Statement: A warning is given to a player for an action or behaviour which, if repeated, may
lead to a technical foul. That warning shall also be communicated to the head coach of that team and
shall apply to any member of that team for any similar actions for the remainder of the game. A
warning shall be given only when the ball becomes dead and the game clock is stopped.

Example: A1 is given a warning for interfering with a throw-in or for any other action which, if repeated,
may lead to a technical foul.

Interpretation: A1’s warning shall also be communicated to the team A head coach and shall apply to
all team A members for similar actions, for the remainder of the game.

Statement: While a player is in the act of shooting, opponents shall not be permitted to
disconcert that player by actions such as placing hands close to the shooter’s eyes, shouting loudly,
stamping feet heavily or clapping hands close to the shooter. To do so may result in a technical foul if
the shooter is disadvantaged by the action, or a warning may be given if the shooter is not
disadvantaged.

Example: A1 is in the act of shooting for a goal with the ball still in the hands when B1 waves the hands in front of A1’s eyes or distracts A1 by shouting loudly or stamping the feet heavily on the court. A1’s shot for a goal is then

(a)    successful.

(b)    unsuccessful.

Interpretation:

(a)    A1’s goal shall count. B1 shall be given a warning, which shall also be communicated to the team B head coach. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from behind its endline.
If any team B member had already been given a warning for similar behaviour, B1 shall be charged with a technical foul. Any team A player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line- up.

(b)    B1 shall be charged with a technical foul. Any team A player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when B1’s technical foul occurred.

Statement: When the referees discover that more than 5 players of the same team are on the
court simultaneously while the game clock is running, at least 1 player must have re-entered or
remained on the court illegally.

The error must be corrected immediately without placing the opponents at a disadvantage.

Whatever occurred during the period between the illegal participation and the game being stopped
when the illegal participation is discovered shall remain valid.

At least 1 player shall be removed from the game and a technical foul shall be charged against the head
coach of that team, entered as a ‘B1’. The head coach is responsible for ensuring that all the
substitutions are applied correctly.

Example: With the game clock running, team A has 6 players on the court. When it is
discovered

(a) team B (with 5 players)

(b) team A (with more than 5 players)
has control of the ball.

Interpretation:

The game shall be stopped immediately, unless team B is placed at a disadvantage. One team A player,
as indicated by the head coach, shall be removed from the game. The team A head coach shall be
charged with a technical foul, entered as a ‘B1’.

Example: With the game clock running, team A has 6 players on the court. This is discovered after
(a) A1 is charged with a team control foul.

(b) A1 scores a goal.

(c) B1 fouls A1 during an unsuccessful shot for a goal.

(d) team A’s sixth player has left the court.

Interpretation:
In all cases, the team A head coach shall be charged with a technical foul, entered as a ‘B1’.

(a) A1’s foul is a player foul.

(b) A1’s goal shall count.

(c) A1 shall attempt 2 or 3 free throws.

(a), (b) and (c) One team A player, as indicated by the head coach, shall be removed from the game.

Statement: After being charged with a fifth personal foul or technical foul or unsportsmanlike
foul, a player becomes an excluded player and may sit on the team bench.

When the referees discover that an excluded player is on the court while the game clock is running,
that player must have remained or re-entered on the court illegally.

The error must be corrected immediately without placing the opponents at a disadvantage.

Whatever occurred during the period between the illegal participation and the game being stopped
when the illegal participation is discovered shall remain valid.

The excluded player shall be removed from the game and a technical foul shall be charged against the
head coach of that team, entered as a ‘B1’. The head coach is responsible for ensuring that only
eligible players are on the court during the game clock running periods of the game.

Example: With the game clock running, excluded player B1 is on the court. B1’s illegal participation
is discovered when

(a) the ball is live again while team A is in control of the ball.

(b) the ball is live again while team B is in control of the ball.

(c) the ball is dead again with B1 still being in the game.

Interpretation:
The game shall be stopped immediately, unless team A is placed in disadvantage. B1 shall be removed
from the game. The team B head coach shall be charged with a technical foul, entered as a ‘B1’.

Example: With the game clock running, excluded player A1 is on the court. A1’s illegal participation
is discovered after

(a) A1 scores a goal.

