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©2017 Upward Unlimited.
Upward® is a registered trademark of Upward Unlimited.
UPWARD BASKETBALL
REFEREE HANDBOOK
2 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
Table of ContentsIntroduction ..................................................................3
Section One: Refereeing Upward Basketball
Becoming an Upward Basketball Referee ....6Pre-Game .......................................................................9During the Game ......................................................9
Section Two: Rule Levels to Upward Basketball
The Levels of Upward Basketball .....................12Basic Rules for Levels 1-3......................................12Level 1 Modifications .............................................. 18Level 2 Modifications ............................................20Level 3 Modifications ............................................ 22Level 4 Rules ............................................................. 24What to Watch For................................................ 27
Section Three: Calling the Game
Positioning and Responsibilities ......................30Fouls/Violations Hand Signals ......................... 33
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
Welcome to Upward Basketball!
This handbook is designed to provide you with everything you need to be successful as an Upward Basketball Referee. The information on the following pages is designed to guide you through the season and includes the rules unique to Upward Basketball.
Along with this handbook, you can find additional Upward Basketball Referee resources at MyUpward.org. Here you will find rules to the game, how to make calls and even training videos on how to become an Upward Basketball Referee.
Here’s how to access these online resources:
1. You will receive an email from the league director containing a link to MyUpward.org.
2. Click on the link and create a password (your username will already exist as your email address).
3. You will then be able to access all the referee resources on MyUpward.org.
*If you have not already received this email, please see your league director.
INTRODUCTION
4 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
5Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION ONE
REFEREEING
UPWARD
BASKETBALL
6 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION ONE:
REFEREEING UPWARD
BASKETBALL
Becoming an Upward Basketball RefereeUpward Basketball is designed to promote healthy competition and sportsmanship while also teaching the objectives of game play. Coaches will teach the basic fundamentals of basketball through drills, games and scrimmages along with sharing life lessons through mid-practice huddles. A positive influence to the game is your biggest role in this program.
As an Upward Basketball Referee, you should be able to:
› Understand and know the sport
· By knowing and understanding the sport of basketball, you will be able to call the game effectively. This also includes knowing the rules unique to Upward Basketball.
› Lead by example
· It is important that referees are role models on the court. You should demonstrate a Christ-like attitude through your officiating and through the encouragement of players. Provide positive comments to players during the game for their play, effort and sportsmanship.
› Control the game
· The referee must keep the game under control while promoting a competitive experience. The best way to do this is to blow the whistle sharply to stop play, calling fouls and violations when they occur.
· Any rough play should be stopped immediately. If rough play is not
7Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION ONE:REFEREEING UPWARD BASKETBALL
stopped quickly, it will escalate and undermine the purpose of the league.
· Player safety should be a concern for every referee. Keep players under control by calling all fouls, encouraging players and giving instruction as an extension of the coach. This will shape the overall attitude and atmosphere of the game while improving the players’ experience, building their confidence and creating opportunities to develop relationships with coaches, players and players’ families.
› Communicate effectively with coaches, players and spectators
· Throughout the game, teach the game to players as you are officiating. When a foul or violation is called, make the appropriate call and explain to players what happened , how it can be corrected and what the consequence is for the infraction.
· Hand signals should accompany all fouls and violations that are called. Coaches and spectators need to know the result of what was called.
· Talk with coaches during game play and at the end of segments. Communicate what you are seeing; build rapport and confidence with the coaches.
· Before the game begins, it is important to communicate with your referee partner. Talk about positioning, and review the responsibilities for each of you. Basic communication before the game begins will make a positive difference during the game.
8 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
› Employ proper positioning and refereeing mechanics
· This includes coordinating efforts with your referee partner, blowing the whistle, using hand signals and keeping the game on track.
› Manage substitutions
· For Levels 1-3 ONLY, substitutions take place between each segment. Before the start of each segment, player matchups occur at mid-court. The coaches will match players up against someone of equal ability. While this process is the coaches’ job, you will serve as a monitor. If both coaches and referees foresee a match-up problem due to position and height, players can be shuffled around to create a better game situation. This should be done only when all parties agree to the change.
· Remember to keep the substitution time moving. The whole process should take only about a minute. Remind coaches that substitution time is not a time when they should be talking to players about strategy.
SECTION ONE:
REFEREEING UPWARD
BASKETBALL
9Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
Pre-Game
Before the game begins, bring both teams and coaches together to remind them about game rules, common violations, and the spirit of Upward Basketball. Encourage players and coaches to do their best to honor God with their actions and attitudes.
Here are a few things to discuss during this pre-game gathering:
› Gather both teams and their coaches for a brief word of encouragement and prayer.
