FIBA
OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES
FOR MEN AND WOMEN

As adopted by theCENTRAL BOARD of FIBA
Munich, Germany, on 5th May 2000


TABLE OF CONTENTS
RULE ONE - THE GAME
Art. 1 Definitions
RULE TWO - DIMENSIONS AND EQUIPMENT
Art. 2 Court and line dimensions
Art. 3 Equipment
RULE THREE - OFFICIALS, TABLE OFFICIALS AND COMMISSIONER AND THEIR DUTIES
Art. 4 Officials, table officials and commissioner
Art. 5 Referee: Duties and powers
Art. 6 Officials: Time and place for decisions
Art. 7 Officials: Duties when an infraction is committed
Art. 8 Officials: Injury
Art. 9 Scorer and assistant scorer: Duties
Art. 10 Timekeeper: Duties
Art. 11 24-second operator: Duties
RULE FOUR - TEAMS
Art. 12 Teams
Art. 13 Players and substitutes
Art. 14 Players: Injury
Art. 15 Captain: Duties and powers
Art. 16 Coaches: Duties and powers
RULE FIVE - PLAYING REGULATIONS
Art. 17 Playing time, tied score and extra periods
Art. 18 Beginning of the game
Art. 19 Status of the ball
Art. 20 Location of a player and an official
Art. 21 Jump ball
Art. 22 How the ball is played
Art. 23 Control of the ball
Art. 24 Player in the act of shooting
Art. 25 Goal: When made and its value
Art. 26 Throw-in
Art. 27 Charged time-out
Art. 28 Substitutions
Art. 29 When a period or a game has ended
Art. 30 Game lost by forfeit
Art. 31 Game lost by default
RULE SIX - VIOLATIONS
Art. 32 Violations
Art. 33 Player out-of-bounds and ball out-of-bounds
Art. 34 Dribbling
Art. 35 Travelling
Art. 36 Three seconds
Art. 37 Closely guarded player
Art. 38 Eight seconds
Art. 39 Twenty-four seconds
Art. 40 Ball returned to the backcourt
Art. 41 Goal tending and Interference with the ball
RULE SEVEN - FOULS
Art. 42 Fouls
Art. 43 Contact
Art. 44 Personal foul
Art. 45 Double foul
Art. 46 Unsportsmanlike foul
Art. 47 Disqualifying foul
Art. 48 Rules of conduct
Art. 49 Technical foul by a player
Art. 50 Technical foul by coaches, assistant coaches, substitutes or team followers
Art. 51 Technical foul during an interval of play
Art. 52 Fighting
RULE EIGHT - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Art. 53 Basic principle
Art. 54 Five fouls by a player
Art. 55 Team fouls: Penalty
Art. 56 Special situations
Art. 57 Free throws
Art. 58 Correctable errors
A - OFFICIALS' SIGNALS
B - THE SCORESHEET
C - PROTEST PROCEDURE
D - CLASSIFICATION OF TEAMS
E - TELEVISION (TV) TIME-OUTS


TABLE OF DIAGRAMS
Diag. 1 Full size regulation court
Diag. 2 Regulation free-throw lane
Diag. 3 Two-point/Three-point field goal area
Diag. 4 Scorer's table and substitute benches/chairs
Diag. 5 Regulation backboard markings
Diag. 6 Regulation backboard support
Diag. 7 Backboard padding
Diag. 8 Regulation ring
Diag. 9 Location of the 24-second device display units
Diag. 10 Playing court for main official competitions of FIBA
Diag. 11 Scoreboard for main official competitions of FIBA
Diag. 12 Game clock and 24-second device for main official competitions of FIBA
Diag. 13 Cylinder principle
Diag. 14 Players' line-up during free throws
Diag. 15 Officials' signals
Diag. 16 Scoresheet
Diag. 17 Top of the scoresheet
Diag. 18 Teams on the scoresheet
Diag. 19 Running score
Diag. 20 Summing up
Diag. 21 Bottom of the scoresheet


Throughout the 'Official Basketball Rules', all reference made to a coach, player, official, etc. in the male gender also applies to the female gender. It must be understood that this is done for the sake of practicality only.


RULE ONE - THE GAME

Art. 1 Definitions

1.1 Basketball game
Basketball is played by two (2) teams of five (5) players each. The aim of each team is to score into the opponents' basket and to prevent the other team from gaining control of the ball or scoring.
 
1.2 Basket: own/opponents'
The basket that is attacked by a team is the opponents' basket and the basket which is defended by a team is the team's own basket.
 
1.3 Ball movement
The ball may be passed, thrown, tapped, rolled or dribbled in any direction, subject to the restrictions of the relevant articles of the rules.
 
1.4 Winner of a game
The team that has scored the greater number of points at the end of playing time of the fourth period or, if necessary, any extra period, shall be the winner of the game.
 

back to table of contents


RULE TWO - DIMENSIONS AND EQUIPMENT

Art. 2 Court and line dimensions

2.1 Playing court
The playing court shall be a rectangular, flat, hard surface free from obstructions (Diagram 1).
For the main official competitions of FIBA, as well as for all newly constructed playing courts, the dimensions shall be 28 m in length by 15 m in width, measured from the inside edge of the boundary line.
For all other events, the appropriate entity of FIBA, such as the Zone Commission or the national federation, has the authority to approve existing playing courts with the minimum dimensions of 26 m in length and 14 m in width.
 
2.2 Ceiling
The height of the ceiling or the lowest obstruction shall be at least 7 m.
 
2.3 Lighting
The playing surface shall be uniformly and adequately lit. The lights shall be positioned so they do not hinder the players' and officials' vision.
 
Diagram 1 Full size regulation court
 
2.4 Lines
All lines shall be drawn in the same colour (preferably white), 5 cm in width and clearly visible.
  
2.4.1 End lines and sidelines
The playing court shall be the area limited by both the end lines (on the short sides of the playing court) and the sidelines (on the long sides of the playing court). These lines are not part of the playing court.
The playing court shall be at least 2 m from any obstruction including seated team bench personnel.
  
2.4.2 Centre line
The centre line is the line drawn parallel to the end lines from the mid-points of the sidelines. It extends 15 cm beyond each sideline.
  
2.4.3 Free-throw lines, restricted areas and free-throw lanes
A free-throw line shall be drawn parallel to each end line. It shall have its furthest edge 5.80 m from the inner edge of the end line and shall be 3.60 m long. Its mid-point shall lie on the imaginary line joining the mid-points of the two end lines.
The restricted areas shall be the floor areas marked on the court limited by the end lines, the free-throw lines and the lines which originate at the end lines, their outer edges being 3 m from the mid points of the end lines and terminating at the outer edge of the free-throw lines. These lines, excluding the end lines, are part of the restricted area. The inside of the restricted areas may be painted but must be the same colour as the centre circle.
The free-throw lanes are the restricted areas extended into the playing court by semicircles with a radius of 1.80 m and their centres at the mid-points of the free-throw lines. Similar semicircles shall be drawn with a broken line within the restricted areas.
Lane places along the free-throw lanes to be used by players during free throws shall be marked as in Diagram 2.
  
