Section 5: Rules of Play
Game Structure
- Four 10-minute quarters (adopted 2015-16; distinguishes NCAA W's from NCAA M's halves)
- 2-minute breaks between Q1/Q2 and Q3/Q4; 15-minute halftime
- 5-minute overtime periods until a winner is determined
Team-Foul Bonus (Per-Quarter Reset)
- Bonus starts at the team's 5th team foul per quarter — the offended team shoots 2 free throws
- Team-foul totals reset to zero at the start of each quarter
- The last 2 minutes of any quarter: any team foul carries 2 free throws regardless of count
- This per-quarter framework differs from NCAA M's per-half 1-and-1 (7th) + double-bonus (10th) structure
Shot Clock
- 30-second shot clock — resets to 30 on possession change; resets to 20 on offensive rebound
- Shot must contact the rim before the clock expires; failure is a violation
Other Mechanics (Match NCAA M's)
- Closely-guarded 5-second rule (defender within 6 feet)
- Backcourt 10-second rule
- 3-second lane violation
- Alternating-possession arrow for jump-ball situations after the opening tip