Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the U.S. as well as a growing sport around the world. More girls are taking up the game at younger ages, and must compete according to the rules of the game. Several governing bodies, including the National High School Coaches Association, ensure that girls compete under consistent rules.
Basics And Timing
Once girls enter high school, their games are contested under the same rules as varsity and junior varsity games. Girls teams for the ninth grade are freshmen teams, and provide a good opportunity to learn the game and instill the rules. Games are 32 minutes in length, played in eight-minute quarters. Two-minute breaks are between the first and second, and third and fourth quarters, along with a 15-minute halftime period.
Rules of Game
Girls playing in the ninth grade must conform to the basic rules. The game is started with a jump ball, with the winning team earning the first possession along with possession in the third quarter. Any held balls between two teams will first be awarded to the team that loses the tip-off, known as the alternating possession. Players compete to score two-point and three-point baskets, along with free throws. The team with the highest number of points at the close of competition wins the game.
Foul Situation
If a player pushes, hacks, trips, kicks or bumps another player, a personal foul is assessed. Girls are typically less aggressive than boys at this age, but expect a heavy dosage of fouls nonetheless. Players who receive five personal fouls foul out of the game. Teams receive possession of the basketball until the seventh team foul, and then teams shoot a free throw. For the seventh through the ninth team follow, the team earns a bonus for making a first free throw. After 10 fouls, the team being fouled shoots two shots each time.
Motion
Girls in the ninth grade must obey the basic rules of moving and possessing the basketball as well. The ball must be dribbled when moving with it -- any running or carrying the ball is traveling and a violation will be called. The ball must be dribbled with one hand, as two-handed dribbling is called "double dribbling" and the ball is turned over to the other team. Coaches can substitute freely, and some high school associations try to encourage free play at the ninth grade girls' level.
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