2.4.4 Centre circle
The centre circle shall be marked in the centre of the court and shall have a radius of 1.80 m measured to the outer edge of the circumference. If the inside of the centre circle is painted, it must be the same colour as the restricted areas.
  
2.4.5 Three-point field goal area (Diagram 1 and Diagram 3)
A team's three-point field goal area shall be the entire floor area of the playing court, except for the area near the opponents' basket, limited by and including:
· Two parallel lines extending from the end line, 6.25 m from the point on the floor directly perpendicular to the exact centre of the opponents' basket. The distance of this point from the inside edge of the mid-point of the end line is 1.575 m.
· A semicircle of 6.25 m from the outer edge to the centre (which is the same point as defined above) which meets the parallel lines.
 
Diagram 2 Regulation free-throw lane

The three-point line is not part of the three-point field goal area
  
Diagram 3 Two-point/Three-point field goal area
2.4.6 Team bench areas (Diagram 1)
Team bench areas shall be marked outside the court on the same side as the scorer's table and the team benches, as follows:
Each area shall be limited by a line extending from the end line at least 2 m in length and by another line at least 2 m in length, drawn 5 m from the centre line and at right angles to the sideline.
  
2.5 Position of the scorer's table and substitute benches/chairs (Diagram 4)
The following arrangement of team benches and substitute benches/chairs is obligatory for the main official competitions of FIBA and is also recommended for all other competitions:
  
Diagram 4 Scorer's table and substitute benches/chairs
 
 


Art. 3 Equipment

For a more detailed description of basketball equipment, see Appendix on Basketball Equipment.



Signals
3.1 Backboards and backboard supports (Diagram 5)
  
3.1.1 The backboards shall be constructed of suitable transparent material, (preferably tempered safety glass) in one piece.
If they are constructed of other non-transparent material(s), they must be painted white.
  
3.1.2 The dimensions of the backboards shall be 1.80 m horizontally and 1.05 m vertically.
  
3.1.3  All lines on the backboards shall be drawn as follows:
· In white, if the backboards are transparent.
· In black in all other cases.
· 5 cm in width.
  
3.1.4 The front surface of the backboards shall be flat and marked as follows (Diagram 5):
  
Diagram 5 Regulation backboard markings
 
3.1.5 The backboards shall be firmly mounted as follows (Diagram 6):
· At each end of the court at right angles to the floor, parallel to the end lines.
· The central vertical line on their front surface, extended down to the floor, shall touch the point on the floor which lies 1.20 m from the centre point of the inner edge of each end line, on an imaginary line drawn at right angles to this end line.
  
Diagram 6 Regulation backboard support
  
3.1.6 The padding on the backboards shall be as follows (Diagram 7):
 
Diagram 7 Backboard padding
  
3.1.7 The backboard supports shall be as follows (Diagram 6):
 
  • The front of the backboard support structure (including the padding) shall be at a distance of at least 2 m from the outer edge of the end lines. It shall be of a bright colour in contrast to the background so that it is clearly visible to players.
  • The backboard support shall be secured to the floor so that it does not move.
  • Any backboard support behind the backboard shall be padded on the lower surface of the support to a distance of 1.20 m from the face of the backboard.
  • The minimum thickness of the padding shall be 5 cm and shall be of the same density as that of the padding on the backboards.
  • All backboard support structures must have the bases completely padded from the floor to a minimum height of 2.15 m on the court side  surface. The minimum thickness of the padding shall be 10 cm.
3.1.8 The padding shall be constructed in such a way as to prevent limbs from becoming trapped.
  
3.2 Baskets (Diagram 8)
The baskets shall comprise the rings and the nets.
  
3.2.1 The rings shall be constructed as follows:
  • The material shall be of solid steel, with an inside diameter of 45 cm, painted orange.
  • The metal of the rings shall be of a minimum diameter of 1.6 cm and of a maximum diameter of 2.0 cm with the addition of a system on the under edge for attaching the nets so as to prevent fingers from becoming trapped.
  • The net should be attached to each ring in 12 different places equidistant around the ring. The fittings for the net attachment should not have any sharp edges or gaps which allow fingers to enter.
    rom the face of the backboard.
  • The ring shall be fixed to the framework supporting the backboard in such a way that any force applied to the ring cannot be transferred to the backboard itself. Therefore there shall be no direct contact between the ring, the mounting hardware and the backboard (glass or other transparent material). However, gaps shall be small enough to prevent fingers from entering.
  •  The top edge of each ring shall be positioned horizontally 3.05 m above the floor, equidistant from the two vertical edges of the backboard.
  • The nearest point of the inside edge of the ring shall be 15 cm 
3.2.2 Pressure release rings may be used.
  
3.2.3 The nets shall be as follows:
  • They shall be of white cord suspended from the rings and constructed so that they check the ball momentarily as it passes through the basket.
  • They shall be not less than 40 cm and not more than 45 cm in length.
  • Each net shall have 12 loops for attachment to the ring.
  • The upper section of the net shall be semi-rigid to prevent:
    - The net from rebounding up through the ring, creating possible entanglement.
    - The ball from becoming trapped in the net or rebounding back out of the net.
Diagram 8 Regulation ring
  
3.3 Basketballs
   
3.3.1 The ball shall be spherical and of an approved single shade of orange with eight (8) traditionally-shaped panels and black seams.
  
3.3.2 The outer surface shall be made of leather, synthetic leather, rubber or synthetic material.
  
3.3.3 The ball shall be inflated to an air pressure so that when it is dropped onto the playing surface from a height of approximately 1.80 m, measured from the bottom of the ball, it will rebound to a height, measured to the top of the ball, of between 1.20 m and 1.40 m.
  
3.3.4 The width of the seams of the ball shall not exceed 0.635 cm.
  
3.3.5 The ball shall be not less than 74.9 cm and not more than 78 cm in circumference (size 7). It shall not weigh less than 567 g nor more than 650 g.
  
3.3.6 The home team shall provide at least two (2) used balls that comply with the above specifications. The referee shall be the sole judge of the legality of the balls. Should either of the two balls prove to be unsuitable as the game ball, the referee may select either a ball provided by the visiting team or one of the balls used by either team for the warm-up.
  
3.4 Technical equipment
The following technical equipment shall be provided by the home team and shall be at the disposal of the officials and table officials:
  
3.4.1 Game clock and stopwatch
  
3.4.1.1 The game clock shall be used for timing periods of play and the intervals between them and it shall be placed so that it is clearly visible to everyone involved in the game including the spectators.
  
