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RULE NO. 1COURT DIMENSIONS—EQUIPMENTSection I—Court and Dimensionsa. The playing court shall be measuredand marked as shown in the courtdiagram. (See page 191)b. A free throw lane shall be marked ateach end of the court with dimensionsand markings as shown on the courtdiagram.All boundary lines are part ofthe lane; lane space marks and neutralzone marks are not.The color of thelane space marks and neutral zones shallcontrast with the color of the boundarylines.The areas identified by the lanespace markings are 2” by 8” inches andthe neutral zone marks are 12” by 8”.c. A free throw line shall be drawn(2” wide) across each of the circlesindicated in the court diagram. It shallbe parallel to the end line and shall be15’ from the plane of the face of thebackboard.d. The three-point field goal area hasparallel lines 3’ from the sidelines,extending from the baseline and an arcof 23’9” from the middle of the basketwhich intersects the parallel lines.e. Four hash marks shall be drawn(2” wide) perpendicular to the sidelineon each side of the court and 28’ fromthe baseline.These hash marks shallextend 3’ onto the court.f. Four hash marks shall be drawn (2” wide) perpendicular to the baseline on each side of the free throw lane line.These hash marks shall be 3’ from thefree throw lane line and extend 6” ontothe court.g. Four hash marks shall be drawn (2”wide) parallel to the baseline on eachside of the free throw circle.These hashmarks shall be 13’ from the baseline and3’ from the free throw lane lines andshall be 6” in length.h. Two hash marks shall be drawn (2”wide) perpendicular to the sideline, infront of the scorer’s table, and 4’ on

each side of the midcourt line.This willdesignate the Substitution Box area.i. A half-circle shall be created 4’ fromthe center of the basket and then parallelto the lane line to the face of thebackboard with a solid two-inch line.

Section II—Equipmenta. The backboard shall be a rectanglemeasuring 6’ horizontally and 3 1/2’vertically.The front surface shall be flatand transparent.b. A transparent backboard shall bemarked with a 2” white rectanglecentered behind the ring.This rectangleshall have outside dimensions of 24”horizontally and 18” vertically.24”horizontally and 18” vertically.c. Home management is required tohave a spare board with supporting uniton hand for emergencies, and a steeltape or extension ruler and a level foruse if necessary.d. Each basket shall consist of apressure-release NBA approved metalsafety ring 18” in inside diameter with awhite cord net 15” to 18” in length.The cord of the net shall not be lessthan 30 thread nor more than 120thread and shall be constructed tocheck the ball momentarily as it passesthrough the basket.e. Each basket ring shall be securelyattached to the backboard with itsupper edge 10’ above and parallel to thefloor and equidistant from the verticaledges of the board.The nearest point ofthe inside edge of the ring shall be 6”from the plane of the face of the board.The ring shall be painted orange.f. (1) The ball shall be an officiallyapproved NBA ball between 71/2 and81/2 pounds pressure. (2) Six balls mustbe made available to each team forpre-game warmup.g. At least one electric light is to beplaced behind the backboard, obvious toofficials and synchronized to light upwhen the horn sounds at the expiration

OFFICIAL RULE BOOK

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of time for each period.The electriclight is to be “red.”

RULE NO. 2OFFICIALS AND THEIRDUTIESSection I—The Game Officialsa. The game officials shall be a crewchief and two referees.They will beassisted by an official scorer and twotrained timers. One timer will operatethe game clock and the other willoperate the 24-second clock.All officialsshall be approved by the BasketballOperations Department.b. The officials shall wear the uniformprescribed by the NBA.

Section II—Duties of the Officialsa. The officials shall, prior to the start ofthe game, inspect and approve allequipment, including court, baskets,balls, backboards, timer’s and scorer’sequipment.b. The officials shall not permit playersto play with any type of hand, arm, face,nose, ear, head or neck jewelry.c. The officials shall not permit anyplayer to wear equipment which, in theirjudgment, is dangerous to other players.Any equipment which is of hardsubstance (casts, splints, guards andbraces) must be padded or foam coveredand have no exposed sharp or cuttingedge.All the face masks and eye or noseprotectors must conform to the contourof the face and have no sharp orprotruding edges.Approval is on agame-to-game basis.d. All equipment used must beappropriate for basketball. Equipmentthat is unnatural and designed toincrease a player’s height or reach, or togain an advantage, shall not be used.e. The officials must check the game ballto see that it is properly inflated.Therecommended ball pressure should bebetween 7 1/2 and 8 1/2 pounds.f. The crew chief shall be the official in

charge.g. If a coach desires to discuss a rule orinterpretation of a rule prior to thestart of a game or between periods, itwill be mandatory for the officials to askthe other coach to be present duringthe discussion.The same procedure shallbe followed if the officials wish to discussa game situation with either coach.h. The designated official shall toss theball at the start of the game.The crewchief shall decide whether or not a goalshall count if the officials disagree, andhe shall decide matters upon whichscorers and timers disagree.i. All officials shall be present during the20-minute pre-game warm-up period toobserve and report to the BasketballOperations Department any infractionsof Rule 12A-Section IX—j (hanging onthe basket ring) and to review scoringand timing procedures with tablepersonnel. Officials should be in thetunnel by the 18-minute mark and mayawait the on-court arrival of the firstteam before entering the court.j. Officials must meet with team captainsprior to the start of the game.k. Officials must report any atypical orunique incident to the BasketballOperations Department by E-mail.Flagrant, punching, fighting fouls or ateam’s failure to have eight players tobegin the game must also be reported.

Section III—Elastic PowerThe officials shall have the power tomake decisions on any point notspecifically covered in the rules.TheBasketball Operations Department willbe advised of all such decisions at theearliest possible moment.

Section IV—Different Decisions by Officialsa. The crew chief shall have the authorityto set aside or question decisionsregarding a rule interpretation made byeither of the other officials.

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b. If the officials give conflicting signalsas to who caused the ball to go out-of-bounds, a jump ball shall be calledbetween the two players involved.However, if an official offers assistance,the calling official may change the call.c. In the event that a violation and fouloccur at the same time, the foul willtake precedence.d. Double Foul(See Rule 12-B—Section VI-f).

Section V—Time and Place forDecisionsa. The officials have the power torender decisions for infractions ofrules committed inside or outside theboundary lines.This includes periodswhen the game may be stopped forany reason.b. When a personal foul or violationoccurs, an official will blow his whistleto terminate play.The whistle is thesignal for the timer to stop the gameclock. If a personal foul has occurred,the official will indicate the number ofthe offender to the official scorer, thetype of foul committed and the numberof free throws, if any, to be attemptedor indicate the spot of the throw-in.If a violation has occurred the officialwill indicate (1) the nature of theviolation by giving the correct signal (2)the number of the offender, if applicable(3) the direction in which the ball willbe advanced.c. When a team is entitled to a throw-in,an official shall clearly signal (1) the actwhich caused the ball to become dead(2) the spot of the throw-in (3) the teamentitled to the throw-in, unless it followsa successful field goal or free throw.d. When a whistle is erroneously sound-ed, whether the ball is in apossession or non-possession status, itis an inadvertent whistle and shall beinterpreted as a suspension-of-play.e. An official may suspend play for anyunusual circumstance

(Rule 4-Section XV).Section VI—Correcting ErrorsA. Free ThrowsOfficials may correct an error if a rule isinadvertently set aside and results in thefollowing:(1) A team not shooting a merited freethrow that will remain in play.EXCEPTION: If the offensive teamscores or shoots earned free throwsas a result of a personal foul prior topossession by the defensive team theerror shall be ignored if more than24 seconds has expired.(2) A team not shooting a merited freethrow that will not remain in play.Theerror shall be corrected, all play shallstand and play will resume from thepoint of interruption with the clocksremaining the same.(3) A team shooting an unmerited freethrow.(4) Permitting the wrong player toattempt a free throw.a. Officials shall be notified of a possibleerror at the first dead ball.b. Errors which occur in the first orthird periods must be discovered andrectified prior to the start of the nextperiod.c. Errors which occur in the secondperiod must be discovered and thescorer’s table notified prior to theofficials leaving the floor at the end ofthe period.The error(s) must berectified prior to the start of the thirdperiod.d. Errors which occur in the fourthperiod or overtime(s) must be discov-ered and rectified prior to the end ofthe period.e. The ball is not in play on correctedfree throw attempt(s). Play is resumedat the same spot and under the sameconditions as would have prevailed hadthe error not been discovered.f. All play that occurs is to be nullified ifthe error is discovered within a24-second time period.The game

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clock shall be reset to the time thatthe error occurred.EXCEPTION (1):Acts of unsportsman-like conduct and all flagrant fouls, andpoints scored therefrom, shall not benullified.EXCEPTION (2): If the error to becorrected is for a free throw attemptwhere there is to be no line-up ofplayers on the free throw lane (technicalfoul, defensive three seconds, flagrantfoul, clear path-to-the-basket foul,punching foul, away-from-the-play foul inlast two minutes) the error shall becorrected, all play shall stand and playshall resume from the point ofinterruption with the clocks remainingthe same.B. Lineup PositionsIn any jump ball situation, if the jumperslined up incorrectly, and the erroris discovered:(1) After more than 24 seconds haselapsed, the teams will continue toshoot for that basket for the remainderof that half and/or overtime. If the erroris discovered in the first half, teams willshoot at the proper basket as decidedby the opening tap for the second half.(2) If 24 seconds or less has elapsed, allplay shall be nullified.EXCEPTION:Acts of unsportsmanlikeconduct, all flagrant fouls, and pointsscored therefrom, shall not be nullifiedand play will resume from the originaljump ball with players facing the properdirection.C.Throw-InIf the second, third or fourth period orany throw-in begins with the wrongteam being awarded possession, andthe error is discovered:(1) after 24 seconds has elapsed, theerror cannot be corrected.(2) with 24 seconds or less havingelapsed, all play shall be nullified.EXCEPTION:Acts of unsportsmanlikeconduct, all flagrant fouls, and pointsscored therefrom, shall not be nullified.

D. Record KeepingA record keeping error by the officialscorer which involves the score, numberof personal fouls and/or timeouts maybe corrected by the officials at any timeprior to the end of the fourth period.Any such error which occurs inovertime must be corrected prior tothe end of that period.

Section VII—Duties of Scorersa. The scorers shall record the fieldgoals made, the free throws made andmissed and shall keep a runningsummary of the points scored.Theyshall record the personal and technicalfouls called on each player and shallnotify the officials immediately when asixth personal foul is called on anyplayer.They shall record the timeoutscharged to each team, shall notify ateam and its coach through an officialwhenever that team takes a sixthcharged timeout and shall notify thenearest official each time a team isgranted a charged timeout in excess ofthe legal number. In case there is aquestion about an error in the scoring,the scorer shall check with the crewchief at once to find the discrepancy. Ifthe error cannot be found, the officialshall accept the record of the officialscorer, unless he has knowledge thatforces him to decide otherwise.b. The scorers shall keep a record ofthe names, numbers and positions ofthe players who are to start the gameand of all substitutes who enter thegame.When there is an infraction of therules pertaining to submission of thelineup, substitutions or numbers ofplayers,they shall notify the nearestofficial immediately if the ball is dead, oras soon as it becomes dead if it is inplay when the infraction is discovered.The scorer shall mark the time at whichplayers are disqualified by reason ofreceiving six personal fouls, so that itmay be easy to ascertain the order in

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which the players are eligible to go backinto the game in accordance withRule 3—Section I.c. The scorers shall use a horn or otherdevice unlike that used by the officialsor timers to signal the officials.This maybe used when the ball is dead or incertain specified situations when the ballis in control of a given team.d. When a player is disqualified from thegame, or whenever a penalty free throwis being awarded, a buzzer, siren orsome other clearly audible sound mustbe used by the scorer or timer to notifythe game officials. It is the duty of thescorekeeper to be certain the officialshave acknowledged the sixth personalfoul buzzer and the penalty shot buzzer.e. The scorer shall not signal theofficials while the ball is in play, exceptto notify them of the necessity tocorrect an error.f. Should the scorer sound the hornwhile the ball is in play, it shall beignored by the players on the court.The officials must use their judgment instopping play to consult with thescorer’s table.g. Scorers shall record on thescoreboard the number of team foulsup to a total of five, which will indicatethat the team is in a penalty situation.h. Scorers shall, immediately, record thename of the team which secures thefirst possession of the game.

Section VIII—Duties of Timersa. The timers shall note when each halfis to start and shall notify the crew chiefand both coaches five minutes beforethis time, or cause them to be notifiedat least five minutes before the half is tostart.They shall signal the scorers twominutes before starting time.They shallrecord playing time and time ofstoppages as provided in the rules.The official timer and the 24-secondclock operator shall be provided withdigital stop watches to be used with the

timing of timeouts and in case theofficial game clock, 24-secondclocks/game clocks located above thebackboards fail to work properly.b. At the beginning of the first period,any overtime period or whenever play isresumed by a jump ball, the game clockshall be started when the ball is legallytapped by either of the jumpers. Notime will be removed from the gameclock and/or 24-second clock if there isan illegal tap.c. If the game clock has been stoppedfor a violation, successful field goal orfree throw attempt and the ball is putin play by a throw-in, the game clockand the 24-second clock shall bestarted when the ball is legally touchedby any player on the court.The startingof the game clock and the 24-secondclock will be under the control of theofficial timer.d. During an unsuccessful free throwattempt, the game clock will be startedwhen the ball is legally touched.The24-second clock will be reset whenplayer possession of the ball is obtained.e. The game clock shall be stopped atthe expiration of time for each periodand when an official signals timeout. Fora charged timeout, the timer shall starta digital stop watch and shall signal theofficial when it is time to resume play.f. The game clock and the scoreboardwill combine to cause a horn to sound,automatically, when playing time for theperiod has expired. If the horn orbuzzer fails to sound, or is not heard,the official timer shall use any othermeans to notify the officials immediately.g. In a dead ball situation, if the clockshows :00.0, the period or game isconsidered to have ended although thehorn may not have sounded.EXCEPTION: See Rule 13—II—a(6)h. Record only the actual playing timein the last minute of the first, secondand third periods.i. Record only the actual playing time in

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the last two minutes of the fourthperiod and the last two minutes of anyovertime period(s).

