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FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE
DE BASKETBALL
INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL FEDERATION
FIBA

OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES,
GAME PROCEDURES

16.5.94

TABLE of CONTENTS

RULE 1 - THE GAME

Art. 1 - Definition

RULE 2 - DIMENSIONS AND EQUIPMENT

Art. 2 - Court Dimensions

Art. 3 - Lines and Dimensions

Art. 4 - Equipment

RULE 3 - OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES

Art. 5 - Officials and their Assistants

Art. 6 - Referee : Powers

Art. 7 - Officials : Time and Place for Decisions

Art. 8 - Officials : Duties when an Infraction is Committed

Art. 9 - Scorer and Assistant Scorer : Duties

Art. 10 - Timekeeper : Duties

Art. 11 - 30second Operator : Duties

RULE 4 - PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND COACHES

Art. 12 - Teams

Art. 13 - Players and Substitutes

Art. 14 - Captain : Duties and Powers

Art. 15 - Coaches : Duties and Powers

RULE 5 - TIMING REGULATIONS

Art. 16 - Playing Time

Art. 17 - Game Clock Operations

Art. 18 - 30Second Rule

Art. 19 - Charged TimeOut

Art. 20 - Injury to Players or Officials

Art. 21 - Tied Score and Extra Periods

RULE 6 - PLAYING REGULATIONS

Art. 22 - Decision of a Game

Art. 23 - Beginning of a Game

Art. 24 - Status of the Ball

Art. 25 - Location of a Player and of an Official

Art. 26 - Jump ball

Art. 27 - How the Ball is Played

Art. 28 - Control of the Ball

Art. 29 - Player in the Act of Shooting

Art. 30 - Goal When Made and its Value

Art. 31 - Throwin

Art. 32 - Substitutions

Art. 33 - When a Period or a Game is Terminated

Art. 34 - Game Lost by Forfeit

Art. 35 - Game Lost by Default

RULE 7 - VIOLATIONS

Art. 36 - Violations

Art. 37 - Player OutofBounds Ball OutofBounds

Art. 38 - Dribbling Rule

Art. 39 - Travel Rule

Art. 40 - 3-Second Rule

Art. 41 - Closely Guarded Player

Art. 42 - 10-Second Rule

Art. 43 - Ball Returned to the Back Court

Art. 44 - Interference with the Ball on Offence and Defence

RULE 8 - PERSONAL FOULS

Art. 45 - Fouls

Art. 46 - Contact

Art. 47 - Personal Foul

Art. 48 - Double Foul

Art. 49 - Unsportsmanlike Foul

Art. 50 - Disqualifying Foul

RULE 9 - TECHNICAL FOULS

Art. 51 - Rules of Conduct : Definition

Art. 52 - Technical Foul by a Player

Art. 53 - Technical Foul by Coaches, Substitutes or Team Followers

Art. 54 - Technical Foul during an Interval of Play

Art. 55 - Fighting

RULE 10 - GENERAL PROVISIONS

Art. 56 - Basic Principle

Art. 57 - 5/6 Fouls by a Player

Art. 58 - Team Fouls Penalty Rule

Art. 59 - Fouls in Special Situations

Art. 60 - Free Throws

Art. 61 - Correctable Error

OFFICIAL GAME PROCEDURES

A. - Before the Game

Position of the Scorer's Table and Substitute Chairs
Choice of Baskets and Team Benches

B. During the Game

Officials Signals
The Scoresheet

• C. Protest Procedures

  D. Classification of Teams

  E. Facilities and Equipment for Official Competitions of FIBA

  Throughout the 'Official Basketball Rules', any reference made to a coach, player, Official, etc. in the male gender, is not intended to be discriminatory and, obviously, also applies to the female gender. It must be understood that this is done for the sake of expediency only.

RULE ONE: THE GAME

Art. 1. Definition

Basketball is played by two teams of five players each. The purpose of each team is to score into the opponents' basket and to prevent the other team from securing the ball or scoring. The ball may be passed, thrown, tapped, rolled or dribbled in any direction, subject to the restrictions laid down in the following Rules.

RULE TWO: DIMENSIONS and EQUIPMENT

Art. 2. Court Dimensions

1. The playing court shall be a rectangular, flat, hard surface free from obstructions.
2. For the main official competitions of FIBA (see 'Official Game Procedures', Section E), the dimensions shall be 28 m in length by 15 m in width, measured from the inside edge of the boundary line.
3. For all other events, the appropriate entity of FIBA, such as the Zone Commission in the case of Zone or continental competitions, or the National Federation for all domestic competitions, has the authority to approve existing playing courts with dimensions which fall within the following limits : minus 4 m on the length and minus 2 m on the width, provided that the variations are proportional to each other.
4. The height of the ceiling or the lowest obstruction shall be at least 7.00 m.
5. The playing surface shall be uniformly and adequately lighted. The light units shall be placed where they will not hinder the vision of the players.
6. All new courts shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements specified for the main official competitions of FIBA, that is : 28 m by 15 m.

Art. 3 Lines and Dimensions

The lines mentioned in this Article shall:

1. Be drawn in the same colour,
2. Be 0.05 m (5 cm) in width, and
3. Be completely and perfectly visible.

A. Boundary Lines

1. The playing court shall be marked by lines as defined in Art. 2 which shall be, at every point, at least 2 m from the spectators, advertising boards or any other obstruction.
2. The lines of the long sides of the court shall be termed the sidelines, those of the short sides, the endlines.

B. Centre Line

A centre line shall be drawn parallel to the endlines from the midpoints of the sidelines and shall extend 0.15 m (15 cm) beyond each sideline.

C. Free Throw Lines, Restricted Areas and Free Throw Lanes

1. A free throw line shall be drawn parallel to each endline. It shall have its further edge 5.80 m from the inner edge of the endline and shall be 3.60 m long. Its midpoint shall lie on the imaginary line joining the midpoints of the two endlines.
2. The restricted areas shall be the floor areas marked on the court limited by the endlines, the free throw lines and the lines which originate at the endlines, their outer edges being 3 m from the midpoints of the endlines and terminating at the outer edge of the free throw lines.
   If the inside of the restricted areas is painted, it must be of the same colour as that of the centre circle.
3. The free throw lanes are the restricted areas extended into the playing court by semicircles with a radius of 1.80 m and their centres at the midpoints of the free throw lines. Similar semicircles shall be drawn with a broken line within the restricted areas.
4. Lane places along the free throw lanes to be used by players during free throws shall be marked as follows :
   • a. The first line shall be marked 1.75 m from the inside edge of the endline, measured along the line at the side of the free throw lane.
   • b. The first lane place shall be 0.85 m (85 cm) in width and shall be limited by the beginning of the neutral zone.
   • c. The neutral zone shall be 0.40 m (40 cm) in width and is a solid block marked in the same colour as the other lines.
   • d. The second lane place shall be adjacent to the neutral zone and shall be 0.85 m (85 cm) in width.
   • e. The third lane place, also 0.85 m (85 cm) in width, shall be marked adjacent to the lines limiting the second lane place.
   • f. All lines used to mark these lane places shall be 0.10 m (10 cm) long and perpendicular to the outside of the lines which indicate the free throw lanes.

D. Centre Circle

The centre circle shall be marked in the centre of the court and shall have a radius of 1.80 m measured to the outer edge of the circumference.

If the inside of the centre circle is painted, it must be of the same colour as that of the restricted areas.

E. ThreePoint Field Goal Area

A team's threepoint field goal area shall be the entire floor area of the playing court except for the area near its opponents' basket limited by and including:

1. Two parallel lines extending from the endline, 1.25 m from the sidelines, and
2. An arc (semicircle) of 6.25 m to the outer edge, which intersects the parallel lines.
3. The centre of the arc shall be taken from the point on the floor directly perpendicular to the exact centre of the opponents' basket. The distance of this point from the inside edge of the midpoint of the endline is 1.575 m.

Note: Even if the court is less than 15 m in width, the arc shall be drawn 6.25 m from the centre of the basket.

F. Team Bench Areas

Team bench areas shall be marked as follows:

1. Outside the court on the same side as the Scorer's Table and the Team Benches (see diagram of fullsize regulation court).
2. Each area shall be limited by a line extending from the endline, at least 2 m in length, and by another line at least 2 m in length, drawn 5 m from the centre line and perpendicular to the sideline.

Comments

1. During the game, the only persons permitted to be in the team bench area are the Coach, the Assistant Coach, the substitutes and a MAXIMUM of five (5) team followers with special responsibilities, e.g. Manager, Doctor, Masseur, Statistician, Interpreter, etc.
   No other person may sit within 5 m of a team bench.
2. To be a team follower is a privilege, and this involves a responsibility. As a consequence, his behaviour comes under the jurisdiction of the Officials.
3. When conditions warrant it, the Referee may reduce the number of team followers who are in the team bench area.

Art. 4. Equipment

A. Backboards

1. The two backboards shall be made of suitable transparent material, made in one piece and having the same degree of rigidity as those made of hard wood 0.03 m (3 cm) thick.
   They may also be of hard wood, 0.03 m (3 cm) thick and painted white.
2. The dimensions of the backboards shall be 1.80 m horizontally and 1.05 m vertically, with the lower edges 2.90 m above the floor.
3. The appropriate entity of FIBA such as the Zone Commission in the case of Zone or continental competitions, or the National Federation for all domestic competitions, has the authority to also approve backboard dimensions of 1.80 m horizontally and 1.20 m vertically, with their lower edges 2.75 m above the floor.
   
4. The front surface of the two backboards shall be flat and:
   • a. ALL lines shall be drawn as follows:
     1. In white, if the backboard is transparent,
     2. In black in all other cases,
     3. 0.05 m (5 cm) in width.
   • b. The borders shall be marked with a line as per a. above.
   • c. A rectangle shall be drawn behind the ring on each backboard as follows:
     1. Outside dimensions of 0.59 m (59 cm) horizontally and 0.45 m (45 cm) vertically.
     2. The top edge of the base of the rectangle shall be level with the top of the ring.
        
5. The backboards shall be firmly mounted as follows:
   • a. At each end of the court at right angles to the floor, parallel to the endlines.
   • b. Their centres shall lie in the perpendiculars erected at the points in the court 1.20 m from the inner edge of the midpoint of each endline.
   • c. The uprights supporting the backboards shall be at a distance of at least 2.00 m from the outer edge of the endlines and shall be of a bright colour in contrast with the background in order that they will be clearly visible to the players.
6. The padding on both backboards shall be as follows:
   • a. For the bottom and sides of the backboards, the padding shall cover the bottom surface of the board and the side surface to a distance of a minimum of 0.35 m (35 cm) from the bottom.
   • b. The padding of the bottom edge of the backboard shall be of a minimum thickness of 0.05 m (5 cm).
   • c. The front and back surface shall be covered to a minimum of 0.02 m (2 cm) from the bottom and the padding shall be of a minimum thickness of 0.02 m (2 cm).
     
7. The backboard supports shall be padded as follows :
   • a. Any backboard support behind the backboard and at a height of less than 2.75 m above the floor shall be padded on the bottom surface of the support to a distance of 1.20 m from the face of the backboard.
   • The minimum thickness of the padding shall be 0.05 m (5 cm) and shall be of the same density as that of the padding on the backboards.
   • b. All portable backboards must have the bases completely padded and to a minimum height of 2.15 m on the court side surface.
     The minimum thickness of the padding shall be 0.15 m (15 cm).

                 

B. Baskets

The baskets shall be comprised of the rings and the nets.

1. The rings shall be constructed as follows:

• a. Solid iron, with a 0.45 m (45 cm) inside diameter, painted orange.
• b. The metal of the rings shall be of a minimum diameter of 0.017 m (17 mm) and of a maximum diameter of 0.020 m (20 mm) with the addition of small gauge loops on the under edge or similar device for attaching the nets.
• c. They shall be rigidly attached to the backboards (see Note below) and the top edge shall be positioned horizontally 3.05 m above the floor, equidistant from the two vertical edges of the backboard.

Note: It is strongly recommended that the rings be fixed to the framework of the backboard in such a manner that no force, transmitted by the ring, is directly applied to the backboard.

• d. The nearest point of the inside edge of the ring shall be 0.15 m (15 cm) from the face of the backboard.

• e. PRESSURERELEASE rings may be used. They shall meet the following specifications :

1. They shall have rebound characteristics identical to those of a nonmovable ring. The pressurerelease mechanism shall ensure these characteristics, as well as protect both ring and backboard. The design of the ring and its construction shall be such as to ensure player safety.
2. For those rings with a 'positivelock' system, the pressurerelease mechanism must not disengage until a static load of 105 kg has been applied to the top of the ring at the most distant point from the backboard.
3. When the pressurerelease mechanism is released, the ring shall not rotate more than 30 degrees below the original horizontal position.
4. After release and with the load no longer applied, the ring shall return automatically and instantly to the original position.

2. The nets shall be of white cord suspended from the rings and constructed in order that they check the ball momentarily as it passes through the basket. They shall be not less than 0.40 m (40 cm) and not more than 0.45 m (45 cm) in length.

C. Ball Material, Size and Weight

1. The ball shall be spherical and of an approved orange shade in colour.
2. It shall be made with an outer surface of leather, rubber or synthetic material.
3. It shall be not less than 0.749 m (74.9 cm) and not more than 0.780 m (78 cm) in circumference.
4. It shall weigh not less than 567 gr nor more than 650 gr.
5. It shall be inflated to an air pressure such that when it is dropped onto the playing surface from a height of about 1.80 m measured from the bottom of the ball, it will rebound to a height, measured to the top of the ball, of not less than about 1.20 m nor more than about 1.40 m.
6. The width of the seams and/or channels of the ball shall not exceed 0.00635 m (6.35 mm).
7. The home team shall provide at least 2 used balls that meet the above specifications. The Referee shall be the sole judge of the legality of the balls.

As the game ball, should the above balls prove to be inadequate, he may select either a ball provided by the visiting team or one of the balls used by either team for the warmup.

D. Technical Equipment

The following technical equipment shall be provided by the home team and shall be at the disposal of the Officials and their assistants:

1. A Game Clock and a Stopwatch

• a. The Timekeeper shall be provided with a game clock and a stopwatch.
• b. The game clock shall be used for timing periods of play and the intervals between them and it shall be placed so that it is clearly visible to everyone involved with the game.
• c. The stopwatch shall be used for timing timeouts.
• d. If the main game clock is placed above the centre of the playing floor, there shall be a duplicate at each end of the playing floor at floor level. Each duplicate shall indicate both the score and the remaining time. These duplicates must be clearly visible to everyone involved with the game.

2. A 30second device

• a. The device shall be operated by the 30second Operator for the administration of the 30second Rule.
• b. The device shall be automatic, digital countdown type, indicating the time in seconds.
• c. It shall be constructed in such a way that:
  1. When neither team is in control of the ball there is no display on the device.
  2. When stopped for an outofbounds decision and no resetting of the device is to take place, the device can subsequently be restarted from that time.