› Be sure all players have their jerseys tucked in their shorts.
› Check to see that each player has his or her shoes tied tightly. Have players remove all jewelry, hats and watches.
› Give reminders for game play (no defense in the backcourt, man-to-man defense, three-second violations, etc.).
During the Game As an Upward Basketball Referee, you serve as an on-the-floor coach, teacher, and encourager. It is part of the referee’s role to talk to players during the game. Communicating with players during play will help them improve their game on the court. Often the referee can stop a violation before it happens by talking to the players. Commands like “out of the lane 33,” “watch the pushing,” or “pass or shoot – no double dribbling” can keep the game moving and make it more enjoyable for all. Players, parents, and coaches will appreciate a referee who is committed to both officiating and teaching.
SECTION ONE:REFEREEING UPWARD BASKETBALL
10 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
Be sure to encourage players. Words of praise, high-fives, or clapping hands are all effective ways to build a young athlete’s confidence and it also establishes a good relationship between you and all players.
Communicating with coaches during the game is also very important because it builds a rapport with the coach while addressing any concerns they may have. As coaches and teams exit the court for halftime, take this opportunity to make adjustments for the second half. Based on the action in the first half, let coaches know what things you will be looking for when play resumes.
SECTION ONE:
REFEREEING UPWARD
BASKETBALL
11Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO
RULE LEVELS
TO UPWARD
BASKETBALL
12 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:
RULE LEVELS TO
UPWARD BASKETBALL
The Levels of Upward BasketballUpward Basketball uses a four-level age appropriate format that grows with each young athlete. Each level of Upward Basketball is tailored to meet athletes where they are in their playing ability, allowing them to reach their full potential.
Each level of Upward Basketball includes a specific game format and rules, which are expressed in this guide. Levels 1-3 use a set of common rules with modifications designed for each level. Level 4 uses an exclusive set of rules that follow a traditional middle school format.
Basic Rules for Levels 1-3*Note: These rules do NOT apply to Level 4. Except where the following rules apply, play is governed by the National Federation of State High School Associations’ (NFHS) Rules Book (www.nfhs.org).
Game Format 1. Referees lead both teams in prayer at
center court before every game. This sets the tone and focus for the game.
2. A coin flip or other impartial method determines which team receives possession first. In jump ball situations, possessions will alternate. This promotes fairness for both teams while adhering to the NFHS rule for jump ball situations.
3. Clock format: Running clock throughout the game, stopping only for pre-determined substitutions at the end of each segment and halftime.
13Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL
4. At the end of each segment, the team that receives the ball next is based upon the direction of the possession arrow. This avoids the offensive team that may have possession in the next segment from stalling at the end of a period.
5. All coaches will adhere to the substitution system. The substitution system allows for equal playing time for all players.
6. There are no timeouts. This allows more playing time and keeps the games on time.
7. Teams switch goals at halftime. This rule is in compliance with NFHS Rules. It also evens any advantage that may occur because of the court.
8. Any game ending in a tie should remain in a tie. No overtimes are played so games stay on schedule.
9. Standings add unneeded pressure to the game and therefore will not be maintained.
14 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:
RULE LEVELS TO
UPWARD BASKETBALL
Rules for PlayDefense 1. Man-to-man defense will be played at
all times. Zone defenses are not allowed in Levels 1-3. In a man-to-man defense, players are only guarding the opponent that closely matches their ability and height. This allows for a more competitive system for every player on the court while creating an equal opportunity for each player.
2. Defensive players must stay within arm’s reach of the player they are guarding. This prevents defenders from sagging or crowding an area of the court to gain a defensive advantage.
3. Double-teaming is not allowed. However, help defense is strongly encouraged in the following instances:
· Lane Area: If a defender is in the lane and the player he or she is guarding is within arm’s reach, the defender is allowed to provide help defense. Since many goals are scored in the lane, it provides the defense more opportunity to properly defend this area.
· Picks and Screens: Defensive switching is allowed on offensive picks or screens. The non-screened defender can help his or her teammate by temporarily switching until the teammate recovers to defend their offensive player. This is commonly referred to as ”help and recover.” This prevents the offense from continually setting screens to gain an advantage.
· Fast Breaks: When an offensive player has beaten their defender, another defensive player may help. Upon stopping the fast break, defenders should return to guarding their assigned players. This rule
15Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL
is meant to prevent the defenders from helplessly watching the offensive player score without being able to help.
4. At the beginning of each segment, players will line up at half court and “match up” with whom they are guarding. This act is performed to promote equal player match-ups. Equal match-ups combined with man-to-man defense create five competitive pairings on the court.