(b) A1 fouls B1.

(c) B1 fouls dribbler A1. This is the fifth team B foul in the quarter.

Interpretation:

The game shall be stopped immediately. A1 shall be removed from the game. The team A head coach
shall be charged with a technical foul, entered as a ‘B1’.

(a) A1’s goal shall count.

(b) A1’s foul is a player foul. It shall be entered on the scoresheet in the space after the fifth foul.

(c) A1’s substitute shall attempt 2 free throws.

Example: With 7 seconds on the game clock in the fourth quarter and with the score A 70 – B 70, A1 is
charged with a fifth personal foul and became an excluded player. After the following time-out, team A
gained control of the ball and A1 scores a goal. A1’s illegal participation is discovered at this time with 1
second remaining on the game clock.

Interpretation: A1’s goal shall count. The team A head coach shall be charged with a technical foul,
entered as a ‘B1’. Any team B player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be
resumed with a team B throw-in from behind its endline with 1 second remaining on the game clock.

Statement: Whenever a player fakes a foul, the following procedure shall apply:
• Without stopping the game, the referee signals the fake by showing twice the ‘raise-the- lower-
arm’ signal.
• When the game is stopped, a warning shall be communicated to the player and the head coach of
the team. Each team is entitled to 1 ‘fake being fouled’ warning.
• The next time any player of this team fakes a foul, a technical foul shall be called. This also applies
when the game was not stopped to communicate the earlier warning to any player or head coach of
that team.
• If an excessive fake without any contact occurs, a technical foul may be called immediately
without a warning being given.

Example: B1 defends dribbler A1. A1 makes a sudden move with the head trying to give an impression
of being fouled by B1. A1 was shown twice the ‘raise-the-lower-arm’ signal by the referee. Later in the
game, within the same game clock running period,

(a) A1 falls on the court trying to give an impression of being pushed by B1.

(b) B2 falls on the court trying to give an impression of being pushed by A2.

Interpretation:

(a) The referee gave a warning to A1 for the first fake with the head, showing twice the ‘raise- the-
lower-arm’ signal. A1 shall be charged with a technical foul for the second fake by
falling on the court, even though the game was not stopped to communicate the warning for A1’s
first fake to either A1 or to the team A head coach.

(b) The referee shall give the first warnings to both A1 and B2 for their fakes by showing them twice the
‘raise-the-lower-arm’ signal. The warnings shall be communicated to A1, B2 and both teams’ head
coaches, when the game clock shall be stopped.

Example: A1 dribbles and contacts B1 on the torso, who is in a legal guarding position. At the same
time, B1 makes an exaggerated move trying to give an impression of being fouled by A1.

Interpretation: The referee shall give a warning to B1 for faking a foul, showing B1 twice the ‘raise-the-
lower-arm’ signal. When the game clock shall be stopped, the warning shall be communicated also to
the head coach and it shall apply also to any member of the team.

Statement: Serious injury may occur by excessive swinging of elbows, especially in the rebounding and
closely guarded player situations. If such actions result in contact, then a personal foul, an
unsportsmanlike foul or even a disqualifying foul may be called. If the actions do not result in contact, a
technical foul may be called.

Example: A1 rebounds the ball and is immediately closely guarded by B1. Without contacting B1, A1
excessively swings the elbows to intimidate B1 or to clear enough space to pivot, pass or dribble.

Interpretation: A1’s action does not conform to the spirit and intent of the rules. A1 may be charged
with a technical foul.

Statement: A player shall be disqualified when charged with 2 technical fouls.

Example: In the first half, A1 is charged with a first technical foul for hanging on the ring. In the second
half, A1 is charged with a second technical foul for an unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Interpretation: A1 shall be disqualified automatically. Only A1’s second technical foul is to be
penalised and no additional penalty for the disqualification shall be administered. The scorer must
notify a referee immediately when A1 is charged with 2 technical fouls and that A1 should be
disqualified.

Statement: After being charged with a fifth personal foul, technical foul or unsportsmanlike foul, a player
becomes an excluded player. After a fifth foul, any further technical fouls against the player shall be
charged against that player’s head coach, entered as a ‘B1’.
The excluded player is not a disqualified player and may stay in the team bench area.

