Club Basketball Playing Time

Please read the details below for your age group:


U10: This age group is fair-play and is made to encourage youth athletes to play the game of basketball. Per NLBA rules, there are 4 periods (8 minutes each) per game - all based on a fair-play rotation. We try to balance this out to get all athletes as close to equal playing as possible.

U12: This age group is fair-play and is made to encourage youth athletes to play the game of basketball, but will also involve elements of a competitive playing time rotation. Per NLBA rules, there are 4 periods (8 minutes each) per game - all based on a fair-play rotation until period 4. The last 8 minutes of the game (period 4) is not fair-play based, and will be based on a coaches decision. If a team has more than 9 player on a team, the coach will also have to make decisions throughout the game based on substitutions that will result in unequal playing time for some athletes. Although all athletes will have the opportunity to play, playing time may not be spread out equally.

U14: This age group is NOT fair-play and will involve a competitive playing rotation. Per NLBA rules, there are 4 periods (8 minutes each) per game. None of these periods are based on a fair-play rotation.

U16: This age group is NOT fair-play and will involve a competitive playing rotation. Per NLBA rules, there are 4 periods (8 minutes each) per game. None of these periods are based on a fair-play rotation.

U18: This age group is NOT fair-play and will involve a competitive playing rotation. Per NLBA rules, there are 4 periods (8 minutes each) per game. None of these periods are based on a fair-play rotation.

How do our coaches make ‘playing time’ decisions?

  • Current skill level

  • The energy and effort that the player brings to practices

  • The energy and effort that the player brings to games

  • How the athlete is performing in the specific game

  • In-game adjustments (this may change game-to-game)

What to do if I am unhappy with my/child’s playing time:

  • DO NOT approach the coach during the game or at the gym about playing time

  • You can ask us what you/your athlete can do to improve playing time via email or the form below. Any conversations such as frustrations regarding the rotation, questions about other players, or comments regarding other players/teams/coaches will be ignored.