League Rules & Information

Game Time

Games begin exactly at their scheduled start time unless otherwise communicated in advance. If a team does not have enough players to begin, there will be a short two (2) minute grace period. After that time, the game clock will begin running.

If a team is unable to field the minimum number of players within ten (10) minutes of the scheduled start, the game will be recorded as a default.

Game Format

Games are divided into two (2) halves, with each half containing four (4) shifts that are six (6) minutes long.

During the final shift of the second half, the last two (2) minutes will be played as stop-time if the score differential is ten (10) points or fewer. Please plan to arrive early so your team can take full advantage of its scheduled playing time.

  • Timekeeping: Rainbow Hoops assigns teams to manage scorekeeping responsibilities. Captains are responsible for ensuring that two (2) players are available in advance to operate the digital scoreboard and clock.

  • Scorekeeping Bonus: Teams that complete their assigned scorekeeping duties receive two (2) points toward the standings. Every team will have an equal number of scorekeeping opportunities throughout the season.

  • Halftime: A short break of two (2) minutes will take place between halves. Teams should be ready to restart play promptly.

  • Switching Sides: Teams will change baskets at halftime.

  • Timeouts: Each team is allowed one (1) timeout per half lasting thirty (30) seconds. Timeouts do not carry over between halves. Any player, whether on the court or on the bench, may call a timeout provided all FIBA requirements are met (dead ball, possession, etc.). The game clock will stop for all timeouts.

Players & Rosters

  • Players on Court: Each team must have five (5) players on the floor at all times.

  • Roster Size: Teams may have up to fourteen (14) players on their roster. Rosters are created by the Rainbow Hoops Collective to ensure a fair balance of skills and availability.

  • Defaults: If a team does not have five (5) players ready within ten (10) minutes of the start time, the game will be defaulted. During the regular season, teams may temporarily “borrow” players (registered Rainbow Hoops members who have already played that day) until their rostered players arrive. Borrowed players are not permitted during playoff games.

  • Insurance Policy: Due to insurance requirements, substitute players must be officially registered with Rainbow Hoops.

  • Delays: Teams that delay the start of a game or arrive without the proper jerseys may be assessed a technical foul. This decision is at the sole discretion of the referee and cannot be appealed.

Playing Area

Rainbow Hoops games are played in gyms of various sizes. Because facilities differ, there is no single standardized court size across the league.

Equipment & Setup

The Rainbow Hoops Collective provides a regulation-size basketball for every game. By default, games are played with a women’s regulation-size ball unless both teams agree before tip-off to use a men’s regulation-size ball.

Players are welcome to bring their own basketballs for warm-ups. However, please avoid bringing balls that are heavily worn from outdoor use, as they can damage gym floors.

Uniforms

  • Team Shirts: Each player will be given a team shirt at the beginning of the season. Players are expected to bring their team shirt to every game.

  • Numbers: Uniforms must display a unique number on both the front and back. This helps referees, scorekeepers, and teammates clearly identify players.

  • Colours: Team colours are listed on the Rainbow Hoops schedule. If two (2) teams are scheduled to play and have the same colour, captains should communicate in advance to coordinate an alternative.

  • Jewellery: For safety reasons, all jewellery must be removed before stepping on the court. Taping jewellery is not permitted. This includes earrings, which must be taken out (no exceptions). Any player who refuses to remove jewellery will not be eligible to participate.

Basketball 101

Rainbow Hoops follows the rules of FIBA (International Basketball Federation) with a few modifications for recreational league play. Below are the key highlights:

  • Each team has one (1) timeout per half, lasting thirty (30) seconds. Timeouts do not carry over.

  • Free throws are live “on the release” rather than “off the rim.”

  • Regular season games may end in a tie.

  • In playoff games, a tie will be resolved by a two (2) minute stop-time overtime period. If the score remains tied, additional one (1) minute stop-time overtime periods will be played until a winner is determined.

  • Halftime is two (2) minutes long.

  • Teams enter the “bonus” once the opposing team has committed ten (10) or more fouls in a half.

  • Rainbow Hoops uses the standard rectangular key (not trapezoidal).

  • There is no shot clock in Rainbow Hoops games.

  • Any player, on the floor or on the bench, may call a timeout provided all FIBA requirements are met.

Fouls & Conduct

  • All standard basketball infractions are enforced, including reaching-in, charging, holding, and excessive contact.

  • The referee’s decision is final. Disputes will not be entertained during or after the game.

  • Showing disrespect toward referees, organizers, or players can result in suspension or ejection.

  • Ejections: Receiving two (2) technical fouls in a single game or being directly ejected results in an automatic one (1) game suspension. Ejected players must leave the gym immediately.

