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RULE 1
Court and Equipment
_____Section 1. The Game
Art. 1. Basketball is played by two teams of five players each. The objective
is for each team to throw or tap the ball into its own basket and to prevent
the other team from scoring.
Art. 2. The ball may be thrown, batted, rolled or dribbled in any direction,
subject to the restrictions that follow.
Section 2. The Playing Court—Dimensions
Art. 1. The playing court shall be a rectangular surface free from obstructions
with sidelines of 94 feet in length and end lines of 50 feet in length,
measured from the inside edges.
Art. 2. The court dimensions shall be marked as shown on the court diagram.
Section 3. Lines and Other Markings
Art. 1. The court shall be marked with boundary lines (sidelines and end
lines) and other lines and markings as shown on the court diagram.
Art. 2. Instead of the 2-inch boundaries listed on the diagram, it is legal
to use contrasting-colored floor areas by painting the out-of-bounds area,
the center circle, and the free-throw lanes and lines so that the mathematical
line between the two colors is the boundary. Such a contrasting colored
out-of-bounds belt should be at least 8 inches wide.
Art. 3. The restraining line shall be a color that is different from that of
the end lines. Non-playing personnel shall not be permitted in this area.
Art. 4. A shadow line is a line that designates the required 2-inch width
by use of border or outline lines at least 1/4 -inch wide, which shall lie
within the 2-inch width.
Art. 5. When the floor has a logo on the playing court, that logo should
not distract from the players’ and the officials’ visibility of the division
line or center-circle line.
Section 4. Center Circle
Art. 1. When a logo distracts from the players’ and the officials’ visibility
of the 2-inch center-circle line as shown on the court diagram, one of
the following shall be permissible:
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a. Solid 2-inch wide interrupted line; 4 inches long, 2-inch break; 4
inches long, 2-inch break, etc.
b. Shadow-bordered 2-inch wide line (1/4 -inch borders).
c. Two-inch wide interrupted shadow line: 4 inches, 2-inch break, 4
inches, 2-inch break, etc.
d. One-quarter-inch, single-bordered line (radius of 6 feet to the outside
edge).
e. Mathematical line formed by contrasting-colored floor areas.
Art. 2. The unmarked spaces for the non-jumpers around the center circle
shall be 36 inches deep.
Section 5. Division Line
Art. 1. The division line shall divide the playing court into two equal
parts and shall be formed by extending the center-circle diameter in both
directions until it intersects the sidelines.
Art. 2. Instead of the solid 2-inch line as shown on the court diagram, the
following shall be permissible:
a. A solid 2-inch wide interrupted line; 4 inches, 2-inch break, 4
inches, 2-inch break, etc.
b. Shadow-bordered 2-inch wide line (1/4- -inch borders).
c. Interrupted 2-inch wide shadow line: 4 inches, 2-inch break, 4
inches, 2-inch break, etc.
Section 6. Free-Throw Lane
Art. 1. All lines designating the free-throw lane, but not lane-space marks
and blocks, are part of the lane.
Art. 2. The color of the lane-space marks and blocks shall contrast or be of
the same color with the color of the lane boundary lines.
Art. 3. The area of the free-throw lane inside the boundary lines shall be one
color.
Art. 4. The lane-space marks and blocks shall identify areas that extend 36
inches from the outer edge of the lane lines toward the sidelines.
Section 7. Three-Point Field-Goal Line
Art. 1. The three-point field-goal lines may be the same color as or a different
color from the free-throw lane boundary lines and the semicircles.
Section 8. Coaching Box
Art. 1. The coaching boxes shall extend from the sideline to the back of
the team benches.
BR-30 COURT AND EQUIPMENT/BACKBOARD DIAGRAM
VIEW OF BACKSIDE OF BACKBOARD
NOTE - MOUNTING PLATES OPTIONAL
IN BOTTOM CORNERS OF BACKBOARD
VIEW OF FRONT OF BACKBOARD
SHOWING PROPER PLACEMENT OF LED LIGHTS
LED LIGHTS
3” WIDE WHITE
PERIMETER
MARKING
LINE IS LEVEL WITH
TOP OF GOAL
6” MAX.
6” MAX.
5” MAX.
5” MAX.
RULE 1/COURT AND EQUIPMENT
Art. 2. The coaching-box lines shall contrast or be of the same color with
that of the sidelines and end lines.
Art. 3. A 3-foot line shall be extended onto the playing court so that the
coaching-box restriction is evident.
Section 9. Backboards—Dimensions, Materials
Art. 1. Each backboard shall be marked as listed on the backboard diagram.
Art. 2. The size of the backboards may be either of two dimensions:
a. 6 feet horizontal and 3 1/2 feet vertical; or
b. 6 feet horizontal and 4 feet vertical.
Note: The 6 feet horizontal and 3 1/2 feet vertical dimensions are recommended
for replacement backboards or new installations.
Art. 3. The backboards shall be similar in size at both ends of the playing
court.
Art. 4. A transparent, unaltered, rigid, rectangular backboard, with a flat
surface shall be used.
Art. 5. Backboards shall not be tinted.
Section 10. Backboards—Padding
Art. 1. The padding shall be a single solid color and shall be the same color
on both backboards.
a. When it becomes necessary to use a substitute backboard, the
padding shall be of the same color as that of the backboard being
replaced.
Art. 2. The padding shall be 1-inch thick from the front and back surfaces of
the backboards.
Art. 3. The material shall be 2 inches from the bottom edge of each backboard.
Art. 4. The padding shall cover the bottom surface of each backboard and
the side surface to a distance of 15 inches up from the bottom. The front and
back surface must be covered to a minimum distance of 3/4 inch from the
bottom of each backboard.
Section 11. Backboards—Support Systems
Art. 1. Padding—Any backboard support behind a backboard and at a height
of less than 9 feet above the floor shall be padded on the bottom surface to a
distance of 2 feet from the face of the backboard. All portable backstops shall
have the bases padded to a height of 7 feet on the courtside surface.
Art. 2. Protrusions and Clearances
a. Protrusions below backboards shall not be allowed.
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b. Any backboard support, all of which is not directly behind the
backboard, shall be at least 6 inches behind the backboard when
the support extends above the top and at least 2 feet behind the
backboard when the support extends beyond the side.
c. Any support system below or behind a backboard shall be at least
8 feet behind the plane of the backboard face and a height of 7 feet
or more above the floor.
d. Any overhead backboard support structure that must be forwardbraced
because of space limitations, architectural or structural
restraints, shall meet the following requirements: A front diagonal
brace support system must be located above a line extending
upward and into the playing court at a maximum 45-degree angle
from a point on a vertical line located a minimum of 6 inches
behind the front surface of the backboard at a minimum height of
4 feet 6 inches above the basket ring.
Section 12. Backboards—Positions
Art. 1. Each backboard shall be midway between each sideline, with the
plane of its front face perpendicular to the floor, parallel to and 4 feet from
each end line.
Art. 2. The upper edge of each backboard shall be 13 feet above the floor.
Art. 3. Each backboard shall be protected from spectators to a distance of
at least 3 feet at each end.
Art. 4. Portable backboards shall be secured to the floor to prevent movement.
Art. 5. During game conditions, all movement (vibration, etc.) of the backboard
(because of any type of slam dunk or similar violent play) must
regain a static position within four seconds.
Section 13. Baskets—Size, Material
Art. 1. Each basket shall consist of a single metal ring, 18 inches inside
diameter, its flange and braces, and a white-cord, 12-mesh net, 15 to 18
inches in length, suspended from beneath the ring.
Art. 2. Each ring shall measure not more than 5/8 inch in diameter, with the
possible addition of small-gauge loops on the under-edge or a smaller ring
located directly under the required ring for attaching a 12-mesh net. Each
ring and its attaching flange and braces shall be bright orange in color.
Art. 3. The cord of each net shall be not less than 120-thread nor more than
144-thread twine, or plastic material of comparable dimensions, and constructed
so as to check the ball momentarily as it passes through.
RULE 1/COURT AND EQUIPMENT
Section 14. Baskets—Ring
Art. 1. Each basket ring shall be securely attached to each backboard/support
system with a ring-restraining device. Such a device will ensure that
the basket stays attached, even when a glass backboard breaks.
Art. 2. The upper edge of each basket ring shall lie 10 feet above and parallel
to the floor and shall be equidistant from the vertical edges of that backboard.
The nearest point of the inside edge of each ring shall lie 6 inches
from the plane of the face of that backboard.
Art. 3. Both movable and non-movable rings are legal. Movable rings may
flex both to the front and the sides.
Section 15. The Ball
Art. 1. The ball shall be spherical.
Art. 2. The ball’s color shall be the approved orange shade.
Art. 3. The ball shall have a deeply pebbled leather cover or a composite
cover.
Art. 4. The ball shall have the traditionally shaped eight panels, bonded
tightly to the rubber carcass.
Art. 5. The width of the black rubber rib (channels and/or seams) shall
not exceed 1/4 inch.
Art. 6. When dribbled vertically, without rotation, the ball shall return
directly to the dribbler’s hand.
Art. 7. The air pressure that will give the required reaction shall be
stamped on the ball. The ball shall be inflated to an air pressure such that
when it is dropped to the playing surface from a height of 6 feet measured
to the bottom of the ball, it will rebound to a height, measured to
the top of the ball of:
a. (Men) Not less than 49 inches when it strikes its least resilient spot
nor more than 54 inches when it strikes its most resilient spot.
b. (Women) Not less than 51 inches when it strikes its least resilient
spot nor more than 56 inches when it strikes its most resilient
spot.
Art. 8. a. (Men) The circumference of the ball shall be within a maximum
of 30 inches and a minimum of 29 1/2 inches.
b. (Women) The circumference of the ball shall be within a maximum
of 29 inches and a minimum of 28 1/2 inches.
Art. 9. a. (Men) The weight of the ball shall not be less than 20 ounces nor
more than 22 ounces.
b. (Women) The weight of the ball shall not be less than 18 ounces
nor more than 20 ounces.
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Art. 10. The home team shall provide a ball that meets the specifications
listed in this Section. The referee shall judge the legality of the ball and
may select for use a ball provided by the visiting team when the home
team cannot provide a legal ball.
Note: It is recommended that the home team provide the visiting team with
warm-up balls of the same type as the game ball.
A.R. 1. Visiting Team B’s captain notices that Team B’s pregame warm-up balls are of a
different type than the official game ball. Team B’s coach requests that Team B be
allowed to warm up using the type of ball to be used in the game. RULING: The official
shall inform Team A’s game management that Team B shall be allowed to warm up with
the same type of ball(s) that will be used during the game.
Section 16. Logos/Names/Equipment
Art. 1. Logos, names or equipment of any kind (including school and
conference logos or names, cameras and microphones) shall not be permitted
on the backboards, rings, padding around the backboards, or on
the shot clocks. Cameras and microphones are permitted on the shot
clocks when they are recessed.
Art. 2. The manufacturer’s name and logo shall be permitted to appear
on the ball a maximum of two times.
Art. 3. An institution’s name or logo shall be permitted on the ball.
Art. 4. There are no restrictions on team or conference logos, names or
abbreviations on the playing court, provided they do not obscure any of
the required lines. (See Rule 10-4.5.)
Art. 5. Commercial logos shall be permitted on the playing court when
they conform to the following standards:
a. The logo(s) shall fit into a box that is 10 feet by 10 feet square;
b. This box shall be located 81/2 feet from the division line and 41/2 feet
from the sideline;
c. Logo(s) shall be within the two 10 feet by 10 feet squares, with no
more than one square in each half of the playing court.
Note: See Rules 3-5.8 and 3-6 for logos and labels on players’ equipment.
Section 17. Scoreboard, Game-Clock Display
Art. 1. A visible game clock shall be required.
Art. 2. An alternate timing device and scoring display shall be available in
the event of malfunctions.
RULE 1/COURT AND EQUIPMENT
Art. 3. A game clock that shows a 10th-of-a-second display when less than
59.9 seconds remains in a period shall be required.
Note: It is recommended that the game clock, red light or LED lights be updated in
their synchronization.
Division II Note: It is highly recommended (but not required) that Division
II schools comply.
Division III Note: Division III schools are exempt from this Rule but are permitted
to have such equipment.
Art. 4. A red light (that is visible through the 24-inch x 18-inch rectangle
painted on the backboard) placed behind each backboard or LED lights
placed around the backboard shall be required. See the Court and
Equipment Rules Supplement, (No. 11 “Timing Devices”) for more specifications.
Note: When both the red light and LED lights are present, the red-warning light
should be disconnected and the LED lights should be used.
Division II Note: It is highly recommended (but not required) that Division
II schools have this equipment.
Division III Note: Division III schools are exempt from this rule and recommendation
but are permitted to have such equipment.
Section 18. Shot-Clock Displays
Art. 1. Two visible shot clocks, one at each end of the court, shall be mandatory.
Art. 2. An alternate timing device shall be available when a visible shot
clock malfunctions.
Art. 3. A shot clock shall be recessed and mounted on the backboard supports
behind each backboard.
Note: Division III schools are exempt from this requirement but are permitted to
have this equipment placed in this location. When the shot clocks are not placed in
this location, if possible, they shall be mounted on the wall and positioned to the left
of each basket as viewed from the center of the playing court. As a last resort, they
shall be located on the floor at each end of the playing court so that they are visible
to players, officials and the shot-clock operator.
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Section 19. Possession Indicator
Art. 1. A visible display located at the scorers’ table shall be available to
indicate team possession in the alternating process.
Section 20. Team Benches—Scorers’ and Timers’ Table
Art. 1. Choice of benches is made by the home team’s game administration.
Art. 2. The team benches shall be located equidistant from the division line
extended at each side of the scorers’ and timers’ table on the sidelines.
Art. 3. The scorers’ and timers’ table shall be located courtside and at midcourt.
Art. 4. Teams shall warm up at the end of the playing court farthest from
their own bench for the first half.
A.R. 2. The visiting team is advised that its team bench is located (a) farther from the
division line than the home team’s or (b) on the opposite end line from the home
team’s. RULING: Game shall be played with benches as located by home-team management.
The referee has no authority to move either bench unless for player safety;
however, mutual consent should have been obtained before the game. (See Preface.)
RULE 1-18/COURT AND EQUIPMENT
RULE 2
Officials and Their Duties
Section 1. The Officials
Art. 1. The officials shall be:
a. Areferee and an umpire; or a referee and two umpires;
b. Two timers, two scorers and a shot-clock operator, who shall assist
the referee and umpire(s). A single timer and single scorer may be
used when they are trained personnel acceptable to the referee.
Art. 2. The officials’ uniform shall be a black-and-white striped shirt, which
may have a 3-inch wide black insert, and black pants.
Art. 3. The scorers, timers and shot-clock operator shall be located at the
scorers’ table at courtside.
Section 2. Officials’ Authority
Art. 1. The officials shall conduct the game in accordance with the official
rules and interpretations and employ the mechanics of officiating outlined
in the NCAA-approved men’s or women’s basketball officiating manuals.
Art. 2. No official has the authority to set aside any official rules or approved
interpretations.
Art. 3. No official shall have authority to set aside or question decisions
made by the other official(s) within the limits of their respective outlined
duties.
Art. 4. One official may assist another by providing additional information
related to a made decision.
Art. 5. The referee’s decision shall not take precedence over that of the
umpire(s) in calling a foul or violation.
Section 3. Elastic Power
Art. 1. The referee shall be empowered to make decisions on any points not
specifically covered in the rules.
Section 4. Officials’ Jurisdiction
Art. 1. The officials shall have the power to make decisions for infractions
of rules committed either within or outside the boundary lines from 30
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minutes (men) and 15 minutes (women) before the scheduled starting
time of the game through the referee’s approval of the final score.
Art. 2. For men, at least one official shall arrive on the floor 30 minutes
before the start of the game.
Art. 3. For women, officials may leave the court after the 10-minute mark
during pregame and return by the three-minute mark.
Art. 4. When (men) the referee and (women) all three officials leave the
confines of the playing area at the end of the game, the officials’ jurisdiction
has ended and the score has been approved. (See Women’s
Approval of Score in Officiating Guidelines, Section 9, in the Appendix.)
A.R. 1. Team Ais ahead by one point. The game-ending horn sounds with the ball loose at
the division line. Clearly after playing time has expired, A1 retrieves the ball and dunks into
his or her basket. The referee, who is near the free-throw line, on his or her way to the scorers’
table to check/approve the final score, sees this action by A1 and assesses an indirect
technical foul. Team A’s coach pushes the referee after the indirect technical foul is called.
The referee ejects the coach and awards Team B four free throws. RULING: The referee is
correct. The officials’ jurisdiction does not end until the approval of the final score. Until the
officials’ jurisdiction ends, an official may call a technical foul, correct a correctable error
(Rule 2-11), or correct a bookkeeping mistake by the official scorer.
A.R. 2. The officials leave the playing area and while they are in the locker room, it is discovered
that there is a mistake in the score or that there was a request for a correctable
error (Rule 2-11). RULING: When the officials leave the playing area, the score has been
approved and the game is over.
Section 5. Officials Use of Replay/Television Equipment
Art. 1. Officials may use official courtside replay equipment, videotape or
television monitoring that is located on a designated courtside table (i.e.,
within approximately 3 to 12 feet of the playing court), when such equipment
is available only in situations as follows:
a. Adetermination if a fight occurred and the individuals who participated
or left the bench area;
A.R. 3. Player A1 falls to the playing floor and is (a) bleeding or (b) doubled over in pain,
holding his/her abdomen. Is the official permitted to use the monitor to determine if the
conditions were a result of a fight? RULING: It is permissible for the official to use the
monitor to determine if a fight occurred and who participated. In using the monitor,
when the official ascertains that an opponent struck a player with the arms (elbows),
hands, legs or feet, and if he/she concludes that the act was combative and flagrant,
he/she shall deem it a fight. Consequently, the player shall be ejected and the fighting
penalty invoked.
b. Adetermination as to who shall attempt a free throw(s) when there
is uncertainty;
c. An assessment whether correctable errors 2-11.1.c, d or e need to be
rectified;
RULE 2/OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES
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A.R. 4. Team B Coach asks for a correctable error because he/she thinks there was a mistake
by the shot clock operator and, as a result, a goal was erroneously counted. Aschool
representative is sitting in the bleachers with a camcorder. May the official consult the
camcorder? RULING: No. A camcorder that is not at a courtside table is not an official
courtside monitor; however, if the camcorder and all necessary equipment were on an
official courtside table, the camcorder could be consulted.
A.R. 5. In the same situation as in A.R. 4, a team manager is filming the team video from
an elevated position. The official requests that the manager bring the tape to the scorers’
table so that the official can play it in the videocassette player and television that are on
the scorers’ table. Is this legal? RULING: No. The entire unit, including the tape, must
be at a courtside table. When the tape had been filmed from the courtside table and the
videocassette player and television were on that table, it would have been legal to consult
the tape.
d. Preventing or rectifying a scoring mistake by the scorer.
e. Correcting a timing mistake in the half or extra period in which it
occurred because of a malfunctioning game clock or shot clock.
f. A determination, based on the judgment of the official, that a
timer’s mistake has occurred. Such a mistake may be corrected
during the first dead ball and before the ball is touched inbounds or
out of bounds by a player after the game clock should have been
started or stopped or once the ball is in play, before the second live
ball is touched inbounds or illegally out of bounds by a player
when the game clock should have been running.
A.R. 6. During a throw-in by Team A, the timer fails to properly start the game clock.
After the ball should have become live, (a) A1 commits a violation (b) A1 is successful
with a try for goal. RULING: In (a), A1’s violation caused a dead ball. The timer’s mistake
shall be corrected during this first dead ball and before the ball is touched inbounds
or out of bounds by a player. In (b), the timer's mistake shall be corrected after A1’s successful
try for goal and before the ball is touched inbounds or out of bounds by a player
on the throw in. When the mistake is not corrected during this first dead ball period and
since the game clock should have been running, the mistake may be corrected before the
ball is touched inbounds or out of bounds by a player after the second live ball.
g. A determination of the correct time to be placed back on the game
clock when the referee blows the whistle, signals for the game clock
to be stopped, and in his/her judgment more than one second has
elapsed before the official timer stopped the game clock.
1. No timing mistake correction shall be carried over from one half
or extra period to another. Such a mistake shall be corrected
before the start of intermission.
A.R. 7. As the official calls a five-second closely guarded violation, the official sounds the
whistle and gives the signal to stop the game clock. The game clock was stopped, however,
in the official’s judgment more than one second elapsed. RULING: The official is
permitted to go to the official courtside monitor to determine if a timer’s mistake has
been committed. When it is determined that more than one second did elapse, the official
is permitted to correct the time.
BR-40 RULE 2/OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES
A.R. 8. A1 is successful with a try for goal with two seconds remaining on the game clock,
which ties the score. The timer fails to properly stop the game clock. RULING: The official
is permitted to use the monitor to obtain information of the timer’s mistake when in
his or her judgment more than one second has elapsed. The mistake, shall be corrected
before the start of the intermission for the extra period.
h. A determination, based on the judgment of the official, that the
shot-clock operator failed to properly start, stop, set or reset the shot
clock. The mistake shall be corrected in the shot-clock period in
which it occurred.
i. Adetermination if a try for goal was a two- or three-point attempt.
j. A determination whether a player who was fouled on his or her
unsuccessful field goal try, at or near the three-point line, shall
attempt either two or three free throws.
Art. 2. At the end of either half or at the end of any extra period, the officials
after making a call on the playing court shall use replay equipment, videotape
or television monitoring that is located on a designated courtside table
(i.e., within approximately 3 to 12 feet of the playing court), when such
equipment is available, to:
a. Determine whether a try for field goal, at or near the expiration of
time in the first half, was released before the reading of 0.00 on the
game clock (refer to 5-7.2.b);
1. When it is determined that the try for goal was before the reading
of 0.00 on the game clock, the official shall be permitted to
put the exact time back on the game clock as to when the ball
passed through the net.
b. Ascertain, with the reading of 0.00 on the game clock, whether a
shot-clock violation occurred at or near the expiration of time in the
first half;
c. Determine whether a foul, at or near the expiration of time in the
first half, occurred before the reading of 0.00 on the game clock.
1. When it is determined that the foul occurred before the reading
of 0.00 on the game clock, the official is permitted to put the
exact time back on the game clock as to when that foul was committed.
d. Ascertain whether a try for field goal that will determine the outcome
of a game (win, lose, tie), and was attempted at or near the
expiration of the game clock, was released before the reading of 0.00
on the game clock (refer to 5-7.2.b);
1. When it is determined that the try for goal was successful, the
official shall be permitted to put the exact time back on the game
clock as to when the ball passed through the net.
RULE 2/OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES
e. Determine, with the reading of 0.00 on the game clock, whether a
shot-clock violation occurred at or near the expiration of time when
it may determine the outcome of the game (win, lose or tie).
f. Ascertain whether a foul, at or near the expiration of time that will
determine the outcome of the game (win, lose, tie), occurred before
the reading of 0.00 on the game clock.
1. When it is determined that the foul occurred before the reading
of 0.00 on the game clock, the official is permitted to put the exact
time back on the clock as to when that foul was committed.
Note: An on-screen graphic display on the monitor may be used only when the display
is synchronized with the official game clock.
Art. 3. Officials shall not use a courtside monitor or courtside videotape for
judgment calls such as who fouled, basket interference, goaltending or
release of the ball before the activation of the red light or LED lights, (or
when the red light is not present, the sounding of the game-clock horn); or
the release of the ball before the sounding of the shot-clock horn, with the
exception of the situations described in Rule 2-5.2. However, in accordance
with Rule 2-5.1.c and 2-11.1.e, A.R. 23, an official would be allowed to use
the monitor when an appeal for a correctable error is recognized within the
proper time frame.
Section 6. Officials Duties in games without Replay/Television
Equipment
Art. 1. When an obvious mistake by the official timer has occurred because
of the failure to start or stop the game clock properly, the mistake shall be
corrected only when the referee has definite information relative to the time
involved. Such a mistake may be corrected during the first dead ball
and before the ball is touched inbounds or illegally out of bounds by a player
after the game clock should have been started or stopped or once the ball is
in play, before the second live ball is touched inbounds or illegally out of
bounds by a player when the game clock should have been running.
A.R. 9. Team A scores with 58 seconds left to play in the game and after the successful
goal, the timer fails to stop the game clock. After the throw-in by Team B, (a) B1 commits
a violation or (b) B1 is successful with a try for goal. RULING: In (a), the timer’s mistake
shall be corrected after the violation which created the first deadball period. It shall be
corrected before the ball is touched inbounds or out of bounds by a player. In (b), the mistake
may be corrected after the successful try by B1 and before the throw in is touched
inbounds or out of bounds by a player. When the mistake is not corrected after B1's successful
try and since the game clock is running, it may be corrected before the ball is
touched inbounds or out of bounds by a player after the second live ball. In both (a) and
(b), to correct the timer’s mistake, the referee shall have definite knowledge as to the time
involved.
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A.R. 10. With four seconds left on the game clock, A1 is throwing-in the ball to A2. The
timer incorrectly starts the game clock before the passed ball touches or is legally touched
by an inbounds player. The official recognizes the timer’s mistake and immediately
blows his or her whistle while the passed ball is in flight. RULING: Since the timer has
made a mistake, the official, with definite knowledge, shall place the correct time on the
game clock. Play shall be resumed with a throw-in by Team A from the original throwin
spot.
Art. 2. When the referee blows the whistle, signals for the game clock to be
stopped, and has definite knowledge that more than one second elapsed
before the official timer stopped the game clock, the referee shall instruct
the official timer to put the correct time on the game clock.
A.R. 11. As the official calls a five-second closely guarded violation, the official sounds
the whistle and gives the signal to stop the game clock. The official sees the exact time
remaining in the second half while doing this. The game clock shows five seconds
remaining. The game clock is stopped; (a) at five seconds; or (b) at 4.5 seconds; or (c) at
three seconds; or (d) the time runs out completely. RULING: In all cases in this A.R., the
official has definite information that the game clock showed five seconds. In (a), there has
been no obvious timing mistake. However, in (b), (c) and (d), more than one second has
elapsed from the time that the signal was given until the timing device was stopped. The
official shall instruct the timer to put five seconds on the game clock.
Art. 3. No timing mistake correction may be carried over from one half or
extra period to another. Such a mistake shall be corrected before the start of
intermission.
Art. 4. When the game clock has malfunctioned, the problem shall be corrected
in the half or extra period in which it occurred when the officials
have knowledge of the problem.
Art. 5. The officials shall make the final decision when there is doubt as to
whether a score was made within the shot-clock period or whether a try for
goal contacted the ring or flange.
a. When there is doubt whether a score was made within the shotclock
period or whether a try for goal contacted the ring or flange,
any activity before the next live ball shall be canceled, with the
exception of a flagrant personal foul, flagrant technical foul, intentional
personal foul, (men) intentional technical foul, indirect technical
foul or direct technical foul.
Art. 6. When an obvious mistake by the shot-clock operator has occurred in
failing to start, stop, set or reset the shot clock or when a shot clock has malfunctioned,
the mistake or the malfunctioning problem may be corrected in
the shot-clock period in which it occurred only when the official has definite
information relative to the mistake or malfunctioning problem and the
time involved. Any activity, after the mistake or malfunctioning problem
has been discovered, shall be canceled, excluding a flagrant personal foul,
RULE 2/OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES
flagrant technical foul, intentional personal foul, (men) intentional technical
foul, indirect technical foul or direct technical foul.
A.R. 12. The time on the game clock is 15:30 and the shot clock reads 0:30 for men and
0:25 for women. A1 shoots the ball with five seconds on the shot clock and does not hit
the ring or flange. The shot-clock operator, by mistake, resets the shot clock. No one
notices the mistake by the shot-clock operator at this time. When the game clock gets to
14:55 for men and 15:00 for women and B2 commits a foul against A2. Now the officials
get together and realize the shot-clock operator’s mistake. RULING: When the officials
have definite knowledge as to the shot-clock operator’s mistake, it is permissible to rectify
that mistake. In this case, since the officials have definite knowledge, they shall put
five seconds back on the game clock, cancel the foul and award the ball to Team B at designated
spot nearest to where the ball became dead.
