1. Game Time and Playing Rules
U15–U13: 2 x 15 minutes of effective playing time.
U12–U9: 2 x 12 minutes of effective playing time.
U8: 2 x 10 minutes of effective playing time.
The older mini age group (born 2013 / U12) plays with a size 5 ball on regular-size hoops.
The game format for U15–U11 divisions is 5 vs 5.
The game format for U10–U8 divisions is 4 vs 4.
The timekeeper will stop the clock when a field goal is made during the second half or the first overtime if the game clock shows 2:00 minutes or less.
The halftime break is three minutes. Overtime is three minutes. If overtime does not resolve the game, the next overtime will end at the first point scored ("sudden death"). The second overtime begins with a jump ball.
There is no mandatory rule for minimum playing time or resting players. There is no limit on the number of players listed on the scoresheet.
NOTE! A player may play for only one team within the same age group!
2. Timeouts
Each team has one timeout per half. During possible overtime, each team has one timeout (1+1(+1)). An unused timeout from the second half does not carry over to overtime.
If a timeout is granted to a team with ball possession in their backcourt when the game clock shows 2:00 minutes or less during the second half or overtime, the coach may choose to restart play with an inbound at the frontcourt inbound line or from the nearest point on the backcourt where play was stopped.
3. Team Fouls
Team fouls are accumulated starting from the sixth (6th) foul in a half. Beginning with the seventh (7th) foul, two (2) free throws are awarded. Team fouls also carry over into any overtime periods.
4. Defensive Rules
For players born between 2010 and 2012, any form of defense is allowed throughout the game.
For players born between 2013 and 2017, man-to-man defense must be played for the entire game.
5. Special Playing Rules for Minis, Micros, and Super Micros (born 2013–2017)
Man-to-man defense is mandatory throughout the game.
U10–U8 divisions are played 4 vs 4.
Inbounding the Ball (2013–2017 divisions):
After a violation, the ball does not need to be handled by the referee before inbounding. However, the ball must be handed to the referee at the start of each period, after a foul, a player substitution, or a timeout.
Three-Point Shot (2013–2017 divisions):
A "Spanish box" (a 5.8-meter square with one side along the baseline) will be taped on the court to mark the three-point line.
NOTE: If the "Spanish box" is not taped, the standard adult three-point line will apply.
6. Scoresheets, Warm-up, and Late Arrival
Scoresheets are maintained electronically. Teams must confirm their roster with the scorekeeper no later than 10 minutes before the game starts. Teams must be prepared to warm up outside the gym if necessary.
A team that is late for their game will forfeit by a score of 20–0.
7. Tie-breaking between Teams
Teams are ranked higher in the group standings by the number of competition points.
Win = 2 points, Loss = 0 points.
In the case of a tie, the following criteria will be applied in order:
Competition points
Competition points between tied teams
Point differential between tied teams
Total points scored between tied teams
Point differential from all group stage games
Total points scored in all group stage games
Drawing of lots
8. Protests
Protests must be submitted within 15 minutes after the game to the site coordinator along with a protest fee of 50 euros.
Replay games will not be organized.
For a protest to be valid:
The head coach must notify the head referee and the site coordinator in writing and sign the protest no later than 15 minutes after the end of the game.
The reason for the protest must be sent in writing (WhatsApp message or a photo of the written protest) to Henrik Pulkkinen no later than 30 minutes after the game ends.
The tournament jury is: Juuso Milén, Pipsa Aaltonen & Valtteri Palojärvi.
9. Other Regulations
Otherwise, the tournament follows the official rules of the Finnish Basketball Association.
The tournament organizer reserves the right to make changes to the schedule during the tournament for compelling reasons (e.g., changes in travel schedules of foreign teams). Such changes are not subject to appeal.