3. Signals

There shall be equipment for at least two (2) separate sound signals with distinctly different and very LOUD sound as provided for in these Rules:

• a. One (1) for the Timekeeper (which shall sound AUTOMATICALLY to indicate the end of a period, half and game) and the same one for the Scorer (which shall be sounded MANUALLY only during a dead ball period to draw the attention of the Officials that a timeout, a substitution, etc. has been requested), and
• b. One (1) for the 30second device Operator which shall sound AUTOMATICALLY to indicate the end of the 30second period.

4. Scoreboard

There shall be a scoreboard clearly visible to everyone involved with the game, including spectators.

5. A Scoresheet

The official Scoresheet shall be the one approved by the International Basketball Federation and shall be filled in by the Scorer before and during the game as provided for in these Rules.

6. Player Foul Markers

These shall be at the disposal of the Scorer as follows:

• a. The markers shall be white with numbers of a minimum size of 0.20 m (20 cm) in length and 0.10 m (10 cm) in width.
• b. For games played in 2 x 20 minutes, they shall be numbered 1 to 5 (from 1 to 4 in black, with the number 5 in red).
• c. For games played in 4 x 12 minutes, they shall be numbered 1 to 6 (from 1 to 5 in black, with the number 6 in red).

7. Team Foul Markers

Two (2) team foul markers shall be provided for the Scorer as follows:

• a. They shall be red, and
• b. They shall be 0.20 m (20 cm) in width, 0.35 m (35 cm) in height, preferably triangular in shape and constructed in such a way that when positioned on the Scorer's Table they are clearly visible to everyone involved in the game.

Note: Electrical or electronic devices may be used, but they shall meet the specifications outlined above.

8. Team Fouls Indicator

There shall be a suitable device to indicate the number of team fouls.

The device shall stop at the number of team fouls (8 for games of 2 x 20 minutes and 5 for games of 4 x 12 minutes) to indicate that a team has reached the Penalty status (Art. 58).

E. For the equipment to be used in official FIBA Competition, see Official Game Procedures, Section E.

RULE THREE: OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES

Art. 5. Officials and Their Assistants

1. The Officials shall be a Referee and an Umpire, who shall be assisted by a Timekeeper, a Scorer, an Assistant Scorer and a 30second Operator.
2. A Technical Commissioner may also be present. His duty during the game is primarily to supervise the work of the Table Officials and to assist the Referee and Umpire in the smooth functioning of the game.
3. The Officials and their Assistants shall conduct the game in accordance with the Rules and the official FIBA interpretations of the Rules as determined by the FIBA World Technical Commission.
4. It cannot be too strongly emphasised that the Referee and the Umpire of a given game should not be connected in any way with either of the organisations represented on the court.
5. The Officials, their Assistants or the Technical Commissioner have no authority to agree to changes to the Rules.
6. The uniform of the Officials (Referee and Umpire) shall be:
   • a. GREY shirt,
   • b. Long BLACK trousers, and
   • c. BLACK basketball shoes and BLACK socks.

Art. 6. Referee: Powers

1. The Referee shall inspect and approve all equipment to be used during the game.
2. He shall designate the official timepiece and recognise the Timekeeper, the Scorer, the Assistant Scorer and the 30second Operator.
3. He shall not permit any player to wear objects which are dangerous to other players (see Art. 13.6).
4. He shall administer a jump ball at the centre circle to start the game.
5. If the Officials disagree on whether or not a goal shall count, he shall make the final decision.
6. He shall have the power to stop a game when conditions warrant it. He shall also have the power to determine that a team shall forfeit the game if it refuses to play after being instructed to do so or if the team, by its actions, prevents the game from being played.
7. At the end of each half and of each extra period or at any time he feels it is necessary, he shall carefully examine the Scoresheet, approve the score and confirm the time that remains to be played.
8. After any consultation with the Technical Commissioner and/or the Table Officials, he shall always make the final decision.
9. THE REFEREE SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE DECISIONS ON ANY POINT NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED BY THE RULES.

Art. 7. Officials: Time and Place for Decisions

1. The Officials shall have powers to make decisions for infractions of the Rules committed either within or outside the boundary lines.
2. These powers shall START when they arrive on the court, which shall be twenty (20) minutes before the game is scheduled to begin. The Referee's approval and signing of the Scoresheet at the end of the game TERMINATES the connection of the Officials with the game.
3. Penalties for fouls committed during intervals of play shall be administered as described in the appropriate Articles.
4. If, during the period between the end of playing time and the signing of the Scoresheet, there is any unsportsmanlike behaviour by Players, Coaches, Assistant Coaches or team followers, the Referee must record on the Scoresheet that an incident has occurred and ensure that a detailed report is submitted to the responsible authority which shall deal with the matter with appropriate severity.
5. Neither Official shall have the authority to set aside or question the decisions made by the other within the limits of his respective duties as outlined in these Rules.

Comments

If, at the end of a game, there are doubts regarding the exact termination of playing time (example: the Timekeeper fails to stop the game clock on a violation, a held ball or a foul), the Officials shall:

1. Immediately consult each other to determine the exact time that remained to be played when:
   • a. The ball was released on an attempt for a field goal, or
   • b. The violation, the held ball or the foul occurred.
2. If further consultation proves necessary, the Referee should seek advice from the Technical Commissioner, if he is present, as well as from the Table Officials.
   It is the Referee who shall make the final decision.
3. If an extra period is required as a result of free throw(s) taken following a foul committed simultaneously with or just prior to the end of the second half or an extra period, then all fouls that are committed after the signal to end playing time, but prior to the completion of the free throw(s), shall be considered to have occurred during an interval of play and penalised in accordance with the appropriate Article.
4. Should a protest be filed by one of the teams, the Referee shall immediately report the incident to the appropriate authority.

Art. 8. Officials: Duties when an Infraction is Committed

Definition:

Infraction: any foul or violation committed by a player or a Coach.

1. When a VIOLATION is committed:
   • a. The Official shall blow his whistle and simultaneously give the appropriate signal to stop the clock, causing the ball to become dead.
   • b. The above is followed by the appropriate sequence of signals as established in the "Referee's Manual".
   • c. The ball is then awarded to an opponent for a throwin according to Art. 31.
2. When a personal FOUL is committed:
   • a. The Official shall blow his whistle and simultaneously give the appropriate signal to stop the clock, causing the ball to become dead.
   • b. He shall then indicate to the offender that a foul has been committed.
     The offending player is required to acknowledge this by raising his hand in the air only if requested to do so by the Official.
   • c. The Official shall then follow the procedure for reporting a foul to the Scorer's Table as established in the "Referee's Manual".
   • d. When the foul has been acknowledged by the Scorer, inscribed on the Scoresheet and the foul marker raised, the Officials shall resume the game according to the appropriate Article(s).
3. For an Unsportsmanlike, Disqualifying, Technical or Double foul, the Official shall immediately give the appropriate signal for the type of foul.

Comments

1. The Officials shall not blow their whistles after a successful free throw or a successful field goal.
2. After each foul or jump ball decision, the Officials shall always exchange their positions on the court.
3. For all international games, if verbal communication is necessary to make a decision clear, it shall be conducted in English.

Art. 9. Scorer and Assistant Scorer: Duties

• A.
  1. The Scorer shall keep a record of the names and numbers of players who are to start the game and of all substitutes who enter the game.
     When there is an infraction of the Rules pertaining to a submission of a lineup, substitutions or numbers of players, he shall notify the nearer Official as soon as possible after the infraction is discovered.
  2. He shall keep a chronological running summary of points scored and shall record the field goals and the free throws made.
  3. He shall record the personal and technical fouls called on each player and shall notify the Referee immediately when the 5th foul (for games of 2 x 20 minutes) or the 6th foul (for games of 4 x 12 minutes) is called on any player.
     Similarly, he shall record the technical fouls called on each coach and shall notify the Referee immediately when, according to Art. 53, Penalty B., a coach must leave the game.
  4. He shall record the timeouts charged to each team and shall notify the Coach through an Official when he has taken the second timeout (for games of 2 x 20 minutes) or third timeout (for games of 4 x 12 minutes) in each half.
  5. He shall signal to the Officials when the Timekeeper indicates to him that 50 seconds have elapsed from the start of the timeout.
  6. He shall indicate the number of fouls committed by each player. Every time a player commits a foul, he shall raise, in a manner visible to both Coaches, the marker with the number corresponding to the number of fouls committed by that player.
  7. He shall use the team foul markers in the following manner:
     • a. For games played in 2 x 20 minutes:
       The moment the ball goes into play following the seventh (7th) player foul by a team in a half, a red marker shall be positioned on the Scorer's Table at the end nearer the bench of the team that has committed the seventh player foul.
     • b. For games played in 4 x 12 minutes:
       The moment the ball goes into play following the fourth (4th) player foul by a team in a period, a red marker shall be positioned on the Scorer's Table at the end nearer the bench of the team that has committed the fourth player foul.
  8. He shall effect substitutions according to Art. 32.
  9. The sounding of the Scorer's signal does NOT stop the clock or the game, nor does it cause the ball to become dead.
     
     The Scorer should be careful to sound his signal only when the ball is dead and the game clock is stopped, and before the ball again goes into play.
• B. The Assistant Scorer shall operate the scoreboard. His duties shall not counteract or conflict with those of the other Table Officials.

Art. 10. Timekeeper: Duties

1. The timekeeper shall keep a record of playing time and time of stoppage as provided in these Rules.
2. The Timekeeper shall note when each half is to start and shall notify the Referee more than three minutes before this time so that he may notify the teams, or cause them to be notified.
3. For a charged timeout, the Timekeeper shall start a stopwatch and shall direct the Scorer to signal when 50 seconds have elapsed after the start of the timeout.
4. The Timekeeper shall indicate with a very loud signal the expiration of playing time in each half or a period.
5. If the Timekeeper's signal fails to sound or it is not heard, the Timekeeper shall use every possible means at his disposal to notify the Referee immediately.
6. The signal of the Timekeeper causes the ball to become dead and the game clock to be stopped.

Art. 11. 30-second Operator: Duties

The 30second Operator shall operate the 30second device (clock) as provided in Art. 18 of these Rules.

RULE FOUR: PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND COACHES

Art. 12. Teams

Each team shall consist of:

1. Not more than ten (10) team members eligible to play, for games played in 2 x 20 minutes.
2. Not more than twelve (12) team members eligible to play, for games played in 4 x 12 minutes or for tournaments in which a team has to play more than three (3) games.
3. A Coach and, if a team wishes, an Assistant Coach.
4. A Captain, who shall be one of the team members eligible to play.

Art. 13. Players and Substitutes

1. Five (5) players from each team shall be on the court during playing time and may be substituted in accordance with the provisions contained in these Rules.
2. A member of the team is a player when he is on the court and is entitled to play. Otherwise he is a substitute.
3. A substitute becomes a player when the Official beckons him to enter the court and a player becomes a substitute when the Official beckons that player's replacement onto the playing court.
4. The uniform of the players shall consist of :
   • a. SHIRTS of the same single solid colour, front and back (striped shirts are NOT permitted).
     1. Side inserts are permitted.
     2. Side inserts shall be centered vertically below the armpit and shall be a maximum of 0.03 m (3 cm) on either side of the seam for a total of 0.06 m (6 cm) in width.
     3. A trim around the neck or arm openings shall be no more than 0.03 m (3 cm) in width.
        
        Male players must place (tuck) their shirts inside their playing shorts during a game.
        
   • b. TSHIRTS may be worn under the shirts provided they are of the same single colour as the shirt.
   • c. SHORTS of the same single solid colour, front and back, but not necessarily the same colour as the shirts.
     1. A trim is permitted.
     2. A trim down the sides shall be a maximum of 0.03 m (3 cm) on either side of the seam for a total of 0.06 m (6 cm) in width.
     3. A trim around the leg openings shall be no more than 0.03 m (3 cm) in width.
   • d. UNDERGARMENTS that extend below the shorts may be worn provided they are of the same single colour as the shorts.
5. Each player shall be numbered on the front and back of his shirt with plain numbers of a solid colour contrasting with the colour of the shirt.
   The numbers shall be clearly visible and:
   • a. Those on the back shall be at least 0.20 m (20 cm) high.
   • b. Those on the front shall be at least 0.10 m (10 cm) high.
   • c. The numbers shall be not less than 0.02 m (2 cm) wide.
   • d. Teams shall use numbers from 4 to 15.
   • e. Players on the same team shall not wear duplicate numbers.
     Note: If a player changes his number during the game, he shall report the change to the Scorer and to the Referee.
6. The referee shall not permit any player to wear equipment that is dangerous to other players.
   • a. The following are NOT permitted:
     1. Finger, hand, wrist, elbow or forearm guards, casts or braces made of leather, plastic, pliable (soft) plastic, metal or any other hard substance, even if it is covered by soft padding.
     2. Equipment that could cut or cause abrasions.
     3. Head decorations, headwear and jewelry.
   • b. The following are permitted:
     1. Shoulder, upper arm, thigh or lower leg protective equipment if the material is padded so as not to create a danger for other players.
     2. Knee braces if they are properly covered.
     3. Protector for a broken nose, even if it is made of hard material.
     4. Eyeglasses, if they do not create a danger for other players.
     5. Headbands, maximum 0.05 m (5 cm) in width, made of nonabrasive, single colour cloth, pliable plastic or rubber.
7. All equipment used by players must be appropriate for basketball. Any equipment that is designed to increase a player's height or reach or in any other way give an unfair advantage, shall not be permitted.
8. Any other equipment not specifically mentioned in these Rules must first receive the approval of the FIBA World Technical Commission.

Comments

1. Provisions contained in this Article regarding size, colour and placement of numbers to be worn by team members eligible to play must be strictly respected. Numbers must be clearly visible and easily identifiable by Officials and Scorer.
2. Advertising, where permitted, shall not interfere with the visibility of the numbers on the front and back of shirts. Under no circumstances may the numbers on the shirts be reduced in size.
3. Teams must have a minimum of two sets of shirts, one light (preferably white) and the other dark in colour.
4. For ALL games:
   • a. The first team named in the programme (home team) shall wear lightcoloured shirts (preferably white), and
   • b. The second team named in the programme (visitors), shall wear darkcoloured shirts.
   • c. However, if the two teams involved agree, they may interchange the colours of the shirts.
5. For main FIBA competitions, players of the same team shall :
   • a. Wear shoes which are all of the same colour or colours.
   • b. Wear socks which are all of the same colour or colours.

Art. 14. Captain: Duties and Powers

1. When necessary, the Captain shall be the representative of his team on the court. He may address an Official to obtain essential information. This shall be done in a courteous manner and ONLY when the ball is dead and the clock is stopped.
2. Before leaving the playing court for any valid reason, the Captain shall inform the Referee of the number of the player who will replace him as Captain during his absence.

