Cowles Primary Competition Rules - Canterbury Basketball Canterbury Basketball

Overview of Cowles Primary Competition rules, game formats, equipment requirements, and player guidelines for Year 5–8 basketball.

Cowles Primary Competition

All games will have referees provided (no need for teams to find referees!), and a floor controller will be available to assist volunteers keeping the scoreboard and scoresheet correct during games. In addition to this, all games will be scored via the Glory League System, which means players and supporters will receive an email link after the game to watch.

Year 5/6 Rules of Note:

Etiquette: All competitors, coaches, and spectators must adhere to BBNZ guidelines. Referees and floor controllers may stop a game or ask someone to leave the stadium if necessary.

Hoop Height: Please note that the Hoop Heights for 2026 will be approximately 9 feet high.

Mouthguards: In accordance with BBNZ guidelines, players must wear mouthguards during play.

Bench Duty: Each team must provide one person to operate either the scoreboard or the iPad.

Games: Each game will consist of two 13-minute halves (running clock), starting on the half hour.

Fouls: Individual fouls won’t be recorded; however, referees may bench a player for excessive fouling to encourage non-physical play and improve defensive skills.

Defense: Teams must play man-to-man defense to promote solid defensive fundamentals.

Uniforms: Teams should wear consistent uniforms, preferably numbered. Bibs are available upon request in advance.

Retreat Rule: Players must retreat to touch halfway when they lose clear possession in the attacking half; or their team scores a basket (this promotes transition from offence to defence and creates space for dribbling and passing to develop)

Equipment: Size 5 basketballs are used

Year 7/8 Rules of Note:

Etiquette: All competitors, coaches, and spectators must adhere to BBNZ guidelines. Referees and floor controllers may stop a game or ask someone to leave the stadium if necessary.

Hoop Height: Please note that the Hoop Heights for 2026 will be 10 feet high.

Mouthguards: In accordance with BBNZ guidelines, players must wear mouthguards during play.

Bench Duty: Each team must provide one person to operate either the scoreboard or the iPad.

Games: Each game will consist of two 13-minute halves (running clock), starting on the half hour.

Fouls: Individual fouls won’t be recorded; however, referees may bench a player for excessive fouling to encourage non-physical play and improve defensive skills.