RULE NO. 3PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTESAND COACHESSection I—Teama. Each team shall consist of five players.No team may be reduced to less thanfive players. If a player in the gamereceives his sixth personal foul and allsubstitutes have already beendisqualified, said player shall remain inthe game and shall be charged with apersonal and team foul.A technical foulalso shall be assessed against his team.All subsequent personal fouls, includingoffensive fouls, shall be treated similarly.All players who have six or morepersonal fouls and remain in the gameshall be treated similarly.b. In the event that there are only fiveeligible players remaining and one ofthese players is injured and must leavethe game or is ejected, he must bereplaced by the last player who wasdisqualified by reason of receiving sixpersonal fouls. Each subsequentrequirement to replace an injured orejected player will be treated in thisinverse order.Any such re-entry into agame by a disqualified player shall bepenalized by a technical foul.c. In the event that a player becomes illand must leave the court while the ballis in play, the official will stop playimmediately when his team gains newpossession.The player shall be replacedand no technical foul will be assessed.The opposing team is also permitted tosubstitute one player.

Section II—Starting Line-UpsAt least ten minutes before the game isscheduled to begin, the scorers shall besupplied with the name and number ofeach player who may participate in thegame. Starting line-ups will be indicated.

Failure to comply with this provisionshall be reported to the BasketballOperations Department.

Section III—The Captaina. A team may have a captain and aco-captain numbering a maximum oftwo.The designated captain may beanyone on the squad who is in uniform,except a player-coach.b. The designated captain is the onlyplayer who may ask an official about arule interpretation during a regular or20-second timeout charged to his team.He may not discuss a judgment decision.c. If the designated captain continues tosit on the bench, he remains the captainfor the entire game.d. In the event that the captain isabsent from the court and bench, hiscoach shall immediately designate anew captain.

Section IV—The Coach and Othersa. The coach’s position may be on oroff the bench from the 28’ hash mark tothe baseline.They are permittedbetween the 28’ hash mark and themidcourt line to relay information toplayers but must return to the benchside of the 28’ hash mark immediatelyor be called for a non-unsportsmanliketechnical foul.A coach is not permittedto cross the midcourt line and violatorswill be assessed an unsportsmanliketechnical foul immediately.All assistantsand trainers must remain on the bench.Coaches and trainers are not permittedto go to the scorer’s table, for anyreason, except during a dead ball.b. A player-coach will have no specialprivileges. He is to conduct himself inthe same manner as any other player.c. Any club personnel not seated on thebench must conduct themselves in amanner that would reflect favorably onthe dignity of the game or that of theofficials.Violations by any of thepersonnel indicated shall require a

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written report to the BasketballOperations Department forsubsequent action.d. The bench shall be occupied only by aleague-approved head coach, a maximumof three assistant coaches, players andtrainer. During an altercation, the headand assistant coaches are permitted onthe court as ‘peacemakers.’e. If a player, coach or assistant coach issuspended from a game or games, heshall not at any time before, during orafter such game or games appear in anypart of the arena or stands where histeam is playing.A player, coach or assis-tant coach who is ejected may onlyremain in the dressing room of his teamduring the remainder of the game, orleave the building.A violation of this ruleshall call for an automatic fine of $500.

Section V—Substitutesa. A substitute shall report to thescorer and position himself in the 8’Substitution Box located in front of thescorer’s table. He shall inform thescorer whom he is going to replace.The scorer shall sound the horn as soonas the ball is dead to indicate asubstitution.The horn does not have tobe sounded if the substitution occursbetween periods or during timeouts.No substitute may enter the game aftera successful field goal by either team,unless the ball is dead due to a personalfoul, technical foul, timeout or violation.He may enter the game after the first of multiple free throws, whether madeor missed.b. The substitute shall remain in theSubstitution Box until he is beckonedonto the court by an official. If the ballis about to become live, the beckoningsignal shall be withheld.Any player whoenters the court prior to beingbeckoned by an official shall be assesseda non-unsportsmanlike technical foul.c. A substitute must be ready to enterthe game when beckoned. No delays for

removal of warm-up clothing will bepermitted.d. The substitute shall not replace a freethrow shooter or a player involved in ajump ball unless dictated to do so by aninjury, whereby he is selected by theopposing coach.At no time may he beallowed to attempt a free throwawarded as a result of a technical foul.e. A substitute shall be considered asbeing in the game when he is beckonedonto the court or recognized as beingin the game by an official. Once a playeris in the game, he cannot be removeduntil the ball is legally touched by aplayer on the court unless:(1) a personal or technical foul is called,(2) there is a change of possession or(3) administration of infection controlrule.f. A substitute may be recalled from thescorer’s table prior to being beckonedonto the court by an official.g. A player may be replaced and allowedto re-enter the game as a substituteduring the same dead ball.h. A player must be in the SubstitutionBox at the time a violation occurs if thethrow-in is to be administered in thebackcourt. If a substitute fails to meetthis requirement, he may not enter thegame until the next legal opportunity.EXCEPTION: In the last two minutes ofeach period or overtime, a reasonableamount of time will be allowed for asubstitution.i. Notification of all above infractionsand ensuing procedures shall be inaccordance with Rule 2—Section VII.j. No substitutes are allowed to enterthe game during an official’ssuspension-of-play for (1) a delay-of-game warning, (2) retrieving an errantball (3) an inadvertent whistle or(4) any other unusual circumstance.EXCEPTION: Suspension of play for aplayer bleeding. See Comments on theRules—N.

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Section VI—Uniforms (Players Jerseys)a. Each player shall be numbered on thefront and back of his jersey with anumber of solid color contrasting withthe color of the shirt.b. Each number must be not less than3/4” in width and not less than 6” inheight on both the front and back. Eachplayer shall have his surname affixed tothe back of his game jersey in letters atleast 2” in height.c. The home team shall wear light colorjerseys, and the visitors dark jerseys. Forneutral court games and doubleheaders,the second team named in the officialschedule shall be regarded as the hometeam and shall wear the light coloredjerseys.

RULE NO. 4DEFINITIONSSection I—Basket/Backboarda. A team’s basket consists of the basketring and net through which its playerstry to shoot the ball.The visiting teamhas the choice of baskets for the firsthalf.The basket selected by the visitingteam when it first enters onto the courtshall be its basket for the first half.b. The teams change baskets for thesecond half.All overtime periods areconsidered extensions of the secondhalf.c. Five sides of the backboard (front,two sides, bottom and top) areconsidered in play when contacted bythe basketball.The back of thebackboard and the area directly behindit are out-of-bounds.

Section II—BlockingBlocking is illegal personal contact whichimpedes the progress of an opponent.

Section III—DribbleA dribble is movement of the ball,caused by a player in control, whothrows or taps the ball to the floor.

a.The dribble ends when the dribbler:(1) Touches the ball simultaneously withboth hands (2) Permits the ball to cometo rest while he is in control of it(3) Tries for a field goal (4) Throws apass (5) Touches the ball more thanonce while dribbling, before it touchesthe floor (6) Loses control (7) Allowsthe ball to become dead.

Section IV—Foulsa. A common personal foul is illegalphysical contact which occurs with anopponent after the ball has become liveor before the horn sounds to end theperiod. If time expires before thepersonal foul occurs, the personal foulshould be disregarded, unless it wasunsportsmanlike.EXCEPTION: If the foul is committedon or by a player in the act of shooting,and the shooter released the ball priorto the expiration of time on the gameclock, then the foul should beadministered in the same manner aswith any similar play during the courseof the game.(See Rule 13—Section II—a(6))b. A technical foul is the penalty forunsportsmanlike conduct or violationsby team members on the floor orseated on the bench. It may be assessedfor illegal contact which occurs with anopponent before the ball becomes live.c. A double foul is a situation in whichany two opponents commit personalfouls at approximately the same time.d. An offensive foul is illegal contact,committed by an offensive player, afterthe ball is live and there is team control.e. A loose ball foul is illegal contact,after the ball is alive, when team controldoes not exist.f. An elbow foul is making contact withthe elbow in an unsportsmanlike mannerwhether the ball is dead or alive.g. A flagrant foul is unnecessary and/orexcessive contact committed by a playeragainst an opponent whether the ball is

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dead or alive.h. A punching foul is a punch by a playerwhich makes contact with an opponentwhether the ball is dead or alive.i. An away-from-the-play foul is illegalcontact by the defense in the last twominutes of the game, and/or overtime,which occurs (1) deliberately away fromthe immediate area of offensive action,and/or (2) prior to the ball beingreleased on a throw-in.

Section V—Free ThrowA free throw is the privilege given aplayer to score one point by anunhindered attempt for the goal from aposition directly behind the free throwline.This attempt must be made within10 seconds.

Section VI—Frontcourt/Backcourta. A team’s frontcourt consists of thatpart of the court between its endlineand the nearer edge of the midcourtline, including the basket and inboundspart of the backboard.b. A team’s backcourt consists of theentire midcourt line and the rest of thecourt to include the opponent’s basketand inbounds part of the backboard.c. A ball being held by a player: (1) is inthe frontcourt if neither the ball nor theplayer is touching the backcourt, (2) is inthe backcourt if either the ball or playeris touching the backcourt.d. A ball being dribbled is (1) in thefrontcourt when the ball and both feetof the player are in the frontcourt, (2) inthe backcourt if the ball or either footof the player is in the backcourt.e. The ball is considered in the front-court once it has broken the plane ofthe midcourt line and is not in playercontrol.f. The team on offense must bring theball across the midcourt line within8 seconds.EXCEPTION: (1) kicked ball, (2)punched ball, (3) personal or technical

foul on the defensive team, (4) delay-of-game warning on the defensive team or(5) infection control.g. Frontcourt/backcourt status is notattained until a player with the ball hasestablished a positive position in eitherhalf during (1) a jump ball, (2) a steal bya defensive player, (3) a throw-in in thelast two minutes of the fourth periodand/or any overtime period or (4) anytime the ball is loose.

Section VII—Held BallA held ball occurs when two opponentshave one or both hands firmly on theball or anytime a defensive playertouches the ball causing the offensiveplayer to return to the floor with theball in his continuous possession.A held ball should not be called untilboth players have hands so firmly on theball that neither can gain sole possessionwithout undue roughness. If a player islying or sitting on the floor while inpossession, he should have anopportunity to throw the ball, but aheld ball should be called if there isdanger of injury.

Section VIII—Pivota. A pivot takes place when a player,who is holding the ball, steps once ormore than once in any direction withthe same foot, with the other foot(pivot foot) in contact with the floor.b. If the player wishes to dribble aftera pivot, the ball must be out of his handbefore the pivot foot is raised off thefloor. If the player raises his pivot offthe floor, he must pass or attempt afield goal before the foot is returnedto the floor.If he fails to follow these guidelines, hehas committed a traveling violation.

Section IX—TravelingTraveling is progressing in any directionwhile in possession of the ball, which isin excess of prescribed limits as noted

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in Rule 4—Section VIII and Rule 10—Section XIII.

Section X—ScreenA screen is the legal action of a playerwho, without causing undue contact,delays or prevents an opponent fromreaching a desired position.

Section XI—Field Goal AttemptA field goal attempt is a player’s attemptto shoot the ball into his basket for afield goal.The act of shooting startswhen, in the official’s judgment, theplayer has started his shooting motionand continues until the shooting motionceases and he returns to a normal floorposition. It is not essential that the ballleave the shooter’s hand. His arm(s)might be held so that he cannot actuallymake an attempt.The term is also used to include theflight of the ball until it becomes deador is touched by a player.A tap during ajump ball or rebound is not considereda field goal attempt. However, anytime alive ball is in flight from the playingcourt, the goal, if made, shall count, evenif time expires or the official’s whistlesounds.The field goal will not be scoredif time on the game clock expires beforethe ball leaves the player’s hand.

Section XII—Throw-InA throw-in is a method of putting theball in play from out-of-bounds inaccordance with Rule 8—Section III.The throw-in begins when the ball is atthe disposal of the team or playerentitled to it, and ends when the ball isreleased by the thrower-in.

Section XIII—Last Two MinutesWhen the game clock shows 2:00,the game is considered to be in thetwo-minute period.

Section XIV—Suspension of PlayAn official can suspend play for

retrieving an errant ball, re-setting thetiming devices, delay-of-game warning,inadvertent whistle or any other unusualcircumstance. During such a suspension,neither team is permitted to substituteand the defensive team may not begranted a timeout. Play shall be resumedat the point of interruption.EXCEPTION: See Comments onRules—N.

Section XV—Point of InterruptionWhere the ball is located when thewhistle sounds.

Section XVI—Team ControlA team is in control when a player isholding, dribbling or passing the ball.Team control ends when the defensiveteam deflects the ball or there is a fieldgoal attempt.

Section XVII—Team PossessionA team is in possession when a player isholding, dribbling or passing the ball.Team possession ends when thedefensive team gains possession orthere is a field goal attempt which hitsthe rim.

Section XVIII—FumbleA player who is holding the ball andfumbles it out of his control mayrecover the ball. If his pivot foot movesto recover the ball, he must then passor shoot the ball. If he fumbles andrecovers it without moving his pivotfoot and before the ball touches thefloor, he retains his status before thefumble.

RULE NO. 5SCORING AND TIMINGSection I—Scoringa. A legal field goal or free throwattempt shall be scored when a live ballfrom the playing area enters the basketfrom above and remains in or passesthrough the net.

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b. A successful field goal attempt fromthe area on or inside the three-pointfield goal line shall count two points.c. A successful field goal attempt fromthe area outside the three-point fieldgoal line shall count three points.(1) The shooter must have at least onefoot on the floor outside the three-point field goal line prior to the attempt.(2) The shooter may not be touchingthe floor on r inside the three-pointfield goal line. (3) The shooter maycontact the three-point field goal line,or land in the two-point field goal area,after the ball is released.d. A field goal accidentally scored in anopponent’s basket shall be added to theopponent’s score, credited to theopposing player nearest the shooter andmentioned in a footnote.e. It is a violation for a player toattempt a field goal at an opponent’sbasket.The opposing team will beawarded the ball at the free throwline extended.f. A successful free throw attempt shallcount one point.g. An unsuccessful free throw attemptwhich is tapped into the basket shallcount two points and shall be creditedto the player who tapped the ball in.h. If there is a discrepancy in the scoreand it cannot be resolved, the runningscore shall be official.

Section II—Timinga. All periods of regulation play in theNBA will be twelve minutes.b. All overtime periods of play will befive minutes.c. Fifteen minutes will be permittedbetween halves of all games.d. 130 seconds will be permittedbetween the first and second periods,the third and fourth periods and beforeany overtime period.e. A team is permitted a total of 30 seconds to replace a disqualified player.f. The game is considered to be in the

two-minute part when the game clock shows 2:00 or less time remaining in the period.g. The public address operator isrequired to announce that there aretwo minutes remaining in each period.h. The game clock shall be equipped toshow tenths-of-a-second during the lastminute of each period.

