FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2024 Interpretations PDF

2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES OBRI – OFFICIAL INTERPRETATIONS Valid as of 1st October 2024 October 2024 version 1.0a  Official Basketball Rules 2024 Official Interpretations...

2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES OBRI – OFFICIAL INTERPRETATIONS Valid as of 1st October 2024 October 2024 version 1.0a  Official Basketball Rules 2024 Official Interpretations Valid as of 1st October 2024 The yellow colour demonstrates the updated content from the 25. July 2024 version. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 2 of 142 In case you find any inconsistency or error, please report the problem to: [email protected] October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 3 of 142 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Article 4 Teams.............................................................................................................................................. 6 Article 5 Players: Injury and assistance.................................................................................................... 8 Article 7 Head coach and first assistant coach: Duties and Powers................................................. 11 Article 8 Playing time, tied score and overtime..................................................................................... 13 Article 9 Start and end of a quarter, overtime or the game................................................................. 14 Article 10 Status of the ball.......................................................................................................................... 16 Article 12 Jump ball and alternating possession..................................................................................... 17 Article 13 How the ball is played................................................................................................................ 22 Article 14 Control of the ball........................................................................................................................ 23 Article 15 Player in the act of shooting...................................................................................................... 24 Article 16 Goal: When made and its value................................................................................................ 26 Article 17 Throw-in........................................................................................................................................ 29 Article 18/19 Time-out / Substitution............................................................................................................... 41 Article 23 Player out-of-bounds and ball out-of-bounds........................................................................ 47 Article 24 Dribbling........................................................................................................................................ 48 Article 25 Travelling...................................................................................................................................... 50 Article 26 3 seconds...................................................................................................................................... 51 Article 27 Closely guarded player............................................................................................................... 52 Article 28 8 seconds...................................................................................................................................... 53 Article 29/50 Shot clock..................................................................................................................................... 55 Article 30 Ball returned to the backcourt.................................................................................................. 65 Article 31 Goaltending and Interference................................................................................................... 68 Article 33 Contact: General principles....................................................................................................... 74 Article 34 Personal foul................................................................................................................................ 76 Article 35 Double foul................................................................................................................................... 78 Article 36 Technical foul.............................................................................................................................. 80 Article 37 Unsportsmanlike foul.................................................................................................................. 91 Article 38 Disqualifying foul......................................................................................................................... 93 Article 39 Fighting.......................................................................................................................................... 95 Article 42 Special situations........................................................................................................................ 98 Article 43 Free throws................................................................................................................................ 103 Article 44 Correctable errors..................................................................................................................... 104 Appendix B The scoresheet – Disqualifying fouls..................................................................................... 115 Appendix F Instant Replay System (IRS).................................................................................................... 116 TABLE OF DIAGRAMS Diagram 1 Examples of scarf-style headbands........................................................................................... 6 Diagram 2 A goal is scored........................................................................................................................... 28 Diagram 3 Ball is in contact with the ring.................................................................................................. 71 Diagram 4 Ball is within the basket............................................................................................................. 72 Diagram 5 Position of a player inside/outside the no-charge semi-circle area.................................. 74 October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 4 of 142 The interpretations presented in this document are the FIBA Official Interpretations of the FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2024 and are effective as of 1st October 2024. This document supersedes all previously published FIBA Official Interpretations. Throughout the Official Basketball Rules Interpretations, the text applies equally to all genders and shall be read accordingly. Introduction The FIBA Official Basketball Rules are approved by the FIBA Central Board and are periodically revised by the FIBA Technical Commission. The rules are kept as clear and comprehensive as possible, but they express principles rather than play situations. They cannot cover the rich variety of specific cases that could happen during a basketball game. The aim of this document is to convert the principles and concepts of the FIBA Official Basketball Rules into practical and specific situations as they might arise during a basketball game. The interpretations of the different situations can stimulate the referees’ minds and shall complement a detailed study of the rules. The FIBA Official Basketball Rules shall remain the principal document governing FIBA basketball. However, the referees shall have the full power and authority to make decisions on any point not spe- cifically covered in the FIBA Official Basketball Rules or in these FIBA Official Interpretations. For the sake of consistency of these Interpretations, ‘team A’ is the (initial) offensive team, ‘team B’ is the defensive team. A1 – A5 and B1 – B5 are players; A6 – A12 and B6 – B12 are substitutes. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 5 of 142 Article 4 Teams 4-1 Statement: All players on the team must have all their arm and leg compression garments, including undershirts and undershorts, headgear, wristbands, headbands and tapings of the same solid colour. 4-2 Example: A1 wears a white headband and A2 wears a red headband on the court. Interpretation: A1 and A2 wearing different colour headbands is not permitted. 4-3 Example: A1 wears a white headband and A2 wears a red wristband on the court. Interpretation: A1 wearing a white headband and A2 wearing a red wristband is not permitted. 4-4 Statement: Wearing of scarf-style headbands is not permitted. Diagram 1 Examples of scarf-style headbands 4-5 Example: A1 wears a scarf-style headband of the same solid colour as any other additional permitted equipment of the team-mates. Interpretation: A1 wearing a scarf-style headband is not permitted. The headband shall not have opening/closing elements around the head and shall not have any parts extruding from its surface. 4-6 Example: A6 requests a substitution. The referees recognise that A6 wears a non- compression T-shirt under the shirt. Interpretation: The substitution shall not be granted. Only compression garments may be worn under the uniform. 4-7 Example: A6 wears a compression garment under the shorts extending to (a) above the knees. (b) the ankles. Interpretation: The compression garment (undershorts) is legal and may be worn with any length. All players on the team must have all their compression garments, including undershirts and undershorts, headgear, wristbands, headbands and tapings of the same solid colour. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 6 of 142 4-8 Example: A6 wears a compression garment (undershirt) under the playing shirt extending to (a) the shoulders. (b) the neck. Interpretation: The compression garment (undershirt) is legal and may be worn (a) with any length on and below the shoulders. (b) up to the bottom of the neck. All players on the team must have all their compression garments, including undershirts and undershorts, headgear, wristbands, headbands and tapings of the same solid colour. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 7 of 142 Article 5 Players: Injury and assistance 5-1 Statement: If a player is injured, appears to be injured or in need of assistance and, as a result, any person permitted to sit on the team bench (head coach, first assistant coach, substitutes, excluded players or accompanying delegation members of the same team) enters the court, that player is considered to have received treatment or assistance, whether or not actual treatment or assistance was performed. 5-2 Example: A1 appears to have an injured ankle and the game is stopped. The team A (a) doctor enters the court and treats A1’s injured ankle. (b) doctor enters the court but A1 has already recovered. (c) head coach enters the court to look after the injured player. (d) first assistant coach, substitute, excluded player or any other accompanying delegation member enters the court but does not treat A1. Interpretation: In all cases, A1 received a treatment and shall be substituted. 5-3 Example: The team’s physiotherapist enters the court and fixes a lose taping on A1. Interpretation: A1 received an assistance and shall be substituted. 5-4 Example: The team’s doctor enters the court to find A1’s lost contact lens. Interpretation: A1 received an assistance and shall be substituted. 5-5 Statement: Any person permitted to sit on the team’s bench, while remaining in the team’s bench area, may provide an assistance to a player on the own team. If the assistance does not delay the game from being restarted promptly, that player is not considered to have received an assistance and shall not be required to be substituted. 5-6 Example: B1 fouls A1 in the act of shooting, close to the team A bench area. The ball does not enter the basket. While A1 attempts 2 or 3 free throws (a) the team A manager or A6 from the team’s bench area passes a towel, a water bottle or a headband to any other team A player on the court. (b) the team A physiotherapist from the team’s bench area fixes a lose taping of any other team A player on the court or sprays the player’s leg or massages the player’s neck, etc. Interpretation: In both cases, the team A player has not received an assistance that delays the game from being restarted promptly. The team A player shall not be required to be substituted. A1 shall continue to attempt 2 or 3 free throws. 5-7 Example: B1 fouls A1 in the act of shooting, close to the team A bench area. The ball does not enter the basket. After the foul, A1 falls on the court and into the team’s bench area. A6 stands up and helps A1 to the feet. A1 is ready to play immediately, at the latest within approximately 15 seconds. Interpretation: A1 has not received an assistance that delays the game from being restarted promptly. A1 shall not be required to be substituted. A1 shall attempt 2 or 3 free throws. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 8 of 142 5-8 Example: A1 is awarded 2 free throws. While the referee communicates the foul at the scorer’s table, A1 goes to a place in front of the team’s bench area at the far end of the court and asks for a towel or a water bottle. Any person from the team’s bench area passes A1 a towel or a water bottle. A1 dries the hands or takes a drink. A1 is ready to play immediately, at the latest within approximately 15 seconds. Interpretation: A1 has not received an assistance that delays the game from being restarted promptly. A1 shall not be required to be substituted. A1 shall attempt 2 free throws. 5-9 Example: A1 scores a goal. Thrower-in B1 indicates to the referee that the ball is wet. The referee stops the game. Any person from the team B bench area comes on to the court and dries the ball or gives a towel to B1 to dry the ball. Interpretation: In both cases, B1 has not received an assistance that delays the game from being restarted promptly. B1 shall not be required to be substituted. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from any place behind the endline, except from directly behind the backboard. The referee shall hand the ball to a team B player for the throw-in. 5-10 Example: A1 has the ball in the hands for a throw-in from the frontcourt. The team A physio- therapist leaves the team bench area in the backcourt, remains outside the court and fixes the taping of A1. Interpretation: The team A physiotherapist provided an assistance to A1 outside of the team bench area. A1 shall be required to be substituted. 5-11 Example: A1 does not yet have the ball in the hands for a throw-in from the frontcourt. The team A physiotherapist remains in the team bench area in the frontcourt and fixes the taping of A1. Interpretation: The team A physiotherapist provided an assistance to A1 within the team bench area. If the assistance is completed within 15 seconds, A1 shall not be required to be substituted. If the assistance lasts more than 15 seconds, A1 shall be required to be substituted. 5-12 Statement: There is no limit to the time required for the removal of a seriously injured player from the court if, according to a doctor’s opinion, the removal is dangerous for the player. 5-13 Example: A1 appears to be seriously injured and the game is stopped for about 15 minutes because the doctor believes that removal from the court could be dangerous for the player. Interpretation: The doctor’s opinion shall determine the appropriate time for the removal of the injured player from the court. After the substitution, the game shall be resumed without any penalty. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 9 of 142 5-14 Statement: If a player is injured or bleeding or has an open wound and cannot continue to play immediately (within approximately 15 seconds), or if assisted by any person permitted to sit on that team’s bench, the player must be substituted. If a time-out is granted to either team in the same game clock stopped period, and that player recovers or the assistance is completed during the time-out, the player may continue to play only if the timer’s signal for the end of the time-out sounds before a referee beckons a substitute to replace the injured or assisted player. 5-15 Example: A1 is injured and the game is stopped. As A1 is not able to continue to play immediately, a referee blows the whistle making the conventional sign for a substitution. Either team requests a time-out (a) before a substitute for A1 enters the game. (b) after a substitute for A1 enters the game. At the end of the time-out, A1 has recovered and requests to remain in the game. Interpretation: (a) If A1 recovers during the time-out, A1 may continue to play. (b) A substitute for A1 has already entered the game, therefore A1 cannot re-enter until the next game clock running period has ended. 5-16 Statement: Players designated by their head coach to start the game may be substituted in case of an injury. Players who receive treatment between free throws must be substituted in case of an injury. In both cases, the opponents are also entitled to substitute the same number of players, if they wish. 5-17 Example: A1 is fouled and is awarded 2 free throws. After the first free throw the referees recognise that (a) A1 is bleeding and is substituted by A6. Team B requests to substitute 2 players. (b) B1 is bleeding and is substituted by B6. Team A requests to substitute 1 player. Interpretation: In (a) team B is entitled to substitute only 1 player. A6 shall attempt the second free throw. In (b) team A is entitled to substitute 1 player. A1 shall attempt the second free throw. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 10 of 142 Article 7 Head coach and first assistant coach: Duties and Powers 7-1 Statement: At least 40 minutes before the game is scheduled to start, each team’s head coach or the team’s representative shall give the scorer a team list with the names and corresponding numbers of the team members who are eligible to play in the game, as well as the name of the captain, the head coach and the first assistant coach. The head coach is personally responsible to ensure that the numbers in the team list correspond to the numbers on the shirts of the players. At least 10 minutes before the game is scheduled to start, each head coach shall sign the scoresheet confirming that the names and corresponding numbers of the team members are entered on the scoresheet correctly, as well as the names of the captain, the head coach, and the first assistant coach. 7-2 Example: Team A presents in due time the team list to the scorer. The shirt numbers of 2 players are different than their actual shirt numbers or the name of a player is omitted on the scoresheet. This is recognised (a) before the start of the game. (b) after the start of the game. Interpretation: (a) The wrong numbers shall be corrected or the name of the player shall be added on the scoresheet without any penalty. (b) The referee stops the game at a convenient time so as not to disadvantage either team. The wrong numbers shall be corrected without any penalty. However, the name of the omitted player cannot be added on the scoresheet. 7-3 Example: Team A head coach wishes to have injured players or players not intended to play to be permitted to sit on the team bench during the game. Interpretation: The teams are free to decide who of the maximum of 12 team members eligible to play shall be entered on the scoresheet and entitled to sit on the team bench during the game, in addition to a maximum of 8 team accompanying delegation members. 7-4 Statement: At least 10 minutes before the game is scheduled to start, each team’s head coach shall confirm the 5 players who are to start the game. Before the game starts the scorer shall check if there is an error regarding these 5 players and if so, the scorer shall notify the nearest referee as soon as possible. If the error is recognised before the start of the game, the starting 5 players shall be corrected. If the error is recognised after the start of the game, the error shall be disregarded. 7-5 Example: It is recognised that one of the players on the court is not one of the confirmed starting 5 players. This occurs (a) before the start of the game. (b) after the start of the game. Interpretation: (a) The player shall be replaced by one of the 5 players who were to start the game without any penalty. (b) The error shall be disregarded. The game shall continue without any penalty. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 11 of 142 7-6 Example: The head coach requests the scorer to enter the small ‘x’ on the scoresheet for the 5 players who are to start the game. Interpretation: The head coach shall personally confirm the 5 players who are to start the game by marking a small ‘x’ beside each player’s number in the ‘Player in’ column on the scoresheet. 7-7 Example: The team A head coach and the team A first assistant coach are disqualified. Interpretation: The team A captain shall act as the team A player head coach. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 12 of 142 Article 8 Playing time, tied score and overtime 8-1 Statement: An interval of play starts 20 minutes before the game is scheduled to start. when the game clock signal sounds for the end of the quarter or any overtime, except the last one. When the backboard is equipped with red lighting around its perimeter, the lighting takes precedence over the game clock signal sound. 8-2 Example: B1 fouls A1 in the (a) unsuccessful (b) successful act of shooting before the game clock signal sounds for the end of the quarter. Interpretation: The referees shall consult each other immediately and determine whether B1’s foul occurred before the game clock signal sounded for the end of the quarter. If they decide that B1’s foul occurred before the game clock signal sounded, B1 shall be charged with a personal foul. In (a) A1 shall attempt 2 free throws. (b) A1’s goal shall count. A1 shall attempt 1 free throw. The game clock shall be reset to the time remaining when the foul occurred. The game shall be resumed as after any last free throw. If they decide that B1’s foul occurred after the game clock signal sounded, the foul shall be disregarded. The goal, if made, shall not count. If B1’s foul meets the criteria of an unsportsmanlike foul or a disqualifying foul and there is a quarter or overtime to follow, B1’s foul shall not be disregarded and shall be penalised accordingly before the next quarter or overtime starts. The foul shall count towards the team B fouls in the next quarter. 8-3 Example: A1 attempts a shot for a 3-point goal. The ball is in the air when the game clock signal sounds for the end of the game. After the signal, B1 fouls A1 who is still airborne. The ball enters the basket. Interpretation: A1 shall be awarded 3 points. B1’s foul against A1 shall be disregarded as it occurred after the end of playing time, unless B1’s foul meets the criteria of an unsportsmanlike foul or a disqualifying foul and there is a quarter or overtime to follow. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 13 of 142 Article 9 Start and end of a quarter, overtime or the game 9-1 Statement: A game shall not start unless each team has a minimum of 5 players on the court ready to play. 9-2 Example: At the start of the second half, team A cannot present 5 players on the court because of injuries, disqualifications etc. Interpretation: The obligation to present a minimum of 5 players is valid only at the start of the game. Team A may continue to play with fewer than 5 players. 9-3 Example: Close to the end of the game, A1 is charged with a fifth foul and becomes an excluded player. Team A is reduced to 4 players as they have no more substitutes available. As team B is leading by a large margin, the team B head coach demonstrating fair play wants to remove one of the players to also play with 4 players. Interpretation: The request by the team B head coach to play with fewer than 5 players shall be denied. If a team has sufficient players available, 5 players shall be on the court. 9-4 Statement: Article 9 clarifies which basket a team is to defend and which basket it is to attack. If by confusion any quarter or overtime starts with both teams attacking/defending the wrong baskets, the situation shall be corrected as soon as it is recognised, without placing either team at a disadvantage. Any points scored, time used, fouls charged, etc. before the stopping of the game remain valid. 9-5 Example: After the start of the game, the referees recognise that teams are playing in the wrong direction. Interpretation: The game shall be stopped as soon as possible without placing either team at a disadvantage. Teams shall correct the direction of play. The game shall be resumed from the mirror-opposite place to where the game was stopped. 9-6 Statement: The game shall start with a jump ball at the centre circle. 9-7 Example: At the start of the game jumper B1 is charged with a personal foul against A1 (a) before (b) after the ball has left the hands of the crew chief on the toss for the opening jump ball. Interpretation: (a) The first quarter has not yet started. Therefore, this is a foul during the interval of play before the start of the game. The game shall start with a jump ball. (b) The first quarter has started. Therefore, this is a foul during the first quarter. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from behind the sideline in its frontcourt nearest to the centre line, with 14 seconds on the shot clock. In both cases, the foul shall be entered on the scoresheet and the foul shall count towards the team B fouls in the first quarter. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 14 of 142 9-8 Example: During the interval of play before the game, A1 is charged with a technical foul. Before the start of the game, the team B head coach designates B6 to attempt 1 free throw, however B6 is not one of the team B starting 5 players. Interpretation: Only one of the designated team B starting 5 players shall attempt the free throw with no line-up. A substitution cannot be granted before playing time has started. The game shall start with a jump ball. 9-9 Example: During the interval of play before the game, A1 is charged with an unsportsmanlike foul against B1. Interpretation: Before the start of the game, B1 shall attempt 2 free throws with no line-up. If B1 is confirmed as one of the 5 players to start the game, B1 shall remain on the court. If B1 is not confirmed as one of the 5 players to start the game, B1 shall not remain on the court. The game shall start with a jump ball and with the 5 team B players confirmed to start the game. 9-10 Statement: If during an interval of play before the game a player designated as one of the starting 5 players is no longer able or entitled to start the game, that player shall be replaced by another player. In this case, the opponents are entitled to replace one player of its starting 5 players, if they wish. 9-11 Example: A1 is one of the team A starting 5 players. During the interval of play 7 minutes before the game (a) A1 becomes injured. (b) A1 is charged with a disqualifying foul. Interpretation: In both cases, A1 shall be replaced with another team A player. Team B is entitled to replace one of its starting 5 players, if they wish. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 15 of 142 Article 10 Status of the ball 10-1 Statement: The ball does not become dead and the goal, if made, shall count when a player is in the act of shooting for a goal and finishes the shot with a continuous motion while any player of the defensive team is charged with a foul against any opponent after the continuous motion of the shooter has started. This statement is equally valid if any person permitted to sit on the defensive team bench is charged with a technical foul. 10-2 Example: A1 is in the act of shooting for a goal when B2 fouls A2. A1 finishes the shot with a continuous motion. (a) This is the third team B foul in the quarter. (b) This is the fifth team B foul in the quarter. Interpretation: In both cases, A1’s goal, if made, shall count. In (a) the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where B2’s foul occurred. In (b) A2 shall attempt 2 free throws. The game shall be resumed as after any last free throw. 10-3 Example: A1 is in the act of shooting for a goal when A2 fouls B2. A1 finishes the shot with a continuous motion. Interpretation: The ball becomes dead when A2 is charged with a team control foul. If A1’s shot is successful, the goal shall not count. Regardless of the number of team A fouls in the quarter, the game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the free-throw line extended. If A1’s shot is unsuccessful, the game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the place nearest to where the foul occurred, except from directly behind the backboard. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 16 of 142 Article 12 Jump ball and alternating possession 12-1 Statement: The team that does not gain the first team control of a live ball after the opening jump ball at the start of the game shall be awarded the ball for a throw-in from the place nearest to where the next jump ball situation occurs, except from directly behind the backboard. 12-2 Example: Two minutes before the start of the game, A1 is charged with a technical foul. Interpretation: One of the 5 team B starting players shall attempt the free throw with no line- up. As the game has not yet started, the direction of the alternating possession arrow cannot be placed in favour of any team yet. The game shall start with a jump ball. 12-3 Example: The crew chief tosses the ball for the opening jump ball. Before the ball reaches its highest point, jumper A1 touches the ball. Interpretation: This is a jump ball violation by A1. Team B shall be awarded a throw-in from its frontcourt, close to the centre line. Team B shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. As soon as the ball is placed at the disposal of the team B thrower-in, team A shall be entitled to the first alternating possession throw-in. 12-4 Example: The crew chief tosses the ball for the opening jump ball. Before the ball reaches its highest point, non-jumper A2 enters the centre circle from the (a) backcourt. (b) frontcourt. Interpretation: In both cases, this is a jump ball violation by A2. Team B shall be awarded a throw-in close to the centre line, if from its (a) frontcourt, with 14 seconds on the shot clock. (b) backcourt, with 24 seconds on the shot clock. As soon as the ball is placed at the disposal of the team B thrower-in, team A shall be entitled to the first alternating possession throw-in. 12-5 Example: The crew chief tosses the ball for the opening jump ball. Immediately after the ball is legally tapped by jumper A1 (a) a held ball between A2 and B2 occurs. (b) a double foul between A2 and B2 occurs. Interpretation: In both cases, as the control of a live ball was not yet established, the referee cannot use the alternating possession procedure. The crew chief shall administer another jump ball in the centre circle and A2 and B2 shall jump. The time consumed on the game clock, after the ball was legally tapped and before the held ball/double foul occurred, shall remain valid. 