5. Full court presses are not allowed. Defensive players may not guard their opponents in the backcourt. This will allow for more play to occur in the front court and create an equal opportunity for each child to participate both on offense and defense.
6. Due to the shortness of the court, backcourt violations will not be called. If playing on a regulation-size court (84 feet) as opposed to cross-court, backcourt violations should be called.
7. A player committing two fouls in one segment must sit out the remainder of that segment. The next player in the rotation comes in as the substitute and is rewarded some extra game time. This does not change the normal rotation as the fouled-out player does not re-enter the game until he or she is scheduled to do so. This rule allows the offending player time to regroup during the remainder of the segment while realizing that there is a consequence for the violation.
16 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:
RULE LEVELS TO
UPWARD BASKETBALL
Offense 1. The offense must purposefully attack
the defense in every situation – no stalling. After a warning from the referee, a violation will be called resulting in a turnover. This will prevent a team with the lead from running the clock out by staying in the backcourt.
2. Isolation plays will not be a part of Levels 1-3 because they take away the opportunity for improvement for all players and contradict the spirit of the rules.
3. Non-shooting fouls will result in the ball being in-bounded from either the baseline or sideline. All shooting fouls will result in free throws. By not administering “bonus” situation free throws, all players on the court can contribute to consistent game action.
4. No score will be given for a basket in the wrong goal. It will be treated as a turnover. This will prevent further embarrassing a player for making this mistake.
All other rules have specific modifications for Levels 1-3. See the following charts for these modifications:
17Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL
18 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:
RULE LEVELS TO
UPWARD BASKETBALL
Rule Adjustments by DivisionLevel 1 Modifications
RULE
EXPLA
NATION/C
OMMENTS
Go
al H
eig
ht
7 fe
et
Bal
l Siz
e25
”
Gam
es c
on
sist
of
six,
4-m
inu
te s
egm
ents
an
d
an 8
min
ute
hal
ftim
e. O
ne
min
ute
is a
llott
ed f
or
sub
stit
uti
on
s b
etw
een
seg
men
ts.
Th
is k
eep
s g
ames
to
ap
pro
xim
atel
y a
45-
min
ute
ti
me
fram
e. I
t al
so a
llow
s ea
ch p
laye
r to
be
in
the
gam
e fo
r sh
ort
er s
egm
ents
th
an o
lder
ag
e d
ivis
ion
s.
Sco
re is
no
t ke
pt
Th
e fo
cus
of
this
ag
e is
to
lear
n f
un
dam
enta
ls, n
ot
win
nin
g a
nd
losi
ng
3-s
eco
nd
vio
lati
on
is n
ot
calle
d
Ref
eree
s sh
ou
ld a
dvi
se p
laye
rs o
f th
is p
ote
nti
al
vio
lati
on
bu
t n
ot
pen
aliz
e.
Co
ach
es a
re a
llow
ed o
n t
he
flo
or
wit
h p
laye
rsT
he
focu
s is
fo
r co
ach
es t
o in
stru
ct a
nd
en
cou
rag
e p
laye
rs a
t al
l tim
es.
Ste
alin
g t
he
bal
l fro
m t
he
dri
bb
ler
is n
ot
allo
wed
To
en
cou
rag
e th
e o
ffen
sive
pla
yer
to d
rib
ble
wit
h
corr
ect
form
wit
ho
ut
the
pre
ssu
re o
f h
avin
g t
he
bal
l sto
len
Ste
alin
g t
he
bal
l off
a p
ass
is n
ot
allo
wed
To
en
cou
rag
e th
e o
ffen
sive
pla
yer
to p
ass
wit
h
corr
ect
form
wit
ho
ut
the
pre
ssu
re o
f h
avin
g t
he
bal
l sto
len
(co
ntin
ued
on
next
pag
e)
19Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL
Vio
lati
on
is n
ot
calle
d f
or
hav
ing
tw
o h
and
s o
n t
he
bal
l wh
ile d
rib
blin
g
Du
e to
lim
ited
han
d-e
ye c
oo
rdin
atio
n, t
his
allo
ws
a p
laye
r to
est
ablis
h c
orr
ect
dri
bb
ling
fo
rm
thro
ug
h r
hyt
hm
an
d p
ress
ure
on
th
e b
all
Vio
lati
on
fo
r d
ou
ble
dri
bb
ling
is c
alle
d b
ut
do
es
no
t re
sult
in a
tu
rno
ver
Pla
yers
sh
ou
ld le
arn
th
e co
nce
pt
of
do
ub
le
dri
bb
le b
ut
sho
uld
be
allo
wed
th
e o
pp
ort
un
ity
to
corr
ect
it w
ith
ou
t p
enal
ty
Vio
lati
on
fo
r tr
avel
ing
is c
alle
d b
ut
do
es n
ot
resu
lt
in a
tu
rno
ver
Pla
yers
sh
ou
ld le
arn
th
e co
nce
pt
of
trav
elin
g b
ut
sho
uld
be
allo
wed
th
e o
pp
ort
un
ity
to c
orr
ect
it
wit
ho
ut
pen
alty
Vio
lati
on
fo
r tr
avel
ing
is n
ot
calle
d w
hen
a p
laye
r sh
uff
les
feet
wh
en t
ryin
g t
o s
et u
p f
or
a sh
ot
Bec
ause
th
is a
ge
gro
up
is s
ing
le s
kill
focu
sed
, p
laye
rs w
ill t
end
to
sh
uff
le t
hei
r fe
et w
hen
fo
cusi
ng
on
set
tin
g u
p f
or
a sh
ot.