Section III—End of Perioda. Each period ends when time expires.EXCEPTIONS: (1) If a live ball is in flighttowards the basket, the period endswhen the goal is made, missed ortouched by an offensive player. (2) If theofficial’s whistle sounds prior to thehorn or :00.0 on the clock, the period isnot over and time must be added to theclock. (3) If a live ball is in flight towardsthe basket when the horn soundsending a period, and it subsequently istouched by: (a) a defensive player, thegoal, if successful, shall count; or (b) anoffensive player, the period has ended.(4) If a timeout request is made atapproximately the instant time expiresfor a period, the period ends and thetimeout shall not be granted. (5) If thereis a foul called on or by a player in theact of shooting the period will end afterthe foul is penalized.(See Rule 13—II—a[6])b. If the ball is dead and the game clockshows :00.0, the period has ended eventhough the horn may not havesounded.EXCEPTION: See Rule 13—II—a(6)

Section IV—Tie Score—OvertimeIf the score is tied at the end of thefourth period, play shall resume in 130seconds without change of baskets forany of the overtime periods required.(See Rule 5—Section II—d for theamount of time between overtimeperiods.)

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Section V—Stoppage of TimingDevicesa. The timing devices shall be stoppedwhenever the official’s whistle soundsindicating one of the following:(1) A personal or technical foul.(2) A jump ball.(3) A floor violation.(4) An unusual delay.(5) A suspension-of-play.(6) A regular or 20-second timeout.b.The timing devices shall be stopped:(1) During the last minute of the first,second and third periods following asuccessful field goal attempt.(2) During the last two minutes of regu-lation play and/or overtime(s) followinga successful field goal attempt.c. Officials may not use official time topermit a player to change or repairequipment.

Section VI—20-Second TimeoutA player’s request for a 20-secondtimeout shall be granted only when theball is dead or in control of a player onthe team making the request.A requestat any other time shall be ignored.EXCEPTION:The head coach mayrequest a 20-second timeout if there isa suspension of play to administerComments on the Rules—N—Guidelines for Infection Control.a. Each team is entitled to one (1) 20-second timeout per half for a total oftwo (2) per game, including overtimes.b. During a 20-second timeout a teammay only substitute for one player. If theteam calling the 20-second timeoutreplaces a player, the opposing team mayalso replace one player.EXCEPTION: In the last two minutes ofthe fourth period and/or any overtimeperiod, free substitution is permitted byboth teams.c. If a second 20-second timeout isrequested during a half (includingovertimes), it shall be granted. It willautomatically become a charged regular

timeout. Overtimes are considered tobe an extension of the second half.d. The official shall instruct the timer torecord the 20 seconds and to informhim when the time has expired. If ateam calls a 20-second timeout becauseone of its players is injured and, at theexpiration of the 20-second timeoutlimit, play is unable to resume due tothat player’s injury, a full timeout will becharged to that team and the 20-secondtimeout returned.EXCEPTION: If a team does not haveany full timeouts remaining, only the20-second timeout will be charged.Play will resume when playing conditionsare safe.e. This rule may be used for anyreason, including a request for a ruleinterpretation. If the correction issustained, no timeout shall be charged.f. Players should say “20-second time-out” when requesting this time.g. If a 20-second timeout is charged tothe offensive team during the last twominutes of the fourth period and/or anyovertime period and (1) the ball is out-of-bounds in the backcourt (except fora suspension of play after the team hadadvanced the ball), or (2) after securingthe ball from a rebound in the back-court and prior to any advance of theball, or (3) after the offensive teamsecures the ball from a change ofpossession in the backcourt and priorto any advance of the ball, the timeoutshould be granted. Upon resumption ofplay, the team granted the timeout shallhave the option of putting the ball intoplay at the 28’ hash mark in thefrontcourt or at the designated spotout-of-bounds. If the ball is put into playat the hash mark, the ball may be passedinto either the frontcourt or backcourt.If it is passed into the backcourt, theteam will receive a new 8-second count.h. If a 20-second timeout has beengranted and a mandatory timeout by thesame team is due, only the mandatory

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timeout will be charged.i. A 20-second timeout shall not begranted to the defensive team during anofficial’s suspension-of-play for (1)delay-of-game warning, (2) retrieving anerrant ball, (3) an inadvertent whistle or(4) any other unusual circumstance.EXCEPTION: Suspension of play for aplayer bleeding.See Comments on the Rules—N.

Section VII—Regular Timeout—100/60 SecondsA player’s request for a timeout shall begranted only when the ball is dead or incontrol of a player on the team makingthe request.A request at any other timeshall be ignored.EXCEPTION:The head coach mayrequest a regular timeout if there is asuspension of play to administerComments on the Rules—N—Guidelines for Infection Control.a. Each team is entitled to six (6)charged timeouts during regulation play.Each team is limited to no more thanthree (3) timeouts in the fourth periodand no more than two (2) timeouts inthe last two minutes of regulation play.(This is in addition to one 20-secondtimeout per half.)b. During a regular timeout, both teamsmay have unlimited substitutions.c. In overtime periods each team shallbe allowed three (3) 60-secondtimeouts regardless of the number oftimeouts called or remaining duringregulation play or previous overtimes.Teams are permitted no more than twotimeouts in the last two minutes of theperiod.d. There must be two 100-secondtimeouts in the first and third periodsand three 100-second timeouts in thesecond and fourth periods.If neither team has taken a timeoutprior to 5:59 of the first or third period,it shall be mandatory for the OfficialScorer to take it at the first dead ball

and charge it to the home team. If nosubsequent timeouts are taken prior to2:59, it shall be mandatory for theOfficial Scorer to take it and charge itto the team not previously charged.If neither team has taken a timeoutprior to 8:59 of the second or fourthperiod, a mandatory timeout will becalled by the Official Scorer and chargedto neither team. If there are nosubsequent timeouts taken prior to5:59, it shall be mandatory for theOfficial Scorer to take it at the firstdead ball and charge it to the hometeam. If no subsequent timeouts aretaken prior to 2:59, it shall bemandatory for the Official Scorer totake it and charge it to the team notpreviously charged.The Official Scorer shall notify a teamwhen it has been charged with amandatory timeout.Any additional timeouts in a periodbeyond those which are mandatory shallbe 60 seconds.No mandatory timeout may be chargedand the defensive team may not begranted a timeout during an official’ssuspension-of-play for (1) a delay-of-game warning, (2) retrieving an errantball, (3) an inadvertent whistle, or(4) any other unusual circumstance.EXCEPTION: Suspension-of-play forInfection Control. See Comments onthe Rules—N.e. If a regular or mandatory timeout ischarged to the offensive team during thelast two minutes of the fourth periodand/or any overtime period and (1) theball is out-of-bounds in the backcourt(except for a suspension of play afterthe team had advanced the ball), or (2)after securing the ball from a rebound inthe backcourt and prior to any advanceof the ball, or (3) after securing the ballfrom a change of possession in thebackcourt and prior to any advance ofthe ball, the timeout shall be granted.Upon resumption of play, the team

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granted the timeout shall have theoption of putting the ball into play at the28’ hash mark in the frontcourt, or atthe designated spot out-of-bounds. If theball is put into play at the hash mark, theball may be passed into either thefrontcourt or backcourt. If the ball ispassed into the backcourt, the team willreceive a new 8-second count.However, once the ball is (1) thrown infrom out-of-bounds, or (2) dribbled orpassed after receiving it from a reboundor a change of possession, the timeoutshall be granted, and, upon resumptionof play, the ball shall be in-bounded onthe sideline where play was interrupted.The option to advance is also notavailable following a timeout which ischarged to neither team.The time on the game clock and the24-second clock shall remain as whenthe timeout was called. In order for theoption to be available under theconditions in paragraph #2 above,the offensive team must call twosuccessive timeouts.f. No timeout shall be charged if it iscalled to question a rule interpretationand the correction is sustained.g. If a player is injured and an opponentis charged with a flagrant foul or anyunsportsmanlike act, no timeout will becharged and play will resume whenplaying conditions are safe. Neither teamwill be charged with a timeout. Oncethe player is up and brought to thebench area or he leaves the court (goesto locker room), play will resume. If thatplayer must shoot his free throws andhe is not ready, the team will then needto call a timeout.h. Requests for a timeout in excess ofthe authorized number shall be grantedand a technical foul shall be assessed.Following the timeout, the ball will beawarded to the opposing team and playshall resume with a throw-in nearest thespot where play was interrupted. If aplayer is injured and cannot be removed

from the playing court during a stoppageof play, no excessive timeout will becharged and play will resume whenplaying conditions are safe.

Section VIII—Timeout Requestsa. If an official, upon receiving a timeoutrequest (regular or 20-second) by thedefensive team, inadvertently signalswhile the play is in progress, play shallbe suspended and the team in posses-sion shall put the ball in play immediate-ly at the sideline nearest where the ballwas when the signal was given.The teamin possession shall have only the timeremaining of the original eight secondsin which to move the ball into the front-court.The 24-second clock shall remainthe same.b. If an official, upon receiving a timeoutrequest (regular or 20-second) from thedefensive team, inadvertently signals fora timeout during: (1) a successful fieldgoal or free throw attempt, the point(s)shall be scored; (2) an unsuccessful fieldgoal attempt, play shall be resumed witha jump ball at the center circle betweenany two opponents; (3) an unsuccessfulfree throw attempt, the official shall ruledisconcerting and award a substitutefree throw.c. If an official inadvertently blows hiswhistle during (1) a successful field goalor free throw attempt, the points shallbe scored, or (2) an unsuccessful fieldgoal or free throw attempt, play shall beresumed with a jump ball at the centercircle between any two opponents.d. When a team is granted a regular or20-second time-out, play shall notresume until the full 100 seconds, 60seconds, or 20 seconds have elapsed.The throw-in shall be nearest the spotwhere play was suspended.The throw-inshall be on the sideline, if the ball was inplay when the request was granted.e. A player shall not be granted atimeout (regular or 20-second) if bothof his feet are in the air and any part of

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his body has broken the vertical planeof the boundary line (including themidcourt line).

Section IX—Time-Ina. After time has been out, the gameclock shall be started when the ball islegally touched by any player within theplaying area of the court.b. On a free throw that is unsuccessfuland the ball continues in play, the gameclock shall be started when the missedfree throw is legally touched by any player.c. If play is resumed by a throw-in fromout-of-bounds, the game clock shall bestarted when the ball is legally touchedby any player within the playing area ofthe court.d. If play is resumed with a jump ball,the game clock shall be started whenthe ball is legally tapped.

RULE NO. 6PUTTING BALL IN PLAY—LIVE/DEAD BALLSection I—Start of Games/Periodsand Othersa. The game and overtimes shall bestarted with a jump ball in the center circle.b. The team which gains first possessionof the game will put the ball into play attheir opponent’s endline to begin thefourth period.The other team will putthe ball into play at their opponent’sendline at the beginning of the secondand third periods.c. In putting the ball into play, thethrower-in may run along the endlineor pass it to a teammate who is alsoout-of-bounds at the endline—as aftera score.d. After any dead ball, play shall beresumed by a jump ball, a throw-in orby placing the ball at the disposal of afree-thrower.e. On the following infractions, the ballshall be awarded to the opposing teamout-of-bounds on the nearest sideline at

the free throw line extended:(1) Three-seconds (offensive)(2) Ball entering basket from below(3) Illegal assist in scoring(4) Offensive screen set out-of-bounds(5) Free throw violation by theoffensive team(6) Flagrant foul-penalty (1) or (2)(7) Defensive three-seconds(8) Jump ball violation at free throwcircle(9) Ball passing directly behindbackboard(10) Offensive basket interference(11) Ball hitting horizontal basketsupport(12) Loose ball fouls which occur insidethe free throw line extended(13) Five second back-to-the-basketviolationf. On the following infractions, the ballshall be awarded to the opposing teamon the baseline at the nearest spotoutside the three-second area extended:(1) Ball out-of-bounds on baseline(2) Ball hitting vertical basket support(3) Defensive goaltending (all privilegesremain)(4) During a throw-in violation on thebaselineg. On the following infractions, the ballshall be awarded to the opposing teamon the sideline at the nearest spot butno nearer to the baseline than the freethrow line extended:(1) Traveling(2) Double dribble(3) Striking or kicking the ball on anysituation except a throw-in(4) Swinging of elbows(5) 24-second violationh. If the ball is kicked or punched duringany throw-in, the ball will be returnedto the original throw-in spot with allprivileges, if any, remaining.i. On any play where the ball goesout-of-bounds on the sideline, the ballshall be awarded to the opposing teamat that spot.

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j. Following a regular or 20-secondtimeout that was called while the ballwas alive, the ball shall be awardedout-of-bounds on the sideline at thenearest spot upon resumption of play.For all other timeouts, play shall resumewhere it was interrupted.EXCEPTION: Rule 5—Section VII—e.k. On a violation which requires puttingthe ball in play in the backcourt, theofficial will give the ball to the offensiveplayer as soon as he is in a position out-of-bounds and ready to accept the ball.EXCEPTION: In the last two minutes ofeach period or overtime, a reasonableamount of time shall be allowed for asubstitution.

Section II—Live Balla. The ball becomes live when:(1) It is tossed by an official on any jumpball(2) It is at the disposal of the offensiveplayer for a throw-in(3) It is placed at the disposal of a freethrow shooter

Section III—Ball is Alivea. The ball becomes alive when:(1) It is legally tapped by one of theparticipants of a jump ball(2) It is released by the thrower-in(3) It is released by the free throwshooter on a free throw which willremain in play

Section IV—Dead Balla. The ball becomes dead and/orremains dead when the following occurs:(1) Official blows his/her whistle(2) Free throw which will not remain inplay (free throw which will be followedby another free throw, technical,flagrant, etc.)(3) Following a successful field goal orfree throw that will remain in play, untilplayer possession out-of-bounds.Contact which is NOT consideredunsportsmanlike shall be ignored.

(Rule 12A—Section V—i)(4) Time expires for the end of any periodEXCEPTION: If a live ball is in flight,the ball becomes dead when the goalis made, missed or touched by an offensive player.

Section V—Jump Balls in Center Circlea. The ball shall be put into play in thecenter circle by a jump ball between anytwo opponents:(1) At the start of the game(2) At the start of each overtime period(3) A double free throw violation(4) Double foul during a loose ballsituation(5) The ball becomes dead when neitherteam is in control and no field goal orinfraction is involved(6) The ball comes to rest on the basketflange or becomes lodged between thebasket ring and the backboard(7) A double foul which occurs as aresult of a difference in opinionbetween officials(8) A suspension of play occurs during aloose ball(9) A fighting foul occurs during a looseball situationb. In all cases above, the jump ball shallbe between any two opponents in thegame at that time. If injury, ejection ordisqualification makes it necessary forany player to be replaced, his substitutemay not participate in the jump ball.

