TOURNAMENT RULES

Algarve Mini Basketball Cup 2026 | AMC X – Elevate the Game

These regulations apply to all matches and official activities of AMC X 2026. All participating clubs, teams, coaches, players, and officials must comply. Participation in AMC X 2026 implies full acceptance of the present regulations.

A downloadable PDF version of the Rule Book is available on the website. The PDF version always contains the most up-to-date version of the rules.

SECTION A — GENERAL & ORGANISATIONAL RULES

1. General Rules

The AMC X 2026 is organised in accordance with FIBA MiniBasket and FIBA Youth Basketball principles, adapted to the specific objectives and educational values of the tournament.

All participants are expected to behave respectfully and in accordance with the spirit of fair play promoted by AMC X.

The organisation reserves the right to interpret these rules and to decide on any situation not expressly covered herein.

2. Team Composition

Each team must comply with the minimum and maximum number of registered players according to its age category:

• U8: Minimum 6 players | Maximum 9 players

• U10: Minimum 8 players | Maximum 12 players

• U12: Minimum 10 players | Maximum 15 players

• U14: Minimum 10 players | Maximum 15 players

A team is considered valid only if the minimum number of players is registered and confirmed.

A team is considered complete only if the maximum number of players is registered and confirmed.

2.1 Second Team (Team B) Registration

• A second team (Team B) may only be registered if the main team (Team A) has reached the maximum number of players for its age category.

• Team A and Team B must belong to the same club.

• Each team must be registered independently in the official registration system.

• Movement of players between Team A and Team B is not permitted at any time during the tournament.

• Both teams must fully comply with the minimum and maximum player limits for the age category.

This policy aims to ensure fair competition, balanced teams, and meaningful playing time for all athletes.

3. Coaches and Team Staff

• Each complete team is entitled to one complimentary head coach.

• Additional coaches or team staff must be registered through the same process as players.

• A participation fee equal to the player participation fee applies to each additional coach or staff member.

• Only registered coaches and staff will receive official accreditation and access to restricted areas.

4. Player Eligibility

• All players must be registered with correct personal data and belong to the appropriate age category.

• Players may only compete for one team during the tournament.

• Identity and eligibility checks may be carried out at any time.

4.1 Player Eligibility — Overage Player Requests

Only in exceptional circumstances and with prior written approval from the tournament organisation a maximum of one (1) overage player per team may be authorised.

Additional notes:

• A maximum of one (1) overage player per team may be authorised.

• All requests must be submitted in advance, before the start of the tournament.

• Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering:

  • Player development and safety

  • Competitive balance

  • Educational and pedagogical criteria

• Participation of an overage player is not automatic and is never guaranteed.

• Decisions made by the organisation are final and not subject to appeal.

Teams that field an overage player without prior authorisation may face disciplinary measures, including disqualification.

5. Arrival & Technical Meeting

All teams must arrive in Faro by July 1, 2026.

A mandatory Technical Meeting will take place on July 1, 2026 at 22:30 (10:30 PM).

Attendance by at least one team representative (coach or team leader) is compulsory. Important organisational, technical, and competition-related information will be communicated.

SECTION B — COMPETITION & GAME STRUCTURE

6. Competition Format

• Tournament format, group distribution, and schedules depend on the number of registered teams per age category.

• All teams are guaranteed multiple games.

• Final standings, classifications, and special activities (including All-Star events) follow criteria defined by the organisation.

7. Equipment & Uniforms

• Teams must bring two sets of playing uniforms in clearly different colours.

• All players must wear matching, numbered jerseys.

• The organisation may require a team to change jerseys in case of colour conflict.

8. Discipline & Fair Play

• Respect towards referees, opponents, officials, and volunteers is mandatory.

• Unsportsmanlike behaviour may result in disciplinary measures, including suspension or exclusion.

• AMC X prioritises education, fair play, and positive behaviour above competitive results.

SECTION C — TECHNICAL GAME REGULATIONS

9. General Competition Regulations (All Age Groups)

• Clubs with multiple teams in the same age category may not move players between teams.

• Maximum of 12 players per game sheet.

• Warm-up: 5 minutes before each match.

Late arrivals:

• –6 points per quarter not played

• Remaining match time is played

• If the game cannot start: 20–0 forfeit for the responsable team.

Game rules:

• All field goals beyond the three-point line count as 3 points.

• Substitutions only during stoppages and after referee signal.

• Breaks: 1 minute between quarters, 3-minute halftime.

Minimum participation:

• Each player must play at least one full quarter.

• All players must have played by the end of the 3rd quarter.

Fouls & discipline:

• Disqualification after 5 personal fouls.

• Illegal contact penalised pedagogically, with explanation.

Time-outs:

• 2 per game (1 per half), except in the last 5 minutes of the final quarter.

Tied games:

• Group stage: Win = 3 pts | Tie = 2 pts | Loss = 1 pt

• Finals: Extra 3-minute periods until a winner is determined.

• Running time applies in all age groups.

• Match protests are not permitted.

• Any situation not covered is decided by the organisation in accordance with Official Basketball Rules and FPB Technical-Pedagogical Guidelines.

10. Age-Specific Rules

Additional notes:

• Second teams only allowed if the main team is complete.

• Substitutions and rotations follow FPB Mini-Basket rules.

• Free throws:

  • U8: all fouls result in throw-in

  • U10 & U12: adapted free throws

  • U12/U14: after 4 team fouls per quarter, subsequent fouls result in 2-point free throws

SECTION D — ALL-STAR GAMES & SPECIAL COMPETITIONS

11. ⭐ All-Star Games – Selection Criteria

The AMC X All-Star Games celebrate talent, sportsmanship, and the values of the tournament.

Player Selection:

• All-Star players are nominated by their team coaches.

• Coaches should nominate players from their own teams based on performance, attitude, fair play, and respect for the game throughout the year.

• Final confirmation of All-Star rosters is managed by the AMC organisation to ensure balance and fairness.

Coach Selection:

• All-Star coaches are selected by the organisation.

• Coaching pairs are formed by the AMC organisation based on:

  • Availability and tournament engagement

  • Fair representation of clubs and regions

General Principles:

• All-Star participation is a recognition, not an obligation.

• Selection decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

• Detailed event formats are presented on the All-Star Games & Special Events page.

12. All-Star Games Regulations

• Same rules as the respective age group, except game duration: 2 quarters only.

• Player nomination deadline: June 15, 2026.

Minimum players per All-Star Game:

• U8: 12 (2 per team)

• U10: 20 (2 per team)

• U12 Boys: 24 (2 per team)

• U12 Girls: 20 (2 per team)

• U14 Boys: 24 (2 per team)

• U14 Girls: 24 (2 per team)

Teams are composed with equal representation.

SECTION E — AWARDS & FINAL PROVISIONS

13. Awards

• Participation souvenirs for all players

• Trophies for the top 3 teams in each age group

• Fair Play Award

• Best Supporters’ Group

• Club with highest overall participation

Award ceremonies take place on Sunday after the finals at the main arena.

14. Final Provisions

The organisation reserves the right to modify schedules or formats for operational reasons.

Any situation not covered by these rules will be decided by the AMC X organisation.

Participation in AMC X 2026 implies full acceptance of these regulations.