A member of

Playing Rules

Coach Check in:

  • The facility will open 30 minutes prior to first game of day.
  • Coach must check in at admissions gate prior to first game, any outstanding fees must be paid at this time.
  • Games will be held at Next Level Performance Gym.
  • Tournament insurance will be provided.
  • We will give out (2) coaches passes for the weekend. All other coaches will be responsible to buy their own passes.

 Length of Game:

  • Two 20 minute halves
  • Running clock except last 2 minutes of second half
  • Clock will continue to run, if there is a 15 point or more lead in the last 2 minutes.
  • Halftime will be 3 minutes
  • Warm up between games, will be 3-5 minutes.
  • Be prepared, we will start early.
  • Grades 1-2 will play two (2) 17 minute running clock halves.

 Game Rules:

  • National High School Federation Rules and Regulations will apply to all USSSA games, with the following exceptions.
  • Only one coach may stand and coach, unless they receive a Technical. Then no one can stand.
  • No game balls will be provided.
  • 3 pointers do count.
  • All divisions will use 28.5 basketball
  • No press if you are up by 15 points
  • All teams must provide a volunteer to keep the official book and clock. One person from each team. Please have this person ready before game starts. Failure to do so, will result in a forfeit. (please make them at least 16, and act professional)
  • Home team must provide a game ball.
  • Free Throws will be shot, following Iowa High School rules
  • Overtime- 1st and 2nd Overtime will be one minute stop clock. 3rd overtime will be sudden death. First basket or next point wins.
  • Timeouts- each team will have 3 timeouts per game. Maximum 2 in a half. Each team will get one additional timeout per overtime. No Carryovers.
  • Sportsmanship is a must, if someone is ejected, they will automatically miss next game.
  • No outside food will be allowed into basketball arena.
  • Game time is forfeit time.
  • Rosters must be submitted prior to the start of your first game.
  • Players are allowed to be on one roster per grade/per event. Players may not be allowed on teams in separate divisions in the same grade.
  • We strongly discourage frivolous protests. To lodge a formal roster protest, team manager/coach must submit $100 protest fee. If player is found to be in violation, the protest fee will be refunded.
  • Daily admission will be charged for spectators. Two (2) coaches and all players will be admitted at no charge.
  • Coaches will receive a coach’s pass which MUST be presented or coach will be charged admission.
  • Team payment is expected prior to your first game. Failure to do so could result in a forfeit.
  • Teams and individual awards for 1st and 2nd placed teams.
  • Team may start with 4 players
  • Central Iowa Sports will not be responsible for lost items.
  • Certified basketball officials will be provided.
  • If a team forfeits a game in pool play, they may not advance to bracket play.

 1st and 2nd Grade

  • Defense-no full court pressing allowed. Must play man to man defense. If you play zone, 1st time will be a warning, all other violations will be a 2 shot Technical
  • Once defensive team secures rebound, the new defensive team must retreat past the half court line.
  • No Double Teams are allowed. A defensive player in help side position may rotate to help teammate, but once teammate recovers, helping defender must switch back. 1st offense is a warning, 2nd will be 2 shot technical foul.
  • 1st grade-no stealing or stripping ball outside the lane
  • 2nd grade- no stealing or stripping outside the 3-point arc
  • 1st and 2nd grade will play on 8 foot rims
  • 1st and 2nd grade will play on smaller cross court size court.

3rd Grade

  • Third grade: no pressing until past half court, when ahead by 15 points or more, defense must fall beneath 3 point arc. In the last minute of the second half, you can full court press.
  • Third Grade: there will be no free throw violations, for a player shooting free throws and crossing free throw line.

Boys & Girls Grade Requirements

1st Grade – An athlete must be in the 1st grade or below for the current school year (if playing in the summer, it is the previous grade) and cannot turn 9 prior to September 1 at the end of the current grade. 

 Age Exception: Athlete does not turn 8 before the next September 1 date. 

 2nd Grade – An athlete must be in the 2nd grade or below for the current school year (if playing in the summer, it is the previous grade) and cannot turn 10 prior to September 1 at the end of the current grade. 

 Age Exception: Athlete does not turn 9 before the next September 1 date. 

 3rd Grade – An athlete must be in the 3rd grade or below for the current school year (if playing in the summer, it is the previous grade) and cannot turn 11 prior to September 1 at the end of the current grade. 

 Age Exception: Athlete does not turn 10 before the next September 1 date. 

 4th Grade – An athlete must be in the 4th grade or below for the current school year (if playing in the summer, it is the previous grade) and cannot turn 12 prior to September 1 at the end of the current grade. 

 Age Exception: Athlete does not turn 11 before the next September 1 date. 

 5th Grade – An athlete must be in the 5th grade or below for the current school year (if playing in the summer, it is the previous grade) and cannot turn 13 prior to September 1 at the end of the current grade. 

 Age Exception: Athlete does not turn 12 before the next September 1 date. 

6th Grade – An athlete must be in the 6th grade or below for the current school year (if playing in the summer, it is the previous grade) and cannot turn 14 prior to September 1 at the end of the current grade. 

 Age Exception: Athlete does not turn 13 before the next September 1 date. 

 7th Grade – An athlete must be in the 7th grade or below for the current school year (if playing in the summer, it is the previous grade) and cannot turn 15 prior to September 1 at the end of the current grade. 

 Age Exception: Athlete does not turn 14 before the next September 1 date. 

 8th Grade – An athlete must be in the 8th grade or below for the current school year (if playing in the summer, it is the previous grade) and cannot turn 16 prior to September 1 at the end of the current grade. 

 Age Exception: Athlete does not turn 15 before the next September 1 date.

Pool Standings

  1. Winning Percentage – Descending
  2. Number Wins – Descending
  3. Number Loses – Ascending
  4. Tied Teams (vs. each other) Winning Pct – Descending
  5. Avg Points Allowed – Ascending
  6. Avg Run Differential with a maximum of (20) – Descending
  7. USSSA Points – Descending
  8. Date Team Entered USSSA Database

Divisions of play

  • Div I – Elite Teams
  • Div II – Competitive Teams
  • Div III – Community based or Developmental Teams

Refund policy

Event shortened or canceled due to weather:

  • 0 games started: Entry fee minus $50
  • 1 game started: Entry fee minus $100
  • 2 games started: No refund

Admission paid: No refund

Team’s withdrawal from tournament before entry deadline: Entry fee minus $50

Team’s withdrawal from tournament after entry deadline: No refund

Central Iowa Sports reserves the right to alter, change, or abbreviate the tournament format when necessary to complete the tournament.

Central Iowa Sports expects good sportsmanship!!

Respect the players, coaches, officials, and staff. Because you pay to watch, doesn’t give you the right to be obnoxious. If you get ejected or asked to leave, you will not get your admission fee refunded.

Any player or coach ejected from a game due to unsportsmanlike conduct WILL NOT be allowed to participate in the next game of the event. Anyone ejected MAY be asked to leave the facility at the discretion of the Site Director. Additional penalties may be assessed as deemed necessary by the Site Director (ejected from next tournament game and/or ejected from remainder of tournament).