Section VI—Other Jump Ballsa. The ball shall be put into play by ajump ball at the circle which is closestto the spot where:(1) A held ball occurs(2) A ball out-of-bounds caused by both teams(3) An official is in doubt as to who lasttouched the ballb. The jump ball shall be between thetwo involved players unless injury orejection precludes one of the jumpers

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from participation. If the injured orejected player must leave the game, thecoach of the opposing team shall selectfrom his opponent’s bench a player whowill replace the injured or ejected player.The injured player will not bepermitted to re-enter the game.Section VII—RestrictionsGoverning Jump Ballsa. Each jumper must have at least onefoot on or inside that half of thejumping circle which is farthest from hisown basket. Each jumper must haveboth feet within the restraining circle.b. The ball must be tapped by one orboth of the players participating in thejump ball after it reaches its highestpoint. If the ball falls to the floorwithout being tapped by at least oneof the jumpers, the official off the ballshall whistle the ball dead and signalanother toss.c. Neither jumper may tap the tossedball before it reaches its highest point.d. Neither jumper may leave his halfof the jumping circle until the ball hasbeen tapped.e. Neither jumper may catch the tossedor tapped ball until it touches one ofthe eight non-jumpers, the floor, thebasket or the backboard.f. Neither jumper is permitted to tapthe ball more than twice on anyjump ball.g. The eight non-jumpers will remainoutside the restraining circle until theball has been tapped.Teammates maynot occupy adjacent positions aroundthe restraining circle if an opponentdesires one of the positions. No playermay position himself immediately behindan opponent on the restraining circle.Penalty for c., d., e., f., g.: Ball awardedout-of-bounds to the opponent.h. Player position on the restrainingcircle is determined by the direction ofa player’s basket.The player whosebasket is nearest shall have first choiceof position, with position being

alternated thereafter.

RULE NO. 724-SECOND CLOCKSection I—DefinitionFor the purpose of clarification the24-second device shall be referred to as“the 24-second clock.”

Section II—Starting and Stoppingof 24-Second Clocka. The 24-second clock will start whena team gains new possession of a ballwhich is in play.b. On a throw-in, the 24-second clockshall start when the ball is legallytouched on the court by a player.c. A team must attempt a field goalwithin 24 seconds after gainingpossession of the ball.To constitute alegal field goal attempt, the followingconditions must be complied with:(1) The ball must leave the player’s handprior to the expiration of 24 seconds.(2) After leaving the player’s hand(s),the ball must make contact with thebasket ring.d. A team is considered in possessionof the ball when holding, passing ordribbling.The team is considered inpossession of the ball even though theball has been batted away but theopponent has not gained possession.e. Team possession ends when:(1) There is a legal field goal attempt(2) The opponent gains possessionf. If a ball is touched by a defensiveplayer who does not gain possessionof the ball, the 24-second clock shallcontinue to run.g. If a defensive player causes the ball togo out-of-bounds or causes the ball toenter the basket ring from below, the24-second clock is stopped and theoffensive team shall be awarded the ball.The offensive team shall have only theunexpired time remaining on the24-second clock in which to attempt afield goal. If the 24-second clock reads 0,

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a 24-second violation has occurred, eventhough the horn may not have sounded.h. If during any period there are24 seconds OR LESS left to play inthe period, the 24-second clock shallnot function following a changeof possession.i. If an official inadvertently blows hiswhistle and the 24-second clock buzzersounds while the ball is in the air, playshall be suspended and play resumed bya jump ball between any two opponentsat the center circle, if the shot hits therim and is unsuccessful. If the shot doesnot hit the rim, a 24-second violationhas occurred. If the shot is successful,the goal shall count and the ballinbounded as after any successful fieldgoal. It should be noted that eventhough the official blows his whistle, allprovisions of the above rule apply.j. If there is a question whether or notan attempt to score has been madewithin the 24 seconds allowed, the finaldecision shall be made by the officials.k. Whenever the 24-second clock reads0 and the ball is dead for any reasonother than a defensive three-secondviolation, kicking violation, punched ballviolation, personal foul or a technicalfoul by the defensive team, a 24-secondviolation has occurred.

Section III—Putting Ball In PlayAfter ViolationIf a team fails to attempt a field goalwithin the time allotted, a 24-secondviolation shall be called.The ball isawarded to the defensive team at thesideline, nearest the spot where playwas suspended but no nearer to thebaseline than the free throw lineextended.

Section IV—Resetting 24-SecondClocka. The 24-second clock shall be resetwhen a special situation occurs whichwarrants such action.

b. The 24-second clock is never reseton technical fouls and/or delay-of-gamewarnings called on the offensive team.c. The 24-second clock shall be resetto 24 seconds anytime the followingoccurs:(1) Change of possession(2) Ball from the playing courtcontacting the basket ring of the teamwhich is in possession(3) Personal foul where ball is beinginbounded in backcourt(4) Violation where ball is beinginbounded in backcourt(5) Jump balls which are not the resultof a held ball caused by the defense(6) All flagrant and punching foulsd. The 24-second clock shall remain thesame as when play was interrupted orreset to 14 seconds, whichever isgreater, anytime the following occurs:(1) Personal foul by the defense whereball is being inbounded in frontcourt(2) Defensive three-second violation(3) Technical fouls and/or delay-of-gamewarnings on the defensive team (4) Kicked or punched ball by thedefensive team with the ball beinginbounded in the offensive team’sfrontcourt(5) Infection control(6) Jump balls retained by the offensiveteam as the result of any violation bythe defensive team during a jump ballwhich results in a frontcourt throw-in.e. The 24-second clock shall remain thesame as when play was interrupted orreset to 5 seconds, whichever is greater,any time on jump balls retained by theoffensive team as the result of a heldball caused by the defense.

RULE NO. 8OUT-OF-BOUNDS AND THROW-INSection I—PlayerThe player is out-of-bounds when hetouches the floor or any object on oroutside a boundary. For location of a

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player in the air, his position is that fromwhich he last touched the floor.Section II—Balla. The ball is out-of-bounds when ittouches a player who is out-of-boundsor any other person, the floor, or anyobject on, above or outside of aboundary or the supports or back ofthe backboard.b. Any ball that rebounds or passesdirectly behind the backboard, in eitherdirection, from any point is consideredout-of-bounds.c. The ball is caused to go out-of-bounds by the last player to touch itbefore it goes out, provided it is out-of-bounds because of touching somethingother than a player. If the ball is out-of-bounds because of touching a playerwho is on or outside a boundary, suchplayer caused it to go out.d. If the ball goes out-of-bounds andwas last touched simultaneously by twoopponents, both of whom are inboundsor out-of-bounds, or if the official is indoubt as to who last touched the ball,or if the officials disagree, play shall beresumed by a jump ball between thetwo involved players in the nearestrestraining circle.e. After the ball is out-of-bounds, theteam shall designate a player to makethe throw-in. He shall make thethrow-in at the spot out-of-boundsnearest where the ball crossed theboundary.The designated thrower-inshall not be changed unless the offensiveteam makes a substitution or there is aregular or 20-second timeout.f. If the ball is interfered with by anopponent seated on the bench orstanding on the sideline (Rule 12A—Section II—a[7]), it shall be awarded tothe offended team out-of-boundsnearest the spot of the violation.

Section III—The Throw-Ina. The throw-in starts when the ball isat the disposal of a player entitled to

the throw-in. He shall release the ballinbounds within 5 seconds from thetime the throw-in starts. Until thepassed ball has crossed the plane of theboundary, no player shall have any partof his person over the boundary lineand teammates shall not occupypositions parallel or adjacent to thebaseline if an opponent desires one ofthose positions.The defensive man shallhave the right to be between his manand the basket.b. On a throw-in which goes out ofbounds and is not touched by a playerin the game, the ball is returned to theoriginal throw-in spot.c. After a score, field goal or free throw,the latter coming as the result of apersonal foul, any player of the team notcredited with the score shall put theball into play from any point out-of-bounds at the endline of the courtwhere the point(s) were scored. He maypass the ball to a teammate behind theendline; however, the five-secondthrow-in rule applies.d. After a free throw violation by theshooter or his teammate, the throw-inis made from out-of-bounds at eitherend of the free throw line extended.e. Any ball out-of-bounds in a team’sfrontcourt or at the midcourt line cannot be passed into the backcourt.On all backcourt and midcourtviolations, the ball shall be awarded tothe opposing team at the midcourt line,and must be passed into the frontcourt.EXCEPTION: During the last twominutes of the fourth period and/or anyovertime period, the ball may be passedanywhere (frontcourt or backcourt) onthe court.f. A throw-in which touches the floor, orany object on or outside the boundaryline, or touches anything above theplaying surface is a violation.The ballmust be thrown directly inbounds.EXCEPTION: Rule 8—Section III—c.PENALTY:Violation of this rule is loss of

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possession, and the ball must beinbounded at the previous spot of thethrow-in.

RULE NO. 9FREE THROWS ANDPENALTIESSection I—Positions and Violationsa. When a free throw is awarded, anofficial shall put the ball in play byplacing it at the disposal of the freethrow shooter.The shooter shall beabove the free throw line and within theupper half of the free throw circle. Heshall attempt the free throw within 10seconds in such a way that the ballenters the basket or touches the ring.PENALTY: If there is a violation and thefree throw attempt is to remain in play,the opposing team shall inbound oneither sideline at the free throw lineextended. If both teams commit aviolation during this free throw, a jumpball shall be administered at midcourtbetween any two opponents in thegame. If the opponent’s violation isdisconcertion, then a substitute freethrow shall be awarded. If there is aviolation and the free throw attempt isnot to remain in play, then play willcontinue from that point. If an opponentalso commits a violation (doubleviolation), then play will also continuefrom that point. If the opponent’sviolation is disconcertion, then asubstitute free throw shall be awarded.b. The free throw shooter may not stepover the plane of the free throw lineuntil the ball touches the basket ring,backboard or the free throw ends.PENALTY:This is a violation by theshooter on all free throw attempts andno point can be scored. If there is aviolation and the free throw attempt isto remain in play, the opposing teamshall inbound on either sideline at thefree throw line extended. If both teamscommit a violation during this freethrow, a jump ball shall be administered

at midcourt between any twoopponents in the game. If there is aviolation and the free throw attempt isnot to remain in play, then play willcontinue from that point. If an opponentalso commits a violation (doubleviolation), then play will also continuefrom that point.c. The free throw shooter shall notpurposely fake a free throw attempt.PENALTY:This is a violation by theshooter on all free throw attempts anda double violation should not be calledif an opponent violates any free throwrules. If the free throw attempt is toremain in play, the opposing team shallinbound on either sideline at the freethrow line extended. If the free throwattempt is not to remain in play, thenplay will continue from that point.d. During a free throw attempt for apersonal foul, each of the spaces nearestthe end-line must be occupied by anopponent of the free throw shooter.Teammates of the free throw shootermust occupy the next adjacent spaceson each side. Only one of the thirdspaces may be occupied by an opponentof the free throw shooter. It is notmandatory that either of the thirdspaces be occupied by an opponent butmay not be occupied by a teammate. Ifthere is a discrepancy, teammates of thefree throw shooter will occupy thespaces first. Players occupying lanespaces may not be touching the lane lineor floor inside the line when the ball isreleased by the shooter.They may notvacate their lane space more than 3’from the lane line before the ball isreleased. Players not occupying lanespaces must remain on the court behindthe three point line and may not betouching the line or floor inside the linewhen the ball is released.PENALTY: If the free throw attempt isto remain in play and a teammate of theshooter violates, no point can be scoredand the opposing team will inbound on

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either sideline at the free throw lineextended. If an opponent violates, theshooter shall receive a substitute freethrow if his attempt is unsuccessful butshall be ignored if the attempt issuccessful. If a teammate and opponentboth violate, a jump ball shall beadministered at midcourt between anytwo opponents in the game. If the freethrow attempt is not to remain in play,no violation can occur regardless ofwhich player or players violate since noadvantage is gained unless there is adisconcertion violation by an opponentto which a substitute free throw willbe awarded.e. If the ball is to become dead after thelast free throw attempt, player shall notoccupy positions along the free throwlanes.All players must remain on thecourt behind the three point line abovethe free throw line extended until theball is released.PENALTY: No violations can occurregardless of which player or playersviolate since no advantage is gainedunless there is a disconcertion violationby an opponent to which a substitutefree throw will be awarded.f. During all free throw attempts, noopponent in the game shall disconcertthe shooter once the ball is placed athis disposal.The following are acts ofdisconcertion:(1) raising his arms when positioned onthe lane line on a free throw which willnot remain in play,(2) waving his arms or making a suddenmovement when in the visual field ofthe shooter during any free throwattempt,(3) talking to the free throw shooter ortalking in a loud disruptive mannerduring any free throw attempt.PENALTY: No penalty is assessed if thefree throw is successful. a substitute freethrow will be administered if theattempt is unsuccessful.g. A player shall not touch the ball or

the basket ring when the ball is usingthe basket ring as its lower base nortouch the ball while it is in theimaginary cylinder above the ring aftertouching the basket ring or backboard.PENALTY: If the free throw attempt isto remain in play and a teammate of theshooter violates, no point can be scoredand the opposing team will inbound oneither sideline at the free throw lineextended. If an opponent violates, onepoint shall be scored and play willcontinue as after any successful freethrow with the official administering the throw-in. If the free throw attemptis not to remain in play, no point canbe scored if the violation is by ateammate and the shooter will attempthis next free throw. One point shall bescored if the violation is by an opponentand the shooter will attempt his nextfree throw.h. No player shall touch the ball beforeit touches the basket ring or backboard.PENALTY: If the free throw attempt isto remain in play and a teammate of theshooter violates, no point can be scoredand the opposing team will inbound oneither sideline at the free throw lineextended. If an opponent violates, onepoint shall be scored and an additionalfree throw shall be awarded the sameshooter. If the free throw attempt isnot to remain in play, no point can bescored if the violation is by a teammateand the shooter will attempt his nextfree throw. One point shall be scoredif the violation is by an opponent andthe shooter will attempt his nextfree throw.i. During all free throw attempts, if anofficial suspends play before the freethrow attempt is released, no violationscan occur.

Section II—Shooting of Free Throwa. The free throw(s) awarded because ofa personal foul shall be attempted bythe offended player.

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EXCEPTIONS: (1) If the offended playeris injured or is ejected from the gameand cannot attempt the awarded freethrow(s), the opposing coach shallselect, from his opponent’s bench, thereplacement player.That player willattempt the free throw(s) and theinjured player will not be permitted tore-enter the game.The substitute mustremain in the game until the ball islegally touched by a player on the court.EXCEPTION: Rule 3—Section V—e(2) If the offended player is injured andunable to attempt the awarded freethrow(s) due to any unsportsmanlikeact, his coach may designate any eligiblemember of the squad to attempt thefree throw(s).The injured player will bepermitted to re-enter the game.(3) If the offended player is disqualifiedand unable to attempt the awarded freethrow(s), his coach shall designate aneligible substitute from the bench.Thatsubstitute will attempt the free throw(s)and cannot be removed until the ball islegally touched by a player on the court.EXCEPTION: Rule 3—Section V—e(4) Away from play foul—Rule 12B—Section X-a(1).b. A free throw attempt, personal ortechnical, shall be illegal if an officialdoes not handle the ball and is in thefree throw lane area during the actualattempt.c. If multiple free throws are awarded,all those which remain must beattempted, if the first and/or secondattempt is nullified by an offensiveplayer’s violation.

