Rules | Helsinki Basketball Festival

RULES 2025

2010–2012 born (U15-U13): 2 x 15 minutes of effective playing time.
2013–2016 born (U12-U9): 2 x 12 minutes of effective playing time.
2017 born (U8): 2 x 10 minutes of effective playing time.
The older mini category (2013 born / U12) will play with full-size hoops using a smaller ball (size 5).
In the 2010–2014 (U15-U11) age groups, the format is 5 vs 5. In the 2015–2017 (U10-U8) age groups, the format is 4 vs 4.
The timekeeper will stop the game clock after a field goal during the second half or the first overtime period when the game clock shows 2:00 or less.
The break between halves is 3 minutes. Overtime is 3 minutes. If overtime does not result in a winner, the next overtime will end with the first score (sudden death). The second overtime will start with a jump ball.
There is no mandatory playing or resting rule. There is no limit on the number of players who can be registered in the game report.

Note! A player may only play for one team in a single age group.

Each team is allowed one timeout per half. During overtime, one timeout is allowed (1+1(+1)). Any unused timeout from the second half does not carry over to overtime.
If a timeout is granted to the team in possession of the ball in their backcourt during the last 2:00 minutes of the second half or overtime, the coach can decide whether the subsequent inbound takes place from the frontcourt inbound line or the backcourt where the ball was when play was stopped.

Team fouls accumulate after the sixth (6th) foul in a half. From the seventh (7th) foul onward, two (2) free throws will be awarded. Team fouls carry over to any overtime period.

For 2010–2012 born players (U15-U13), any defensive formation is allowed throughout the game. For 2013–2017 born players (U12-U8), player-to-player defense must be played for the entire game.

Player-to-player defense is mandatory for the entire game.
In the 2015–2017 born categories, the format is 4 vs 4.
Inbound in 2013–2017 categories: The ball does not need to be handled by the referee after a violation. The inbound is done through the referee only at the start of periods and after a foul, substitution, or timeout.
Three-point shots in 2013–2017 categories: A taped "Spanish box" (a square with 5.8-meter sides, one side along the baseline) will serve as the three-point line. Note: If the "Spanish box" is not taped, the standard adult three-point line will be used.

Game reports will be kept electronically. Teams must confirm their lineup to the scorer’s table no later than 10 minutes before the game. Teams should be prepared to warm up outside the court. A team arriving late for the game will automatically lose 20-0.

Any protest must be submitted within 15 minutes after the game to the venue’s tournament director, along with a 50-euro protest fee. No rematch will be played. Otherwise, the rules of the Finnish Basketball Federation will apply.
The tournament organizer has the right to modify the schedule during the tournament for compelling reasons (e.g., changes in travel schedules for foreign teams). No appeals are allowed for such changes.
The tournament jury will be announced closer to the event.