OAKLAND DIOCESE CYO BASKETBALL RULES - Updated for 2026-2027 Season

OFFICIAL RULES

All basketball games—league, tournament, or practice—hosted by Oakland Diocese Catholic Youth Organization teams will be conducted in accordance with the National Federation of State High School Associations Basketball Rules Book, with the exceptions and additions noted in these bylaws, adopted by the Diocesan CYO Office, or adopted by individual leagues and approved by the Diocesan CYO Office.

LENGTH OF GAME / TIMEOUTS

A CYO basketball game shall consist of four stop-clock quarters. All games shall have one-minute rest periods between quarters and a maximum five-minute rest period between halves.

Second- through fifth-grade boys and girls play six-minute quarters with a stopped clock. Sixth- through eighth-grade boys and girls play seven-minute quarters with a stopped clock.

Each team may be charged with four one-minute timeouts during a regulation game. Each team is credited with one additional timeout per overtime period.

Leagues may use a running clock at their discretion during regular-season games. All Diocesan playoff games shall use a stopped clock.

GAME BALL

In all sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade boys’ games, a composition or leather basketball measuring 29.5 inches in circumference shall be used.

In all girls’ games and in second- through fifth-grade boys’ games, a composition or leather basketball measuring 28.5 inches in circumference shall be used.

Leagues may adopt the use of smaller basketballs for third-grade play and younger.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS REQUIRED TO START A GAME

A team may begin a game with a minimum of four rostered players present at game time. Game time is forfeit time.

If the opposing team has five or more players available, it must play five players and comply with the all-play participation rule.

AVOIDING FORFEITURES — RECOMMENDED

CYO wants to avoid no-show forfeits whenever possible. If a team must forfeit, coaches should still try to have enough players attend and play the game.

A team may try to bring up one or two players from a grade level below. The game will remain an official forfeit, but the opposing team will receive the win and both teams will still have an opportunity to play.

“ALL PLAY” PARTICIPATION RULE

Each Oakland Diocese CYO basketball team must play all healthy, uniformed players according to the following formula. Each player must play the equivalent of two full playing periods—equal to one full quarter—except in the event of an injury.

• When teams have 10 or fewer players: The first half will be divided into four playing periods. All players must complete two full playing periods in the first half, equivalent to one full quarter. Coaches are strongly encouraged to play all players in the second half.
• When teams have 11 to 15 players: The first three quarters will be divided into six playing periods. All players must complete two full playing periods in the first three quarters, equivalent to one full quarter. Coaches are strongly encouraged to play all players in the fourth quarter.
• When teams have 16 to 20 players: All four quarters will be divided into eight playing periods. All players must complete two full playing periods during the game, equivalent to one full quarter. Coaches are strongly encouraged to play all players in the fourth quarter.
• Substitutions after the minimum requirement is met: During a designated all-play period, a coach may substitute one player for another only when both the player leaving the game and the player entering the game have already completed their required two full playing periods. Playing only part of a period does not count as completing a full playing period.

No player may play on more than one CYO team.

Late-Arriving Players

A player who arrives after the game begins but before halftime must play continuous game time equal to one full quarter, provided sufficient time remains in the game.

A player who arrives at halftime or during the second half must play the equivalent of one full playing period, provided sufficient time remains.

If insufficient time remains to satisfy the applicable requirement, the coach must play the player for as much of the remaining game as reasonably possible.

Injury or Disqualification

If a player leaves a playing period because of an injury and is later able to reenter the game, the player must play a subsequent full playing period.

If the player is unable to reenter until the second half, the player must play continuous game time equivalent to one full playing period.

A substitute entering for an injured or disqualified player must play a complete playing period.

Compliance

Athletic Directors shall monitor their programs’ coaches for compliance with the all-play participation rule. Repeated violations of the all-play rule shall be considered a breach of sportsmanship.

START OF GAME AND PLAYING-PERIOD PROCEDURES

A center-court jump ball shall be used to begin the game.

The alternating-possession procedure shall be used to begin the second quarter and at the beginning of a playing period if neither team had possession at the end of the previous period.

The end of an all-play period shall be administered as an official’s timeout lasting no more than 30 seconds to allow teams to coordinate lineup changes.