Section 7. The Referee—Pregame Duties
Before the game starts, the referee shall:
Art. 1. Inspect and approve all players’ uniforms, all equipment, including
playing court, baskets, ball, backboards, and timers’/scorers’ signals.
Art. 2. Designate the official clocks and timers/operators.
Art. 3. Designate the official scorebook and official scorer.
Art. 4. Assure that the official timer will be responsible for notifying each
team three minutes before each half is to begin.
Art. 5. Check the official scorebook for starting lineups.
Art. 6. Notify the captains when play is about to begin at the start of the
game.
Section 8. The Referee—Duties During Game
During the game, the referee shall:
Art. 1. Be responsible for designating which official shall toss the ball for
jump ball(s).
Art. 2. Administer the alternating-possession arrow to start the second
half.
Art. 3. Decide whether a goal will count when the officials disagree.
Art. 4. Correct a scoring or bookkeeping mistake.
Art. 5. Correct all errors within the prescribed time frame.
Art. 6. Forfeit the game when the conditions warrant.
Art. 7. Decide matters upon which the timers and scorers disagree.
Art. 8. Inform each team and the table officials of the overtime procedures
when the score is tied at the end of regulation time.
Art. 9. Check the score at the end of each half and extra period(s) and
approve the final score.
Section 9. Officials’ Duties
During the game, officials shall:
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Art. 1. Put the ball in play.
Art. 2. Determine when the ball becomes dead.
Art. 3. Prohibit practice during a dead ball, except between halves.
Art. 4. Administer penalties.
Art. 5. Grant and charge timeouts.
Art. 6. Correct all errors within the prescribed time frame.
Art. 7. Beckon substitutes to enter the playing court.
Art. 8. Indicate a three-point attempt and signal a successful three-point goal.
Art. 9. (Men) Silently and visibly count seconds to administer throw-in,
free-throw, back-court, and closely guarded rules and silently count for
enforcement of the three-second rule.
Art. 10. (Women) Silently count seconds to administer the free-throw
and three-seconds rules and visibly count seconds to administer the
throw-in and closely guarded (when holding the ball) rules.
Art. 11. Notify the captains when play is about to begin after an intermission
or a timeout.
Art. 12. Report a warning for delay to the official scorer and coaches, such
as:
a. Preventing the ball from being promptly put into play (free throw or
throw-in) by any team huddle;
b. Interfering with the ball after a score;
c. Failure to have court ready to play after a timeout;
d. Failure to keep game jersey tucked in.
A.R. 13. Team A is not ready to take the playing court after the second warning signal
sounds to indicate the end of the halftime intermission. RULING: The referee should ask
the timer to start the device used to time timeouts. At the expiration of one minute, Team A
shall be assessed an indirect technical foul for delay of game. Team B shall be awarded two
free throws and play shall be resumed at the point of interruption. When Team Ais entitled
to the alternating-possession arrow, it shall not lose control of the arrow. This indirect technical
foul shall be charged to the head coach but does not coun toward the coach’s ejection
or the team bonus.
Art. 13. Signal the official timer to stop the game clock when a foul occurs, designate
the offender to the official scorer and indicate with finger(s) the number
of free throws.
Art. 14. Clearly signal, when a team is entitled to a throw-in:
a. The act that caused the ball to become dead.
b. The team entitled to the throw-in.
c. The designated spot, unless the throw-in comes after a successful goal
or an awarded goal.
RULE 2/OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES
Section 10. Officials’ Duties Related to Conduct
The officials shall:
Art. 1. Penalize unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, coach, substitute, team
attendant or follower.
A.R. 14. Who is responsible for behavior of spectators? RULING: The home management
or game committee, insofar as it can reasonably be expected to control the spectators, is
responsible. The officials may call indirect technical fouls on either team when its supporters
act in such a way as to interfere with the proper conduct of the game, such technical fouls
do not count as team fouls
A.R. 15. After a foul is called against a home team player, just before the free-thrower releases
the ball, he/she is hit by a coin thrown by a spectator. RULING: Assess an indirect technical
foul against the home team, award the visiting team two free throws and put the ball
in play at the point of interruption. (See Rule 10-5.2.)
Art. 2. Penalize flagrant acts by any offender.
Art. 3. Remove a player from the game who commits his or her fifth foul (see
Rule 2-11.2 and .3).
Art. 4. Notify the coach and then the player when there is a disqualification.
Section 11. Correctable Errors
Art. 1. The correctable errors are listed in this Section. In order to correct any
of them, such errors must be recognized by an official during the first dead ball
after the game clock has been started properly.
a. Failing to award a merited free throw.
A.R. 16. B1 pushes A1 during an unsuccessful try. A1 is awarded two free throws. The first
free throw by A1 is successful, after which B2 takes the ball out of bounds under Team A’s
basket and passes to B3, who passes to B4 for an uncontested field goal in Team B’s basket.
The captain of Team Athen calls to the attention of an official that A1 did not receive a second
free throw. RULING: The goal by B4 shall count. A1 shall be permitted to attempt the
second free throw with no players lined up along the free-throw lane. The ball shall then
be awarded to Team A out of bounds at the end line nearer Team B’s basket and the
thrower-in shall be permitted to run the end line. This was the point where the game was
stopped to correct the error.
A.R. 17. After the bonus is in effect, B1 holds A1. A1 erroneously is not awarded a bonus.
A1 is awarded the ball out of bounds and completes the throw-in to A2. The coach of Team
Anotifies the official scorer that the coach wants to meet with the official concerning a correctable
error. When Team A scores a field goal, the official scorer sounds the game-clock
horn and advises the official of the coach’s request for the conference. The official recognizes
the correctable error after talking with the coach and official scorer. RULING: The field goal
by Team A shall count. This error is correctable because it happened within the prescribed
time limit of Rule 2-11.2. A1 shall be awarded his or her merited free throw(s).
b. Awarding an unmerited free throw.
A.R. 18. Before the bonus rule is in effect, B1 fouls A1. The official errs by awarding A1 a
one-and-one attempt. (a) A1 makes the first free-throw try, and the error is then discovered;
or (b) A1 is successful in both free throws and then the official detects the error; or (c) A1
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misses the front end of the one-and-one and the game clock starts, at which time the official
detects the error; or (d) A1 is successful in the first bonus attempt but misses the second free
throw and, as a result, the game clock starts and B1 scores a field goal. In each of the four situations,
the error shall be called to the attention of the official before the first dead ball
becomes live after the game clock starts. RULING: Each of the four situations is a correctable
error. In (a), (b), and (c), Team A shall be awarded the ball at a designated spot nearest to
where the foul occurred. In (d), Team Ashall be awarded the ball out of bounds at Team B’s
end line, which was the point of interruption, to correct the error. Any free throws made in
any of the four situations shall be canceled.
A.R. 19. After a one-and-one is shot by Team Aand during the first dead ball after the game
clock was started off the missed free throw, the coach of Team B states that Team Awas not
in the bonus and should not have shot the one-and-one. The official finds that Team Awas
indeed in the bonus and charges Team B with a timeout. Team B does not have any timeouts
left. RULING: (Men) Team B shall be charged with an indirect technical foul. Any player
from Team A shall shoot two free throws with the lane cleared and the ball shall be put
back in play at the point of interruption. (Women) Team B shall be charged with an indirect
technical foul. Any player from Team Ashall shoot two free throws with the lane cleared and
the ball shall be awarded to the offended team at the point of interruption.
A.R. 20. B1 fouls A1 and it is Team B’s ninth foul of the second half. The official erroneously
awards A1 two free throws instead of a one-and-one. A1 (a) makes two free throws, or (b)
misses the first free throw and makes the second free throw, or (c) misses both free throws.
Within the correctable-error time limitations, the officials shall be notified of their error.
RULING: In (a), A1 was entitled to the second free throw because the first free throw was
successful. Both free throws shall count, and play shall be resumed at the point of interruption.
In (b), A1’s first free throw, to which he or she was entitled as the first part of a one-andone,
was unsuccessful and the player should not have been awarded a second free throw.
The successful second free throw shall be nullified, and play shall be resumed at the point
of interruption. In (c), A1’s unmerited second free throw was unsuccessful, so it shall be
ignored, and play shall be resumed at the point of interruption.
c. Permitting a wrong player to attempt a free throw.
A.R. 21. A1 is fouled by B1 during a field-goal attempt and the try is successful. A2 erroneously
is awarded the free throw. While A2’s successful attempt is in the air: (a) B1 fouls
A3, or (b) B1 intentionally fouls A3. Before the ball becomes live, the coach of Team B
properly asks the referee to correct the error of awarding the free throw to the wrong
player. RULING: The free throw by A2 shall be canceled; and A1 shall properly attempt
the free throw. The common foul by B1 in (a) shall be canceled. The intentional foul in (b)
cannot be canceled. The error shall be corrected when A1 is given the free throw to which
A1 was entitled as a result of the original foul. In (b) the game shall continue with the
administration of the two free throws to A3 resulting from the intentional foul by B1.
Team A shall be awarded the ball at the designated spot nearest to where the foul
occurred.
d. Permitting a player to attempt a free throw at the wrong basket.
e. Erroneously counting or canceling a score.
A.R. 22. A1 releases a try for goal near or at the expiration of time for the game. The official
rules the field goal to be a successful two-point goal. Before an official goes to a courtside
monitor to confirm the status of the play, the coach from Team A requests a cor-
RULE 2/OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES
rectable error on the grounds that the goal was counted erroneously and three points
should have been awarded. RULING: It shall be permissible for the officials to use the
courtside monitor to determine if a goal has been counted erroneously. The officials shall
notify the coaches of both teams of their intention to use the courtside monitor for this
purpose. When the coach’s appeal is ruled to be incorrect, a 75-second timeout in games
not involving electronic media or either a 60- or 30-second timeout in games involving
electronic media shall be charged to his or her team. When that timeout exceeds the allotted
number, an indirect technical foul shall be assessed to the offending team. The officials
shall be required to use the courtside monitor to ascertain whether the try for field
goal that was taken at or near the expiration of the game clock was released before or
after the reading of 0.00 on the game clock.
A.R. 23. (a) A1, or (b) B1 is called for basket interference at Team A’s basket. In (a), the
referee erroneously counts the score or, in (b), erroneously fails to count the score. In each
case, the error is discovered before the first dead ball has become live after the game clock
has started. RULING: The official’s error in both (a) and (b) shall be correctable because
the error was recognized within the proper time limit.
Art. 2. When the officials’ error in Rule 2-11 is made while the game clock
is running and the ball is dead, it must be recognized by an official before
the second live ball to be correctable.
A.R. 24. Team A has the ball and is working for a shot. The shot-clock horn sounds and
then A1 shoots and scores an apparent field goal. The shot-clock horn is not heard by the
officials on the playing court. Play continues with Team B inbounding the ball. With 20
seconds remaining on the shot clock, the official calls traveling on B1. At that time, the
official timer calls the referee to the scorers’ table to explain that the shot clock had sounded
before A1 scored the field goal. RULING: When, in the official’s judgment, an error
was made while the game clock was running, the goal shall be canceled. Since the clock
was running in this case, the official has until the second live ball after the error to make
the correction. The error shall be correctable until the ball is put in play after the traveling
call.
Art. 3. When the error is a free throw by the wrong player, a free throw
attempted at the wrong basket or the awarding of an unmerited free throw,
the free throw and the activity during it, other than a flagrant technical foul,
a flagrant personal foul, (men) an intentional technical foul, an intentional
personal foul or an indirect or direct technical foul, shall be canceled.
a. Points scored, time consumed and additional activity, which may
occur before the recognition of the error, shall not be nullified.
Art. 4. When an error is corrected, play shall be resumed from the point of
interruption to correct the error, unless the correction involves awarding
merited free throw(s) and there has been no change of team possession
since the error was made. In that case, play shall resume as after any normal
free throw.
A.R. 25. B1 fouls A1 after the bonus is in effect. A1 is not awarded the bonus free throws.
Team Ais awarded the throw-in. Team Acontrols the ball in bounds, and A3 eventually
asks for and receives a timeout. During the timeout, an official recognizes the correctable
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error or it is called to his/her attention that A1 should have been awarded a one-and-one
free throw. RULING: A1 shall be awarded the one-and-one and play shall be resumed as
after any normal free throw.
Section 12. Duties of Scorers
The scorers shall:
Art. 1. Record the names and uniform numbers of squad members who
may participate and those of the starting five players.
Art. 2. Record the field goals made and the free throws made and missed,
and keep a running summary of the points scored.
Art. 3. Record the personal and technical fouls called on each player and the
technical fouls called on a coach, squad member, bench personnel or follower.
Art. 4. Notify an official immediately when the fifth foul, including any
combination of personal fouls, direct technical fouls, intentional personal
foul and (men) intentional technical fouls; or the third technical foul is
charged to a squad member or bench personnel.
A.R. 26. B1 commits a fifth foul [any combination of personal fouls, direct technical
fouls, and (men) intentional technical fouls], which results in two free throws for A1. The
official scorer and official timer fail to notify any of the game officials that a fifth foul has
been committed. When the scorers realize the mistake, they inform the official timer to
sound the game-clock horn. The official timer sounds the device as the first free throw is
made or missed. The referee asks the scorers’ table personnel to explain the problem. The
referee is advised that B1 has committed five fouls, after which the referee advises the
coach and player of Team B that B1 has five fouls. The coach replaces B1. Shall any free
throws be awarded to Team A? RULING: No. This is a bookkeeping mistake for which
B1 shall not be held responsible; no penalty shall be assessed.
A.R. 27. A player who has committed a fifth foul (any combination of personal fouls,
direct technical fouls and (men) intentional technical fouls) continues to play because the
scorers have failed to notify the officials. RULING: As soon as the scorers discover the
irregularity, they should sound the game-clock horn after (or as soon as) the ball is in control
of the offending team or is dead. The disqualified player shall be removed immediately.
Any points that may have been scored while such a player was illegally in the game
shall count. When other aspects of the error are correctable, such as permitting the wrong
player to attempt a free throw, see Rule 2-11.
Art. 5. Notify an official immediately when a second direct technical foul is
charged to a coach, squad member or any bench personnel.
Art. 6. (Men) Notify an official immediately when two intentional technical
fouls or a combination of one intentional technical foul and one direct technical
foul have been assessed to a squad member.
Art. 7. Notify an official immediately when a combination of any three technical
fouls has been assessed or when three bench direct technical fouls
have been called on a team.
RULE 2/OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES
Art. 8. Record any ejection for fighting.
Art. 9. Record the timeouts charged to each team and notify a team and its
head coach, through an official, when such team takes its final allowable
charged timeout.
Art. 10. Signal the nearest official each time a team is granted a charged timeout
in excess of the allowable number.
Art. 11. Signal the nearest official in each half when a player commits a common
foul (except a player-control or team-control foul), beginning with the
team’s seventh foul and the team’s 10th foul, including any combination of
personal fouls, direct technical fouls, (men) intentional technical fouls and flagrant
technical fouls.
Art. 12. Designate that the scorebook of the home team shall be the official
scorebook, unless the referee rules otherwise. The official scorebook shall
remain at the scorers’ table throughout the game, including all intermissions.
A.R. 28. At halftime, the official scorer, who is a member of the home-team faculty, removes
the scorebook from the scorers’ table: (a) of his or her own volition; or (b) at the request of
the home-team coach. RULING: In (a), when the removal is inadvertent and momentary,
there should be no penalty. When there is evidence that the official scorer removed the scorebook
to take it to the home-team locker room, an indirect technical foul shall be assessed to
the head coach. In (b), when the home-team coach requests the official scorer to remove the
scorebook, the head coach shall be assessed an indirect technical foul. These indirect technical
fouls do not count toward the coach’s ejection
Art. 13. Compare their records after each goal, each foul and each charged
timeout, notifying the referee at once of any discrepancy. When no error can
be found, the referee shall accept the record of the official scorebook, unless the
referee has knowledge that permits another decision. When the discrepancy is
in the score and the error is not resolved, the referee shall accept the progressive
team totals of the official scorebook.
Art. 14. Correct a scoring or bookkeeping mistake any time before the referee
approves the final score.
A.R. 29. The official scorer fails to record two points awarded to Team Aby an official during
the first half as a result of basket interference by B2. RULING: The bookkeeping mistake
shall be rectified.
A.R. 30. After two minutes of the first extra period, it is discovered that during the second
half of regulation play, the official scorer failed to record one point as a result of a made free
throw by Team A. RULING: The score shall be recorded and play shall be continued at a
designated spot from the point of interruption.
Art. 15. Keep a record in the scorebook of the names and uniform numbers of
players who are to start the game and of all substitutes who enter the game.
a. It is recommended that squad members’ names be entered in the
scorebook in numerical order.
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Art. 16. Notify the nearest official when there is an infraction of the rules pertaining
to submission of the roster, substitutions or uniform numbers of
players.
Art. 17. When necessary, signal the officials with a sounding device unlike
that used by the referee and umpire(s). This sounding device may be used
immediately when (or as soon as) the ball is dead or is in control of the
offending team.
A.R. 31. When may a scorer signal? RULING: When the scorer desires to call attention to
a player who is illegally in the game, the scorer may signal the official when the ball is in
control of that player’s team or when the ball becomes dead. When it is for a substitution,
the scorer may signal when the ball next becomes dead and the clock is stopped.
When it is for conferring with an official, the scorer may signal when the ball is dead.
When the scorer signals while the ball is live, the official shall ignore the signal when a
scoring play is in progress. Otherwise, the official may signal for the game clock to be
stopped to determine the reason for the signal.
A.R. 32. The game-clock horn sounds while the ball is live. RULING: Players should
ignore the game-clock horn since it does not cause a dead ball. The officials shall use their
judgment in blowing the ball dead to consult with the scorers and timers. When the players
on both teams do not ignore the game-clock horn and stop playing, the officials shall
award the ball to the team in control at a designated spot nearest to where the dead ball
occurred.
Art. 18. When a correctable error is called to the official scorer’s attention by
a coach while the game clock is running, the timer shall not use the gameclock
horn until the ball has become dead.
Art. 19. For ease of identifying the official scorer, one of the following shall
be placed on the floor in front of the individual’s spot at the scorers’ table:
a. An “X” composed of 12-inch line segments that are 2 inches in
width.
b. An NCAA logo that is a minimum of approximately 8 inches in
diameter.
c. An NCAABasketball logo that is a rectangle approximately 1 1/2 feet
by 2 1/2 feet.
Note: It is recommended that only the person at the scorers’ table permitted to wear
a black-and-white-striped garment be the official scorer and that he or she be seated
next to the official timer.
Section 13. Duties of Timer
The official timer shall:
Art. 1. Be provided with a game clock to be used for timing periods and
intermissions and a stopwatch for timing timeouts. The game clock and
stopwatch shall be placed so that they may be seen by both the timer and
the shot-clock operator.
Art. 2. Operate the game clock.
Art. 3. Note and notify the referee more than three minutes before each half
is to start.
Art. 4. Signal the scorers three minutes before starting time.
Art. 5. Record playing time and time of stoppages.
Art. 6. Start the game clock as prescribed.
A.R. 33. (Men) The game clock indicates that 1:13 is left in the second half when Team A
makes a throw-in after a charged timeout. Team Ais charged with a 10-second back-court
violation, but the game clock shows that only eight seconds were used. The official timer
indicates that the game clock started when the throw-in was touched on the playing
court. RULING: Violation. Team B shall be awarded a throw-in at a designated spot nearest
to where the violation occurred. Rule 2-11 does not provide for the correction of an
error made in the referee’s counting of seconds.
Art. 7. Start the stopwatch for a charged timeout and signal the referee
when it is time to resume play.
Art. 8. Sound a warning signal 5 seconds before the expiration of the 20-second
time limit to replace a disqualified player. The signal also shall be
sounded at the end of the 20 seconds to replace a disqualified player.
Art. 9. Sound a warning signal 15 seconds before the expiration of an intermission
or charged timeout. Asecond signal shall be given at the expiration
of an intermission or a charged timeout. Play shall be resumed immediately
upon the sounding of the second signal.
A.R. 34. The official timer properly sounds a warning signal 15 seconds before a charged
timeout expires and a final signal when the timeout ends. The official administering the
throw-in sounds the whistle to alert the players that the game shall resume; however, neither
team has left its huddle on the sideline. RULING: The official shall resume play by
placing the ball at the disposal of the player for a throw-in at a designated spot and shall
start the throw-in count. (See Rule 9-5.1.d.)
Art. 10. Stop the game clock at the expiration of time for each period and
when an official signals a timeout.
Art. 11. Stop the game clock after a successful field goal with 59.9 seconds
or less remaining in the game or any extra period with no substitution
allowed during the dead-ball period, which would include a timer’s mistake
or an inadvertent whistle by an official.
Art. 12. Use the game-clock horn when the ball has become dead and a correctable
error situation has been brought to the scorer’s attention by a
coach.
Art. 13. Indicate with the red light or LED lights the expiration of playing
time in each half or extra period. This signal shall terminate player activity.
When a red light is not present, the indicator that shall terminate players’
activity shall be the sounding of the game clock horn.
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Art. 14. Enter the playing court or use other means to immediately notify
the referee when the timers’ red light signal or LED lights fail to operate or
be seen or when a game-clock horn fails to sound or is inaudible. When, in
the meantime, a goal has been made or a foul has occurred, the referee shall
consult the timers.
a. When the timers agree that time expired before a try for field goal
was in flight, the goal shall not count.
b. When the timers agree that the period ended (as in Rule 5-7.3.c)
before a foul occurred, the foul shall be disregarded unless it was a
flagrant technical foul or (men) an intentional technical foul.
c. When the timers disagree about the expiration of time before a successful
try for field goal or foul, the goal shall count or the foul shall
be penalized unless the referee has knowledge that alters such a ruling.
A.R. 35. In a game with no official courtside television monitor, the red light or LED lights
which signal the end of the last period cannot be seen nor can the game-clock horn be heard.
The officials disagree whether the ball was in flight during a try for field goal or whether a
foul occurred before time expired. RULING: The final decision shall be made by the referee.
The official timer shall indicate if the ball was in flight before the red light or LED lights
signal was activated or before the game-clock horn sounded only when requested to do so
by the referee. The referee shall use his or her best judgment; but when the evidence for
counting or not counting the goal or foul is equal, the referee shall rule that the goal counts
and that the foul shall be charged. In a game with an official courtside television monitor
and a game-clock with a 10th-of-a second display, the status of the try for goal and the committed
foul shall be ascertained with the use of the courtside monitor.
Section 14. Duties of Shot-Clock Operator
The shot-clock operator shall:
Art. 1. Use a 35-second shot clock for men and a 30-second shot clock for
women.
Art. 2. Use the shot clock for the entire game, including extra periods,
except when 35 seconds or less (men) or 30 seconds or less (women)
remain in the half or extra period, in which case the shot clock shall be
turned off.
Art. 3. Control a separate timing device with a horn that shall have a
sound that is distinct and different from that of the game-clock horn.
Art. 4. Have an alternate timing device available.
Art. 5. Start the timing device when a player in bounds legally touches
or is touched by the ball on a throw-in or when a team initially gains
possession from a jump ball, an unsuccessful try for goal or when possession
is gained of a loose ball after a jump ball or unsuccessful try for
goal.
RULE 2/OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES
BR-53
Art. 6. Stop the timing device and reset it:
a. When team control is re-established after the team loses possession
of the ball;
b. When a foul occurs (Exceptions: Rules 2-14.7.f and .h);
c. When a held ball occurs (Exceptions: Rules 2-14.7.e and 2-14.7.i);
A.R. 36.With the alternating-possession arrow favoring Team Aand 20 seconds remaining
on the shot clock, A1’s try for goal lodges between the backboard and the basket support.
RULING: Team A shall be awarded possession for a throw-in and the shot clock
shall be reset.
d. When a try for goal strikes the ring or flange and then possession is
gained by either team;
e. When a violation occurs.
f. When an intentionally kicked ball occurs with 15 seconds or less
remaining, reset to 15 seconds.
g. When an inadvertent whistle occurs and there was no player or
team control at the time of the whistle.
Note: The mere touching of the ball by an opponent does not start a new
shot-clock period when the same team remains in control of the ball.
A.R. 37. A1 touches the ball that was thrown in by A2. The ball strikes the playing court
and bounces until A3 gains control by dribbling. The shot-clock operator started the shot
clock when A1 touched the ball. RULING: The operator was correct. Touching the ball
initiates the start of the game clock in all cases and the shot clock except in a reset situation
when there is (men) less than 35 seconds left in the period or (women) less than 30
seconds left in the period.
Art. 7. Stop the timing device and continue time without a reset when play
begins under the following circumstances:
a. The ball is deflected out of bounds by a defensive player;
b. When an intentionally kicked ball occurs with more than 15 seconds
remaining;
c. Aplayer is injured or loses a contact lens;
d. Acharged timeout has concluded; and
e. During team control as defined in Rule 4-13, a defensive player
causes a held ball and the alternating-possession arrow favors the
offensive team.
f. After a double personal foul, double flagrant personal foul, double
intentional personal foul or simultaneous personal foul when there
RULE 2/OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES
BR-54
is team control as defined in Rule 4-13 and as described in Rule 7-
4.1.i.
g. After an inadvertent whistle when there is team control as defined
in Rule 4-13 and as described in Rule 7-4.1.j.
A.R. 38. A1 is in the act of shooting and B1 attempts to defend the try. The official, in
anticipation of a foul that was not committed, inadvertently blows his or her whistle (a)
before the release of the ball; (b) after the try was in flight. A's try for goal was unsuccessful.
RULING: In (a), since A1 did not release the ball and was in control of the ball
when the inadvertent whistle was blown, Team A shall be awarded the ball at a designated
spot nearest to where the dead ball occurred with no reset of the shot clock. In (b),
since A1's try was in flight and there was no team control when the inadvertent whistle
was blown, the ball shall be put back into play at a designated spot nearest to where the
dead ball occurred with the use of the alternating-possession arrow and the shot clock
shall be reset. In (b) if the try for goal was successful, the inadvertent whistle shall be
ignored and the team not credited with the score shall be awarded the ball at the end line
with that team being entitled to run the end line.
h. After any technical foul(s) is assessed to the team in control of the
ball, or to the team entitled to the ball before it is at the disposal of
the thrower-in, or to bench personnel or followers of that team,
when these conditions exist.
Exceptions: A single flagrant technical foul or (men) a single intentional
technical foul.
i. After a simultaneous held ball as described in Rule 7-4.1.k occurs
during a throw-in and the alternating-possession arrow favors the
throw-in team.
Note: The offensive team, upon regaining possession of the ball for the
throw-in, shall have the unexpired time on the shot clock to attempt a try.
A.R. 39. A1 releases the ball on a try for goal, B1 partially blocks the shot and the ball (a)
hits the ring or flange; (b) goes out of bounds; or (c) goes through the basket. RULING:
In (a) and (c), the play is legal and the action shall continue. In (b), the official shall blow
the whistle to stop play and the shot-clock operator shall stop but not reset the shot clock.
On the ensuing throw-in by Team A, the game clock and shot clock shall start when the
throw-in touches any player on the playing court.
Art. 8. Sound the shot-clock horn at the expiration of the shot-clock period.
This shot-clock horn shall not stop play unless recognized by an official’s
whistle. When the shot clock indicates :00 but the shot-clock horn has not
sounded, the shot-clock time has not expired.
Art. 9. Turn off the shot clock when a reset situation occurs and the game
clock shows less time than that of a shot-clock period.