Art. 15. Coaches: Duties and Powers

1. At least 20 minutes before the game is scheduled to begin, each Coach shall give the Scorer a written list of the names and numbers of the team members who are to play in the game, as well as the names of the Captain of the team, the Coach and the Assistant Coach.
2. At least 10 minutes before the game, both Coaches shall confirm their agreement with the names and numbers of their team members and the names of the Coaches inscribed by signing the Scoresheet. At the same time, they shall indicate the five players who are to start the game. The Coach of Team 'A' will be the first to provide this information.
3. Only the Coach or the Assistant Coach shall make the request for charged timeouts.
4. When a Coach or Assistant Coach requires a substitution to be effected, the substitute must report to the Scorer to make the request and must be ready to play immediately.
5. If there is an Assistant Coach his name must be inscribed on the Scoresheet before the beginning of the game (his signature is not necessary). He shall assume the responsibilities of the Coach if, for any reason, the Coach is unable to continue.
6. The team Captain may act as Coach if the Coach is unable to continue and there is no Assistant Coach inscribed on the Scoresheet (or the latter is unable to continue). If the Captain must leave the playing court for any valid reason, he may continue to act as Coach. However, if he must leave following a disqualifying foul, or if he is unable to act as Coach because of injury, his substitute as Captain shall replace him as Coach.
7. ONLY THE COACH, whose name is inscribed on the Scoresheet, IS PERMITTED TO REMAIN STANDING DURING THE GAME.

Comments

1. A player who has been designated by the Coach to start the game may be replaced in the event of an injury, provided that the Referee is satisfied that the injury is genuine.
2. Substitutes arriving late may play, provided that the Coach had included them in the list of team members given to the Scorer prior to the start of the game.
3. The Coach (or the Assistant Coach) is the ONLY representative of the team who may communicate with the Table Officials during the game. He may do so whenever the clock is stopped, the ball is dead and it is necessary to seek information concerning the score, time, scoreboard or number of fouls.
   His contact with the Table Officials must be calm and courteous at all times. He must not interfere with the normal progress of the game.

RULE FIVE: TIMING REGULATIONS

Art. 16. Playing Time

The game shall consist of:

1. Two (2) halves of twenty (20) minutes each, OR
2. Four (4) periods (quarters) of twelve (12) minutes each with intervals of two (2) minutes between the first and second period and between the third and fourth period.
3. The half time interval shall be either ten (10) or fifteen (15) minutes and:
   • a. The local organisers shall decide, but the decision must be made known to all concerned at the latest one day before the competition (tournament) is due to start.
   • b. For single games the decision must be made known before the beginning of the game.
4. The duration of a game shall be decided by the appropriate division of FIBA:
   • a. For World competitions: the Central Board of FIBA.
   • b. For Zone or Continental competitions: the Zone or the Continental highest authority.
   • c. For National or Local competitions: the National or Local organisation.

Art. 17. Game Clock Operations

1. The game clock shall be STARTED when:
   • a. During a jump ball, the ball is legally tapped by a player(s) after having reached its highest point on a toss.
   • b. After an unsuccessful free throw and the ball is to continue in play, the ball touches a player on the court.
   • c. After a throwin from outofbounds, the ball touches a player on the court.
2. The game clock shall be STOPPED when
   • a. Time expires at the end of a half or a period.
   • b. An Official blows his whistle.
   • c. The 30second signal is sounded.
   • d. A field goal is scored against a team which has requested a charged timeout according to Article 19 B.3.

Art. 18. Thirtysecond Rule

1. When a player gains control of a live ball on the court, a shot for goal must be attempted by his team within 30 seconds.

2. Failure of the team in control of the ball to shoot for goal within 30 seconds will be indicated by the sounding of the 30-second signal.
An infraction of this Article is a violation.

3. The 30second device shall be operated as follows:

• a. The 30second device shall be STARTED as soon as a player gains control of a live ball on the court.
• b. The device shall be STOPPED as soon as team control is ended, (see Art. 28).
• c. The device shall be RESET to 30 seconds and restarted ONLY when a new 30second period begins as player control is next established on the court.
  1. If the game is stopped because of an action(s) by an opponent(s) of the team in control of the ball, a NEW 30second period shall be awarded to the team in control of the ball.
  2. The mere touching of the ball by an opponent does NOT start a new 30second period if the same team remains in control of the ball.
• d. The 30second device shall be stopped but NOT RESET when:
  1. The ball has gone outofbounds and the throwin is to be taken by a player from the same team that was previously in control of the ball.
  2. The Officials have suspended play to protect an injured player of the team in control of the ball.
  3. The game is stopped because of an action(s) by the team in control of the ball.
     
     The 30second Operator shall restart the device from the time it was stopped as soon as a player of the same team gains control of the ball on the court after the throwin.
     
• e. For any other reason(s), a NEW 30second period shall be awarded to the team in control of the ball, UNLESS, in the judgement of the Officials, a team has been placed at a disadvantage, in which case the Officials shall NOT award a new 30second period to the team in control of the ball.

Comments

If the 30second device sounds in ERROR while the ball is in the air on a shot for goal:

1. The field goal shall count if the ball enters the basket without being touched by a player of either team.
2. The ball becomes dead and a jump ball shall be called if the ball is legally touched by a player of either team, or it is clear that the shot will not be successful.
3. All restrictions related to Article 44 will apply if the ball has the opportunity to enter the basket and it is touched before it contacts the ring.

Art. 19. Charged Timeout

A. Description:

A timeout of one (1) minute's duration shall be charged to a team under the following provisions:

1. For games played in 2 x 20 minutes, two (2) charged timeouts may be granted to each team during each half of playing time and one (1) charged timeout for each extra period.
2. For games played in 4 x 12 minutes, three (3) charged timeouts may be granted to each team during each half (two periods) of playing time and one (1) charged timeout for each extra period.
3. If the team responsible for the timeout is ready to play before the end of the charged timeout, the Referee shall resume the game as soon as possible.
4. During the timeout, the players are permitted to leave the playing court and sit on the team bench.

B. Procedure:

A Coach or Assistant Coach has the right to request a charged timeout. He shall do so by going in person to the Scorer and asking clearly for a "timeout", making the proper conventional sign with his hands.

The Scorer shall indicate to the Officials that a request for a charged timeout has been made by sounding his signal as soon as the ball is dead and the game clock is stopped.

• a. The request by the Scorer to the Official must be made BEFORE THE BALL AGAIN GOES INTO PLAY and,
• b. If the Official is reporting a foul, after the Official has terminated his communication with the Scorer's Table.

A Coach or Assistant Coach may also be granted a charged timeout:

• a. If a field goal is scored by his opponents after a request from him for a timeout, and
• b. Provided that such request was made BEFORE the ball left the hand(s) of the shooter.
  In this case, the Timekeeper shall immediately stop the game clock. The Scorer shall then sound his signal and indicate to the Officials that a charged timeout has been requested.

Restrictions:

1. A charged timeout is NOT permitted from the moment the ball goes into play for the first or only free throw, until the ball becomes dead again after a clock running phase of the game, except:
   • a. When a foul occurs between free throws. In this case the free throws will be completed and the timeout taken before the ball goes into play for the new foul penalty.
   • b. When a foul occurs before the ball goes into play following the last free throw. In this case the timeout will be taken before the ball goes into play for the new foul penalty.
   • c. A violation is called before the ball goes into play following the last free throw, the penalty for which is a jump ball or a throwin.
2. NO timeout is charged if:
   • a. An injured player is ready to play immediately (approximately 15 seconds) without receiving treatment.
   • b. An injured player is substituted as soon as possible.
   • c. A player who has committed his 5th foul (6th foul in a game played in 4 x 12 minutes) or has been disqualified is replaced within 30 seconds.
   • d. An Official permits a delay.
3. Unused timeouts may not be carried over to the next half or extra period.

Comments

The following points, related to the administration of charged timeouts, are brought to the attention of Coaches and Scorers:

1. The timeout is charged to the Coach of the team who was first to make a request, unless the timeout is granted following a field goal scored by the opponents and without a foul being called.
2. A team's request for a charged timeout may be withdrawn only before the Scorer signals to the Officials that a request for a charged timeout has been made.

Art. 20. Injury to Players or Officials

A. Injury to a Player

1. In case of injury to PLAYERS, the Officials may stop the game.
2. If the ball is alive when an injury occurs, the Officials shall withhold their whistles until the play has been completed, that is, the team in control of the ball has shot for goal, lost control of the ball, has withheld the ball from play, or the ball has become dead.
   However, when necessary to protect an injured player, the Officials may suspend play immediately.
3. • a. If the injured player cannot continue to play immediately (approximately 15 seconds) or, if he receives treatment, he must be substituted within one (1) minute or as soon as possible if the injury prevents his substitution within one (1) minute.
   • b. However, an injured player who has received treatment or recovers within one (1) minute MAY REMAIN in the game, BUT:
     1. His team shall be charged with a timeout, except in the case of the team having to continue with fewer than 5 players.
     2. The team shall not receive the full 60 seconds as for a 'normal' timeout and the game shall be restarted as soon as possible.
4. An injured player CANNOT REMAIN in the game and must be substituted if:
   • a. His injury is such that he cannot continue to play within one (1) minute.
   • b. His team does not have any charged timeouts left, except in the case of the team having to continue with fewer than 5 players.
5. If free throws have been awarded to the injured player, they must be attempted by his substitute. The substitute for the injured player may not be substituted until the next substitution opportunity for his team.
6. During the game, the Official shall order any player who is bleeding or has an open wound, to leave the playing court and cause this player to be substituted. The player may return to the court ONLY after the bleeding has stopped and the area affected or the open wound has been completely and securely covered.

B. Injury to an Official

If an Official is injured or for any other reason cannot continue to perform his duties within 10 minutes of the incident, the game shall be resumed and the other Official will officiate alone until the end of the game, unless there is the possibility of replacing the injured Official by a qualified substitute Official.

Art. 21. Tied Score and Extra Periods

1. If the score is tied at the expiration of the second half (game played in 2 x 20 minutes) or the fourth period (game played in 4 x 12 minutes), the game shall be continued with an extra period of five (5) minutes or with as many such periods of 5 minutes as are necessary to break the tie.
2. Before the first extra period the teams shall toss a coin to determine the basket at which they will shoot.
3. They shall change baskets at the beginning of each additional extra period.
4. An interval of 2 minutes shall be allowed before each extra period.
5. Each extra period shall be started by a jump ball at the centre circle.

RULE SIX: PLAYING REGULATIONS

Art. 22. Decision of a Game

A game shall be decided by the scoring of the greater number of points during the playing time.

Art. 23 Beginning of the Game

1. The game CANNOT begin if one of the teams is not on the court with five (5) players ready to play.
2. The game shall be started by a jump ball at the centre circle.
3. The game officially begins when the Referee, with the ball, steps into the centre circle to administer the jump ball.
4. Procedures 2. and 3. above shall be followed at the beginning of each period.
5. Teams shall change baskets for the second half of all games.

Art. 24. Status of the Ball

1. The ball IS IN PLAY (goes into play) when :

• a. An Official with the ball enters the circle to administer a jump ball.
• b. An Official enters the free throw lane with or without the ball to administer a free throw.
• c. The ball is at the disposal of a player for a throwin from outofbounds.

2. The ball becomes ALIVE when :

• a. During a jump ball, it is legally tapped by a jumper(s) after having reached its highest point.
• b. An Official places it at the disposal of a free throw shooter.
• c. After a throwin from outofbounds, it touches a player on the court.

3. The ball becomes DEAD when :

• a. Any goal is legally made.
• b. An Official's whistle sounds while the ball is alive or in play.
• c. It is apparent that the ball will NOT go into the basket on a free throw for:
  1. A free throw which is to be followed by another free throw(s).
  2. A free throw which is to be followed by a further penalty.
• d. The 30second Operator's signal is sounded while the ball is alive. (Exception: see Art.18, Comments).
• e. Time expires for a half or a period.
• f. The ball which is already in flight on a shot for goal is legally touched by a player of either team after time has expired for a half or a period, or after a foul has been called.
  The provisions of Articles 33 and 44 still apply.

Exceptions

The ball DOES NOT BECOME DEAD and the field goal counts if it is made, when:

1. The ball is in flight on a free throw or a shot for a field goal when b, d or e (above) occurs.
2. An opponent commits a foul while the ball is still in the control of a player who is in the act of shooting for goal and who finishes his shot with a continuous motion which started before the foul occurred. (See: Art. 29).
   This (number 2 above) does not apply at the end of a half or a period or after the 30second signal has sounded.

Art. 25. Location of a Player and of an Official

1. The location of a PLAYER is determined by where he is touching the floor.
   While he is in the air from a leap, he retains the same status as where he last touched the floor. This includes the boundary lines, the centre line, the 3point line, the free throw line and the lines delimiting the free throw lanes. (Exception: see Art. 31.D.).
2. The location of an OFFICIAL is determined in the same manner as that of a player.
   When the ball touches an Official, it is the same as touching the floor at the Official's location.

Art. 26. Jump Ball

1. A jump ball takes place when an Official tosses the ball between two opposing players.
2. For a jump ball to be legal, the ball must be tapped with the hand(s) by one or both jumpers.
3. A jump ball shall take place at the nearest circle:
   • a. When held ball is called, that is, when one or more players of opposing teams have one or both hands firmly on the ball so that neither player could gain possession without undue roughness.
     If there are more than two players involved, the jump ball shall be between two opposing players of approximately the same height as designated by the Official.
   • b. If the ball goes outofbounds and:
     1. It was last touched simultaneously by two opponents, or
     2. The Official is in doubt as to who last touched the ball, or
     3. If the Officials disagree, the jump ball shall be between the two players involved.
   • c. Whenever a live ball lodges on the basket support:
     the jump ball shall be between any two opponents.
   • d. Whenever penalties of the same gravity are cancelled according to Art. 59 and the result is a jump ball:
     the jump ball shall be between any two opponents.
   • e. Whenever the ball accidentally enters the basket from below:
     the jump ball shall be between any two opponents.
4. The following CONDITIONS shall apply:
   • a. During a jump ball the two jumpers shall stand with their feet inside that half of the circle which is nearer to their own baskets, with one foot near the centre of the line that is between them.
   • b. The Official shall then toss the ball upward (vertically) between the jumpers to a height greater than either of them can reach by jumping and such that it will drop between them.
   • c. The ball must be legally tapped by one or both of the jumpers AFTER it reaches its highest point.
   • d. Neither jumper shall leave his position until the ball has been legally tapped.
   • e. Neither jumper may catch the ball or touch it more than twice until it has touched one of the eight nonjumpers, the floor, the basket or the backboard.
   • Under this provision four taps are possible, two by each jumper.
   • f. The other players shall remain outside the circle until the ball has been tapped.
   • g. If the ball is not tapped by one or both of the jumpers or if it touches the floor without being tapped by at least one of the jumpers, the jump ball shall be retaken.
   • h. Team mates may not occupy adjacent positions around the circle if an opponent desires one of the positions.

