TEAM

5-a-side

Each team fields five (5) players on court.

Teams must include:

  • Minimum two (2) male players

  • Minimum two (2) female players

  • Remaining players may be any gender, including gender diverse participants

Teams may play with a minimum of four (4) players for the entire game, provided at least one (1) player is female. Teams meeting this minimum will not be considered a default or forfeit.

Please refer to our Default, Forfeit and Substitute Policy for full eligibility rules.

Substitutes

  • Substitutes are permitted provided they:

    • Have created an Urban Rec account, and

    • Have signed the most up-to-date Urban Rec waiver

  • Substitutions are running subs and can occur at any time during play.

GAME SPECIFICS

Game Time

Games are played in one of the following formats depending on venue and scheduling:

  • Two (2) x 18-minute halves with a short halftime break

OR

  • Four (4) x 8-minute quarters with 1–2 minutes break between quarters

Your League Host will confirm the format prior to the season.

Court Boundaries

  • A standard basketball court is used.

  • Some minor variations may apply depending on the venue.

Starting The Game

  • The game begins with a jump ball in the centre of the court.

  • The team that loses the opening tip-off will start with possession in the second quarter.

  • The same process applies at the start of the second half.

NEW Scoring

  • Field goals inside the arc: 2 points

  • Three-point shots: 3 points

  • Free throws: 1 point

And-One

  • If a player is fouled in the act of shooting and makes the basket, they will be awarded one (1) additional free throw worth 1 point.

RULE SPECIFICS

The Ball

  • The ball may only be advanced using the hands.

  • Players may move the ball by:

    • Dribbling, or

    • Passing to teammates

Half Court Defence

  • After a basket is scored, all defensive players must retreat back to half court before defending.

  • This also applies after:

    • A defensive rebound

    • A turnover

All decisions relating to half-court defence are at the League Host’s discretion.

Please note

  • If an offensive player makes a poor pass resulting in a turnover in the back court, play will continue.

  • This is considered play on, not a half-court defence violation.

Fouls

Urban Rec Basketball is non-contact.

Fouls may result in:

  • Possession from the sideline, or

  • A free throw if fouled in the act of shooting

To minimise stoppages and maximise play:

  • Shooting fouls result in one (1) free throw worth two (2) points

Common fouls include:

Blocking - Personal contact that impedes an opponent’s movement.

Screening - Dangerous or blind screens are not permitted. Player safety always comes first.

Charging - When an offensive player makes contact with a defender who has already established a stationary position.

Excessive Contact - Any pushing, shoving, elbowing, holding, slapping of hands or heavy body contact will be deemed a foul. The League Host has final say.

Violations

Common violations include:

Backcourt Violation - Once the offensive team crosses half court, the ball cannot be taken back into the defensive half.

Double Dribble - Dribbling with two hands or restarting a dribble after stopping.

Travelling - Moving the feet without dribbling. A pivot foot must remain planted until passing, shooting or dribbling.

Goal-Tending - Touching the ball on its downward flight above the rim or interfering with a free throw attempt.

Lane Violation - Entering the key too early during a free throw.

NEW Key Violation (Offence only) - A 3-second violation will be called if an offensive player remains stationary in the key for three (3) seconds or longer. This keeps play flowing and avoids congestion.

ADDITIONAL URBAN REC RULES

Yelling or Clapping on a Shot

  • Yelling or clapping at a shooter will be called a foul.

  • Result: one (1) free throw worth 1 point.

Defending Technique

  • Defenders must go straight up.

  • Swiping down or across the shooter will likely result in a foul.

  • This helps build confidence and encourages shooting.

Offensive Contact

  • If an offensive player initiates contact in an attempt to draw a foul, the Host may call:

    • Play on, or

    • An offensive foul

We do not encourage foul-hunting.

Body Control

  • If a player is entering the key without control, the Host may instruct them to slow down.

  • Continued unsafe play may result in a charging foul.

Host Discretion

Not every situation can be covered by the rulebook. League Hosts may intervene where an action is technically legal but clearly unsafe, unfair or against the spirit of the game.

Fun First Policy

All Urban Rec leagues are fun-first, regardless of skill level.

Our League Hosts aim to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment by:

  • Coaching where needed

  • Making calls appropriate to the level of play

  • Encouraging communication and sportsmanship

Urban Rec expects a degree of self-officiation. Respect, good vibes and camaraderie go a long way.

Discipline

  • League Hosts have final say on all unresolved issues.

  • If a player is acting disrespectfully or outside the spirit of the game, the Host may:

    • Ask the player to sub off and take a break

    • Issue further warnings

    • Ask the player to leave the court if behaviour continues

We’re here for good times, not bad attitudes. Play fair.

Inclusion

Urban Rec is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

  • Gender diverse, transgender and non-binary players are welcome

  • Participants of all sexualities, cultures and backgrounds are supported

Urban Rec has zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment.

Note that the above details are generic Basketball rules. The rules for each specific league may differ.



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