OFFICIAL RULES

THE HOOP OR GO HOME BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS

The following outlines the rules and regulations (the “Rules”) that will govern The Hoop or Go Home Basketball Tournament (the “Tournament”) for 2025. Swarthy Promotions, LLC serves as the sponsor and organizer of the Tournament (the “Organizer”). The Organizer is a creative event production company located at 400 N. Ervay St. 132940 SMB 76434 Dallas, TX 75313. For inquiries, contact us at info@hooporgohome.com. The Tournament is intended to be livestreamed on the internet and potentially broadcast on television and cable networks, although this is not guaranteed.

Note: The Organizer has the authority to make all decisions regarding the Tournament and the Rules, including but not limited to determining the applicability and compliance with any Rule. The Organizer may also suspend or waive any Rule at its discretion. All references to decisions or actions taken by the Organizer reflect its sole and exclusive discretion, which is non-reviewable.

I. Tournament Overview
The 2025 Hoop or Go Home Basketball Tournament is a competitive event designed to showcase the best basketball talent across Texas. Participants will compete in a series of tournaments that will award over $1,000,000 in cash prizes, with the winner accumulating a total of $295,000 over the course of the tournaments.

II. Background
Up to 2,560 players (each, a “Player”) will have the opportunity to participate in one of eight regular-season Tournaments (Rounds 1-8) held in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, or Austin. Players who advance will compete in the quarterfinals (Round 9) at the same or a different location. Winners of the quarterfinals will move on to the semifinals (Round 10), and those who win their semifinal games will advance to the Championship Game (Round 11). The number of Players allowed is at the Organizer's sole discretion, and the Player who wins the Tournament will receive a cumulative cash prize of no less than $295,000 (the "Accumulated Total Prize"). Players may allocate this Prize as they see fit, subject to certain restrictions.

III. Roles
A “Player” is defined as (i) an individual who applies via the website and is accepted by the Organizer to participate in the Tournament, or (ii) a person who wins a skills contest promoted by the Organizer. The Organizer may disqualify any Player if their participation is deemed harmful to the integrity of the competition, production, or telecast of the Tournament.
Prior to participation, each Player must review and accept the Organizer’s Participation Agreement (the “Participation Agreement”), which is also required to complete the Participant’s profile on the website.

IV. Eligibility
1. Participants: Open to players from Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin.
2. Age Requirement: Players must be at least 18 years old to compete.
3. Registration: All participants must register online at www.HoopOrGoHome.com/Registration and complete the registration form accurately.

V. Application to and Qualification for the Tournament
To begin the application process, Players must complete all basic information requested by the Organizer (collectively, a “Profile”), including biographical data, playing history (position), height, weight, and other relevant details, such as digital photographs and a short video, as instructed on the website.
- Any Player wishing to participate must complete all registration forms required by the Organizer, including medical records if requested, and pay a $300 Registration Fee.
- Participants must present valid photo identification (current passport, driver’s license, or military ID) acceptable to the Organizer at the time of on-site registration.
- Participants must be legally eligible to enter the United States and may need to provide documentation to prove this.
- Participants are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses and for paying all taxes and fees associated with their participation and any winnings.
- The Organizer is not obligated to assist Participants in gaining legal entry to the United States.
The application period will open at 12:00 PM (CST) on January 1, 2025, and close at 12:00 PM (CST) on October 3, 2025. Each applicant must provide all requested information. The Organizer will own all rights to the materials submitted by applicants, including pictures and writings. Any individual who fails to register and complete the required forms by the deadline may be disqualified at the Organizer’s discretion. The Organizer reserves the right to expedite the admission process for any Player, allowing entry before or after the stated deadline.
Player Announcements: The Organizer will post player bios and announce the Players participating in the Tournament on the website by no later than January 1, 2025.
- Participant accounts must be created with accurate first and last names, and all biographical information provided must be verifiable. The Organizer reserves the right to eliminate or deny entry to any individual whose information cannot be confirmed as legitimate.

VI. Tournament Structure
Qualifying Tournaments
1. Format: The tournament consists of 8 regular tournaments in each participating city.
- Each tournament will feature 64 players.
2. Player Prizes:
- 1st Place: $5,000
- 2nd Place: $2,500
3. Advancement: The winner from each tournament will advance to the Semifinals.

Semifinals
1. Participants: A total of 8 players in each participating city (one winner from each qualifying tournament round) will compete.
2. Format: Single-elimination matches.
3. Player Prizes:
- 1st Place: $50,000
- 2nd Place: $25,000
3. Advancement: A total of 5 players (1 winner from the Semifinals in each participating city) will advance to the finals tournament.

Championship
1. Participants: The 5 qualifying players from the Semifinals.
2. Format: A final tournament where players compete in 5 King of the Court matches.
3. Player Prizes:
- Grand Prize: $250,000
- Runner-up Prize: $125,000

VII. Competing in the Tournament
Players selected to participate will compete in one of five cities: Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, or Austin. When registering, each Player must select their preferred city. While the Organizer will make every effort to accommodate these preferences, placement in a desired city is not guaranteed.