Section III—Next PlayAfter a successful free throw which isnot followed by another free throw, theball shall be put into play by a throw-in,as after any successful field goal.EXCEPTION:After a free throw for afoul which occurs during a dead ballwhich immediately precedes any period,the ball shall be put into play by the

team entitled to the throw-in in theperiod which follows. (See Rule 6—Section I—b).This includes flagrant andpunching fouls.

RULE NO. 10VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIESSection I—Out-of-Boundsa. A player shall not cause the ball to goout-of-bounds.PENALTY: Loss of ball.The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the boundary line nearest the spot of theviolation.EXCEPTION: On a throw-in which goesout of bounds and is not touched by a player in the game, the ball is returnedto the original throw-in spot.

Section II—Dribblea. A player shall not run with the ballwithout dribbling it.b. A player in control of a dribble whosteps on or outside a boundary line,even though not touching the ball whileon or outside that boundary line, shallnot be allowed to return inbounds andcontinue his dribble. He may not evenbe the first player to touch the ball afterhe has re-established a positioninbounds.c. A player may not dribble a secondtime after he has voluntarily ended hisfirst dribble.d. A player may dribble a second time ifhe lost control of the ball because of:(1) A field goal attempt at his basket,provided the ball touches the backboardor basket ring(2) An opponent touching the ball(3) A pass or fumble which touches hisbackboard, basket ring or is touched byanother player.PENALTY: Loss of ball. Ball is awardedto the opposing team at the sidelinenearest the spot of the violation but nonearer the baseline than the foul lineextended.

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Section III—Thrower-ina. A thrower-in shall not (1) carry theball onto the court; (2) fail to releasethe ball within 5 seconds; (3) touch it onthe court before it has touched anotherplayer; (4) leave the designated throw-inspot; (5) throw the ball so that it entersthe basket before touching anyone onthe court; (6) step on the court overthe boundary line before the ball isreleased; (7) cause the ball to go out-of-bounds without being touched by a play-er in the game; (8) leave the playing sur-face to gain an advantage on a throw-in;(9) hand the ball to a player on thecourt.EXCEPTION:After a field goal or freethrow as a result of a personal foul, thethrower-in may run the end line or passto a teammate behind the end line.b. Once an official recognizes thedesignated player to throw the ball in,there shall be no change of thethrower-in unless the offensive teammakes a substitution, there is a regularor 20-second timeout or a suspensionof play.PENALTY: Loss of ball.The ball isawarded to the opposing team at theoriginal spot of the throw-in.

Section IV—Strike the Balla. A player shall not kick the ball orstrike it with the fist.b. Kicking the ball or striking it withany part of the leg is a violation when itis an intentional act.The ball accidentallystriking the foot, the leg or fist is not aviolation.c. A player may not use any part ofhis leg to intentionally move or securethe ball.PENALTY: (1) If the violation is by theoffense, the ball is awarded to theopposing team at the sideline nearestthe spot of the violation but no nearerto the baseline than the free throw lineextended. (2) If the violation is by thedefense while the ball is in play, the

offensive team retains possession of theball at the sideline nearest the spot ofthe violation but no nearer the baselinethan the foul line extended. (3) If theviolation occurs during a throw-in, theopposing team retains possession at thespot of the original throw-in with allprivileges, if any, remaining.

Section V—Jump Balla. A player shall not violate the jumpball rule (Rule 6—Section VII).b. During a jump ball, a personal foulcommitted prior to either teamobtaining possession, shall be ruled a“loose ball” foul.If the violation or foul occurs prior tothe ball being legally tapped, neither thegame clock or 24-second clock shallbe started.PENALTY: (1) In (a) above, the ball isawarded to the opposing team at thesideline nearest the spot of theviolation. (2) In (a) above, if there is aviolation by each team, or if the officialmakes a bad toss, the toss shall berepeated with the same jumpers. (3) In(b) above, free throws may or may notbe awarded, consistent with whetherthe penalty is in effect (Rule 12B—Section VIII).

Section VI—Offensive Three-Second Rulea. An offensive player shall not remainfor more than three seconds in thatpart of his free throw lane between theendline and extended 4’ (imaginary) offthe court and the farther edge of thefree throw line while the ball is incontrol of his team.b. Allowance may be made for a playerwho, having been in this area for lessthan three seconds, is in the act ofshooting at the end of the third second.Under these conditions, the 3-secondcount is discontinued while hiscontinuous motion is toward the basket.If that continuous motion ceases, the

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previous 3-second count is continued.This is also true if it is imminent theoffensive player will exit this area.c. The 3-second count shall not beginuntil the ball is in control in the offensive team’s frontcourt. No violationcan occur if the ball is batted away by an opponent.PENALTY: Loss of ball.The ball isawarded to the opposing team at thesideline at the free throw line extended.

Section VII—Defensive Three-Second Rulea. The count starts when the offensiveteam is in control of the ball in thefrontcourt.b. Any defensive player, who ispositioned in the 16-foot lane or thearea extending 4 feet past the laneendline, must be actively guarding anopponent within three seconds.Activelyguarding means being within armslength of an offensive player and in aguarding position.c. Any defensive player may play anyoffensive player.The defenders maydouble-team any player.d. The defensive three-second count issuspended when: (1) a player is in theact of shooting, (2) there is a loss ofteam control, (3) the defender is activelyguarding an opponent, (4) the defendercompletely clears the 16-foot lane or(5) it is imminent the defender willbecome legal.e. If the defender is guarding the playerwith the ball, he may be located in the16-foot lane.This defender is notrequired to be in an activelyguarding/arms distance position. Ifanother defender actively guards theplayer with the ball, the originaldefender must actively guard anopponent or exit the 16-foot lane. Oncethe offensive player passes the ball, thedefender must actively guard anopponent or exit the 16-foot lane.PENALTY:A technical foul shall be

assessed.The offensive team retainspossession on the sideline at the freethrow line extended nearest the pointof interruption.The shot clock shallremain the same as when play wasinterrupted or reset to 14 seconds,whichever is greater.If a violation is whistled during asuccessful field goal attempt, theviolation shall be ignored and play shallresume as after any successful basket.

Section VIII—Eight-Second RuleA team shall not be in continuouspossession of a ball which is in itsbackcourt for more than 8 consecutiveseconds.EXCEPTION (1):A new 8 seconds isawarded if the defense: (1) kicks orpunches the ball, (2) is assessed apersonal or technical foul, or (3) isissued a delay of game warning.EXCEPTION (2):A new 8 seconds isawarded if play is suspended toadminister Comments on the Rules—N—Infection Control and all jump balls.PENALTY: Loss of ball.The ball isawarded to the opposing team at themidcourt line.

Section IX—Ball in Backcourta. A player shall not be the first totouch a ball which he or a teammatecaused to go from frontcourt tobackcourt while his team was in controlof the ball.EXCEPTION: Rule 8—Section III—e(EXCEPTION).b. During a jump ball, a try for a goal, ora situation in which a player taps the ballaway from a congested area, as duringrebounding, in an attempt to get the ballout where player control may besecured, the ball is not in control ofeither team. Hence, the restriction onfirst touching does not apply.PENALTY: Loss of ball.The ball is awarded to the opposing team at themidcourt line.

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Section X—Swinging of ElbowsA player shall not be allowed excessiveand/or vigorous swinging of the elbowsin a swinging motion (no contact) whena defensive player is nearby and theoffensive player has the ball.PENALTY: Loss of ball.The ball isawarded to the opposing team at thesideline, nearest the spot of the violationbut no nearer the baseline than the foulline extended. If the violation occurs ona throw-in, the game clock shall not bestarted.

Section XI—Entering Basket From BelowA player shall not cause the ball toenter the basket from below.PENALTY: Loss of ball.The ball isawarded to the opposing team at thesideline, at the free throw line extended.

Section XII—Illegal Assist inScoringa. A player may not assist himself toscore by using any part of the rim, net,backboard or basket support to lift, holdor raise himself.b.A player may not assist a teammate togain height while attempting to score.PENALTY: Loss of ball.The ball isawarded to the opposing team at thefree throw line extended.

Section XIII—Travelinga. A player who receives the ball whilestanding still may pivot, using either footas the pivot foot.b. A player who receives the ball whilehe is progressing or upon completion ofa dribble, may use a two-count rhythmin coming to a stop, passing or shootingthe ball.A player who receives the ballwhile he is progressing may use a two-count rhythm to start his dribble.The first count occurs:(1) As he receives the ball, if either footis touching the floor at the time hereceives it.

(2) As the foot touches the floor, or asboth feet touch the floor simultaneouslyafter he receives the ball, if both feet areoff the floor when he receives it.The second occurs:(1) After the count of one when eitherfoot touches the floor, or both feettouch the floor simultaneously.A player who comes to a stop on thecount of one when both feet are on thefloor or touch the floor simultaneously,may pivot using either foot as his pivot.If he alights with both feet he mustrelease the ball before either foottouches the floor.A player who has one foot on the flooror lands with one foot first to the floor,may only pivot with that foot. Once thatfoot is lifted from the floor it may notreturn until the ball is released.A player who jumps off one foot on thecount of one may land with both feetsimultaneously for count two. In thissituation, the player may not pivot witheither foot and if one or both feet leavethe floor the ball must be releasedbefore either returns to the floor.c. In starting a dribble after (1) receivingthe ball while standing still, or (2)coming to a legal stop, the ball must beout of the player’s hand before the pivotfoot is raised off the floor.d. If a player, with the ball in hispossession, raises his pivot foot off thefloor, he must pass or shoot before hispivot foot returns to the floor. If hedrops the ball while in the air, he maynot be the first to touch the ball.e. A player who falls to the floor whileholding the ball, or while coming toa stop, may not gain an advantageby sliding.f. A player who attempts a field goalmay not be the first to touch the ball ifit fails to touch the backboard, basketring or another player.g. A player may not be the first to touchhis own pass unless the ball toucheshis backboard, basket ring or another

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player.h. Upon ending his dribble or gainingcontrol of the ball, a player may nottouch the floor consecutively with thesame foot (hop).PENALTY: Loss of ball.The ball isawarded to the opposing team at thesideline, nearest spot of the violationbut no nearer the baseline than the foulline extended.

Section XIV—Offensive Screen Set Out-of-BoundsAn offensive player shall not leave theplaying area of the floor on the endlinein the frontcourt for the purpose ofsetting a screen.PENALTY: Loss of ball.The ball isawarded to the opposing team at thesideline at the free throw line extended.

Section XV—Five-Second Back-to-the-Basket ViolationAn offensive player in his frontcourtbelow the free throw line extended shallnot be permitted to dribble with hisback or side to the basket for morethan five seconds.The count ends when (1) the playerpicks up the ball, (2) dribbles above thefree throw line extended or (3) adefensive player deflects the ball away.PENALTY: Loss of ball.The ball isawarded to the opposing team out-of-bounds on the nearest sideline at thefree throw line extended.

RULE NO. 11BASKET INTERFERENCE—GOALTENDINGSection I—A Player Shall Not:a. Touch the ball or the basket ringwhen the ball is using the basket ring asits lower base or hang on the rim whilethe ball is passing through.EXCEPTION: If a player near his ownbasket has his hand legally in contactwith the ball, it is not a violation if hiscontact with the ball continues after the

ball enters the cylinder, or if, in suchaction, he touches the basket.b. Touch the ball when it is above thebasket ring and within the imaginarycylinder.c. During a field goal attempt, touch aball after it has touched any part of thebackboard above ring level, whether theball is considered on its upward ordownward flight.d. During a field goal attempt, touch aball after it has touched the backboardbelow the ring level and while the ball ison its upward flight.e. Trap the ball against the face of thebackboard after it has been released.(To be a trapped ball, three elementsmust exist simultaneously.The hand, theball and the backboard must all occur atthe same time.A batted ball against thebackboard is not a trapped ball.)f. Touch any live ball from within theplaying area that is on its downwardflight with an opportunity to score.Thisis considered to be a “field goalattempt” or trying for a goal.g. Touch the ball at any time with ahand which is through the basket ring.h.Vibrate the rim, net or backboard soas to cause the ball to make an unnatural bounce.i. Touch the rim, net or ball while theball is in the net preventing it fromclearing the basket.PENALTY: If the violation is at theopponent’s basket, the offended team isawarded two points, if the attempt isfrom the two point zone and threepoints if it is from the three point zone.The crediting of the score and subse-quent procedure is the same as if theawarded score has resulted from theball having gone through the basket,except that the official shall hand theball to a player of the team entitled tothe throw-in. If the violation is at ateam’s own basket, no points can bescored and the ball is awarded to theoffended team at the free throw line

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extended on either sideline. If there is aviolation by both teams, play shall beresumed by a jump ball between anytwo opponents at the center circle.

RULE NO. 12—FOULS AND PENALTIESA.Technical FoulSection I—Excessive Timeoutsa. Requests for a timeout in excess ofthe authorized number shall be grantedand a technical foul shall be assessed.Following the timeout and free throwattempt, the ball will be awarded to theteam which shot the free throw andplay shall resume with a throw-innearest the spot where play wasinterrupted.b. If the excessive timeout is grantedprior to free throw attempt(s), therewill be no lineup for the remaining freethrows and play shall resume with athrow-in at the point of interruption bythe team which shot the technical foul.c. If the excessive timeout is grantedprior to a jump ball, the ball shall beawarded to the team shooting thetechnical foul at the point ofinterruption.

Section II—Delay-of-Gamea. (1) Preventing the ball from beingpromptly put into play.(2) Interfering with the ball after asuccessful field goal or free throw.(3) Failing to immediately pass the ballto the nearest official when a personalfoul or violation is assessed.(4) Touching the ball before the throw-inhas been released.(5) A defender crossing the boundaryline prior to the ball being released on athrow-in.(6) A team preventing play fromcommencing at any time.(7) Any player, coach or trainerinterfering with a ball which has crossedthe boundary line(Rule 8—Section II—f).