12-6 Example: The crew chief tosses the ball for the opening jump ball. Immediately after the ball is legally tapped by jumper A1, the ball (a) goes directly out-of-bounds. (b) is caught by A1 before it touches one of the non-jumpers or the court. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 17 of 142  Interpretation: In both cases, team B shall be awarded a throw-in as the result of A1’s violation. If the throw-in is administered from its backcourt, team B shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock. If from its frontcourt, team B shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. As soon as the ball is placed at the disposal of the team B thrower-in, team A shall be entitled to the first alternating possession throw-in. 12-7 Example: The crew chief tosses the ball for the opening jump ball. Immediately after the ball is legally tapped by jumper A1, B1 is charged with a technical foul. Interpretation: Any team A player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. As soon as a team A player receives the ball for the free throw, the direction of the alternating possession arrow shall be placed in favour of team B. The game shall be resumed with a team B alternating possession throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when a technical foul occurred. If the throw-in is administered from its backcourt, team B shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock. If from its frontcourt, team B shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. 12-8 Example: The crew chief tosses the ball for the opening jump ball. Immediately after the ball is legally tapped by jumper A1, A2 is charged with an unsportsmanlike foul against B2. Interpretation: B2 shall attempt 2 free throws with no line-up. As soon as B2 receives the ball for the first free throw, the direction of the alternating possession arrow shall be placed in favour of team A. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the throw-in line in its frontcourt (as part of the unsportsmanlike foul penalty). Team B shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. 12-9 Example: Team B is entitled to a throw-in under the alternating possession procedure. A referee and/or a scorer makes an error and the throw-in is erroneously awarded to team A. Interpretation: After the ball touches or is legally touched by a player on the court, the error cannot be corrected. As the result of the error, team B shall not lose its right to the next alternating possession throw-in at the next jump ball situation. 12-10 Example: Simultaneously with the game clock signal sounding for the end of the first quarter, B1 is charged with an unsportsmanlike foul against A1. The referees decide that the game clock signal sounded before B1’s foul occurred. Team A is entitled to the alternating possession throw-in to start the second quarter. Interpretation: The unsportsmanlike foul occurred during an interval of play. Before the start of the second quarter, A1 shall attempt 2 free throws with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the throw-in line in its frontcourt. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. Team A shall not lose its right to the next alternating possession throw-in at the next jump ball situation. 12-11 Example: Shortly after the game clock signal sounds for the end of the third quarter, B1 is charged with a technical foul. Team A is entitled to the alternating possession throw-in to start the fourth quarter. Interpretation: Any team A player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up before the start of the fourth quarter. The fourth quarter shall start with a team A throw-in from the centre line extended. Team A shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock. 12-12 Example: A1 jumps with the ball in the hands and is legally blocked by B1. Both players then return to the court with both of them having 1 hand or both hands firmly on the ball. Interpretation: This is a jump ball situation. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 18 of 142 12-13 Example: A1 jumps with the ball in the hands and is legally blocked by B1. A1 then returns to the court having 1 hand or both hands still firmly on the ball, while B1 is no longer touching the ball. Interpretation: This is a travelling violation by A1. 12-14 Example: A1 and B1 in the air have their hands firmly on the ball. After returning to the court, A1 lands with 1 foot on the boundary line. Interpretation: This is a jump ball situation. 12-15 Example: A1 jumps with the ball in the hands from the frontcourt and is legally blocked by B1. Both players then return to the court with both of them having 1 hand or both hands firmly on the ball. A1 lands with 1 foot in the backcourt. Interpretation: This is a jump ball situation. 12-16 Statement: It is a jump ball situation resulting in an alternating possession throw-in whenever a live ball lodges between the ring and the backboard, unless between free throws and unless after the last free throw followed by a possession of the ball as part of the foul penalty. Under the alternating possession procedure, the team shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock if the offensive team is entitled to a throw-in or 24 seconds if the defensive team is entitled to a throw-in. 12-17 Example: During A1’s shot for a goal, the ball lodges between the ring and the backboard. (a) Team A (b) Team B is entitled to a throw-in under the alternating possession procedure. Interpretation: After the throw-in from behind the endline in team B’s backcourt (a) team A shall have 14 seconds (b) team B shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock. 12-18 Example: A1’s shot for a goal is in the air when the shot clock signal sounds, followed by the ball lodging between the ring and the backboard. The alternating possession arrow favours team A. Interpretation: This is a jump ball situation. After the throw-in from behind the endline in its frontcourt, team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. 12-19 Example: B2 is charged with an unsportsmanlike foul against A1 during the act of shooting for a 2-point goal. During the last free throw with no line-up (a) the ball lodges between the ring and the backboard. (b) A1 steps on the free-throw line while releasing the ball. (c) the ball misses the ring. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 19 of 142  Interpretation: In all cases, the free throw is unsuccessful. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the throw-in line in its frontcourt. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. 12-20 Example: After A1’s throw-in from the centre line extended to start a quarter, the ball lodges between the ring and the backboard in team A’s frontcourt. Interpretation: This is a jump ball situation. The direction of the alternating possession arrow shall be reversed immediately in favour of team B. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from behind its endline, except from directly behind the backboard. Team B shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock. 12-21 Example: The alternating possession arrow favours team A. During the interval of play after the first quarter, B1 is charged with an unsportsmanlike foul against A1. A1 shall attempt 2 free throws with no line-up, followed by a team A throw-in from the throw-in line in its frontcourt to start the second quarter. The alternating possession arrow in favour of team A remains unchanged. After the throw-in, the ball lodges between the ring and the backboard in team A’s frontcourt. Interpretation: This is a jump ball situation. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw- in from behind the endline in its frontcourt, except from directly behind the backboard. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. The direction of the alternating possession arrow shall be reversed immediately after the team A throw-in has ended. 12-22 Statement: A held ball occurs when one or more players from opposing teams have one or both hands firmly on the ball so that neither player can gain control of the ball without undue roughness. 12-23 Example: A1 with the ball in the hands is in the continuous motion to the basket to score. At this time, B1 places the hands firmly on the ball and A1 now takes more steps than allowed by the traveling rule. Interpretation: This is a jump ball situation. 12-24 Statement: A violation by a team during its alternating possession throw-in causes that team to lose the alternating possession throw-in. 12-25 Example: With 4:17 on the game clock in a quarter, during an alternating possession throw-in (a) thrower-in A1 steps on the court while having the ball in the hands. (b) A2 moves the hands over the boundary line before the ball is thrown-in over the boundary line. (c) thrower-in A1 takes more than 5 seconds to release the ball. Interpretation: In all cases, this is a throw-in violation by A1 or A2. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the place of the original throw-in. The direction of the alternating possession arrow shall be reversed immediately in favour of team B. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 20 of 142 12-26 Statement: Whenever a jump ball situation occurs with no time remaining on the shot clock and the alternating possession arrow favours team A, the alternating possession procedure shall not be applied. This is a shot clock violation. Therefore, the ball shall be awarded to team B for a throw-in. 12-27 Example: A1’s shot for a goal is in the air when the shot clock signal sounds. The ball then (a) enters the basket. (b) rebounds from the ring but does not enter the basket. (c) misses the ring. Immediately after (b) and (c), a held ball is called. Interpretation: In (a) no shot clock violation has occurred. A1’s goal shall count. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from behind its endline. In (b) if the possession arrow favours team A, team A shall have a throw-in from the place nearest to where the held ball occurred, with 14 seconds on the shot clock. If the possession arrow favours team B, team B shall have a throw-in from the place nearest to where the held ball occurred, with 24 seconds on the shot clock. In (c) a shot clock violation has occurred. The direction of the possession arrow is not relevant. Team B shall have a throw-in from the place nearest to where the held ball occurred, with 24 seconds on the shot clock. 