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OFFICIAL FILB RULES

  • Four 10-minute quarters

  • 2-minute overtime

  • 6-foul limit (player fouls out)

  • 15-point lead = running clock

  • 5-minute warmup before games

  • 1-minute breaks between quarters

  • 3-minute halftime

GAME FORMAT

TIMEOUT RULES

  • 4 timeouts per game

  • 1 timeout permitted in overtime

  • Timeouts do NOT carry over into overtime

  • ​If the overtime timeout is not used and another overtime is needed, timeouts will roll over.

  • Ball can advance after a timeout in the final 3 minutes of the 4th quarter

  • If a player dribbles in the backcourt on a live rebound, the team loses the ability to advance the ball after a timeout (4th quarter)

  • Clock stops in the last 3 min. of the 4th qtr. 

  • Clock does NOT stop on made baskets

  • Clock stops only on dead balls

  • During overtime, clock stops in the final minute

CLOCK MANAGEMENT

MERCY RULES

  • 20-point lead → Game ends with 2:00 left in the 4th

  • 30-point lead → Game ends with 3:00 left in the 4th

  • 40-point lead → Game ends with 4:00 left in the 4th​

  • Team enters bonus after 7 fouls in one half

  • All bonus situations are 1-and-1

  • No double bonus

  • During overtime, bonus applies to all fouls committed in the final minute

  • Any technical foul results in:

    • 1 free throw

    • Automatic possession

FOULS & FREETHROWS

  • Any technical foul:

    • 1 free throw

    • Automatic possession

  • Two technical fouls in one game:

    • Ejection

    • Suspension for the following game

TECHNICAL FOULS

  • Called when a defender fouls on purpose to alter the momentum of the game instead of playing the ball

  • Applies anywhere on the floor — after a rebound, steal, turnover, or made basket, or once the offense is already pushing — including fouls just to gain an edge (grab a rest, get subs in)

  • A scoring advantage isn't required, but refs will consider it

NOT a Chop Foul:

  • The defender is making a real play on the ball (steal, deflection, or block attempt) → common foul

  • The offensive player is fouled while shooting → shooting foul

  • Under 3 minutes to go, Chop foul not enforced

Penalty:

  • 1 free throw (Player who is fouled must shoot FT)

  • Offense keeps the ball

"CHOP" FOUL

  • No sweats/pants allowed

  • No headwear allowed

  • Players must wear FILB jerseys​​ (COMP)

  • Jewelry permitted 

  • Cut sweats permitted

GAME ATTIRE

​​Any situation not listed  follows official NBA rules

  • 5-second rule applies only when:

    • Player is holding the ball

    • Defender is within 6 feet

  • No 5-second count while a player is dribbling

  • Backcourt violation = 10 seconds

VIOLATIONS

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