A.R. 40. There are 37 seconds (men) or 32 seconds (women) on the game clock and 35 seconds
(men) or 30 seconds (women) on the shot clock. Team Auses time before A1 releas-
RULE 2/OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES
BR-55
es the ball for a try for goal. After A1 releases the ball, the shot-clock horn sounds. The
ball does not strike the ring or flange. The officials call a shot-clock violation. At the same
time as the official’s whistle, the game clock sounds, signaling that the period has ended.
Shall the official put two seconds back on the game clock? RULING: No. The shot-clock
horn sounded at the expiration of the shot-clock period; however, this does not stop play
unless recognized by the official’s whistle. The official’s whistle for the shot-clock violation
stopped play. The expiration of playing time was indicated by the timer’s signal.
This signal shall terminate player activity (Rule 2-13.13). The period ended with the violation.
Art. 10. Allow the timing device to continue during a loose-ball situation
when the offense retains possession or when a field-goal try is attempted at
the wrong basket.
Art. 11. Allow the game officials to make the final decision when there is
doubt as to whether a score was made within the shot-clock period or
whether a try for goal contacted the ring or flange.
a. When there is doubt whether a score was made within the shotclock
period or whether a try for goal contacted the ring or flange,
any activity before the next live ball shall be canceled, with the
exception of any flagrant foul, intentional foul or direct or indirect
technical foul.
RULE 2/OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES
BR-56
Section 1. The Team
Art. 1. At the start of the game, each team shall consist of five players,
one of whom shall be the captain.
A.R. 1. Teams A and B each have co-captains. At the pregame conference, one of the
co-captains requests permission from the referee that both co-captains be allowed to
confer with officials on interpretations. RULING: Co-captains may participate in
the pregame conference, but only one co-captain of each team may confer with the
officials during the game. During the pregame conference, the referee shall be
informed which co-captain of each team shall be the speaking co-captain during the
game.
Art. 2. Each team may continue to play with fewer than five players
when all other squad members are not eligible or able to play.
Art. 3. When there is only one player participating for a team, that team
shall forfeit unless the referee believes that both teams have an opportunity
to win.
Section 2. The Captain
Art. 1. The captain is the representative of the team and may address
an official on matters of interpretation or to obtain essential information,
when it is done in a courteous manner. Dialogue between coaches
and officials should be kept to a minimum.
Art. 2. Any player may address an official to request a timeout or permission
to leave the playing court.
Section 3. Lineup
Art. 1. Before the 10-minute mark is reached on the game clock that is
counting down the time before the start of the game, each team shall
supply the scorers with:
a. Names and uniform numbers of squad members who may participate,
and those of the five starting players.
A.R. 2. Nine minutes before the scheduled starting time for the game, Team A presents
its squad roster and its starting lineup to the official scorer and then, at six
RULE 3
Players, Substitutes
and Player Equipment
BR-57
minutes before the game’s starting time, Team A presents four additional names to
the official scorer for the squad list. RULING: Team A shall be assessed one indirect
technical foul and the game shall start with a jump ball.
Art. 2. After the time limit specified in Rule 3-3.1 and prior to the start
of the game, a team shall be charged with a maximum of one indirect
technical foul for one or more of the following:
a. Failure to comply with Rule 3-3.1.
b. Adding name(s) to the squad list.
c. Changing squad member’s number(s) without reporting the
change(s) to the scorers and an official.
A.R. 3. Team A properly submits its squad list and designates its five starters in
compliance with the rule before the starting time of the game. However, the uniform
number for each squad member is erroneously indicated. The mistake is not detected
until approximately 11/2 minutes have been played. RULING: An indirect technical
foul shall be charged to Team A. A player shall wear the uniform number indicated
in the scorebook or the scorebook number shall be changed to that which he
or she is wearing. When the squad member, before participating, changes the uniform
number he or she wears to that indicated in the scorebook, there shall be no
penalty. When the number in the scorebook for a player is changed before participation
and the change is reported to both the official scorer and an official, there
shall be no penalty.
d. Changes in the starting lineup, except when the changes are
necessitated by obvious injury or illness, or to replace a designated
starter to shoot a technical-foul free throw.
A.R. 4. A1, who is designated as a starter 10 minutes before the scheduled starting
time of the game, becomes ill one minute before the game is to start. RULING: A1
may be replaced without an indirect technical foul being assessed. Illness or injury
is considered to be an extenuating and unavoidable circumstance that permits a
substitution without penalty. A1 shall be permitted to enter the game later if able.
Art. 3. Once the game begins, a team can be charged with a maximum
of one indirect technical foul for the infractions listed in Articles 1 and
2 of this Section.
Section 4. Substitutions
Art. 1. Each substitute who desires to enter the game shall give the scorers
his or her uniform number.
Art. 2. Substitutions between halves shall be reported to the official
scorer by the substitute(s) or a team representative before the signal
that ends the intermission rather than after the warning signal.
Art. 3. Substitutions during a timeout must report to or be in position
to report to the official scorer before the warning signal. Substitutions
shall not be permitted after the warning signal.
RULE 3/PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND PLAYER EQUIPMENT
BR-58 RULE 3/PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND PLAYER EQUIPMENT
A.R. 5. A6 and A7 have reported to the scorers and are waiting to enter the game.
Team A commits a violation and during the dead ball period, Team B calls a timeout.
The coach from Team A changes his/her mind and wants A8 and A9 to report
and enter the game rather than A6 and A7. RULING: A8’s and A9’s substitutions
are legal when they have reported to the official scorer before the warning signal.
A8’s and A9’s substitutions shall not be permitted after the warning signal. During
an electronic media timeout, the same change is permissible when they have reported
to the official scorer before the warning signal.
A.R. 6. After the second warning signal sounds after a timeout, A1 goes to the freethrow
line to attempt two free throws. Before the first free throw, A6 reports to the
official scorer and tries to enter the game as a substitute. RULING: A6 cannot enter
the game because the second warning signal has sounded and there has been no live
ball followed by a dead-ball sequence.
Art. 4. When entry is at any time other than between halves, and a substitute
who is entitled and ready to enter reports to the scorers, the
timers shall sound the game-clock horn when (or as soon as) the ball is
dead and time is out. (Exception: See Rule 3-4.6.)
Art. 5. A substitute becomes a player when he/she legally enters the
playing court. When the entry is not legal, the substitute becomes a
player when the ball becomes live.
Art. 6. Substitutions shall not be permitted after successful field goals
in the last 59.9 seconds of the second half or any extra period.
A.R. 7. After a successful field goal with 48 seconds left on the game clock, the timer
sounds the game-clock horn for substitute A6 to enter the game. RULING: A6 shall
not be permitted to enter. The rule states that while the game clock is stopped after
successful field goals in the last 59.9 seconds of play, substitutions shall not be
allowed. A team may request a timeout and then insert substitutions any time the
ball is dead and the game clock is stopped.
Art. 7. (Men) Substitution shall not be allowed when the game is
stopped in the last 59.9 seconds of the second half or any extra period
to correct a timer’s mistake or for an inadvertent whistle.
Art. 7. (Women) Substitutions shall not be allowed when the game is
stopped in the last 59.9 seconds of the second half or any extra period for
anything other than a timeout, a violation or a foul.
Art. 8. Any substitute shall remain outside the boundary line until
beckoned by an official, whereupon the substitute shall enter immediately.
When the ball is about to become live, the beckoning signal
should be withheld.
A.R. 8. After a successful free throw, A1 enters the playing court before the throwin,
and A1’s illegal entry is not detected until after the ball becomes live. RULING:
A1 became a legal player when the ball became live. Because discovery of the violation
came after the ball became live, the violation by A1 shall be ignored. (See Rule
10-3.8.a.)
RULE 3-4/PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND PLAYER EQUIPMENT
Art. 9. An entering player shall not replace a free-thrower or designated
jumper. When the substitute desires to replace a player who is to
attempt a free throw, the substitute shall remain at the scorers’ table
until the next opportunity to enter the game.
Art. 10. During multiple free-throw personal fouls, a substitute may
enter the game only before the final attempt in the sequence unless otherwise
authorized by the rules or after the final attempt has been successfully
converted.
a. Substitutions during a timeout but before the warning signal
are permissible before the first free-throw attempt.
A.R. 9. In a game involving electronic media, A1 is fouled in the act of shooting after
the eight minute mark. A1’s try for goal is unsuccessful. B1 reported to the scorer
before the foul and was waiting to enter the game. When is B1 permitted to enter the
game? RULING: B1 is permitted to enter the game after the electronic media timeout
ends and before A1 attempts the first try of the multiple free throw sequence.
A.R. 10. After the second warning signal sounds for a timeout, A1 goes to the freethrow
line to attempt two free throws. After the first free throw is successful and
before the ball is at the disposal of A1 for the second free throw, A6 reports to the
official scorer to become a substitute and then tries to enter the game as a substitute.
RULING: A6 shall be allowed to enter before the last attempt of the multiple personal
foul free throw because a live ball followed by a dead ball has occurred.
Art. 11. (Women) When a player is required to be replaced, such as for
disqualification, injury or blood, before the administering of multiple
free throws, all substitutes who legally reported to the official scorer
before the player had to be replaced may enter the game.
A.R. 11. A1 is fouled and his or her try for goal is unsuccessful. During the try: (a)
B1 commits his or her fifth (disqualifying) foul against A1; (b) A3 is injured or is
bleeding, has blood on his or her body, or his or her uniform is saturated with blood
and he or she cannot continue to play; (c) A4 is wearing illegal apparel. RULING:
(Men) In all cases, a substitute shall be allowed into the game to become a player
before the last try of the multiple free throw. No other substitutions shall be
allowed. (Women) In all cases, a substitute shall be allowed into the game to become
a player before the last try of the multiple free throw. In addition, all substitutes
who had legally reported before the player had to be replaced may enter the game.
Art. 12. A player who has been withdrawn or replaced by a substitute
may re-enter the game at the next opportunity to substitute, provided
that the game clock has been properly started with his or her replacement
in the game.
A.R. 12. A direct technical foul is assessed against Team A. B6 replaces B1 and
makes the second free throw. After the attempt, B1 desires to re-enter. RULING:
Illegal. B1 may not re-enter before the next opportunity to substitute after the game
clock has started after his or her replacement.
BR-59
BR-60 RULE 3/PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND PLAYER EQUIPMENT
A.R. 13. During a dead ball, A6 replaces A5. Before the ball is put into play, a direct
or indirect technical foul is assessed against Team B. A5 is designated by the coach
to enter the game and attempt the free throw(s) resulting from Team B’s technical
foul. RULING: A5 may not re-enter to attempt the free throw(s) because the game
clock has not been started since A5 left the game.
Art. 13. A player who legally enters the game during a dead ball may
leave the game during that same dead-ball period without penalty.
A.R. 14. A1 is injured during a play in which A1 was fouled. As a result, A1 cannot
attempt the free throw awarded to him or her. A6 replaces A1 and attempts the free
throw, which is successful. A7 replaces A6 before the game clock starts. RULING:
The procedure is legal. (See Rule 8-2.2.a.)
Art. 14. A player who has been injured to the extent that the coach or
any other bench personnel is beckoned and/or comes on to the playing
court shall be directed to leave the playing court once the extent of the
injury has been ascertained unless a timeout is requested by and granted
to his or her team.
Art. 15. An immediate substitute shall be required when a timeout has
been granted for a player who is injured, bleeding or has a blood-saturated
uniform and that player is not ready to resume play after the final
horn that indicates the expiration of the timeout. The opponents shall
be permitted to counter with a substitution.
A.R. 15. A1 and B1 collide and (a) are injured; (b) are bleeding; and (c) are evaluated
and it is determined that their uniforms are saturated with blood. The coach from
Team A requests and is granted a timeout. RULING: When a timeout is requested
and granted to either team, one or both players are permitted to remain in the game
after the expiration of the timeout. No bleeding can be in evidence. A uniform that
is saturated with blood needs to be replaced.
A.R. 16. A1 is injured and the referee beckons the coach and/or athletic trainer onto
the playing court to assist the injured player. After the injured player is replaced,
Team B requests and is granted a timeout. Play is about to resume and A1 is back
on the playing court. RULING: A1 shall be prohibited from staying on the playing
court. Team B’s timeout does not make A1 eligible to return to play. Team A must
request and be granted a charged timeout in order for A1 to remain in the game.
Art. 16. When three or more substitutes for the same team enter the
game, an official may honor a request by the captain of the opposing
team to aid it in locating the entering players.
RULE 3/PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND PLAYER EQUIPMENT
Section 5. Uniforms
Art. 1. The torso of the game jersey shall be a single solid color from the
base of the neck to the bottom of the game jersey. There shall be no
color restrictions in the area of the game jersey from the base of the
neckline to the shoulder seam. (When a back shoulder panel is used, it
shall extend no more than 3 inches from the shoulder seam and shall be
of the same color/design as the panel on the front of the game jersey
from the base of the neckline to the shoulder seam.)
Art. 2. Game jerseys shall be of the same single solid color.
Art. 3. Game jerseys shall be tucked in the game pants.
Note: The first time an official must tell a player to tuck in the game jersey, the official
shall issue a warning to the head coach. The next time any player on the same
team has the game jersey untucked, that player shall leave the game until the next
opportunity to substitute. The official shall enforce this rule at the next dead ball
after observing the violation.
A.R. 17. An official tells A1 to tuck in his or her game jersey and then issues a warning
to the coach of Team A. Later in the game, A2 is fouled. Before giving A2 disposal of the
ball for the free throw, the official notices that A2’s game jersey is untucked. RULING:
A2 shall be permitted to attempt the free throw(s). When the free throw(s) are successful,
he or she shall be instructed to leave the game. When the free throw(s) are not successful
and he or she does not rectify the game-jersey violation before the next dead ball,
A2 shall be instructed to leave the game.
Art. 4. The color, style and design of all teammates’ game jerseys and
game pants shall be alike.
Art. 5. Decorations permitted on game jerseys are:
a. Side inserts, including trim, no more than 4 inches wide of any
color/design, centered vertically below the armpit,
b. Piping/trim not to exceed 1 inch around the neck and arm
opening and
c. A logo or mascot at the center or apex of the neckline of the
game jersey.
Art. 6. Decorations such as mascots and stars are permissible only on
the game jersey within the 4-inch side insert or anywhere on the game
pants.
Art. 7. A commemorative/memorial patch, flag or ribbon is permitted
within the 4-inch side insert of the game jersey, anywhere on the game
pants, anywhere on warm-up suits and within the area of the game jersey
between the base of the front neckline and the shoulder seam of the
jersey. When the commemorative/memorial patch or ribbon is on the
shoulder strap of the game jersey, it shall be sewn on or attached with
Velcro.
BR-61
BR-62 RULE 3/PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND PLAYER EQUIPMENT
A.R. 18. Team A is wearing a patch for a special basketball event in which the team
is participating. The patch is located in the area between the base of the front neckline
and the shoulder seam of the jersey. Is this legal? RULING: No. Only a commemorative
or memorial patch shall be located in this area; however, other patches
may be located in the 4-inch side inserts of the jersey or anywhere on the game
pants. Per the NCAA manuals, such a patch may include a commercial name only
if that entity is the title sponsor of the event.
Art. 8. Manufacturers’ or distributors’ labels or trademarks are not permitted
on the game jersey.
Art. 9. No more than two identifying names or abbreviations of the
names may be placed on either, or on both, the front and back of the
game jersey. The name(s) and/or abbreviation(s):
a. Shall identify the school, the school nickname or mascot, or the
player’s name.
b. Shall be placed vertically and/or horizontally. When placed
horizontally, the lettering may be arched, but the first and last
letters shall be in the same horizontal plane.
c. May be placed no closer than 1 inch from the top or bottom of
the uniform number;
d. May have any form of decorative emphasis (e.g., paw, halo,
crown, star) located above the name or abbreviation when the
name or abbreviation is placed above the game-jersey number;
e. May have a tail or an underscore located below them when the
name or abbreviation is placed below the game-jersey number;
or
f. Shall be placed such that the number(s) is clearly visible.
Art. 10. Each team member’s game jersey shall be numbered on the
front and back with plain Arabic numerals.
a. The following numbers are legal: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 00, 10, 11, 12, 13,
14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44,
45, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. Team rosters can include 0 or 00 but not
both. The numbers on the front and back of the game jersey
shall be of the same color and style.
b. The number shall be at least 6 inches high on the back and at
least 4 inches high on the front and not less than 3/4 inch in
width.
c. Numbers shall be centered on the front and back of game jerseys.
d. No more than three colors may be used on uniforms. The style
used for the uniform number shall allow for the uniform number
to be clearly visible and shall conform to one of the following:
1. A solid contrasting color with no more than two solid 1/4-
inch borders. A solid contrasting “shadow” trim, not to
exceed 1/2 inch in width, may be used on part of the uniform
number. When the game-jersey color is used as a border, it
shall be counted as one of the allowed colors.
2. The game-jersey color itself shall be counted as one of the
allowable colors when bordered with not more than two 1/4-
inch solid border(s) contrasting with the game-jersey color.
Art. 11. Members of the same squad shall not wear identical numbers.
a. When such an infraction occurs, the second-listed squad member
in the official scorebook (and any following member) wearing
an identical number shall be charged with an indirect technical
foul. The penalty shall be imposed when the infraction is
discovered.
b. When there is duplication, only one squad member shall be permitted
to wear a given uniform number. All others must change
to a uniform number not already in use before they may participate.
Art. 12. Opposing team uniforms shall be of contrasting colors. The
home team should wear light game jerseys and the away team should
wear dark game jerseys.
A.R. 19. Contesting teams have uniforms of the same color. RULING: When possible,
each team should have two sets of uniforms, one of light color and the other of
dark color. The light color should be for home games. The team that violates this
rule shall change. When there is doubt, the officials shall require the home team to
change; on a neutral floor, the officials shall decide which team shall change.
Art. 13. An undershirt is considered to be part of the game jersey and
must be a color similar to that of the game jersey. In addition, the
sleeves and neckline of undershirts shall be unaltered (e.g., no cut-off
sleeves or cut necklines) and both sleeves must be of the same length.
No logos, decorations, trim, commemorative patches, lettering or numbering
may be used on an undershirt. An illegal undershirt shall not be
worn.
A.R. 20. May a player remain in the game after being assessed an indirect technical
foul for wearing an illegal undershirt or undergarment? RULING: Similar to the
rule regarding jewelry, illegal undershirts or undergarments shall not be worn. The
player shall leave the game and remove the illegal apparel; however, no technical
foul shall be assessed.
Art. 14. Tights that extend below the game pants must be similar in
color to that of the game pants.
RULE 3/PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND PLAYER EQUIPMENT BR-63
BR-64 RULE 3/PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND PLAYER EQUIPMENT
Art. 15. Headbands that are non-abrasive, unadorned, single-colored (similar
to the dominant color of the game jersey) and not wider than 2 inches
are permissible.
a. Headbands made of cloth, elastic, fiber, soft leather, pliable plastic
or rubber are legal.
b. One manufacturer’s logo or one institutional logo/mascot which
shall meet the restrictions of Rule 3-6 is permitted.
Art. 16. Wristbands no wider than 2 inches made of single-color cloth
similar to the dominant color of the game jersey and unadorned (except
for one manufacturer’s logo or one institutional logo/mascot, which
shall meet the size restrictions of Rule 3-6) are legal.
A.R. 21. Substitute A6 attempts to enter the playing court with a headband or wristband
that is not in compliance with the single, dominant color of the game jersey.
RULING: Substitute A7 shall not be permitted to enter the game before either wearing
the appropriate head band or wristband or removing them.
Section 6. Uniforms—Logos, Labels, Trademarks
Game pants (but not game jerseys or T-shirts) and all other items of
apparel (e.g., warm-ups, socks, headbands, wristbands and towels)
may:
Art. 1. Bear either a single manufacturer’s or distributor’s normal logo,
label or trademark or an institutional logo or mascot but not both.
a. The logo, label or trademark shall be contained within a foursided
geometrical figure (i.e., rectangle, square, parallelogram)
that does not exceed 21/4 square inches, including any additional
material (e.g., patch) surrounding the normal trademark or
logo.
b. When an institution’s uniform or any item of apparel worn by a
student-athlete in competition contains washing instructions on
the outside of the apparel on a patch that also includes the manufacturer’s
or distributor’s logo or trademark, the entire patch
must be contained within a four-sided geometrical figure (i.e.,
rectangle, square, parallelogram) that does not exceed 2 1/4
square inches.
Section 7. Players’ Equipment
Art. 1. The referee shall not permit any player to wear equipment that
in his or her judgment is dangerous to other players.
Art. 2. Elbow, hand, finger, wrist or forearm guards, casts or braces
made of fiberglass, plaster, metal or any other non-pliable substance,
shall be prohibited.
Art. 3. The prohibition of the use of hard-substance material does not
apply to the upper arm, shoulder, thigh or lower leg when the material
is padded so as not to create a hazard for other players.
Art. 4. Pliable (flexible or easily bent) material, covered on all exterior
sides and edges with no less than 1/2-inch thickness of a slow-rebounding
foam, may be used to immobilize and/or protect an injury.
Art. 5. Equipment that could cut or cause an injury to another player
shall be prohibited, without respect to whether the equipment is hard.
Excessively long fingernails shall be prohibited.
Art. 6. Equipment used shall be appropriate for basketball. Basketball
knee braces may be worn if they are covered properly. A protector for
a broken nose, even though made of hard material, shall be permissible
when it does not endanger other players. Eyeglass protectors are
appropriate equipment when they meet the qualifications outlined in
this Rule.
Art. 7. Head decorations, head wear and jewelry are illegal.
A.R. 22. Substitute A6 attempts to enter the playing court wearing jewelry, an illegal
headpiece or hat. RULING: Substitute A6 shall not be permitted to enter before
removing the jewelry, illegal headpiece or hat. A6 cannot “buy” his or her way into
the game and the right to wear the illegal jewelry, illegal headpiece or hat by being
charged with an indirect technical foul.
A.R. 23. Player A5 is found to be wearing jewelry. RULING: At the first dead ball,
A5 shall be required to remove the jewelry immediately or be required to leave the
game and not return until after removing the jewelry. A5 cannot “buy” the right to
wear the jewelry by being charged with an indirect technical foul.
Art. 8. Any equipment that is unnatural and designed to increase a player’s
height or reach, or to gain an unfair advantage, shall be prohibited.
RULE 3/PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND PLAYER EQUIPMENT BR-65
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Section 1. Airborne Shooter
Art. 1. An airborne shooter is in the act of shooting.
A.R. 1. A1 is in the air on a jump shot in the lane. A1 releases the ball on a try and is
fouled by B1, who has jumped in an unsuccessful attempt to block the shot. A1’s try
is: (a) successful; or (b) unsuccessful. RULING: A1 shall be an airborne shooter when
the ball is released until he or she returns with one foot touching the floor. An airborne
shooter shall be in the act of shooting. B1 has fouled A1 in the act of shooting.
A1 shall be awarded one free throw in (a), and two in (b).
Art. 2. An airborne shooter is a player who has released the ball on a try
for goal until one foot has returned to the floor.
Section 2. Alternating-Possession Procedure
Art. 1. The alternating-possession procedure is a method of putting the ball
in play with a throw-in rather than a jump ball.
Art. 2. The alternating-possession procedure starts when an official places
the ball at the disposal of a player for a throw-in and ends when the throwin
is completed or when the throw-in team commits a violation.
Art. 3. The team awarded the ball for the alternating-possession throwin
shall be indicated by the alternating-possession arrow.
Section 3. Basket
Art. 1. Each basket consists of the 18-inch ring, its flange and braces, and
appended net through which players attempt to throw or tap the ball.
Art. 2. A team’s own basket is the one into which its players try to throw or
tap the ball. Each team shall warm up and shoot during the first half at the
basket farthest from its bench.
Art. 3. The teams shall change baskets for the second half.
Section 4. Basket Interference
Art. 1. Basket interference occurs when a player:
a. Touches the ball or any part of the basket while the ball is on or
within the basket,
b. Touches the ball while any part of it is within the cylinder that has
the ring as its lower base, or
RULE 4
Definitions
BR-67 RULE 4/DEFINITIONS
c. Reaches through the basket from below and touches the ball
before it enters the cylinder.
A.R. 2. The ball is touching the side of the ring of Team A. B1 jumps and contacts
the net. The ball is not touching the top of the ring. RULING: No violation. The ball
shall remain live.
A.R. 3. While the ball is touching the top of the ring on a field-goal attempt, a player
emphatically grasps the ring. RULING: Double infraction. Both basket interference
and an indirect technical foul shall be called. The moment the hand touched
the ring, it was basket interference. When the player emphatically grasped the ring,
an indirect technical foul occurred. (See Rule 10-3.12.)
A.R. 4. The ball enters the basket during a emphatically field-goal try by A1. Before the
ball is in flight for the try, A1 is fouled. A2 touches the ring while the ball is in the basket.
RULING: Basket interference on A2. The goal shall be canceled. A1 shall be awarded
two free throws because of the foul.
A.R. 5. A1 rebounds the ball while part of the ball is in the cylinder and, in the same
continuous motion, dunks. RULING: Basket interference. The ball shall be ruled
dead when A1 contacts the ball in the cylinder, and the dunking of the dead ball
shall be ignored. The basket shall be disallowed.
Art. 2. Basket interference also occurs when a movable basket ring is
pulled down by a player so that it contacts the ball before the ring
returns to its original position.
Section 5. Batting the Ball
Art. 1. Batting the ball is intentionally striking the ball or intentionally
changing its direction with the hand or arm.
Section 6. Bench Personnel
Art. 1. Bench personnel includes anyone in the team bench area and
substitutes.
Section 7. Blocking
Art. 1. Blocking is illegal personal contact that impedes the progress of
an opponent.
Section 8. Charging
Art. 1. Charging is illegal personal contact by pushing or moving into
an opponent’s torso.
A.R. 6. (Men) B1 is standing under the basket before A1 jumps for a layup. The forward
momentum of A1 causes contact with B1. RULING: B1 is entitled to the position
provided that there was no movement into such position by B1 after A1 leaped
from the floor. When the ball goes through the basket before the contact occurs, the
contact shall be ignored unless B1 has been placed at a disadvantage by being
unable to rebound when the shot is missed or unable to put the ball in play without
delay, when the try is successful. When the contact occurs before the ball becomes
dead, a charging foul has been committed by A1. When B1 moves into the path of
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A1 after A1 has left the floor, the foul shall be on B1. It shall be an intentional foul
when a player moves into the path of an airborne opponent with the intent to undercut
and contact results. When the moving player moves under the airborne opponent
and there is danger of severe injury as a result of the contact, it shall be a flagrant
personal foul on the moving player.
A.R. 7. (Women) B1 is standing directly under (a) the cylinder or (b) the backboard
before A1 jumps for a layup. The forward momentum of airborne shooter A1 causes
A1 to run into B1. RULING: In both (a) and (b), B1 is not in a legal guarding position.
Blocking foul on B1.
Section 9. Bonus Free Throws
Art. 1. One type of bonus free throw is a second free throw that is
awarded for each common foul (except a player-control or team-control
foul) committed by a player of a team, beginning with that team’s
seventh foul in a half, which is a combination of personal fouls, direct
technical fouls, (men) intentional technical fouls and flagrant technical
fouls, provided that the first free throw for the foul is successful.
Art. 2. The other type of bonus free throw occurs starting with the
offending team’s 10th team foul in a half, which is a combination of
personal fouls, direct technical fouls, (men) intentional technical fouls
and flagrant technical fouls. From this point, two free throws shall be
awarded for each common foul (except a player-control or team-control
foul).
