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.
Tournament Rules
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.
Forfeiture
Most game forfeits are beyond the control of Big Time Balling. Since gym rental and officials must still be paid in the event of a game forfeit, most tournament operators do not offer any refund or credit in the event of a forfeit. Because of our commitment to competitive excellence, Big Time Balling gives the team having a game forfeited a Forfeit Credit of $50 for each forfeited game, which can be applied toward the entry fee of a future Big Time Balling tournament, EXCLUDING Big Time Balling National Basketball Championships. All Forfeit Credits expire on August 1, 2026 and cannot be rolled over to a subsequent competitive year.
Game Rules
*subject to change per event
- (15) mins per half (grades 9 thru 12 / ages 15U – 18U)
- (14) mins per half (grades 7 & 8 / ages 13U – 14U)
- (13) mins per half (grades 3 thru 6 / ages 9U – 12U)
- (2) Min halftime
- One full and one 30 sec time out per half
- Minimum of 4 minute warm-up
- Overtime consist of 1 minute, each team having one full timeout, sudden death starts in the 2nd Overtime
- 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.
- If team is trailing by 25 or more with 2 minutes left, game may be called by officials.
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.
Each team is responsible for its own warm up balls.
If you cannot comply, remain at 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
- 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.
Playing Up & Cheating
Cheating is Unethical!
- DO NOT attempt to use ineligible players for a WIN; that is CHEATING!
- May Result in forfeiture of game(s)
- Disqualification of player(s)
Playing up or Sharing Players
"Playing up" is permitted only if the player is on the original roster for both teams.
Players are only allowed to play on one team; however, a player may also play on one additional team as long it is ABOVE their age group WITHIN their program. A player CANNOT play on more than one team in one age group. Big Time Balling must be notified in writing prior to Friday before the tournament if a player is playing on multiple teams (playing up age group within their program).
- No players can be added on Sunday.
- All rosters must be submitted in the system.
- Adding a player after submission will result in a forfeit with no exceptions
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
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.
Collapsible content
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)
- 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
- 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 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 Balling 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 Accommodations
- 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…
- Coaches that must coach three or more teams; this may not be the event for you.
Eligibility & 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 Proof of Age (one of the following)
- Clean Copy of Birth Certificate and Current Report Card
- Government Issued ID with D.O.B.
- Sports Thread – Player Age Verification Certificate
Annual fee of $15 per player – no hidden fees.
Verifications through Sports Thread are done automatically, time to complete verification is less than 5 minutes for 90% of registrants.
- Athletes who register automatically receive an age verification badge on their profile – no extra steps required.
- No paperwork required at events, all you need is your Sports Thread account.
- Site Director has access to approved Player or Team.
Player Age Definition 2024 – 2025 Season
Big Time Balling 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.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES ARE ELIGIBLE to COMPETE THROUGH AUG 15th OF THEIR GRADUATING YEAR. PLAYER STILL MUST MEET AGE REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED BELOW.
BOYS & GIRLS
9U Age
Players must be 9 or younger on the event start date. Single player exception, if player turns 10 within 30 days of event start date.
10U Age
Players must be 10 or younger on the event start date. Single player exception, if player turns 11 within 30 days of event start date.
11U Age
Players must be 11 or younger on the event start date. Single player exception, if player turns 12 within 30 days of event start date.
12U Age
Players must be 12 or younger on the event start date. Single player exception, if player turns 13 within 30 days of event start date.
13U Age
Players must be 13 or younger on the event start date. Single player exception, if player turns 14 within 30 days of event start date.
14U Age
Players must be 14 or younger on the event start date. Single player exception, if player turns 15 within 30 days of event start date.
15U Age
Players must be 15 or younger on the event start date. Single player exception, if player turns 16 within 30 days of event start date.
16U Age
Players must be 16 or younger on the event start date. Single player exception, if player turns 17 within 30 days of event start date.
17U Age
Players must be 17 or younger on the event start date. Single player exception, if player turns 18 within 30 days of event start date.
18U Age
Players must be 18 or younger on the event start date. Single player exception, if player turns 19 within 30 days of event start date.
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY PROTEST – Must be in Writing and $100 fee per player
- Pre-Game Protest: A protest of player eligibility may be made at any time prior to a game. Any Pre-Game Protest should be submitted as soon as possible so that it may be considered in a timely manner.
- Post-Game Protest: Any post-game protest of player eligibility must be made within 30 minutes of the conclusion of a game between the protesting team and the team with the player(s) whose eligibility is being challenged
- Protest fee is $100 per protested player. Up to 3 players only.
- Protest is valid, $100 fee is returned to protestor
- Protest is invalid, $100 fee is retained by Big Time Balling
Upon protest, teams must immediately provide proof of eligibility. Please review the PLAYER ELIGIBILITY section for items that can validate players age
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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 Balling will schedule your minimum guaranteed games. If, a team fails to show for a schedule game, BTB can not guarantee a make-up game or provide a refund
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Overtime and Seeding Tie Breakers
Overtime starts 2 mins after end of regulation, team fouls carryover and each team has one timeout in OT.
Tie Breaker Rules – Head to Head, Point Differential, Points AllowedMax Points Per Win = 15 (win by 30 only 15 will be awarded)
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Insurance and Trainers
Big Time Balling does not carry player insurance, we advise that teams carry insurance during the season for protecting players and coaching staff. On-site trainers are only at certified NCAA events, coaches and players should at minimum carry a first aid kit or have the following items:
- Ankle tape
- Heating packs
- Eye Contact solution
- Band-Aides