Th
is is
co
rrec
ted
as
th
e p
laye
r d
evel
op
s in
ski
ll as
he
get
s o
lder
.
Fas
t b
reak
s ar
e n
ot
allo
wed
in a
ny
tran
siti
on
si
tuat
ion
Th
is p
rom
ote
s a
con
tro
lled
gam
e. P
laye
rs a
t th
is
age
lear
n b
ette
r w
hen
th
e p
ace
is c
on
tro
lled
Sh
oo
tin
g f
ou
ls d
o n
ot
resu
lt in
fre
e th
row
at
tem
pts
A p
laye
r w
ho
get
s fo
ule
d w
hile
sh
oo
tin
g g
ets
to r
etry
his
/her
sh
ot
fro
m t
he
spo
t o
f th
e fo
ul
wit
ho
ut
bei
ng
def
end
ed.
Bal
l is
live
afte
r sh
ot
is
atte
mp
ted
. T
his
allo
ws
a p
laye
r to
att
emp
t a
sho
t th
at h
e w
as t
ryin
g t
o t
ake
pri
or
to t
he
fou
l fro
m
the
sam
e sp
ot.
Level 1 Modifications (continued)
RULE
EXPLA
NATION/C
OMMENTS
20 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:
RULE LEVELS TO
UPWARD BASKETBALL
Level 2 Modifications
RULE
EXPLA
NATION/C
OMMENTS
Go
al H
eig
ht
8 f
eet
Bal
l Siz
e25
”
Gam
es c
on
sist
of
six,
6-m
inu
te s
egm
ents
an
d
an 8
min
ute
hal
ftim
e. O
ne
min
ute
is a
llott
ed f
or
sub
stit
uti
on
s b
etw
een
seg
men
ts.
This
kee
ps
gam
es to
ap
pro
xim
atel
y an
hou
r tim
e fr
ame.
Sco
re is
NO
T k
ept
Yo
un
g a
thle
tes
at t
his
ag
e sh
ou
ld n
ot
focu
s o
n
the
sco
re b
ut
rath
er t
he
dev
elo
pm
enta
l ski
lls
bei
ng
tau
gh
t.
3-s
eco
nd
vio
lati
on
is N
OT
cal
led
Y
ou
ng
ath
lete
s at
th
is a
ge
sho
uld
fo
cus
on
o
ffen
sive
bas
ics
(dri
bb
ling
, pas
sin
g, s
ho
oti
ng
, an
d
reb
ou
nd
ing
).
Co
ach
es a
re a
llow
ed t
o w
alk
the
sid
elin
es t
o
enco
ura
ge
and
inst
ruct
pla
yers
Th
e fo
cus
is f
or
coac
hes
to
inst
ruct
an
d
enco
ura
ge
pla
yers
at
all t
imes
.(c
ont
inue
d o
n ne
xt p
age)
21Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL
Fre
e th
row
s ar
e aw
ard
ed o
n a
ll sh
oo
tin
g f
ou
ls.
Tw
o s
ho
ts a
re a
ttem
pte
d b
y th
e fo
ule
d p
laye
r at
th
e 10
’ lin
e. C
oac
hes
may
qu
ickl
y co
me
on
to
the
cou
rt t
o li
ne
up
pla
yers
in p
rop
er f
ree
thro
w
po
siti
on
s. A
fter
th
e se
con
d s
ho
t, t
he
bal
l will
be
inb
ou
nd
ed b
y th
e o
pp
osi
ng
tea
m r
egar
dle
ss o
f sh
ot
resu
lt.
