WLBL Basketball Rules Cheat Sheet

Quick reference guide for rules by division

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Rule Category 1st/2nd Grade 3rd-4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade
(Includes 5/6 Girls)		 7th/8th Grade High School
Ball Size 27.5" 28.5" 28.5" 28.5" 29.5"
(Girls: 28.5")		 29.5"
Basket Height 8.5 feet 9 feet 10 feet 10 feet 10 feet 10 feet
Free Throw Line 12 ft 13.5 ft 15 ft 15 ft 15 ft 15 ft
Quarter Length 9 min
(Running clock*)		 6 min
(Stop clock)		 6 min
(Stop clock)		 6 min
(Stop clock)		 6 min
(Stop clock)		 7 min
(Stop clock)
Timeouts 4 per game (all divisions)
Three Pointers Do not count Do not count Do not count Count Count Count
Zone Defense Rules Only allowed 2nd half and OT. No junk defenses (Box & 1, Triangle & 2) Allowed anytime
Back Court Live Ball Defense No No Yes Yes Yes Allowed anytime
Press Defense Final 3 min unless up 10+
(After 3rd game)		 Final 3 min unless up 10+
(After 3rd game)		 Entire 4th QTR unless up 10+ Entire 4th QTR unless up 10+ Entire 2nd half unless up 20+ Allowed anytime
Primary Game Locations Hamilton ES Round Hill ES
Ken Culbert ES		 Ken Culbert ES
Blue Ridge MS		 Ken Culbert ES
Blue Ridge MS		 Harmony Main Woodgrove HS

OVERTIME Rules (All Divisions)

In the event that regulation ends in a tie, there will be one OVERTIME period of 2 minutes in length.

If the game remains tied after that point, we play a sudden death period where the first team to score 2 POINTS wins.

Important Notes:

  • *1st/2nd Grade Clock: Running clock stops for fouls in the final minute of each half and for timeouts.
  • Quarter Length: 3rd-8th grades use stop clock (stops on every whistle). 1st/2nd uses running clock with exceptions noted above.
  • Press Defense: Rules apply to when pressing is allowed. "After 3rd game" means teams may begin pressing starting in their 4th game of the season.

Important Notes

  • All coaches, players, and parents should familiarize themselves with these rules before the season begins.
  • Rules are designed to be age-appropriate and promote skill development.
  • If you have questions about any rules, please contact the WLBL administration.
  • Print this page for easy reference during practices and games.