1. Game Time and Playing Time
U16–U13: 2 x 15 minutes effective playing time.
U12–U9: 2 x 12 minutes effective playing time.
U8: 2 x 10 minutes effective playing time.
The older mini age group (born 2014 / U12) plays on full-size baskets with a smaller ball (size 5).
In the U16–U11 categories, the game format is 5 vs 5.
In the categories for players born U10–U8, the game format is 4 vs 4.
The timekeeper stops the game clock after a made field goal in the second period or in the first overtime when the game clock shows 2:00 or less.
The break is three minutes. Overtime is three minutes. If overtime does not produce a result, the next overtime ends with the first point scored (sudden death). The second overtime begins with a jump ball.
There are no mandatory playing time or rest rules. The number of players listed on the scoresheet is not limited.
NOTE! A player may play in only one team within the same age category.
2. Time-outs
Each team has one time-out in each period. In possible overtime, there is one time-out (1+1(+1)). Any unused time-out from the second half does not carry over to overtime.
If, during the second period or overtime when the game clock shows 2:00 minutes or less, a time-out is granted to a team that had possession of the ball in its backcourt, the coach of that team has the right to decide whether the throw-in after the time-out will be taken from the frontcourt throw-in line or from the backcourt nearest to where the ball was when play was stopped.
3. Team Fouls
Team fouls are counted from the sixth (6th) foul in a half, after which two (2) free throws are awarded from the seventh (7th) foul. Team fouls also apply during any overtime.
4. Defensive Rules
For players born 2010–2013, defensive play is free throughout the entire game.
For players born 2014–2018, the entire game must be played using man-to-man defense.
5. Special Rules for teams born in 2014–2018
Man-to-man defense is mandatory throughout the entire game.
U10–U8 categories are played 4 vs 4.
Throw-in in the 2014–2018 categories: The ball does not need to be checked with the referee after a violation. The throw-in is administered by the referee at the start of a period and after a foul, substitution, and time-out.
Three-point shot in the 2014–2018 categories: The three-point line is marked with tape as the so-called “Spanish box” (a square with sides of 5.8 meters, one side being the baseline). NOTE: If the “Spanish box” is not marked, the adult three-point line is used.
6. Scoresheets, Warm-up and Late Arrival
Scoresheets are kept electronically. Teams must confirm their roster to the scorekeeper no later than 10 minutes before the start of the game. Teams must be prepared to warm up outside the court. A team arriving late to a game will be declared to have lost 20–0.
7. Team Rankings
In a group, the team with the most ranking points is placed higher. A win gives two (2) points and a loss zero (0). In case of a tie in points, the ranking is determined as follows:
- Ranking points
- Ranking points in games between the tied teams
- Point difference in games between the tied teams
- Points scored in games between the tied teams
- Point difference in all preliminary round games
- Points scored in all preliminary round games
- Drawing of lots
8. Protests
Any protests must be submitted within 15 minutes after the end of the game to the venue manager, and a protest fee of 50 euros must be paid at the same time. Replay games will not be played.
For a protest to be valid, the following procedure must be followed:
- The head coach must notify the referee and the venue manager in writing of the protest no later than 15 minutes after the end of the game and sign it.
- The reason for the protest must be submitted in writing (as a WhatsApp message in text form or a photo of the protest) to Henrik Pulkkinen (+358 50 5369719) no later than 30 minutes after the end of the game.
The tournament jury consists of: Juuso Milén, Pipsa Aaltonen & Valtteri Palojärvi.
9. Other Rules
Otherwise, the rules of the Finnish Basketball Association are followed in the tournament.
The tournament organizer has the right to modify the game schedule also during the tournament due to compelling reasons (e.g. due to travel schedules of foreign teams). No appeals can be made against such changes.