Ste
alin
g t
he
bal
l off
a d
rib
ble
or
pas
s is
allo
wed
Do
ub
le d
rib
ble
vio
lati
on
is c
alle
d in
all
circ
um
stan
ces
Tra
velin
g v
iola
tio
n is
cal
led
in a
ll ci
rcu
mst
ance
s
Fas
t b
reak
s ar
e al
low
ed in
an
y tr
ansi
tio
n s
itu
atio
n
Pla
yers
at
this
ag
e sh
ou
ld b
e ta
ug
ht
and
hel
d t
o
thes
e b
asic
bas
ketb
all r
ule
s.
Level 2 Modifications (continued)
RULE
EXPLA
NATION/C
OMMENTS
22 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:
RULE LEVELS TO
UPWARD BASKETBALL
Level 3 Modifications
RULE
EXPLA
NATION/C
OMMENTS
Go
al H
eig
ht
9 f
eet
Bal
l Siz
e28
.5”
Gam
es c
on
sist
of
six,
6-m
inu
te s
egm
ents
an
d
an 8
min
ute
hal
ftim
e. O
ne
min
ute
is a
llott
ed f
or
sub
stit
uti
on
s b
etw
een
seg
men
ts.
Th
is k
eep
s g
ames
to
ap
pro
xim
atel
y an
ho
ur
tim
e fr
ame.
Sco
re IS
kep
t Y
ou
ng
ath
lete
s at
th
is a
ge
sho
uld
lear
n h
ow
to
h
and
le w
inn
ing
an
d lo
sin
g a
fter
co
mp
etit
ion
. T
his
tr
ansl
ates
into
life
less
on
s.
3-s
eco
nd
vio
lati
on
is c
alle
d a
nd
res
ult
s in
a
turn
ove
r
At
this
ag
e, y
ou
ng
ath
lete
s sh
ou
ld u
nd
erst
and
th
e co
nce
pt
of
off
ensi
ve m
ove
men
t b
y n
ot
allo
win
g
an o
ffen
sive
pla
yer
to s
tay
in t
he
lan
e m
ore
th
an
3 s
eco
nd
s.
Co
ach
es a
llow
ed t
o w
alk
the
sid
elin
es t
o
enco
ura
ge
and
inst
ruct
pla
yers
Th
e fo
cus
is f
or
coac
hes
to
inst
ruct
an
d
enco
ura
ge
pla
yers
at
all t
imes
.
(co
ntin
ued
on
next
pag
e)
23Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL
Level 3 Modifications (continued)
RULE
EXPLA
NATION/C
OMMENTS
Clo
ck r
un
s co
nti
nu
ou
sly
wit
h s
pec
ial r
ule
s in
ef
fect
wit
h f
ewer
th
an t
wo
min
ute
s re
mai
nin
g in
th
e g
ame:
•
No
n-s
ho
oti
ng
fo
uls
res
ult
in t
he
off
ensi
ve t
eam
get
tin
g o
ne
po
int
and
th
e b
all.
•
Sh
oo
tin
g f
ou
ls r
esu
lt in
th
e o
ffen
sive
tea
m
s
cori
ng
tw
o p
oin
ts. T
he
op
po
sin
g t
eam
th
en
t
akes
po
sses
sio
n.
•
Pla
yers
fo
ule
d in
th
e ac
t o
f sh
oo
tin
g a
nd
m
akin
g t
he
bas
ket
are
cred
ited
wit
h t
he
bas
ket
p
lus
on
e p
oin
t. T
he
op
po
sin
g t
eam
th
en t
akes
po
sses
sio
n.
Bec
ause
th
e cl
ock
do
es n
ot
sto
p, t
his
ru
le k
eep
s th
e g
ame
mo
vin
g w
ith
ou
t w
asti
ng
th
e ru
nn
ing
g
ame
clo
ck o
n li
nin
g u
p f
or
free
th
row
att
emp
ts
Fre
e th
row
s ar
e aw
ard
ed o
n a
ll sh
oo
tin
g f
ou
ls.
Tw
o s
ho
ts a
re a
ttem
pte
d b
y th
e fo
ule
d p
laye
r at
th
e 12
’ lin
e. R
emai
nin
g p
laye
rs a
ssu
me
pro
per
fr
ee t
hro
w p
osi
tio
nin
g. B
all i
s liv
e if
sec
on
d s
ho
t is
m
isse
d.
Ste
alin
g t
he
bal
l off
a d
rib
ble
or
pas
s is
allo
wed
Pla
yers
at
this
ag
e sh
ou
ld b
e ta
ug
ht
and
hel
d t
o
thes
e b
asic
bas
ketb
all r
ule
s.
