League Rules

Official handbook & regulations

Mission & disclaimer

Mission statement: SMB Basketball aims to inspire and connect people and spread the Gospel (the "Good News") through basketball. The goal is not only to develop basketball skills but especially character and sportsmanship, emphasizing a love for the game over just winning.

Disclaimer: This league is organized by SMB — Saint Matthew's Brotherhood Basketball and is not initiated or sponsored by the Saint Matthew's R.C. Parish. SMB Basketball is not liable for injuries or damages; players participate at their own risk.

The 5-minute rule (playing time)

To ensure fair participation:

The guarantee: All players are guaranteed a minimum of 5 minutes for every 20-minute half.
Auto-substitution: Referees call for an official automatic substitution every 5 minutes during the first 15 minutes of every half.
Coach discretion: Coaches choose their lineup only during the last 5 minutes of each half.

Game duration & timeouts

Elimination round

Format: 4 quarters × 10 minutes (running time).
Stop clock: Last 5 minutes of the 2nd half only (substitutions / free throws).
Overtime: 3 minutes running; penalty shot after 3 fouls; one 30-second timeout.

Playoffs (semis & finals)

1st half: Running time.
2nd half: Stop clock for the full 20 minutes.
Overtime: 3 minutes (stop clock).

Timeouts

1st half: Two 30-second timeouts.
2nd half: Three 30-second timeouts.
Excessive timeouts → technical foul.

Fouls & conduct

Fouls

Personal limit: 5 fouls per player.
Team limit: Penalty (2 free throws) after the 8th team foul.
Technical foul: 1 free throw + possession (swearing, trash talk, arguing).

Conduct & bans

Flagrant foul: Ejection + 1 FT + possession.
Season ban: 3 technical fouls / ejections in the elimination round → out for the season.
Fighting and bad tempers are strictly prohibited.

Mechanics & eligibility

Shot clock: 30 seconds.
Backcourt: 10 seconds to cross.
Default: 5-minute grace; late teams forfeit 20–0.
Playoffs: Top 4 qualify (#1 vs #4, #2 vs #3).
Tie breakers: Head-to-head (2-way) or quotient (3-way).
Playoff eligibility: Minimum 3 elimination games played.

St. Matthew's Basketball