League Rules

Games are played in four 10-minute quarters with a running clock. The clock stops on the final minute of the fourth quarter and in overtime. Overtime periods are 3 minutes long and continue until a winner is decided.

Each team is allowed two 60-second timeouts per game. Unused timeouts do not carry over.

Rosters are capped at 12 players. A minimum of 5 players is required to start a game — teams may play down to 4 before a forfeit is declared.

All players must be listed on the official team roster before their first game. Players cannot be added to a roster after the halfway point of the regular season. Players may only play for one team per division per season.

Every registered player receives a custom jersey with their name and chosen number. Jerseys are mandatory for all regular season and playoff games — players not wearing an official jersey may be denied entry.

Jersey numbers must be confirmed by the deadline shown on your team dashboard. Missed deadlines may result in a default number assignment.

All games are scored live by a certified scorekeeper. Individual stats — points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, turnovers, and fouls — are tracked and published to player profiles after each game.

Stat corrections must be requested within 48 hours of the game's end by emailing play@therecess.club. Requests after 48 hours will not be reviewed.

Every game is officiated by two certified referees. Referee decisions are final and not subject to review. Players and captains are expected to communicate with referees respectfully at all times.

Players foul out after 5 personal fouls. Teams are in the bonus after 7 team fouls per half — the fouled player shoots 1-and-1. Teams are in the double bonus after 10 team fouls per half — the fouled player shoots two free throws.

Technical fouls result in one free throw and possession for the opposing team. Two technical fouls in a single game result in an automatic ejection.

Substitutions are allowed on any dead ball and must be signaled to the scorekeeper before entering the court. Players entering without checking in may be issued a technical foul.

A team that cannot field the minimum 4 players within 10 minutes of the scheduled tip-off will forfeit the game. Forfeits are recorded as a 20-0 loss and count toward the team's regular season record.

Two forfeits in a single season may result in removal from the division without refund. Notify the league by email at least 24 hours in advance if you anticipate a forfeit.

All qualifying teams make the playoff bracket. Seeding is determined by regular season record, with tiebreakers applied in the following order: head-to-head result, point differential, points scored.

Playoff games follow the same format as regular season games, except overtime periods continue until a winner is decided. A player must have participated in at least 3 regular season games to be eligible for playoff rosters.

All participants are expected to conduct themselves respectfully at all times: on the court, on the bench, and in the venue. The league reserves the right to suspend or ban players for:

• Physical altercations or threats of violence
• Verbal abuse directed at referees, staff, or other players
• Two flagrant fouls or ejections in a single season
• Fraudulent registration or playing under another player's identity

Suspensions are not refundable and are enforced across all Recess leagues and divisions.

Games are played rain or shine at the scheduled indoor venue. In the event of a venue closure or emergency, the league will attempt to reschedule the game — announcements are made by email and posted to your team dashboard.

Teams cannot reschedule individual games for personal reasons. All games are played on their originally scheduled date and time.

Questions about the rules? Email play@therecess.club.