Do
ub
le d
rib
ble
vio
lati
on
is c
alle
d in
all
circ
um
stan
ces
Tra
velin
g v
iola
tio
n is
cal
led
in a
ll ci
rcu
mst
ance
s
Fas
t b
reak
s ar
e al
low
ed in
an
y tr
ansi
tio
n s
itu
atio
n
24 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:
RULE LEVELS TO
UPWARD BASKETBALL
Level 4 Rules*The following rules are exclusive to Level 4. They follow a more traditional middle school format and game play. Except where the following rules apply, play is governed by the National Federation of State High School Associations’ (NFHS) Rules Book (www.nfhs.org)
Game Format
RULE
EXPLA
NATION/C
OMMENTS
Ref
eree
s le
ad b
oth
tea
m in
pra
yer
at c
ente
r co
urt
bef
ore
eve
ry g
ame
Th
is s
ets
the
ton
e an
d f
ocu
s fo
r th
e g
ame
Go
al H
eig
ht
10 f
eet
Bal
l Siz
e28
.5”
(gir
ls),
29
.5’ (
bo
ys)
Gam
es c
on
sist
of
4, s
ix-m
inu
te q
uar
ters
Fo
llow
s m
idd
le s
cho
ol r
ule
s an
d a
llow
s g
ame
to b
egin
an
d e
nd
wit
hin
an
ho
ur
tim
efra
me
Th
e cl
ock
sto
ps
at e
ach
wh
istl
eS
top
pag
e o
f p
lay
incl
ud
es v
iola
tio
ns,
fo
uls
, o
ut-
of-
bo
un
ds
pla
y, t
imeo
uts
, an
d in
jury
Ove
rtim
es a
re 2
min
ute
s in
len
gth
(r
egu
lati
on
clo
ck)
Giv
es b
oth
tea
ms
the
op
po
rtu
nit
y to
win
th
e g
ame
wit
h r
easo
nab
le e
xten
ded
tim
e.
If s
till
tied
at
the
end
of
the
ove
rtim
e p
erio
d, t
he
gam
e en
ds
in a
tie
.
Tea
ms
are
allo
wed
on
e (1
) 3
0-s
eco
nd
ti
meo
ut
per
hal
f (1
per
tea
m p
er h
alf)
Th
is a
llow
s a
coac
h t
o m
eet
wit
h p
laye
rs
and
ad
just
str
ateg
y d
uri
ng
a g
ame.
All
gam
es a
re p
laye
d o
n a
fu
ll-si
zed
re
gu
lati
on
co
urt
(n
o c
ross
co
urt
)T
his
is a
pp
rop
riat
e fl
oo
r si
ze f
or
pla
yers
at
this
leve
l.
25Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL
RULE
EXPLA
NATION/C
OMMENTS
A ju
mp
bal
l is
use
d t
o s
tart
th
e g
ame
and
ove
rtim
e p
erio
d
Ath
lete
s at
th
is a
ge
hav
e th
e p
hys
ical
ab
ility
to
jum
p f
or
the
bal
l to
ob
tain
po
sses
sio
n.
It a
lso
fo
llow
s th
e N
FH
S
rule
s fo
r st
arti
ng
a g
ame
or
ove
rtim
e
Zo
ne
and
man
def
ense
s ar
e al
low
ed (
bo
th s
ho
uld
be
use
d t
hro
ug
ho
ut
the
seas
on
)
Pla
yers
at
this
leve
l po
sses
s th
e ab
ility
to
def
end
an
d
atta
ck b
oth
zo
ne
and
man
pri
nci
ple
s. Z
on
e an
d m
an
def
ense
s ar
e a
par
t o
f th
e g
ame
of
bas
ketb
all a
nd
sh
ou
ld b
e u
nd
erst
oo
d b
y p
laye
rs a
s th
ey p
rep
are
for
the
nex
t le
vel.
Pre
ss d
efen
se is
allo
wed
in t
he
bac
kco
urt
at
all t
imes
ex
cep
t if
a t
eam
has
a 1
5-p
oin
t ad
van
tag
e
To
pro
mo
te f
airn
ess
and
inte
gri
ty o
f th
e g
ame,
tea
ms
wit
h a
15-
po
int
adva
nta
ge
sho
uld
dro
p in
to a
bas
ic h
alf-
cou
rt d
efen
se.
All
pla
yers
are
allo
wed
fiv
e (5
) fo
uls
eac
h g
ame.
Aft
er
the
5th
fo
ul i
s co
mm
itte
d, t
he
pla
yer
is o
ut
for
the
rem
ain
der
of
the
gam
eT
his
ru
le f
ollo
ws
trad
itio
nal
mid
dle
sch
oo
l ru
les
form
atA
fter
th
e se
ven
th t
eam
fo
ul i
n e
ach
hal
f, b
on
us
free
th
row
s ar
e aw
ard
ed t
o t
he
fou
led
tea
m (
1 an
d 1
)
Th
ree
po
int
sho
ts a
re a
llow
ed o
nly
if t
he
cou
rt
feat
ure
s a
thre
e-p
oin
t ar
c.