12-28 Example: A1’s shot for a goal is in the air when the shot clock signal sounds. The ball (a) enters the basket. (b) rebounds from the ring but does not enter the basket. (c) misses the ring. Immediately after, A2 or B2 is charged with a technical foul. Interpretation: In all cases, any player of team A (for the B2 technical foul) or any player of team B (for the A2 technical foul) shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. Then In (a) no shot clock violation has occurred. A1’s goal shall count. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from behind its endline. In (b) if the possession arrow favours team A, team A shall have a throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when the technical foul occurred, with 14 seconds on the shot clock. If the possession arrow favours team B, team B shall have a throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when the technical foul occurred, with 24 seconds on the shot clock. In (c) a shot clock violation has occurred. The direction of the possession arrow is not relevant. Team B shall have a throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when the technical foul occurred, with 24 seconds on the shot clock. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 21 of 142 Article 13 How the ball is played 13-1 Statement: During the game, the ball is played with the hands only. It is a violation if a player places the ball between the legs to fake a pass or shot. deliberately uses the head, fist, legs or feet to play the ball. 13-2 Example: A1 ends a dribble. A1 places the ball between the legs and fakes a pass or shot. Interpretation: This is a violation by A1 for illegally touching the ball with the leg. 13-3 Example: A1 passes the ball to A2 who runs on a fast break towards the opponents’ basket. Before catching the ball, A2 deliberately touches the ball with the head. Interpretation: This is a violation by A2 for illegally using the head to play the ball. 13-4 Statement: It is not permitted to increase a player’s height or reach. It is a violation to lift a team-mate to play the ball. 13-5 Example: A1 embraces and lifts team-mate A2 under the opponents’ basket. A3 passes the ball to A2 who dunks the ball into the basket. Interpretation: This is a violation by team A. A2’s goal shall not count. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the free-throw line extended in its backcourt. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 22 of 142 Article 14 Control of the ball 14-1 Statement: Team control starts when a player of that team is in control of a live ball by holding or dribbling it or has a live ball at the disposal for a throw-in or a free throw. 14-2 Example: Regardless of whether the game clock is stopped or not, a player deliberately delays the process of taking the ball for a throw-in or for a free throw. Interpretation: The ball becomes live and team control of the ball starts when the referee places the ball on the floor nearest to the throw-in place or on the court at the free-throw line. 14-3 Example: Team A is in control of the ball for 15 seconds. A1 passes the ball to A2 and the ball in the air moves over the boundary line. B1 tries to catch the ball and jumps from the court over the boundary line. B1 still airborne (a) taps the ball with 1 or both hands, (b) catches the ball with both hands or the ball comes to rest in one hand and the ball returns to the court where it is caught by A2. Interpretation: (a) Team A shall remain in control of the ball. Team A shall have the time remaining on the shot clock. (b) B1 gained team B control of the ball. A2 re-gained team A control of the ball. Team A shall have a new 24 seconds on the shot clock. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 23 of 142 Article 15 Player in the act of shooting 15-1 Statement: The act of shooting starts when the player starts to move the ball upwards to the opponents’ basket. 15-2 Example: A1 on a drive to the basket comes to a legal stop with both feet on the court without moving the ball upwards. At this time, B1 fouls A1. Interpretation: B1’s foul did not occur against a player in the act of shooting as A1 has not yet started to move the ball upwards to the basket. 15-3 Statement: The act of shooting on a continuous movement on a drive to the basket starts when the ball has come to rest in the player’s hands upon completion of a dribble or a catch in the air and the player starts the shooting motion preceding the release of the ball on a shot for a goal. 15-4 Example: A1 on a drive to the basket ends a dribble with the ball in the hands and starts the shooting motion. At this time, B1 fouls A1. The ball does not enter the basket. Interpretation: B1’s foul occurred against a player in the act of shooting. A1 shall attempt 2 free throws. The game shall be resumed as after any last free throw. 15-5 Example: A1 jumps in the air and releases the ball on an attempt for a 3-point goal. B1 fouls A1 before A1 returns with both feet to the court. The ball does not enter the basket. Interpretation: A1 remains in the act of shooting until returning with both feet to the court. A1 shall attempt 3 free throws. The game shall be resumed as after any last free throw. 15-6 Example: A1 fouls B1 while holding the ball in the frontcourt. This is a team control foul. In a continuous forward motion, A1 throws the ball into the basket. Interpretation: A1’s goal shall not count. Team B shall be awarded a throw-in from the free- throw line extended in its backcourt. 15-7 Example: B1 fouls A1 on a drive to the basket, with A1’s front foot still on the court. A1 continues the act of shooting and because of B1’s foul, the ball momentarily leaves A1’s hands. A1 catches the ball with both hands and scores a goal. Interpretation: B1’s foul against A1 occurred in the act of shooting. When the ball momentarily leaves A1’s hands, A1 still remains in control of the ball and therefore the act of shooting continues. The goal shall count. A1 shall attempt 1 free throw. The game shall continue as after any last free throw. 15-8 Statement: When a player is in the act of shooting and, after being fouled passes the ball off, that player is no longer in the act of shooting. 15-9 Example: B1 fouls A1 in the act of shooting. This is the third team B foul in the quarter. After the foul A1 passes the ball to A2. Interpretation: When A1 passed the ball to A2, the act of shooting ended. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where the foul occurred. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 24 of 142 15-10 Statement: If a player is fouled in the act of shooting, after which that player scores while committing a travelling violation, the goal shall not count and 2 or 3 free throws shall be awarded. 15-11 Example: A1 with the ball in the hands drives to the basket for a 2-point goal attempt. B1 fouls A1, after which A1 commits a travelling violation. The ball enters the basket. Interpretation: A1’s goal shall not count. A1 shall be awarded 2 free throws. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 25 of 142 Article 16 Goal: When made and its value 16-1 Statement: The value of a goal is defined by the place on the court where the shot was released from. A goal released from the 2-point goal area shall count 2 points, a goal released from the 3-point goal area shall count 3 points. A goal is credited to the team attacking the opponents’ basket into which the ball entered. 16-2 Example: A1 releases the ball on a shot from the 3-point goal area. The ball on its upward flight is legally touched by any player who is within the team A 2-point goal area. The ball enters the basket. Interpretation: A1 shall be awarded 3 points as A1’s shot was released from the 3-point goal area. 16-3 Example: A1 releases the ball on a shot from the 2-point goal area. The ball on its upward flight is legally touched by B1 who jumped from the team A 3-point goal area. The ball enters the basket. Interpretation: A1 shall be awarded 2 points as A1’s shot was released from the 2-point goal area. 16-4 Example: At the start of a quarter, team A is defending its own basket when B1 erroneously dribbles to the own basket and scores a goal. Interpretation: The team A captain on the court shall be awarded 2 points. 16-5 Statement: If the ball enters the opponents’ basket, the value of the goal is defined by the place on the court where the ball was released from. The ball may enter the basket directly or indirectly when during a pass the ball touches any player or touches the court before entering the basket. 16-6 Example: A1 passes the ball from the 3-point goal area. (a) The ball enters the basket directly. (b) The ball touches any player or the court in the team A 2-point or 3-point goal area and then enters the basket. Interpretation: In both cases, A1 shall be awarded 3 points as the pass was released from the 3-point goal area. 16-7 Example: A1 attempts a shot for a 3-point goal. After the ball has left A1’s hands, it touches the court in the team A 2-point goal area. The ball enters the basket. Interpretation: A1’s goal shall count for 3 points, as it was released from the 3-point goal area. The game shall be resumed as after any successful goal. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 26 of 142 16-8 Example: B1 fouls A1 in the act of shooting for a 3-point goal. The ball touches the court and then enters the basket. Interpretation: A1’s goal shall not count. A shot for a goal shall end when the ball touches the court. After a referee blows the whistle and as the ball is no longer a shot, the ball becomes dead immediately. A1 shall attempt 3 free throws. 16-9 Example: A1 attempts a shot for a 3-point goal. After the ball has left A1’s hands, the game clock signal sounds for the end of the quarter. The ball touches the court and then enters the basket. Interpretation: A1’s goal shall not count. A shot for a goal shall end when the ball touches the court. As the ball is no longer a shot, it becomes dead when the game clock signal sounds for the end of the quarter. 