Example: In the first quarter, B1 is charged with

(a) a technical foul.

(b) an unsportsmanlike foul.

In the fourth quarter, B1 is charged with a fifth foul. This is the second team B foul in the quarter. While
going to the team bench, B1 is assessed a technical foul.

Interpretation: In both cases, B1 shall not be disqualified. With the fifth foul B1 became an excluded
player. Any further technical fouls by B1 shall be charged against B1’s head coach, entered as a ‘B1’.
Any team A player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team A
throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when B1’s last technical foul occurred.

Example: B1 fouls dribbler A1. This is B1’s fifth personal foul and the second team B foul in the quarter.
While going to the team bench, B1 is assessed a disqualifying foul.

Interpretation: B1 is disqualified and shall go to the dressing room or, if so wishes, B1 shall leave the
building. B1’s disqualifying foul shall be entered on the scoresheet against B1 as a ‘D’ in the space
after B1’s fifth foul and against the team B head coach as a ‘B2’. Any team A player shall attempt 2 free
throws with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the throw-in line in its
frontcourt. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

Example: B1 fouls dribbler A1. This is B1’s fifth personal foul and the fifth team B foul in the quarter.
While going to the team bench, B1 is assessed a disqualifying foul.

Interpretation: B1 is disqualified and shall go to the dressing room or, if so wishes, B1 shall leave the
building. B1’s disqualifying foul shall be entered on the scoresheet against B1 as a ‘D’ and against the
team B head coach as a ‘B2’. A1 shall attempt 2 free throws with no line-up. Any team A player then shall
attempt 2 free throws with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the
throw-in line in its frontcourt. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

Statement: A player shall be disqualified when charged with 1 technical foul and 1 unsports- manlike
foul.

Example: In the first half, A1 is charged with a technical foul for delaying the game. In the second half, A1 is charged with a foul against B1 for a contact which meets the criteria of an unsportsmanlike foul.

Interpretation: The scorer must notify a referee immediately when a player is charged with 1 technical
foul and 1 unsportsmanlike foul and that A1 shall be disqualified automatically. Only A1’s
unsportsmanlike foul is to be penalised and no additional penalty for A1’s disqualification shall be
administered. B1 shall attempt 2 free throws with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team B
throw-in from the throw-in line in its frontcourt. Team B shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

Example: In the first half, A1 is charged with an unsportsmanlike foul for an unnecessary contact in
stopping the progress of the offensive team in transition. In the second half, A2 dribbles in the
backcourt when A1 is charged with a technical foul for faking being fouled away from the ball.

Interpretation: The scorer must notify a referee immediately when a player is charged with 1
unsportsmanlike foul and 1 technical foul and that A1 shall be disqualified automatically. Only A1’s
technical foul is to be penalised and no additional penalty for A1’s disqualification shall be
administered. Any team B player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be resumed
with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when A1’s technical foul
was called. Team A shall have the time remaining on the shot clock.

Statement: A player head coach shall be automatically disqualified when charged with the following fouls:

• 2 technical fouls as a player.

• 2 unsportsmanlike fouls as a player.

• 1 unsportsmanlike foul and 1 technical foul as a player.

• 1 technical foul as a head coach, entered as a ‘C1’ and 1 unsportsmanlike foul or technical foul as a
player.

• 1 technical foul as a head coach, entered as a ‘B1’ or ‘B2’, 1 technical foul as a head coach, entered
as a ‘C1’ and 1 unsportsmanlike foul or technical foul as a player.

• 2 technical fouls as a head coach, entered as a ‘B1’ or ‘B2’ and 1 unsportsmanlike foul or technical
foul as a player.

• 2 technical fouls as a head coach, entered as a ‘C1’.

• 1 technical foul as a head coach, entered as a ‘C1’ and 2 technical fouls as a head coach, entered
as a ‘B1’ or ‘B2’.

• 3 technical fouls as a head coach, entered as a ‘B1’ or ‘B2’.

Whenever a player head coach is automatically disqualified a “GD” shall be entered in the scoresheet
behind the foul which led to the automatic disqualification. The player designated as the new captain shall become the new player head coach.