A.R. 8. (Men): The bonus is in effect; and, while the ball is in flight during a try for
a field goal, A1 charges into B1, which is Team A’s seventh foul in the half. After
this, there is a basket-interference violation by: (a) B2, or (b) A2. RULING: (a) Both
the personal foul by A1 and the violation by B2 shall be penalized, but in the reverse
order of occurrence. First, two points shall be awarded to Team A because of the
violation by B2; B1 shall be awarded a one-and-one, and the ball shall remain live
when the last throw is not successful and it touches the ring or flange. When A1’s
foul is Team A’s 10th or higher foul in a half, including any combination of those
described in Rule 4-9.2, award two shots and the ball remains in play. Beginning
with the 10th foul in a half, including any combination of those described in Rule 4-
9.2, two shots shall be awarded for each common foul (except a player-control foul
or team-control foul). In (b), there are no rule complications. The violation caused
the ball to become dead. Ordinarily, the ball would go to Team B at the designated
spot nearest to where the foul occurred. However, this penalty shall be ignored
because of the penalty enforcement for the foul by A1. Had the bonus rule not been
in effect, the ball would be awarded to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where
the foul occurred. (See Rule 9-16.3.)
Art. 3. Player-control fouls and team-control fouls shall count as team
fouls for reaching the bonus.
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS
Art. 4. All direct technical fouls charged to bench personnel shall count
toward the team-foul total and bonus.
Section 10. Boundary Lines
Art. 1. Boundary lines of the playing court shall consist of end lines and
sidelines. The inside edges of these lines define the inbounds and out-ofbounds
areas.
Section 11. Closely Guarded
Art. 1. (Men) A player in control in the front court only while holding or
dribbling the ball is closely guarded when his opponent is in a guarding
stance at a distance not exceeding 6 feet. This distance shall be measured
from the forward foot or feet of the defender to the forward foot or feet of
the opponent.
Art. 2. (Women) A player in control anywhere on the playing court while
holding (not dribbling) the ball is closely guarded when her opponent is in
a guarding stance at a distance not exceeding 3 feet. This distance shall be
measured from the forward foot or feet of the defender to the forward foot
or feet of the opponent.
Art. 3. After the start of a five-second closely guarded count, in order for a
closely guarded violation to occur, there shall be continuous guarding by
the same opponent.
Art. 4. When a player is positioned between the player in control of the ball
and his or her opponent, who is within 6 feet (men) or 3 feet (women), a
closely guarded situation does not exist.
Section 12. Continuous Motion
Art. 1. Continuous motion applies to a try for field goal or free throw, but
shall have no significance unless there is a foul by the defense during the
interval that begins when the habitual throwing movement starts a try
or with the touching on a tap and ends when the ball is clearly in flight.
Section 13. In Control—Player, Team
Art. 1. A player shall be in control when:
a. Holding a live ball; or
b. Dribbling a live ball while in bounds.
Art. 2. A team shall be in control when:
a. A player of the team is in control;
b. While a live ball is being passed between teammates; or
c. When a player of that team has disposal of the ball for a throw-in.
Art. 3. Team control shall continue until the ball is in flight during a try for
goal, an opponent secures control or the ball becomes dead.
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Art. 4. There shall be no team control during:
a. A jump ball;
b. The tapping of a rebound (unless it is a try for goal);
c. A try for goal after the ball is in flight;
d. The period that follows any of these acts (a-c) while the ball is being batted
(from the vicinity of other players) in an attempt to secure control;
e. A dead ball.
Art. 5. Team control is re-established in Article 4 of this Rule when a
player secures control.
Art. 6. “Control” for purposes of establishing the alternating-possession procedure
occurs when:
a. A player is in control;
b. The ball is handed/bounced to or placed at the disposal of the freethrower
after a common foul or placed at the disposal of a throwerin.
Section 14. Cylinder
Art 1. The cylinder is the imaginary geometric figure that has the ring as
its base and is formed by the upward extension of that ring.
Section 15. Designated Spot
Art. 1. A designated spot is the location at which a thrower-in is presented
disposal of the ball out of bounds from which he or she cannot move until
releasing the ball. For a flagrant technical foul or an (men) intentional technical
foul, the designated spot is at the out-of-bounds location at the division
line.
Art. 2. A designated spot shall be 3 feet wide with no depth limitation.
Section 16. Disposal of Ball
Art. 1. The ball is at the disposal of a player when it is:
a. Handed to the thrower-in or free-thrower;
b. Caught by the thrower-in or the free-thrower after it is bounced to
him or her;
c. Placed at a spot on the floor; or
d. Available to a player after a goal.
Section 17. Disqualified Player
Art. 1. A disqualified player is one who is barred from further participation
in a game because of:
a. Committing a fifth foul, including personal fouls, direct technical
fouls and intentional technical fouls;
b. Ejection.
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS
Art. 2. A team member who leaves the bench area during a fight shall be
disqualified and ejected.
Art. 3. The officials shall notify the player and coach of any disqualification.
Art. 4. When the coach is notified by an official that a player is disqualified,
that player becomes bench personnel, except when the disqualified individual
is ejected.
A.R. 9. A5 is fouled during an unsuccessful try for goal. As A5 goes to the free-throw line,
A5 is assessed an unsportsmanlike technical foul, which is A5’s fifth and disqualifying
foul. The scorer (a) informs the official that A5 has been disqualified or (b) does not inform
the official that A5 has been disqualified and A5 attempts the free throws. RULING: In
(a), a Team B player shall attempt the free throws for the direct technical foul assessed to
A5. Play is resumed at the point of interruption and the substitute for A5 would then
attempt the free throws awarded when A5 was fouled in the act of shooting. In (b), since
A5 and A5’s coach were not notified of the disqualification, the result of A5’s free throws
(following the free throws awarded to Team B for direct technical foul on A5) shall stand.
Art. 5. A disqualified player shall be replaced within a 20-second time
limit. A signal shall be sounded both 5 seconds before the expiration of this
time limit and at the end of the time limit, with the latter signal indicating
that play shall resume.
Section 18. Dribble
Art. 1. A dribble is ball movement caused by a player in control who bats,
pushes or taps the ball to the playing court once or several times.
A.R. 10. In the front court of Team A (the back court of Team B), A1 passes the ball to
A2. B1, in an attempt to secure the ball, bats it down the playing court toward B’s basket.
The ball bounces several times before B1 can recover it in B’s front court. B1 dribbles
to B’s basket and scores. RULING: Legal. The bat of the ball by B1 shall not be
considered part of the dribble. B1 does not have control of the ball until securing it
after batting it.
Art. 2. The dribble may be started by pushing, throwing, tapping or batting
the ball to the playing court.
Art. 3. During a dribble, the ball may be batted into the air, provided that
it is permitted to strike the playing court one or more times before the
ball is touched again with either hand.
Art. 4. The dribble ends when:
a. The dribbler catches or carries/palms the ball by allowing it to
come to rest in one or both hands.
b. The dribbler touches the ball with both hands simultaneously.
c. An opponent bats the ball.
d. The ball becomes dead.
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A.R. 11. A1, while advancing the ball by dribbling, manages to keep a hand in contact
with the ball until it reaches its maximum height. A1 maintains such control as the ball
descends, pushing it to the playing court at the last moment; however, after six or
seven bounces, A1’s hands are in contact with the ball and the palm of the hand on
this particular dribble is skyward. RULING: Violation. The ball has come to rest on
the hand while the palm and the fingers are facing upward, so the dribble has ended.
When the player continues to move or stand still and dribble, the player has committed
a violation by dribbling a second time. (See Rule 9-7.)
A.R. 12. Is a player considered to be dribbling while touching the ball during a jump,
when a pass rebounds from the player’s hand, when the player fumbles or when the
player tips a rebound or pass away from other players who are attempting to get it?
RULING: No. The player is not in control under these conditions and therefore is not
dribbling.
A.R. 13. A1 dribbles and comes to a stop, after which A1 throws the ball: (a) against
the opponent’s backboard and catches the rebound; or (b) against the official, immediately
recovering the ball and dribbling again. RULING: A1 has committed a violation
in both (a) and (b). Throwing the ball against an opponent’s backboard or an official
constitutes another dribble, provided that A1 is first to touch the ball after it
strikes the official or the backboard.
A.R. 14. A1 is dribbling the ball when: (a) A1 bats the ball over the head of an opponent,
runs around the opponent, bats the ball to the playing court and continues to
dribble or (b) A1 fumbles the ball in an attempt to complete his or her dribble and
causes the ball to roll out of reach so that A1 must run to recover it. RULING:
Violation in (a) because the ball is touched twice during a dribble, before the ball
touches the playing court. In (b), it is illegal to continue to dribble but A1 may recover
the ball.
Art. 5. An interrupted dribble occurs when the ball is loose after deflecting
off the dribbler or after it momentarily gets away from the dribbler.
Art. 6. During an interrupted dribble, there shall be no player control and
the following cannot occur:
a. Player-control foul.
b. Acknowledgment of a timeout request.
c. (Men) Five-second closely guarded dribbling violation.
A.R. 15. A1 is dribbling the ball in the front court when the ball momentarily gets
away from him or her. While the dribble is interrupted: (a) A1 pushes B2 while trying
to retrieve the ball; (b) A2 is in the lane for four seconds; and (c) A1 calls a timeout.
RULING: (a) Team-control foul on A1; (b) three-second violation on A2; or (c) a timeout
shall not be acknowledged during an interrupted dribble.
Section 19. Dunk
Art. 1. A dunk occurs when any player gains control of a ball that is neither
in the cylinder nor on the ring and then attempts to drive, force or
stuff the ball through the basket.
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS
Section 20. Ejection
Art. 1. Ejection is the act of dismissing an individual from participation in a
game because of a specific infraction of the rules.
a. In addition to being disqualified, an individual who is ejected shall
leave the playing court and floor area and report to his or her
team’s locker room until the game is over.
Art. 2. The following shall result in automatic ejection:
a. Committing a flagrant personal foul or flagrant technical foul.
b. Incurring the maximum combination of technical fouls.
c. Participating in a fight.
d. Leaving the bench area during a fight situation as bench personnel
but not participating in the fight.
e. Participating after having been disqualified for a reason other than
ejection.
f. Participating after changing one’s uniform number without reporting
the change to the scorers and an official.
Section 21. Entering Player
Art. 1. An entering player is a substitute who has been beckoned onto the
playing court by an official.
Section 22. Extra Period
Art. 1. An extra period is the extension of playing time allocated to break a
tie score.
Art. 2. The length of each extra period shall be five minutes.
Section 23. Fighting
Art. 1. Fighting is an attempt to strike an opponent with the arms, hands,
legs or feet, or a combative action by one or more players, a coach or other
team personnel.
Art. 2. For any flagrant foul that is deemed to be a fight, the fighting penalty
shall be invoked.
Art. 3. Combative action includes but is not exclusive to:
a. A player, coach or other team personnel attempting to punch or
kick an opponent; whether there is contact with an opponent is
irrelevant.
b. A player, coach or other team personnel who, in the opinion of a
game official, instigates a fight by perpetrating an unsportsmanlike
act toward an opponent that causes the opponent to retaliate
by fighting.
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Section 24. Followers
Art. 1. Followers are fans, bands, cheerleaders and mascots associated with
a particular team.
Section 25. Forfeit/No Contest
Art. 1. A forfeit is the termination of the game by the referee.
Art. 2. A “no contest” is when a team does not appear at the game site due
to inclement weather, an accident, vehicle breakdown, illness or catastrophic
cause. An institution shall not, for statistical purposes, declare a
forfeit for non-fulfillment of a contract, but rather shall declare a “no contest.”
When officials are not present or available to officiate, there cannot be
a sanctioned game/contest.
Section 26. Foul
A foul is an infraction of the rules that is charged to a squad member or a
coach and is penalized in various ways. Following are the types of fouls:
Art. 1. Personal foul. A personal foul shall be a foul committed by a player
that involves illegal contact with an opponent while the ball is live.
Art. 2. Common foul. A common foul shall be a personal foul that is neither
flagrant nor intentional, nor committed against a player trying for a
field goal, nor part of a double, multiple or simultaneous foul.
Art. 3. (Men) Indirect and direct technical foul. Atechnical foul that is direct
or indirect shall be a foul by any player, squad member, coach, bench personnel
or followers that neither involves contact with an opponent nor causes
contact with an opponent while the ball is dead. Examples of indirect and
direct technical fouls shall include:
a. Unsportsmanlike conduct (direct);
b. Requesting an excessive timeout (indirect); and
c. Hanging on the ring, except when doing so to prevent an injury
(indirect).
Art. 3. (Women) Indirect and direct technical foul. A technical foul that is
direct or indirect shall be a foul by any player, squad member, coach, bench
personnel or follower that neither involves contact nor causes contact with
an opponent while the ball is dead. A direct technical foul is also a non-flagrant
foul by any player that involves contact or causes contact with an
opponent while the ball is dead.
Examples of indirect and direct technical fouls include:
a. Unsportsmanlike conduct (direct);
b. Requesting an excessive timeout (indirect);
c. Hanging on the ring, except when doing so to prevent an injury
(indirect); and
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS
d. Making non-flagrant contact with an opponent while the ball is dead
(direct).
Art. 4. Flagrant personal foul, live ball. A flagrant personal foul shall be a
personal foul that involves severe or excessive contact with an opponent or
involves contact that is extreme in nature while the ball is live.
Art. 5. Flagrant technical foul, dead ball. A flagrant foul shall be a technical
foul when it involves either unsportsmanlike conduct that is extreme in
nature, or severe, excessive contact against an opponent while the ball is
dead.
a. An exception is a foul by an airborne shooter.
Art. 6. Intentional personal foul. An intentional foul shall be a personal
foul that, on the basis of an official’s observation of the act, is not a legitimate
attempt to directly play the ball or a player. Determination of
whether a personal foul is intentional shall not be based on the severity
of the act. Examples include, but are not limited to:
a. Fouling a player who is away from the ball and not directly
involved with the play.
b. Contact with a player making a throw-in.
c. Holding or pushing an opponent in order to stop the game clock.
d. Pushing a player from behind to prevent a score.
e. Causing excessive contact with an opponent while playing the ball.
A.R. 16. After a field goal by B1, Team A leads Team B, 61-60. A1 has the ball for a
throw-in with four seconds remaining in the game. A1 holds the ball and B2 crosses
the boundary line to hold A1. RULING: An intentional personal foul shall be charged
to B2. The time remaining to play is not a factor. This circumstance shall not permit a
warning.
Art. 7. (Men) Intentional technical foul. An intentional technical foul
involves intentionally contacting an opponent in a non-flagrant manner
when the ball is dead.
Art. 8. Player-control foul. A player-control foul is a common foul committed:
a. (Men) By a player when he is in control of the ball.
b. (Women) By a player when she is in control of the ball or by an airborne
shooter.
A.R. 17. (Women) A1 ends the dribble, passes the ball to A2 and charges into B2: (a)
while the ball is in the air; or (b) after A2 has control. RULING: The foul on A1 in both
(a) and (b) is not a player-control foul since A1 was not holding or dribbling the ball
and was not an airborne shooter in either situation. In (a), when the official is in doubt
as to whether the foul occurred before or after the ball was released on the pass, the
foul should not be ruled a player-control foul.
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A.R. 18. (Women) Is it possible for airborne shooter A1 to commit a foul that would
not be a player-control foul? RULING: Yes. The airborne shooter could be charged
with an intentional, personal or flagrant foul or with a technical foul. None of these
fouls can be player control. When an airborne shooter commits a foul that is not a
player-control foul, the infraction shall be penalized as dictated by the type of foul.
A.R. 19. (Women) Airborne A1 is fouled by B1 during a try for a field goal. A1 releases
the ball then illegally contacts B2 in returning to the floor after the shot. The ball
goes through the basket. RULING: This shall be a false double foul. The foul by B1
did not cause the ball to become dead since A1 had started the trying motion.
However, airborne shooter A1’s foul shall be a player-control foul that causes the ball
to become dead immediately. No goal can be scored even when the ball goes through
the basket before the foul. Since the try is unsuccessful, A1 shall be awarded two free
throws for the foul by B1. No players shall be allowed in lane spaces since Team B
shall be awarded the ball after the last free throw. When the last free throw is successful,
the throw-in shall be from anywhere along the end line. When the last free
throw is unsuccessful, the throw-in shall be from a designated spot, in this case, the
end line.
Art. 9. Team-control foul. A team-control foul is a common foul that is
committed by a member of a team that has team control.
A.R. 20. B1 commits a common foul on A1 before the bonus is in effect for either team.
The ball shall be awarded to Team A at a designated spot nearest to where the foul
occurred. A2 fouls B2 during the throw-in before the game clock is started. Team B is
in the bonus. RULING: A2’s foul is a team-control foul since it occurred during the
throw-in. The foul shall be charged to A2 and the ball shall be awarded to Team B at
a designated spot nearest to where the foul occurred.
Art. 10. Double personal foul. A double personal foul occurs when two
opponents commit personal fouls against each other at approximately the
same time.
Art. 11. Double technical foul. A double technical foul occurs when opponents
commit technical fouls against each other at approximately the same
time.
Art. 12. False double foul. A false double foul occurs when there are fouls
by both teams, the second of which occurs before the game clock is started
after it is stopped for the first but such that at least one of the attributes of
a double foul is absent.
A.R. 21. A1 is entitled to a one-and-one free throw. Before the ball is handed to A1,
Team A’s coach is assessed a direct technical foul. RULING: The direct technical foul
creates a false double foul. Team B shall be awarded two free throws because of the
direct technical foul on coach A. After Team B shoots the free throws for the technical
fouls, A1 shall attempt the one-and-one since that was the point of interruption.
Art. 13. Multiple foul. A multiple foul occurs when two or more teammates
commit personal fouls against the same opponent at approximately
the same time.
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS
Art. 14. False multiple foul. A false multiple foul occurs when there are
two or more fouls by the same team such that the last foul is committed
before the game clock is started after it is stopped for the first, and such that
at least one of the attributes of a multiple foul is absent.
Art. 15. Simultaneous technical foul. A simultaneous technical foul can be
direct, indirect, flagrant or (men) intentional and occurs when there is a
technical foul committed by each team, at approximately the same time, but
not by opponents against each other.
Art. 16. Simultaneous personal foul. A simultaneous personal foul
by opponents occurs when a personal foul is committed by each team
at approximately the same time but not by opponents against each
other.
Section 27. Free Throw
Art. 1. A free throw is the privilege given a player to score one point by an
unhindered try for goal from within the free-throw semicircle and behind
the free-throw line.
Art. 2. A free throw starts when the ball is placed at the disposal of the freethrower.
Art. 3. A free throw ends when:
a. The try is successful;
b. It is certain the try will not be successful;
c. The try touches the floor or any player; or
d. The ball becomes dead.
Section 28. Front Court/Back Court
Art. 1. A team’s front court shall consist of that part of the playing court
between its end line and the nearer edge of the division line, including its
basket and the inbounds part of its backboard.
Art. 2. A team’s back court consists of the rest of the playing court, including
its opponent’s basket and inbounds part of the backboard and the division
line, excluding the mathematical edge nearest the team’s basket.
Art. 3. A live ball is in the front court or back court of the team in control as
follows:
a. A ball that is in contact with a player or with the playing court shall
be in the back court when either the ball or the player (either player
when the ball is touching more than one) is touching the back
court. It shall be in the front court when neither the ball nor the
player is touching the back court.
A.R. 22. As Team A advances the ball from its back court toward its front court, A1
passes the ball to A2. A2 catches the ball while both feet are on the playing court with
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one foot on either side of the division line. In this situation, either foot may be the
pivot foot. (a) A2 lifts the foot that is in the back court and then puts it back on the
floor in the back court; or (b) A2 lifts the foot that is in the front court, pivots and puts
it on the floor in the back court. RULING: In (a), back-court violation. When A2, while
holding the ball, lifts the foot that was in the back court, the ball is in the front court.
When A2’s foot touches in the back court, it shall be a violation. In (b), when A2 lifts
the foot that is in the front court and places it down in the back court, the location of
the ball has not changed. The ball is still in the back court and no violation has
occurred. (See Rule 4-28.2.)
b. A ball that is not in contact with a player or the playing court retains
the same status as when it was last in contact with a player or the
playing court.
c. During a dribble from back court to front court, the ball shall be in
the front court when both feet of the dribbler and the ball touch the
playing court entirely in the front court.
Section 29. Fumble
Art. 1. A fumble shall be the accidental loss of player control when the ball
unintentionally drops or slips from a player’s grasp.
Art. 2. A fumble may be legally recovered by any player.
Section 30. Game Clock
Art. 1. The game clock shall be the official, visible timepiece on which the
time remaining in a period shall be displayed.
Section 31. Goal
Art. 1. A goal shall be made when:
a. A live ball that is not a throw-in enters the basket from above and
remains in or passes through, or
b. A free throw enters the basket from above and remains in or passes
through.
Art. 2. Whether the game clock is running or stopped shall have no influence
on the counting of a goal.
Section 32. Goaltending
Art. 1. Goaltending shall have occurred when a player touches the ball during
a field-goal try and each of the following conditions is met:
a. The ball is in its downward flight,
b. The entire ball is above the level of the ring and has the possibility,
while in flight, of entering the basket and is not touching the cylinder.
Art. 2. It is goaltending to touch the ball outside the cylinder during a free
throw, regardless of whether the free throw is on its upward or downward
flight.
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS
Section 33. Guarding
Art. 1. Guarding shall be the act of legally placing the body in the path of an
offensive opponent. The guarding position shall be initially established and
then maintained in bounds on the playing court.
Art. 2. There is no minimum distance required between the guard and
opponent, but the maximum shall be (men) 6 feet or (women) 3 feet when
closely guarded. This distance shall be measured from the forward foot or
feet of the defender to the forward foot or feet of the opponent. These distances
shall apply only when a player is holding the ball (for men, this distance
also applies while dribbling).
Art. 3. Every player shall be entitled to a spot on the playing court, provided
that such player gets there first without illegally contacting an opponent.
Art. 4. To establish an initial legal guarding position on the player with the
ball:
a. The guard shall have both feet touching the playing court. When
the guard jumps into position initially, both feet must return to the
playing court after the jump, for the guard to attain a guarding
position.
A.R. 23. B1 slips to the floor in the free-throw lane. A1 (with his/her back to B1, who is
prone) receives a pass, turns and, in his or her attempt to drive to the basket, trips and
falls over B1. RULING: Foul on B1, who has taken an illegal defensive position.
b. The guard’s torso shall face the opponent.
c. No time and distance shall be required.
d. When the opponent with the ball is airborne, the guard shall have
attained legal position before the opponent left the playing court.
A.R. 24. B1 takes a spot on the playing court before A1 jumps to catch a pass. (a) A1
returns to the playing court and lands on B1, or (b) B1 moves to a new spot while A1 is
airborne. A1 comes to the floor on one foot and then charges into B1. RULING: In both
(a) and (b), the foul shall be on A1.
Art. 5. To establish legal guarding position on a player without the ball:
a. Time and distance shall be required to attain an initial legal position.
b. The guard shall give the opponent the time and distance to avoid
contact.
A.R. 25. A1 runs toward Team A’s goal and looks back to receive a fast-break outlet pass.
B1 takes a position in the path of A1 while A1 is 10 feet away from B1. (a) A1 runs into
B1 before receiving the ball; or (b) A1 receives the ball and, before taking a step, contacts
B1. RULING: In both (a) and (b), A1 shall be held responsible for contact. B1 took a position
in the path of A1 that was far enough away from A1 to avoid contact.
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c. The distance given by the opponent of the player without the ball
need not be more than two strides.
d. When the opponent is airborne, the guard shall have attained legal
position before the opponent left the playing court.
Art. 6. To maintain a legal guarding position after the initial position has
been attained the guard:
a. Is not required to continue having the torso face the opponent.
b. Is required to have either one foot or both feet on the playing court
(cannot be out of bounds).
c. May raise the hands or may jump within his or her own vertical
plane.
d. May shift to maintain guarding position in the path of the dribbler,
provided that the guard does not charge into the dribbler or otherwise
cause contact.
e. May move laterally or obliquely to maintain position provided
such a move is not toward the opponent when contact occurs.
f. Is not required to have the feet on the playing court when shifting
in the path of the dribbler or when moving laterally or obliquely.
g. May turn or duck to absorb shock when contact by the dribbler is
imminent. In such a case, the dribbler shall not be absolved from
the responsibility of contact.
Section 34. Hands and Arms, Use of
Art. 1. The arms may be extended vertically above one’s shoulder and need
not be lowered to avoid contact with an opponent when the action of the
opponent causes contact.
a. This legal use of the arms and hands usually occurs when guarding:
1. The thrower-in
2. The player with the ball in pressing tactics or
3. A player with the ball who is maneuvering to try for goal by pivoting,
jumping or hooking either a pass or try for goal.
Art. 2. It shall be legal for a defender to accidentally hit the hand of a ball-handler
when reaching to block or slap the ball when there is player control with
that player’s hand in contact with the ball and when that player is a:
a. Dribbler
b. Player attempting a try for field goal, or
c. Player holding the ball.
Art. 3. A player shall be permitted to hold his or her hands and arms in
front of his or her face or body for protection in a recoil action rather than
a pushing action.
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS
a. To absorb force from imminent contact by an opponent or
b. When that player, who has set a blind screen, is about to be run into
by the player being screened.
Art. 4. A player shall not use the arms, hands, hips or shoulders
a. To force his or her way through a screen or
b. To hold the screener and then push the screener aside in order to
maintain a guarding position relative to his or her opponent.
Art. 5. It shall be illegal to extend one’s arms fully or partially, other than
vertically, so that the freedom of movement of an opponent is hindered
when contact with the extended arms occurs.
Art. 6. It shall be illegal to extend one’s elbow(s) when one’s
a. Hands are on one’s hips,
b. Hands are held near one’s chest or
c. Arms are held approximately horizontal to the playing court.
Note: These illegal positions are most commonly used when rebounding,
screening or in the various aspects of post play.
Art. 7. The following shall be considered excessive swinging:
a. When arm(s) and elbow(s) are swung about while using the shoulders
as pivots, and the speed of the extended arm(s) and elbow(s)
exceeds that of the rest of the body as it rotates on the hips or on the
pivot foot; or
b. When the speed and vigor with which the arm(s) and elbow(s) are
swung is such that injury could result if another player were contacted.
Section 35. Held Ball
Art. 1. A held ball occurs when an opponent places his or her hand(s):
a. So firmly on the ball that control cannot be obtained without undue
roughness.
b. On the ball to prevent an airborne player from throwing the ball or
attempting a try.
A.R. 26. A1 is dribbling the ball and falls to the floor while still dribbling. While seated
on the floor, A1 loses the ball and it is rolling away. As B1 comes in to try to get the ball,
A1 reaches out with his or her legs, clamps the loose ball between his or her feet and
brings it toward his or her body. A1 never places his or her hands on the ball. The ball is
between A1’s legs as B1 gets both hands on the ball. RULING: A held ball cannot be
called because A1 does not have his or her hands on the ball. A1 is intentionally using
his or her feet to play the ball. This is illegal per Rule 4-43. A violation shall be called on
A1.
A.R. 27. A1 jumps for a try for field goal. B1 jumps to defend against the try and (a)
touches the ball before it leaves A1’s hand and A1 returns to the floor with the ball and
the ball never loses contact with A1’s hand(s) or (b) the ball loses contact with A1’s
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hand(s), A1 retrieves the ball while in the air and returns to the floor in possession of the
ball and begins to dribble or (c) after the ball touches the floor, A1 recovers the ball and
begins to dribble. RULING: In (a), the official shall call a held ball. In (b) and (c), the play
shall be legal. A1 has gained a new possession in both instances.
A.R. 28. A1 jumps to throw the ball. B1 prevents the throw by placing one or both hands
on the ball and: (a) A1, or (b) A1 and B1 both return to the playing court holding the ball.
RULING: Held ball. However, when A1 voluntarily drops the ball before returning to
the playing court and then touches the ball before it is touched by another player, A1 has
committed a violation for the illegal start of a dribble.
