SAAU Boys Basketball Playing Rules

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The SAAU Boys’ Basketball Playing Rules & Modifications are detailed in this article. These rules are modified from the National AAU playing rules so as to fit our tournament schedules in order that student-athletes do not have to miss any school in order to attend our events. It is in keeping with the AAU mission statement that we incorporate these rules and feel they are extremely important to reiterate the fact that ALL AAU coaches place education and sportsmanship at the top of our priority list in dealing with all players.

1.) National High School Federation rules are used except: the “undersized” ball (circumference 28.5”) shall be used for 8u(2nd) thru 12u(6th) ages/grades & ALL jersey numbers are legal for all levels. Teams must have light and dark jerseys. If both teams have the same general color, then the home team wins out in color. In other words, the visitors MUST bring both sets of uniforms just in case there is a color question. Game times for Louisiana & Mississippi SAAU Championship events are as follows: 8u/2nd  thru 12u/6th Age/Grade play 13 minute halves and the 13u/7th thru 20u Age/Grade play 14 minute halves with both groups follow the same overtime policy: 1st OT is of 2 minutes, 2nd OT is sudden death (first team to score). 2 shot bonus awarded on 10th foul of half. 

 2.)Team Rosters - A maximum of 15 players (minimum of 6) are allowed on a team throughout the District level. For the National/World Tournaments:
a.) Please view complete AAU Boys Basketball rules (as space is limited here) for more detailed info on ALL requirements for all AAU National/World events & rules at: aauboysbasketball.org
b.) For 8u/2nd grade thru 12u/6th up to 3 cross boundary athletes may be on a roster at any time. For 13u/7th & upward a max of 15 cross boundary athletes may be on your roster.

3.) For age/grade 8u(2nd) thru 12u(6th) divisions, if the lead is 20 points or more at ANY time during the 2nd half, the team ahead MUST play defense BEHIND their 3-point arc (i.e. – no pressing or half court traps). Once the lead drops below 20, regular rules resume.  The first offense will result in a technical foul on the offending team and the second will result in another technical foul and ejection of the coach. For ages/grades 13u(7th) and up if the lead is 30 points or more at ANY time during the 2nd half, the team ahead MUST play defense BEHIND their 3-point arc (i.e. – no pressing or half court traps). Once the lead drops below 30, regular rules resume.  The first offense will result in a technical foul on the offending team and the second will result in another technical foul and ejection of the coach.  Reason: There is a 15-point cap on point totals in calculating wins so large victory margins will not increase your standing in terms of pool results. 

4.) Coaches must contact tournament director after each game to double check the next game time at all SAAU events to assure accuracy with web info.

5.) Mouth guards are HIGHLY recommended for all players on the court.