2025-2026 ESO Basketball Game Rules by Division
(1st/2nd Grade)
Equipment: 27.5 ball, 8 ft goal.
Game Structure: Four 7-minute quarters, running clock; equal playing time, no player sits an entire quarter; substitutions at 3:30 each quarter; score not kept.
Game Tactics: Man-to-man defense only using wristbands for matchups; no double-teaming; no stealing off the dribble; inbounds from baseline after made basket; defense sets up at 3-point line.
Season Objectives: Emphasize dribbling, layup footwork, shooting form, and defensive positioning over winning.
(3rd/4th Grade)
Equipment: 28.5 ball, 8 ft goal.
Game Structure: Four 8-minute quarters, running clock (stops last 2 minutes each half); 5-minute halftime; one 2-minute overtime if tied, then game ends tied; equal playing time first 3 quarters, coach discretion in 4th with all players participating; substitutions at 4-minute mark in first 3 quarters, dead-ball subs in 4th.
Scoring: Normal 2 and 3-point scoring; "one for" free throw system for fouls; bonus after 5 team fouls per quarter, resets each quarter.
Time Outs: Two 60-second timeouts per half.
Game Tactics: Man-to-man defense only; help defense allowed with recovery unless the ball is inside the paint. No full-court defense until the last 2 minutes unless leading by 10.
(5th/6th Grade)
Equipment: 28.5 ball, 10 ft goal.
Game Structure: Four 8-minute quarters, running clock (stops last 2 minutes each half); 5-minute halftime; one 2-minute overtime if tied, then game ends tied; equal playing time first 3 quarters, coach discretion in 4th with all players participating; substitutions at 4-minute mark in first 3 quarters, dead-ball subs in 4th.
Scoring: Normal 2 and 3-point scoring; "one for" free throw system for fouls; bonus after 5 team fouls per quarter, resets each quarter.
Time Outs: Two 60-second timeouts per half.
Game Tactics: Man-to-man defense only; help defense is allowed with recovery unless the ball is inside the paint. Full-court man-to-man allowed until leading by 10 points.
Defensive Play Clarifications (3rd-6th Grade)
Trapping/Double-Teaming: Not allowed unless the ball is inside the paint; first offense = warning, second offense = 1 FT and possession for opponent.
Defensive Three-Second: Players cannot be in the lane for more than three consecutive seconds without actively guarding (within arm’s length) an offensive player. First offense = warning, second = 1 FT and possession.
Jersey Etiquette: Jerseys must be tucked at all times; repeated violations may result in substitution.
Flagrant Fouls: Non-basketball plays result in 2 FTs and possession.
Transition & Rebounding: Defenders must locate and guard their man without trapping in transition; physical play permitted during rebounding when contested.