Co
urt
s w
ith
ou
t a
3-p
oin
t lin
e sh
ou
ld n
ot
awar
d 3
po
ints
n
o m
atte
r th
e sh
ot
dis
tan
ce
Rules for Play
(co
ntin
ued
on
next
pag
e)
26 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:
RULE LEVELS TO
UPWARD BASKETBALLP
layi
ng t
ime
req
uire
men
ts fo
r ea
ch p
laye
r in
Lev
el 4
are
:
• E
ach
ath
lete
pla
ys a
min
imu
m o
f ¼
of
each
gam
e
•
Eac
h a
thle
te m
ust
pla
y in
bo
th h
alve
s o
f ea
ch g
ame
Lev
el 4
do
es n
ot
use
th
e su
bst
itu
tio
n s
yste
m f
ou
nd
in
Lev
els
1-3
. Th
is a
llow
s fl
exib
ility
in m
anag
ing
pla
yin
g
tim
e fo
r ea
ch c
oac
h b
ased
on
th
e g
ame
situ
atio
n w
hile
p
rom
oti
ng
fai
r g
ame
par
tici
pat
ion
fo
r al
l pla
yers
En
d o
f se
aso
n t
ou
rnam
ents
are
hig
hly
en
cou
rag
ed f
or
Lev
el 4
En
d o
f se
aso
n t
ou
rnam
ent
pla
y ad
ds
exci
tem
ent
to y
ou
r le
agu
e. A
min
imu
m o
f 2
gam
es p
er t
eam
in
tou
rnam
ent
pla
y.Rules for Play (continued)
RULE
EXPLA
NATION/C
OMMENTS
27Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION TWO:RULE LEVELS TO UPWARD BASKETBALL
What to Watch For (Levels 1-3 ONLY)If you are refereeing in Levels 1, 2 or 3, there are some common violations that will frequently occur on the court, as well as situations that specifically relate to the rules unique to Upward Basketball.
Common Violations Defense in the Backcourt
No full-court press defense of any kind is permitted in Levels 1-3. Referees must keep the flow of traffic away from the ball in the backcourt so that the offense can move the ball up court. Saying things such as, “Defense, get back” helps keep the flow of the game smooth. This is especially important in the first few weeks, when some players are new or still getting reacquainted with this rule.
Zone Defense and Sagging Defenders No zone defense of any kind is permitted in Levels 1-3. Some teams like to “sag” back in the lane and almost present themselves in a zone. This is illegal in Upward Basketball. Defensive players must stay within arm’s reach of the player they are guarding.
Double-Teaming While double-teaming is not allowed, help defense is encouraged in the following three situations:
› In the Lane Area
› Offensive Picks and Screens
› During Fast Breaks
28 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
Fouls on Picks and ScreensProtect players by watching for the following fouls on picks and screens:
› Moving While Setting Pick - A common form of moving pick is for the offensive player setting the screen not to plant his or her feet or give the defender room to move. A moving pick or screen is illegal. Offensive players may attempt to block the defender any way they can. Make the call early, and teach players the correct way to set a pick.
› Arms Out While Setting Pick - Along with a moving pick, players will want to make themselves a larger pick by using the span of their arms to gain an advantage when shielding defenders. This is illegal. Players need to learn to protect themselves with their arms by their sides, not extended like a clothesline.
› Players Running Through Picks - Defenders must try to avoid picks and screens and not simply try to shove through them. It is illegal for a defender to push through the offensive player setting the pick.
For further explanation regarding fouls on picks and screens, refer to the NFHS website (www.nfhs.org).
SECTION TWO:
RULE LEVELS TO
UPWARD BASKETBALL
29Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION THREE
CALLING THE GAME
30 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION THREE:
CALLING THE GAME
How to Make a CallPositioning and Responsibilities You can’t call what you don’t see. Refereeing at any level is about being in the right position. This requires good communication between you and your partner. Each game will require two referees that alternate as lead and trail duties with each change of possession. The lead referee is the first official down the court and positions himself along the baseline in the near court. The trail official positions himself diagonally from the lead in the near court beyond the top of the key or three point line. During a change of possession, the lead and trail officials switch, making the lead the new trail and the trail the new lead.
In the above diagram, the lead official (L) has on-ball coverage (shaded area) because that official is near the ball. The trail official (T) is off the ball and covers the rest of the court. The lead official’s coverage area extends to the free-throw line and includes the entire free-throw lane.
T
L
31Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION THREE:CALLING THE GAME
If the ball moves outside the lead official’s coverage area, the trail official then assumes on-ball coverage, and the lead official’s coverage is now off the ball (see above).