3.4.1.2 A suitable visible device (not the game clock) or stopwatch shall be used for timing time-outs.
  
3.4.1.3 If the main game clock is placed above the centre of the playing court, there shall be a synchronised duplicate game clock at each end of the playing court high enough so that it can be seen by everyone involved in the game including the spectators. Each duplicate game clock shall indicate the playing time remaining.
  
3.4.2 24-second device
  
3.4.2.1 The 24-second device shall have a control unit to operate the device and display units with the following specifications:
  • Digital countdown, indicating the time in seconds.
  • No display on the device when neither team has control of the ball.
  • The ability to be stopped and the countdown to be continued when restarted.
3.4.2.2 The display units shall be located as follows:
  • Two (2) display units mounted either above and behind each backboard and at a distance of between 30 cm and 50 cm (Diagram 6 and Diagram 9 - A),
    or
  • Four (4) display units placed on the floor in all four (4) corners, 2 m behind each end line (Diagram 9 - B),
    or
  • Two (2) display units placed on the floor at diagonally opposite corners. The display unit to the left of the scorer's table shall be placed at the nearest corner thereto. Both units shall be 2 m behind each end line and 2 m in from the sideline extended (Diagram 9 - C).
3.4.2.3 The display units shall be clearly visible to everyone involved in the game including the spectators.
  
Diagram 9 Location of the 24-second device display units
 
3.4.3  
There shall be provision for at least two (2) separate sound signals with distinctly different and very loud sounds:
  • One (1) for the timekeeper and the scorer. For the timekeeper it shall sound automatically to indicate the end of playing time for a period or extra period. For the scorer and the timekeeper it shall be sounded manually when appropriate, to attract the attention of the officials that a time-out, a substitution, etc., has been requested, 50 seconds have elapsed after the start of the time-out or that there is a correctable error situation.
  • One (1) for the 24-second operator which shall sound automatically to indicate the end of the 24-second period.
    Both signals shall be sufficiently powerful to be easily heard above the most adverse or noisy conditions.
3.4.4 Scoreboard
There shall be a scoreboard clearly visible to everyone involved in the game, including the spectators.
The scoreboard shall display as a minimum:
  • Playing time.
  • Game score.
  • Number of the current period.
  • Number of charged time-outs.
3.4.5 Scoresheet
The official scoresheet, as approved by the World Technical Commission of FIBA, shall be used for all main official competitions of FIBA.
  
3.4.6 Player foul markers
Player foul markers shall be provided for the scorer. They shall be white with numbers of a minimum size of 20 cm in length and 10 cm in width and shall be numbered 1 to 5 (from 1 to 4 in black, with the number 5 in red).
  
3.4.7 Team foul markers
Two (2) team foul markers shall be provided for the scorer.
They shall be red, and be a minimum of 20 cm in width, 35 cm in height, and be constructed in such a way that when positioned on the scorer's table they are clearly visible to everyone involved in the game including the spectators.
Electrical or electronic devices may also be used, provided that they are of the same colour and dimensions as specified above.
   
3.4.8  Team fouls indicator
There shall be a suitable device to indicate the number of fouls up to 5 to indicate that a team has reached the team foul penalty situation (Art. 55 - Team fouls: Penalty).
  
3.5 Facilities and equipment for the main official competitions of FIBA
The facilities and equipment mentioned below are required for the following main official competitions of FIBA: Olympic Tournaments; World Championships for Men, Women, Young Men, Young Women, Junior Men and Junior Women; Continental Championships for Men, Women, Young Men and Young Women.
These facilities and equipment are also recommended for all other competitions.
  
3.5.1 All spectators must be seated at a distance of at least 5 m from the outside edge of the boundary lines of the playing court.
  
3.5.2 The playing court shall be:
  • Made of wood.
  • Marked with a 5 cm wide boundary line.
  • With a further boundary line at least 2 m wide drawn in a sharply contrasting colour (Diagram 10). The colour of the further boundary line should be the same as that of the centre circle and the restricted area.
3.5.3 Four (4) floor wipers shall be provided, two for each half of the playing court.
  
3.5.4 The backboards shall be made of tempered safety glass.
  
3.5.5  The surface of the ball shall be made of leather. The organising body of the competition shall provide at least 12 balls of the same make and specifications for practices and warm-ups.
  
3.5.6 The lighting over the playing court shall not be less than 1,500 lux. This level shall be measured 1.5 m above the playing court. The lighting shall meet television requirements.
  

  
Diagram 10 Playing court for main official competitions of FIBA
  
Diagram 11 Scoreboard for main official competitions of FIBA
  
3.5.7 The playing court shall be equipped with the following electronic equipment which must be clearly visible from the scorer's table, the playing court, the team benches and by everyone involved in the game including the spectators:
  
3.5.7.1 Two large scoreboards (Diagram 11), one at each end of the court:
  • A scoreboard (cube) placed above the centre of the playing court does not exclude the necessity for the two scoreboards.
  • A control panel for the game clock shall be provided for the timekeeper
  • and a separate control panel shall be provided for the assistant scorer.
  • The scoreboards shall contain a clearly visible digital countdown clock, with a very loud signal, which sounds automatiat the end of playing time for a period or extra period.
  • The game clock and game score displays on the scoreboard shall have a minimum height of 30 cm.
  • All clocks shall be synchronised and display the amount of time remaining throughout the game.
  • During the last 60 seconds of each period or extra period, the amount of time remaining shall be indicated in seconds and tenths of a second.
  • One of these clocks shall be designated by the referee as the game clock.
  • The scoreboards (Diagram 11) shall also indicate:
    - Each player's number and, preferably, surname.
    - The points scored by each team and, preferably, the points scored by each individual player.
    - The number of fouls committed by each player on the team (this does not eliminate the need for the markers, used by the scorer to indicate the number of fouls).
    - The number of team fouls from 1 to 5 (with the ability to stop at a maximum of 5).
    - The number of the period from 1 to 4, and E for an extra period.
    - The number of time-outs from 0 to 2.
3.5.7.2 A 24-second device (Diagram 12), with a duplicate game clock and a bright red electric light, shall be located both above and behind each backboard at a distance of between 30 cm and 50 cm (Diagram 6).
  • The 24-second device shall be an automatic digital countdown device, indicating the time in seconds and with a very loud automatic signal sounding to indicate the end of the 24?second period.
  • The 24-second device shall be connected to the main game clock so that:
    - When the main game clock     stops, the device shall also stop    .
    - When the main game clock     starts    , the device must be started manually.
    - When the device     sounds, the main game clock shall stop    .
  • The colours of the numbers of the 24-second device and the duplicate game clock shall be different.
  • All duplicate game clocks shall meet the above specifications.
  • The electric light above and behind each backboard shall be:
    - Synchronised with the main game clock to light up bright red when the signal sounds for the end of playing time for a period or extra period.
    - Synchronised with the 24-second device
to light up bright red when the signal sounds for the end of the 24-second period.
  