The team in possession of the ball at the end of an all-play period shall retain possession at the beginning of the next period, with a throw-in at the spot on the sideline nearest the point of last possession.

At the start of a new quarter, possession shall be determined by the possession arrow.

FREE-THROW RULE

• Second and third grade: Players shall shoot free throws from 10 feet and may cross the free-throw line while taking the shot.
• Fourth-grade boys and fourth- and fifth-grade girls: Players shall shoot from the regulation free-throw line at 15 feet and may cross the free-throw line while taking the shot.
• Fifth-grade boys and sixth through eighth grade: Players shall shoot from the regulation free-throw line at 15 feet and may not cross the line while taking the shot. All high school free-throw rules apply.

THREE-POINT SHOT

The three-point shot shall be used in all sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade games.

A shot clock shall not be used.

SPORTSMANSHIP GUIDELINES

CYO sportsmanship dictates that coaches should not have their teams pressure an opposing team in the backcourt or aggressively pressure opposing players in the half court when holding a large lead.

NO-PRESS RULE

• Second and third grade, fourth-grade National boys, and all fourth-grade girls: There is no press beyond the top of the key.
• Fourth-grade American boys, fifth-grade boys, and fifth-grade girls: There is no press when a team has a lead of 10 points or more. There is also no fast break when a team has a lead of 10 points or more.
• Sixth through eighth grade: There is no press when a team has a lead of 15 points or more. There is also no fast break when a team has a lead of 15 points or more.

Definition of No Press

“No press” means no defensive action may be taken in the backcourt, including intercepting a pass.

The team with the ball must be allowed to safely advance the ball into the frontcourt. No player on the defending team holding the applicable lead may guard any offensive player in the backcourt until the offensive team establishes possession of the ball beyond the half-court line.

Ten-Second Rule to Advance the Ball

From the moment an inbounded ball is touched by an offensive player, that team has 10 seconds to advance the ball across the half-court line. Failure to do so results in a violation, and possession shall be awarded to the opposing team.

When the no-press rule is in effect, the offensive team must still advance the ball across the half-court line within 10 seconds.

Definition of No Fast Break

When the no-fast-break rule is in effect, the team holding the applicable lead may advance the ball into the frontcourt but must allow the opposing team a reasonable opportunity to retreat and establish its half-court defense before attempting to score.

The leading team may not use a quick outlet pass, long pass, or rapid advance following a rebound, steal, or change of possession to create an immediate scoring opportunity before the defense is established.

Normal half-court play may begin once the ball is controlled in the frontcourt and the defense has had a reasonable opportunity to establish its position.

Penalty for Violating the No-Press or No-Fast-Break Rule

Each team shall receive one formal warning per game for violating the no-press or no-fast-break rule. After the warning, a team technical foul shall be assessed for each subsequent violation.

MERCY RULE

If a team leads by 25 points or more during the fourth quarter, a running clock shall be used for the remainder of the game.

The clock shall stop only for timeouts or injuries.

TECHNICAL FOULS

All technical fouls shall be administered as two-shot fouls, followed by possession of the ball.

Technical fouls count as team fouls for purposes of determining bonus free throws.

• Any coach who receives two technical fouls for unsportsmanlike conduct during a game shall be ejected and suspended for the team’s next two games. The coach will also be required to speak with the League Athletic Director and the Sportsmanship Committee.
• Any coach who physically abuses a player, spectator, or official shall be immediately ejected and may be suspended for the remainder of the season or disqualified from future CYO participation.
• Any player who receives two technical fouls during a game shall be ejected and suspended for the team’s next game.
• Any player who physically abuses another player, a spectator, or official shall be immediately ejected and may be suspended for the remainder of the season and/or disqualified from future CYO participation.

OVERTIME RULE

If the score is tied at the end of regulation, a maximum of two two-minute overtime periods shall be played.

If the score remains tied at the completion of the second overtime period, a sudden-death period shall be played under the following rule:

• The first team to score during the sudden-death period wins the game.

