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I. GAME RULES

1. General Play
   Games will follow the rules of the Minnesota State High School League, with the following exceptions:

2. Game Duration

   • The game consists of two 20-minute halves, with running time. The clock will stop on dead balls during the last 90 seconds of the first half and during the shot clock era of the second half. It is up to the scorekeepers discretion to enforce this stoppage of time on deadballs if there is a 25 point+ differential between the teams. A timeout will be called during the first dead ball in  the last 3 and1/2 minutes of the game to signal the start of the shot-clock era, in where a 24-second shot clock will be introduced.

   • There will be a 2-3 min halftime intermission.

3. Overtime

   • If a game is tied at the end of regulation, a three-minute overtime period will be played with a stopped clock and shot clock.

   • If the score remains tied after the first overtime period, the game will proceed to sudden death. The first team to score points in sudden death will be declared the winner.

   • All overtime periods will begin with a jump ball.

4. Time-Outs

   • Each team is allowed 2 30 second timeouts per game

   • Unused time-outs do not carry over to overtime.

5. Uniforms

   • All team players must wear jerseys/shirts of the same color with unique numbers on the back.

6. Minimum Players

   • Teams must have at least four players to start a game. If a team cannot field four players by the scheduled start time, the game will be forfeited.

   • Officials and game supervisors will determine if a player’s condition or attire disqualifies them from participation. If a team is short of players, officials may facilitate a "pickup" game if all parties agree.

7. Fouling Out

   • An individual player will foul out after accumulating 6 individual fouls.  If a team commits 7 fouls during a half, the other team will enter the bonus(1 and 1 after any foul except a shooting foul) and if a team commits 10 fouls in a half, the other team enters the double bonus( two free throws)

   • In the event of a technical foul, the opposing team is awarded 2 free throws and possession. 2 technical fouls on one player results in ejection.

8. Ball Handling

   • The game official must touch the ball on all pass-ins in the frontcourt, except after a basket. On backcourt violations, officials will touch the ball only on a foul. For other turnovers (e.g., traveling, double dribble), the defensive team may pick up the ball and pass it in from the nearest out-of-bounds point.

9. Alternating Possession

   • The Alternating Possession Rule will apply to all jump ball situations except the start of the game and any overtime periods.

10. Lane Entry

    • Players are allowed to enter the lane once the shooter has released the ball (NBA Rule).

11. Protests

    • Protests are not allowed. This is a recreational league aimed at enjoyment and fair play.

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II. ROSTERS

1. Roster Submission

   • Complete names, addresses, and phone numbers are required for each player on the team’s official roster form. The official roster must be submitted before the first regular season game. Roster additions can only be made by the team manager.

   • After two weeks since the start of any given ZAP season, the roster portal will close and teams are not allowed to make any new additions to their roster

2. Roster Size

   • Teams may have up to 15 players on their roster.

3. Player Eligibility

   • Players must be 18 years or older and out of high school to participate.​​​​​​​

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III. CONDUCT OF TEAMS

1. Roster Compliance

   • Only players officially on the team roster may participate. This ensures that teams do not use unauthorized players for an unfair advantage.

2. Sportsmanship

   • As this is a recreational league, fair play and sportsmanship are paramount. Managers are expected to model appropriate behavior. Profanity, either on or off the court, will not be tolerated.

3. Disqualification and Suspension

   • Players disqualified for a flagrant foul, unsportsmanlike conduct, or two technical fouls in a game will be suspended for the next game. A second ejection during the season results in suspension for the remainder of the season. Teams with two or more players disqualified from two games will be removed from the league.

4. Technical Fouls

   • The non-offending team will receive two points and possession of the ball for each technical foul. All technical fouls count toward an individual’s personal foul total.

5. Fighting

   • ZAP Hoops upholds a zero-tolerance policy for fighting. Any player, coach, or spectator who instigates, participates in, or facilitates a fight—directly or indirectly—will face an immediate, full-season suspension without exception.

     • If any suspended individual attempts to return under a different name, jersey number, or by any other deceptive means, the game will be stopped at the moment of discovery by referees, scorekeepers, or league administration. The violating team will forfeit their entire season without a refund.​

     • If a fight is one-sided, the team of the aggressor will forfeit the game immediately.

     • If a fight escalates into a brawl involving multiple players, both teams will receive an immediate loss, and multiple players will be suspended and an instant end to the game. 

     • There are no warnings, exceptions, or appeals. ZAP Hoops is committed to maintaining a safe and competitive environment. Fighting will not be tolerated—period.

6. Respect for Officials

   • Players who are disrespectful or use profanity directed at officials will receive a technical foul and be ejected from the game. A second technical foul is not required for ejection.

7. Dunking

   • Dunking is not allowed. Players attempting to dunk will result in a technical foul for their team. Any damage caused will be the responsibility of both the team and the individual involved. This rule applies during pre-game warm-ups and post-game activities as well.

8. Spectators

   • Participants are encouraged not to bring young children to the gym unless accompanied by an adult supervisor who is not playing.

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IV. Refund Policy

1. All refunds are issued in the form of ZAP Credit. ZAP Credit can be applied toward future league or tournament registrations and guarantees your team a reserved spot in the next available season or tournament. Credits do not expire and are non-transferable outside of the registering team.