Diagram 12 Game clock and 24-second device for main official competitions of FIBA
 


RULE THREE - OFFICIALS, TABLE OFFICIALS AND COMMISSIONER AND THEIR DUTIES

Art. 4 Officials, table officials and commissioner

4.1 The officials shall be a referee and an umpire. They shall be assisted by the table officials and by a commissioner, if present.
In addition, the appropriate entity of FIBA, such as the Zone Commission or the national federation, has the authority to apply the three-man officiating system, that is, one referee and two umpires.
  
4.2 The table officials shall be a scorer, an assistant scorer, a timekeeper and a 24 second operator.
  
4.3 A commissioner may be present. He shall sit between the scorer and the timekeeper. His duty during the game is primarily to supervise the work of the table officials and to assist the referee and umpire in the smooth functioning of the game.
  
4.4 It cannot be emphasised enough that the officials of a given game should not be connected in any way with either of the organisations represented on the court.
  
4.5 The officials, the table officials and the commissioner shall conduct the game in accordance with these rules and have no authority to agree to changes to these rules.
  
4.6 The officials' uniform shall consist of a grey shirt, long black trousers, black socks and black basketball shoes.
  
4.7 For the main official competitions of FIBA, the table officials shall be uniformly dressed.
  
Art. 5 Referee: Duties and powers

The referee shall:
  
5.1 Inspect and approve all equipment to be used during the game.
  
5.2 Designate the official game clock, 24-second device, stopwatch and recognise the table officials as such.
  
5.3 Not permit any player to wear objects which may cause injury.
  
5.4 Administer a jump ball at the centre circle to start each period and extra period.
  
5.5 Have the power to stop a game when conditions warrant it.
  
5.6 Have the power to determine that a team shall forfeit the game if it refuses to play after being instructed to do so, or if the team, by its actions, prevents the game from being played. 
  
5.7 Carefully examine the scoresheet at the end of playing time for the second and fourth period and any extra period, or at any time he feels is necessary, to approve the score.
  
5.8 Make the final decision whenever necessary or when the officials disagree. To make the final decision he may consult the umpire, the commissioner and/or the table officials.
 
5.9 Have the power to make decisions on any point not specifically covered by these rules. 
 

back

Art. 6 Officials: Time and place for decisions

6.1 The officials shall have the power to make decisions on infractions of the rules committed either within or outside the boundary lines including the scorer's table, the team benches and the areas immediately behind the lines.
  
6.2 The officials' power shall take effect when they arrive on the court, which shall be twenty (20) minutes before the game is scheduled to begin, and end with the end of the game as approved by the officials. The referee's approval and signing of the scoresheet at the end of playing time terminates the officials' administration of the game and their connection with the game.
  
6.3 Should unsportsmanlike behaviour by players, coaches, assistant coaches or team followers occur prior to the 20 minutes before the game is scheduled to begin or between the end of playing time of the game and the approval and signing of the scoresheet, the referee must record the incident on the reverse side of the scoresheet before signing it, and the commissioner or the referee must send a detailed report to the organising body of the competition.
  
6.4 Should a protest be filed by one of the teams, the commissioner or referee shall, within the hour that follows the end of playing time of the game, report the incident to the organising body of the competition.
  
6.5 If an extra period is required as a result of a free throw(s) taken following a foul committed just before or at approximately the same time as the end of playing time for the fourth period or extra period, then all fouls that are committed after the signal ending playing time, but before the completion of the free throw(s), shall be considered to have occurred during an interval of play and be penalised accordingly.
  
6.6 Have the power to determine that a team shall forfeit the game if it refuses to play after being instructed to do so, or if the team, by its actions, prevents the game from being played. 
  

back

Art. 7 Officials: Duties when an infraction is committed

7.1 Definition
All violations and fouls committed by a player, substitute, coach, assistant coach or team follower are infractions of the rules.
  
7.2 Procedure
  
7.2.1 When a violation or foul is committed, the official shall blow his whistle and simultaneously give the appropriate signal to stop the game clock, causing the ball to become dead (see Referees' Manual, Chapter 7, Signals and procedures).
  
7.2.2 The officials shall not blow their whistles after a successful free throw or field goal or when the ball becomes live.
  
7.2.3 After each foul or jump ball decision, the officials shall exchange positions on the court.
  
7.2.4 For all international games, if verbal communication is necessary to make a decision clear, it shall be conducted in English.
  

back

Art. 8 Officials: Injury

If an official is injured or for any other reason cannot continue to perform his duties within 10 minutes of the incident, the game shall be resumed. The other official will officiate alone until the end of the game, unless there is the possibility of replacing the injured official by a qualified substitute official. After consulting with the commissioner, the other official will decide upon the replacement.
  
 
back
 
Art. 9 Scorer and assistant scorer: Duties

9.1 The scorer shall use the official scoresheet to:
  • Keep a record of the names and numbers of the players who are to start the game and of all substitutes who enter the game. When there is an infraction of these rules pertaining to the five (5) players who are to start the game, substitutions or numbers of players, he shall notify the nearest official as soon as possible after the infraction is discovered.
  • Keep a running summary of points scored and record the field goals and the free throws made.
  • Record the personal and technical fouls charged against each player. The scorer must notify an official immediately when a fifth foul is charged against any player. Similarly, he shall record the technical fouls charged against each coach and must notify an official immediately when a coach is disqualified and must leave the game.
9.2 The scorer shall also:
  •  Notify the officials at the next time-out opportunity when a team has requested a charged time-out, record the time-outs and notify the coach through an official when the coach has no more time-out(s) left in the period.
  • Indicate the number of fouls committed by each player by raising, in a manner visible to both coaches, the marker with the number corresponding to the number of fouls committed by that player.
  • Position the team foul marker on the scorer's table at the end nearest to that teams' bench, once the ball becomes live following the fourth team foul, personal or technical, charged against any player of that team in a period.
  • Effect substitutions.
  • Sound his signal only when the ball is dead, and before the ball becomes live again. The sounding of the scorer's signal does not stop the game clock or the game, nor does it cause the ball to become dead.
9.3 The assistant scorer shall operate the scoreboard and assist the scorer.
In the case of any discrepancy between the scoreboard and the official scoresheet which cannot be resolved, the official scoresheet shall take precedence and the scoreboard shall be amended accordingly.
  