An infraction of conditions a., c., d., e. and f. is a violation.

Art. 27. How the Ball is Played

1. In basketball, the ball is played with the hands. It is a violation to run with the ball, kick it or strike it with the fist.
2. Kicking the ball means striking it or blocking it with the knee, any part of the leg below the knee, or the foot.
   Such action is a violation only when it is done deliberately.
3. To accidentally contact or touch the ball with the foot or leg is not a violation.

Art. 28. Control of the Ball

1. A PLAYER is in control when:
   • a. He is holding or dribbling a live ball.
   • b. The ball is at his disposal for a throwin during an outofbounds situation.
2. A TEAM is in control when:
   • a. A player of that team is in control.
   • b. The ball is being passed between team mates.
3. Team control CONTINUES until:
   • a. An opponent secures control.
   • b. The ball becomes dead.
   • c. The ball is no longer in contact with the hand(s) of the shooter on a shot for goal.

Art. 29. Player in the Act of Shooting

Definitions :

THROW: to hold the ball in one or both hands and then project it through the air towards the basket.

DUNK: to force or attempt to force the ball downwards into the basket with one or both hands.

TAP: to strike the ball with the hand or hands towards the basket.

1. A player is in the act of shooting when, in the judgement of an Official, he has started an attempt to score by throwing, dunking or tapping the ball and the attempt continues until the ball has left the player's hand(s).
2. In the case of an AIRBORNE SHOOTER, the act of shooting CONTINUES until the attempt is completed (the ball has left the hand(s) of the shooter) and both the player's feet return to the floor.
   TEAM CONTROL, however, ENDS WHEN THE BALL IS RELEASED.
3. For a foul to be considered to have been committed on a player in the act of shooting, the foul must occur, in the judgement of the Official, after a player has started the CONTINUOUS MOVEMENT of his arm(s) in his attempt to shoot for goal.
   Continuous movement:
   • a. Begins when the ball comes to rest in the hand(s) of the player and the shooting motion, usually upward, has started.
   • b. May include arm(s) and/or body movement used by the player in his attempt to shoot for goal.
     If the criteria regarding continuous movement is as stated above, then the player is considered to be in the act of shooting.
4. 
   Note: There is NO RELATIONSHIP between the number of steps taken and the act of shooting.
5. The goal shall count if made, even if the ball has left the player's hand after the whistle has blown.
   This provision (numbert 4.) does not apply:
   • a. At the end of a period (see Art. 33).
   • b. When the 30second signal sounds (see Art. 18).
6. 5. The goal does NOT count if an entirely new effort (movement) is made after the whistle has blown.
7. 6. A player who taps the ball towards the basket directly from a jump ball is NOT considered to be in the act of shooting.

Penalty

See Art. 47, Penalty 2.

Art. 30. Goal When Made and its Value

1. A goal is made when a live ball enters the basket from above and remains within or passes through.
2. A goal from the field is credited to the team attacking the basket into which the ball is thrown as follows:
   • a. A goal from a free throw counts one (1) point.
   • b. A goal from the field counts two (2) points.
   • c. A goal from the 3point field goal area counts three (3) points.
3. If a team scores a field goal ACCIDENTALLY in its own basket, the points shall be recorded as scored by the Captain of the opposing team.
4. If a team DELIBERATELY SCORES A FIELD GOAL IN ITS OWN BASKET, it is an infraction of the spirit of these Rules, and:
   • a. No points shall be scored.
   • b. A technical foul shall be charged to the Coach of the team who committed the infraction.
   • c. The game shall resume according to the appropriate Article.
5. If a player deliberately causes the ball to enter the basket from below, it is a violation.

Comment

A three (3) point field goal attempt changes its status and becomes a two (2) point field goal after the ball has touched the ring and is legally touched by an offensive or a defensive player before it enters the basket.

Art. 31. Throwin

• A. Following a field goal or a successful last free throw:
  1. Any opponent of the team credited with the score shall be entitled to throw the ball in from any point outofbounds on or behind the endline at the end of the court where the goal was made.
     This is also applicable after an Official hands the ball to a player or places it at his disposal after a timeout or after any stoppage of play.
  2. He may pass it to a teammate on or behind the endline, but the five (5) second count (see C.3. below) starts the instant the ball is at the disposal of the first player outofbounds.
  3. The Official should not handle the ball unless by doing so the game can be resumed more quickly.
  4. Opponents of the player making the throwin shall not touch the ball after it passes through the basket.
     Allowances may be made for touching the ball accidentally or instinctively, but if the game is delayed by interfering with the ball, it is a technical foul.
• Exception
  Following a free throw(s) for a technical or disqualifying foul charged against a coach and/or an unsportsmanlike or disqualifying foul committed by a player, the ball shall be thrown in from outofbounds at midcourt, opposite the Scorer's Table, whether or not the last free throw was successful.
• B. Following an infraction or for any other stoppage of play and the game is to be resumed by a throwin (except after a valid free throw or field goal) :
  1. The player who is to throw the ball in, shall stand outofbounds as designated by the Official, at the place nearest the point of the infraction or where the play was stopped, EXCEPT DIRECTLY BEHIND THE BACKBOARD. (Exception: see Comment 1.).
  2. An Official must hand the ball directly to, or place it at the disposal of the player making the throwin.
  3. The player who is to make the throwin shall NOT take and complete more than one normal step laterally (approximately 1 metre) and in more than one direction from the place designated by the Official before releasing the ball.
     • a. Several small steps in one direction are permitted provided the distance covered is not more than one normal step.
     • b. To move backwards and perpendicular to the line as far as the circumstances will allow is permitted.
• C. A player making a throwin shall NOT VIOLATE the following PROVISIONS:
  1. Touch the ball in the court before it has touched another player.
  2. Step on the court while releasing the ball.
  3. Consume more than five (5) seconds before releasing the ball.
  4. Throw the ball over the backboard to another player on the court.
  5. Cause the ball to touch outofbounds, to lodge on the basket support or to enter the basket before contacting a player on the court following the release of the ball for the throwin.
• D. Any other player may not have any part of his body over the boundary line before the ball has been thrown across the line.
  An infraction of B.3., C. and D. is a violation.

Penalty

The ball is awarded to the opponents for a throwin at the point of the original throwin.

Comments

1. If the ball ENTERS the basket but the field goal or the free throw is NOT valid, then the subsequent throwin shall be made from outofbounds at the free throw line extended.
2. An Official may toss the ball to the player making the throwin provided that:
   • a. The Official is not more than 3 or 4 metres from the player who is to make the throwin.
   • b. The player making the throwin is at the correct place as indicated by the Official.
   • c. The team about to gain possession of the ball does not gain an advantage.
3. When the margin (area) free of obstructions of the outofbounds territory is less than two (2) metres, no player of either team shall be within one (1) metre of the player making the throwin.

Art. 32. Substitutions

1. Before entering the court, a substitute shall report to the Scorer and must be ready to play immediately.
2. The substitute shall remain outside the boundary line until the Official beckons him onto the court.
3. The Scorer shall indicate that a request for a substitution has been made by sounding his signal as soon as:
   • a. The ball becomes dead,
   • b. The game clock is stopped, and
   • c. The Official has terminated his communication with the Scorer's Table when that Official is reporting a foul.
4. 
   The request by the Scorer to the Official must be made BEFORE THE BALL AGAIN GOES INTO PLAY.
5. Substitutions shall be completed as quickly as possible.
   If, in the opinion of the Official, there is an unreasonable delay, a timeout shall be charged against the offending team.
6. Substitutions are subject to the following conditions:
   • a. Following a violation, only the team which is to make the throwin may substitute.
     In such a situation, the opponents may also substitute, provided the team making the throwin has also made a substitution.
   • b. Only the player who was attempting a free throw(s) may be substituted provided that:
     1. Such substitution was requested before the ball went into play for the FIRST or ONLY free throw.
     2. The last or only free throw was successful OR after the last or only free throw, the ball becomes and remains dead as a result of further foul penalties.
        In this case (b) the opponents may then be granted one substitution provided the request was made before the ball goes into play for the LAST or ONLY free throw.
   • c. No substitutions are permitted between free throws.
     This condition is valid until the next substitution opportunity.
   • d. If a foul occurs during free throws, substitutions will be permitted only after the free throws for the earlier foul have been completed and before the ball goes into play for the new foul penalty.
   • e. A player involved in a jump ball may not be substituted by another player.
   • f. A player who has been substituted cannot reenter the game and a substitute who has become a player cannot leave the game until a clockrunning phase of the game has occurred. (Exception: Art. 61 3. a.).
   • g. If a substitution is requested during a charged timeout, the substitute must report to the Scorer and be beckoned by the nearest Official before entering the game.
   • h. A substitution request may be cancelled prior to the Scorer's signal being sounded.

Art. 33. When a Period or a Game is Terminated

1. A period, a half or a game shall terminate at the sounding of the Timekeeper's signal indicating the end of playing time.
2. When a foul is committed simultaneously with or just prior to the Timekeeper's signal ending any half or any period, any eventual free throw(s) as a result of the foul shall be taken.
3. If there is doubt regarding the termination of a period, a half or a game, the procedure detailed in Art. 7, Comments, shall be followed.

Art. 34. Game Lost by Forfeit

A team shall lose the game by forfeit if:

1. It refuses to play after being instructed to do so by the Referee.
2. By its actions it prevents the game from being played.
3. Fifteen (15) minutes after the starting time, the team is not present or is not able to field five (5) players.

Penalty

The game is awarded to the opponents and the score shall be twenty to zero (20 to 0). Further, the forfeiting team shall receive zero (0) points in the classification.

Comment

For a twogame (home and away) total points series, the team that forfeits in the first or in the second game shall lose the series by 'Forfeit'.

Art. 35. Game Lost by Default

A team shall lose a game by default if, during the game, the number of players of that team on the court is less than two.

Penalty

If the team to which the game is awarded is ahead, the score at the time of the stoppage shall stand. If the team to which the game is awarded is not ahead, the score shall be recorded as two to zero (2 to 0) in its favour. Further, the defaulting team shall receive one (1) point in the classification.

Comment

For a twogame (home and away) total points series, the team that defaults in the first or in the second game shall lose the series by 'Default'.

RULE SEVEN: VIOLATIONS

Art. 36. Violations

1. A violation is an infraction of the Rules.
2. The penalty is the loss of the ball by the team that committed the violation (Exception: Art. 44 and 60).
3. The ball is awarded to the opponents for a throwin from outofbounds at the closest point to the infraction, EXCEPT DIRECTLY BEHIND THE BACKBOARD. (Exceptions: Art. 31 Comments 1., 44 and 60).

Art. 37. Player OutofBounds and Ball OutofBounds

1. A PLAYER is outofbounds when any part of his body is in contact with the floor or any object other than a player on, above or outside the boundary lines.
2. The BALL is outofbounds when it touches :
   • a. A player or any other person who is outofbounds.
   • b. The floor or any object on, above or outside a boundary line.
   • c. The supports or the back of the backboards.
3. The BALL IS CAUSED to go outofbounds by the last player to touch it or be touched by it before it goes outofbounds, even if the ball goes outofbounds by touching something other than a player.

An infraction of this Article is a violation.

Art. 38. Dribbling Rule

1. A dribble STARTS when a player, having gained control of the ball, throws, taps or rolls it on the floor and touches it again before it touches another player.
2. The dribble is COMPLETED the instant the player touches the ball simultaneously with both hands or permits the ball to come to rest in one or both hands.
3. There is no limit to the number of steps a player may take when the ball is not in contact with his hand.
4. The following are not dribbles :
   • a. Successive shots for goal.
   • b. Accidentally losing and then regaining player control (fumble) at the beginning or at the end of a dribble.
   • c. Attempts to gain control of the ball by tapping it from the vicinity of other players striving for it.
   • d. Tapping the ball from the control of another player.
   • e. Blocking a pass and recovering the ball.
   • f. Tossing the ball from hand(s) to hand(s) and permitting it to come to rest before touching the floor, provided he does not commit a travelling violation (see Art. 39).
5. A player shall not dribble a second time after his first dribble has ended, unless it is after he has lost control because of:
   • a. A shot for goal,
   • b. A tap by an opponent, or
   • c. A pass or fumble that has then touched or been touched by another player.
6. A player shall not throw the ball against a backboard and touch it again before it touches another player unless, in the opinion of the Official, it was a shot.

An infraction of this Article is a violation.

Comment:

There is NO violation of this Article unless the player has control of the ball.

Art. 39. Travel Rule

• A. Definitions
  1. A PIVOT takes place when a player who is holding the live ball steps once or more than once in any direction with the same foot, while the other foot, called the 'pivot' foot, is kept at its point of contact with the floor.
  2. TRAVELLING or progressing with the ball (inside the playing court), is the moving of one or both feet in any direction while holding the ball in excess of the limits outlined in this Article.
• B. Establishing a Pivot Foot
  1. A player who catches the ball with BOTH FEET ON THE FLOOR may use EITHER FOOT as the pivot foot. The moment one foot is lifted, the OTHER becomes the pivot foot.
  2. A player who catches the ball while MOVING OR DRIBBLING may stop and establish a pivot foot as follows:
     • a. If ONE FOOT is touching the floor:
       1. THAT FOOT becomes the pivot foot as soon as the other foot touches the floor.
       2. The player may jump off that foot and simultaneously land on both feet, then NEITHER FOOT can be the pivot foot.
     • b. If BOTH feet are OFF THE FLOOR and the player :
       1. Lands simultaneously on both feet, then EITHER FOOT may be the pivot foot. The moment one foot is lifted, the OTHER becomes the pivot foot.
       2. Lands on one foot followed by the other foot, then
       3. the FIRST FOOT to touch the floor is the pivot foot.
       4. Lands on one foot, the player may jump off that foot and simultaneously land on both feet, then NEITHER FOOT can be the pivot foot.
• C. Progressing with the Ball
  1. After having established a pivot foot:
     • a. On a pass or a try for a field goal, the pivot foot may be LIFTED but may NOT be returned to the floor before the ball is released from the hand(s),
     • b. To start a dribble, the pivot foot may NOT be lifted BEFORE the ball is released from the hand(s).
  2. After coming to a STOP when NEITHER foot is the pivot foot:
     • a. On a pass or a try for a field goal, one or both feet may be LIFTED but may NOT be returned to the floor before the ball is released from the hand(s).
     • b. To start a dribble, NEITHER FOOT may be lifted before the ball is released from the hand(s).

An infraction of this Article is a violation.

