VH MA State Championships Teams

Coaches,
We have two 6th grade spots open for Mohegan Sun in two weeks. These are the last two spots open in the tournament of 340 teams. Register today at www.verticalhoops.com.

Vertical Hoops Tournament – Weekend Reminders

Please check your schedules one last time on the Vertical Hoops App.


Weekend Contacts
Karim: 203-809-4770
Sekouba: 475-467-0964




- Game Rules Additions for 2026 Spring

No zone defense or pressing for boys & girls 5th grade and below in the first half
Second half: teams may press and play zone



Coach Check-In

Check in at your first game location
Coaches will receive a wristband (must be worn or kept on keys)
Limit: 2 coaches per team (no exceptions)



App Reminder
Using the Vertical Hoops App is the most efficient way to follow schedules and updates throughout the weekend.




Important
PLEASE SHOW UP TO ALL OF YOUR GAMES! We do not want any teams missing games.




Sportsmanship
We pride ourselves on quality, board-certified officials. They are not perfect—please ensure coaches, players, and spectators show respect at all times.

Only 1 coach standing on the sideline
Assistant coaches should be seated
Admission

Weekend Pass: $25
Seniors: $15


Let’s have a great weekend and good luck to all teams!

Vertical Hoops – 60 Minute Game Rules

Ball Size: (28.5") is used for 4th–6th grade, (29.5") for 7th grade and older

It is not up to game officials to coordinate ball size compliance. It is up to the coaches playing to coordinate correct ball size prior to the start of the game with the other team coach.

Time Rules

Two (2) 16-minute halves
Clock stops on all whistles
2–4 minute warm-up period
Running clock when a team is ahead by 20+ points in 2nd half with 12 mins left
All teams must be ready to play at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled game time
Zone Defense (4th–5th Grade Only)

No zone defense in the 1st half
Zone defense is permitted in the 2nd half
Pressing Rules (4th–5th Grade Only)

No pressing in the 1st half
Pressing is allowed in the 2nd half
Press must be dropped if leading by 20+ points
Fouls

6 fouls = player disqualification
8 team fouls = 1-and-1 bonus
No double bonus (2 shots) unless in the act of shooting
Timeouts

Each team is allowed 3 full timeouts per game
Overtime

5th grade thru varsity - First team to 4 points wins. No Clock.
4th grade and below: - First team to 4 points or 2 minutes
Technical & Flagrant Fouls

2 technical fouls = ejection for the remainder of the tournament (coach or player)
Flagrant fouls follow college rules
Fighting = technical foul + removal from the remainder of the tournament
No exceptions. No arguments

Vertical Hoops Tournament – Schedule Update
Mass State Championship Event

The schedule for this weekend’s Vertical Hoops tournament is now live.

All teams are guaranteed a minimum of three games, unless your program specifically registered for the two-game option.
If your current schedule does not show games on Sunday, please be aware that you will still play on Sunday. Sunday matchups will be determined and updated based on Saturday’s results.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information—including schedules, game updates, messages, and venue addresses—we strongly recommend downloading the Vertical Hoops app at verticalhoopsapp.com.

Please stay tuned for Thursday’s message, which will include important event details such as rules, admissions, and additional information.