9.4 The following significant errors could occur whilst recording the running score on the scoresheet:
  • A three-point field goal is scored but only two points are added to the score. 
  • A two-point field goal is scored but three points are added to the score.
    If such an error is discovered during the game, the scorer must wait for the first dead ball before sounding his signal and attracting the attention of the officials in order to stop the game.
    If such an error is discovered after the game clock signal has sounded, indicating the end of the game, whilst the scoresheet is being checked by the referee, but before the scoresheet has been signed by the officials, the referee must correct the error and, possibly, the final result of the game, if this is influenced by the same error.
    If such an error is discovered after the scoresheet has been signed by the officials, the error may no longer be corrected by the referee. The referee must send a report to the organising body of the competition describing the incident.
 
back
 
Art. 10 Timekeeper: Duties

10.1 The timekeeper shall be provided with a game clock and a stopwatch and shall:
  • Keep a record of playing time and stoppage time.
  • Notify the teams and the officials or cause them to be notified at least three minutes before the first and third period is to start.
  • Start the stopwatch and sound the signal when 50 seconds of a charged time-out have elapsed.
  • Insure that a signal sounds very loudly and automatically at the end of playing time for a period or extra period. If his signal fails to sound or it is not heard, he shall use any means possible to notify the officials immediately.
  • His signal causes the ball to become dead and the game clock to be stopped. However, his signal does not cause the ball to become dead when the ball is in flight on the shot for a field goal or for a free throw.
10.2 The game clock shall be started when:
  • During a jump ball, the ball is legally tapped by a jumper.
  • After an unsuccessful free throw and the ball continues to be live, the ball touches a player on the court.
  • During a throw-in, the ball touches a player on the court.
10.3 The game clock shall be stopped when:
  • Time expires at the end of playing time for a period or extra period.
  • An official blows his whistle whilst the ball is live.
  • The 24-second device signal is sounded whilst the ball is live.
  • A field goal is scored against a team which has requested a charged time-out.
  • A field goal is scored in the last two (2) minutes of the fourth period and any extra period.
 
back

Art. 11 24-second operator: Duties

The 24-second operator shall be provided with a 24-second device and operate it so that it shall be:
  
11.1 Started or restarted as soon as a player gains control of a live ball on the court.
  
11.2 Stopped and reset to twenty-four (24) seconds with no display visible as soon as:
  
  • An official blows his whistle for a foul, jump ball or violation, but not for an out-of-bounds when the team that previously had control of the ball is awarded a throw-in.
  • A shot for a field goal enters the basket.
  • A shot for a field goal touches the ring.
  • The game is stopped because of an action(s) connected with the opposing team in control of the ball.
11.3 Reset to twenty-four (24) seconds and restarted as soon as an opponent gains control of the live ball on the court.
The mere touching of the ball by an opponent does not start a new 24-second period if the same team remains in control of the ball.
  
11.4 Stopped but not reset to twenty-four (24) seconds when the same team that previously had control of the ball is awarded a throw-in as a result of:
  • The ball having gone out-of-bounds.
  • A double foul.
  • The game being stopped for any reason attributable to the team in control of the ball.
11.5 Stopped and not operational, i.e. no display visible, when a team gains control of the ball, and there are less than 24 seconds remaining on the game clock in any period or extra period.
  

back


RULE FOUR - TEAMS

Art. 12 Teams

12.1 Definition
  
12.1.1 Being eligible to play is having authorisation to play for a team, as stipulated in the regulations of the organising body of the competition. Age limits are also taken into account.
  
12.1.2 A team member is entitled to play when he has been entered on the scoresheet before the start of the game and as long as he has been neither disqualified nor committed five (5) fouls.
  
12.1.3 During playing time each team member is either a player or a substitute.
  
12.1.4 A team follower may sit in the team bench area providing he has a special responsibility, e.g. manager, doctor, physiotherapist, statistician, interpreter. A player who has committed five (5) fouls becomes a team follower.
  
12.2 Rule
Each team shall consist of:
  • No more than ten (10) team members, eligible to play.
  • No more than twelve (12) team members, eligible to play, for tournaments in which a team has to play more than three (3) games.
  • A coach and, if a team wishes, an assistant coach.
  • A captain, who shall be one of the team members entitled to play.
  • A maximum of five (5) team followers with special responsibilities.

back

Art. 13 Players and substitutes

13.1 Definition
A team member is a player when he is on the playing court and is entitled to play. A team member is a substitute when he is not playing on the court or is on the playing court but not entitled to play because he has been disqualified or has committed five (5) fouls.
  
13.2 Rule
  
13.2.1 Five (5) players from each team shall be on the court during playing time and may be substituted.
  
13.2.2 A substitute becomes a player when the official beckons him to enter the playing court. A player becomes a substitute when the official beckons that player's replacement onto the playing court.
  
13.2.3 The uniform of the players for each team shall consist of:
  • Shirts of the same dominant colour, front and back.
  • All players (male and female) must tuck their shirts into their playing shorts during a game. 'All-in-ones' are permitted.
  • T-shirts, regardless of style, may not be worn under shirts unless the player has express written medical permission. If such permission has been granted, the T-shirt must be of the same dominant colour as the shirt.
  • Shorts of the same dominant colour, front and back, but not necessarily the same colour as the shirts.
  • Undergarments that extend below the shorts may be worn provided they are the same colour as the shorts.
13.2.4 Each player shall wear a shirt numbered on the front and back with plain numbers of a solid colour contrasting with the colour of the shirt.
The numbers shall be clearly visible and:
  • Those on the back shall be at least 20 cm high.
  • Those on the front shall be at least 10 cm high.
  • The numbers shall be not less than 2 cm wide.
  • Teams shall use numbers from 4 to 15.
  • Players on the same team shall not wear duplicate numbers.
Advertising, where permitted, shall conform to the regulations governing the respective competition and shall not interfere with the visibility of the numbers on the front and back of the shirts.
  
13.2.5 The referee shall not permit any player to wear objects that may cause injury to other players.
  • The following are not permitted:
    - Finger, hand, wrist, elbow or forearm guards, casts or braces made of leather, plastic, pliable (soft) plastic, metal or any other hard substance, even if covered with soft padding.
    - Equipment that could cut or cause abrasions (fingernails shall be closely cut).
    - Headgear, hair accessories and jewellery.
  • The following are permitted:
    - Shoulder, upper arm, thigh or lower leg protective equipment if the material is padded so as not to cause injury to other players.
    - Knee braces if they are properly covered.
    - Protector for a broken nose, even if made of a hard material.
    - Spectacles, if they do not pose a danger to other players.
    - Headbands, maximum 5 cm in width, made of non-abrasive, unicolour cloth, pliable plastic or rubber.
13.2.6 All equipment used by players must be appropriate for basketball. Any equipment that is designed to increase a player's height or reach, or in any other way give an unfair advantage, is not permitted.
  
