Tournament Rules
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Q: How is a player’s age group decided?
Age is based on how old the player is on 1 September 2025 (for example, 16 on 1st September 2025, he or she is eligible to play the 16 & Under age group until August 31, 2026).
That age group applies for all AAU AUSTRALIA events until 31 August 2026.
Q: What happens if a player is too old for their age group?
They are ineligible, and all games they played in will be forfeited to the opposition.
Q: What ID do players need?
Coaches must have photo ID ready if asked:
- Digital AAU ID
- Passport or driver’s licence
- School ID (with photo)
Q: Can a player play for more than one team?
✅ Yes, but only one team per age group
✅ Players may play up an age group, not down
✅ They can play for different teams in different age groups without clearance, as long as they are listed on team sheets
Q: How many games must a player play to qualify for finals?
At least 2 games
⚠️ Games in the final rounds cannot count as the second qualifying game.
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Q: How do I register a team?
Register your team in GameDay with the links provided after EOI.
Q: How do I register a player?
Register a player using the links provided by the team coach or manager.
Q: What is the minimum age for a coach or team manager?
Either your coach or team manager must meet the minimum age of 18 and be on the bench for the team to take the court.
Q: Can a team manager or coach register their players?
❌ No, players must be registered by a parent/guardian, or if over 18, they register themselves.
Q: What if a player is not registered in GameDay?
❌ You will not be able to participate in the tournament.
Q: When must teams be registered?
By cut‑off day (usually 2 weeks before the event):
- GameDay signup complete for team and ALL players
- Full payment received
- ❌ No team sheet / unpaid / incorrect signup = no play
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Q: How many teams can a club enter per age group?
Maximum 2 teams per age group.
Q: How many players can be on a team?
Up to 12 players.
Q: How many games are guaranteed?
Minimum 4 games & any finals your team qualifies for.
Q: Can we add or change players once the tournament starts?
❌ No additions or substitutions once competition begins.
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Q: What uniforms are required?
Matching singlets and shorts
Same dominant colour
Light & dark singlets (or reversible)
NO pockets in shorts
Q: What if teams’ colours clash?
The team listed second must change uniforms.
❌ Failure = 10‑point penalty
Q: Are compression garments allowed?
✅ Yes, including religious headwear
❌ No t‑shirts under singlets
Q: What numbers can players wear?
Numbers 0–199 allowed
Front (8 cm) and back (16 cm minimum)
No duplicate numbers
Q: Penalties for uniform issues?
5 points per issue
Max 15 points per team
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Q: Who needs AAU AUSTRALIA Membership?
✅ All players, coaches and team managers
Q: What type of membership is required?
Under 18 → Junior Athlete
18+ → Adult Membership
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Q: Are games filmed or photographed?
✅ AAU AUSTRALIA/TTT may use footage/photos for promotion.
✅ Parents are allowed to film and photograph.
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Please be advised that music played during this event is curated to enhance the atmosphere and energy of the tournament.
While we strive to select radio-edit versions, some tracks may contain language that could be considered inappropriate for younger audiences. Parental discretion is advised.
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Personal/Team Basketballs will not be allowed in the venue, warm up balls will be supplied before the game.
T-shirts under team jerseys or shorts with pockets are prohibited on the court during games.
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Q: What if our team is late?
5‑minute grace period
Must have at least 4 players ready on court
after grace period, 2-point penalty every minute until half time → forfeit
Q: Does a forfeit count as a game?
✅ It counts toward the 4‑game minimum
Q: Are refunds available?
❌ No refunds for forfeits or withdrawals.
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Q: How long are games?
4 × 10‑minute quarters
Running clock
Clock stops for timeouts and last 3 minutes of the 4th quarter
Q: Timeouts per half?
2 × full timeouts
2 × 30‑second timeouts
⚠️ Timeouts must be called when in possession of the ball.
⚠️ Players must stay on court during 30‑second timeouts
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Q: Who provides the basketballs?
Referees supply game balls.
Only 2 warm‑up balls per team allowed — no extras.
Q: Ball sizes?
All girls' divisions & 12U Boys: Size 6
All boys' divisions from 14U: Size 7
Q: Can the inbound pass go into the backcourt?
✅ Yes, even without a deflection.
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Q: What happens if the game is tied at the end?
An ELAM Ending is used:
Target score = current leading score + 8
Game clock turns off
First team to reach target score wins
Shot clock is still enforced
Q: Do fouls carry over?
✅ Team and personal fouls continue into ELAM.
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Q: How are team positions determined on the ladder?
During the tournament, teams are ranked on a ladder to decide final positions and who progresses to finals.
Ladder System
Teams are ranked as follows:
1️⃣ Competition Points
Teams earn points for each game:
Win = competition points
Loss = competition points
Bye or forfeit = points as set by the competition
The team with the most competition points rank higher on the ladder.
2️⃣ Points Percentage (Tie‑Breaker)
If two or more teams finish on the same competition points, ranking is decided by points percentage.
Points Percentage = total points scored ÷ total points conceded
💡This rewards teams who both score well and defend well across the tournament.
3️⃣ Head‑to‑Head Result (If Applicable)
If teams remain tied and they played each other:
The winner of that game ranks higher
This may not apply in all tie situations (e.g. three‑team ties).
4️⃣ Final Decision
If teams cannot be separated after all criteria above, the Tournament Director will make a final decision.
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Q: Who is allowed on the bench?
Players, coaches, team managers and scorers only.
Q: What behaviour is not tolerated?
Abuse or threatening behaviour
Court storming
Fighting or violence
Bullying (including online)
Q: What happens if someone storms the court?
🚫 Immediate disqualification from the game.
Q: What are the penalties for serious misconduct?
Removal from venue
12‑month ban for players/spectators
Lifetime ban for coaches involved
Q: What if both coaches are ejected?
Game is stopped and the team forfeits.
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Q: Is there event security?
✅ Event staff will be monitoring all venues and will involve emergency services when required.
Q: Can people access unused areas or side entrances?
❌ For the safety of all attendees, the use of unused areas or side entrances is prohibited.
Questions still not answered?
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