Game Rules

  • 1. Game Structure and Setup

    Games are played up to 7 points (Standard Format). In our Standard Format we follow most traditional H.O.R.S.E. game rules. Players will choose shots that are verified by Court Monitor, and opponent. If shot is made, Player 2 will then have to “match”. (see shot restrictions) As Players move around playing surface to select their shots, the Court Official and other player will remain close.

  • 2. Starting an Event

    Players will select a ball from the rack provided. Each player will connect directly with the Court Official before they begin their match. A coinflip will determine who starts. The same Court Official will verify and document Statistics during matches and report to Tournament Official after the conclusion.

  • 3. Winning and Tiebreakers

    The player with the most matches won, highest point total, or/or lowest points against will win the tournament/event.

    Points against totals will determine any tiebreakers that may occur for unique circumstances.

  • 4. Bathroom Breaks

    A player may request (1) bathroom break per match if needed, but it cannot exceed 10 minutes.

Code of Conduct

  • All participants in MTSH tournaments must complete their registration through the MTSH website unless they have received an exemption from MTSP or the Tournament Director.

    Participants must check in for their scheduled matchups within 20 minutes of the designated time. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the tournament/event and forfeiture of their registration fee.

  • Inappropriate language and/or behavior directed at other players or court officials will not be tolerated. A single warning will be issued, and if such an incident occurs again, the offending player may be ejected from the tournament and potentially suspended from participating in future MTSH events.

  • All players acknowledge that they participate in MTSH tournaments at their own risk. MTSH does not expose its participants to unnecessary physical risks, and players are considered willing participants in our tournaments.

  • Players are only allowed to use basketballs provided by MTSH during gameplay. Players have the option to choose from the three standard basketball sizes generally provided by suppliers: size 7 (29.5 inches), size 6 (28.5 inches), and size 5 (27.5 inches).

  • Participants are required to wear appropriate clothing during the tournaments. Any attire considered offensive based on race, gender, sexual preference, age, or physical disability will not be tolerated, and the offending player may be disqualified from the event.

  • Fans and spectators are not permitted on the playing surfaces during tournaments. MTSH holds permits for the use of courts and designated areas, and decisions regarding access to these areas are at the discretion of MTSH staff.

Standard Format Shot Restrictions

General Restrictions:

  • No shot can require a jump or alley-oop.

  • No shot can require a run-up or any movement before the act of shooting.

  • No shot can require more than 1 ball.

  • No shot can be thrown off of a wall.

  • No shot can require a 2nd person.

  • No player is required to shoot any shot farther from the 3-point line.

Backward Shots:

  • Any backward shot shooting style can be chosen by individual shooter, as long as facing completely away from the basket.

  • A backward shot may not have a 1-foot option.

Match Rules:

  • Court Official flips coin to determine who starts.

  • Each player will have (1) “mulligan” per match.

  • No shot in this format can be longer than 23 feet (NBA 3-point line)

  • The first player to reach 7 points wins the match.

Shot Execution:

  • When shooting, all players must be making contact with both feet inside the “circle” to start a shot motion.

  • Players can finish their shot with feet outside of the “circle” as long as the shot began with feet inside.

  • "Nothing but net" or "off the glass" calls must be made during shot selection and verified by another player and Court Official.

  • Any shot action must be made clear to other players and the Court Official before the shot is taken.

  • Any action not specifically “called” before the act of shooting will not have to be “matched” by the second player.

Props:

  • Multiple props can be used in a shot.

  • Props cannot be moved or altered in any way before a shot is “called”.

One-Handed Shots:

  • No one-handed shot can be called to a specific hand.

  • All one-handed shots will always be individual shooter’s choice of hand.