Games will commence on February 08, 2025, and conclude on December 20, 2025, at the specified regional sites. Each Player is solely responsible for their costs, including travel, lodging, and meals, to participate in the Tournament on these dates. The Organizer will determine the schedule for each Player’s games, and once set, these times are final.

Each Player will receive a jersey and shorts to wear during the Tournament and must wear these items; no other attire is permitted. Players will compete in one to two games per day. If a Player loses a game, they will be eliminated from the Tournament and will not be eligible for the Accumulated Player Prize. Advancement to subsequent rounds is contingent upon winning each game.

The semifinals and Championship Game will take place in Killeen, TX, on December 20, 2025 (referred to as “Championship Day”).

The Organizer reserves the right to disqualify any Player or Participant at any point in the Tournament if their participation is deemed harmful to the integrity of the event. If a Player is disqualified or fails to appear for a scheduled game, the Organizer may select a replacement from previously eliminated Players. Results from prior victories will remain unchanged.

VIII. Tournament Rules
1. Game Duration: Each game will consist of two halves, each lasting 10 minutes. Overtime will be played in the event of a tie.
2. Scoring: Standard scoring applies—2 points for field goals, 3 points for three-pointers, and 1 point for free throws.
3. Fouls:
- Players will be allowed a maximum of 5 personal fouls before fouling out of the game.
- Technical fouls will result in free throws for the opposing team.
4. Conduct: All players are expected to exhibit sportsmanship and respect towards referees, opponents, and tournament officials. Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification.

IX. Gambling and Conduct
Participants are prohibited from gambling or associating with those who gamble in connection with the Tournament. Any Participant found to be involved in gambling will be disqualified and banned from future competitions. The Organizer may notify law enforcement authorities regarding any illegal activities related to gambling.

If a Participant feels unable to continue for health or other reasons, they may withdraw from the Tournament, provided they notify their Player and the Organizer in advance. Failure to appear at a scheduled game without prior approval will result in disqualification, and the Player will not receive their share of the Prize.

X. Player Conduct and Sportsmanship
1. Behavioral Expectations: All participants are expected to maintain a high standard of conduct.
- No use of offensive language or gestures.
- No physical altercations or confrontations with other players, officials, or spectators.
2. Sportsmanship Awards: Additional recognition may be given for exemplary sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

XI. Scoring and Tie-Breaker Rules
1. Scoring System: In the event of a tie at the end of regulation:
- Overtime periods of 5 minutes will be played until a winner is determined.
- Each team will receive one timeout per overtime period.
2. Tie-Breaker for Advancement: In regular tournaments, if two players have the same score, the tie will be broken based on head-to-head performance, followed by overall average points scored in previous games.

XII. Forfeits and Gameplay Rules
If a Player selected to compete fails to show up, they will forfeit the game, and the Organizer may suspend them from future competitions indefinitely.

Game Rules for the Standard Hoop or Go Home Basketball Tournaments:
- Objective: The objective is to score points by shooting the basketball through the opponent's hoop.
- Court and Equipment: The game will be played on a standard basketball court or any flat surface with a basketball hoop, using a standard size basketball.
- Players: Each game will consist of two players (Player A and Player B).
- Scoring: Points are awarded as follows: 1 point for shots made inside the three-point line and 2 points for shots made outside the three-point line. The player with the highest score at the end wins.
- Game Duration: The game will be played to 11 points or within 10 minutes. If a player reaches 11 points, they win; if time expires, the player with the most points wins.
- Starting the Game: The game begins with a jump ball at center court or a coin toss to determine which player starts with the ball.
- Possession: Players alternate possession after each score. If a player misses a shot, the other player gains possession.
- Fouls: Physical contact should be minimized. Common fouls include pushing, holding, or hitting. A player committing a foul will lose possession, with the other player taking the ball from the nearest out-of-bounds point.
- Out of Bounds: The ball is out of bounds if it touches the ground outside the court lines or the backboard. The player who did not touch it last gains possession.
- Dribbling and Shooting: Players must dribble the ball while moving. A shot must be taken within 24 seconds of gaining possession.
- Timeouts: Players may call a 30-second timeout at any time, limited to one timeout per player per game.
- Winning the Game: The game ends when a player reaches the target score or when time runs out. In case of a tie, overtime will be played until one player scores.
- Sportsmanship: Players are expected to demonstrate respect and sportsmanship throughout the game. Disrespectful behavior or unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification.

XIII. Game Rules for Final Competition
- Scoring: Finals are played to 5 points, with a 10-minute time limit.
- Time Limit: If neither player reaches 5 points in 10 minutes, the player with the highest score wins.
- Tiebreaker: If scores are tied, free throws will determine the winner, with a coin toss deciding who shoots first.

