Court Balance Rule
Taken from GABA Junior Rules
To promote a fair competition for all junior athletes, the under
8s, 10s and 12Bs have a Court Balance Rule.
U/8s - After a score or back court side ball, 2 offensive players and 2
defensive players must be positioned on the block. The other 3
defensive players must be positioned inside the 3 point line and remain
there until the ball reaches the three point line.
U/10s - After a score or back court side ball, 2 offensive players and 2
defensive players must be positioned inside the 3 point line. The other 3
defensive players must be behind the centre line.
U/12Bs - After a score or back court side ball, 2 offensive players and 2
defensive players must be positioned inside the 3 point line. The other 3
defensive players may play full court.
What that means to us as referees:
1) The court balance rule is only in play after a score or back court side ball. If the defensive
team gets the ball off a rebound or a steal, players do not need to run back to these
designated position. Any foul in transition (especially in the under 8s) should be called and
therefore the court balance rule will be in effect because of the sideball.
2) Encourage the players to get to these positions without the ‘flow’ of the game being
compromised.
3) As the offensive players cross over the court balance line, ensure defensive players are
playing on one player each and not standing in and area, ready to double/triple team.
4) There is a mercy rule in under 12A, which is applied when the lead is 15 points. There is no
mercy rule in under 12Bs, 10s or 8s because of the court balance rule.
Referees remember: Show confidence by blowing
your whistle loud and signalling with authority!