Example: In the first quarter, player head coach A1 is charged with a technical foul for faking a foul as
a player. In the fourth quarter, A2 dribbles when player head coach A1 is charged with a technical foul
for A1’s personal unsportsmanlike behaviour as a head coach, entered as a ‘C1’.

Interpretation: Player head coach A1 shall be disqualified automatically. Only A1’s second technical
foul is to be penalised and no additional penalty for A1’s disqualification shall be administered. The
scorer must notify a referee immediately when player head coach A1 is charged with 1 technical foul
as a player and then with 1 personal technical foul as a head coach and that A1 should be disqualified
automatically. Any team B player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be resumed
with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when A1’s technical foul
occurred. Team A shall have the time remaining on the shot clock.

Example: In the second quarter, player head coach A1 is charged with an unsportsmanlike foul against
B1 as a player. In the third quarter, player head coach A1 is charged with a technical foul for an
unsportsmanlike behaviour of the team’s physiotherapist, entered as a ‘B1’. In the fourth quarter, A2 dribbles when A6 is charged with a technical foul. A6’s technical foul shall be entered on player head coach A1 as a ‘B1’.

Interpretation: Player head coach A1 shall be disqualified automatically. Only A1’s second technical
foul (for A6’s technical foul) is to be penalised and no additional penalty for A1’s disqualification shall
be administered. The scorer must notify a referee immediately when player head coach A1 is charged
with 1 unsportsmanlike foul as a player and then charged with 2 technical fouls as head coach as a
result of the behaviour of the team bench personnel. A1 shall be disqualified automatically. Any team B
player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in
from the place nearest to where the ball was located when A6’s technical foul occurred. Team A shall
have the time remaining on the shot clock.

Example: In the second quarter, player head coach A1 is charged with a technical foul for A1’s personal
unsportsmanlike behaviour as a head coach, entered as a ‘C1’. In the fourth quarter, player head coach
A1 is charged with an unsportsmanlike foul against B1 as a player.

Interpretation: Player head coach A1 shall be disqualified automatically. Only A1’s unsports- manlike
foul is to be penalised and no additional penalty for A1’s disqualification shall be administered. The
scorer must notify a referee immediately when player head coach A1 is charged with 1 personal
technical foul as a head coach and then with 1 unsportsmanlike foul as a player and that A1 should be
disqualified automatically. B1 shall attempt 2 free throws with no line-up. The game shall be resumed
with a team B throw-in from the throw-in line in its frontcourt. Team B shall have 14 seconds on the
shot clock.

Example: Player head coach A1 is a player when substitute A6 is charged with a technical foul.

Interpretation: The technical foul as a result of the unsportsmanlike behaviour of other persons
permitted to sit on the team bench is charged against the player head coach, even if there is a first
assistant coach entered on the scoresheet.

Example: During an interval of play

(a) substitute A6

(b) player head coach A1

(c) team A doctor

is charged with a technical foul.

Interpretation: The technical foul is charged against

(a) A6 as a player,

(b) A1 as a player,

(c) A1 as a player head coach,

even if there is a first assistant coach entered on the scoresheet.

Example: Player head coach A1 has committed 4 fouls as a player and 1 technical foul as a head coach.

Interpretation: Player head coach A1 may continue as a player as long as he has not committed 5 fouls as a player and is not disqualified as a coach. After player head coach A1 is charged with 5 fouls as a player he may continue as a head coach.

Statement: With the game clock shows 2:00 or less in the fourth quarter and in each overtime, when the
referee is required to place the ball at the disposal of the thrower-in and with a player defending the
thrower-in, the following procedure shall apply:
•     The referee shall use an ‘illegal boundary line crossing’ signal as a warning to the defensive player
before handing the ball to the thrower-in.

•     If the defensive player then moves any part of the body over the boundary line to interfere with the
throw-in, a technical foul shall be called without further warning.

Example: With 1:08 on the game clock in the fourth quarter, A1 has the ball in the hands for a throw-in
from behind the sideline in its

(a) frontcourt.

(b) backcourt.

The referee shows to B1 the ‘illegal boundary line crossing’ warning signal. B1 moves the hands
over the boundary line to block A1’s throw-in.

