Can a team start/play a game with only 4 players?

[Tenntwin]

Can a basketball team start and play a game under TSSAA rules with only 4 players?

 

[Hyperquick]

No...You must have 5 to start but you can finish with less

[Tenntwin]

Thanks Hyperquick.  That is what I thought.

[90warrior]

our coach said he played with 4 one time in the district tourney.

[Hyperquick]

our coach said he played with 4 one time in the district tourney.

 The Rule is that you MUST have 5 to start...You can finish with less but to count as an official game you must have 5 players on the floor at tip-off

[Tenntwin]

our coach said he played with 4 one time in the district tourney.

For the freshmen tourney game tonight, we've got one that isn't feeling well.  Hoping we can start with 5 and play/finish with 4.  If not, we've got a few boys that will be furious!  Like you guys, we only have 5 freshmen that are cleared by doctors to play.  Trying to get another kid cleared by his doctor for just standing on the court if needed (broken hand bone).  It's crazy. 

[Hyperquick]

For the freshmen tourney game tonight, we've got one that isn't feeling well.  Hoping we can start with 5 and play/finish with 4.  If not, we've got a few boys that will be furious!  Like you guys, we only have 5 freshmen that are cleared by doctors to play.  Trying to get another kid cleared by his doctor for just standing on the court if needed (broken hand bone).  It's crazy. 

 He can stand there for the tip and then remove himself from the game during a dead ball