Comment

There is NO violation of this Article unless the player has control of the ball.

Art. 40. Threesecond Rule

1. While his team is in control of the ball, a player shall NOT remain for more than three (3) consecutive seconds in the opponents' restricted area.
2. The lines bounding the restricted area are part of the restricted area and a player touching one of these lines is in the area.
3. The 3second restriction is in force in all outofbounds situations.
   The count shall start at the moment the player making the throwin is outofbounds and the ball is at his disposal (is in play).
4. The 3second restriction does NOT apply:
   • a. While the ball is in the air during a shot for goal.
   • b. During a rebound.
   • c. When the ball is dead.
5. Allowance must be made for a player who, having been in the restricted area for less than 3 seconds, dribbles in to shoot for goal.

An infraction of this Article is a violation.

Comment

There is NO violation of this Article unless the team has control of the ball.

Art. 41. Closely Guarded Player

A closely guarded player (within one normal step) who is holding the ball shall pass, shoot, roll or dribble the ball within five (5) seconds.

An infraction of this Article is a violation.

Art. 42. Tensecond Rule

1. A team's FRONT COURT consists of the opponents' basket, the inbounds part of the backboard and that part of the court limited by the endline behind the opponents' basket, the sidelines and the edge of the centre line nearer to the opponents' basket.
   The other part of the court, including the centre line and that team's basket, including the inbounds part of the backboard, is the team's BACK COURT.
2. When a player gains control of a LIVE ball in his BACK COURT, his team must, within ten (10) seconds, cause the ball to go into its front court.
3. The ball GOES into a team's FRONT COURT when it touches the front court or touches a player who has part of his body in contact with the front court.

An infraction of this Article is a violation.

Art. 43. Ball Returned to the Back Court

1. A player whose team is in control of the ball which is in the front court may not cause the ball to go into his back court.
2. The ball is considered to have gone into the back court when a player of the team in control of the ball is:
   • a. The LAST to touch the ball before it goes into the back court, and
   • b. A player of that same team is the FIRST to touch the ball after
     1. It has touched the back court, or
     2. If this player is in contact with the back court.
3. This restriction applies to ALL situations in a team's front court, including throwins from outofbounds.
4. It does NOT apply to throwins from the midpoint of a sideline in accordance with the Penalties in Art. 49, 50 or 53.

An infraction of this Article is a violation.

Comment:

A ball that is deflected into the back court by a defensive player may be recovered by either team.

Art. 44. Interference with the Ball on Offence and Defence

During playing time:

1. An offensive or a defensive player may not touch the ball when it is in its downward flight and completely above the level of the ring during a shot for a field goal.
   This restriction applies only until:
   • a. The ball touches the ring.
   • b. It is evident that it shall not touch the ring.
2. A defensive player shall not touch the BALL or the BASKET while the ball is within the basket.
3. An offensive or a defensive player shall not touch the BASKET or the BACKBOARD while the ball is in contact with the ring during a shot for a field goal.

Penalty:

• A. The ball becomes dead when the violation is called by the Official(s).
  1. If the violation is by the OFFENCE :
     No point can be scored and the ball is awarded to the opponents for a throwin from outofbounds at the free throw line extended.
  2. If the violation is by the DEFENCE :
     The shooter is awarded two (2) points, or three (3) points if the field goal was attempted from the threepoint field goal area.
     The game is restarted from outofbounds behind the endline as though the shot for goal has been successful.
  3. For interference with the ball on defence or offence during a free throw see Art. 60.
• B. When a shot is taken near the end of playing time (for a period or a half) and the ball has left the player's hand and is in the air before time expired:
  1. If the ball enters the basket directly, the goal shall count.
  2. If the ball strikes the ring, rebounds and then enters the basket, the goal shall count.
  3. If, after the ball has touched the ring, a player of either team touches the ball, the basket or the backboard, it is a violation.
     • a. If a DEFENSIVE player commits the violation, the goal shall count and either 2 or 3 points shall be awarded.
     • b. If an OFFENSIVE player commits the violation, the ball becomes dead and the goal, if scored, shall NOT count.
  4. These provisions apply until it is evident that the shot will not be successful.

RULE EIGHT: PERSONAL FOULS

Art. 45. Fouls

1. A foul is an infraction of the Rules when personal contact with an opponent or unsportsmanlike behaviour is involved.
2. It is charged against the offender and consequently penalised according to the provisions of the relevant Article of the Rules.

Art. 46. Contact

1. Basketball is, theoretically, a nocontact game. Nevertheless, it is obvious that personal contact cannot be avoided entirely when 10 players are moving with great speed over a limited space.
2. If personal contact results from a 'bona fide' attempt to play the ball (normal basketball play) and such contact does not place the opponent who has been contacted at a disadvantage, the contact may be considered incidental and need not be penalised.
3. Contact from behind is not a normal basketball play. The player behind is usually responsible for the contact because of his unfavorable position in relation to the ball and his opponent.

Comments

The basic principles listed below must be followed when making a decision on personal contact:

1. It is the duty of each player to avoid contact in any possible way.
2. Any player is entitled, within the limits of the Rules, to a normal place on the floor which is not occupied by an opponent, provided he does not cause personal contact in taking up such a position.
3. If a contact foul occurs, the foul is caused by the player responsible for the contact.

Art. 47. Personal Foul

1. 1. A personal foul is a player foul which involves contact with an opposing player, whether the ball is alive, in play, or dead.
2. 2. A player shall not block, hold, push, charge, trip, impede the progress of an opponent by extending his arm, shoulder, hip, knee, or foot, nor by bending his body into other than a normal position, nor shall he use any rough tactics.

Definitions:

1. BLOCKING: is personal contact which impedes the progress of an opponent.
2. CHARGING: is personal contact, with or without the ball, by pushing or moving into an opponent's torso.
3. GUARDING from the REAR: is personal contact with an opponent by a defensive player from behind the opponent. The mere fact that the defensive player is attempting to play the ball does not justify his making contact with an opponent.
4. HANDCHECKING: is the action by a defensive player in a guarding situation where the hand(s) are used to contact an opponent to either impede his progress or to assist the defensive player in guarding his opponent.
5. HOLDING: is personal contact with an opponent that interferes with his freedom of movement. This contact (holding) can occur with any part of the body.
6. ILLEGAL USE of HANDS: occurs when a player contacts an opponent with his hand(s) in an attempt to play the ball. If such contact is only with the opponent's hand while it is on the ball, it shall be considered incidental.
7. PUSHING: is personal contact with any part of the body that takes place when a player forcibly moves or attempts to move an opponent who has or does not have control of the ball.
8. ILLEGAL SCREENING: is an attempt to illegally delay or prevent an opponent who does not control the ball from reaching a desired position on the playing court.

Penalty

A personal foul shall be charged to the offender in all cases. In addition:

1. If the foul is committed on a player who is NOT in the act of shooting:
   • a. The game shall be resumed by a throwin by the nonoffending team from outofbounds nearest the place of the infraction.
   • b. If the offending team was in the penalty, then Art. 58 will come into effect.
2. If the foul is committed on a player who IS in the act of shooting:
   • a. If the goal is made, it shall count and one (1) free throw shall be awarded.
   • b. If the shot for goal for 2 points is unsuccessful, two (2) free throws shall be awarded.
   • c. If the shot for goal for 3 points is unsuccessful, three (3) free throws shall be awarded.
3. If a foul is committed by a player while his team is in control of the ball:
   • a. The game shall be resumed by a throwin by the nonoffending team from outofbounds nearest the place of the infraction.
   • b. Exceptions: see Art. 48, 49, 50, 52 and 53.

Comments

• A. Principle of Verticality
  1. On the basketball court, each player has the right to a position on the floor and the space (cylinder) above him.
  2. This principle protects the space above him and the space on the floor which he occupies.
  3. As soon as the player leaves his vertical position (cylinder) and body contact occurs with an opponent who had already established his own vertical position (cylinder), the player who left his vertical position (cylinder) is responsible for the contact.
     • a. The defender must NOT be penalised for leaving the floor vertically (within his cylinder) or having his hands and arms extended above him and within the cylinder.
     • b. The offensive player, whether on the floor or airborne, SHALL NOT cause contact with the defensive player or use his arms to create additional space for himself (clearout).
• B. Legal Guarding Position
  1. A defensive player has established a legal guarding position when:
     • a. He is facing his opponent, and
     • b. He has both feet on the floor in a normal straddle position. The distance between his feet in a normal straddle position is generally proportional to his height.
  2. The legal guarding position extends vertically above him (cylinder). He may raise his arms above his head but he must maintain them in a vertical position inside the imaginary cylinder.
• C. Guarding a Player who Controls the Ball
  1. In guarding a player who controls (he is holding or dribbling) the ball, the ELEMENTS OF TIME AND DISTANCE DO NOT APPLY.
  2. The player with the ball must expect to be guarded and must be prepared to stop or change his direction whenever an opponent takes a legal guarding position in front of him, even if this is done within a fraction of a second.
  3. The guarding (defensive) player must establish a legal guarding position without causing body contact prior to taking his position.
  4. Once the defensive player has established a legal guarding position, he must maintain this position (see number 5. below), that is, he may not extend his arms, shoulders, hips or legs to prevent the dribbler from passing by him.
  5. When judging a BLOCK/CHARGE player with the ball situation, an Official shall use the following principles:
     • a. The defensive player must establish an initial legal guarding position by facing the player with the ball and having both feet on the floor.
     • b. The defensive player may remain stationary or move laterally or backwards in order to maintain the guarding position.
     • In moving to maintain the guarding position, one or both feet may be off the floor for an instant, as long as the lateral or backwards movement is considered normal defensive movement.
     • c. The defensive player must be on the spot first and contact must occur on the torso.
       If the contact is on the torso, then the defensive player would be considered to have been on the spot first.
  6. IF THE THREE ITEMS ABOVE ARE PRESENT, THEN THE FOUL IS CAUSED BY THE PLAYER WITH THE BALL.
• D. The Player who is in the air
  1. A player who has jumped in the air from a spot on the court has the right to land again on the same spot.
  2. He has the right to land on another spot on the court, provided that:
     • a. The landing spot is not already occupied by an opponent(s) at the time of the takeoff.
     • b. The direct path between the takeoff and landing spot is not already occupied by an opponent(s).
  3. If a player has takenoff and landed but his momentum causes him to contact an opponent who has taken a legal guarding position near the landing spot, then the jumper is responsible for the contact.
  4. A player may not move into the path of an opponent after the latter has jumped into the air.
  5. Moving under a player who is in the air and causing contact, is usually an unsportsmanlike foul and in certain cases it may be a disqualifying foul.
• E. Guarding a Player who does NOT Control the Ball
  1. A player who does not control the ball is entitled to move freely on the court and take any position not already occupied by another player.
  2. The ELEMENTS OF TIME AND DISTANCE SHALL APPLY. This means that a defensive player cannot take a position:
     • a. So near to an opponent in motion that the latter does not have sufficient distance to either stop or change his direction.
     • b. So quickly in the path of a moving opponent that the latter does not have sufficient time or distance to either stop or change his direction.
       The distance is directly proportional to the speed of the opponent, never less than 1 and never more than 2 steps.
       If a player disregards the elements of time and distance in taking his position and body contact with an opponent occurs, he is responsible for the contact.
  3. Once a defensive player has taken a legal guarding position, he may not prevent his opponent from passing him by extending his arms, shoulders, hips or legs in his path. He may, however, turn or place his arm(s) in front of and close to his body to avoid injury.
  4. Once a defensive player has taken a legal guarding position:
     • a. He may shift or move laterally or backwards in order to remain in the path of his opponent.
     • b. He may move forward toward his opponent, however, if body contact occurs, he is responsible for it.
     • c. He must respect the element of space, that is, the distance between himself and his opponent as per 2.b. above.
• F. Screening Legal and Illegal
  1. Screening occurs when a player attempts to delay or prevent an opponent who does not control the ball from reaching a desired position on the court.
  2. LEGAL screening takes place when the player who is screening an opponent is:
     • a. STATIONARY (inside his cylinder) when contact occurs.
     • b. Has both feet on the floor when contact occurs.
  3. ILLEGAL screening takes place when the player who is screening an opponent:
     • a. Was MOVING when contact occurred.
     • b. Did not give the appropriate distance in setting a screen outside the field of vision of a STATIONARY opponent when contact occurred.
     • c. Did not respect the elements of time and distance on an opponent IN MOTION when contact occurred.
  4. If the screen is set WITHIN the field of vision of a stationary opponent (frontal or lateral), a player may establish the screen as close to him, short of contact, as he desires.
  5. If the screen is set OUTSIDE the field of vision of a stationary opponent, the screener must permit the opponent to take 1 normal step toward the screen without making contact.
  6. If the opponent is IN MOTION, the elements of time and distance shall apply. The screener must leave enough space so that the player who is being screened is able to avoid the screen by stopping or changing direction.
     The distance required is never less than 1 normal step but never more than 2 steps.
  7. A player who is legally screened is responsible for any contact with the player who has set up the screen.
• G. Blocking
  1. A player who is attempting to screen is committing a blocking foul if contact occurs when he is moving and his opponent is stationary or retreating from him.
  2. If a player disregards the ball, faces an opponent and shifts his position as the opponent shifts, he is primarily responsible for any contact that ensues, unless other factors are involved.
     The expression "unless other factors are involved" refers to deliberate pushing, charging or holding of the player who is being screened.
  3. It is legal for a player to extend his arm(s) or elbow(s) in taking position on the floor, but they must be lowered (inside the cylinder) when an opponent attempts to go by. If a player fails to lower the arm(s) or elbow(s) and contact occurs, it is blocking or holding.
• H. Touching Opponents with the Hands
  1. The touching of an opponent with a hand or hands, in itself, is not necessarily an infraction. However, when the opponent is in the field of vision of a player, there is no justification in touching with the hands and such action could be considered illegal personal contact.
     The Officials must decide whether an advantage has been gained.
  2. If the contact restricts in any way the freedom of movement of an opponent, such contact is a foul.
  3. A dribbler may not use an extended forearm or hand to prevent an opponent from securing the ball. Situations of this nature can result in an advantage not intended by the Rules and could lead to increased contact between opponents.
• I. Post Play
  1. The principle of verticality also applies to post play.
     The offensive player in the post position and the opponent guarding him must respect each other's vertical rights (cylinder).
  2. The post player must not be allowed to shoulder or hip his opponent out of position, nor interfere with the latter's freedom of movement by the use of extended elbows or arms.
  3. The defensive player must not be allowed to interfere with the post player's freedom of movement by the illegal use of arms, knees or other parts of the body.

Art. 48. Double Foul

• A. A double foul is a situation in which two opposing players commit fouls against each other at approximately the same time.