Above, you can see that the ball has now moved up high near midcourt on the lead official’s side. In this situation, the trail official has ball coverage, and the lead official has off-ball coverage. The lead official’s coverage area has now extended beyond the free-throw lane. This extended coverage helps the trail focus on the action occurring around the ball.
T
L
T
L
32 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION THREE:
CALLING THE GAME
Responsibilities of both referees: › Watch for fouls and violations (traveling,
double dribble, etc.)
› Watch down the sideline and baseline
› Administer free throws (help line up players along the lane if necessary)
› Administer dead ball throw-ins (baseline or sideline)
› Blow the whistle to end the play. When one referee blows the whistle, the other should blow the whistle as well.
If you desire to be a quality referee, there are four common positioning traps to avoid:
› Both officials stay in the trail position or on opposite sidelines – If this occurs, there is no way to make an accurate call on action “in the paint” or near the baseline.
› Both officials watching the ball – If this happens, who is watching action away from the ball? The only time the lead official watches the ball is when the ball is in his or her area. The lead official does not watch the ball if it is in the trail official’s area or the perimeter area.
› Being lazy – Doing one’s best is a big part of Upward Basketball. This effort is expected from the coaches, players, and the referees. Remember, hustle up and down the floor the entire game to get in the proper position to make the call. This will make your job as well as your partner’s job much easier.
33Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION THREE:CALLING THE GAME
Allowing the ball to be thrown-in under the basket – If action is stopped from the free-throw line corners to the baseline corners, the ball should be thrown-in along the baseline closest to the stopped action. Never allow the basketball to be thrown-in directly under the basket or parallel to the lane area. (see diagram below)
Fouls/Violations Hand Signals Often times, referees will blow the whistle to signal either a foul or a violation. In order to make this call, you must be able to recognize not only what represents a foul or violation, but also what the appropriate hand signals are for each. Remember, coaches, parents, and players want to know why the whistle was blown. Using proper hand signals is an effective way to communicate what is happening on the court. Below is the definition of a foul and a violation as well as their basic hand signals. Please view training videos on the referee resources of MyUpward.org for demonstrations of the following hand signals.
34 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION THREE:
CALLING THE GAME
Fouls
A foul is defined as any illegal contact made between a player and his/her opponent. A personal foul can be committed by an offensive or defensive player. When a foul is committed, the referee should blow the whistle sharply and raise their fist high in the air above the head. The hand signal that follows details the type of foul that was committed.
Below are the different types of fouls and their proper hand signal:
Holding Foul involving grabbing onto the arm, hand or wrist of the offensive player.
› Signal: Hold one arm at a 90-degree angle with fist turned with knuckles facing outward as the other hand grabs the wrist.
Blocking Illegal contact which impedes the progress of an opponent. A blocking foul is called when the defender blocks with the body and his/her position is not clearly established.
› Signal: Place both hands on hips.
Player Control Foul (Offensive Foul) A foul called when an offensive player runs into a defender who has an established position (both feet are in a stationary position).
› Signal: Place one hand behind the head at a 90-degree angle.
Pushing A foul in which a defender pushes or shoves an offensive player in order to impede his/ her movement or progress.
› Signal: Sign a pushing motion with both palms facing opposite the chest.
35Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION THREE:CALLING THE GAME
Violations
A violation is defined as an infraction of the rules by the offensive team that does not result in a free throw; the ball is turned over to the opposing team for a throw in. If there is a violation, the referee should blow the whistle sharply, and raise an open hand high in the air above the head. Then the referee should make the appropriate hand signal that corresponds to the violation being committed.
The following are definitions of common violations and their proper hand signals:
Traveling When the ball handler takes too many steps or moves the pivot foot without dribbling.
› Signal: Rotate clenched fists and forearms around each other.
Double Dribble Occurs when a player stops dribbling and then dribbles again without giving up possession, or when a player dribbles the ball with both hands at the same time.
› Signal: Sign a patting motion in front of the body with one hand at a time.
Palming or Carrying the Ball When a player moves his/ her hand under the ball and scoops it while dribbling.
› Signal: Hold one arm to the side of the body as the other hand waves back and forth in a side-to-side motion.
After the play has ended, the referee should address what occurred by:
› Quickly explaining the violation/foul to the players by telling them how it can be avoided and the result of the infraction.
36 Upward Basketball Referee Handbook
SECTION THREE:
CALLING THE GAME
The extent of the explanation will vary according to the age and understanding of the players and should decrease as the season progresses.
› Communicating whether the consequence results in alternating possession (violation or non-shooting foul) or free throw attempts (shooting foul).