What is the length of each extra period in a varsity contest?

In a varsity basketball contest, the length of each extra period, also known as overtime, is set at 4 minutes. This regulation is consistent across many high school basketball leagues and aligns with the official rules established by organizations like the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations). The 4-minute overtime period allows for a competitive extension of the game while maintaining a balance between providing an opportunity for teams to compete for victory and managing the players’ stamina and game flow.

While other choices suggest different lengths for overtime, 4 minutes is the official standard for varsity play, ensuring consistency in game duration and maintaining the integrity of the contest under high school basketball rules.