13.2.7 Any other equipment not specifically mentioned in this article must first be approved by the World Technical Commission of FIBA.
  
13.2.8 Teams must have a minimum of two sets of shirts and:
  • The first team named in the programme (home team) shall wear light-coloured shirts (preferably white).
  • The second team named in the programme (visiting team) shall wear dark-coloured shirts.
  • However, if the two teams involved agree, they may interchange the colours of the shirts.
13.2.9 For main official competitions of FIBA, all players of the same team shall wear:
 
  • Shoes that are either of the same colour or of the same colour combination.
  • Socks that are either of the same colour or of the same colour combination.
Art. 14 Players: Injury
 
14.1 In case of injury to players, the officials may stop the game.
  
14.2 If the ball is live when an injury occurs, the official shall not blow his whistle until play has been completed, that is, the team in control of the ball has shot for a field goal, lost control of the ball, withheld the ball from play, or the ball has become dead.
However, when necessary, to protect an injured player, the officials may suspend play immediately.
  
14.3 Substitution of an injured player:
  • If the injured player cannot continue to play immediately (approximately 15 seconds) or, if he receives treatment, he must be substituted within one (1) minute or as soon as possible.
  • However, an injured player who has received treatment or recovers within one (1) minute may remain in the game, but his team shall be charged with a time-out.
  • Moreover, an injured player cannot remain in the game and must be substituted if he cannot continue to play within one (1) minute or his team does not have any charged time-outs left.
    Exception: The team has to continue with fewer than 5 players.
14.4 If free throws have been awarded to the injured player, they must be attempted by his substitute. If the injured player is involved in a jump ball, then his substitute shall take the jump ball. The substitute for an injured player may not be substituted until he has played in the next clock-running phase of the game.
  
14.5 A player who has been designated by the coach to start the game may be replaced in the event of an injury, provided that the referee is satisfied that the injury is genuine. In this case, the opponents are also entitled to one replacement, if they so wish.
  
14.6  During the game, the official shall order any player who is bleeding or has an open wound, to leave the playing court and cause this player to be substituted. The player may return to the court only after bleeding has stopped and the area affected or the open wound has been completely and securely covered.
back

Art. 15 Captain: Duties and powers

15.1 The captain is a player who represents his team on the court. He may communicate with the officials during the game to obtain information. This shall be done in a courteous manner and only when the ball is dead and the game clock is stopped. 
  
15.2 When the captain leaves the playing court for any valid reason, the coach shall inform an official of the number of the player who will replace him as captain on the court during his absence.
  
15.3 The captain may act as coach.
 
15.4 The captain shall designate the team's jumper in a jump ball situation and the free-throw shooter in a free-throw situation in all cases where the jumper or free-throw shooter is not determined by the rules.
  
15.5 The captain shall, at the end of the game, immediately inform the referee if his team is protesting against the result of the game by signing the scoresheet in the space marked 'Captain's signature in case of protest'.
  

Art. 16 Coaches: Duties and powers

16.1 The coach or the assistant coach are the only representatives of the team who may communicate with the table officials during the game to obtain statistical information. This shall be done in a courteous manner, only when the ball is dead and the game clock is stopped, and they must not interfere with the normal progress of the game. 
  
16.2 At least 20 minutes before the game is scheduled to begin, each coach or his representative shall give the scorer a list with the names and corresponding numbers of the team members who are eligible to play in the game, as well as the names of the captain of the team, the coach and the assistant coach. 
  
16.3 At least 10 minutes before the game, both coaches shall confirm their agreement with the names and corresponding numbers of their team members and the names of the coaches entered by signing the scoresheet. At the same time, they shall indicate the five (5) players who are to start the game. The coach of team 'A' shall be the first to provide this information.
  
16.4 Substitutes arriving late may play, provided that they are included in the list of eligible team members given to the scorer 20 minutes before the start of the game.
  
16.5 Only the coach or the assistant coach is permitted to make a request for a charged time-out.
  
16.6 Either the coach or the assistant coach, but not both, is permitted to remain standing during the game. This also applies to a captain who replaces him for any valid reason.
  
16.7 When a coach or assistant coach requires a substitution, it is the substitute who must report to the scorer to make the request and he must be ready to play immediately.
  
16.8 If there is an assistant coach his name must be entered on the scoresheet before the beginning of the game (his signature is not necessary). He shall assume all duties and powers of the coach if, for any reason, the coach is unable to continue.
  
16.9 The captain shall act as coach if there is no coach, or if the coach is unable to continue and there is no assistant coach entered on the scoresheet (or the latter is unable to continue). If the captain must leave the playing court for any valid reason, he may continue to act as coach. However, if he must leave following a disqualifying foul, or if he is unable to act as coach because of injury, his substitute as captain shall replace him as coach.


RULE FIVE - PLAYING REGULATIONS

Art. 17 Playing time, tied score and extra periods

17.1 The game shall consist of four (4) periods of ten (10) minutes.
  
17.2 There shall be intervals of two (2) minutes between the first and second period, between the third and fourth period and before each extra period.
  
17.3 There shall be a half-time interval of fifteen (15) minutes.
  
17.4 If the score is tiedat the end of playing time for the fourth period, the game shall be continued with an extra period of five (5) minutes or with as many such periods of five (5) minutes as are necessary to break the tie.
  
17.5 In all extra periods the teams shall continue to play towards the same baskets as in the third and fourth periods.
  
Art. 18 Beginning of the game

18.1 For all games, the first team named in the programme (home team) shall have the choice of basket and team bench.
This choice shall be made known to the referee at least 20 minutes before the game is scheduled to begin.
  
18.2 Before the first and third period, teams are entitled to warm-up in the half of the court in which their opponents' basket is situated.
  
18.3 Teams shall exchange baskets for the third period.
  
18.4 The game cannot begin if one of the teams is not on the court with five (5) players ready to play.
  
18.5 The game officially begins with a jump ball at the centre circle, when the ball is legally tapped by a jumper.
  
back
 
Art. 19 Status of the ball

The ball can be either live or dead.
 