A.R. 29. Team A has been awarded a throw-in after a violation. A1, during the throwin,
breaks the boundary plane with the ball and extends the ball over the playing court.
B1 causes a held ball. The possession arrow favors Team A. RULING: A1’s breaking the
boundary plane and extending the ball over the playing court does not violate throw-in
provisions. B1 legally grabbed a live ball and caused a held ball. The ball shall be awarded
to Team A for an alternating-possession procedure.
Section 36. Holding
Art. 1. Holding is illegal personal contact with an opponent that interferes
with the opponent’s freedom of movement.
Section 37. Inadvertent Whistle
Art. 1. An inadvertent whistle occurs anytime an official blows the whistle
as an oversight and does not have a call to make.
Section 38. Incidental Contact
Art. 1. Contact shall not constitute a foul. When 10 players move rapidly in
a limited area, some contact is certain to occur. Incidental contact shall be
contact with an opponent that is permitted and does not constitute a foul.
Art. 2. Contact that is incidental to an effort by an opponent to reach a loose
ball, or contact that results when opponents are in equally favorable positions
to perform normal defensive or offensive movement, should be permitted
even though the contact may be severe or excessive.
Art. 3. Contact that does not hinder the opponent from participating in normal
defensive or offensive movements shall be considered incidental.
Art. 4. A player who is screened within his or her visual field shall be
expected to avoid contact with the screener by stopping or avoiding the
screener.
Art. 5. A player who is screened outside his or her visual field may make
inadvertent contact with the screener. Such contact shall be incidental, provided
that the screener is not displaced when he or she has the ball.
Art. 6. When a player approaches an opponent from behind or a position
from which the player has no reasonable chance to play the ball without
making contact with the opponent, the responsibility for contact shall be
that of the player in the unfavorable position.
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS
Section 39. Intermission
Art. 1. Intermission is the time between the first and second periods and
any extra period(s).
a. Cheerleaders/dance teams and mascots are allowed on the playing
court and bands, musical instruments, or recorded music can play
or be played during intermission(s).
Section 40. Jump Ball
Art. 1. A jump ball is a method of putting the ball into play at the beginning
of the game or any extra period(s) by tossing it up between two opponents
in the center circle.
Art. 2. A jump ball shall begin when the ball leaves the official’s hand and
shall end when it touches a non-jumper, the floor, basket or backboard.
Section 41. Jumpers
Art. 1. Jumpers are the two opposing players vying for the tip during a
jump ball.
Section 42. Jump Stop.
Art. 1. A jump stop is executed when a player catches the ball while moving
or dribbling with:
a. One foot on the playing court, jumps off that foot and lands simultaneously
on both feet (no pivot foot).
b. Two feet off the playing court, lands on one foot, jumps off that foot
and lands simultaneously on both feet (no pivot foot).
Art. 2. A jump stop may also be executed when the dribbler has one foot on
the playing court, initiates a jump off that foot, ends the dribble with both
feet off the playing court and lands simultaneously on both feet (either foot
can be established as the pivot foot).
Section 43. Kicking the Ball
Art. 1. Kicking the ball is striking it intentionally with any part of the leg or
the foot.
Art. 2. Accidentally striking the ball with the foot or leg shall not be a violation.
A.R. 30. A1 is on the floor with the ball lodged between the upper part of the legs. B1
attempts to gain possession of the ball by placing two hands firmly on the ball; however,
A1 applies vice-like force with the upper legs, which prevents B1 from gaining possession
of the ball. RULING: A1 has committed a violation. The intent of this Rule is to
prevent a player from gaining an advantage by using any part of the leg. Although A1
did not kick or strike the ball with any part of the leg, the player did gain an illegal
advantage, which may also lead to undue roughness. Since A1 was not holding the ball
in his or her hands, B1’s firm placement of his or her hands on the ball does not constitute
a held ball.
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Section 44. Location of a Player
Art. 1. The location of a player (or non-player) is determined as being:
a. Where he or she is touching the floor, as far as being in bounds or
out of bounds.
b. In the front court or back court.
c. Outside or inside the three-point line with at least one foot in contact
with the playing floor behind the line and the other foot not
contacting the line or the playing floor in front of the line.
Art. 2. When a player is in the air from a leap (except during a throw-in) or
when a defensive player intercepts a ball while in the air, the player’s status
with reference to these two situations shall be the same as at the time
the player was last in contact with the floor or an extension of the floor,
such as a bleacher.
Art. 3. When the ball touches an official or a player who is on the playing
court, play shall continue as if the ball touched the floor at that individual’s
location.
A.R. 31. An official is in the front court when he or she runs into a pass thrown by A1
from Team A’s back court. After touching the official, the ball (a) goes out of bounds or
(b) rebounds to the back court, where it is recovered by A3. RULING: Touching the official
shall be the same as touching the floor where the official is standing. In (a), the ball
shall be awarded to Team B for a throw-in at a designated spot nearest to where the violation
occurred. In (b), since A1 was the last player to touch the ball before it returned to
the back court, A1 caused it to go there. Back-court violation. Award a throw-in to Team
B at a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred. (See Rule 9-12.1.)
Section 45. Multiple Free Throw
Art. 1. A multiple free throw is a succession of free throws attempted by the
same team.
Section 46. Pass
Art. 1. A pass is movement of the ball caused by a player who throws, bats
or rolls the ball to another player.
Section 47. Penalty
Art. 1. A penalty for a foul is the charging of the offender with the foul and
awarding one or more free throws, or awarding the ball to the opponent for a
throw-in. For any flagrant foul, the penalty includes ejection of the offender.
Art. 2. The penalty for a violation is the awarding of the ball to the opponent
for a throw-in, one or more points or a substitute free throw.
Section 48. Pivot
Art. 1. A pivot takes place when a player who is holding the 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 playing court.
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS
Section 49. Player
Art. 1. A player is one of five or fewer members of a team’s personnel who
is legally on the playing court to participate.
Section 50. Playing Court
Art. 1. The playing court is the area on the floor that lies within the geometrical
lines formed by the inside edge of the boundary lines.
Section 51. Point of Interruption
Art. 1. Point of interruption is a procedure used to resume play:
a. By awarding a throw-in nearest to where the ball was located after
any technical foul(s) to the team that was in control with no reset of
the shot clock.
Note: Exceptions are a single flagrant technical foul and (men) a single intentional
technical foul.
b. From the point at which play was interrupted to correct an error as
described in Rule 2-11.4.
c. With the administration of a free throw after the penalty for a direct
or indirect technical foul has been administered. (For women’s
exception, see Rule 10-4.1.a).
d. After the game has been interrupted because of events beyond the
control of the administrative authorities or as permissible under
Rule 5-4.
Section 52. Post Player
Art. 1. A post player is an offensive or defensive player with or without the
ball with his or her back to the basket who is inside the free-throw lane or
just outside the lane.
Section 53. Rebound
Art. 1. A rebound is an attempt by any player to secure possession of the
ball after a try for goal. In a rebounding situation, there is no player or team
control.
Art. 2. To attain or maintain legal rebounding position, a player shall not:
a. Displace, charge or push an opponent.
b. Extend either or both shoulders, hips, knees or extend either or
both arms or elbows fully or partially in a position other than vertical
so that the freedom of movement of an opponent is hindered
when contact with any of these body parts occurs.
c. Bend his/her body in an abnormal position to hold or displace an
opponent.
d. Violate the principle of verticality.
Art. 3. Every player shall be entitled to a spot on the playing court, provided
that such player gets there first without illegally contacting an opponent.
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Section 54. Resumption of Play
Art. 1. Resumption of play is the method of putting the ball in play by placing
the ball at the disposal of the player. The resumption of play is in effect
for the entire game except to start the second half.
A.R. 32. After a timeout, Team A is entitled to the ball for a throw-in. The referee blows
the whistle indicating that the timeout has ended. When Team A is not at the designated
spot ready to take the ball, the referee shall place the ball on the floor out of bounds
at the disposal of Team A. The visible count begins and: (a) A1 picks up the ball and
releases it for the throw-in within the allotted five seconds; (b) Team A does not pick up
the ball within five seconds; (c) because Team A did not comply with throw-in provisions
after a timeout, Team B is entitled to possession for a throw-in, but Team B does
not get to the designated spot within five seconds after the referee places the ball on the
floor at Team B’s disposal. RULING: In (a), legal play. In (b), violation on Team A. The
referee shall blow the whistle and begin a five-second count when the ball is handed to
Team B for the throw-in or placed on the floor at Team B’s disposal. In (c), violation on
Team B. The referee shall assess a double indirect technical foul. Each team shall be
penalized for delay of game. No free throws shall be shot by either team. Play shall
resume at the point of interruption.
Section 55. Rule
Art. 1. A rule is one of the groups of laws that govern the game.
Art. 2. A game law (commonly called a rule) sometimes states or implies
that the ball is dead or a foul or violation is involved. When it does not, it
shall be assumed that the ball is live and no foul or violation has occurred
to affect the given situation.
Art. 3. A single infraction shall not be complicated by a second infraction
unless so stated or implied.
Section 56. Scorebook
Art. 1. The scorebook is the book or form in which the official scorer records
the statistics of the game.
Section 57. Screen
Art. 1. A screen is legal action by a player who, without causing contact,
delays or prevents an opponent from reaching a desired position.
Art. 2. In screening tactics, the screener shall not be required to face in any
particular direction at any time.
Art. 3. The screener shall not lean into the path of an opponent or extend
his or her hips into that path, even though his or her feet are stationary.
Art. 4. A player with the ball may be a screener and shall be subject to the
principles of screening.
Art. 5. While most screening is by the offense, the principles of screening
shall apply equally to the offense and defense.
A.R. 33. A defensive player maneuvers to a position in front of post player A1 to prevent
A1 from receiving the ball. A pass is made over the head and out of reach of the defensive
player. Post player A1 moves toward the basket to catch the pass and try for goal.
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS
As the pass is made, a teammate of the defensive player moves into the path of A1, in a
guarding position. RULING: This action involves a screening principle. The defensive
player has switched to guard a player who does not have the ball. Therefore, the switching
player must assume a position one or two strides in advance of the pivot player
(depending upon the speed of movement of the pivot player) to make the action legal.
When A1 has control of the ball (provided that the pivot player is not in the air at the
time), the play shall become a guarding situation. When it is a guarding situation involving
the player with the ball, time and distance shall be irrelevant.
Section 58. Shooter
Art. 1. A shooter is a player who attempts a try for a field goal or a free
throw.
Section 59. Shot Clock
Art. 1. A shot clock is one of the two official visible timepieces that display
the amount of time the team in control has to release a try for a field goal so
that it hits the ring or the flange.
A.R. 34. There are 37 seconds (men) or 32 seconds (women) on the game clock and 35 seconds
(men) or 30 seconds (women) on the shot clock. Team A uses time before A1 releases
the ball for a try for goal. After A1 releases the ball, the shot-clock horn sounds. The ball does
not strike the ring or the flange and the official calls a shot-clock violation. The official’s whistle
sounds at the same time as the game-clock horn sounds to end the period. Shall the official
put two seconds back on the game clock? RULING: No. The shot-clock horn sounded
at the expiration of the shot-clock period. However, this does not stop play unless recognized
by the official’s whistle. The official’s whistle for the shot-clock violation stopped play.
The expiration of playing time was indicated by the official timer’s signal, which shall terminate
player activity. The period shall end with the violation.
Section 60. Shot-Clock Try
Art. 1. A shot-clock try for field goal is defined as the ball having left the
shooter’s hand(s) before the sounding of the shot-clock horn and then striking
the ring or flange, or entering the basket.
Section 61. Substitute
Art. 1. A substitute is a team member who has reported to the scorers’ table
that he or she wishes to become a player and is waiting at the scorers’ table
to be beckoned into the game by an official.
Section 62. Tap
Art. 1. A tap is a type of try for field goal whereby a player attempts to score
two or three points by directing a live ball into his or her team’s basket with
his or her hands or fingers.
Art. 2. A tap shall start when the player’s hand(s) or finger(s) touch the ball.
A.R. 35. As the hand of A1 contacts the ball to tap it toward the basket, B1 fouls A1.
The ball is not airborne from the hand of A1. RULING: The penalty for a foul on a tap
is the same as the penalty for a foul on a try. When the tap is successful, one free throw
shall be awarded. When the tap is unsuccessful, two free throws shall be awarded.
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Art. 3. A tap shall end when it is successful, when it is certain that the tap
is unsuccessful, when the ball touches the floor or when the ball becomes
dead.
Section 63. Team Member
Art. 1. A team member is a member of bench personnel who is in uniform
and is eligible to become a player.
Section 64. Three-Second Lane
Art. 1. The three-second lane is the area in the front court that is bounded
by the end line, the free-throw lane lines and the free-throw line, and
includes such lines.
Section 65. Throw-in/Thrower-in
Art. 1. A throw-in is the method of putting the ball in play from out of
bounds.
Art. 2. A thrower-in is the player attempting the throw-in.
Art. 3. A throw-in and the throw-in count shall begin when the ball is at the
disposal of the player entitled to the throw-in.
Art. 4. A thrower-in shall have five seconds from receiving disposal of the
ball to release the throw-in. The throw-in count shall end when the ball is
released by the thrower-in so that the ball goes directly into the playing
court.
Art. 5. A throw-in shall end when the passed ball is controlled by an inbounds
player. The throw-in may be controlled or touched in bounds by
the thrower-in after the ball touches or is legally touched by a player in
bounds.
Art. 6. After a goal is scored by an opponent or awarded because of basket
interference or goaltending, the thrower-in may run along the end line.
Art. 7. Athrower-in shall be permitted to throw the ball to a teammate, who
is also out of bounds along the end line, after a goal is scored by an opponent
or awarded because of basket interference or goaltending.
Section 66. Traveling
Art. 1. Traveling occurs when a player holding the ball moves a foot or both
feet in any direction in excess of prescribed limits described in this Rule.
A.R. 36. A1 attempts a try at Team A’s basket after having completed the dribble. The try
does not touch the backboard, the ring or the flange or any other player. A1 runs and
catches the ball before it strikes the playing court. Is this traveling? RULING: When A1
recovered his or her own try, A1 could either dribble, pass or try again. There is no team
control by either team when a try is in flight. However, when the shot clock expires and
a try by A1 or a teammate has not struck the ring or the flange, it shall be a violation of
the shot-clock rule.
Art. 2. A player who catches the ball with both feet on the playing court
may pivot, using either foot. When one foot is lifted, the other is the pivot
foot.
Art. 3. A player who catches the ball while moving or dribbling may stop
and establish a pivot foot as follows:
a. When both feet are off the playing court and the player lands:
1. Simultaneously on both feet, either may be the pivot foot;
2. On one foot followed by the other, the first foot to touch shall be
the pivot foot;
3. On one foot, the player may jump off that foot and simultaneously
land on both; neither foot can be the pivot foot.
b. When one foot is on the playing court:
1. That foot shall be the pivot foot when the other foot touches in a
step;
2. The player may jump off that foot and simultaneously land on
both; neither foot can then be the pivot foot.
Art. 4. After coming to a stop and establishing the pivot foot:
a. The pivot foot may be lifted, but not returned to the playing court,
before the ball is released on a pass or try for goal;
b. The pivot foot shall not be lifted before the ball is released to start a
dribble.
A.R. 37. A1 receives a pass from A2 and comes to a stop legally with the right foot established
as the pivot foot. A1 tosses the ball from one hand to the other several times and
then proceeds to bat the ball to the floor before A1 lifts the pivot foot. RULING: Legal.
A.R. 38. A1 attempts to catch the ball while running. A1 fumbles the ball and succeeds
in securing it before it strikes the playing court. A1 then begins a dribble, taking several
steps between the time A1 first touched the ball until catching it. RULING: There has
been no violation provided that A1 released the ball to start the dribble before lifting the
pivot foot from the playing court after catching the ball.
Art. 5. After coming to a stop when neither foot can be the pivot foot:
a. One or both feet may be lifted, but may not be returned to the playing
court, before the ball is released on a pass or try for goal;
b. Neither foot shall be lifted, before the ball is released, to start a dribble.
A.R. 39. Is it traveling when a player (a) falls to the playing court while holding the ball; or
(b) gains control of the ball while on the playing court and then, because of momentum, rolls
or slides, after which the player passes or starts a dribble before getting to his or her feet?
RULING: In (a), yes, because it is virtually impossible not to move the pivot foot when
falling to the playing floor. In (b), no. The player may pass, shoot, start a dribble or call a
timeout. Once the player has the ball and is no longer sliding, he or she may not roll over.
When flat on his or her back, the player may sit up without violating. When the player puts
the ball on the floor, then rises and is the first to touch the ball, it also is traveling. When a
player rises to his or her feet while holding the ball, it is traveling. When a player falls to one
knee while holding the ball, it is traveling if the pivot foot moves.
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS BR-89
BR-90
Section 67. Try for Field Goal/Act of Shooting
Art. 1. A try for field goal is an attempt by a player to score two or three
points by throwing or tapping the ball into his or her basket.
A.R. 40. A1’s throw (pass) from behind the three-point line is deflected while in flight by
(a) B1 or (b) A2, both of whom are located inside the three-point line. RULING: In (a),
when a ball thrown (passed) in the direction of the basket from behind the three-point
line with the possibility of entering the basket from above is deflected by a defender, a
three-point goal shall be counted. However, if there is no possibility of the ball entering
the basket from above and the deflection caused the goal to be successful, a two-point
goal shall be counted. In (b), when a thrown (passed) ball is deflected by a teammate and
the goal is successful, two points shall be awarded.
A.R. 41. A1 becomes confused and shoots the ball at the wrong basket. A1 is fouled while
trying to shoot and the ball goes in the basket. Is this a goal? If A1 misses, should A1 be
granted two free throws for the foul by the Team B player? RULING: No goal. The ball
became dead when the foul occurred. When a player shoots at the opponent’s basket, it
is not a try. When Team A is in the bonus when the Team B player fouls A1, A1 shall be
awarded a one-and-one. When Team A is not in the bonus, the ball shall be awarded to
Team A at a designated spot.
A.R. 42. A ball passed from behind the three-point line (a) enters the basket from above
and passes through, (b) is deflected and enters the basket from above and passes
through, (c) strikes the side of the ring or the flange. RULING: In (a) a three-point goal
shall be counted. (b) When there is no possibility of the ball entering the basket from
above and the deflection causes the goal to be successful, it shall be a 2-point goal.
However, when a ball is passed in the direction of the basket with the possibility of entering
the basket from above and the deflection does not influence its success, a three-point
goal shall be counted. (c) The ball shall remain live.
Art. 2. The try shall start when the player begins the motion that habitually
precedes the release of the ball on a try. The ball does not need to leave
the player’s hand. The arm might be held so that the player cannot throw;
however, he or she may be making an attempt.
A.R. 43. B1 commits a common foul by holding A1 during a field-goal try but after A1
has completed the act of shooting (see airborne-shooter exception for men in Rule 4-67.6).
The foul occurs before the bonus. The attempt is: (a) successful or (b) unsuccessful. RULING:
A personal foul shall be charged to B1 in both (a) and (b) but no free throw shall be
awarded to A1 in either case. In both (a) and (b), the ball shall be awarded to Team A at
a designated spot nearest to where the foul occurred.
Art. 3. A try shall end when the throw is successful, it is certain the throw
is unsuccessful, when the thrown ball touches the floor or when the ball
becomes dead.
Art. 4. A dunk attempt is a try.
A.R. 44. A1 intercepts a pass and dribbles toward A’s basket for a break-away layup.
Near A’s free-throw line, A1 legally stops and ends his or her dribble. A1 throws the ball
against A’s backboard and follows the throw. While airborne, A1 rebounds the ball off
the backboard and dunks. RULING: The play shall be legal since the backboard is equipment
located in A1’s half of the playing court, which A1 is entitled to use.
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS
Art. 5. In any period, when the game clock displays 10ths of seconds and
play is to be resumed by a throw-in or a free throw when 3/10 (.3) of a second
or less remains on the game clock, a player may not gain possession of
the ball and try for a field goal. Such player can only score a field goal by
means of a tap of the pass or of a missed free throw.
A.R. 45. With two 10ths of a second remaining in a period on the game clock, Team A is
awarded a throw-in at the division line. A1 passes the ball to A2 who (a) catches the ball
with both hands while in the air and throws the ball into his or her basket or (b) does not
catch the ball but taps it into the basket. In both (a) and (b), the ball is in the air on the
way to the basket when the game-ending horn sounds. RULING: In (a), when the game
clock displays three 10ths of a second or less and play is to be resumed by a throw-in or
a free throw, a player may not gain possession of the ball and try for goal. When this situation
occurs, the official shall blow his/her whistle and the period is over, unless a flagrant
personal foul or intentional personal foul was committed on the play. Whether the
try for goal was successfully attempted before the expiration of time is inconsequential.
In (b), when the player does not possess (catch) the ball but taps it into the basket before
the period-ending horn sounds, the official shall use replay equipment, videotape or television
monitoring, when available and located at courtside, to ascertain whether the tap
(try) that will determine the outcome of the game was released before the sounding of
the period-ending horn. When, in using the monitor, the official determines that the successful
try was a catch (the player possessed the ball), the official shall cancel the goal
since it was erroneously counted and can be corrected per Rule 2-11.1.c.
Art. 6. The act of shooting shall begin simultaneously with the start of the
try and end when the ball is clearly in flight, including when the shooter is
an airborne shooter.
Exception (Men): An airborne shooter who is fouled by an opponent while
in the air but after the ball is released shall be considered to be in the act of
shooting until one of the airborne shooter’s feet returns to the floor.
A.R. 46. A1 is in possession of the ball and in the act of shooting when (a) A2 is fouled
by B2 before the release of the ball or (b) A2 fouls B2 before the release of the ball. RULING:
In (a), assess B2 with the foul committed against A2. A1’s try for goal shall count
when successful. Administer the bonus free throw or award the ball to Team A at a designated
spot nearest to where the foul occurred. In (b), assess A2 with the foul committed
against B2. A1’s try for field goal shall not count when successful, since the ball
became dead before A1’s release. Award the ball to Team B at a designated spot nearest
to where the foul occurred.
Section 68. Uniform
Art. 1. A uniform shall consist of the game pants and game jersey. Game
pants are the bottom portion of the uniform. Game jerseys are the top part
of the uniform.
Section 69. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Art. 1. Unsportsmanlike conduct is behavior or an act that is unbecoming
to a fair, ethical and honorable individual.
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS BR-91
BR-92
Section 70. Verticality
Art. 1. Verticality applies to a legal position. The basic components of the
principle of verticality are:
a. Legal guarding position must be established and attained initially,
and movement thereafter must be legal.
b. From such position, the defender may rise or jump vertically and
occupy the space within his or her vertical plane.
c. The hands and arms of the defender may be raised within his or her
vertical plane while the defender is on the playing court or in the
air.
d. The defender shall not be penalized for leaving the playing court
vertically or having his or her hands and arms extended within the
vertical plane.
e. The offensive player, whether on the playing court or airborne,
shall not “clear out” or cause contact that is not incidental.
f. The defender may not “belly up” or use the lower part of the body
or arms to cause contact outside his or her vertical plane.
g. The player with the ball shall be given no more protection or consideration
than the defender in the judging of which, if either, player
has violated the principle of verticality.
Section 71. Violation
Art. 1. A violation is a rules infraction of the type listed in Rule 9.
Section 72. Warm-ups
Art. 1. Warm-ups are any pieces of clothing worn by team members that
must be removed before they become players. Warm-ups shall not be considered
part of the uniform.
RULE 4/DEFINITIONS
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Section 1. Scoring
Art. 1. A goal from the field other than from beyond the three-point line
shall count two points for the team into whose basket the ball is thrown,
tapped or directed.
A.R. 1. A pass or a try for field goal by A1 comes down several feet in front of the basket.
The ball strikes the playing court without touching any player and bounces into the basket.
Shall two points be counted for Team A: (a) when not complicated by the expiration
of time in a period or by a foul occurring while the ball is in flight; or (b) when time expires
or a foul occurs while the ball is in flight? RULING: In (a), two points shall be scored. The
try for field goal by A1 ends when the ball touches the playing court but a field goal can
sometimes be scored when, technically, it is not the result of a try. The points shall count
for the proper team. In the case cited, it is customary to credit the two points to A1. In (b),
no points shall be scored. Neither the expiration of time nor a foul shall cause the ball to
become dead immediately during a try for a field goal. During a pass, the ball shall become
dead as a result of the foul or expiration of time. (See Rule 4-67.3.)
Art. 2. A successful try from beyond the three-point line shall count three
points for the team when the ball is thrown or directed into its basket.
a. When a player scores a field goal in the opponent’s basket, it shall
count two points for the opponent regardless of the location on the
playing court from where it was released. Such a field goal shall not
be credited to a player in the scorebook but shall be indicated with
a footnote.
Art. 3.When the official(s) permits a team to go in the wrong direction, and
when the error is discovered (a) all points scored, (b) fouls committed and
(c) time consumed shall count as though each team had gone in the proper
direction. Play shall be resumed with each team going in the proper direction.
A.R. 2. A2 receives the tip by A1 on the jump ball to start an extra period. A2 is confused
and dribbles toward the basket that Team A had during the first half and (a) dunks into
Team B’s basket or (b) attempts a three-point try at Team B’s basket, which is successful.
RULING: In both (a) and (b), the goal shall be legal. Two points shall be awarded to
Team B. The ball shall be awarded to Team A out of bounds at the basket of Team B, and
Team A may put the ball in play from anywhere behind the end line as after any score
by Team B (earned or awarded).
RULE 5
Scoring and Timing
Regulations
BR-94 RULE 5/SCORING AND TIMING REGULATIONS
Art. 4. Whether the game clock is running shall have no influence on the counting
of a goal.
Art. 5. A goal from a free throw shall be credited to the free-thrower and shall
count one point for the free-thrower’s team.
Art. 6. For women, when a player-control foul occurs after a goal, the goal shall
be canceled.
Art. 7. The only infractions for which points are awarded are goaltending or basket
interference by the defensive team.
Section 2. Winning Team
Art. 1. The winning team shall be the team that has accumulated the greater number
of points when the game ends, except in Rule 5-3.2.
Section 3. Forfeit
Art. 1. When a forfeit is declared, the score shall be recorded as 2-0 and all statistics
(other than the teams’ and coaches’ won-lost records) shall be voided, unless 30
minutes of playing time has been completed on the game clock. In that case, the
score at the end of play shall stand and all other statistics shall count.
Art. 2. When the team that is behind in the scorebook is to be declared the winning
team, that score shall be marked with an asterisk in the official statistics; and
it shall be noted that the game was won by forfeit.
Section 4. Interrupted Games
Art. 1. When a game is interrupted because of events beyond the control of the
responsible administrative authorities, it shall be continued from that point unless
the teams agree otherwise or there are applicable conference, league or association
rules.
Section 5. Protests
Art. 1. The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Rules Committees do not recognize
or allow protests.
Section 6. Length of Periods
Art. 1. Playing time for varsity games shall consist of two halves of 20 minutes
each with a halftime intermission of 15 minutes. Extra periods shall be five minutes
each in length with a one-minute intermission before each.
Note: (Men) For NCAA Division I men’s tournament games, the length of the intermission
for halftime may be increased by five minutes.
Note: (Women) For the NCAA Division I regional finals, national semifinals and championship
games, the length of the intermission for halftime may be increased by five minutes.
Art. 2. The length of periods for non-varsity games may be reduced by conference,
league or association rules or by mutual agreement of both teams and the referee.
BR-95 RULE 5/SCORING AND TIMING REGULATIONS
Section 7. Beginning and End of Period
Art. 1. Each period shall begin when the ball becomes live.