  • Fouling Out: Accumulating five (5) fouls in a game is not considered an ejection. Players who foul out must be substituted but may remain on the bench with their team.

Rules of the Game

Below are the most common rules players should be familiar with:

  • Out of Bounds: The ball is considered out of play when it touches the boundary line or any object outside the playing area.

  • Over and Back: Once the ball crosses half court, it cannot be passed or dribbled back into the backcourt by the offensive team.

  • Three (3) Second Rule: An offensive player cannot remain in the key for more than three (3) consecutive seconds while their team is in possession of the ball.

  • Five (5) Second Rule: A player has five (5) seconds to inbound the ball once the referee hands it to them. Closely guarded players also have five (5) seconds to make an action (pass, shoot, or dribble).

  • Eight (8) Second Rule: After gaining possession in the backcourt, a team must advance the ball past half court within eight (8) seconds.

  • Inbounding: Players must stay behind the boundary line when passing the ball in. Stepping onto the court before releasing the ball is a violation.

  • Free Throws: Players must line up correctly during free throws. Shooters may not step over the free-throw line until the ball has been released. All lane players must wait until the ball leaves the shooter’s hand before entering the key.

  • Double Dribble: Dribbling the ball, stopping, and then beginning to dribble again is not allowed.

  • Traveling: Taking more than two (2) steps without dribbling is considered traveling.

  • Shooting Fouls: A player fouled while attempting a shot is awarded free throws:

    • If the shot goes in, the basket counts and the player is awarded one (1) additional free throw.

    • If the shot is missed inside the arc, the player is awarded two (2) free throws.

    • If the shot is missed from beyond the three-point line, the player is awarded three (3) free throws.

  • Personal Fouls: Any illegal physical contact (pushing, hitting, blocking, etc.) is a personal foul.

  • Encircling: Wrapping an arm around an opponent while defending is not allowed.

  • Offensive Fouls: Includes charging or setting an illegal screen. Offensive fouls count toward the team’s total foul count.

  • Technical Fouls: Issued for unsportsmanlike conduct, improper substitutions, or deliberate delay of game. A technical foul results in two (2) free throws for the opposing team, plus possession of the ball.

League Safety & Equipment Policy

Player safety is a top priority for Rainbow Hoops.

  • Jewellery: No jewellery of any kind is permitted during play. Items such as earrings, necklaces, and rings must be removed before entering the court. Taping jewellery is not an acceptable alternative.

  • Medical or Religious Items: Players may request permission from the referee to wear medical or religious items that cannot be removed. These items must be securely covered or taped to ensure safety for all players.

  • Casts and Braces: Hard casts, splints, or braces made of metal or other rigid materials are not allowed. Soft braces or supports may be permitted at the referee’s discretion if they are deemed safe.

  • Hair and Nails: Players are encouraged to keep nails trimmed and avoid wearing hair accessories that could cause injury to themselves or others.

  • Footwear: Proper indoor basketball shoes are required to protect players and gym floors. Outdoor shoes must not be worn on the court.

Referees have the final authority to determine whether equipment, attire, or accessories are safe for play. Failure to comply with safety instructions may result in removal from the game.

Season Information

  • Game Days and Times: Games are played on Saturdays between 4:30p.m. and 8p.m.

  • Skills Session & Draft: The season begins with a Skills Session and Player Draft on Saturday, October 25th from 5p.m. to 7p.m. at Mary McCormick Recreation Centre (66 Sheridan Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 2G9)

  • Schedules: Team assignments and full schedules will be sent out by email after Sunday October 26th, a few days before the first official game.

  • Arrival: Players should arrive at least ten (10) minutes before their scheduled game to allow time for warm-up and check-in.

Standings & Points

Rainbow Hoops tracks standings using a point system:

  • Win: Three (3) points

  • Draw: One (1) point

  • Loss/Default: Zero (0) points

  • Scorekeeping Duty Completed: Two (2) points

This system ensures that teams are rewarded not only for performance on the court but also for contributing to the smooth operation of the league.

Rainbow Hoops Code of Conduct

Rainbow Hoops is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone. By joining the league, all players agree to uphold the following standards:

  • Respect for All: Treat teammates, opponents, referees, and volunteers with fairness and kindness, regardless of skill level, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

  • Safe Play: Avoid rough, reckless, or aggressive behavior. Play competitively but responsibly, keeping player safety in mind at all times.

  • Zero Tolerance for Abuse: Disrespect, harassment, or verbal abuse toward referees, league organizers, or other participants will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or removal from the league.

  • Alcohol and Substances: Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited at all Rainbow Hoops games and on league property.

  • Community Spirit: Rainbow Hoops is a queer-positive recreational league. All players are expected to contribute to a welcoming and supportive atmosphere both on and off the court.