  Penalty

  1. A personal foul shall be charged against each offending player.
  2. NO free throws shall be awarded.
  3. The game shall be resumed by a jump ball at the nearest circle between the two players involved.
  4. If a valid field goal is scored at the same time, the ball shall be put into play from the endline by the opponents of the team who scored.
• B. When a double foul and another foul are committed at approximately the same time, after the fouls have been charged and the eventual penalty administered, the game shall be resumed as though the double foul had not occurred.

Art. 49. Unsportsmanlike Foul

1. An unsportsmanlike foul is a personal foul on a player with or without the ball which, in the opinion of the Official, was deliberately committed by a player against an opposing player.
2. The unsportsmanlike foul must be interpreted the same way at the beginning as well as near the end of the game, that is, throughout the whole game.
3. THE OFFICIAL MUST JUDGE only the ACTION.
4. To judge whether a foul is unsportsmanlike, the Officials must apply the following principles :
   • a. If a player commits a foul while making a legitimate effort to play the ball (normal basketball play), it is NOT an unsportsmanlike foul.
   • b. If, in the effort to play the ball, the player causes excessive contact (hard foul), then the contact shall be CONSIDERED to be unsportsmanlike.
   • c. Holding, hitting or pushing a player who is away from the ball is USUALLY an unsportsmanlike foul.
5. A player who repeatedly commits unsportsmanlike fouls may be disqualified.

Penalty

1. An unsportsmanlike foul shall be charged to the offender.
2. Free throw(s) shall be awarded to the nonoffending team, followed by possession of the ball.
3. The number of free throws to be awarded shall be as follows:
   • a. If the foul is committed on a player not in the act of shooting, two (2) free throws.
   • b. If the foul is committed on a player who is in the act of shooting, the goal, if made, shall count and in addition one (1) free throw.
   • c. If the foul is committed on a player in the act of shooting who fails to score, two (2) or three (3) free throws, according to the place from where the shot for goal was attempted.
4. During the free throw(s), all other players shall remain behind the free throw line extended and behind the 3point field goal line until the free throw(s) have been completed.
5. After the free throw(s), whether or not the last free throw is successful, the ball shall be thrown in by any player of the free throw shooter's team from outofbounds at midcourt on the sideline opposite the Scorer's table.
6. The player taking the throwin shall have one foot on either side of the extended centre line, and shall be entitled to pass the ball to a player at any point on the playing court.

Art. 50. Disqualifying Foul

Any flagrantly unsportsmanlike infraction of Art. 47, 49, 52 or 53 is a disqualifying foul.

Penalty

1. A disqualifying foul shall be charged to the offender.
2. He shall be disqualified and shall go to and remain in his team's dressing room for the duration of the game or, if he so chooses, he shall leave the building.
3. Free throw(s) shall be awarded to the nonoffending team, followed by possession of the ball.
4. The number of free throws to be awarded shall be as follows:
   • a. If the foul is committed on a player not in the act of shooting, two (2) free throws.
   • b. If the foul is committed on a player who is in the act of shooting, the goal, if made, shall count and in addition one (1) free throw.
   • c. If the foul is committed on a player in the act of shooting who fails to score, two (2) or three (3) free throws, according to the place from where the shot for goal was attempted.
5. During the free throw(s), all other players shall remain behind the free throw line extended and behind the 3point field goal line until the free throw(s) have been completed.
6. After the free throw(s), whether or not the last free throw is successful, the ball shall be thrown in by any player of the free throw shooter's team from outofbounds at midcourt on the sideline opposite the Scorer's table.
7. The player taking the throwin shall have one foot on either side of the extended centre line, and shall be entitled to pass the ball to a player at any point on the playing court.

RULE NINE: TECHNICAL FOULS

Art. 51. Rules of Conduct: Definition

1. The proper conduct of the Game demands the full and loyal cooperation with the Officials and their assistants on the part of members of both teams, including Coaches, substitutes and team followers.
2. Both teams are entitled to do their best to secure victory, but this must be done in a spirit of sportsmanship and fair play.
3. Any deliberate or repeated infringement of this cooperation or of the spirit of this Rule, shall be considered as a TECHNICAL FOUL and penalised as provided in the appropriate Article(s).

Comments

1. Whenever acts of violence occur between players, substitutes, Coaches and team followers who are on the team's bench, the Officials shall take the necessary action to stop them.
2. Any of the above persons who are guilty of flagrant acts of aggression against opponents shall be promptly disqualified from the game. Further the Officials must report the incident to the body responsible for the competition.
3. The public enforcement officers may enter the court only if requested to do so by the Officials.
   However, should spectators enter the court with the obvious intention of committing acts of violence, the public enforcement officers must immediately intervene to protect players and Officials.
4. All other areas, including entrances, exits, hallways, dressing rooms, etc. come under the jurisdiction of the organisers and of the forces responsible for the maintenance of public order.
5. The decisions of the Officials are final and cannot be disregarded or contested.

Art. 52. Technical Foul by a Player

1. Technical fouls by a player are all player fouls which do NOT involve contact with an opponent.
2. A player shall not disregard admonitions by Officials or use unsportsmanlike tactics such as :
   • a. Disrespectfully addressing or contacting an Official, the Technical Commissioner if he is present, the Scorer, the Assistant Scorer, the Timekeeper, the 30second Operator or the opponents.
   • b. Using language or gestures likely to offend or to incite the spectators.
   • c. Baiting an opponent or obstructing his vision by waving his hands near his eyes.
   • d. Delaying the game by preventing the throwin being taken promptly.
   • e. Not raising his hand properly after being requested to do so by an Official after a foul is called on him.
   • f. Changing his playing number without reporting to the Scorer and to the Referee.
   • g. Entering the court as a substitute without reporting to the Scorer and being beckoned by an Official.
   • h. Leaving the court to gain an unfair advantage.
   • i. Violating Article 60D, Penalty 3.b.(Note), "Interference with the last or only free throw".
   • j. Grasping the ring in such a way that the weight of the player is supported by the ring.
     A player may grasp the ring if, in the judgement of the Official, he is trying to prevent injury to himself or to another player.
3. Technical infractions which are obviously unintentional and have no effect on the game or are of an administrative character are not considered technical fouls, unless there is repetition of the same infraction after a warning by an Official.
4. Technical infractions which are deliberate or unsportsmanlike or give the offender an unfair advantage, shall be penalised promptly with a technical foul.

Penalty

1. A technical foul shall be charged to the offender.
2. Two (2) free throws shall be awarded to the opponents.
3. The Captain shall designate the free throw shooter.

Comments

1. For flagrant or persistent infraction of this Article, a player shall be disqualified, removed from the game and the same penalty as for a Disqualifying Foul shall be applied.
2. If the discovery of the technical foul is made after the ball is in play, the penalty shall be administered as if the foul had occurred at the time of discovery. Whatever occurred in the interval between the foul and its discovery shall be valid.
3. An Official may prevent technical fouls by warning players when they are about to commit a minor infraction, such as failing to report to the Scorer.
   It is good judgement for the Official to forestall and, in some cases, overlook minor technical infractions which are obviously unintentional and have no effect on the game.

Art. 53. Technical Foul by Coaches, Substitutes or Team Followers

1. The Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Substitutes, and team followers must stay within their team bench area, except :
   • a. A Coach, Assistant Coach or team follower may enter the playing court to attend to an injured player after receiving permission from an Official to do so.
   • b. A doctor may enter the court without permission from one of the Officials if, in the doctor's judgement, the injured player is in danger and requires immediate attention.
   • c. A substitute may request a substitution at the Scorer's table.
   • d. A Coach or Assistant Coach may request a charged timeout.
   • e. A Coach or Assistant Coach may enter the court to address his team members, only during a charged timeout and provided he remains in the vicinity of his team bench area.
     However, a Coach may address his players during the game provided he remains within his team bench area.
   • f. When the clock is stopped, a Coach or Assistant Coach may seek information from the Scorer's table concerning the score, time or number of fouls, courteously and without interfering with the normal progress of the game.
2. A Coach, Assistant Coach, Substitute or team follower shall NOT disrespectfully address the Officials, the Technical Commissioner if he is present, the Scorer, the Assistant Scorer, the Timekeeper, the 30second Operator or the opponents.
3. ONLY THE COACH, whose name is inscribed on the Scoresheet, IS PERMITTED TO REMAIN STANDING DURING THE GAME.

Penalty

A.

1. A technical foul shall be charged to the Coach for each offence.
2. Two (2) free throws shall be awarded to the opponents, followed by possession of the ball.
3. The Captain shall designate the free throw shooter.
4. During the free throws, all other players shall remain behind the free throw line extended and behind the 3point field goal line until the free throws have been completed.
5. After the free throws, whether or not the last free throw is successful, the ball shall be thrown in by any player of the free throw shooter's team from outofbounds at midcourt on the sideline opposite the Scorer's table. (Exception: see Art. 54, Penalty 3. and Art. 59, 2.d.).
6. The player taking the throwin shall have one foot on either side of the extended centre line and be entitled to pass the ball to a player at any point on the playing court.

B.

1. 1. A Coach shall be disqualified and shall go to and remain in his team's dressing room for the duration of the game or, if he so chooses, shall leave the building when:
   • a. He is charged with any flagrant infraction of this Article.
   • b. He is charged with two (2) technical fouls as a result of personal unsportsmanlike behaviour.
   • c. He is charged with three (3) technical fouls accumulated as a result of unsportsmanlike conduct by himself, the Assistant Coach, any substitute, or any team follower who is on the team bench.
2. Note: A foul by a player who has previously committed his 5th foul (during a game played in 2 x 20 minutes) or his 6th foul (during a game played in 4 x 12 minutes) is charged to the Coach.
3. 2. For any flagrant infraction of this Article, the Assistant Coach, any substitute or any team follower shall be disqualified and shall go to and remain in his team's dressing room for the duration of the game or, if he so chooses, shall leave the building.
4. 3. A Coach who has been disqualified shall be replaced by the Assistant Coach as inscribed on the Scoresheet. If no Assistant Coach is inscribed on the Scoresheet, he shall be replaced by the Captain.

Art. 54. Technical Foul during an Interval of Play

1. Technical fouls may be called during an interval of play.
2. An interval of play is:
   • a. The period prior to the start of the game (approximately 20 minutes).
   • b. The interval between any periods, the halftime interval and the interval prior to all extra periods.
   • c. The interval of play ends the moment the Official with the ball enters the centre circle to administer the jump ball; that is, the moment the ball is in play.

Penalty

1. If the technical foul is called against:
   • a. A team member eligible to play, it is charged to the team member and the penalty shall be two (2) free throws.
     It shall count as one of the team fouls.
   • b. A Coach, Assistant Coach or team follower, it is charged to the Coach and the penalty shall be two (2) free throws.
     It shall NOT count as one of the team fouls.
2. During the free throws all players, except the free throw shooter, shall be behind the free throw line extended and behind the 3point line until all free throws have been completed.
3. After the free throws have been completed, the game shall be started or resumed with a jump ball in the centre circle.
4. If more than one technical foul is called, see Art. 59.

Comments

1. Physical actions of players, coaches and team followers which could lead to damage of playing equipment, such as grasping the ring and violent dunking, must not be permitted by the Officials.
2. When behaviour of this nature is observed by the Officials, the Coach of the offending team shall be warned immediately.
3. Should the action(s) be repeated, a technical foul shall be called immediately on the player.

Art. 55. Fighting

1. Any bench personnel who leave the confines of the team bench area during a fight or during any situation which may lead to a fight, shall be disqualified from the game and shall go to and remain in his team's dressing room for the duration of the game or, if he so chooses, shall leave the building.
2. However, the Coach (only) may leave the confines of the team bench area during a fight or during any situation which may lead to a fight in order to assist the Officials to maintain or to restore order.
3. If a Coach leaves the confines of the team bench area and does NOT assist (help) in maintaining or restoring order, he shall be disqualified and shall go to and remain in his team's dressing room for the duration of the game or, if he so chooses, shall leave the building.

For any incident of this nature:

1. A single technical foul shall be charged against the Coach or Coaches and the foul(s) shall be administered according to the appropriate Article.
2. • a. Every disqualifying foul shall be recorded as described in the 'Official Game Procedures': Scoresheet 6. c. 8.
   • b. The disqualifying foul(s) shall NOT be recorded as a team foul(s).
   • c. The disqualifying foul(s) shall NOT be administered, that is, there shall be NO free throws taken by either team as a result of the disqualifying foul(s) for leaving the team bench area.

RULE TEN: GENERAL PROVISIONS

Art. 56. Basic Principle

1. Each Official has power to call fouls independently from the other, at any time during the game, whether the ball is in play, alive or dead.
2. Any number of fouls may be called against one or both teams. Irrespective of the penalty, a foul shall be inscribed on the Scoresheet against the offender for each foul.

Art. 57. Five / Six Fouls by a Player

1. In a game played in 2 x 20 minutes, a player who has committed five (5) fouls, either personal or technical, shall be informed of the fact and he must automatically leave the game.
2. In a game played in 4 x 12 minutes, a player who has committed six (6) fouls, either personal or technical, shall be informed of the fact and he must automatically leave the game.

Art. 58. Team Fouls Penalty Rule

1. Games played in 2 x 20 minutes:
   When a team has committed seven (7) player fouls, personal or technical, in a half (20 minutes):
   • a. All subsequent player personal fouls shall be penalised by two (2) free throws, whereby the player against whom the foul was committed shall shoot two (2) free throws.
   • b. If a penalty of greater severity is involved, the appropriate Article in these Rules will apply.
2. Games played in 4 x 12 minutes:
   When a team has committed four (4) player fouls, personal or technical, in a period (12 minutes):
   • a. All subsequent player personal fouls shall be penalised by two (2) free throws, whereby the player against whom the foul was committed shall shoot two (2) free throws.
   • b. If a penalty of greater severity is involved, the appropriate Article in these Rules will apply.
3. In the event that the foul is committed by a player while his team is in control of the ball, Art. 47, Penalty 3 shall apply.
4. All team fouls committed in any extra period shall be considered to be part of the last half or period.

Comment

All team member fouls occurring during an interval of play are considered to be part of the half or period immediately following.

Art. 59. Fouls in Special Situations

1. 1. Situations other than those foreseen in these Rules may occur when:
   • a. Fouls are committed at approximately the same time.
   • b. Fouls are committed during the same STOPPEDCLOCK period which follows a foul or a double foul.
2. 2. In such situations, the following principles shall be applied:
   • a. A foul shall be charged for each offence.
   • b.
     1. Fouls against both teams that INVOLVE the same penalties shall be used to cancel each other, that is, they shall not be penalised by awarding free throws or possession of the ball for a throwin.
     2. The game shall be restarted by a jump ball at the nearest circle unless a field goal has been scored, in which case the game shall be restarted by a throwin from outofbounds on or behind the endline.
     3. Once the ball has gone into play for the first or only free throw of a foul penalty, then that foul penalty can no longer be used for cancelling another foul penalty.
   • c.
     1. Fouls against both teams that DO NOT INVOLVE the same penalties shall be penalised and administered according to the order in which they occurred.
     2. If fouls are called against both teams at approximately the same time, the Officials must determine the order in which the fouls occurred.
        This does NOT apply to a double foul situation, the penalty for which shall be administered according to Art. 48.
   • d. The right to possession of the ball for a throwin as the result of a foul penalty shall be forfeited in the event that another foul(s) is called against either team before the ball goes into play for the throwin or in the event that further penalties must be administered after cancellation according to this Article.
   • e. The principles contained in this Article are also applicable during any interval of play.