Art. 2. Each period shall end when the red light or LED lights has become
activated. When the light fails to operate or is not visible, each period shall
end with the sounding of the game-clock horn.
a. In games when the red light is not present, the game-clock horn
shall terminate players’ activity.
b. In games with a tenth of a second game clock display and where an
official courtside monitor is used, the reading of 0.00 on the game
clock is to be utilized to determine whether a try for goal occurred
before or after the expiration of time in any period. When the game
clock is not visible, the officials shall verify the original call with the
use of the red/LED light(s). When the red/LED light(s) are not visible,
the sounding of the game clock horn shall be utilized. When
definitive information is unattainable with the use of the monitor,
the original call stands.
Art. 3. Each period shall end when time expires except that:
a. When the ball is in flight during a try, the period shall end when the
try ends.
b. When a held ball or violation occurs so near the expiration of time
that the game clock is not stopped before time expires, the period
shall end with the held ball or violation.
c. When a foul occurs so near the expiration of time that the official
timer cannot stop the game clock before time expires or when the
foul occurs after time expires but while the ball is in flight during a
try, the period shall end when the free throw(s) and all related
activity have been completed.
1. After the red light or LED lights have been activated to end a
game, or after the game-clock horn sounds, when the red light
or LED lights are not present, only those free throw(s) necessary
to determine a winner or whether an extra period is necessary
shall be awarded.
A.R. 3. With a few seconds remaining on the game clock in the first half, A1 makes a
throw-in to A2 (game clock not started—official timer’s mistake). A2 dribbles into the
front court and misses the try. B1 recovers the rebound and dribbles the full length of the
playing court. As the player passes the bench, the coach of Team A notices that the game
clock has not started and calls the mistake to the attention of the official timer, who starts
the game clock. With one second left on the game clock in the half, A2 fouls B1. The
bonus is in effect. Time expires before the official timer can stop the game clock. RULING:
Assess A2 with a personal foul. Administer the free throw(s) before the intermission.
The referee cannot correct this official timer’s mistake unless he or she knows exactBR-
96
ly how much playing time elapsed while the game clock was stopped; however, the referee
may attain this information from the official timer or from the use of a courtside television
monitor, if one is available.
A.R. 4. With the score tied near the expiration of time in the second half (a) shooter A1
is fouled in the act of shooting but time expires before the release of the ball or (b) shooter
A1 releases the ball, time expires and is fouled while the ball is in flight, or (c) shooter
A1 is fouled after time has expired and before the ball was in flight. RULING: In (a),
A1’s try shall be disallowed since it was not released before time expired. A1 shall
attempt 2 free throws since the foul was committed before the expiration of time. When
one free throw is successful, the game is over. When both free throws are unsuccessful,
the game continues with an extra period(s). In (b), since the try was released before the
expiration of time and since the foul occurred after time expired but while the ball was
in flight, A1 shall attempt two free throws. When one free throw is successful, the game
is over. When both free throws are unsuccessful, the game continues with an extra period(
s). In (c), when the foul occurs after the second half has clearly ended, the foul shall
be ignored unless the foul is an indirect technical, direct technical, flagrant technical or
(men) intentional technical. For an indirect or direct technical, play shall resume at the
point of interruption, which would be the jump ball to start the extra period. For a flagrant
technical or (men) intentional technical, to start the extra period, the ball shall be
awarded to the offended team at the division line.
Art. 4. Except for disqualification or ejection, no penalty or part of a penalty
shall carry over from one half or extra period to another.
Art. 5. No correction of a timing mistake shall be carried over from one half
or extra period. Such a mistake shall be corrected before the start of the subsequent
intermission.
Art. 6. When an indirect technical foul, a direct technical foul, a flagrant technical
foul or (men) an intentional technical foul occurs after the ball has
become dead to end a period, the next period shall be started by administering
the free throws and play shall resume at the point of interruption. This
shall apply when the foul occurs after the first half has ended or after the second
half or any extra period has ended, provided that there is to be an(other)
extra period.
a. When there is no way to determine whether there will be an extra
period until the free throws for a technical foul are administered,
the free throws shall be attempted immediately, as if the technical
foul had been part of the preceding period.
A.R. 5. Time for the first half expires while the ball is in flight during a field-goal try by
A1. B1 intentionally fouls A2 before the field-goal attempt has ended. After the ball has
become dead and after the last free throw by A2, A3 flagrantly fouls B1. RULING: A3
shall be ejected. Because the foul by A3 was committed after the first half expired, the
second half shall begin with the free throws. The foul by A3 shall be considered to have
been committed between the first and second halves.
RULE 5/SCORING AND TIMING REGULATIONS
BR-97 RULE 5/SCORING AND TIMING REGULATIONS
A.R. 6. Playing time has expired with the score tied and (a) A1 is assessed with either a
indirect or direct technical foul, (b) A1 is assessed with a flagrant technical foul or (c) A1
is assessed with a (men) intentional technical foul. RULING: In (a) the extra period shall
start by awarding a player from Team B two free throws for the indirect or direct technical
foul that was assessed to A1. Play shall resume at the point of interruption which
would be a jump ball. In (b) A1 shall be ejected and the extra period shall start by awarding
a player from Team B two free throws for the flagrant technical foul that was assessed
to A1. Play shall resume with a throw-in for Team B at the division line on either side of
the court. In (c) the extra period shall start by awarding a player from Team B two free
throws for the (men) intentional technical foul that was assessed to A1. Play shall resume
with a throw-in for Team B at the division line on either side of the court.
Section 8. Extra Period
Art. 1. When the score is tied at the end of the second half, play shall continue
without change of baskets for one or more extra period(s) with a oneminute
intermission before each extra period. The game shall end when, at
the end of any extra period, the score is not tied.
Art. 2. The length of each extra period shall be five minutes. As many such
periods as are necessary to break the tie shall be played.
Art. 3. Each extra period is an extension of the second half.
Section 9. Stopping Game and Shot Clocks
The game clock and shot clock, if running, shall be stopped when an official.
Art. 1. Signals:
a. A foul.
b. A held ball.
c. A violation.
Art. 2. Stops play:
a. Because of an injury or a loss of a contact lens.
b. To confer with the scorers, timer or shot-clock operator.
c. Because of unusual delay in a dead ball being made live.
d. For any emergency.
Art. 3. Grants a player’s visual or oral request for a timeout, such request
being granted when:
a. The ball is in control or at the disposal of a player of his or her team.
Exception 1: After the throw-in starts, no timeout shall be granted
to the opponents of the throw-in team.
Exception 2: No timeout may be granted during an interrupted
dribble.
b. The ball is dead.
c. A disqualified or injured player(s) has been replaced when a substitute(
s) is available.
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Art. 4. Grants a coach’s request for a timeout, such request being granted
only when the coach’s team is in possession of the ball (this includes throwins
and free throws) or when the ball is dead. The official must be certain
the request was made by the head coach.
Art. 5. Recognizes a request by the head coach or a player for a timeout
after a goal until the subsequent throw in begins.
Art. 6. Responds to the official scorer’s signal to grant a head coach’s
request to address the possibility of a correctable error as in Rule 2-11 or
whether a timing, scoring or alternating-possession mistake needs to be
prevented or rectified. The appeal to the official shall be presented at the
scorers’ table, where a coach of each team may be present.
Art. 7. Suspends play immediately when necessary to protect an injured
player.
A.R. 7. When an official on his or her own initiative takes a timeout to protect an
injured player, should a timeout be charged to the team? RULING: After calling the
timeout, the official should ask the player if the player desires a timeout. When the
player does not, play should be resumed immediately. When the player is not ready
to resume play immediately and is not replaced until at least the next opportunity to
substitute after the game clock has started, one timeout shall be charged to the injured
player’s team. No official has the authority to charge a timeout to himself or herself.
(See Rule 5-9.2.a.)
Art. 8. Suspends play after the ball is dead or controlled by the injured
player’s team or when the opponents complete a play after a player is
injured.
a. A play shall be completed when a team withholds the ball from
play by ceasing to attempt to score or advance the ball to a scoring
position.
Art. 9. Suspends play when a player incurs a wound that causes bleeding
or has blood on his or her body caused by blood from another player’s
wound. The official shall stop the game at the earliest possible time
and instruct the player to leave the game for attention by medical personnel.
a. A player with blood on his or her uniform shall have the uniform
evaluated by medical personnel. When medical personnel determines
that the blood has not saturated the uniform, the player
may immediately resume play without leaving the game. When
medical personnel determines that the blood has saturated the
uniform, the affected part of the uniform shall be changed before
the player shall be permitted to return.
A.R. 8. While Team A is dribbling, the referee notices blood on A1’s game jersey. The
referee blows the whistle to stop play. A1 goes to the bench and medical personnel (a)
determine that the game jersey is not saturated with blood or (b) determine that the
RULE 5/SCORING AND TIMING REGULATIONS
BR-99 RULE 5/SCORING AND TIMING REGULATIONS
game jersey is saturated with blood. RULING: In (a), A1 may remain in the game
without penalty. In (b), A1 shall leave the game and change to a blood-free game jersey.
A1 shall remain on the sideline until the next opportunity to substitute or Team
A may use a timeout to allow A1 time to change the game jersey. A1 may return to
the game at the end of the timeout.
Art. 10. Recognizes each successful field goal in the last 59.9 seconds of
the second half or any extra period, which includes a timer’s or clock
operator’s mistake or an inadvertent whistle. Substitution shall not be
allowed during these dead-ball situations. For women, substitutions
shall only be allowed for timeouts, violations or fouls.
Section 10. Charged Timeouts
Art. 1. Time shall be out and the game clock and shot clock, if running,
shall be stopped when:
a. A player or head coach requests a timeout, such request being
granted only when the player’s/coach’s team is in possession of
the ball (this includes that team’s throw-ins and its free throws)
or when the ball is dead.
b. An injured player or a player who is bleeding or has a uniform
that is saturated with blood has that condition remedied and is
permitted to remain in the game.
A.R. 9. Both teams remain in their huddles after a timeout even though the official
administering the throw-in has alerted them that play shall resume. (a) Before or (b)
after the ball is placed at the designated spot, Team A or Team B indicates it desires a
timeout. RULING: In (a), either team may request and be granted a timeout. In (b),
only the team entitled to the throw-in shall be granted a timeout after the throw-in
count has started.
Art. 2. A timeout shall not be granted until after the jump ball that begins
the game and the conditions as described in Rule 5-9 are in effect.
Art. 3. In games not involving electronic media and also those with typed
Internet coverage but without audio or video broadcast, the timeout format
shall be:
a. Four 75-second timeouts and two 30-second timeouts for each
team per regulation game.
b. The four 75-second timeouts may be used at any time.
c. The two 30-second timeouts may be used at any time.
d. A player or a coach from the same team may request successive 30-
second timeouts.
1. When successive timeouts are granted, players are permitted
to sit on their bench only when the request has been made in
advance.
2. When successive 30-second timeouts are granted, a warning
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signal shall be sounded 15 seconds before the expiration of
the final 30-second timeout.
e. When there is an extra period(s), each team shall be entitled to one
extra 75-second timeout per extra period in addition to any timeouts
it has not used previously.
1. The extra timeout shall not be granted until after the ball
becomes live to begin the extra period(s).
f. Cheerleaders and mascots are permitted on the playing court
only during a full timeout or an intermission.
g. Bands/amplified music are permitted to play or be played only
during any timeout or intermission.
Art. 4. In games involving electronic media (i.e., radio, television, or
Internet audio or visual broadcast), when the electronic-media format
calls for at least three electronic-media timeouts in either half, the following
shall be in effect: (TELEVISION, RADIO OR INTERNET AUDIO
OR VISUAL BROADCAST MUST BE PRESENT TO USE THIS ELECTRONIC-
MEDIA TIMEOUT FORMAT.)
a. When television is employed, there shall be four electronic-media
timeouts in each half. These electronic-media timeouts shall occur at
the first dead ball after the 16-, 12-, 8- and 4-minute marks when the
game clock is stopped.
1. The first timeout requested by either team in the second half shall
become the length of a timeout called for by the electronic-media
agreement.
2. When the first timeout requested by either team in the second
half is granted and creates the first dead ball after one of the 16-,
12-, 8- or 4-minute marks, the electronic-media timeouts for those
specified times shall occur after the next dead ball.
Note: For NCAA Division I tournament games the men’s or women’s
Division I basketball committee may make the first team-called timeout in
both halves an electronic-media timeout.
b. When radio or Internet audio or visual broadcast is being used, electronic-
media timeouts shall occur at the first dead ball after the 16-,
12-, 8- and 4-minute marks or after the 15-, 10- and 5-minute marks,
when the game clock is stopped, depending on the electronic-media
agreement.
1. The first timeout requested by either team in the second half shall
be 75 seconds long or longer when called for by the electronicmedia
agreement.
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2. When the electronic-media agreement calls for fewer than three
electronic-media timeouts in one half, these electronic-media
timeouts shall occur at the first dead ball after the minute marks
specified by the electronic-media agreement.
c. Each team shall be entitled to four timeouts, 30 seconds each in
length.
d. Each team may carry up to three 30-second timeouts into the second
half.
e. Each team shall be entitled to one 60-second timeout that may be
used any time during the game.
1. No conference shall be permitted to extend the 60-second timeout
by electronic-media agreement in electronic-media games.
f. A player or a coach from the same team may request successive 30-
second timeouts.
1. When these successive timeouts are granted, players shall be
allowed to sit on their bench only when the request has been
made in advance.
2. When successive 30-second timeouts are granted, a warning horn
shall be sounded 15 seconds before the expiration of the final 30-
second timeout.
g. Unused 30-second team timeouts from the second half may be used
in extra period(s).
h. A team-called 30-second timeout or a 60-second timeout (excluding
the first timeout of the second half that becomes an electronic-media
timeout) in a game involving electronic media can be shortened
when the captain/coach notifies the official of the team’s intent to do
so.
1. When a request has been made to shorten a timeout for a purpose
other than a substitution(s), a warning signal shall be
sounded immediately and 15 seconds later a game-clock horn
shall be sounded to resume play.
2. When a request is made to shorten any timeout for a substitution(
s), the signal for shortening a timeout shall be given and
play shall be resumed immediately.
i. Each team shall be entitled to one additional 30-second timeout
during each extra period.
1. The extra timeout shall not be granted until after the jump ball
that begins the extra period and the conditions as described in
Rule 5-9 are in effect.
2. The first timeout requested in any extra period may become an
electronic-media timeout when called for by the electronic-media
agreement.
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j. Cheerleaders and mascots are permitted onto the playing court
only during an electronic-media timeout or intermission.
k. Bands and amplified music are permitted to play or be played only
during any timeout or intermission.
Note: (men) For Division II Men’s NCAA tournament games, the format
described in Rule 5-10.4 may be used without the presence of electronic media.
Art. 5. When the electronic-media agreement calls for fewer than three electronic-
media timeouts in one half, the format shall be as follows:
a. Four 75-second timeouts and two 30-second timeouts for each team
per regulation game.
b. The four 75-second timeouts can be used at any time.
c. The two 30-second timeouts can be used at any time.
d. When there is an extra period(s), each team is entitled to one extra
75-second timeout per extra period in addition to any timeouts it
has not used previously.
e. When the electronic-media agreement calls for either two or one
timeout(s) in either half, those timeouts shall occur at the first dead
ball after the minute mark specified in the electronic-media agreement.
When either of the teams uses a 75-second timeout(s) in
either the first or second half, that timeout shall replace the next
agreed-upon electronic-media timeout(s) for that half.
Art. 6. In games involving electronic media, when a foul (personal or technical)
is committed that causes the ball to become dead at one of the specified
time marks on the game clock for electronic-media timeouts, that electronic
media timeout shall be taken and then the free throw(s) shall be
administered after the timeout.
Art. 7. In games involving electronic media, when a timeout has been
recognized to be shortened for the sole purpose of making substitutions
and the timeout causes the first dead ball after one of the specified time
marks for electronic-media timeouts (16-, 12-, 8-, 4-), that timeout shall
become an electronic-media timeout.
Art. 8. When a 30-second timeout is charged for an injury, a bleeding
player, a player’s uniform that is saturated with blood or a correctable
error, and it is the first 30-second timeout granted during the second
half of the game, that timeout shall become an electronic-media timeout.
Art. 9. When a 30-second timeout is charged for an injury, a bleeding
player, a player’s uniform that is saturated with blood or a correctable
error, and that timeout is granted at the first dead ball at one of the specified
time marks on the game clock for electronic-media timeouts, that
timeout shall become an electronic-media timeout.
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Art. 10. A single charged full timeout in games not involving electronic
media shall not exceed 75 seconds.
Art. 11. A single charged 60-second timeout in a game involving electronic
media shall not exceed 60 seconds.
Art. 12. A single charged 30-second timeout shall not exceed 30 seconds.
Art. 13. Only one 75-second timeout, in games not involving electronic
media, or either one 30-second timeout or 60-second timeout, in games
involving electronic media, shall be charged in Rule 5-9.2.a, regardless
of the amount of time consumed when an injured player remains in the
game.
Art. 14. A warning signal to alert teams to prepare to resume play shall
be sounded 15 seconds before the expiration of any charged or electronic-
media timeout.
Art. 15. A second game-clock horn shall be sounded at the end of any
charged or electronic-media timeout and play shall resume immediately.
Art. 16. Substitutions shall not occur after the warning signal to prepare
to resume play until at least one live-ball period has occurred and the
ball becomes dead.
Art. 17. During a 30-second timeout, players shall stand inside the
boundary lines.
Art. 18. During any timeout, bench personnel and players shall locate
themselves inside an imaginary rectangle formed by the boundaries of
the sideline (including the bench), end line, and an imaginary line
extended from the free-throw lane line nearest the bench area meeting an
imaginary line extended from the coaching-box line.
Art. 19. Successive charged timeouts shall not be granted after the expiration
of playing time for the second half or after the expiration of any
extra period.
A.R. 10. After the second half expires with the score tied, A1 is charged with a flagrant
technical foul. Either Team A or Team B then requests and is granted a timeout. At the
expiration of the timeout, B1 attempts the first free throw, which is either successful
or unsuccessful. After the free throw, either Team A or Team B requests and is granted
a timeout. RULING: Illegal. The second timeout is considered to be immediately
after the first timeout.
A.R. 11. After the second half expires with the score tied, Team A requests a 30-second
timeout. The official grants and reports the timeout to the table, after which Team
A requests either a 60-second timeout in an electronic media game or a 75-second
timeout in a non electronic media game. RULING: Because the first timeout was
granted and reported to the table, the second timeout request would be a successive
timeout and should not be granted by the official.
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Art. 20. The team that requests a timeout may shorten that timeout when
the captain/head coach notifies the official of the team’s intent.
a. When a request has been made to shorten any timeout for a
purpose other than for substitution(s), a warning signal shall
be sounded immediately and 15 seconds later another signal
shall be sounded to resume play.
b. When a request is made to shorten any timeout for a substitution(
s), the signal for shortening a timeout shall be given and
play shall be resumed immediately.
Art. 21. A timeout shall be charged to a team for either length or fraction
thereof consumed under Rules 5-9.4 and 5-9.5, regardless of the amount
of time consumed.
Art. 22. One 75-second timeout, in games not involving electronic media,
or either one 30-second timeout or 60-second timeout, in games involving
electronic media, shall be charged to the team making the appeal in
Rule 5-9.6, when no correction is made or when the time limit for correcting
an error under Rule 2-11 expires.
A.R. 12. Team A coach requests a timeout for an official to assess whether a correctable
error has occurred. The error is (a) correctable or; (b) not correctable. RULING:
In (a) when the error is correctable, no timeout shall be charged to Team A. In
(b) when the error is not correctable, a timeout shall be charged to Team A. When any
portion of that timeout remains after the review of the request has been conducted,
Team A shall be entitled to use that time. When the review requires the length of a
timeout or longer, play shall resume immediately from the point at which it was interrupted
at a designated spot.
Art. 23. No timeout shall be charged when:
a. In Rule 5-9.2.a, an injured player is ready to play immediately or
is replaced until at least the next opportunity to substitute after
the game clock has started after his or her replacement.
b. In Rule 5-9.3, the player’s request, within a reasonable amount of
time, resulted from displaced eyeglasses or contact lenses.
c. In Rule 5-9.6, a correctable error or a timing, scoring, or alternating-
possession mistake is prevented or rectified.
1. When the time limit for correcting an error under Rule 2-11 has
expired, a 75-second timeout shall be charged to the offending
team in a game without electronic media and either a 30-second
or 60-second timeout charged to the offending team in a
game with electronic media.
Section 11. Time is Out—Start Game Clock
Art. 1. After time has been out, the game clock shall be started when the
official signals time in. When the official neglects to signal, the official
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timer shall be authorized to start the game clock unless an official specifically
signals that time shall continue to be out.
Art. 2. When play is started by a jump ball, the game clock shall be started
when the tossed ball is legally touched.
Art. 3. When a free throw is not successful and the ball is to remain live,
the game clock shall be started when the ball is legally touched by or
touches a player on the playing court.
Art. 4. When play is resumed by a throw-in, the game clock and shot
clock shall be started when the ball is legally touched by or touches a
player on the playing court.
Section 12. Excessive Timeout
Art. 1. Timeouts in excess of the allotted number may be requested and
shall be granted at the expense of an indirect technical foul charged to
the offending team for each taken.
Art. 2. A 75-second timeout in games not involving electronic media or a
30-second timeout in games involving electronic media shall be charged
to and may be used by the team requesting the granted excessive timeout.
Section 1. Periods—How Started
Art. 1. The game and each extra period shall start with a jump ball between
any two opponents.
Art. 2. The second half shall start with the team that controlled the alternating-
possession arrow at the end of the first half given disposal of the ball
at the division line opposite the scorers’ table.
Art. 3. After any subsequent dead ball, the only way the ball may become
live is to resume play by a jump ball, by a throw-in or by placing it at the
disposal of a free-thrower.
Art. 4. The ball shall become live when:
a. On a jump ball, the ball leaves the official’s hand.
b. On a throw-in, the ball is placed at the disposal of the thrower-in.
c. On a free throw, the ball is placed at the disposal of the free-thrower.
A.R. 1. On a jump ball, the ball shall become live when it leaves the official’s hand, but
the game clock shall not start until the ball is touched. RULING: Most jump-ball violations
occur after the ball leaves the official’s hand. If the ball did not become live
until touched, these would be acts during a dead ball and, therefore, be different from
most other violations. (See Rules 5-11.2 and 9-8.)
Section 2. Held Ball—Alternating Process
Art. 1. In held-ball situations, teams shall alternate taking possession of the
ball at a designated spot nearest to where the held ball occurred.
Art. 2. The team that does not obtain control of the initial jump ball shall
start the alternating process when the next alternating-possession situation
occurs by being awarded the ball at a designated spot nearest to where the
held ball occurred.
a. When the ball is last touched by two opponents, both of whom are
in bounds or out of bounds, the alternating-possession procedure
has not been established, so a jump ball shall take place between the
two involved players.
b. When the officials are in doubt as to who last touched the ball and
the alternating-possession procedure has not been established, a
jump ball shall take place between the two involved players.
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Live Ball and Dead Ball
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A.R. 2. An official tosses the ball for the opening jump ball. Immediately after the ball is
touched by the jumpers, A2 and B2 tie up the ball. RULING: Since possession has never
been established, the official cannot use the alternating-possession arrow to award possession.
An official shall conduct another jump ball. The players who tied up the ball—
in this case A2 and B2—shall jump.
A.R. 3. During the opening jump ball, A1 illegally catches the tossed ball. The referee
blows the whistle and awards the ball to B1 at a designated spot nearest to where the
violation occurred. How is the alternating-possession arrow established? RULING:
The first legal possession is by B1 on the throw-in. When the official hands the ball to
the player from Team B, the alternating-possession arrow shall be set for Team A.
Art. 3. Before the start of the second half, the direction of the possession
arrow shall be changed (to account for the teams switching ends of the
court), indicating that the team that the arrow favored at the end of the first
half shall maintain that status to start the second half.
Section 3. Alternating-Possession Situations
Art. 1. The ball shall be put in play by the team entitled to the throw-in at a
designated spot where:
a. A held ball occurs.
b. The ball goes out of bounds as in Rule 7-3.
c. A double free-throw violation occurs.
d. A live ball lodges on a basket support. Exception: During a throwin,
a live ball lodging on a basket support is a violation.
e. The ball becomes dead when neither team is in control and no goal
or infraction or end of a period is involved.
f. A double personal foul, double flagrant personal foul, double
intentional personal foul or simultaneous personal foul occur when
there is no team control as defined in Rules 4-13.2, and 4-13.4.
g. An inadvertent whistle occurs and there is no player or team
control.
A.R. 4. (Men) A1 drives to the basket and (a) the referee calls a player-control foul and
an umpire calls a block or; (b) the referee calls a charge and an umpire calls a block.
RULING: This is uncharacteristic of a double personal foul where one official adjudicates
the obviously committed fouls against two opponents. In (a) and (b) the two officials
disagree that the fouls occurred simultaneously. In (a) the alternating-possession
arrow shall be used and the ball shall be awarded at a designated spot nearest to
where the foul occurred. When the ball is awarded to either Team A or Team B, there
shall be a reset of the shot clock. To award the ball to Team A with the expired time
instead of using the alternating-possession arrow would be unfair, since one of the
fouls in question may have been committed when A1 was in control of the ball. In (b)
although the two officials disagree as to whether there was a charge or a block, the
ball was released by A1 and the goal shall count. During a try in flight there is no team
control. The alternating-possession arrow shall be used and the ball shall be awarded
RULE 6/LIVE BALL AND DEAD BALL
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at a designated spot nearest to where the foul occurred. Since there is no team control,
there shall be a reset of the shot clock when the ball is awarded to either Team A or
Team B.
Art. 2. The direction of the alternating-possession arrow shall be reversed
immediately after an alternating-possession throw-in ends. An alternatingpossession
throw-in shall end when the throw-in touches or is legally
touched by an in bounds player other than the thrower-in or when the
throw-in team commits a throw-in violation.
A.R. 5. During an alternating-possession throw-in by Team A, (a) A3 fouled B3 after the
throw-in pass was touched by A2, or (b) A3 fouled B3 when the ball was at the disposal
of A1 for a throw-in. RULING: In (a), the alternating-possession arrow shall be reversed
immediately when the throw-in pass was legally touched by A2. A3 committed a teamcontrol
foul and the ball shall be awarded to Team B at a designated spot. In (b), A3 has
committed a team-control foul and the ball shall be awarded to Team B at a designated
spot. Team A retains the arrow since a throw-in did not touch or was not legally touched
by an in bounds player.
A.R. 6. Thrower-in A1 breaks the plane of the boundary line by extending the ball
over the playing court during an alternating-possession procedure. B1 creates a held
ball. The official awards the ball to Team A since the alternating possession for the
throw-in did not end. Was the official correct? RULING: The official was correct. An
alternating-possession throw-in ends when the throw-in ends or when the throw-in
team violates provisions of the throw-in. A1 has five seconds to release the throw-in.
The throw-in count shall end when the ball is released by the thrower-in so that the
ball goes directly into the playing court. The throw-in shall end when a passed ball is
controlled by an inbounds player. Breaking the boundary plane with the ball by
extending the ball over the playing court is not a violation of the throw-in provisions
but the act does cause the ball to come into play.
Art. 3. When the ball is awarded to the wrong team under the alternatingpossession
procedure, the error must be rectified before the throw-in ends.
Art. 4. The opportunity to make an alternating-possession throw-in shall be
lost when the throw-in team violates the throw-in provisions.
Art. 5. A foul by either team during an alternating-possession throw-in
shall not cause the throw-in team to lose the alternating-possession arrow.
A.R. 7. Team B is entitled to a throw-in under the alternating process. An official or the official
scorer makes an error and the ball is erroneously awarded to Team A for the throw-in.
RULING: Once the ball touches or is touched by an inbounds or out-of-bounds player, this
situation cannot be corrected; however, Team B shall make the throw-in when the next alternating
process occurs. Team B does not lose its throw-in opportunity as a result of the error.
