Iowa Girls' Basketball Rules

Both boys' and girls' teams play basketball at various levels throughout the state of Iowa, and there are sets of rules that govern how they play the game. Iowa girls' basketball follows the same rules as other state leagues in the nation, with a few minor tweaks that change from year to year.

  1. Seated Coaches

    • Coaches must stay seated throughout the course of the game when the ball is in play. They may stand up to confer with players who have come over to their bench or to help a player who has been hurt. The rule was put in place to reduce the amount of yelling directed at officials and to reduce intimidation used to help win games in the past. Coaches who stand from their benches will be warned, given technical fouls and subsequently thrown out of the game, though this is up to the referee's discretion.

    Game Limits

    • Girls' basketball teams in the state of Iowa may not play more than 21 games per season, as per the the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IAHSAA). They may play every day of the week, and they may partake in up to three tournaments involving no more than four schools per tournament. While these tournament games do not count toward their league play, they count toward overall games per season. Teams must also account for post-season tournament play.

    Six Quarters per Day

    • According to Iowa basketball rules, players are not allowed to play more than six quarters per day. These rules determine how coaches arrange their roster and how long players are allowed on the court in the playoffs, when multiple games are often played subsequently. This rule also applies to players who may play on both the junior varsity and varsity basketball teams. When two post-season games are played on a Saturday, the six-quarter rule will be waived.