As March Madness takes over the sports world each spring, fans tune in for buzzer-beaters, bracket busters, and fast-paced action. But behind the excitement lies a specific set of rules that govern how the NCAA tournament is played—and some of them differ from standard college basketball or professional play.

From game structure to overtime and even how fouls are handled, here’s a breakdown of the key rules and special regulations that define March Madness.

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Are March Madness Rules Different from Regular College Basketball?

March Madness games follow the official NCAA men’s and women’s basketball rulebooks, so the core rules are the same as those used throughout the regular season and conference tournaments. However, the high-stakes environment and tournament-specific logistics do create some key distinctions and areas of emphasis.

Let’s explore what stands out most during the NCAA tournament.

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Game Format: How Long Is a March Madness Game?

March Madness games use the standard NCAA college basketball format:

• Men’s Tournament: Two 20-minute halves
• Women’s Tournament: Four 10-minute quarters

Unlike the NBA’s 12-minute quarters or FIBA’s structure, this format remains consistent throughout the entire NCAA postseason.

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How Does Overtime Work in March Madness?

If the score is tied at the end of regulation, March Madness games go into five-minute overtime periods—and they continue until a winner is determined.

There is no limit to the number of overtime periods, which can lead to marathon matchups when teams are evenly matched. Each overtime period begins with a jump ball at center court.

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Timeout Rules in the NCAA Tournament

Timeout usage is carefully managed in March Madness to maintain game flow and accommodate broadcast schedules:

• Each team gets 4 media timeouts per half (at the first dead ball after the 16, 12, 8, and 4-minute marks).
• Teams are allowed 3 30-second timeouts and 1 full timeout per game.
• Unused timeouts do not carry over between halves.
• In overtime, teams receive one additional 30-second timeout.

Coaches must be strategic in how they manage timeouts, especially in close games where every possession matters.

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How Are Fouls Handled in March Madness?

Foul rules remain consistent with NCAA standards, but their impact becomes magnified during tournament play:

• Five personal fouls result in disqualification for a player (not six like in the NBA).
• Once a team accumulates seven team fouls in a half, the opposing team enters the bonus (one-and-one free throw situation).
• After 10 team fouls, the opposing team is awarded two free throws (double bonus).

In women’s games, team fouls reset each quarter, and the bonus begins at five team fouls per quarter—with no one-and-one situation.

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Video Review and Replay in the NCAA Tournament

March Madness officials have access to expanded video review tools for critical situations, especially in the final minutes of each half. Common review scenarios include:

• Determining if a shot was released before the buzzer
• Confirming possession on out-of-bounds plays
• Checking for flagrant or technical fouls
• Reviewing shot clock violations

Replay plays a bigger role in the tournament, where even one call can impact a team’s season.

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Technical and Flagrant Foul Emphasis

Officials are instructed to maintain strict control over March Madness games to prevent emotions from boiling over:

• Technical fouls may be assessed for unsportsmanlike behavior, hanging on the rim, or bench decorum.
• Flagrant fouls are closely reviewed and can result in ejection if excessive contact is deemed intentional or dangerous.

Expect tighter enforcement of these rules in later rounds, where stakes are higher and tensions can rise quickly.

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Possession Arrow Still in Effect

Unlike the NBA’s jump ball rule, March Madness games continue to use the alternating possession arrow to determine who gets the ball in tied-up situations. This rule often becomes a key factor in close games and late-game strategy.

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What About the Shot Clock?

The shot clock rules remain the same in the NCAA tournament:

• Men’s games: 30-second shot clock
• Women’s games: 30-second shot clock
• Offensive rebound: Shot clock resets to 20 seconds, not 30

These rules encourage tempo and reward offensive rebounding without slowing the pace of the game.

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Final Thoughts

March Madness operates under the standard NCAA basketball rulebook, but the intensity of the tournament brings added scrutiny, tighter officiating, and expanded replay protocols. Understanding the rules and regulations at play can help fans better appreciate the strategy, drama, and high-pressure decisions that define the tournament.

From foul management to timeout usage and overtime structure, every detail matters in a single-elimination format—where one possession can decide a season.