A.R. 8. Team A is entitled to a throw-in under the alternating process. Before the
throw-in by Team A is completed, a foul is called on either Team A or Team B. RULING:
The procedure for any fouls called shall not be affected by the alternating
process. The foul shall be charged and penalized. Team A shall receive possession for
the throw-in when the next alternating process occurs. Team A shall not lose its
throw-in opportunity as a result of the foul.
RULE 6/LIVE BALL AND DEAD BALL
RULE 6/LIVE BALL AND DEAD BALL
A.R. 9. During the alternating process, Team A violates the throw-in provisions by (a)
leaving a designated spot, or (b) failing to pass the ball directly into the playing court
so that after it crosses the boundary line it touches or is touched by another player (in
bounds or out of bounds) on the playing court before it goes out of bounds, or (c) consuming
more than five seconds before the ball is released, or (d) carrying the ball onto
the playing court, or (e) touching it in the playing court before it has touched another
player, or (f) throwing the ball so that it enters the basket before touching a player.
RULING: When Team A violates the throw-in provisions, it shall lose its turn for a
throw-in under the alternating process. Team B shall make the throw-in on the next
alternating process.
Section 4. Position for Jump Ball
Art. 1. For any jump ball, each jumper shall have both feet inside the half of
the center circle that is farther from his or her team’s basket.
Art. 2. Each jumper may face in either direction.
Art. 3. The referee or designee shall toss the ball upward between the
jumpers in a plane at right angles to the sidelines, to a height greater than
either of them can jump and so that the ball will drop between them.
Art. 4. The ball shall be touched by one or both of the jumpers after it reaches
its highest point.
Art. 5. When the ball touches the playing court without being touched by
at least one of the jumpers, the official shall toss the ball again.
Art. 6. Neither jumper shall touch the tossed ball before it reaches its highest
point, leave the center circle until the ball has been touched, catch the
jump ball, nor touch it more than twice.
A.R. 10. During a jump ball, jumper A1 touches the ball simultaneously with both
hands and then again touches the ball simultaneously with both hands. RULING:
Legal. Touching the ball with both hands simultaneously shall be considered touching
the ball once; however, when one hand touches slightly in advance of the second
hand, that shall be ruled as touching the ball twice.
Art. 7. The jump ball and these restrictions end when the ball touches one
of the eight non-jumpers, the playing court, the basket, the backboard or
when the ball becomes dead.
Art. 8. When the referee or designated official is ready to make the toss, a
non-jumper shall not move onto the center circle or change position around
the center circle until the ball has left the official’s hand.
Art. 9. None of the eight non-jumpers shall have either foot break the plane
of the geometrical cylinder that has the center circle as its base, nor shall any
player take a position in any occupied space until the ball has been touched.
Art. 11. Teammates shall not occupy adjacent positions around the center circle
when an opponent indicates a desire for one of these positions before the
referee is ready to toss the ball.
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Art. 12. Players may move around the center circle without breaking the geometrical
cylinder that has the center circle as its base after the ball has left the
referee’s hand(s) during the toss.
Section 5. Dead Ball
Art. 1. The ball shall become dead or remain dead when:
a. Any goal is made.
b. It is apparent that the free throw will not be successful on a free
throw for a technical foul or a false double foul or a free throw that
is to be followed by another free throw.
c. A held ball occurs or the ball lodges on a basket support.
d. An official blows the whistle.
e. Time expires for a half or extra period.
A.R. 11. A1 rises and grabs the rebound clearly outside of the cylinder and, while airborne,
dunks. Both hands are on the ball and in the basket when the red light or LED
lights are activated, or when the light(s) are not present, the game clock horn sounds
to signify the end of the period. RULING: This shall be ruled no goal; however, when
the ball leaves the hands of A1 before the red light or LED lights are activated, or
when the light(s) are not present, the game-clock horn sounds to signify the end of the
period, the dunk shall be considered the same as a try in flight; and the goal shall
count.
f. A foul occurs.
g. Any floor violation (Rules 9-3 through 9-13) occurs, there is basket
interference or goaltending (Rule 9-16) or there is a free-throw violation
by the free-thrower’s team (Rule 9-1).
A.R. 12. The ball is in flight during a try for field goal by A1 when time in a period expires.
As time expires, the ball is on the ring or in the basket or is touching the cylinder when it is
touched by: (a) A2; or (b) B1. The ball then goes through the basket or does not go through.
RULING: In (a) or (b), the ball shall become dead when touched by anyone. However, when
illegal touching is by B1, two points shall be awarded to A1 (three points shall be awarded
to A1 when it is a three-point try). Whether the ball goes through the basket shall have no
effect upon the ruling. (See Rules 4-62 and 9-16.)
Section 6. Ball Does Not Become Dead
Art. 1. A live ball shall not become dead until the try in flight ends
when:
a. An official’s whistle is blown.
b. Time expires for a half or extra period.
c. A foul occurs.
Art. 2. A live ball shall not become dead when a foul is committed by an
opponent of a player who starts a try for goal before a foul occurs, provided
that time does not expire before the ball is in flight.
RULE 6/LIVE BALL AND DEAD BALL
Art. 3. A live ball shall not become dead when the ball is in flight on a try
for field goal or during a free throw when an opponent swings his or her
arms or elbows excessively without making contact. When the shooter,
tapper or his or her teammates commit this infraction, the ball shall
become dead immediately.
Art. 4. While a free throw is in flight, the ball shall not become dead
when:
a. An official blows the whistle
b. A foul occurs.
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Section 1. Out of Bounds—Player, Ball
Art. 1. A player shall be out of bounds when he or she touches the floor
or any object other than a player on or outside a boundary line. An airborne
player’s status shall be where he or she was last in contact with
the floor.
A.R. 1. A1 blocks a pass near the end line. The ball falls to the floor in bounds but
A1, who is off balance, falls outside the end line. A1 returns, secures control of the
ball, and dribbles. RULING: Legal. A1 has not left the playing court voluntarily and
was not in control of the ball when leaving the playing court. This situation is similar
to one in which A1 makes a try from under the basket and momentum carries
A1 off the playing court. The try is unsuccessful, and A1 comes onto the playing
court and regains control of the ball.
Art. 2. The ball shall be out of bounds when it touches a player who is
out of bounds; any other person, the floor, or any object on or outside a
boundary; the supports or back of the backboard; or the ceiling, overhead
equipment or supports.
A.R. 2. The ball rebounds from the edge of the backboard and across a boundary
line. Before the ball touches the floor or any obstruction out of bounds, it is caught
by a player who is in bounds. RULING: The ball is in bounds.
A.R. 3. The ball touches or rolls along the edge of the backboard without touching
the supports. RULING: The ball shall be live unless ground rules to the contrary
have been mutually agreed upon before the game.
A.R. 4. A throw-in by A1 strikes B1 who is in bounds, rebounds from B1 directly
into the air, then strikes A1 who is still out of bounds. RULING: A1 shall be considered
to have caused the ball to go out of bounds. The ball shall be awarded to
Team B at a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred.
Art. 3. The ball shall be out of bounds when it passes over the backboard
from any direction.
Section 2. Ball Caused to Go Out of Bounds
Art. 1. The ball shall be caused to go out of bounds by the last player to
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Out of Bounds and
the Throw-in
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touch or to be touched by the ball before the ball goes out, provided
that the ball is out of bounds because of touching something other than
a player who is out of bounds.
A.R. 5. A1, while dribbling, touches a nearby chair or the scorers’ table while A1’s
feet are in bounds. RULING: A1 is out of bounds because A1 touched an object that
is out of bounds; hence, the ball shall be considered to have gone out of bounds.
A.R. 6. A ball passed by Team A touches an official and goes out of bounds. RULING:
Team B’s ball.
Art. 2. When the ball is out of bounds because of touching or being
touched by a player who is on or outside a boundary, such player shall
have caused the ball to go out of bounds.
A.R. 7. A1, while dribbling, touches B1, who is standing on a sideline. RULING: A1
is in bounds; however, when the ball in control of A1 touches B1, the ball is out of
bounds and shall be awarded to Team A at a designated spot nearest to where the
violation occurred.
Section 3. Ball Touched Simultaneously/Officials’ Doubt
Art. 1. Play shall be resumed by use of the alternating-possession arrow
when the ball goes out of bounds and:
a. Was last touched simultaneously by two opponents, both of
whom are in bounds or out of bounds.
b. When the officials are in doubt as to who last touched the ball.
Section 4. Ball Awarded Out of Bounds
Art. 1. The ball shall be awarded out of bounds after:
a. A violation as in Rule 9 or a double violation.
b. The last free throw of a penalty for a technical foul. (Exception:
Rule 8-4.3)
c. A field goal or a successful free throw for a personal foul as in
Rule 8-4.1.a or an awarded goal as in Rule 9-15.
d. The ball becomes dead while a team is in control provided that
no infraction or the end of a period is involved.
e. A player-control foul.
f. A team-control foul.
g. A common foul before the bonus rule goes into effect.
h. A flagrant personal foul or intentional personal foul.
i. A double personal foul, double flagrant personal foul, double
intentional personal foul or simultaneous personal foul.
j. An inadvertent whistle.
k. A held ball as in Rule 4-35.
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Section 5. Out of Bounds, Ball in Play from
Art. 1. When the ball is out of bounds after any violation as outlined in
Rules 9-3 through 9-15, an official shall place the ball at the disposal of
an opponent of the player who committed the violation for a throw-in
from a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred.
A.R. 8. When an official is required to hand/bounce the ball to the thrower-in, is it
the duty of the official to wait until both teams are ready before doing so? RULING:
No. The purpose of the rule requiring the official to hand/bounce the ball to the
thrower-in in situations other than after a timeout is to indicate clearly which team
is entitled to the throw-in after the official has given the direction signal and other
necessary information. Teams are expected to be ready for all normal play situations.
When the official inadvertently indicates the wrong team for a throw-in and
discovers the error before play is resumed, the official should withhold the ball from
play to permit the players to re-deploy themselves. Officials should not permit
unusual delays to allow a team to set up a scoring play in the front court or to permit
a specific player to take the ball for a throw-in. (See Rules 2-9.14.b and 10-3.1.c.)
Art. 2. When the violation is on a throw-in, the new throw-in shall be
from the same designated spot as that of the original throw-in.
Art. 3. After a dead ball, as listed in Rule 7-4.1.d, any player of the team
in control shall make the throw-in from a designated spot nearest to
where the dead ball occurred.
Art. 4. After a common foul before the bonus rule takes effect, any player
of the offended team shall make the throw-in from a designated spot
nearest to where the foul occurred.
Art. 5. Anytime a player-control foul or team-control foul occurs, any
player of the offended team shall make the throw-in from the designated
spot nearest to where the foul occurred.
Art. 6. After a goal as listed in Rule 7-4.1.c, when a common foul is committed
before the bonus is in effect or when the ball is kicked along the
end line during the throw-in, the team not credited with the score shall
make the throw-in per Rule 7-5.8.
A.R. 9. Team B has scored a field goal, and A1 has the ball along the end line for a
throw-in. Team A is not in the bonus. Before the throw-in by A1 (a) B1 fouls A2 in
bounds, near A1 or (b) B1 fouls A2 at the division line or (c) B1 fouls A2 beyond the
division line. RULING: In (a), Team A, the team not credited with the score, may
make a throw-in from the end of the court where the goal was made and from any
point outside the end line. (See Rules 4-65.6 and 7-5.8). In (b) and (c), the ball shall
be awarded at a designated spot nearest to where the foul occurred.
A.R. 10. After a goal by Team B, Team A has the ball for a throw-in from the end of
the playing court from where the goal was made. (a) B1 kicks the ball along the sideline
or; (b) B1 kicks the ball along the end line from where the throw-in was attempted.
RULING: In (a) the kick is a floor violation and the ball shall be awarded to
Team A at a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred. In (b), the floor
RULE 7/OUT OF BOUNDS AND THE THROW-IN
violation of kicking the ball victimizes Team A. Consequently, Team A shall retain
the privilege to the throw-in from anywhere along the end line. In (a) and (b), the
throw-in was not legally completed since the kick, an illegal act, is an exception to
the ball touching or being touched by a player on the playing court. As a result, the
shot clock shall not start. When this situation occurs in the last minute of the second
half or an extra period, neither the game clock nor the shot clock shall be started
because of the violation.
Art. 7. After a successful goal, when an intentional personal foul or a
flagrant personal foul is committed near the end line, the team not
credited with the score shall be permitted to make the throw-in from
any point outside of the end line after taking its merited free throws.
Art. 8. After a goal as listed in Rule 7-4.1.c, the team not credited with
the score shall make the throw-in from the end of the court where the
goal was made and from any point outside the end line.
a. Any player of the throw-in team may make a direct throw-in or
may pass the ball along the end line to a teammate who is also
out of bounds.
A.R. 11. Team A scores a field goal. Team B requests and is granted a charged timeout.
RULING: When the timeout ends, Team B may make the throw-in from anywhere
behind the end line. Team B’s taking a timeout does not eliminate the privilege
of throwing in from anywhere behind the end line. The same applies to a timeout
after a successful free throw.
A.R. 12. (Men) A1 drives for a layup. After the ball leaves A1’s hand but before it
goes through the basket, A1 charges into B1. A1’s try is successful. Team B is not in
the bonus. The out-of-bounds spot nearest to where the personal foul occurred is on
the end line. When the ball is handed to the thrower-in for Team B, may this player
move along the end line? RULING: Yes. Although Team B is not in the bonus, designating
a spot shall not be necessary; rather, Team B shall be permitted to put the
ball in play from any point out of bounds at the end line where the basket was
scored since Team B was not credited with the score.
Art. 9. After a direct or indirect technical foul, a player of the offended
team may attempt the free throws and the ball shall be put back in play
at the point of interruption.
Exception: (Women) When an indirect technical foul is for excessive
timeouts, the ball shall be put back in play by the offended team at the
point of interruption after taking its merited free throws.
A.R. 13. The coach from Team A is assessed a direct technical foul (a) during a try
for goal while the ball is in flight; (b) during a throw-in; (c) during a jump ball. RULING:
A player from Team B shall attempt the two free throws for the direct technical
foul. In (a), although there was no team control when the whistle was blown, when
try is successful, play shall resume with the awarding of the ball to the team not credited
with the score. When the try is unsuccessful the ball shall be put back into play with
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the use of the alternating-possession arrow. In (b), the ball shall be put back into play at
a designated spot for a throw-in, which, in this case, is the spot of the original throw-in.
In (c), since there was no team control when the whistle was blown, play shall resume
with another jump ball. The same procedure would be used for the remaining situations
as described in Rule 4-13.4.
A.R. 14. (Men) B1 commits a personal foul against A1. The foul is the ninth team foul for
Team B. Before the administration of the free throw(s), A1 and B1 are assessed intentional
technical fouls for pushing each other. The official is informed that the technical foul
assessed against A1 is his fifth and disqualifying foul. RULING: The technical fouls
charged to A1 and B1 are offsetting. No penalty free throws shall be awarded. Play shall
resume at the point of interruption, which was the bonus one-and-one for B1’s personal
foul. However, since A1 was disqualified, the bonus shall be attempted by A1’s substitute
unless no substitution is available. In that case, any teammate shall attempt the free
throw(s).
A.R. 15. (Women): Team A scores a field goal in the last few seconds of a game. Before
Team B secures the ball for a throw-in from the end of the playing court where the goal
was made, (a) A1 commits a technical foul by grabbing and holding B1 near the end line
or (b) A1 commits a flagrant technical foul by punching B1 near the end line. RULING:
In (a) a player from Team B may attempt the two free throws for the technical foul and
the ball is put back into play at the point of interruption. Team B may make the throw-in
from any point outside the end line. In (b) A1 is ejected. A player from Team B may
attempt the two free throws for the flagrant technical foul and the ball is put back into
play by a player from Team B at a designated spot at the division line at either side of the
playing court.
Art. 10. After a double technical foul, the ball shall be put in play at the
point of interruption.
Art. 11. After a flagrant technical foul or (men) intentional technical foul, a
player of the offended team may attempt the free throws and the ball shall
be put back in play by any player of that team from a designated spot at the
division line at either side of the playing court.
Art. 12. After a double flagrant technical foul or (men) a double intentional
technical foul, play shall resume at the point of interruption.
Art. 13. After a double personal foul, any player of the team to whom the
throw-in has been awarded shall make the throw-in from a designated spot
nearest to where the double personal foul occurred.
Art. 14. After a flagrant personal foul or an intentional personal foul, a player
of the team to whom the throw-in has been awarded shall make the
throw-in from a designated spot nearest the where the foul occurred.
Art. 15. After a double flagrant personal foul or double intentional personal
foul, play shall resume at a designated spot nearest to where the fouls
occurred.
Art. 16. After a simultaneous personal foul, a player of the team to which
the throw-in has been awarded shall make the throw-in from a designated
spot nearest to where the foul committed by the opponent occurred.
Art. 17. After the administration of the penalty for a personal foul, an indirect
technical foul or a direct technical foul, the penalty for a single flagrant
technical foul or (men) a single intentional technical foul shall be administered.
The ball shall be put back into play by a player of the offended team
at a designated spot at the division line at either side of the playing court.
Art. 18. After the administration of an indirect or direct technical foul, the
penalty for a subsequent indirect or direct technical foul shall be administered.
The ball shall be put back into play by a player of the offended team
at the point of interruption which is where the first technical foul was
assessed.
Art. 19. After a free-throw violation by the shooting team as listed in Rule
9-1, any opponent of the shooting team shall make the throw-in from a designated
spot nearest to where the violation occurred.
Art. 20. After an inadvertent whistle, play shall be resumed:
a. At a designated spot nearest to where the dead ball occurred
when a team was in control of the ball. The ball shall be
awarded to the team that was in control;
b. At the original throw-in spot when the throw-in had not yet
ended. The ball shall be awarded to the team that was in control
of the ball during the throw-in; or
c. With the use of the alternating-possession arrow when there
was no team control before the whistle. The ball shall be
awarded at a spot nearest to where the ball was located when
the whistle was blown.
A.R. 16. An official inadvertently blows the whistle and the shot-clock horn sounds
while the ball, after being shot by A1, is in the air. How is play resumed when the
shot (a) is successful or (b) does not strike the ring or flange or (c) strikes the ring or
flange but does not enter the basket? RULING: In (a), the whistle, which was blown
when there was no team control, and the shot-clock horn shall be ignored. The team
not credited with the score shall be allowed to run the end line. In (b), ignore the
inadvertent whistle and resume play by awarding the ball to Team B at the spot
nearest to where the shot clock violation occurred. The violation takes precedence
over the inadvertent whistle. In (c), play shall be resumed by the alternating-possession
procedure and the shot clock shall be reset to the full shot-clock period.
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Section 6. Throw-in
Art. 1. The throw-in shall start and the throw-in team shall have team
control when the ball is placed at the disposal of a player entitled to the
throw-in.
Art. 2. The throw-in count shall end when the ball is released by the
thrower-in so that the ball goes directly onto the playing court.
Art. 3. The thrower-in shall release the ball within five seconds so that
the pass goes directly into the playing court, except as provided in Rule
7-5.6.
A.R. 17. Team A scores a field goal. B1 catches the ball as it goes toward the floor
from the basket. B1 steps out of bounds, runs a short distance and throws the ball to
B2, who is standing out of bounds with one foot on but not beyond the end line. B2
does not break the plane of the inside edge of the end line until the ball has crossed
the plane on the throw-in. RULING: Legal throw-in.
Art. 4. When the throw-in spot is adjacent to a front-court boundary
line, the throw-in team may cause the ball to go into the back court.
Art. 5. The thrower-in shall not leave the designated spot until he/she
has released the ball and the thrown-in ball crosses the plane of the
sideline or endline.
A.R. 18. A1, on a throw-in from a designated spot, fumbles. A1 leaves the designated
spot to retrieve the fumble. Is this a violation? RULING: No. Since there was a
fumble, the official shall blow his/her whistle, which causes the ball to become dead
and then shall readminister the throw-in.
Art. 6. Until the thrown-in ball crosses the plane of the sideline or end
line:
a. No opponent of the thrower-in shall have any part of his or her
person over the inside plane of the sideline or end line;
A.R. 19. B1 makes contact with the ball being passed between A1 and A2 while they
are out of bounds. (See Rule 7-5.8.) RULING: A defensive player shall not interfere
with the ball not yet successfully thrown in. Indirect technical foul on B1.
b. Teammates shall not occupy positions parallel to the nearest
boundary line when an opponent desires a spot between the
positions.
c. Teammates may occupy adjacent positions near the sideline or
end line when the teammates take adjacent positions that are
perpendicular to the sideline or end line.
RULE 7/OUT OF BOUNDS AND THE THROW-IN
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RULE 8
Free Throw
Section 1. Positions During Attempt
Art. 1. When a free throw is awarded, an official shall take the ball to the
free-throw line of the offended team.
Art. 2. After allowing reasonable time for players to take their positions, the
official shall put the ball in play by placing it at the disposal of the freethrower.
Art. 3. The same procedure shall be followed for each free throw of a multiple
free throw.
Art. 4. For men, a maximum of six players (four opponents of the freethrower
and two teammates of the free-thrower) shall be permitted on the
free-throw lane during a free throw. All other players shall be behind the
free-throw line extended and behind the three-point field-goal line.
a. (Men) Within this limit, opponents of the free-thrower may occupy
the third lane space (with the spot closest to the end line being the
first). If they opt not to, a teammate of the free-thrower may occupy
the third space. No player shall occupy the fourth space.
Art. 5. (Women) A maximum of six players (four opponents of the freethrower
and two teammates of the free-thrower) shall be permitted on the
lane. All other players shall be behind the free-throw line extended and
behind the three-point field-goal line.
a. The two lane spaces closest to the end line shall remain open.
b. The first space on each side of the lane that is closer to the free-throw
line after the block is designated for an opponent of the free-thrower.
The next lane space on each side of the lane is designated for a teammate
of the free-thrower. The next available space on each side of the
lane is designated for an opponent of the free-thrower.
c. Teammates of the free-thrower shall not occupy lane spaces designated
for opponents of the free-thrower; opponents of the freethrower
shall not occupy lane spaces designated for teammates of the
free-thrower.
BR-120 RULE 8/FREE THROW
Art. 6. During a free throw for a personal foul, (men) each of the lane
spaces adjacent to the end line shall be occupied by one opponent of the
free-thrower unless the resumption-of-play method of placing the ball at
the disposal of the free-thrower is in effect. No teammate of the free
thrower shall be permitted to occupy these spaces. (Women) Each of the
first lane spaces closer to the free-throw line after the block shall be occupied
by one opponent of the free-thrower unless the resumption-of-play
method of placing the ball at the disposal of the free-thrower is in effect.
Art. 7. (Men) The opponents of the free-thrower occupying the lane
spaces adjacent to the end line shall be permitted to position themselves
up to the edge of the block that is farthest from the end line. (Women)
Each opponent of the free-thrower occupying the lane space on each side
of the lane that is closer to the free-throw line after the block shall be permitted
to position themselves up to the edge of the block that is closer to
the free-throw line.
Art. 8. (Men) A teammate of the free-thrower shall be entitled to the second
adjacent lane space on each side and an opponent of the free-thrower
shall be entitled to occupy the next lane space on each side.
a. No player shall be permitted to occupy the last (fourth) space on
either side of the free-throw lane.
b. Players shall be permitted to move along and across the lane to
occupy a vacant space within the limitations listed in this Rule.
A.R. 1. (Men) During the first of two free throws by A1, B2 does not occupy the third
lane space and A3 takes it. Before the ball is handed to A1 for the second try, B2
requests permission to occupy the third space. RULING: Grant B2’s request.
Art. 9. A player shall position one foot at the near proximity of the outer
edge of the free-throw lane line. The other foot may be positioned anywhere
within the designated 3-foot lane space.
Art. 10. Only one player shall occupy any part of a designated lane space.
(Women) Only the first lane space above the block closer to the freethrow
line on each side must be occupied.
Art. 11. When the ball is to become dead regardless of whether the last
free throw for a specific penalty is successful, players shall not take positions
along the free-throw lane.
Section 2. Who Attempts
Art. 1. Personal fouls—The free throw(s) awarded because of a personal
foul shall be attempted by the offended player, unless one of the conditions
of Article 2 of this Section is met.
BR-121 RULE 8/FREE THROW
A.R. 2. A2 attempts a free throw that should have been taken by A1. RULING: When
the attempt by A2 is due to a justifiable misunderstanding, there shall be no penalty. The
error shall be corrected under Rule 2-11. When it is reasonable to believe that A2 knew
that A1 was the designated shooter, a direct technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct
shall be called. In such a case, the direct technical foul penalty shall be administered and
the game shall be re-started at the point of interruption.
Art. 2. Under the following conditions, the free throw(s) that were to be
attempted by the offended player shall be attempted by that player’s substitute
unless no substitute is available, in which case any teammate shall
attempt the free throw(s):
a. When the offended player must withdraw because of injury;
b. When the offended player is bleeding or has blood on his or her
uniform or person.
c. When the offended player is disqualified.
A.R. 3. A1 is fouled by B1 and appears to be injured as a result. An official suspends play
at the proper time. Team A indicates it desires a timeout. At the expiration of the timeout,
it is apparent that a substitute for A1 is not necessary. Before the signal is given to
resume play, A6 reports and is beckoned onto the playing court by an official. A6 indicates
that he or she is to replace A1, which would avoid a timeout being charged to Team
A. RULING: A1 shall be required to attempt the free throw(s) unless an injury prevents
A1 from doing so. A6 should not have been beckoned onto the playing court since substitutions
shall not occur after the warning signal.
Art. 3. Technical fouls—The free throws awarded because of any technical
foul may be attempted by a player on the offended team, including an
entering player, who shall be designated by the head coach or captain of the
offended team; however, the same player shall shoot both free throws.
Section 3. 10-Second Limit
Art. 1. The try for goal shall be attempted within 10 seconds after the ball
has been placed at the disposal of the free-thrower at the free-throw line.
Section 4. Next Play
Art. 1. After a free throw that is not followed by another, the ball shall be
put in play by a throw-in:
a. As after a field goal, when the try is successful and is for a personal
foul, other than an intentional or flagrant foul.
b. At the point of interruption when the free throw is for a direct or
indirect technical foul.
Exception: (Women) When an indirect technical foul is for excessive
timeouts, the ball shall be put back in play by the offended team at the
point of interruption.
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c. By any player of the free-thrower’s team from the designated spot
for any flagrant personal foul or any intentional personal foul.
Art. 2. After the game-clock horn has sounded to end regulation time or an
extra period, only the free throw(s) necessary to determine the winner or
whether an(other) extra period is necessary shall be awarded unless an
infraction of the rules occurs during the officials’ jurisdiction.
A.R. 4. (Men) With Team B leading, 50-48, A1 releases the ball for a try for goal. B1 fouls
A1 while the ball is in flight and the game-clock horn sounds, indicating that time has
expired for the second half. The try is unsuccessful. The official assesses an intentional
technical foul against A1 for shoving B1. RULING: Since a single intentional technical foul
has been committed, the point of interruption is not in effect. For a false double foul, each
foul shall carry its own penalty and each penalty shall be administered in the order of
occurrence of the fouls. A1 shall attempt two free throws for the foul committed by B1.
When A1 misses the first try, the game is over. When A1 is successful with the two free
throws, any player from Team B shall attempt the two free throws for A1’s intentional
technical foul. When the first try is successful, the game is over. When both tries are unsuccessful,
an extra period(s) shall be played.
Art. 3. Play shall resume with the administration of the penalty for a personal
foul after the penalty for a direct or indirect technical foul has been
administered. [Exceptions: A single flagrant technical foul and (men) a single
intentional technical foul.] (See Rule 7-5.11 for men and women, respectively.)
Art. 4. After the penalty for a personal foul, an indirect technical foul, or a
direct technical foul, play shall resume with the administration of the penalty
for a flagrant technical foul or (men) an intentional technical foul.