COACH STANDING RULE

• Head coach: The head coach may stand but must remain within the designated coaching box. If the head coach’s behavior becomes inappropriate or excessive, the referees may require the coach to remain seated for the remainder of the game.
• Assistant coaches: Assistant coaches must remain seated and may not engage with the referees or scorer’s table during game play.
• Coach identification: All coaches on the bench must wear their coach lanyards or be able to produce the electronic version of their current-season CYO coach cards upon request.

UNIFORMS

Uniform shirts must remain tucked in during game play.

T-shirts or compression garments worn beneath the uniform are strongly encouraged to match the uniform’s primary color or be black, gray, or white. Undergarment colors are strongly encouraged to be consistent among all players on the team.

Other CYO leagues and Diocesan games may enforce the NFHS rules requiring undergarments and uniforms to comply with applicable color and design requirements.

The home team shall wear the lighter-colored jerseys. The visiting team shall wear the darker-colored jerseys.

JEWELRY

Players may not wear earrings, rings, bracelets, or any other jewelry during games or practices. All jewelry and accessories must be removed for safety.

GAME-SCHEDULING LIMITATIONS

All games and practices, including tournament games played on school nights, shall be scheduled to end by 10:00 p.m.

No league shall schedule regular league play on Sundays before noon.

 

WEST DIABLO VALLEY TIE-BREAKER LOGIC (FOR POSTSEASON/PLAYOFFS)

If teams finish the regular season with the same record, the following tiebreakers will determine seeding:

1. 1. 1. Tied Group Record (Win %) Results:
         • A comparison of two or more tied teams based on the outcomes of games played against each other (tied group).
           Within the "tied group" tiebreaker is based on win % of games played, games played against non-tied teams are ignored.
         • If the Tied Group Record Results cannot determine rankings, the system moves to the next tiebreaker.
      2. Head-to-Head Results:
         • A comparison of two or more tied teams based on the outcomes of games played against each other. Games played against non-tied teams are ignored.
         • If head-to-head results cannot determine rankings, the system moves to the next tiebreaker.
      3. Point Differential (Tied Teams Only):
         • The total number of points scored by a team minus the total number of points scored against them in games between the tied teams only.
           For example, if Team A and Team B split the head-to-head match-up, then if Team A won by 7 points in one game and Team B won by 5 in the other game, Team A wins the tie-breaker.
           This logic also applies if more than 2 teams tied in the standings.
         • A maximum point differential of 10 is used in this calculation.
      4. Coin Toss:
         • If all other criteria fail to break the tie, the league office will conduct a coin toss to determine the higher seed.

 

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OAKLAND DIOCESE CYO SOCIAL MEDIA AND RECORDING POLICY (NEW IN 2026-2027 SEASON)

The Oakland Diocese Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), as a part of the larger community of faith in the diocese that embraces technology, recognizes the following:

• Words transmitted using the Internet and related technologies are published materials, available for worldwide access, and are public documents.
• The values of dignity and respect for every person apply to all of our interactions with each other – in person at games, practices and events, or by virtual means.
• Using technology to publish opinions which are obscene, work against the values of dignity and respect of each person or bring harm to the individual as well as to our CYO community are contrary to the mission of CYO.
• Using technology to publish any images, audio or video of CYO events on the internet, social media platforms, recruiting websites or any other on-line resources
  or websites is strictly prohibited.

The Diocese of Oakland CYO discourages players, coaches, spectators and family members from using technology in irresponsible ways relative to their CYO participation.  CYO will hold all users responsible for their published words if they adversely affect individual teams, parishes and schools, leagues, sports officials, team members and families. Those affiliated with CYO who use technology in ways that are contrary to our mission will face disciplinary action, up to and including suspension/dismissal.

Recording

CYO, in order to ensure a safe environment for minors, prevent the misuse of images of minors and protect minors’ privacy rights adopts the following rules:

1. Coaches, parents and other spectators are permitted to record video from the spectator area only.
2. Coaches, parents and other spectators who record videos of athletic events may not post videos, photographs or audio content of this game on the internet, social media platforms, recruiting websites or any other on-line resources or websites.
3. The use of professional video and audio recording gear is prohibited, included but not limited to the following:

• Cameras: Mirrorless/Cinema Cameras ENG Camcorders, PTZ cameras.
• Lenses: Prime lenses, zoom lenses and the like.
• Stabilization: Tripods, monopods, gimbals, shoulder mounts and the like.
• Lighting: Accessories which enhance lighting.
• Monitoring & Recording: Including external monitors, on-camera recorders
• Microphones: Shotgun and Lavalier equipment and the like.
• Audio Recorders/Mixers, Monitoring and Video and Audio Accessories.

