeit.
SPECTATOR STEPS ON THE FLOOR, THEY WILL BE REMOVED FROM GYM. CHEER FROM THE STANDS!
Coach and Team Check-In
Coach Check-IN
Coaches must check-in 30 minutes prior to the start of their first game
Coaching bands are administered to no more than 2 coaches per team
(state championships, national championships and certified events will be 3)
- Government Issued ID is required to obtain Coaching Bands
- Bands must be worn the entire length of event; removing will require payment for entry into the venue
- ONLY 1 COACH CAN STAND DURING GAME
Coaches must be 18 years of age to obtain coaching band and to sit on team bench
Team Roster
Team Roster | Non-Compliance may result in Player(s) unable to compete
- All Teams must submit a full team roster 72 hours prior to event (get it in by 9pm Thursday); failure to comply may result in a 12 POINT PENALTY PER GAME!
- All rosters must be submitted through the Exposure Basketball Registration platform
- Coaching staff member must approve their final roster during Team Check-In process
Team Check-In Process
Team Check-In Process
- Only players on final roster will be allowed to participate in the event
- Head Coach or Assistant Coach can approve the Final Roster during Check-In
- Players will be required to Check-In each day with a Coach, Parent or Legal Guardian
- Coaches will receive an event band that must be worn the entire event; remove band and you must pay for entry.
NCAA CHeck-In
NCAA Coaches Check-In
Coaches must have a valid NCAA number (certified events only) and present a government issued ID to receive their sideline coaches’ band. Need an NCAA Approval Number.
Head Coach and all Assistant Coaches(Max of 2) must be registered in the Big Time Hoops system at least 4 days prior to event. IF NOT, coach will NOT receive a coaches side line band and will not be allowed to sit on bench or at score table. All coaches must individually sign for their respective band – NO EXCEPTIONS!!
Schedule requests and Cheating
Playing up and Cheating
Cheating is Unethical!
- DO NOT attempt to use ineligible players for a WIN; that is CHEATING!
- May Result in forfeiture of game(s) or Disqualification of player(s)
Playing up or Sharing Players
- Allowed during Pool Play, when player is on the original team roster
- NOT ALLOWED DURING BRACKET PLAY (player(s) can not play up or be shared during bracket play)
Schedule Accommodation(s)
Schedule Accommodation(s)
- Schedule Accommodations are not guaranteed
- Some events may require a FEE to fulfill your schedule accommodation request
- SPECIFIC SCHEDULE TIMES WILL NOT BE HONORED. Example: Team requesting games time at 1pm and 3pm…
- Programs with (1) coach for 3 teams; this may not be the event for you
- Register and pay early to get your request honored, late comers will be denied
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES ARE ELIGIBLE to COMPETE THROUGH AUG 15th OF THEIR GRADUATING YEAR. PLAYER STILL MUST MEET AGE REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED ABOVE.
Event format and Trainer/First Aid
Pool play to playoff/bracket play
Pool play to playoff/bracket play
- 3 game guarantee set-up – All teams are guaranteed two or three pool games with single elimination during playoff/bracket play.
- Teams in a Division: (2) pool games on Saturday & bracket play on Sunday
5+ teams in a Division: (2) pool games on Saturday & Single Elimination on Sunday - *Seeding into a Silver Bracket – Teams that are seeded into a Silver Bracket after pool play on Day 1, are not eligible to receive awards.
- 4 game guarantee set-up – All teams are guaranteed two pool games with single elimination game during Championship bracket play. Losing first bracket game, places losing team in consolation bracket.
- Guaranteed Games – Big Time Hoops will schedule your minimum guaranteed games. If, a team fails to show for a schedule game, BTH can not guarantee a make-up game or provide a refund
Overtime and Seeding Tie Breakers
Overtime and Seeding Tie Breakers
Overtime starts 1 mins after the end of regulation, team fouls carryover and each team has one timeout in OT.
Tie Breaker Rules – Head to Head, Point Differential, Points Allowed
Max Points Per Win = 15 (win by 30 only 15 will be awarded)
Max Points Per Forfeit Win = 1
Insurance, Trainers and First Aid
Insurance, Trainers and First Aid
Big Time Hoops does not carry player insurance, so we strongly advise that teams carry their own insurance during the season to protect players and coaching staff. While on-site trainers are available at most BTH events, it is still the team's responsibility to be versed in CPR and other First Aid measures.
First Aid Kit Recommendations
All teams should have a First Aid kit when traveling to events. Here are some helpful items to include:
- Ankle tape
- Heating packs
- Eye contact solution
- Band-Aids
Being prepared helps ensure the safety and well-being of your team throughout the tournament.