PENALTY:The first offense is a warning.A technical foul shall be assessed witheach successive offense and charged tothe team.An announcement will bemade by the public address announcer.The 24-second clock shall remain thesame or reset to 14, whichever isgreater, if the violation is assessedagainst the defensive team.The offensiveteam shall be awarded a new 8 secondsto advance the ball if it is in thebackcourt. If repeated acts become atravesty, the head coach shall be notifiedthat he is being held responsible.EXCEPTION (5): In the last twominutes of the fourth period and/or anyovertime period, a technical foul will beassessed if the defender crosses orbreaks the plane of the boundary linewhen an offensive player is in a positionto inbound and prior to the ball beingreleased on a throw-in.

Section III—Substitutionsa. A substitute shall report to theofficial scorer while standing in the“substitution box.”b. A substitute shall not enter onto thecourt until he is beckoned by an official.c. A substitute shall not be allowed tore-enter the game after beingdisqualified.EXCEPTION: Rule 3—Section I—b.d. It is the responsibility of each teamto have the proper number of playerson the court when the ball is alive.Failure to do so will result in atechnical foul being assessed andcharged to the team.EXCEPTION: If the violation occurs on(1) a free throw attempt which is to befollowed by another free throw attempt,or (2) a free throw attempt that is notgoing to remain in play (3) throw-inbefore the ball is released.

Section IV—Basket Ring,Backboard or Supporta. An offensive player who deliberately

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hangs on his basket ring, net, backboardor support during the game shall beassessed a non-unsportsmanliketechnical foul and a $500 fine.b. A defensive player who deliberatelygains or maintains height or hangs onhis opponent’s basket ring, net,backboard or support shall be assesseda non-unsportsmanlike technical foul. Ifhe touches the ball during a field goalattempt, points shall be awardedconsistent with the type of shot.EXCEPTION:An offensive or defensiveplayer may hang on the basket ring,backboard or support to prevent aninjury to himself or another player, withno technical foul assessed.c. Should a defensive player deliberatelyhang on the basket ring, backboard orsupport to successfully touch a ballwhich is in possession of an opponent, anon-unsportsmanlike technical foul shallbe assessed.

Section V—Conducta. An official may assess a technical foul,without prior warning, at any time.Atechnical foul(s) may be assessed to anyplayer on the court or anyone seated onthe bench for conduct which, in theopinion of an official, is detrimental tothe game.The technical foul must becharged to an individual.A technical foulcannot be assessed for physical contactwhen the ball is alive.EXCEPTION: Fighting fouls and/ortaunting with physical contact.b. A maximum of two technicals forunsportsmanlike acts may be assessedany player, coach or trainer.Any of theseoffenders may be ejected for committingonly one unsportsmanlike act, and theymust be ejected for committing twounsportsmanlike acts.c. A technical foul called for (1) delay ofgame, (2) coaches box violations, (3)defensive 3-seconds, (4) having a teamtotal of less or more than five playerswhen the ball is alive, or (5) a player

hanging on the basket ring or backboardis not considered an act ofunsportsmanlike conduct.d. A technical foul shall be assessed forunsportsmanlike tactics such as:(1) Disrespectfully addressing an official(2) Physically contacting an official(3) Overt actions indicating resentmentto a call(4) Use of profanity(5) A coach entering onto the courtwithout permission of an official(6) A deliberately-thrown elbow or anyattempted physical act with no contactinvolved(7) Tauntinge. Cursing or blaspheming an officialshall not be considered the only causefor imposing technical fouls. Runningtirades, continuous criticism or gripingmay be sufficient cause to assess atechnical. Excessive misconduct shallresult in ejection from the game.f. Assessment of a technical foul shall beavoided whenever and whereverpossible; but, when necessary they areto be assessed without delay orprocrastination. Once a player has beenejected or the game is over, technicalscannot be assessed regardless of theprovocation.Any additionalunsportsmanlike conduct shall bereported by E-mail immediately to theBasketball Operations Department.g. If a technical foul is assessed to ateam following a personal foul on thesame team, the free throw attemptfor the technical foul shall beadministered first.h. The ball shall be awarded to the teamwhich had possession at the time thetechnical foul was assessed, whether thefree throw attempt is successful or not.Play shall be resumed by a throw-innearest the spot where play wasinterrupted.EXCEPTION: Rule 12A—Section I.i. Anyone guilty of illegal contact whichoccurs during a dead ball may be

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assessed (1) a technical foul, if thecontact is deemed to beunsportsmanlike in nature, or (2) aflagrant foul, if unnecessary and/orexcessive contact occurs.j. Free throws awarded for a technicalfoul must be attempted by a player inthe game when the technical foul isassessed.(1) If a substitute has been beckonedinto the game or has been recognizedby the officials as being in the gameprior to a technical foul being assessed,he is eligible to attempt the freethrow(s).(2) If the technical foul is assessedbefore the opening tap, any player listedin the scorebook as a starter is eligibleto attempt the free throw(s).(3) If a technical foul is assessed beforethe starting lineup is indicated, anyplayer on the squad may attempt thefree throw(s).k. A technical foul, unsportsmanlike actor flagrant foul must be called for aparticipant to be ejected.A player, coachor trainer may be ejected for:(1) An elbow foul which makes contactshoulder level or below(2) Any unsportsmanlike conduct wherea technical foul is assessed(3) A flagrant foul where unnecessaryand/or excessive contact occursEXCEPTION: Rule 12A—Section V—l(5)l. A player, coach or trainer must beejected for:(1) A punching foul(2) A fighting foul(3) An elbow foul which makes contactabove shoulder level(4) An attempted punch which does notmake contact(5) Deliberately entering the standsother than as a continuance of playm. Eye guarding (placing a hand in frontof the opponent’s eyes when guardingfrom the rear) a player who does nothave possession of the ball is illegal andan unsportsmanlike technical shall be

assessed.n. A free throw attempt is awardedwhen one technical foul is assessed.o. No free throw attempts are awardedwhen a double technical foul is assessed.Technical fouls assessed to opposingteams during the same dead ball andprior to the administering of any freethrow attempt for the first technicalfoul, shall be interpreted as a doubletechnical foul.p. The deliberate act of throwing theball or any object at an official by aplayer, coach or trainer is a technicalfoul and violators are subject to ejectionfrom the game.q. Elbow fouls, which make contactabove shoulder level, and punching fouls,although recorded as both personal andteam fouls, are unsportsmanlike acts.The player will be ejected immediately.

Section VI—Fighting Foulsa. Technical fouls shall be assessedplayers, coaches or trainers for fighting.No free throws will be attempted.Theparticipants will be ejected immediately.b. This rule applies whether play is inprogress or the ball is dead.c. If a fighting foul occurs with a team inpossession of the ball, that team willretain possession on the sideline nearestthe spot where play was interrupted butno nearer to the baseline than the freethrow line extended.d. If a fighting foul occurs with neitherteam in possession, play will be resumedwith a jump ball between any twoopponents who were in the game at thecenter circle.e. A fine not exceeding $35,000 and/orsuspension may be imposed upon suchperson(s) by the Commissioner at hissole discretion.

Section VII—Finesa. Recipients of technical fouls forunsportsmanlike conduct will beassessed a $500 fine for the first

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offense, and an additional $500 for thesecond offense in any one given game,for a minimum total of $1,000. If aplayer is ejected on (1) the firsttechnical foul for unsportsmanlikeconduct, (2) a punching foul,(3) a fighting foul, (4) an elbow foul, or(5) a flagrant foul, he shall be fined aminimum of $1,000.b. Whether or not said player(s) isejected, a fine not exceeding $35,000and/or suspension may be imposedupon such player(s) by theCommissioner at his sole discretion.c. During an altercation, all players notparticipating in the game must remain inthe immediate vicinity of their bench.Violators will be suspended, without pay,for a minimum of one game and finedup to $35,000.The suspensions will commence priorto the start of their next game.A team must have a minimum of eightplayers dressed and ready to play inevery game.If five or more players leave the bench,the players will serve their suspensionsalphabetically, according to the firstletters of their last name.If seven bench players are suspended(assuming no participants are included),four of them would be suspended forthe first game following the altercation.The remaining three would besuspended for the second gamefollowing the altercation.d. A player, coach or assistant coach,upon being notified by an official that hehas been ejected from the game, mustleave the playing area IMMEDIATELYand remain in the dressing room of histeam during such suspension untilcompletion of the game or leave thebuilding.Violation of this rule shall callfor an automatic fine of $500.A fine notto exceed $35,000 and possibleforfeiture of the game may be imposedfor any violation of this rule.e. Any player who in the opinion of the

officials has deliberately hung on thebasket ring shall be assessed anon-unsportsmanlike technical fouland a fine of $500.EXCEPTION:An offensive or defensiveplayer may hang on the basket ring,backboard or support to prevent aninjury to himself or another player, withno penalty.f. At halftime and the end of each game,the coach and his players are to leavethe court and go directly to theirdressing room, without pause or delay.There is to be absolutely no talking togame officials.PENALTY—$500 fine to be doubled forany additional violation.g. A $500 fine shall be assessed to anyplayer(s) hanging on the rim duringpre-game warm-up. Officials shall bepresent during warm-up to observeviolations.h. Any player who is assessed a flagrantfoul—penalty (2) must be ejected andwill be fined a minimum of $1,000.Theincident will be reported to theBasketball Operations Department.

B. Personal FoulSection I—Typesa. A player shall not hold, push, chargeinto, impede the progress of anopponent by extending a hand, forearm,leg or knee or by bending the body intoa position that is not normal. Contactthat results in the re-routing of anopponent is a foul which must be calledimmediately.b. Contact initiated by the defensiveplayer guarding a player with the ball isnot legal.This contact includes, but isnot limited to, forearm, hands, or bodycheck.EXCEPTIONS:(1) A defender may apply contact with aforearm to an offensive player with theball who has his back to the basketbelow the free throw line extendedoutside the Lower Defensive Box.

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(2) A defender may apply contact with aforearm and/or one hand with a bentelbow to an offensive player in a post-upposition with the ball in the LowerDefensive Box.(3) A defender may apply contact with aforearm to an offensive player with theball at any time in the Lower DefensiveBox.The forearm in the above exceptions issolely for the purpose of maintaining adefensive position.(4) A defender may position his legbetween the legs of an offensive playerin a post-up position in the LowerDefensive Box for the purpose ofmaintaining defensive position. If his footleaves the floor in an attempt todislodge his opponent, it is a foulimmediately.(5) Incidental contact with the handagainst an offensive player shall beignored if it does not affect the player’sspeed, quickness, balance and/or rhythm.c. Any player whose actions against anopponent cause illegal contact with yetanother opponent has committed thepersonal foul.d. A personal foul committed by theoffensive team during a throw-in shall bean offensive foul, regardless of whetherthe ball has been released.e. Contact which occurs on the hand ofthe offensive player, while that hand is incontact with the ball, is legal.EXCEPTION: Flagrant, elbow andpunching fouls.PENALTIES:The offender is chargedwith a personal foul.The offended teamis charged with a team foul if the illegalcontact was caused by the defender.There is no team foul if there arepersonal fouls on one member of eachteam or the personal foul is against anoffensive player.The offended team isawarded:(1) the ball out-of-bounds on thesideline at the nearest spot where playwas interrupted but no nearer to the

baseline than the free throw lineextended if an offensive foul is assessed.(2) the ball out-of-bounds on thesideline where play was interrupted butno nearer to the baseline than the freethrow line extended if the personal foulis on the defender and if the penaltysituation is not in effect.(3) one free throw attempt if thepersonal foul is on the defender andthere is a successful field goal or freethrow on the play.(4) two/three free throw attempts if thepersonal foul is on the defender and theoffensive player is in the act of shootingan unsuccessful field goal.(5) one free throw attempt plus apenalty free throw attempt if thepersonal foul is on the defender and theoffensive player is not in the act ofattempting a field goal if the penaltysituation is in effect.(6) one free throw attempt andpossession of the ball on the sidelinenearest the spot where play wasinterrupted if an offensive player, or ateammate, is fouled while having aclear-path-to-the-basket.The ball and anoffensive player must be positionedbetween the tip-of-circle extended inthe backcourt and the basket in thefrontcourt, with no defender betweenthe ball and the basket when thepersonal foul occurs.There must beteam control and the new play mustoriginate in the backcourt, includingthrow-ins, and the offended team mustbe deprived of an opportunity to scorean uncontested basket.(7) two free throw attempts if thepersonal foul is for illegal contact withan elbow.The elbow foul may beassessed whether the ball is dead oralive. Free throw attempts are awardedwhether the ball is dead, alive, loose oraway-from-the-play in the last twominutes of regulation or overtime(s).Contact must occur for an elbow foulto be assessed. It is an unsportsmanlike

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act whether or not there is contact.(See Rule 12A—Section V—d(6) fornon-contact.)If the deliberate elbow contact is aboveshoulder level, the player will be ejected.If the elbow contact is shoulder level orbelow, the player may be ejected at thediscretion of the official.In all of these situations, the official hasthe discretion of assessing a flagrant foul(1) or (2).(8) two free throw attempts if apersonal foul is committed by adefender prior to the ball being releasedon a throw-in.EXCEPTION: Rule 12B—Section X.(9) two free throw attempts if apersonal foul is committed against anoffensive player without the ball whenhis team has at least a one-manadvantage on a fast break and thedefensive player takes a foul to stop play.

Section II—By Dribblera. A dribbler shall not (1) charge into anopponent who has established a legalguarding position, or (2) attempt todribble between two opponents, or (3)attempt to dribble between anopponent and a boundary, wheresufficient space is not available for illegalcontact to be avoided.b. If a defender is able to establish alegal position in the straight line path ofthe dribbler, the dribbler must avoidcontact by changing direction or endinghis dribble.c. The dribbler must be in control of hisbody at all times. If illegal contactoccurs, the responsibility is on thedribbler.PENALTY:The offender is assessed anoffensive foul.There is no team foul.Theball is awarded to the offended team onthe sideline nearest the spot where playwas interrupted but no nearer to thebaseline than the free throw lineextended.EXCEPTION: Rule 3—Section I—a.

d. If a dribbler has sufficient space tohave his head and shoulders in advanceof his defender, the responsibility forillegal contact is on the defender.e. If a dribbler has established a straightline path, a defender may not crowd himout of that path.PENALTY:The defender shall beassessed a personal foul and a teamfoul. If the penalty is not in effect, theoffended team is awarded the ball onthe sideline nearest the spot where playwas interrupted but no nearer to thebaseline than the free throw lineextended. If the penalty is in effect, onefree throw attempt plus a penalty freethrow attempt is awarded.

Section III—By ScreeningA player who sets a screen shall not (1)assume a position nearer than a normalstep from an opponent, if that opponentis stationary and unaware of thescreener’s position, or (2) make illegalcontact with an opponent when heassumes a position at the side or frontof an opponent, or (3) assume aposition so near to a moving opponentthat illegal contact cannot be avoided bythe opponent without changingdirection or stopping, or (4) movelaterally or toward an opponent beingscreened, after having assumed a legalposition.The screener may move in thesame direction and path of theopponent being screened.In (3) above, the speed of the opponentbeing screened will determine what thescreener’s stationary position may be.This position will vary and may be oneto two normal steps or strides fromhis opponent.