Art. 60. Free Throws

A free throw is an opportunity given to a player to score one (1) point, uncontested, from a position behind the free throw line and inside the semicircle.

• A. When a personal foul is called and the penalty is the awarding of free throw(s):
  1. The player against whom the foul was committed shall be designated by the Official to attempt the free throw(s).
  2. If there is a request for the player who has been fouled to be substituted, he must attempt the free throw(s) before leaving the game.
  3. If the player designated to attempt the free throw(s) must leave the game because of injury or disqualification, his substitute must attempt the free throw(s). If no substitute is available, the free throw(s) shall be attempted by the Captain or by any player designated by him.
• B. When a technical foul is called, the free throws may be attempted by any player of the opposing team as designated by the Captain.
• C. The free throw SHOOTER:
  1. Shall take a position behind the free throw line and inside the semicircle.
  2. May use any method to shoot for goal but he must shoot in such a way that the ball enters the basket from above or touches the ring before it is touched by a player.
  3. Shall release the ball within five (5) seconds from the time it is placed at his disposal by one of the Officials.
  4. Shall not touch the free throw line or the playing court beyond the free throw line until the ball has touched the ring.
  5. Shall not fake a free throw.
  6. Shall not touch the ball while it is on its way to the basket.
  7. Shall not touch the basket or the backboard while the ball is in contact with the ring during a free throw.
  8. During any free throw which is to be followed by further free throw(s), he shall not touch the ball or the basket for as long as the ball has the opportunity to enter the basket.
• An infraction of C. is a violation.

  
  Note: If a violation is committed by a free throw shooter, any other violation committed by any other player at the same time or immediately after, shall be disregarded.

Penalty

No point(s) can be scored. The ball shall be awarded to the opponents for a throwin from outofbounds at the free throw line extended.

• D. DURING the free throw(s):
  1. • a. A maximum of five (5) players may occupy the free throw lane places which are considered to be one (1) metre in depth.
     • b. The first lane place on either side of the restricted area may be occupied only by the opponents of the free throw shooter.
     • c. Players who occupy lane places shall take up alternate positions.
     • d. Players shall occupy only the lane places to which they are entitled.
       
  2. The PLAYERS in the LANE PLACES:
     • a. Shall not occupy lane places to which they are not entitled.
     • b. Shall not enter the restricted area, the neutral zone or leave the lane place until the ball has left the hand(s) of the free throw shooter.
     • c. Shall not touch the ball while it is on its way to the basket until it touches the ring or it is evident that it will not touch it.
     • d. Shall not touch the basket or the backboard while the ball is in contact with the ring during the free throw.
     • e. During any free throw which is to be followed by further free throw(s), they shall not touch the ball, the basket or the backboard for as long as the ball has the opportunity to enter the basket.
     • f. An opponent of the free throw shooter shall not:
       1. Touch the ball or the basket while the ball is within the basket.
       2. Disconcert the free throw shooter by his actions.
• An infraction of D. is a violation.

Penalty

• 1. If the free throw is successful and the violation of 1., 2.a., 2.b. or 2.f.2. is by:
  • a. A teammate of the free throw shooter.
  • b. An opponent of the free throw shooter.
  • c. Both teams.
    The violation is disregarded and the goal shall count.
• 2. If the free throw is NOT successful and the violation of 1., 2.a., 2.b. or 2.f.2. is by:
  • a. A teammate of the free throw shooter.
    The ball shall be awarded to the opponents for a throwin.
  • b. An opponent of the free throw shooter.
    A substitute free throw shall be awarded to the free throw shooter.
  • c. Both teams.
    The game shall be resumed by a jump ball at the free throw line.
• 3. If the violation of 2.c., 2.d., 2.e. or 2.f.1. is by:
  • a. A teammate of the free throw shooter.
    No points can be scored and the ball shall be awarded to the opponents for a throwin.
  • b. An opponent of the free throw shooter.
    The free throw shall be considered successful and one (1) point awarded.
  • c. Both teams.
    No points can be scored and the game is resumed with a jump ball at the free throw line.
  • Note: If during the last or only free throw, an opponent of the free throw shooter touches the ball before it touches the ring (and it is clear that it would have touched the ring), the free throw shall be considered successful and a TECHNICAL FOUL is charged against the player who committed the violation.
• ¡@

Comment

During the last or only free throw, the attempt changes its status and becomes a two (2) point field goal, after the ball has touched the ring and is legally touched by an offensive or defensive player before it enters the basket.

• E. All players who are NOT in the free throw lane places:
  1. Shall be behind the free throw line extended and behind the 3point field goal line until such time as the ball strikes the ring or the free throw ends (see Art. 61, Comments).
  2. Shall not disconcert the free throw shooter by their actions.
• An infraction of E. is a violation.

Penalty

See D. above, Penalty.

• F. During free throw(s) which are TO BE FOLLOWED by further free throw(s) according to Art. 59 or by free throw(s) to be taken according to Art. 33. 2. or by a throwin at midcourt on the sideline:
  1. Players shall not occupy any of the lane places.
  2. All players shall be behind the free throw line extended and behind the 3point field goal line.
  3. The players shall not disconcert the free throw shooter by their actions.
• An infraction to F. is a violation.

Penalty

1. See D. above, Penalty.
2. If more than one free throw is taken, the awarding of the ball outofbounds or the jump ball penalties shall apply only to a violation during the last free throw.

Art. 61. Correctable Error

1. Officials may correct an error if a Rule is inadvertently set aside and results in the following situations ONLY:
   • a. Awarding an unmerited free throw(s).
   • b. Permitting a wrong player to attempt a free throw(s).
   • c. Attempting a free throw(s) at the wrong basket.
   • d. Failure to award a merited free throw(s).
   • e. Erroneously counting or cancelling a score by the Officials.
2. To be correctable, errors in items a., b., c., d., or e. must be discovered by an Official or his assistants before the ball becomes alive following the first dead ball after the clock has started following the error.
   That is:

   Error occurs

   - ALL errors (a to e) occur during a dead ball.

   Ball in play

   - Error is correctable.

   Ball alive -

   Error is correctable.

   Clock starts or continues to run

   - Error is correctable.

   Dead ball

   - Error is correctable.

   Ball in play

   - Error is correctable.

   Ball alive

   - Error is NO LONGER correctable.

3. After an error has been discovered and it is still correctable:
   • a. If the player involved in the correction of the error is on the bench after having been legally substituted (NOT for having been disqualified or having committed his 5th or 6th foul), he must REENTER the playing court to participate in the correction of the error (at this point he becomes a player).
     Upon completion of the correction, he may remain in the game UNLESS the coach asks for a legal substitution, in which case the player may leave the playing court.
   • b. If the player has been substituted because he has committed his 5th or 6th foul or has been disqualified, his legal substitute must participate in the correction of the error.
4. If the error is an Unmerited free throw(s), a Wrong player attempting free throw(s) or Attempting free throw(s) at the wrong basket:
   • a. The free throw(s) attempted as a result of the error and all the activity accompanying it (see Comments) shall be cancelled unless there are unsportsmanlike, disqualifying, or technical fouls.
   • b. Other points scored, consumed time and additional activity, which may have occurred PRIOR to the recognition of the error, shall NOT be cancelled.
   • c. To cancel the free throw(s) and the activity accompanying it, the error must be discovered within the time limits explained in number 2 above.
5. An Official may stop the game immediately upon discovering a correctable error, as long as it does not place either team at a disadvantage.
6. After the correction of the error, the game shall be restarted at the point at which it was interrupted to correct the error.
   The ball shall be awarded to the team entitled to the ball at the time the error was discovered.
7. Correctable errors (1.a. to 1.e.) CANNOT be corrected after the Referee has approved and signed the Scoresheet.
8. Any errors or mistakes of recordkeeping by the Scorer which involve the score, number of fouls or number of timeouts, may be corrected by the Officials any time prior to the Referee's signing of the Scoresheet.

Comments

A free throw and the activity accompanying is considered to have ended when the ball:

1. Enters the basket directly from above and remains within or passes through the basket.
2. No longer has the possibility to enter the basket.
3. Is legally touched by a player of either team after it has touched the ring.
4. Touches the floor without being legally touched.
5. Becomes dead.

E N D O F R U L E S

OFFICIAL GAME PROCEDURES

A. BEFORE the GAME

1. Position of the Scorer's Table and Substitute Chairs
   In order to ensure that substitution is carried out efficiently, the following arrangement of team benches and substitute benches/chairs is recommended. This arrangement is obligatory for all matches organised by or on behalf of FIBA.

   DRAWING A

   Alternative method
   If, for any reason, the above arrangement of substitute benches/chairs is not possible, the following method should be used :
   DRAWING B
   Note: The Officials at the table must be able to see the court clearly. The benches/chairs for substitutes must therefore be lower than the chairs for the Table Officials. Alternatively, the Scorer's Table and chairs must be placed on a platform.

2. Choice of Baskets and Team Benches
   • a. For ALL games, the first team named in the programme (home team), shall have the choice of baskets and team benches.
     This choice shall be made known at least 30 minutes before the game is scheduled to begin.
   • b. Before each half and each extra period, teams are entitled to practise in the half of the court in which their opponents' basket is situated.

B. DURING the GAME

Officials Signals

1. The hand signals illustrated in these Rules MUST be learned thoroughly by every Official and used in all games.
2. THESE SIGNALS ARE THE ONLY OFFICIAL SIGNALS AND THEY MUST BE USED BY ALL REFEREES AT ALL TIMES.
3. It is important that Scorers and Timekeepers also be familiar with these signals.