Handheld telephones with photo and /or video functionality are permitted in principle, but CYO Staff shall determine whether any particular device constitutes prohibited professional video and audio recording gear.

Any permitted recording while seated in bleachers shall not impair the enjoyment of the game by other spectators.

Violation of these requirements may result in expulsion from the premises.

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CODE OF CONDUCT

The Oakland Diocese CYO Athletic Manual contain Codes of Conduct for the Coaches, Players, and Spectators. These sections should be read and addressed and stressed with the coaches by the AD, and with the players and parents by the coach.

The West Diablo CYO League will not tolerate violations of this code. The following penalties for violation of the Code of Conduct are effective:

Coaches
Any coach that physically or verbally abuses or threatens to abuse an official, administrator, spectator, or player of the contest, before, during or after the contest, will receive an immediate 2 technical foul and be ejected from the game. That coach will also receive an immediate 2 game suspension and must appear before the sportsmanship committee. The sportsmanship committee will decide if that coach shall be suspended for the remainder of the season or disqualified from CYO participation.

Any coach that verbally makes derogatory or inflammatory comments or gestures toward an official, administer, spectator, or player of the contest, before, during, or after the contest will receive an immediate technical foul. If in the judgment of the official the comment or gesture was of a severe nature, the coach will be assessed, 2 technical fouls and be ejected from the game. The coach will also receive an immediate 2 game suspension and must appear before the sportsmanship committee.

Any coach receiving three (3) technical fouls of a sportsmanship nature, in any one season of play, will receive a 2-game suspension.

Any coach receiving three (3) technical fouls of a sportsmanship nature, and a resulting two (2) game suspension in two consecutive seasons, will be disqualified from CYO participation.

Players
Any player that physically or verbally abuses or threatens to abuse an official, administrator, spectator, or players of the contest, before, during or after the contest, will receive an immediate 2 technical foul and be ejected from the game. That player will also receive an immediate 2 game suspension and the case will be brought before the sportsmanship committee. The sportsmanship committee will decide if that coach shall be suspended for the remainder of the season or disqualified from CYO participation.

Any player that verbally makes derogatory or inflammatory comments or gestures toward an official, administer, spectator, or player of the contest, before, during, or after the contest will receive an immediate technical foul. If in the judgment of the official the comment or gesture was of a severe nature, the player will be assessed a 2 technical foul and be ejected from the game. The player will also receive an immediate 2 game suspension and the case will be brought before the sportsmanship committee. The sportsmanship committee will decide if that player shall be suspended for the remainder of the season or disqualified from CYO participation.

Parents/Spectators
Any parent or spectator that physically or verbally abuses or threatens to abuse an official, administrator, spectator, or players of the contest, before, during or after the contest, their team will receive an immediate two (2) technical foul and the person shall be ejected from the game and receive a two-game suspension from attendance at CYO contests. The sportsmanship committee will decide if that player shall be suspended for the remainder of the season or disqualified from CYO participation.

Any parent or spectator that verbally makes derogatory or inflammatory comments or gestures toward an official, administrator, spectator, or player of the contest, before, during or after the contest, their team will receive an immediate technical foul and the parent/spectator shall be ejected from the game and receive an immediate two game suspension from attendance at CYO contests. The case shall be brought before the sportsmanship committee. The sportsmanship committee will decide if that parent/spectator shall be barred from attendance at any CYO contest for the remainder of the season or barred permanently.

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West Diablo Valley League Game Officials

1. The league is utilizing ref-ology to assign two referees for each game as well as train and develop referee leaders. If one referee fails to appear by game time, the game will be officially played with only one official and will be considered an official league game. If neither official is present, the game will be rescheduled.
2. For anyone interested in officiating, please have them register on www.ref-ology.com and they will be contacted and given the information needed to join to program.