Round Breakdown
Round 1
- Game 1: Player 1 vs. Player 2. The winner advances.
- Game 2: The winner of Game 1 vs. Player 3. The winner advances.
- Game 3: The winner of Game 2 vs. Player 4. The winner advances.
- Game 4: The winner of Game 3 vs. Player 5. The winner advances.
- Scoring: The player with the most total points in all games wins the round.

Round 2
- Game 5: Player 2 vs. Player 3. The winner advances.
- Game 6: The winner of Game 5 vs. Player 4. The winner advances.
- Game 7: The winner of Game 6 vs. Player 5. The winner advances.
- Game 8: The winner of Game 7 vs. Player 1. The winner advances.
- Scoring: The player with the most total points in all games wins the round.

Round 3
- Game 9: Player 3 vs. Player 4. The winner advances.
- Game 10: The winner of Game 9 vs. Player 5. The winner advances.
- Game 11: The winner of Game 10 vs. Player 1. The winner advances.
- Game 12: The winner of Game 11 vs. Player 2. The winner advances.
- Scoring: The player with the most total points in all games wins the round.

Round 4
- Game 13: Player 4 vs. Player 5. The winner advances.
- Game 14: The winner of Game 13 vs. Player 1. The winner advances.
- Game 15: The winner of Game 14 vs. Player 2. The winner advances.
- Game 16: The winner of Game 15 vs. Player 3. The winner advances.
- Scoring: The player with the most total points in all games wins the round.

Round 5
- Game 17: Player 5 vs. Player 1. The winner advances.
- Game 18: The winner of Game 17 vs. Player 2. The winner advances.
- Game 19: The winner of Game 18 vs. Player 3. The winner advances.
- Game 20: The winner of Game 19 vs. Player 4. The winner advances.
- Scoring: The player with the most total points in all games wins the round.

Crowning of the Champion
At the end of the five rounds, the player with the most points accumulated across all rounds is crowned the tournament champion.

XIV. Prize Allocation
The winning Player may allocate the Accumulated Player Prize as they choose, but must document this allocation in writing prior to the Championship Game. Additional information may be required for this process (e.g., Social Security numbers, completion of IRS Form W-9). The winning Player must also sign an Affidavit of Eligibility and Publicity Release before receiving any portion of the Prize.

Winners of any 2025 Player Prizes will be paid via Cash App. The Organizer does not guarantee payment through any means other than Cash App.

Any Participant or Player receiving compensation beyond the Player Prize for participation in the Tournament must disclose this arrangement to the Organizer. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

After the Tournament, the winning Player must be available for press and publicity obligations as requested by the Organizer for two weeks.

Each Participant acknowledges their understanding of these Rules and agrees to execute any additional paperwork required by the Organizer, including the Participation Agreement and medical releases. Participants have been given a reasonable period to review these Rules and ask any questions before registering on the website.

XV. Event Logistics
1. Schedule: A detailed tournament schedule will be provided to all registered participants prior to the event. Players are responsible for being present at their scheduled game times.
2. Venue Rules: All participants must adhere to the venue’s rules and regulations, including those regarding conduct, equipment, and facility use.

XVI. Communication
1. Updates and Announcements: Important updates regarding the tournament will be communicated via email and through the tournament’s official social media channels. Participants are responsible for checking these sources regularly.
2. Contact Information: For questions or concerns, participants should contact the tournament organizers at the provided email address or phone number listed in the registration materials.

XVII. Appeal Process
1. Dispute Resolution: Any disputes regarding game outcomes, player eligibility, or rule interpretations may be submitted in writing to the tournament officials.
2. Appeal Procedure: Appeals must be filed within 24 hours of the incident and will be reviewed by a designated committee. Decisions made by the committee are final.

XVIII. Cancellation and Refund Policy
1. Event Cancellation: In the event of unforeseen circumstances leading to the cancellation of the tournament, participants will be notified promptly.
2. Refunds: Registration fees will be refunded only if the tournament is canceled prior to its start. No refunds will be issued after the tournament has commenced.

XIX. Medical Waiver
1. Medical Clearance: Participants are encouraged to obtain a medical examination prior to competing. By entering the tournament, players acknowledge that they are physically fit to participate.
2. Emergency Medical Services: The tournament will have trained medical personnel on-site. Participants agree to accept any medical treatment deemed necessary in the event of an injury.

XX. Liability Waiver and Indemnification
1. Assumption of Risk: By participating in the tournament, players acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with basketball, including injury or loss.
2. Liability Waiver: Participants agree to release and hold harmless the tournament organizers, sponsors, and venue from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or losses arising from participation in the tournament.
3. Indemnification: Participants agree to indemnify and defend the tournament organizers, sponsors, and venue against any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from their participation in the tournament.

XXI. Use of Likeness
1. Consent to Use Image: By entering the tournament, participants grant the tournament organizers the right to use their name, image, and likeness in promotional materials, including but not limited to photographs, videos, and social media.
2. Ownership of Media: The tournament organizers retain ownership of any audio, pictures, or video recorded during the event. Participants agree that these materials may be used for promotional purposes without further compensation.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024