19.1 The ball becomes live when:
  • During a jump ball, the ball is legally tapped by a jumper.
  • During a free throw, an official places the ball at the disposal of the free-throw shooter.
  • During a throw-in, the ball is at the disposal of a player for the throw-in.
19.2 The ball becomes dead when:
  •  Any field goal or free throw is made.
  • An official blows his whistle whilst the ball is live.
  • It is apparent that the ball will not enter the basket on a free throw which is to be followed by:
    - Another free throw(s).
    - A further penalty (free throw(s) and/or throw-in).
  • The game clock signal sounds to end playing time for each period or extra period.
  • The 24-second device signal sounds whilst the ball is live.
  • The ball which is in flight on a shot for a field goal is touched by a player from either team after:
    - An official blows his whistle.
    - Playing time has ended for each period or extra period.
    - The 24-second device signal has sounded.
19.3 The ball does not become dead and the goal counts, if made, when:
  • The ball is in flight on a shot for a field goal and an official blows his whistle or the game clock or 24-second device signal sounds.
  • The ball is in flight on a free throw when an official blows his whistle for any rule infraction other than by the free-throw shooter.
  • An opponent commits a foul whilst the ball is still in the control of a player who is in the act of shooting for goal and who finishes his shot with a continuous motion which started before the foul occurred.

Art. 20 Location of a player and an official

20.1 The location of a player is determined by where he is touching the floor.
Whilst he is in the air from a leap, he retains the same status he had when he last touched the floor. This includes the boundary lines, the centre line, the three-point line, the free-throw line and the lines delimiting the free-throw lane. 
  
20.2 The location of an official is determined in the same manner as that of a player.
When the ball touches an official, it is the same as touching the floor at the official's location.  
  
back
 
Art. 21 Jump ball
 
21.1 Definition
  
21.1.1 A jump ball takes place when an official tosses the ball between any two opposing players in any circle on the court.
  
21.1.2 A held ball is when one or more players of opposing teams have one or both hands firmly on the ball so that neither player can gain control without undue roughness.
  
21.2 Rule
  
21.2.1 To start a period or extra period, a jump ball shall take place at the centre circle between any two opposing players.
  
21.2.2 When a held ball is called, or when a double foul is called and the result is a jump ball, a jump ball shall take place at the nearest circle between the two opposing players involved.
If there are more than two players involved in the held ball, the jump ball shall be between two opposing players of approximately the same height as designated by the official.
  
21.2.3 When the game is to be resumed with a jump ball in any situation other than Art.
  
21.2.1 or 21.2.2 above, including when a live ball lodges on the basket support, the jump ball shall take place at the nearest circle between any two opposing players.
The two opposing players must have been on the court when the situation leading to the jump ball occurred.
  
21.2.4 When the nearest circle for the jump ball cannot be determined, the jump ball shall take place at the centre circle.
  
21.3 Procedure
  
21.3.1 Each jumper shall stand with his feet inside the half of the circle nearest to his team's own basket, with one foot close to the centre line of the circle.
  
21.3.2 The official shall then toss the ball upward (vertically) between the jumpers to a height greater than either of them can reach by jumping.
  
21.3.3 The ball must be tapped with the hand(s) by one or both of the jumpers after it reaches its highest point.
  
21.3.4 Neither jumper shall leave his position until the ball has been legally tapped.
  
21.3.5 Neither jumper may catch the ball or touch it more than twice until it has touched one of the non-jumpers, the floor, the basket or the backboard.
  
21.3.6 No part of a non-jumper's body may be on or over the circle line (cylinder) before the ball has been tapped.
  
21.3.7 If the ball is not tapped by one or both of the jumpers or if it touches the floor without being tapped by at least one of the jumpers, the jump ball shall be retaken.
  
21.3.8 Team-mates may not occupy adjacent positions around the circle if an opponent wishes to occupy one of those positions.
  
21.3.9 If the player designated to jump must leave the game because of injury, having committed his fifth foul or having been disqualified, then his substitute shall jump. If no substitute is available, any player designated by the captain shall jump.
An infraction of Art. 21.3.1, 21.3.3, 21.3.4, 21.3.5 and 21.3.6 is a violation.

Art. 22 How the ball is played

22.1 In basketball, the ball is played with the hand(s) only. 
   
22.2 To run with the ball, deliberately kick or block it with any part of the leg or strike it with the fist is a violation.  
   
22.3 To accidentally come into contact or touch the ball with the foot or leg is not a violation.
Art. 23 Control of the ball

23.1 A player is in control of the ball when he is holding or dribbling or has a live ball at his disposal.
 
23.2 A team is in control of the ball when a player of that team is in control of a live ball or the ball is being passed between team-mates.  
 
23.3 Team control continues until an opponent gains control, or the ball becomes dead or the ball has left the player's hand(s) on a shot for a field goal or on a free throw.
back
 
Art. 24 Player in the act of shooting

24.1 The act of shooting starts when the player begins the motion normally preceding the release of the ball and, in the judgement of the official, he has started an attempt to score by throwing, dunking or tapping the ball towards the opponents' basket. The act of shooting continues until the ball has left the player's hand(s).
The player attempting to score might have his arm(s) held by an opponent, thus preventing him from scoring, even though he is considered by the official to be making an attempt to score. In this case it is not essential that the ball leaves the player's hand(s).
There is no relationship between the number of legal steps taken and the act of shooting.
 
24.2 In the case of an airborne shooter, the act of shooting continues until the attempt is completed (the ball has left the player's hand(s)) and both of the player's feet return to the floor.
Team control, however, ends when the ball has left the player's hand(s).
 
24.3 For a foul to be considered as having been committed on a player in the act of shooting, the foul must occur after a player has, in the judgement of the official, started the continuous movement of his arm(s) and/or body in the attempt to shoot for a field goal.
Continuous movement:

  • Begins when the ball comes to rest in the player's hand(s) and the shooting motion, usually upward, has started.
  • May include the player's arm(s) and/or body movement in his attempt to shoot for a field goal.
  • Ends if an entirely new movement is made.
    If the criteria regarding continuous movement is as stated above, then the player is considered to be in the act of shooting.
Art. 25 Goal: When made and its value

25.1 Definition

25.1.1 A goal is made when a live ball enters the basket from above and remains within or passes through the basket.
25.1.2 The ball is considered to be within the basket even when the slightest part thereof is within the ring and below the level of top of the ring.

25.2 Rule

25.2.1 A goal is credited to the team attacking the basket into which the ball has entered as follows:
· A goal from a free throw counts one (1) point.
· A goal from the two-point field goal area counts two (2) points.
· A goal from the three-point field goal area counts three (3) points.

25.2.2 If a player accidentally scores a field goal in his team's own basket, the points shall be recorded as scored by the captain of the opposing team.

25.2.3 If a player deliberately scores a field goal in his team's own basket, it is a violation and the goal does not count.

25.2.4 If a player causes the ball to enter the basket from below, it is a violation.

back

Art. 26 Throw-in

26.1 General principles

26.1.1 Whenever the ball enters the basket but the field goal or the free throw is not valid, the subsequent throw-in shall be taken at the free-throw line extended.

26.1.2 Following a free throw(s) resulting from a technical, unsportsmanlike or disqualifying foul, the subsequent thrown-in shall be made at mid-court, opposite the scorer's table, regardless of whether the last or only free throw was successful.
The player taking the throw-in at mid-court shall have one foot on either side of the extended centre line, and shall be entitled to pass the ball to a player at any point on the playing court.