Section IV—Flagrant Foula. If contact committed against a player,with or without the ball, is interpretedto be unnecessary, a flagrant foul—penalty (1) will be assessed.A personalfoul is charged to the offender and a

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team foul is charged to the team.PENALTY: (1) Two free throws shall beattempted and the ball awarded to theoffended team on either side of thecourt at the free throw line extended.(2) If the offended player is injured andunable to attempt his free throws, theopposing coach will select any playerfrom the bench to attempt the freethrows. (3) This substitute may not bereplaced until the ball is legally touchedby a player on the court. (EXCEPTION:Rule 3—Section V—e.) (4) The injuredplayer may not return to the game. (5) Aplayer will be ejected if he commits twoflagrant fouls in the same game.b. If contact committed against a player,with or without the ball, is interpretedto be unnecessary and excessive, aflagrant foul—penalty (2) will beassessed.A personal foul is charged tothe offender and a team foul is chargedto the team.PENALTY: (1) Two free throws shall beattempted and the ball awarded to theoffended team on either side of thecourt at the free throw line extended.(2) If the offended player is injured andunable to attempt his free throws, hiscoach will select a substitute and anyplayer from the team is eligible toattempt the free throws. (3) Thissubstitute may not be replaced until theball is legally touched by a player on thecourt.EXCEPTION: Rule 3—Section V—e. (4)The injured player may return to thegame at any time after the free throwsare attempted. (5) This is anunsportsmanlike act and the offenderis ejected.c. A flagrant foul may be assessedwhether the ball is dead or alive.

Section V—Free Throw PenaltySituationsa. Each team is limited to four teamfouls per regulation period withoutadditional penalties. Common fouls

charged as team fouls, in excess of four,will be penalized by one free throwattempt plus a penalty free throwattempt.(1) The first four common foulscommitted by a team in any regulationperiod shall result in the ball beingawarded to the opposing team on thesideline nearest where play wasinterrupted.The ball shall be awarded nonearer to the baseline than the freethrow line extended.(2) The first three common foulscommitted by a team in any overtimeperiod, shall result in the ball beingawarded to the opposing team on thesideline nearest where play wasinterrupted.The ball shall be awarded nonearer to the baseline than the freethrow line extended.(3) If a team has not committed itsquota of four team fouls during the firstten minutes of any regulation period, orits quota of three team fouls during thefirst three minutes of any overtimeperiod, it shall be permitted to incurone team foul during the last twominutes without penalty.(4) During any overtime period,common fouls charged as team fouls inexcess of three, will be penalized by onefree throw plus a penalty free throwattempt.(5) Personal fouls which are flagrant,punching, elbowing, away-from-the-play,or clear-path-to-the-basket will carrytheir own separate penalties and areincluded in the team foul total.(6) Personal fouls committed during asuccessful field goal or free throwattempt, which result in one free throwattempt being awarded, will not resultin an additional free throw attempt ifthe penalty situation exists.b. A maximum of three points may bescored by the same team on asuccessful two-point field goal attempt.c. A maximum of four points may bescored by the same team on a

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successful three-point field goal attempt.

Section VI—Double Foulsa. No free throw attempts will beawarded on double fouls, whether theyare personal or technical.b. Double personal fouls shall add to aplayer’s total, but not to the team total.c. If a double foul occurs, the team inpossession of the ball at the time of thecall shall retain possession. Play isresumed on the sideline, nearest thepoint where play was interrupted but nonearer to the baseline than the freethrow line extended.The 24-secondclock is reset to 24 seconds if the ballis to be inbounded in the team’sbackcourt or stay the same or reset to14, whichever is greater, if the ball is tobe inbounded in the frontcourt.d. If a double foul occurs with neitherteam in possession, or when the ball isin the air on an unsuccessful field goalor free throw attempt, play will beresumed with a jump ball at the centercircle between any two opponents inthe game at that time. If injury, ejectionor disqualification makes it necessary forany player to be replaced, no substitutemay participate in the jump ball.Thejumper shall be selected from one ofthe remaining players in the game.e. If a double foul occurs on asuccessful field goal or free throwattempt, the team that has been scoredupon will inbound the ball at thebaseline as after any other score.f. If a double foul occurs as a result of adifference in opinion by the officials, nopoints can be scored and play shallresume with a jump ball at the centercircle between any two opponents inthe game at that time. No substitutemay participate in the jump ball.

Section VII—Offensive Foulsa. A personal foul assessed against anoffensive player which is neither anelbow, punching or flagrant shall be

penalized in the following manner:(1) No points can be scored by theoffensive team(2) The offending player is charged witha personal foul(3) The offending team is not chargedwith a team foulEXCEPTION: Rule 3—Section I—a. Nopenalty free throws are awarded.(4) The ball is awarded to the offendedteam out-of-bounds on the sideline atthe nearest spot where play wasinterrupted but no nearer the baselinethan the free throw line extended.b. A personal foul assessed againstan offensive players which is elbow,punching or flagrant shall be penalizedin the following manner:(1) No points can be scored by theoffensive team(2) The offending player is charged witha personal foul(3) The offending team is charged with ateam foul(4) Free throws are awarded consistentwith the type of foul committed(5) The ball would be put in playconsistent with the foul committed

Section VIII—Loose Ball Foulsa. A personal foul, which is neither apunching, flagrant or an elbow foul,committed while there is no teamcontrol shall be administered in thefollowing manner:(1) Offending team is charged with ateam foul(2) Offending player is charged with apersonal foul(3) Offended team will be awardedpossession at the sideline, nearest thespot where play was interrupted but nonearer the baseline than the foul lineextended, if no penalty exists(4) Offended player is awarded one freethrow attempt plus a penalty free throwattempt if the offending team is in apenalty situationb. If a “loose ball” foul called against the

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defensive team is then followed by asuccessful field goal, one free throwattempt will be awarded to the offendedplayer, allowing for the three point orfour point play.This interpretation applies:(1) Regardless of which offensive playeris fouled(2) Whether or not the penalty situationexists.The ball can never be awarded tothe scoring team out-of-boundsfollowing a personal foul which occurson the same playc. If a “loose ball” foul called againstthe defensive team is followed by asuccessful free throw, one free throwwill be awarded to the offended playerwhether or not the penalty is in effect.d. If a “loose ball” foul called againstthe offensive team is then followed bya successful field goal attempt by thesame offensive player, no points maybe scored.

Section IX—Punching Foulsa Illegal contact called on a player forpunching is a personal foul and a teamfoul. One free throw attempt shall beawarded, regardless of the number ofprevious fouls in the period.The ballshall be awarded to the offended teamout-of-bounds on either side of thecourt at the free throw line extendedwhether the free throw is successful orunsuccessful.b. Any player who throws a punch,whether it connects or not, hascommitted an unsportsmanlike act. Hewill be ejected immediately andsuspended for a minimum of one game.c. This rule applies whether play is inprogress or the ball is dead.d. In the case where one punching foulis followed by another, all aspects of therule are applied in both cases, and theteam last offended is awardedpossession on the sideline at the freethrow line extended in the frontcourt.e. A fine not exceeding $35,000 and/or

suspension may be imposed upon suchplayer(s) by the Commissioner at hissole discretion.

Section X—Away-From-The-Play Foula. During the last two minutes of thefourth period or overtime period(s)with the offensive team in possession ofthe ball, all personal fouls which areassessed against the defensive teamprior to the ball being released on athrow-in and/or away-from-the-play, shallbe administered as follows:(1) A personal foul and team foul shallbe assessed and one free throw attemptshall be awarded.The free throw may beattempted by any player in the game atthe time the personal foul wascommitted.(2) If the foul occurs when the ball isinbounds, the offended team shall beawarded the ball at the nearest pointwhere play was interrupted but nonearer to the baseline than the freethrow line extended.(3) If the foul occurs prior to therelease on a throw-in, the offendedteam shall be awarded the ball at theoriginal throw-in spot, with all privileges,if any, remaining.EXCEPTION: Rule 12-B—Section Xb and c.b. In the event that the personal foulcommitted is an elbow foul, the playshall be administered as follows:(1) A personal foul and team foul shallbe assessed and the free throw shootershall be awarded two free throwattempts.The free throw(s) may beattempted by any player in the game atthe time the personal foul wascommitted.(2) In the event that the offended playeris unable to participate in the game, thefree throw shooter may be selected byhis coach from any eligible player on theteam.Any substitute must remain in thegame until the ball is legally touched by

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a player on the court.EXCEPTION: Rule 3—Section V—e.(3) The offended team shall be awardedthe ball at the nearest point where playwas interrupted with all privilegesremaining.c. In the event that the personal foulcommitted is a flagrant foul, the playshall be administered as follows:(1) A personal foul and team foul shallbe assessed and the free throw shootershall be awarded two free throwattempts.The free throws may beattempted by any player in the game atthe time the flagrant foul wascommitted.(2) If a flagrant foul—penalty (1) isassessed and the offended player isunable to participate in the game, thesubstitute will be selected by his coach.The two free throws may be attemptedby any of the four remaining players inthe game.The ball will be awarded tothe offended team at the free throw lineextended in the frontcourt.The injuredplayer may return to the game.(3) If a flagrant foul—penalty (2) isassessed and the offended player isunable to participate in the game, thesubstitute will be selected by his coach.The two free throws may be attemptedby the substitute or any of the fourremaining players in the game.The ballwill be awarded to the offended team atthe free throw line extended in thefrontcourt.The injured player mayreturn to the game.

RULE NO. 13INSTANT REPLAYSection I—Instant Replay ReviewTriggersa. Instant replay would be triggeredautomatically in the following situations:(1) A field goal made with no timeremaining on the clock (0:00) at the endof the fourth period or any overtimeperiod that, if scored, would affect orpotentially could affect, the outcome of

the game.(2) A field goal made with no timeremaining on the clock (0:00) at the endof the first, second and third periods.(3) A foul called with no time remainingon the clock (0:00) at the end of thefourth period or any overtime period,provided that it could affect theoutcome of the game.(4) A foul called with no time remainingon the clock (0:00) at the end of thefirst, second or third periods.b. Instant replay would NOT be used tocheck a successful basket in 1 and 2above if the throw-in, free throwattempt or jump ball started with .2 or.1 on the game clock.The officials willjudge the legality of the basket in thesesituations based on the guidelines as setforth in Comments on the Rules L.

Section II—Reviewable Mattersa. If an instant replay review is triggeredas described in Section I—a (1) and (2)above, the officials would review thetape to determine only the followingissues:(1) Whether time on the game clockexpired before the ball left theshooter’s hand.(2) If the shot was timely, whether thesuccessful field goal was scoredcorrectly as a two-point or three-pointfield goal.(3) If the shot was timely, whether theshooter committed a boundary lineviolation. For purposes of this review,the official would look only at theposition of the shooter’s feet at themoment they last touched the floorimmediately prior to (or, if applicable,during) the release of the shot.(4) Whether the 24-second clockexpired before the ball left the shooter’shand.(5) Whether an 8-second backcourtviolation occurred before the ball leftthe shooter’s hand.(6) Whether a called foul that is not

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committed on or by a player in the actof shooting occurred prior to theexpiration on the game clock. For acalled foul that is committed on or by aplayer in the act of shooting, where theshooter releases the ball prior toexpiration of time on the game clock,the foul should be administeredregardless of whether it occurred priorto or after the expiration of time.b. If an instant replay review istriggered as described in Section I—a(3) and (4) above, the officials wouldreview the tape to determine only thefollowing issue:(1) Whether the called foul occurredprior to the expiration of time on thegame clock.NOTE:The officials would be permittedto utilize instant replay to determinewhether (and how much) time shouldbe put on the game clock but only whenit is determined through replay that(i) the shooter committed a boundaryline violation, (ii) a 24-second violationoccurred, (iii) an 8-second backcourtviolation occurred, or (iv) a called fouloccurred prior to the expiration of timeon the game clock.Section III—Replay Review Processa. All replay reviews would beconducted by the officials as a crewafter gathering as much information aspossible. In cases of conflict, the crewchief would make the final decision.b. The call made by the game officialsduring play would be reversed onlywhen the replay provides the officialswith “clear and conclusive” visualevidence to do so.

COMMENTS ON THE RULESI. Guides for Administration andApplication of the Rules Each official should have a definite andclear conception of his/her overallresponsibilities. It is essential for themto know, understand and implement therules as intended. If all officials possess

the same conception there will be aguaranteed uniformity in theadministration of all contests.The restrictions placed upon the playerby the rules are intended to create abalance of play, equal opportunity forthe defense and the offense, providereasonable safety and protection for allplayers and emphasize cleverness andskill without unduly limiting freedom ofaction of player or team.The purpose of penalties is tocompensate a player who has beenplaced at a disadvantage through anillegal act of an opponent and torestrain players from committing actswhich, if ignored, might lead toroughness even though they do notaffect the immediate play.To implementthis philosophy, there are times during agame where “degrees of certainty” arenecessary to determine a foul duringphysical contact.This practice may benecessary throughout the game with ahigher degree implemented duringimpact times when the intensity is risen,especially nearing the end of a game.

II. Basic PrinciplesA. CONTACT SITUATIONS1. Incidental ContactThe mere fact that contact occurs doesnot necessarily constitute a foul.Contact which is incidental to an effortby a player to play an opponent, reach aloose ball, or perform normal defensiveor offensive movements, should not beconsidered illegal. If, however, a playerattempts to play an opponent from aposition where he has no reasonablechance to perform without makingcontact with his opponent, theresponsibility is on the player in thisposition.The hand is considered “part of the ball”when it is in contact with the ball.Therefore, contact on that hand by adefender while it is in contact with theball is not illegal.

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2. Guarding an OpponentIn all guarding situations, a player isentitled to any spot on the court hedesires, provided he legally gets to thatspot first and without contact with anopponent. If a defensive or offensiveplayer has established a position on thefloor and his opponent initiates contactthat results in the dislodging of theopponent, a foul should be calledIMMEDIATELY.During all throw-ins, the defensiveplayer(s) must be allowed to take aposition between his man and the basket.A player may continue to move aftergaining a guarding position in the path ofan opponent provided he is not movingdirectly or obliquely toward hisopponent when contact occurs.A playeris never permitted to move into thepath of an opponent after the opponenthas jumped into the air.A player who extends a hand, forearm,shoulder, hip or leg into the path of anopponent and thereby causes contact isnot considered to have a legal positionin the path of an opponent.A player is entitled to a vertical positioneven to the extent of holding his armsabove his shoulders, as in post play orwhen double-teaming in pressing tactics.Any player who conforms to the aboveis absolved from responsibility for anycontact by an opponent which maydislodge or tend to dislodge such playerfrom the position which he has attainedand is maintaining legally. If contactoccurs, the official must decide whetherthe contact is incidental or a foul hasbeen committed.

