Pool Basketball Rules Revised 10/1/13 - Social Boston Sports

Pool Basketball Rules
Revised 10/24/14
PLAYERS
Four players from each team in the pool at a time.
Teams must have at least 1 male and 1 female in the pool at all times.
Substitutions can be made on any play stoppage.
DURATION OF GAMES
Games will last exactly fifteen minutes.
There is no overtime if the end of regulation ends in a tie.
Each team will play three games each night.
Games can end in a tie except for Finals Night when a 5-minute overtime will
commence if regulation has ended in a tie. If overtime ends and the game is still tied
a game of “HORSE” shall commence.
Referees may increase or decrease game length at their own discretion.
HOW TO PLAY
The game will start with both teams touching the pool wall of their defensive
hoop. The referee will blow their whistle and toss the ball into the middle of the
pool. The first team to gain possession plays from there.
Jump shots are worth 2 points, a dunk is worth 1 point. There is no 3 point shot.
Once a player gains possession of the ball, they may not move. If they move, in
the eyes of the referee, it is a travel. You can use a pivot foot.
A defensive player may not be within an arms-length of their defensive hoop for
more than three seconds, unless they are also within an arms-length of an
opponent.
When a defender is within arms-length of an offensive player, goaltending is
legal. This means you can block a ball after the apex of its arc.
Defenders may not swat a ball once it is over the “cylinder” of the hoop.
OUT OF BOUNDS
If a ball travels out of the pool area, possession is awarded to the team who did
not touch the ball last.

FOULS
Balls that bounce of the rim of the pool are not considered “out”. Only balls that
hit the pool deck are out of play.
KEEP IT ABOVE THE WATER. Please refrain from unnecessary contact below
the surface of the water. It is difficult to see but can cause serious damage. Pay
close attention to your legs when you are swimming.
Defenders may not make contact with a shooter in the act of shooting.
Attacking players may not initiate contact with a defender during the act of
shooting. This will be an offensive foul.
Anything ruled a jump ball will alternate possessions.
Technical fouls are called for any unnecessarily aggressive physical fouls, or if
you run your mouth too much. Technical fouls result in a free throw and
possession. If a player receives two technical fouls in one night (three games)
you will be removed for the evening.
Flagrant fouls are called for egregiously aggressive behavior. This results in
immediate removal from that evening, two free throws, and possession.
FREE THROWS
Free throws will be taken from the first depth marker on your attacking side.
MISCELLANEOUS RULES
No drowning players. If you’re going to a 50/50 ball and you both come up with it,
yet they are submerged, please let them up and let the ref make the call. Don’t
hang onto the ball and try to rip it away as they struggle for air. This is a social
league.
Watch out for three plastic grates on the deeper side of the pool. They hurt to
step on unless you know they are there.
Incidental contact will happen. You’re in a pool, playing basketball. Please be
aware of your body at all times and try to stay under control.
Swallowing chlorinated water is bad. Try to avoid it.
Do not release bodily fluids in the pool.
Social Boston Sports and the referees reserve the right to amend and update these rules at
any point.