26.1.3 Following a personal foul committed by a player of the team in control of the live ball, or of the team entitled to a throw-in, the subsequent throw-in from out-of-bounds shall be taken by the non-offending team from a place closest to the infraction.

26.1.4 An official may toss or bounce the ball to the player taking the throw-in provided that:
· The official is no more than 3 or 4 metres from the player who is to take the throw-in.
· The player who is to take the throw-in is in the correct place, as designated by the official.
· The team about to gain control of the ball does not gain an unfair advantage.

26.2 Following a successful field goal or a successful last free throw:

26.2.1 Any opponent of the team which scored shall take the throw-in at the end line where the goal was scored.
This is also applicable after an official hands the ball to a player or places it at his disposal after a time-out or after any stoppage of play following a goal.

26.2.2 The player taking the throw-in may move laterally and/or backwards and/or the ball may be passed between team-mates on or behind the end line, but the five (5) second count starts when the ball is at the disposal of the first player out-of-bounds.

26.2.3 Opponents of the player taking the throw-in shall not touch the ball after it passes through the basket.
Allowances may be made for touching the ball accidentally or instinctively, but if, after an initial warning, the throw-in is delayed by interfering with the ball, it is a technical foul.

26.3 Following an infraction or any other stoppage of play

26.3.1 The player shall take the throw-in from out-of-bounds at the place closest to the infraction as designated by the official or where play was stopped, except directly behind the backboard.
26.3.2 An official must hand, pass or place the ball at the disposal of the player taking the throw-in.

26.4 Rule

26.4.1 A player taking a throw-in shall not:
· Touch the ball on the court before it has touched another player.
· Step on the court before or whilst releasing the ball.
· Take more than five (5) seconds to release the ball.
· Whilst releasing, cause the ball to touch out-of-bounds without being touched inbounds by a player.
· Cause the ball to enter the basket directly.
· Move a distance of more than one (1) metre laterally nor move in more than one direction from the place designated by the official before or whilst releasing the ball. It is, however, permitted to move backwards and perpendicular to the line as far as circumstances allow.

26.4.2 No other player shall:
· Have any part of his body over the boundary line before the ball has been thrown across the line.
· Be closer than one (1) metre to the player taking the throw-in, when the area, free of obstruction, outside the boundary line at the throw-in spot is less than two (2) metres.
An infraction of Art. 26.4 is a violation.

26.5 Penalty
The ball is awarded to the opponents for a throw-in at the place of the original throw-in.

Art. 27 Charged time-out

27.1 Definition
A charged time-out is an interruption of the game requested by the coach or assistant coach of the team.

27.2 Rule

27.2.1 Each charged time-out shall last one (1) minute.

27.2.2 A time-out opportunity begins when:
· The ball becomes dead and the game clock is stopped, and when the official has ended his communication with the scorer's table when reporting a foul or violation.
· A field goal is scored against a team which has requested a charged time-out before or after the field goal.

27.2.3 A time-out opportunity ends when:
· An official with the ball enters the circle to administer a jump ball.
· An official enters the free-throw lane with or without the ball to administer a first or only free throw.
· The ball is at the disposal of a player for a throw-in.

27.2.4 One (1) charged time-out may be granted to each team during each of the first three (3) periods, two (2) charged time-outs during the fourth period and one (1) charged time-out during each extra period.

27.2.5 The time-out is charged against the team whose coach was first to make a request, unless the time-out is granted following a field goal scored by the opponents and without a foul being called.

27.2.6 A charged time-out request may only be cancelled before the scorer's signal is sounded for such a request.

27.2.7 During the time-out, the players may leave the playing court and sit on the team bench and the persons permitted to be in the team bench area may enter the court provided they remain within the vicinity of their team bench area.

27.3 Procedure

27.3.1 A coach or assistant coach has the right to request a charged time-out. He shall do so by going in person to the scorer and asking clearly for a time-out, making the proper conventional sign with his hands.

27.3.2 As soon as a time-out opportunity begins, the scorer shall indicate to the officials, by sounding his signal, that a request for a charged time-out has been made.
If a field goal is scored against a team which has requested a charged time-out, the timekeeper shall immediately stop the game clock and sound his signal.

27.3.3 The time-out begins when an official blows his whistle and gives the time-out signal.

27.3.4 The time-out ends when the official blows his whistle and beckons the teams back onto the court.

27.4 Restrictions

27.4.1 A charged time-out is not permitted between or after free throw(s) caused by one (1) foul penalty until the ball becomes dead again after a clock-running phase of the game has occurred.
Exceptions:
· A foul is called between free throws. In this case the free throws will be completed and the time-out will be taken before the next foul penalty is administered.
· A foul is called before the ball becomes live after the last or only free throw. In this case the time-out will be taken before the new foul penalty is administered.
· A violation is called before the ball becomes live after the last or only free throw, the penalty for which is a jump ball or a throw-in.
In the case of sets of free throws caused by more than one (1) foul penalty, each set is to be treated separately.

27.4.2 A charged time-out shall not be granted to the scoring team when the game clock is stopped following a successful field goal during the last two (2) minutes of the fourth period or any extra period.

27.4.3 Unused time-outs may not be carried over to the next period or extra period.


Art. 28 Substitutions

28.1 Rule

28.1.1 A team may substitute player(s) during a substitution opportunity.

28.1.2 A substitution opportunity begins when:
· The ball becomes dead and the game clock is stopped, and when the official has ended his communication with the scorer's table when reporting a foul or violation.
· A field goal is scored in the last two (2) minutes of the fourth period or of any extra period against a team which has requested a substitution.
A substitution opportunity ends when:
· An official with the ball enters the circle to administer a jump ball.
· An official enters the free-throw lane with or without the ball to administer a first or only free throw.
· The ball is at the disposal of a player for a throw-in.

28.1.3 A player who has been substituted and a substitute who has become a player cannot re-enter the game or leave the game respectively until the ball becomes dead again after a clock-running phase of the game has occurred.
Exceptions:
· The team is reduced to less than five (5) players.
· The player involved in the correction of an error is on the team bench after having been legally substituted.

28.2 Procedure

28.2.1 A substitute has the right to request a substitution. He shall do so by going in person to the scorer and asking clearly for a substitution, making the proper conventional sign with his hands. He shall sit on the substitution bench/chair until the substitution opportunity begins.

28.2.2 As soon as a substitution opportunity begins, the scorer shall indicate to the officials, by sounding his signal, that a request for a substitution has been made.

28.2.3 The substitute shall remain outside the boundary line until the official gives the substitution signal.

28.2.4 The player who has been sub