3. ScreeningWhen a player screens in front of or atthe side of a stationary opponent, hemay be as close as he desires providinghe does not make contact. His oppo-nent can see him and, therefore, isexpected to detour around the screen.If he screens behind a stationary

opponent, the opponent must be able totake a normal step backward withoutcontact. Because the opponent is notexpected to see a screener behind him,the player screened is given latitude ofmovement.The defender must be givenan opportunity to change direction andavoid contact with the screener.To screen a moving opponent, the playermust stop soon enough to permit hisopponent to stop or change direction.The distance between the playerscreening and his opponent will dependupon the speed at which the playersare moving.If two opponents are moving in thesame direction and path, the player whois behind is responsible for contact.Theplayer in front may stop or slow hispace, but he may not move backward orsidewards into his opponent.The playerin front may or may not have the ball.This situation assumes the two playershave been moving in identically the samedirection and path before contact.

4.The DribbleIf the dribbler’s path is blocked, he isexpected to pass or shoot; that is, heshould not try to dribble by anopponent unless there is a reasonablechance of getting by without contact.

B. FOULS: FLAGRANT—UNSPORTSMANLIKETo be unsportsmanlike is to act in amanner unbecoming to the image ofprofessional basketball. It consists of actsof deceit, disrespect of officials andprofanity.The penalty for such action isa technical foul. Repeated acts shallresult in expulsion from the game and aminimum fine of $1000.A flagrant foul—penalty (1) isunnecessary contact committed by aplayer against an opponent.A flagrant foul—penalty (2) isunnecessary and excessive contactcommitted by a player against an

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opponent. It is an unsportsmanlike actand the offender is ejected immediately.The offender will be subject to a finenot exceeding $35,000 and/orsuspension by the Commissioner.See Rule 12B—Section IV forinterpretation and penalties.

C. BLOCK-CHARGEA defensive player is permitted toestablish a legal guarding position in thepath of a dribbler regardless of hisspeed and distance.A defensive player is not permitted tomove into the path of an offensiveplayer once he has started his upwardmotion with the ball to attempt a fieldgoal or pass.A defensive player must allow a movingplayer the opportunity to stop orchange direction when the offensiveplayer receives a pass outside the lowerdefensive box.The lower defensive boxis the area between the 3-footposted-up marks, the bottom tip of thecircle and the endline.A defensive player must allow analighted player the opportunity to landand then stop or change direction whenthe offensive player is outside the lowerdefensive box.A defensive player is permitted toestablish a legal guarding position in thepath of an offensive player who receivesa pass inside the lower defensive boxregardless of his speed and distance.A defensive player must allow analighted player who receives a pass thespace to land when the offensive playeris inside the lower defensive box.A player must allow a moving opponentwithout the ball the opportunity to stopor change direction.The speed of the player will determinethe amount of distance an opponentmust allow.If an offensive player causes contact witha defensive player who has established alegal position, an offensive foul shall be

called and no points may be scored.Adefensive player may turn slightly toprotect himself, but is never allowed tobend over and submarine an opponent.An offensive foul should not be calledfor charging if the contact is with asecondary defensive player who hasestablished a defensive position within adesignated “restricted area” near thebasket for the purpose of drawing anoffensive foul.The “restricted area” forthis purpose is the area bounded by anarc with a 4-foot radius measured fromthe face of the backboard.EXCEPTION:Any player may be legallypositioned within the “restricted area” ifthe offensive player receives the ballwithin the Lower Defensive Box.The mere fact that contact occurs onthese type of plays, or any other similarplay, does not necessarily mean that apersonal foul has been committed.Theofficials must decide whether thecontact is negligible and/or incidental,judging each situation separately.

D. GAME CANCELLATIONFor the purpose of game cancellation,the officials’ jurisdiction begins with theopening tipoff. Prior to this, it shall bethe decision of the home managementwhether or not playing conditions aresuch to warrant postponement.However, once the game begins, ifbecause of extremely hazardous playingconditions the question arises whetheror not the game should be cancelled,the crew chief shall see that EVERYeffort is made to continue the gamebefore making the decision toterminate it.

E. PHYSICAL CONTACT—SUSPENSIONAny player or coach guilty of intentionalphysical contact with an official shallautomatically be suspended without payfor one game.A fine and/or longerperiod of suspension will result if

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circumstances so dictate.

F. PROTESTProtests are not permitted during thecourse of a game. In order to file aprotest, the procedure, as set forth inthe NBA constitution, is as follows:“Inorder to protest against or appeal fromthe result of a game, notice thereofmust be given to the Commissionerwithin forty-eight (48) hours after theconclusion of said game, by E-mail orfax, stating therein the grounds for suchprotest. No protest may be filed inconnection with any game played duringthe regular season after midnight of theday of the last game of the regularschedule.A protest in connection with aplayoff game must be filed not later thanmidnight of the day of the gameprotested.A game may be protestedonly by a Governor,Alternate Governoror Head Coach.The right of protestshall inure not only to the immediatelyallegedly aggrieved contestants, but toany other member who can show aninterest in the grounds of protest andthe results that might be attained if theprotest were allowed. Each E-mail or faxof protest shall be immediately con-firmed by letter and no protest shall bevalid unless the letter of confirmation isaccompanied by a check in the sum of$10,000 payable to the Association. Ifthe member filing the protest prevails,the $10,000 is to be refunded. If themember does not prevail, the $10,000 isto be forfeited and retained in theAssociation treasury.“Upon receipt of a protest, theCommissioner shall at once notify themember operating the opposing team inthe game protested and require both ofsaid members within five (5) days to filewith him such evidence as he may desirebearing upon the issue.TheCommissioner shall decide the questionraised within five (5) days after receiptof such evidence.”

G. SHATTERING BACKBOARDSAny player whose contact with thebasket ring or backboard causes thebackboard to shatter or makes the ringunplayable will be penalized in thefollowing manner:(1) Pre-game and/or Half-timewarm-ups—No penalty to be assessedby officials.(2) During the game—Non-unsportsmanlike conduct technicalfoul. Under NO circumstances will thatplayer be ejected from the game.The Commissioner will review allactions and plays involved in theshattering of a backboard.

H. PLAYER/TEAM CONDUCTAND DRESS(1) Each player when introduced, priorto the game, must be uniformly dressed.(2) Players, coaches and trainers are tostand and line up in a dignified posturealong the sidelines or on the foul lineduring the playing of the National Anthem.(3) Coaches and assistant coaches mustwear a sport coat or suit coat.(4) While playing, players must keeptheir uniform shirts tucked into theirpants, and no T-shirts are allowed.(5) The only article bearing acommercial ‘logo’ which can be wornby players is their shoes.

I. OFFENSIVE 3-SECONDSThe offensive player cannot be allowedin the 3-second lane for more than theallotted time.This causes the defensiveplayer to ‘hand-check’ because hecannot control the offensive player forthat extended period of time.If the offensive player is in the 3-secondlane for less than three seconds andreceives the ball, he must make a movetoward the hoop for the official todiscontinue his three second count. If heattempts to back the defensive playerdown, attempting to secure a betterposition in relation to the basket,

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offensive three seconds or an offensivefoul must be called. If he passes off andimmediately makes a move out of thelane, there should be no whistle.

J. PLAYER CONDUCT—SPECTATORSAny coach, player or trainer whodeliberately enters the spectator standsduring the game will be automaticallyejected and the incident reported byE-mail to the Commissioner. Enteringthe stands to keep a ball in play by aplayer or the momentum which carriesthe player into the stands is notconsidered deliberate.The first rowof seats is considered the beginning ofthe stands.

K. PUNCHING, FIGHTING ANDELBOW FOULSViolent acts of any nature on the courtwill not be tolerated. Players involved inaltercations will be ejected, fined and/orsuspended.Officials have been instructed to eject aplayer who throws a punch, whether ornot it connects, or an elbow whichmakes contact above shoulder level. Ifelbow contact is shoulder level orbelow, it shall be left to the discretion ofthe official as to whether the player isejected. Even if a punch or an elbowgoes undetected by the officials duringthe game, but is detected during areview of a videotape, that player will bepenalized.There is absolutely no justification forfighting in an NBA game.The fact thatyou may feel provoked by anotherplayer is not an acceptable excuse. If aplayer takes it upon himself to retaliate,he can expect to be subject toappropriate penalties.

L. EXPIRATION OF TIMENO LESS THAN :00.3 must expire onthe game clock when a ball is throwninbounds and then hit instantly out-of-

bounds. If less than :00.3 expires in sucha situation, the timer will be instructedto deduct AT LEAST :00.3 from thegame clock. If, in the judgment of theofficial, the play took longer than :00.3,he will instruct the timer to deductmore time. If less than :00.3 remain onthe game clock when this situationoccurs, the period is over.The game clock must show :00.3 ormore in order for a player to securepossession of the ball on a rebound orthrow-in to attempt a field goal. Instantreplay shall be utilized if the basket issuccessful on this type of play and theclock runs to 0:00.The only type of field goal which may bescored if the game clock is at :00.2 or:00.1 is a “tip-in” or “high lob.”A “tip-in” is defined as any action inwhich the ball is deflected, notcontrolled, by a player and then entersthe basket ring.This type of action shallbe deemed legal if :00.1 or moreremains in a period.A “high lob” is defined as a pass which istipped by an offensive player while inmid-air, and is followed instantaneouslyby a field goal attempt. If the receptionof the pass and the subsequent “slamdunk” is immediately adjacent to thebasket ring, this type of action shall bedeemed legal if :00.1 or more remains ina period. However, if the “high lob”attempt is a distance from the basketring whereby the ball must becontrolled in mid-air, either one-handedor two-handed, a minimum of :00.3 isnecessary for a field goal to score ifsuccessful. Instant replay would NOT beused if the play starts with :00.2 or :00.1on the game clock.NO LESS than :00.3 must expire on thegame clock when a player securespossession of an unsuccessful freethrow attempt and immediately requestsa timeout. If LESS than :00.3 expires insuch a circumstance, the time on thegame clock shall be reduced by at least

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:00.3.Therefore, if :00.3 OR LESS remainon the game clock when the abovesituation exists, and a player requests atimeout upon securing possession of theball, the period is over.During ANY regular or 20-secondtimeout taken during the FINAL minuteof ANY period, the crew chief mustmeet with his fellow officials to discusspossible timing scenarios, fouls beingtaken if either team is under the penaltylimit, number of timeouts, assistanceby all officials on 3-point field goalattempts, rotation or away-from-theplay foul.Regardless of when the horn or redlight operates to signify the end ofperiod, the officials (as aided by instantreplay, if required) will ultimately makethe final decision whether to allow ordisallow a successful field goal.THECREW CHIEF MUST TAKE CHARGEOF THE SITUATION.

M.VERBAL FAN INTERFERENCEAny spectator who verbally abusesplayers and/or coaches in a mannerwhich, in the opinion of the gameofficials, interferes with the ability of acoach to communicate with his playersduring the game and/or huddles, will, atthe direction of the crew chief, be givenone warning by a building securityofficer. If the same spectator continuesto behave in a like manner, the crewchief shall direct a building securityofficer to eject the spectator fromthe arena.

N. GUIDELINES FOR INFECTIONCONTROLIf a player suffers a laceration or awound where bleeding occurs or ifblood is visible on a player or hisuniform, the officials shall suspend thegame at the earliest appropriate timeand allow a maximum of 30 seconds fortreatment.After that time, the headcoach shall be informed that he has the

option to substitute for the player, call aregular timeout or a 20-second timeout.If a substitute replaces the player, theopposing team shall be allowed tosubstitute one player.The bleedingplayer may return to the game when hehas received appropriate treatment bymedical staff personnel.If the player returns to the game, theofficials shall make certain that anylesion, wound or dermatitis is coveredwith a dressing that will preventcontamination to and/or from othersources.A wrist or sweat band is notconsidered a suitable bandage.If the bleeding player is awarded a freethrow attempt(s) as a result of apersonal foul, or is involved in a jumpball, the bleeding player will be given 30seconds for treatment. If the treatmentis not completed, play will resume andwill then be suspended at the firstappropriate time.Mandatory timeouts shall not begranted during a suspension of playunless the offensive team calls a20-second timeout. If the suspension ofplay is for a defensive player, amandatory timeout shall not be grantedif the defensive team calls a 20-secondtimeout. In that case, only the bleedingplayer may be replaced and, if so, theopposing team is permitted onesubstitute.If treatment is not completed within theallotted time, the head coach may callanother timeout or substitute for thebleeding player. Substitutes arepermitted consistent with existing ruleson substitution.If a team has no timeouts remainingwhen play is suspended, the officials willallow 30 seconds for appropriatetreatment. If the treatment is notcompleted in accordance with paragraphtwo above, the bleeding player must beremoved immediately. ONLY thebleeding player on that team may beremoved from the game under these

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circumstances. If so, the opponent mayalso substitute one player.The offensive team will receive a fulleight seconds to advance the ball intothe frontcourt.The 24 second clock willremain as is or reset to 14, whicheveris greater.

O. DEAD BALL, LIVE BALL,BALL IS ALIVEAfter the ball has been dead, it is putinto play by a jump ball, throw-in or afree throw attempt.The game clockdoes not start until the ball is legallytouched on the court by a player.However, any floor violation or personalfoul which may occur will be penalized.The ball is live when it is placed at thedisposal of the thrower-in, free throwshooter or is tossed by the official on ajump ball. Illegal contact, which occursprior to the ball becoming live, will beignored if it is not unsportsmanlike.The ball is alive when it is legally tappedby one of the participants of a jump ball,released by a thrower-in or released ona free throw attempt that will remainin play.

P.TAUNTINGIf a player blatantly taunts an opponent,a technical foul shall be assessed.Theopponent WILL NOT, automatically, beassessed a technical foul. His behaviorwill be the determining factor.Simultaneous taunting is a verbalaltercation.Verbal altercations andunsportsmanlike conduct will beadministered as a double technical fouland no free throws will be attempted.Technical fouls assessed to opposingteams during the same dead ball andprior to the administering of any freethrow attempt for the first technicalfoul, shall be interpreted as a doubletechnical foul.A PLAYER(S) GUILTY OF TAUNTINGMUST BE SINGLED OUT ANDPENALIZED.

If a previous unsportsmanlike act hasbeen committed and if this situation isBLATANT, a technical foul must beassessed and the guilty player(s) mustbe ejected.

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