16-10 Example: Thrower-in A1 in the frontcourt passes the ball. The ball is then legally touched by any player in team A’s frontcourt in the 3-point goal area and then enters the basket. Interpretation: The goal shall count 2 points as the ball was released from a throw-in. The touch is legal. The value of the goal can only be 3 points when the ball is released from the court on a shot or a pass from behind the 3-point line. 16-11 Statement: In a throw-in situation or on a rebound after the last free throw, there is always a time period from the time the inbounds player touches the ball until that player releases the ball on a shot. This is particularly important to take into consideration close to the end of a quarter or overtime. There must be a minimum amount of time available for such a shot before time expires. If 0.3 of a second or more is shown on the game clock or on the shot clock, it is the duty of the referee(s) to determine whether the shooter released the ball before the game clock or shot clock signal sounded for the end of a quarter or overtime. If 0.2 or 0.1 of a second is shown on the game clock or on the shot clock, the only type of a valid goal that can be scored by a player is by tapping or directly dunking the ball, provided that the hands of the player are no longer touching the ball when the game clock or the shot clock shows 0.0. 16-12 Example: Team A is awarded a throw-in with (a) 0.3 (b) 0.2 or 0.1 of a second shown on the game clock or on the shot clock. Interpretation: The referees shall ensure that the correct playing time remaining is shown on the clocks. (a) If during a shot for a goal the game clock or the shot clock signal sounds for the end of the quarter or overtime, it is the responsibility of the referees to determine whether the ball was released before the game clock or the shot clock signal sounded for the end of the quarter or overtime. (b) A goal can only be scored if the ball, while in the air on the throw-in pass, is tapped or directly dunked into the basket. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 27 of 142 16-13 Example: At the end of a quarter A1 is directly dunking the ball into the basket. The ball is still touching A1’s hands when the game clock shows 0.0 seconds. Interpretation: A1’s goal shall not count. The ball was touching A1’s hands when the game clock signal sounded for the end of a quarter. 16-14 Statement: A goal is scored when a live ball enters the basket from above and remains within or passes through the basket entirely. When (a) a defensive team requests a time-out at any time during the game and a goal is then scored, or (b) the game clock shows 2:00 or less in the fourth quarter or overtime the game clock shall be stopped when the ball remains within or has entirely passed through the basket as shown in Diagram 2. Diagram 2 A goal is scored 16-15 Example: With 2:02 on the game clock in the fourth quarter, A1 scores a goal when the ball passes through the basket. With 2:00 on the game clock B1 is ready for the throw-in from the endline. Interpretation: The goal was scored with more than 2:00 on the game clock. Therefore, the game clock shall not be stopped. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 28 of 142 Article 17 Throw-in 17-1 Statement: During the throw-in players, other than the thrower-in, shall not have any part of their bodies over the boundary line. Before the thrower-in releases the ball, it is possible that the throwing-in motion could cause that player’s hands with the ball to move over the boundary line separating the inbounds area from the out-of-bounds area. In such situations, it continues to be the responsibility of the defensive player to avoid interfering with the throw-in by contacting the ball while it is still in the hands of the thrower-in. 17-2 Example: In the third quarter, team A is awarded a throw-in from its backcourt. While holding the ball (a) thrower-in A1 moves the hands over the boundary line so that the ball is above the inbounds area. B1 grabs the ball from A1’s hands or taps the ball out of A1’s hands without any physical contact against A1. (b) B1 moves the hands over the boundary line towards thrower-in A1 to stop a pass to A2 on the court. Interpretation: In both cases, B1 interfered with the throw-in and therefore delayed the game. The referee calls a delay of the game violation. In addition, a verbal warning shall be given to B1 and also communicated to the team B head coach. This warning shall apply to all team B players for the remainder of the game. Any repetition of a similar action by any team B player may result in a technical foul. The team A throw-in shall be repeated. Team A shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock. 17-3 Example: In the third quarter, team A is awarded a throw-in from its frontcourt. Thrower-in A1 is holding the ball when B1 moves the hands over the boundary line, with (a) 7 seconds (b) 17 seconds on the shot clock. Interpretation: This is a throw-in violation by B1. In addition, a verbal warning shall be given to B1 and also communicated to the team B head coach. This warning shall apply to all team B players for the remainder of the game. Any repetition of a similar action by any team B player may result in a technical foul. The team A throw-in shall be repeated. Team A shall have (a) 14 seconds (b) 17 seconds on the shot clock. 17-4 Statement: When the game clock shows 2:00 or less in the fourth quarter and in each overtime, the player of the defensive team shall not move any part of the body over the boundary line to interfere with the throw-in. 17-5 Example: With 54 seconds on the game clock in the fourth quarter, team A is entitled to a throw-in. Before handing the ball to thrower-in A1, the referee shows to B1 the warning with an ‘illegal boundary line crossing’ signal. B1 then moves the body towards A1 over the boundary line before the ball was thrown-in over the boundary line. Interpretation: B1 shall be charged with a technical foul. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 29 of 142 17-6 Example: With 51 seconds on the game clock in the fourth quarter, team A is entitled to a throw-in. Before handing the ball to thrower-in A1, the referee does not show the warning ‘illegal boundary line crossing’ signal. B1 then moves the body towards A1 over the boundary line before the ball was thrown-in over the boundary line. Interpretation: As the referee did not show the warning ‘illegal boundary line crossing’ signal before handing the ball to A1, the referee shall blow the whistle and B1 shall now be given a warning. This warning shall also be communicated to the team B head coach. The warning shall apply to all team B players for the remainder of the game. Any repetition of similar action by any team B player may result in a technical foul. The throw-in shall be repeated, and the referee shall show the ‘illegal boundary line crossing’ signal. 17-7 Statement: The thrower-in must pass the ball (not hand the ball) to a team-mate on the court. 17-8 Example: Thrower-in A1 hands the ball to A2 on the court. Interpretation: This is a throw-in violation by A1. The ball must leave A1’s hands on the throw- in. Team B shall be awarded a throw-in from the place of the original throw-in. 17-9 Statement: During a throw-in, other player(s) shall not have any part of their bodies over the boundary line before the ball is passed on to the court. 17-10 Example: After an infraction, thrower-in A1 receives the ball from the referee and A1 (a) places the ball on the floor after which the ball is taken by A2. (b) hands the ball to A2 in the out-of-bounds area. Interpretation: In both cases, this is a violation by A2 for moving the body over the boundary line before A1 passes the ball over the boundary line. 17-11 Example: After a team A successful goal or a successful last free throw, team B is granted a time-out. After the time-out, thrower-in B1 behind the endline receives the ball from the referee. B1 then (a) places the ball on the floor after which the ball is taken by B2, who is also behind the endline. (b) hands the ball to B2, who is also behind the endline. Interpretation: In both cases, this is a legal play by B2. After a successful goal or a successful last free throw, the only restriction for team B is that its players must pass the ball on to the court within 5 seconds. 17-12 Statement: If a time-out is granted to a team that is entitled to possession of the ball from its backcourt when the game clock shows 2:00 or less in the fourth quarter and in each overtime, the head coach, after the time-out, has the right to decide whether the throw-in shall be administered from a throw-in line in the team’s frontcourt or from the team’s backcourt. After a successful goal or a successful last free throw, the head coach, after the time-out, shall decide whether the throw-in shall take place from the throw-in line on the table side or on the opposite side. After a foul, violation (including out-of-bounds) or a jump ball situation, the throw-in shall take place from the throw-in line at the same side of the court (table side or opposite side) as the original throw-in. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 30 of 142  After a time-out following an unsportsmanlike foul or disqualifying foul or fight the game shall be resumed with a throw-in from the throw-in line in the team’s frontcourt, opposite the scorer’s table. After the head coach has decided, the decision is final and irreversible. Further requests of both head coaches to change the throw-in place, after additional time-outs during the same game clock stopped period, shall not lead to a change of the original decision. 17-13 Example: With 35 seconds on the game clock in the fourth quarter, A1 dribbles in the backcourt when a team B player taps the ball out-of-bounds at the free-throw line extended. Team A is granted a time-out. Interpretation: After the time-out at the latest, the crew chief shall request the team A head coach’s decision as to where the throw-in shall be administered from. The team A head coach shall say loudly in English ‘frontcourt’ or ‘backcourt’ and at the same time show with the arm the place (frontcourt or backcourt), where the throw-in shall be administered from. The team A head coach’s decision shall be final and irreversible. The crew chief shall inform the team B head coach of the team A head coach’s decision. If the throw-in is from the frontcourt it shall be from the frontcourt throw-in line on the same side of the court where the ball was tapped out-of-bounds. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in only when the positions of the players of both teams on the court show their understanding of where the game shall be resumed from. 17-14 Example: With 44 seconds on the game clock in the fourth quarter and with 17 seconds on the shot clock, A1 dribbles in the backcourt when a team B player taps the ball out-of-bounds in team A’s backcourt at the throw-in line on the table side or the opposite side. A time-out is then granted (a) to team B. (b) to team A. (c) first to team B and immediately after to team A (or vice-versa). Interpretation: (a) The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the throw-in line in its backcourt, where the ball went out-of-bounds. Team A shall have 17 seconds on the shot clock. (b) and (c) If the team A head coach decides on a throw-in from the frontcourt, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the throw-in line in its frontcourt on the table side or on the opposite side to match the side the ball went out-of-bounds. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. If from the backcourt, team A shall have 17 seconds on the shot clock. 17-15 Example: With 57 seconds on the game clock in the fourth quarter, A1 attempts 2 free throws. During the second free throw A1 steps on the free-throw line and a violation is called. Team B is granted a time-out. Interpretation: After the time-out, if the team B head coach decides on a throw-in from (a) the frontcourt, the throw-in shall be held from the throw-in line on the opposite side. Team B shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 31 of 142  (b) the backcourt, the throw-in shall be held from the free-throw line extended on the opposite side. Team B shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock. 17-16 Example: With 26 seconds on the game clock in the fourth quarter, A1 dribbles for 6 seconds in the backcourt, when (a) B1 taps the ball out-of-bounds. (b) B1 is charged with the third team B foul in the quarter. Team A is granted a time-out. Interpretation: After the time-out: In both cases, if the team A head coach decides on a throw-in from the throw-in line in the frontcourt, team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. If the throw-in is from the frontcourt it shall be from the frontcourt throw-in line on the same side of the court where the ball was when the game was stopped. If the throw-in is from the backcourt, team A shall have (a) 18 seconds (b) 24 seconds on the shot clock. 17-17 Example: With 1:24 on the game clock in the fourth quarter, A1 dribbles in the frontcourt when B1 taps the ball to the team A backcourt where any team A player starts to dribble again. B2 now taps the ball out-of-bounds on the table side in the team A backcourt with (a) 6 seconds (b) 17 seconds on the shot clock. Team A is granted a time-out. Interpretation: After the time-out: If the team A head coach decides on a throw-in from the throw-in line in the frontcourt, it shall be held at the table side. Team A shall have (a) 6 seconds (b) 14 seconds on the shot clock. If from the backcourt, it shall be held at the original place where the ball went out-of-bounds. Team A shall have (a) 6 seconds (b) 17 seconds on the shot clock. 17-18 Example: With 48 seconds on the game clock in the fourth quarter, A1 dribbles in the frontcourt when B1 taps the ball to the team A backcourt where A2 starts to dribble again. B2 now fouls A2 close to the table side. This is the third team B foul in the quarter with (a) 6 seconds (b) 17 seconds on the shot clock. Team A is granted a time-out. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 32 of 142  Interpretation: In both cases, if after the time-out the team A head coach decides on a throw- in from the throw-in line in the frontcourt, it shall be held on the table side. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. If from the backcourt, team A shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock. 17-19 Example: With 1:32 on the game clock in the fourth quarter, team A is in control of the ball for 5 seconds when A1 and B1 are disqualified for punching each other in the team A backcourt. Team A is granted a time-out. Interpretation: The disqualifying foul penalties shall cancel each other. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from its backcourt. However, if after the time-out the team A head coach decides on a throw-in from the throw-in line in the frontcourt, team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. If from the backcourt, team A shall have 19 seconds on the shot clock. 17-20 Example: With 1:29 on the game clock in the fourth quarter and with 19 seconds on the shot clock, team A is in control of the ball in its frontcourt when A6 and B6 are disqualified for entering the court during a fight. Team A is granted a time-out. Interpretation: The disqualifying foul penalties shall cancel each other. After the time-out, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in in its frontcourt, from the place nearest to where the ball was located when the fight has started. Team A shall have 19 seconds on the shot clock. 17-21 Example: With 1:18 on the game clock in the fourth quarter, team A is awarded a throw-in from its backcourt. Team A is granted a time-out. After the time-out, the team A head coach decides on a throw-in from the throw-in line in the frontcourt. Before the throw-in is administered, the team B head coach requests a time-out. Interpretation: The original decision of the team A head coach to administer a throw-in from the frontcourt is final and irreversible and cannot be changed within the same game clock stopped period. This shall be valid also if the team A head coach takes a second time-out, following the first one. 17-22 Statement: At the start of all quarters other than the first quarter and at the start of each overtime, a throw-in shall be administered at the centre line extended, opposite the scorer’s table. The thrower-in shall have one foot on either side of the centre line extended. If the thrower-in commits a throw-in violation, the ball shall be awarded to the opponents for a throw- in from the centre line extended. However, if an infraction occurred on the court directly on the centre line, the throw-in shall be administered from the frontcourt at the place nearest to the centre line. 17-23 Example: At the start of a quarter thrower-in A1 commits a violation at the centre line extended. Interpretation: The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the place of the original throw-in at the centre line extended, with 10:00 on the game clock and 24 seconds on the shot clock. The thrower-in shall be entitled to pass the ball to any place on the court. The direction of the alternating possession arrow shall be reversed in favour of team B. 17-24 Example: At the start of a quarter thrower-in A1 at the centre line extended passes the ball to A2 who touches it before it goes out-of-bounds in the team A (a) frontcourt. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 33 of 142  (b) backcourt. Interpretation: The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball went out-of-bounds in its (a) backcourt with 24 seconds (b) frontcourt with 14 seconds on the shot clock. The team A throw-in ends when A2 touched the ball. The direction of the alternating posses- sion arrow shall be reversed in favour of team B. 17-25 Example: The following infractions may occur at the centre line on the court: (a) A1 causes the ball to go out-of-bounds. (b) A1 is charged with a team control foul. (c) A1 commits a travelling violation. Interpretation: In all cases, the game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from its front- court at the place nearest to the centre line. Team B shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. 17-26 Statement: A throw-in resulting from an unsportsmanlike foul or disqualifying foul shall always be administered from the throw-in line in the team’s frontcourt. 17-27 Example: A1 is charged with an unsportsmanlike foul against B1 during the interval of play between the first and second quarter. Interpretation: Before the start of the second quarter, B1 shall attempt 2 free throws with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the throw-in line in its frontcourt. Team B shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. The direction of the alternating possession arrow shall remain unchanged. 17-28 Statement: During a throw-in, the following situations may occur: (a) The ball is passed over the basket and a player of either team touches it by reaching through the basket from below. This is an interference violation. (b) The ball lodges between the ring and the backboard. This is a jump ball situation. 17-29 Example: Thrower-in A1 passes the ball over the basket when a player of either team touches it by reaching through the basket from below. Interpretation: This is an interference violation. The game shall be resumed with a throw-in by the opponents from the free-throw line extended. If a defensive team commits the violation, no points shall be credited to the offensive team as the ball was released from out-of-bounds. 17-30 Example: Thrower-in A1 passes the ball towards the team B basket and it lodges between the ring and the backboard. Interpretation: This is a jump ball situation. The game shall be resumed according to the alter- nating possession procedure: If team A is entitled to the throw-in, the game shall be resumed with the team A throw-in from behind the endline in its frontcourt, nearest to but not directly behind the backboard. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 34 of 142  If team B is entitled to the throw-in, the game shall be resumed with the team B throw-in from behind the endline in its backcourt, nearest to but not directly behind the backboard. Team B shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock. 17-31 Statement: After the ball is placed at the disposal of the thrower-in, that player may not bounce the ball so as the ball touches the inbounds area and the thrower-in then touches the ball again before it has touched or been touched by another player on the court. 