DRAWINGS of OFFICIALS SIGNALS

The SCORESHEET

DRAWING C

1. 1. The official Scoresheet, mentioned in Art. 4.D.5. is the one approved by the World Technical Commission of FIBA, the International Basketball Federation.
2. 2. It consists of one original and three copies, on paper of different colours. The original, in white paper, is for FIBA. The first copy, on blue paper, is for the organisers of the competition, the second copy, on pink paper, is for the winning team, and the last copy, on yellow paper, is for the losing team.
   Note: It is recommended that the Scorer use two pens of different colours, one for the first half and one for the second half.
3. 3. At least 20 minutes before the beginning of the game, the Scorer shall prepare the Scoresheet in the following manner :
   • a. Inscribe the names of the two teams in the space at the top of the Scoresheet. The first team shall always be the local (home) team.
     In the case of tournaments or of games on neutral court, the first team shall be the one mentioned first on the programme.
     The first team shall be team "A" and the second team shall be team "B".
   • b. If the game is part of a tournament or a specific competition, the Scorer shall inscribe:
     1. The name of the competition.
     2. The number of the game.
     3. The date, the time and the place of the game.
     4. The names of the Referee and of the Umpire.
   • DRAWING D
   • c. The Scorer shall then inscribe the names of the members of both teams. Team "A" shall occupy the upper part of the Scoresheet, and team "B" the lower part.
     1. In the first column, the Scorer shall inscribe the number (last three digits) of each player's licence. In the case of tournaments, the number of the player's licence shall be indicated only for the first game played by his team.
     2. In the second column, the Scorer shall inscribe each player's name and initials, all in BLOCK letters, beside the corresponding number that the player will be wearing during the game. The Captain of the team shall be indicated by inscribing (Cap) immediately after his name.
     3. If a team presents less than 12 players, the Scorer shall draw a line through the spaces for the licence number, name, number, etc. of the player(s) who is not participating.
   • d. At the bottom of each team's section, the Scorer shall inscribe (in BLOCK letters) the names of the team's Coach and Assistant Coach.
4. 4. At least 10 minutes before the game, the Coaches shall:
   • a. Confirm their agreement with the names and the corresponding numbers of their players.
   • b. Confirm the names of the Coach and Assistant Coach.
   • c. Indicate the five (5) players who are to start the game.
   • d. Sign the Scoresheet.
     The Scorer shall then draw a small 'x' and circle it, beside the player's number in the fourth column.
     He shall repeat this procedure whenever a substitute enters the game for the first time, by drawing a small 'x' (NO circle).
     The Coach of Team "A" shall be the first to provide this information.
     DRAWING E
5. 5. Charged Timeout
6. The recording of charged timeouts shall be made as follows :
   • a. By inscribing a large 'X' inside the appropriate space.
   • b.
     1. Charged timeouts granted during the First Half shall be indicated in the appropriate spaces, below the team's name.
     2. The same process shall be followed for the Second Half and for any Extra Period(s).
     3. At the end of each half or of each extra period, unused spaces shall be indicated by two parallel lines inside the space(s).
7. 6. Fouls
   • a. Player fouls may be personal, unsportsmanlike, disqualifying or technical and shall be recorded against the player(s).
   • b. Fouls by Coaches, Assistant Coaches, substitutes and team followers are technical or disqualifying fouls and shall be recorded against the Coach.
   • c. The recording of all fouls shall be made as follows :
     1. A personal foul shall be indicated by inscribing a 'P'.
     2. An unsportsmanlike foul shall be indicated by inscribing a 'U'.
     3. A disqualifying foul shall be indicated by inscribing a 'D'
     4. A technical foul shall be indicated by inscribing a 'T'.
     5. • a. A technical foul for personal unsportsmanlike behaviour by the Coach as per Art. 53, Penalty B.1.b. shall be indicated by inscribing a 'C'.
        • b. A technical foul which is assessed against the Coach for any other reason shall be indicated by inscribing a 'B'.
        • c. Technical or disqualifying fouls against a coach shall NOT be recorded as team fouls.
     6. Any foul (personal, unsportsmanlike, disqualifying or technical) involving free throw(s) shall be indicated by adding the corresponding number of free throws (1, 2 or 3) beside the 'P', 'U', 'D', 'T', 'C' or 'B'.
     7. All fouls against both teams involving penalties of the same gravity and cancelled according to Art. 59, shall be indicated by adding a small 'c' beside the 'P', 'U', 'D', 'T', 'C' or 'B'.
     8. If a player(s) is disqualified from the game for leaving the Team Bench Area (Art. 55 Fighting):
        • a. In each of that or those players' remaining foul spaces (boxes) shall be recorded an 'F'. (See example 1).
        • b. If it is the player's 5th (or 6th foul for games of 4 x 12 minutes), then an 'F' shall be inscribed inside the last foul space. (See example 2).
        • c. If the player has already committed 5 or 6 fouls (fouled out), then a large 'X' shall be drawn inside the last foul space and over the last foul (P, U, D or T). (See example 3)
     9. Note: The disqualifying fouls under Art. 55 shall NOT be recorded as team fouls.
        DRAWINGS of
     10. ¡@
     11. Example 1
         Example 2
         Example 3
     12. 9. At the end of each half, the Scorer shall draw a heavy line between the spaces that have been used and those that have not been used.
         At the end of the game, the Scorer shall obliterate the remaining spaces with a heavy horizontal line.
8. ¡@
9. 7. Team Fouls
   • a. For games played in two (2) twenty (20) minute halves:
     1. Whenever a player commits a foul, either personal, unsportsmanlike, disqualifying (except for Art. 55) or technical, the Scorer shall also record the foul against the team of the offending player.
        He shall use the spaces provided for that purpose on the Scoresheet, immediately under the name of the team and above the players' names.
        Two sets of 7 spaces are provided, one for the First Half and the other for the Second Half (and eventual Extra Periods).
     2. The Scorer shall progressively inscribe a large 'X' inside the spaces, from 1 to 7 as fouls are committed by players of the team. After that, when the 8th foul is committed, Art. 58 of these Rules comes into effect.
   • b. For games played in four (4) twelve (12) minute periods:
     1. Whenever a player commits a foul, either personal unsportsmanlike, disqualifying (except for Art. 55) or technical, the Scorer shall also record the foul against the team of the offending player.
        He shall use the spaces provided for that purpose on the Scoresheet, immediately under the name of the team and above the players' names.
        Four sets of 4 spaces are provided, one for each of the 4 periods (and eventual Extra Periods).
     2. The Scorer shall progressively inscribe a large 'X' inside the spaces, from 1 to 4 as fouls are committed by players of the team. After that, when the 5th foul is committed, Art. 58 of these Rules comes into effect.
10. 8. The Running Score
    • a. The Scorer shall keep a chronological running summary of the points scored by both teams.
    • b. There are four columns for this running score on the Scoresheet.
    • c. Each column contains four vertical spaces:
      1. The twin spaces on the left are for team 'A' and the twin spaces on the right are for team 'B'.
      2. In the center spaces is the running score (160 points) for each team.
         The Scorer shall FIRST draw a diagonal line / for a valid field goal scored and a darkened circle · for any valid free throw scored.
         This shall be done over the NEW TOTAL number of points as accumulated by the team that just scored.
      3. THEN, in the blank space on the same side of the new total number of points (beside the new / or ·), the Scorer shall inscribe the number of the player who scored the field goal or the free throw.
11. 9. These additional instructions must be followed by the Scorer :
    • a. A field goal for 3 points scored by a player shall be recorded by drawing a circle around the number of the player in the appropriate column.
    • b. A field goal scored by a team into his own basket shall be recorded as scored by the Captain of the opposing team.
    • c. Points scored when the ball does not enter the basket (Art. 44 'Interference with the Ball on Offence and Defence') shall be recorded as scored by the player who attempted the shot.
    • d. For games played in 4 x 12 minutes, at the end of each period the Scorer shall draw a heavy darkened circle 'O' around the last number of the points scored by each team.
    • e. At the end of each half, the Scorer shall draw a heavy darkened circle 'O' around the last number of the points scored by each team and a heavy horizontal line under those points as well as under the number of the players who scored those last points.
    • f. At the beginning of the Second Half and eventual Extra Period(s), the Scorer shall continue the process (as per above) from the point of interruption.
    • g. At the end of the game, the Scorer shall draw two heavy horizontal lines under the final number of points of each team and the number of the players who scored those final points. Further, he shall draw a diagonal line to obliterate the remaining running score for each team.
    • h. Whenever possible, the Scorer should check his running score with the visual Scoreboard. If there is a discrepancy, and his score is correct, he shall immediately take steps to have the Scoreboard corrected. If in doubt or if one of the teams raises objections to the correction, he shall inform the Referee as soon as the ball is dead and the game clock is stopped.
12. 10. Summing Up
    • a. At the end of the First Half, the Scorer shall inscribe the score obtained by the two teams in the proper section at the lower end of the Scoresheet.
    • b. He shall also inscribe the score of the Second Half and, eventually, the Extra Periods.
    • c. At the end of the game, he shall record the final score and the name of the winning team.
    • d. The Scorer shall then sign the Scoresheet and shall have it countersigned by the Timekeeper, the 30second Operator, the Umpire and the Referee.
    • e. The Referee shall be the last to sign the Scoresheet, and this act terminates the administration of the game.
13. DRAWING H
14. Note: Should one of the Captains sign the Scoresheet under protest (using the space marked "To be signed by Captain in case of Protest"), the Scorer, the Timekeeper, the 30second Operator and the Umpire shall remain at the disposal of the Referee until he gives them permission to depart.

C. PROTEST PROCEDURES

If a team believes, its interests have been adversely affected by a decision of an Official (Referee or Umpire) or by any event that took place during a game, it must proceed in the following manner :

1. As soon as possible after the incident takes place, either immediately when the ball is dead and the clock is stopped or at the first timeout that follows, the Captain or the Coach of the team shall make his observations to the Referee, provided this is done in a calm and courteous manner.
   The Referee may explain his decision or, if necessary, may examine the Scoresheet and check the score and the playing time.
   If this interruption of the game exceeds 30 seconds, it shall be charged as a timeout to the team in question, unless the Referee recognises the validity of the observation and decides otherwise.
2. If, at the end of the game, the team in question should deem to have been put at a disadvantage by what has happened, its Captain shall immediately inform the Referee that his team is protesting the result of the game.
   He shall then sign the Scoresheet in the space marked "To be signed by Captain in case of Protest".
   In order to make this declaration valid, it shall be necessary that the official representative of the team on the court (either its Coach or the representative of the national federation) give confirmation of this protest in writing within the 20 minutes following the end of the game.
   Detailed explanations are not necessary. It is sufficient to write: "The national federation or club X protests against the result of the game between the teams X and Y". Then he shall deposit as security, a sum equivalent to DM 500. with the representative of FIBA or of the Technical Committee.
3. The national federation of the team or the club in question must submit to the representative of FIBA or to the President of the Technical Committee, the text of its protest within the hour that follows the end of the game.
   If the protest is accepted, the security shall be refunded
4. Should the national federation of the team or the club in question, or that of the opposing team or club, not be in agreement with the decision of the Technical Committee, it may then address an appeal to the Jury of Appeal.
   To make this valid, the appeal must be made immediately and accompanied by a deposit, as security, equivalent to DM 1000.
   The Jury of Appeal shall judge the appeal in the last instance, and its decision shall be final.

D. CLASSIFICATION OF TEAMS

The classification of teams shall be made on points according to their winloss records, namely 2 points for each game won, 1 point for each game lost (including lost by default) and 0 points for a game lost by forfeit.

1. If there are two teams equal in this classification, the result(s) of the game(s) between the two teams involved will be used to determine the placings.
2. In the event that the total points scored and conceded are the same in the games between the two teams, the classification will be determined by goal average taking into account the results of all the games played in the group by both teams.
3. If more than two teams are equal in the placings, a second classification will be established taking into account only the results of the games between the teams that are tied.
4. In the event that there are still teams tied after the second classification, then goal average will be used to determine the placings, taking into account only the results of the games between the teams still tied.
5. If there are still teams tied, the placings will be determined using goal average from the results of all their games played in the group.
6. If at any stage, using the above criteria, a multiple team tie is reduced to a tie involving only two teams, the procedure in numbers 1. and 2. will automatically be applied.
7. If it is reduced to a tie still involving more than two teams, the procedure beginning with number 3. is repeated.
8. Goal average will always be calculated by division.

Exception

If only three teams take part in a competition and the situation cannot be resolved by using the steps outlined above (the goal average by division is identical), then the points scored will determine the classification.

Example for the exception :

Final placings :

In the event that the teams are still tied after all the above steps have been utilized, a draw will be used for the final classification. The (logistics) method for the draw will be determined by the Technical Commissioner, if present, or by the competent local authority.

Further examples of the Classification Rule :

1. Two teams equal points and only one game played between them.

The winner of the game between A & B will be first and the winner of D & E will be classified fourth.

2. Two teams in a group equal points and two games played between them.

The possible results are :

• a. A won both games :

  Therefore	1st : A
  	2nd : B

• . Each team won one games :

  A vs B	90 - 82
  B vs A	69 - 62

  Goal difference :	A : 152 151
  	B : 151 152

  Goal average :	A : 1.0066
  	B : 0.9934

  Therefore	1st : A
  	2nd : B

• c. Each team won one game :

  A vs B	90 - 82
  B vs A	70 - 62

The two teams have the same goal difference (152 152) and the same goal average by division (1.000).

The classification will be determined by using the goal average from the results of all their games played in the group.

3. More than two teams are equal in the placings :

team games played games won games lost points

___________________________________________________________________

A 5 4 1 9

B 5 4 1 9

C 5 4 1 9

D 5 2 3 7

E 5 1 4 6

F 5 0 5 5

Results between A, B, C : A vs B 82 75

A vs C 77 80

B vs C 88 77

Final placings:

team games games games points goal goal

played won lost difference average

__________________________________________________________

A 2 1 1 3 159 155 1.0258

B 2 1 1 3 163 159 1.0251

C 2 1 1 3 157 165 0.9515

Therefore 1st : A

2nd : B

3rd : C

If there is also equality amongst the three teams in the goal average by division, the final placing will be determined from the results of all their games played in the group.

4. A number of teams are equal in the placings :

team games wins losses points

played

____________________________________________

A 5 3 2 8

B 5 3 2 8

C 5 3 2 8

D 5 3 2 8

E 5 2 3 7

F 5 1 4 6

The classification will be established by taking into account only the results of the games between the teams that are tied.

There are two possibilities :

'a' 'b'

team wins losses wins losses

____________________ _____________

A 3 0 2 1

B 1 2 2 1

C 1 2 1 2

D 1 2 1 2

In case 'a' 1st : A

B, C, D will be determined as in example number 3. above.

In case 'b' the classification of A and B, C and D will be determined

as in example number 2. above.

A team which, without valid reason, fails to appear to play a scheduled game or withdraws from the court before the end of the game shall lose the game by forfeit and receive zero (0) points in the classification.

In addition, the Technical Committee may decide to relegate the team to the last place in the classification. This is automatically carried out if repeated violations occur by the same team.

However, the results of the games played by this team remain valid for the purpose of general classification of the competition.

E. FACILITIES and EQUIPMENT for OFFICIAL COMPETITIONS of FIBA

The facilities and equipment required for the following main official competitions are subject to FIBA approval : Olympic Tournaments, World Championships for Men, Women, Junior Men, Junior Women and for Men "22 and Under", Continental Championships for Men, Women, and Men "22 and Under".

1. The seating capacity of the playing hall shall be:

• a. A minimum of 12,500 numbered seating places for the Olympic Tournaments and World Championships for Men and Women.
• b. A minimum of 6,000 numbered seating places for the World Championships for Junior Men, Junior Women and for Men "22 and Under".

2. a. The playing floor shall be made of wood, or other material with similar characteristics as approved by FIBA.

b. The playing court shall be delimited by 0.05 m (5 cm) wide boundary line (see Art. 3. A.).

c. The playing court shall be delimited by a further boundary line drawn in sharply contrasting colour and at least two (2) metres in width.
The colour of this (further boundary) line must be of the same colour as that of the centre circle and the restricted areas.

DRAWING 9

3. The backboard supports shall be placed at least 2.00 m from the outer edge of the endlines in the outofbounds area. They shall be of a bright colour in contrast with the background in such a manner that they will be clearly visible to the players (see Art. 4.A.).

4. The backboards shall be made of a transparent material having the same rigidity as hard wood, 0.03 m (3 cm) thick.

The dimensions of the backboards shall be 1.80 m horizontally and 1.05 m vertically with the lower edges 2.90 m above the floor.

5. The ball shall be made of leather and of a make approved by FIBA. The organisers shall provide at least 12 balls of the same make for training purposes during the warmup period before the beginning of the game.

6. The lighting of the playing court shall have a minimum of 1,500 lux. This level shall be measured 1 m above the playing court. The lighting shall meet the requirements of television.

7. The playing court shall be equipped with the following electronic equipment which must be clearly visible from the Scorer's Table, the playing court, the team benches and everyone involved with the game:

• a.
  1. Two large scoreboards (one at each end of the court) containing a clearly visible digital countdown type of clock, with a VERY LOUD automatic signal sounding at the end of each half or period.
  2. The clocks shall be fully synchronised and display the amount of time remaining throughout the game.
  3. At least during the last 60 seconds of each half or a period the amount of time remaining shall be indicated to the onetenth of a second.
  4. One of these clocks shall be designated by the Referee as the game clock.
  5. The Scoreboards shall also indicate:
     • a. The points scored by each team,
     • b. The fouls committed by each player on the team (which does not eliminate the necessity of the markers used by the Scorer to indicate the number of fouls) and,
     • c. The number of team fouls:
       from 1 to 8 for games played in 2 x 20 minutes and
       from 1 to 5 for games played in 4 x 12 minutes.
• b. 30second devices, automatic, digital countdown type, indicating the time in seconds and with a VERY LOUD automatic signal sounding to indicate the end of the 30second period:
  1. If located directly above the backboard, there shall be two (2) such devices.
  2. If they are suitably placed near the corners of the playing court, there shall be four (4) such devices.
  3. The devices shall be connected to the main game clock so that:
     • a. When the devices reach 'zero' and the signal sounds, the main game clock also automatically stops.
     • b. Conversely, when the main clock STOPS, the devices shall also STOP.
     • c. When the main clock STARTS, the devices must have the capability to start manually (independently).
• c. An electric light above and/or behind each backboard shall:
  1. Be bright red.
  2. Be synchronised with the game clocks to light up when the signal sounds for the expiration of time for each half or period.
  3. Be synchronised with the 30second device to light up when the signal sounds for the expiration of the 30 seconds.
• d. Three (3) separate signals with distinctly different sounds:
  1. One for the Timekeeper which sounds automatically at the end of each half or period (see: 7.a.1. above),
  2. One for the Scorer, and
  3. One for the 30second Operator which sounds automatically at the end of the 30second period.
  4. All three signals shall be sufficiently powerful to be easily heard under the most adverse or noisiest conditions.

RECOMMENDATIONs:

It is strongly recommended that for the Official competitions of FIBA:

1. The 30second device, an additional game clock and the bright red electric light shall be located above the backboards.
2. The colours of the numbers of the 30second device and the game clock shall be different.
3. They shall be located not further than 0.50 m (50 cm) from the front of the backboards.
4. The specifications mentioned above are still applicable.

The standards specified in Section E. are also recommended for other major competitions.