KEY RULES FOR THE 4BL

 

THE FOLLOWING RULE CHANGES WERE DESIGNED TO:

Speed up the game Promote fast breaks Increase artistry
Discourage thuggery Keep the ball in play Reduce fouls shots

CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL RULEBOOK

  • Same size court.  Same size hoop.

  • Greater emphasis on finesse and creativity, and less on force.   Our credo:  KEEP THE BALL IN PLAY.

  • NO RUNNING CLOCK like in intramural ball.

  • 12 minute periods.  24 second shot clock.

  • Immediate inbounds.  Similar rule to the IBL, which greatly reduces arguing from coaches and players.  Substitutes must be at scorer's table when play stops to be allowed in the game (except injuries).

  • One time out per period, except 4th period has 3 one-minute time outs. 

  • No more time outs while trying to inbound the ball.

  • No more calling time out when you're trapped dribbling the ball.

  • No more back-to-back timeouts.

  • Far fewer foul shots.  Did you know that MOST NBA games exceed 50 fouls shots a game, and some pro games have had over 100 free throws?  We're taking away a lot of these flow-killing foul shots.  Fouled taking a 2 point shot?  You get one shot for 2 points.  Fouled on 3 point shot?  You get one shot for 3 points.  (Reverts to traditional rules in the 4th period and overtime.)

  • "Power Play" feature- If your team commits 4 or more team fouls in a period, on otherwise non-shooting fouls, the fouling player goes on into the "penalty area" for one play.  Why waste time with foul shots when watching a 4 on 3 situation is more entertaining?  (Scoring rate will be around 70%.)  Player in the penalty area returns on the fly when his team gets the ball back and crosses midcourt. (Reverts to traditional rules in the last two minutes of the 4th period and overtime.)

  • Overtime:  First to score 7 points or five minutes, whichever happens first. All team fouls carry over from 4th period. No time outs except for injury.

  • No defensive 3 second call and all zones allowed (at your own risk).

  • No foul outs:  If a player reaches 6 fouls, on 7+ fouls is a team technical foul and a separate 2 point shot.

  • ALL TIE UPS WIN POSSESSION FOR THE DEFENSE!  No more jump balls on tie ups.

  • Physical Play: Grabbing, elbowing, shoving, hooking and body-slamming (with or without the ball) are fouls.  The defensive player will be allowed to hold his position.