1. Game Time and Playing Rules
U16–U13: 2 x 15 minutes of effective playing time
U12–U9: 2 x 12 minutes of effective playing time
U8: 2 x 10 minutes of effective playing time
Players born in 2014 (U12) play with size 5 basketballs and shoot on standard-height baskets.
U16–U11: 5 vs 5 format
U10–U8: 4 vs 4 format
The game clock is stopped after a made field goal in the second half and the first overtime period when there are 2:00 minutes or less remaining on the clock.
Halftime is three (3) minutes. Overtime is also three (3) minutes. If the game is still tied after the first overtime, the second overtime will end at the first made point (sudden death). The second overtime begins with a jump ball.
There is no mandatory playing or resting rule, and the number of players listed on the scoresheet is not limited.
NOTE: A player may only represent one team per age category.
2. Timeouts
Each team is allowed one timeout per half. One timeout is also allowed in overtime. (1+1(+1)). Unused timeouts from the second half do not carry over to overtime.
If a timeout is granted in the second half or overtime with 2:00 minutes or less remaining on the game clock, and the team awarded the timeout had backcourt possession, the coach may choose whether the throw-in will take place at the frontcourt throw-in line or from the backcourt closest to where play was stopped.
3. Team Fouls
Team fouls are reached after six (6) fouls in a half. On the seventh (7th) foul and beyond, the opposing team is awarded two (2) free throws. Team fouls also apply during overtime.
4. Defensive Rules
Players born 2010–2013: Any type of defense is allowed throughout the game.
Players born 2014–2018: Man-to-man defense is mandatory for the entire game.
5. Modified Rules for U8-U12 (2014–2018)
Man-to-man defense is required for the entire game.
Games are played 4 vs 4.
Throw-ins: Referee touch is not required after violations. However, the referee will handle the ball for the start of each half, as well as after fouls, substitutions, and timeouts.
Three-point shots: A “Spanish box” (5.8m square, one side along the baseline) is taped to the court as the official three-point line.
NOTE: If the “Spanish box” is not marked, the adult three-point line is used.
6. Scoresheets, Warm-Ups and Late Arrival
Scoresheets are kept electronically. Teams must confirm their lineups with the scorekeeper at least 10 minutes before game time. Teams should be prepared to warm up outside the court. Teams arriving late will forfeit the game with a 20–0 score.
7. Team Ranking in Group Stage
Teams are ranked based on the number of points earned:
Win = 2 points
Loss = 0 points
If two or more teams are tied, rankings are determined by:
1. Total points
2. Points from games between the tied teams
3. Point differential between the tied teams
4. Total points scored in games between the tied teams
5. Point differential from all group games
6. Total points scored in all group games
7. Coin toss
8. Protests
Protests must be submitted within 15 minutes of the end of the game to the venue supervisor and include a protest fee of €50. No rematches will be played.
To be valid, the protest process is as follows:
1. The head coach must notify the head referee and venue supervisor in writing and sign the protest within 15 minutes after the game.
2. The reason for the protest must be sent to Henrik Pulkkinen (+358 50 5369719) via WhatsApp (as a text or image message) no later than 30 minutes after the game ends.
The tournament jury consists of: Juuso Milén, Pipsa Aaltonen & Valtteri Palojärvi.
9. Other Rules
Unless otherwise stated, Finnish Basketball Federation rules apply.
The tournament organizer reserves the right to change the game schedule, even during the tournament, due to compelling reasons (e.g. international teams' travel arrangements). These changes are not subject to appeal.