Hustlemania – Official Game Rules & Event Policies

Hustle Basketball seeks to operate events at the highest level. To do so, fairness, organization, and enforcement of the rules is essential. The guidelines below are designed to enhance the experience for players, coaches, and spectators.

 Pre-Game & General Policies

• All teams will be allowed a minimum of a 3-minute warm-up (subject to schedule).
• Games must start at the scheduled time and will never begin early.
• Teams should be present and ready to play at least 10 minutes prior to game time.
• Coaches must check in at the designated location next to the main admissions table prior to their first game. All teams must be checked in and paid in full to be eligible to play.
• Failure to check in and/or complete payment may result in game delay or forfeit at the discretion of tournament staff.
• KHSAA rules apply for any non-specified situations.
• No jewelry (including earrings) may be worn during games.
• No outside speakers allowed.

Roster Submission Policy

• All teams are required to complete and submit their official roster through the online link prior to their first game.
• This is completed prior to or during tournament check-in using the provided link.
• Teams will not be permitted to play until their roster is submitted.

Important Notes:

• Players may only appear on one roster per event.
• No duplicate jersey numbers are allowed per team
  
  • Violation results in a team technical foul to start the game
• Rosters are used for Hustle Gameday (live scoring, stats, and player recognition).
• Any roster discrepancies must be reported before the team’s first game.
• Failure to submit a roster may result in delay of game or forfeit at the discretion of tournament staff.

Bench & Coaches

• Only two (2) coaches and one scorekeeper are permitted on the bench.
• Only one coach may stand and communicate with officials.
• Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their players, parents, and spectators.
• The Tournament Director may issue a bench technical foul for unruly or unsportsmanlike spectator behavior.
• Coaches will be ejected upon receiving two technical fouls and must leave the facility.

 Scoreboard & Jerseys

• Team wearing the lightest jersey = Home (left of score table)
• Team wearing the darker jersey = Away (right of score table)

Game Duration

• 2nd, 3rd, 4th Grade:
  
  • Two 16-minute halves
  • Clock stops during final 2 minutes
• 5th Grade and Up:
  
  • Two 18-minute halves
  • Clock stops during final 2 minutes
  • Halftime: 3 minutes

Timeouts

• Each team receives:
  
  • 2 full timeouts
  • 2 thirty-second timeouts
• Timeouts do not carry over to overtime
• Under 1 minute (2nd half): Teams may advance the ball to half court after a timeout

Foul Rules

• Players foul out at 5 personal fouls
• Bonus: Standard
• Double bonus at 8 team fouls per half

Running Clock / Mercy Rule

• Running Clock:
  
  • Applied when a team leads by 20+ points in the 2nd half
  • Returns to stop clock if lead drops below 10 points
• Mercy Rule:
  
  • If a team leads by 20 points with 2 minutes remaining, the game ends immediately

Overtime Rules

• 1st Overtime:
  
  • 2-minute stop-time period
  • Each team receives 1 additional timeout
• 2nd Overtime:
  
  • Sudden death

 Basketball Size

• Women & Boys (up to Grade 5): 28.5
• Boys (Grades 6–12): 29.5

Tournament Rules & Tie-Breakers

• Players may only play for one team per event
  
  • Violations may result in forfeit

Pool Play Tie-Breakers:

1. Head-to-head
2. Point differential (max +15)
3. Points allowed
4. Coin flip (if necessary)

Hustle Gameday Integration

• All games are tracked through Hustle Gameday
• Scores, stats, and results recorded in the system are considered official
• Any discrepancies must be reported immediately following the game

Final Authority

• Hustle Basketball reserves the right to make final decisions on all rules, interpretations, and rulings