17-32 Example: Thrower-in A1 bounces the ball which touches (a) the inbounds area (b) the out-of-bounds area and A1 then catches it again. Interpretation: (a) This is a throw-in violation by A1. After the ball leaves A1’s hands and the ball touches the inbounds area, A1 shall not touch the ball before it touches or was touched by another player on the court. (b) If A1 did not move more than a total of 1 meter between bouncing the ball and catching it again, A1’s action is legal. The 5-second restriction to release the ball shall continue. 17-33 Statement: The thrower-in shall not cause the ball to touch the out-of-bounds area, after it was released on the throw-in. 17-34 Example: Thrower-in A1 passes the ball from the (a) frontcourt (b) backcourt to A2 on the court. The ball goes out-of-bounds without touching any player on the court. Interpretation: This is a throw-in violation by A1. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the place of the original throw-in, if from the (a) backcourt with 24 seconds (b) frontcourt with 14 seconds on the shot clock. 17-35 Example: Thrower-in A1 passes the ball to A2. A2 catches the ball with one foot touching the boundary line. Interpretation: This is an out-of-bounds violation by A2. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the place nearest to where A2 touched the boundary line. 17-36 Example: Thrower-in A1 from behind the sideline, (a) in the backcourt close to the centre line is entitled to pass the ball to any place on the court. (b) in the frontcourt close to the centre line is entitled to pass the ball only to a team-mate in the frontcourt. (c) at the centre line extended at the start of a quarter or each overtime is entitled to pass the ball to any place on the court. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 35 of 142  With the ball in the hands A1 takes one normal lateral step, therefore changing the position regarding the frontcourt or backcourt. Interpretation: In all cases, this is a legal play by A1. A1 shall keep the initial throw-in position with the right to pass the ball either to the frontcourt or to the backcourt according to the initial status. 17-37 Statement: After a successful goal or successful last free throw, the thrower-in behind the endline may move laterally and/or backwards and the ball may be passed between team-mates behind the endline, but the throw-in period shall not exceed 5 seconds. This is also valid after a time-out is taken by either team or when an illegal interference with the throw-in violation by the defensive team during the throw-in is called and therefore the throw-in shall be repeated. 17-38 Example: After an opponents’ successful goal or last free throw in the second quarter, A1 has the ball in the hands for a throw-in from behind the endline. (a) B2 moves the hands over the boundary line before the ball is thrown-in on the court. (b) A1 passes the ball to A2 who is also behind the endline. B2 moves the hands over the boundary line and touches the ball on this pass. Interpretation: B2 shall be given a warning for delaying the game. B2’s warning shall also be communicated to the team B head coach and shall apply to all team B members for the remainder of the game. Any repetition of a similar action may result in a technical foul. Any team A player shall keep the right to move along the endline before releasing the ball or passing it to a team-mate. 17-39 Example: After an opponents’ successful goal, A1 has the ball in the hands for the throw-in from behind the endline. After the ball is thrown-in on to the court, B2 kicks the ball close to the endline. Interpretation: This is a kick ball violation by B2. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from behind its endline, except from directly behind the backboard. As B2’s kick ball violation occurred after the throw-in, team A thrower-in shall not have the right to move along the endline from the designated throw-in place before releasing the ball on to the court. 17-40 Example: After an opponents’ successful goal, A1 has the ball in the hands for a throw-in from behind the endline. A2 jumps from out-of-bounds behind the endline and while airborne catches the ball from A1’s throw-in. After that (a) A2 passes the ball back to A1 who is still out-of-bounds behind the endline. (b) A2 passes the ball to A3 who is on the court. (c) A2 returns to out-of-bounds behind the endline. (d) A2 lands on the court. (e) A2 lands on the court and passes the ball back to A1 who is still out-of-bounds behind the endline. Interpretation: (a), (b) and (c) This is a legal play by team A. (d) and (e) This is a throw-in violation by A2. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 36 of 142 17-41 Statement: After the free throw resulting from a technical foul, the game shall be resumed with a throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when the technical foul occurred, unless there is a jump ball situation or before the start of the first quarter. If a technical foul is called against the defensive team, and the throw-in shall be administered from its backcourt, the offensive team shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock. If from its frontcourt, the shot clock shall be reset as follows: If 14 seconds or more are shown on the shot clock, it shall continue with the time remaining on the shot clock. If 13 seconds or less are shown on the shot clock, it shall show 14 seconds. If a technical foul is called against the offensive team, that team shall have the time remaining on the shot clock, regardless of whether the throw-in shall be administered from its backcourt or from its frontcourt. If a time-out and a technical foul are called during the same game clock stopped period the time-out shall be administered first, followed by the administration of the technical foul penalty. After a free throw(s) resulting from an unsportsmanlike foul or a disqualifying foul, the game shall be resumed with a throw-in from the throw-in line in the team’s frontcourt. The team shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 37 of 142 17-42 Example: A2 dribbles in the (a) backcourt (b) frontcourt when A1 is charged with a technical foul. Interpretation: Any team B player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. In both cases, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when the technical foul occurred. Team A shall have the time remaining on the shot clock. 17-43 Example: A2 dribbles in the (a) backcourt (b) frontcourt when B1 is charged with a technical foul. Interpretation: Any team A player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when the technical foul occurred. If in its (a) backcourt, with 24 seconds on the shot clock. (b) frontcourt, with the time remaining on the shot clock, if 14 seconds or more are shown on the shot clock and with 14 seconds on the shot clock, if 13 seconds or less are shown on the shot clock. 17-44 Example: With 1:47 on the game clock in the fourth quarter, A1 dribbles in the frontcourt and is charged with a technical foul. Team A is granted a time-out. Interpretation: After the time-out, any team B player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line- up. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when the technical foul occurred. Team A shall have the time remaining on the shot clock. 17-45 Statement: When the game clock shows 2:00 or less in the fourth quarter and in each overtime, if a technical foul is called against the offensive team and that team is granted a time-out, the offensive team shall have the time remaining on the shot clock, if the throw-in shall be administered from its backcourt. If from the throw-in line in its frontcourt, the shot clock shall be reset as follows: If 14 seconds or more are shown on the shot clock, it shall show 14 seconds. If 13 seconds or less are shown on the shot clock, it shall continue with the time remaining on the shot clock. 17-46 Example: With 1:45 on the game clock in the fourth quarter, A1 dribbles in the backcourt and is charged with a technical foul. Team A is granted a time-out. Interpretation: After the time-out at the latest, the team A head coach shall inform the crew chief of the throw-in place (frontcourt or backcourt). After the time-out, any team B player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in according to the team A head coach’s decision. October 2024, version 1.0a 2024 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS Page 38 of 142  If the team A head coach decides on a throw-in from the throw-in line in the frontcourt, team A shall have 14 seconds, if 14 seconds or more are shown on the shot clock or the time remaining on the shot clock, if 13 seconds or less are shown on the shot clock. If from the backcourt, team A shall have the time remaining on the shot clock. 17-47 Example: With 1:43 on the game clock in the fourth quarter, A1 dribbles in the backcourt and is charged with a technical foul. Any team B player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. Team A is granted a time-out. Interpretation: After the time-out at the latest, the team A head coach shall inform the crew chief of the throw-in place (frontcourt or backcourt). The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in according to the team A head coach’s decision. If the team A head coach decides on a throw-in from the throw-in line in the frontcourt, team A shall have 14 seconds, if 14 seconds or more are shown on the shot clock or the time remaining on the shot clock, if 13 seconds or less are on the shot clock. If from the backcourt, team A shall have the time remaining on the shot clock. 17-48 Example: With 1:41 on the game clock in the fourth quarter, A1 dribbles in the backcourt when B1 taps the ball out-of-bounds. Team A is granted a time-out. Immediately after, A1 is charged with a technical foul. Interpretation: After the time-out at the latest, the team A head coach shall inform the crew chief of the throw-in place (frontcourt or backcourt). Any team B player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in according to the team A head coach’s decision. If the team A head coach decides on a throw-in from the throw-in line in the frontcourt, team A shall have 14 seconds, if 14 seconds or more are shown on the shot clock or the time remaining on the shot clock, if 13 seconds or less are shown on the shot clock. If from the backcourt, team A shall have the time remaining on the shot clock. 17-49 Example: With 58 seconds on the game clock in the fourth quarter, in A1’s backcourt (a) B1 deliberately kicks the ball. (b) B1 fouls A1. This is the third team B foul in the quarter. (c) B1 taps the ball out-of-bounds.