Art. 5. After the penalty for a direct or indirect technical foul is assessed
before the start of a game or before any extra period, play shall resume with
a jump ball. (Exceptions: A flagrant technical foul and [men] and intentional
technical foul).
a. When an indirect or direct technical foul is assessed during the
intermission for halftime, the point of interruption shall be a throwin
for the team with the alternating-possession arrow in its favor.
Section 5. Ball in Play When Free Throw is Missed
Art. 1. When a free throw for a personal foul is unsuccessful, or when there
is a multiple free throw for a personal foul and the last free throw is unsuccessful,
the ball shall remain live.
A.R. 5. The official informs the players along the free-throw lane that two free throws
shall be awarded when a one-and-one bonus is in effect. (a) While all other players remain
inactive, A2 rebounds the ball and successfully scores a goal. The official discovers that he
or she misinformed the players. (b) B2 rebounds the ball and passes it to the official, who
is positioned out of bounds. The official discovers that he or she misinformed the players.
RULING: The official’s misinformation to the players caused the inactivity. As a result, in
RULE 8/FREE THROW
BR-123 RULE 8/FREE THROW
both (a) and (b), the ball shall be put in play with the use of the alternating-possession
arrow. In (a), A2’s goal shall not count. A1 did attempt his or her free throw, so there is no
error to correct. When any time has elapsed off the game clock and the official has knowledge
of this time, he or she shall rectify the situation.
Art. 2. When there is a multiple free throw and both a personal and a direct
or indirect technical foul are involved, the tries for the indirect or direct
technical fouls shall be attempted and play shall resume at the point of
interruption.
Exception: (Women) When an indirect technical foul is for excessive timeouts,
the ball shall be put back in play by the offended team at the point of
interruption after its two free throws.
Art. 3. When the last try is for an intentional personal foul or a flagrant personal
foul, the ball shall be put back in play at a designated spot nearest to
where the foul occurred.
Section 6. Ball in Play After False Double Foul
Art. 1. After the last free throw after a false double foul (Rule 4-26.12), the
ball shall be put in play as if the penalty for the last foul of the false double
foul were the only one administered.
A.R. 6. Team A is assessed a direct technical foul. Right after the official hands the ball to
B1 at the free-throw line, B2 flagrantly pushes A2. The referee ejects B2. RULING: No
players shall take positions along the free-throw lane for B1’s two free throws or for A2’s
two free throws. After A2’s two free throws, Team A shall be awarded the ball for a throwin
at a designated spot nearest to where the foul occurred.
Art. 2. When the last foul is a double personal foul, double flagrant personal
foul or a double intentional personal foul, the ball shall be awarded to the
team entitled to the alternating-possession throw-in.
Section 7. Ball in Play After False Multiple Foul
Art. 1. After the last free throw after a false multiple foul (Rule 4-26.14), the
ball shall be put in play as if the penalty for the last foul of the false multiple
foul were the only one administered.
Section 1. Free Throw
Art. 1. The try shall be attempted from within the free-throw semicircle and
behind the free-throw line.
Art. 2. After the ball is placed at the disposal of a free-thrower:
a. The free-thrower shall release the try within 10 seconds and in such
a way that the ball enters the basket or touches the ring or flange
before the free throw ends.
A.R. 1. A1, at the free-throw line to attempt a free throw, is bounced the ball by an official,
who starts a silent count. A1 strikes his or her knee or leg accidentally with the ball
while bouncing it and the ball rolls toward the basket between the free-throw lane lines.
RULING: The official shall sound the whistle at once, causing the ball to become dead.
The official should caution the free-thrower, place the ball at the disposal of A1 and start
a new silent count.
b. The free-thrower shall not purposely fake a try nor shall the freethrower’s
teammates nor opponents purposely fake a violation.
c. The free-thrower shall not break the vertical plane of the free-throw
line with either foot until the ball strikes the ring, flange or backboard
or until the free throw ends.
d. The free-thrower shall not enter the semicircle. The free-thrower
shall not leave the semicircle before releasing the free throw.
e. No player shall enter or leave a marked lane space.
f. No opponent shall disconcert (e.g., taunt, bait, gesture or delay) the
free-thrower.
A.R. 2. The ball is at the disposal of free-thrower A1. B1, within the visual field of A1, (a)
raises the arms above the head, or (b) after the arms have been extended above the head,
alternately opens and closes both hands. RULING: When the official judges the act in
either (a) or (b) to be disconcerting, the official shall assess a penalty. The burden not to disconcert
shall be that of the free-thrower’s opponents.
A.R. 3. The official administering a free throw has alerted players that the game shall
resume. A1, the free-thrower, is not ready. RULING: When A1 is in the semicircle and does
RULE 9
Violations
and Penalties
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BR-125
not take the ball or is outside the semicircle, the ball shall be placed on the free-throw line
and the official shall start the count. A violation shall result when the free throw is not
attempted in 10 seconds or when the free-thrower enters the semicircle. When A1 is outside
the semicircle, A1 shall not enter the semicircle. However, any player from Team A
may request and be granted a timeout before the expiration of the 10-second time limit
for shooting the free throw.
g. Players not in a legal marked lane space shall remain behind the
free-throw line extended and behind the three-point field-goal line
until the ball strikes the ring, flange or backboard, or until the free
throw ends.
h. Players occupying any of the legal marked lane spaces on each side
of the lane may break the vertical plane of a lane-space boundary
once the free-thrower has released the ball. (See Rule 8-1.)
i. Players occupying a legal marked lane space may not have either
foot beyond the vertical plane of the outside edge of any legal lane
boundary or beyond the vertical plane of any edge of space (2 x 36
inches) designated by a legal lane space mark or beyond the vertical
plane of any edge of the lane until the ball is released by the freethrower.
j. Neither team shall have more than the maximum number of players
permitted on the free-throw lane.
k. (Men) No player shall occupy the fourth lane space on either
side of the free-throw lane.
l. (Women) An opponent of the free-thrower shall occupy each lane
space above and adjacent to the block.
Art. 3. No teammate of the free-thrower may occupy either of the legal lane
spaces nearest the basket.
A.R. 4. The official administering a free throw has alerted players that the game shall
resume. Team B is not occupying the respective legal bottom marked spaces for men or
women. RULING: Once the ball is placed at the disposal of A1, an automatic delayed
violation shall be called on Team B for not occupying the bottom marked space on each
side. However, any player from Team A may request and be granted a timeout before
the expiration of the 10-second time limit for shooting the free throw. However, the timeout
shall not negate the violation by Team B.
Section 2. Free-Throw Violation Penalties
Art. 1. When a violation is by the free-thrower only or the free-thrower’s
teammate only, no point shall be scored by that free throw. The ball shall
become dead when the violation occurs. For any violation or personal foul
(common, intentional or flagrant), the ball shall be awarded at a designated
spot nearest to where the violation or foul occurred.
RULE 9/VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
BR-126 RULE 9/VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
A.R. 5. Before a free throw by A1 is in flight, A3 steps into the free-throw lane, then A2
pushes B2. RULING: The ball becomes dead when A3 violates the free-throw lane provisions;
therefore, the pushing of B2 by A2 shall be ignored unless it is flagrant, unsportsmanlike
or intentional. (See Rules 4-26.3 to 4-26.7.)
A.R. 6. Before a free throw by A1 is in flight, A2 pushes B2, then A3 steps into the freethrow
lane too soon. The bonus is in effect for both teams. RULING: The foul by A2,
which created a false double foul, is a team-control foul and causes the ball to become
dead immediately. Consequently, A3’s violation shall be ignored. A1 shall attempt the
free throw(s) with no players on the lane and when the last try is successful, Team B shall
have the privilege to run the endline. When the last try is unsuccessful, play shall be
resumed by awarding Team B the ball for a throw-in at a designated spot closest to
where the team-control foul occurred.
Art. 2. When a violation is by the free-thrower’s opponent only:
a. When the try is successful, the goal shall count and the violation
shall be disregarded;
b. When the try is not successful, the ball shall become dead when
the free throw ends and a substitute free throw shall be attempted
by the same free-thrower under the same conditions as those for
the original free throw.
A.R. 7. The ball is at the disposal of free thrower A1. B1 steps into the lane, and the official
gives the delayed violation signal. A1 then requests a timeout. When the team
returns to the free throw after the timeout, the official puts the ball at the disposal of A1
and again gives the delayed violation signal. The free throw is missed by A1, and the official
awards a repeated free throw. RULING: The official is correct. Even though a timeout
was taken by Team A, it does not negate the violation by B1.
Art. 3. When there is a simultaneous violation by each team, the ball shall
become dead when the violation by the free-thrower’s team occurs, no
point shall be scored, and play shall be resumed by awarding the ball to
the team entitled to the alternating-possession throw-in at a designated
spot nearest to where the violations occurred.
A.R. 8. A2 and B2 commit lane violations (double violation) during (a) the first free
throw of a one-and-one by A1 or (b) the first of two free throws by A1 or (c) the last or
only free throw. RULING: In (a) and (c), the free throw shall be canceled and the alternating-
possession rule shall apply. In (b), the first free throw shall be canceled and the
second free throw shall be administered normally.
A.R. 9. A1 and B1 violated the lane lines simultaneously during A2’s free throw. RULING:
When the official is unable to discern which player committed the first violation,
the ball shall be awarded to the team entitled to the alternating-possession throw-in at a
designated spot nearest to where the violations occurred.
Art. 4. When there is a lane violation by a teammate of the free-thrower
and an opponent:
a. When the first violation is by the free-thrower’s team, the ball shall
become dead when the violation occurs, no point shall be awarded
for that free throw and play shall be resumed by awarding the ball
to the opponent of the team that committed the first violation at a
designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred.
b. When the first violation is by the opponent of the free-thrower’s
team and the try is successful, the goal shall count and the violation
shall be disregarded. When the try is not successful, the ball
shall become dead when the free throw ends and a substitute free
throw shall be attempted by the same free-thrower under the
same conditions as those for the original free throw.
A.R. 10. A1 is attempting the second of two free throws. B2 violates the lane followed by
a lane violation by A2. The official inadvertently blows his/her whistle which stops play
before A1 releases the ball for his/her attempt. The officials resume play by placing the
ball at the disposal of A1 for his/her free throw attempt. Prior to A1’s release of the ball
for his/her try, B3 commits a lane violation. RULING: When A1’s free throw attempt is
unsuccessful, he/she shall be awarded a substitute free throw. When A1’s attempt is
successful, B2’s and B3’s violations shall be ignored.
A.R. 11. (Women) On the first shot of a one-and-one, A1 is shooting and B1 and B2 are
occupying the two lane spaces adjacent to and above the block. A2 is occupying the next
lane space on the left side of the basket (as she faces it). B3 lines up in the next lane space
on the right side of the basket (as she faces it). A1 shoots the free throw and misses. RULING:
A violation shall be called on B3 for lining up in a lane space that is designated for
Team A. A1 shall repeat the one-and-one free throw.
A.R. 12. On a free throw by A1, B1 commits a lane violation. A1’s free throw misses the
ring and flange. RULING: Double violation; alternating-possession rule.
Art. 5. The out-of-bounds article in Rule 9-2.1 and the alternating-possession
article in Rule 9-2.3 shall not apply when the free throw is to be
followed by another free throw or when there are free throws by both
teams.
Art. 6. In Rule 9-2.3, when a violation by the free-thrower occurs after disconcertion,
a substitute free throw shall be awarded.
Section 3. Ball Out of Bounds
Art. 1. A player shall not cause the ball to go out of bounds.
Section 4. Player Out of Bounds
Art. 1. A player who steps out of bounds under his/her own volition and
then becomes the first player to touch the ball after returning to the playing
court has committed a violation.
a. A violation has not been committed when a player, who steps out
of bounds as permitted by Rule 7-5.8.a, does not receive the pass
along the endline by a teammate and is the first to touch the ball
after his or her return to the playing court.
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A.R. 13. Team A sets a double screen for A1, who, in attempting to come across the freethrow
lane, is legally obstructed by offensive and defensive players so that A1 leaves the
playing court under the basket, circles around, returns to the playing court and then is
the first to receive the ball. RULING: A violation has been committed by A1 for leaving
the playing court and then becomes the first player to touch the ball upon return.
Section 5. Throw-in
Art. 1. The thrower-in shall not:
a. Leave a designated spot.
b. Fail to pass the ball directly into the playing court so that after it
crosses the boundary line, it touches or is touched by another
player (in bounds or out of bounds) on the playing court before
going out of bounds.
c. Execute a throw-in that lodges between the backboard and the
ring or comes to rest on the flange.
A.R. 14. During a throw-in by Team A, (a) A1’s foot breaks the plane of the boundary
line or (b) A1’s hand(s) and the ball break the plane of the boundary line. RULING: No
violation in either (a) or (b).
A.R. 15. Thrower-in A1 attempts deception by throwing the ball against the edge of the
front face of the backboard, after which it caroms into the hands of A2. RULING: The
edge and front face of the backboard are in bounds and, in this specific circumstance,
shall be treated the same as the playing court; hence, the throw-in shall be legal.
d. Consume more than five seconds from the time the throw-in starts
until the ball is released.
e. Carry or hand the ball to a teammate who is on the playing court.
f. Touch the ball in the playing court before it has touched another
player.
g. Throw the ball so that it enters the basket before touching anyone,
strikes the back of the backboard or its supports, passes over the
backboard, or bounces into the playing court from a balcony or
from the floor out of bounds.
Art. 2. No player other than the thrower-in shall:
a. Perform the throw-in or be out of bounds after a designated-spot
throw-in begins.
b. Be out of bounds when he or she touches or is touched by the ball
after it has crossed the vertical inside plane of the boundary line.
Repeated infractions shall result in an indirect technical foul.
Art. 3. When the ball is located out of bounds and adjacent to a front-court
boundary line, the thrower-in may pass the ball into the back court.
RULE 9/VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
Art. 4. During a throw-in when the ball is located out of bounds and adjacent
to either a front-court or back-court boundary line, an inbounds player
in the front court who is not in control of the ball may cause the ball to
go into the back court.
Art. 5 The opponents of the thrower-in shall not have any part of their person
beyond the vertical inside plane of any boundary line before the ball
has crossed that boundary line.
Section 6. Travel, Kick, Fist, Through Basket from Below
Art. 1. A player shall not travel or run with the ball, intentionally kick it,
strike it with the fist or cause it to enter and pass through the basket from
below.
Section 7. Double Dribble
Art. 1. A player shall not dribble a second time after the player’s first dribble
has ended, unless the player subsequently loses control because of:
a. A try for field goal.
b. A bat by an opponent.
c. A pass or fumble that has then touched or been touched by another
player.
Section 8. Jump Ball
Art. 1. A player shall not violate Rule 6-4.
Art. 2. The toss shall be repeated when both teams simultaneously commit
violations during a jump ball.
Art. 3. The toss shall be repeated when the referee or designee makes a bad
toss.
Section 9. Three-Second Rule
Art. 1. A player shall not be permitted to have any part of his or her body
remain in the three-second lane for more than three consecutive seconds while
the ball is in control of that player’s team in his or her front court.
a. A team in control of the ball for a throw-in adjacent to a front-court
boundary line may not be called for a three-second violation.
A.R. 16. The ball is loose or there is an interrupted dribble. RULING: The three-second
count shall be in effect. The team that had control before the loose ball or during an interrupted
dribble shall maintain team control until the opponent secures control.
Art. 2. Allowance shall be made for a player who, having been in the threesecond
lane for less than three seconds, dribbles or moves in immediately
to try for field goal.
a. The player shall not pass the ball instead of trying for goal.
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Section 10. (Men) 10-Second Violation
Art. 1. An inbounds player (and his team) shall not be in continuous control
of a ball that is in his back court for 10 consecutive seconds.
A.R. 17. (Men) A1 is in the back court and has dribbled for eight seconds when he passes
the ball forward toward A2 in the front court. While the ball is in the air, going from
back court to front court, the 10-second count expires. RULING: Violation. The ball shall
be awarded to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where A1 was standing when he
threw the ball.
A.R. 18. (Men) With A1 in his team’s back court and while being pressured by B1 during
an attempt to advance the ball, the official reaches a seven count on A1. At this
point, while A1 is still dribbling, B1 touches the ball and it goes back toward B’s basket.
A1 retrieves the ball and continues to dribble. RULING: There has been no
change in team control. The 10-second count shall continue.
Section 11. Shot Clock
Art. 1. The team in control shall attempt a try for field goal within 35 seconds
for men and within 30 seconds for women after any player on the
playing court legally touches or is touched by the ball on a throw-in or
when a team initially gains possession of the ball from a jump ball, an
unsuccessful try for field goal or a loose ball.
A.R. 19. B1 blocks A1’s try for goal and the shot clock expires. The shot-clock horn
sounds (a) while the ball is loose on the playing court, or (b) while A2 gains possession
of the ball, or (c) while the blocked try is in the air and the ball subsequently strikes the
ring or flange or goes in the basket. RULING: In (a) and (b), Team A has committed a
shot-clock violation because the try did not strike the ring or flange. In (c), the shot-clock
horn shall be ignored and play shall continue with the shot clock reset upon possession
by either team because A1 complied with the shot-clock rule when the try struck the ring
or flange or entered the basket.
Art. 2. The try for field goal shall leave the shooter’s hand before the expiration
of the allotted shot-clock time, and the try subsequently shall strike
the ring or flange or enter the basket.
A.R. 20. A1 releases the ball on a try for goal. After the ball leaves A1’s hand(s), the shotclock
horn sounds. The ball (a) hits the backboard and goes through the basket; (b) hits
the backboard and rebounds directly to A2 or B1 without hitting the ring or flange; or (c)
hits the backboard, strikes the ring or flange and rebounds directly to A2. RULING: In
(a), score the field goal. In (b), a shot-clock violation by Team A has occurred because the
try did not hit the ring or flange. The referee shall sound the whistle, and the ball shall
be awarded to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred. In
(c), there is no shot-clock violation because the try hit the ring or flange. The shot clock
shall be reset when Team A establishes possession of the ball on the rebound.
A.R. 21. B1 blocks A1’s try for goal and the shot clock expires. The shot-clock horn
sounds while B2 has gained possession of the ball. RULING: The shot-clock horn shall
be ignored, the shot clock shall be reset and play shall continue.
RULE 9/VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
Section 12. Ball in Back Court
Art. 1. A player shall not be the first to touch the ball in his or her back court
when the ball came from the front court while the player’s team was in
team control and the player or a teammate caused the ball to go into the
back court.
A.R. 22. A1 is in possession of the ball in the front court and throws a pass to A2 , who
is located near the division line. A1’s pass is errant. A2 leaves the playing court with both
feet in an attempt to prevent the ball from going into the back court. While in the air, A2
gains possession of the ball and throws it into the playing court, where it strikes the division
line. The ball returns to the front court, where A3 recovers the ball before it is
touched by an opponent. RULING: Team A has committed a back-court violation. The
official shall blow the whistle for the back-court violation when the ball is touched by A3
in the front court after it touched the division line. Team A had control of the ball in its
front court and the ball was last touched by Team A before going into the back court.
Rule 9-12 says nothing about where the ball goes after it goes into the back court.
A.R. 23. A1 receives a pass in Team A’s front court and throws the ball to his or her back
court where the ball (a) is touched by a teammate, (b) goes directly out of bounds or (c)
rests, rolls or bounces with all players hesitating to touch it. RULING: Violation when
touched in (a). In (b), it is a violation for going out of bounds. In (c), the ball is live so that
Team B may secure control. When Team A touches the ball first, it shall be a violation.
The ball continues to be in team control of Team A. For men, the 10-second count shall
start when the ball goes in the back court, while the 35-second shot clock shall continue
to run. For women, the 30-second clock shall continue.
Art. 2. A player meets the conditions of Article 1 of this Rule by having the
ball touch any part of his or her body voluntarily or involuntarily.
Art. 3. A pass in the front court that is deflected by a defensive player
so that the ball goes into the back court may be recovered by either
team.
Art. 4. When the throw-in spot is located adjacent to a front-court
boundary line, the throw-in team may cause the ball to go into the back
court.
Art. 5. A defensive player shall be permitted to secure control of the ball
while both feet are off the playing court and land with one or both feet in
the back court.
A.R. 24. B1 (a) secures possession of a rebound from Team A’s basket or (b) has the ball
for a throw-in under Team A’s basket. B1 is in the front court of Team A (in other words,
the back court of Team B). B1 attempts a long pass down the playing court to teammate
B2. A2, standing in Team A’s front court close to the division line, leaps and intercepts a
pass by B1, then lands in the back court of Team A with player control. RULING: In both
(a) and (b), no violation has occurred. These are exceptions to the back-court rule. (See
Rule 9-12.6.)
Art. 6. A player shall be permitted to be the first to secure control of the ball
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after a jump ball or throw-in while both feet are off the playing court and
the player lands with one or both feet in the back court.
Art. 7. A player who is the first to secure control of the ball in the front court
after a jump ball or a throw-in while both feet are off the playing court shall
not be permitted to cause the ball to go into the back court, except as permitted
in Rule 9-12.6.
Section 13. Elbow(s)
Art. 1. A player shall not excessively swing his or her arm(s) or elbow(s),
even without contacting an opponent.
A.R. 25. While A1’s try for field goal is in flight toward Team A’s basket, B1 violently
swings arm(s) and elbow(s) but makes no contact with any Team A player. RULING:
The official shall sound the whistle immediately; however, the ball shall not become
dead until it is apparent whether the try is successful. When the try is successful, the basket
shall count and the violation shall be ignored. When the try is unsuccessful, Team A
shall be awarded the ball at a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred.
When a teammate of A1 committed the same violation, the ball shall become dead immediately
when the try is successful, the basket shall not count. The ball shall be awarded
to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred.
Art. 2. A player may extend arm(s) or elbow(s) to hold the ball under the
chin or against the body.
Art. 3. Action of arm(s) and elbow(s) resulting from total body movement as
in pivoting or movement of the ball incidental to feinting with it, releasing
it, or moving it to prevent a held ball or loss of control shall not be considered
excessive.
Section 14. Closely Guarded
Art. 1. Closely guarded violations occur when:
a. A team in its front court (men) or on the playing court (women)
controls the ball for five seconds in an area enclosed by screening
teammates.
A.R. 26. Team A, while in possession of the ball, lines up four of its players side by side,
just in bounds at a boundary line. The four players pass the ball back and forth to one
another with their arms reaching out beyond the plane of the boundary line. The players
are in (a) the front court or (b) the back court. RULING: In (a), after five seconds, a violation
shall be called when a defensive player is within (men) 6 feet or (women) 3 feet of
one of the offensive players. In (b), the 10-second rule applies for men.
b. (1) (Men) A closely guarded player anywhere in his front court
holds or dribbles the ball for five seconds. This count shall be
terminated during an interrupted dribble.
(2) (Women) A player in control of the ball, but not dribbling, is
closely guarded when an opponent is in a guarding stance
RULE 9/VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
within 3 feet. A closely guarded violation shall occur when the
player in control of the ball holds the ball for more than five
seconds.
Section 15. Floor-Violation Penalties (Applies only to Rules 9-3
through 9-13)
Art. 1. The ball shall become dead or remain dead when a violation
occurs. The ball shall be awarded to a nearby opponent for a throw-in at
a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred.
A.R. 27. One official observes traveling, stepping out of bounds or another violation by
A1. At approximately the same time, A1 tries for a field goal and another official observes
contact by B1. RULING: The officials shall decide which act occurred first. There is nothing
inherent in such acts to make it necessary to rule them as occurring simultaneously.
When the violation occurred first, the ball became dead. When the ball was in flight during
the try before the traveling or the touching of the boundary line, there was no violation.
When the contact occurs after a violation is observed, it shall not be a foul unless an
unsportsmanlike factor was involved.
Art. 2. When the ball passes through a basket during the dead-ball period
immediately after a violation, no point(s) can be scored and the ball
shall be awarded to an opponent at a designated spot nearest to where
the violation occurred.
Section 16. Basket Interference and Goaltending
Art. 1. A player shall commit neither basket interference nor goaltending.
Art. 2. The ball shall be considered to be within the basket when any part
of the ball is below the cylinder and the level of the ring.
Art. 3. A player may have a hand legally in contact with the ball, when this
contact continues after the ball enters the cylinder or when, in such action,
the player touches the basket.
Section 17. Basket-Interference and Goaltending Penalties
Art. 1. When the violation is at the basket of the opponent of the offending
player, the offended team shall be awarded:
a. One point for basket interference or one point and an indirect
technical foul for goaltending when, during a free throw, the ball
is on its upward or downward flight.
b.Two points when during a two-point field-goal try.
c. Three points when during a three-point field-goal try.
Art. 2. The crediting of the score and subsequent procedure shall be the
same as when the awarded score results from the ball going through the
basket, except that the official shall hand/bounce the ball to a player of
the team entitled to the throw-in.
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Art. 3. When the violation is at a team’s own basket, no points shall be
scored and the ball shall be awarded to the offended team at a designated
spot nearest to where the violation occurred.
A.R. 28. B1 touches the ball while a throw-in is in the cylinder. RULING: Basket interference.
Team A shall be awarded two points. Team B shall be awarded the ball for a
throw-in, as after a goal scored, except that an official shall hand the ball to a player of
Team B and the player or a teammate shall make the throw-in. (See Rule 7-5.1.)
A.R. 29. The ball is in flight during a three-point field-goal try by A1 when a period
expires. After the expiration of time and while the ball is rolling on the ring, B1 taps it
into the basket. RULING: Basket interference by B1. Three points shall be awarded to A1
because of the basket interference.
A.R. 30. The ball enters the basket during a field-goal try by A1. Before the ball is in flight
for the try, A1 is fouled. A2 touches the ring while the ball is in the basket. RULING:
Basket interference on A2. The goal shall be canceled. A1 shall be awarded two free
throws because of the foul.
A.R. 31. A1 throws a ball that enters the basket from below, which (a) enters the cylinder
above the ring; (b) is deflected by B1 and enters the cylinder above the ring; or (c) falls
back through the bottom of the net untouched. RULING: (a) A1 has violated. (b) B1 has
violated since the ball completely passed by the ring, which is the base of the cylinder.
(c) After the ball clears the net, it remains live.
Art. 4. When the violation results from touching the ball while it is in
the basket after entering from below, no points shall be scored and the
ball shall be awarded to the opponent at a designated spot nearest to
where the violation occurred.
Art. 5. When there is a violation by both teams, play shall be resumed by
awarding the ball to the team entitled to the alternating-possession throwin
at a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred.
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RULE 10
Technical Fouls
Section 1. Forfeiture
Art. 1. The referee shall declare a forfeit when any player, squad member
or bench personnel fails to comply with any technical-foul penalty or
makes a travesty of the game.
Art. 2. The referee shall declare a forfeit when conditions warrant.
Art. 3. The referee shall declare a forfeit when a team refuses to play after
being instructed to do so by an official.
Art. 4. The referee shall determine the length of time that shall elapse before
a forfeit may be declared.
Art. 5. Conference policy may include an established time limit before a forfeit
may be declared.
Section 2. Penalties Resulting in Ejection
Art. 1. Assessment of the following leads to ejection:
a. Two direct technical fouls.
b. (Men) One intentional technical foul with one direct technical
foul.
c. Three indirect technical fouls.
d. Three (direct) bench technical fouls charged to the coach.
e. Two direct bench technical fouls and one direct technical foul
charged to the coach.
f. Two indirect technical fouls with one direct technical foul.
g. (Men) Two indirect technical fouls with one (men) intentional
technical foul.
h. Any flagrant foul.
Note: The indirect technical fouls that can be part of these combinations are defined
in Rules 10-3.8 through 10-3.19 for the player.
Art. 2. When a player, member of bench personnel or coach has been
ejected for having incurred the maximum number of technical fouls, no
additional technical fouls shall be assessed.
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