Interpretation: As the referee showed a warning signal to B1 before handing the ball to A1, B1 shall be charged with a technical foul for interfering with the throw-in. Any team A player shall
attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the place
nearest to where the ball was located when B1’s technical foul occurred. Team A shall have on the shot clock

(a) 14 seconds, if 13 seconds or less are shown on the shot clock and the time remaining if 14 seconds
or more are shown on the shot clock.

(b) 24 seconds.

Statement: During the first 3 quarters and when the game clock shows more than 2:00 in the fourth
quarter and in each overtime, a throw-in situation occurs. If a defensive player moves any part of the
body over the boundary line to interfere with the throw-in, the following procedure shall apply:

•     The referee shall interrupt the game immediately and use a verbal warning to the defensive player
and that team’s head coach. This warning shall apply to all players of that team for the rest of the
game.

•     If a defensive player then moves again any part of the body over the boundary line to interfere with
the throw-in, a technical foul shall be called without further warning.

Example: With 4:27 on the game clock in the second quarter, after B1’s goal A1 has the ball in the hands for a throw-in from behind the endline. B1 moves the hands over the endline to block A1’s throw-in.

Interpretation:

(a)   If a team B player has interfered with a throw-in for the first time in the game, the referees shall
interrupt the game immediately and shall use a verbal warning to B1 and the team B head coach.
This warning shall apply to all team B players for the rest of the game.

(b)   If the referee has already given a verbal warning, in the game, to any team B player for interfering with a throw-in, B1 shall be charged with a technical foul. Any team A player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw- in from behind its endline. Team A shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock.

Statement: When a technical foul is called, the free-throw penalty shall be administered imme- diately with
no line-up. After the free throw the game shall be resumed from the place nearest to where the ball was
located when the technical foul occurred.

Example: With 21 seconds on the shot clock, A1 dribbles in the backcourt when B1 is charged with a
technical foul.

Interpretation: Any team A player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be
resumed with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when B1’s
technical foul occurred. Team A shall have a new 8-second period and 24 seconds on the shot clock.

Example: With 21 seconds on the shot clock, A1 dribbles in the backcourt when A2 is charged with a
technical foul.

Interpretation: Any team B player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be
resumed with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when A2’s
technical foul occurred. Team A shall have 5 seconds to move the ball to the frontcourt. Team A shall
have 21 seconds on the shot clock.

Example: B1 fouls A1 on an attempt for a 2-point goal. The ball does not enter the basket.

(a)    Before A1’s first of 2 free throws, A2 is charged with a technical foul.

(b)    After A1’s first of 2 free throws, A2 is charged with a technical foul.

Interpretation:

(a)    Any team B player or substitute shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. A1 shall then attempt 2
free throws.

(b)    Any team B player shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. A1 shall then attempt the second
free throw.
In both cases, the game shall be resumed as after any last free throw.

Example: During a time-out, A2 is charged with a technical foul.

Interpretation: The time-out shall be completed. After the time-out, any team B player or substitute
shall attempt 1 free throw with no line-up. The game shall be resumed from the place nearest to where
the game was stopped before the time-out.

Example: A1’s shot for a goal is in the air when a technical foul is called on

(a)   B1 or team B doctor.

(b)   A2 or team A doctor.

Interpretation:

(a)   Any team A player shall attempt 1 free throw.

(b)   Any team B player shall attempt 1 free throw.

If A1’s shot had entered the basket, the goal shall count. The game shall be resumed with a team B
throw-in from any place behind the endline.

If A1’s shot did not enter the basket, the game shall be resumed with an alternating possession throw-in
from the place nearest to where the ball was located when the technical foul occurred.

Example: A1 has the ball in the hands during an act of shooting when a technical foul is called on

(a)   B1 or team B doctor.

(b)   A2 or team A doctor.

Interpretation:

(a)   Any team A player shall attempt 1 free throw. If A1’s shot had entered the basket, the goal shall
count. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from any place behind the endline.

(b)   Any team B player shall attempt 1 free throw. If A1’s shot had entered the basket, the goal shall not
count. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the free-throw line extended.
In both cases, if A1’s shot did not enter the basket, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-
in from the place nearest to where the ball was located when the technical foul occurred.