FIBA & RCBA RULES:
Violations to the Rules
FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE BASKETBALL
INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL FEDERATION
Regina Community Basketball Association
FIBA OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES 2014
The following interpretations of the rules are collected from
the Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA)
found at www.fiba.com and the Regina Community
Basketball Association found at www.rcba.ca
Throughout the Official Basketball Rules, all references made
to a player, coach, official, etc. are usually in the male
gender and thus also apply to the female gender. It must be
understood that this is done for practical reasons only.
ARTICLE 22 - VIOLATIONS
What is a violation?
• “an infraction of the rules”
• non-contact infractions
How / where do we administer violations - Penalty?
• The ball shall be awarded to the opponents for a throw-in at the
place nearest to the infraction,
• Exception: directly behind the backboard, unless otherwise stated
in the rules.
KEY VIOLATIONS FOR RCBA OFFICIATING
• Article 12 – Alternating
Possession
• Article 13 – Control of the Ball
• Article 16 – Made Basket/Goal
• Article 23 - Out of Bounds
• Article 24 – Dribbling
• Article 25 - Travelling
• Article 26 – 3 Seconds
• Article 27 – Closely Guarded
• Article 28 – 8 Seconds
• Article 30 - Ball returned to
Back Court
• Article 43 – Free Throws
ARTICLE 13 – CONTROL OF BALL
During the game, the ball is played with the hand(s)
only and may be passed, thrown, tapped, rolled or
dribbled in any direction, subject to the restrictions
of these rules.
• A player shall not run with the ball, deliberately
kick or block it with any part of the leg or strike it
with the fist.
• However, to accidentally come into contact with
or touch the ball with any part of the leg is not a
violation.
• A deliberate motion of the leg to deflect or stop the
ball is a violation.
DELIBERATE FOOT BALL
Point to the foot
ARTICLE 13 – GOAL: WHAT IS COUNTED
A goal is made when a live ball enters the basket from
above and remains within or passes through the basket.
CANCEL SCORE,
CANCEL PLAY
The ball is considered to be within the basket when the
slightest part of the ball is within and below the level of
the ring.
If a player accidentally scores a field goal in his team’s
basket, the goal counts 2 points and shall be recorded
as having been scored by the captain of the opposing
team on the playing court.
If a player deliberately scores a field goal in his team’s
basket, it is a violation and the goal does not count.
If a player causes the entire ball to pass through the
basket from below, it is a violation.
Scissor-like action with arms,
once across chest
ARTICLE 23 - OUT OF BOUNDS
• A player is out-of-bounds when any part of his body is in
contact with the floor, or any object other than a player
above, on or outside the boundary line.
• The ball is out of bounds when it touches:
• A player standing out of bounds;
• The floor above or beyond the line;
• The backboard supports, back of the backboard,
lights, roof, etc.
• If a ball goes over the backboard without touching the
above, it is legal.
ARTICLE 23.2 - OUT OF BOUNDS
• The ball is caused to go out-of-bounds by the last
player to touch or be touched by the ball before it
goes out-of-bounds, even if the ball then goes out-ofbounds by touching something other than a player.
DIRECTION OF PLAY
AND/OR
OUT-OF-BOUNDS
• If the ball is out-of-bounds because of touching or
being touched by a player who is on or outside the
boundary line, this player causes the ball to go outof-bounds.
• If a player(s) move(s) to out-of-bounds or to his/her
backcourt during a held ball, a jump ball situation
occurs.
Point in direction of play,
arm parallel to sidelines
ARTICLE 23 - OUT OF BOUNDS
Article 12 – Alternating Possession:
The team entitled to the next alternating possession at the end of any
period shall start the next period with a throw-in at the center line
extended, opposite the scorer’s table, unless there are further free
throws and a possession penalty to be administered.
A violation by a team during its alternating possession throw-in causes
that team to lose the alternating possession throw-in. The direction of
the alternating possession arrow will be reversed immediately,
indicating that the opponents of the violating team will be entitled to the
alternating possession throw-in at the next jump ball situation. The game
shall then be resumed by awarding the ball to the opponents of the
violating team for a throw-in at the place of the original throw-in.
ARTICLE 23 - OUT OF BOUNDS
In an Out of Bounds violation (or any violation), the ball
shall be awarded to the opponents for a throw-in at the
place nearest to the infraction, except directly behind
the backboard, unless otherwise stated in the rules.
5 SECONDS
A violation by a team during its alternating possession
throw-in causes that team to lose the alternating
possession throw-in. The direction of the alternating
possession arrow will be reversed immediately,
indicating that the opponents of the violating team will
be entitled to the alternating possession throw-in at the
next jump ball situation. The game shall then be resumed
by awarding the ball to the opponents of the violating
team for a throw-in at the place of the original throw-in.
The ball must be put into play once the ball is at the
disposal of the player for the throw-in within 5 seconds or
it is a violation.
Show 5 fingers
ARTICLE 23 - OUT OF BOUNDS
• On a throw-in A1 hands the ball to A2 who is on the playing court.
• A1 has committed a throw-in violation. The ball must leave the player’s
hand(s) in order for the throw-in to be considered legal. The ball is awarded
to team B for a throw-in at the place of the original throw-in.
• During the throw-in other player(s) shall not have any part of their bodies over
the boundary line before the ball is passed across the boundary line.
• After an out-of-bounds violation A1 has received the ball from the official for
the throw-in. A1
• (a) places the ball on the floor after which the ball is taken by A2.
• (b) hands the ball to A2 in the out-of-bounds area.
• Interpretation: This is a violation of A2 in both cases as he moves his body
over the boundary line before A1 has passed the ball across the boundary
line.
ARTICLE 23 - OUT OF BOUNDS
• A1 on the throw-in passes the ball to A2 but the ball goes out-of-bounds
without touching any player on the playing court.
• This is a violation of A1. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in at
the place of the original throw-in.
• A1 on the throw-in passes the ball to A2. A2 receives the ball but with one
foot touching the boundary line.
• This is a violation of A2. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in at
the place nearest to the infraction.
• On a throw-in A1 passes the ball over the basket when a player of either
team touches it by reaching through the basket from below.
• This is a violation. The game shall be resumed with a throw-in for the
opponents at the free-throw line extended. In case the defensive team
commits the violation, an offensive team cannot score any points, as the ball
did not come from the inbounds area of the playing court.
ARTICLE 24 - DRIBBLING
What is a Dribble?
• A dribble is the movement of a live ball caused by a player in
control of that ball who throws, taps, rolls the ball on the floor or
deliberately throws it against the back-board.
• A dribble starts when:
- a player, having gained control of a live ball on the playing
court,
- throws, taps, rolls, dribbles it on the floor or
- deliberately throws it against the backboard and touches it
again before it touches another player.
ARTICLE 24 - DRIBBLING
A dribble ends when:
- the player touches the ball with
both hands simultaneously
- permits the ball to come to rest
in one or both hands.
A player can’t dribble again once they’ve
ended the first, unless:
- They shoot, lose control because
an opponent touches the ball, or
fumble and have it touched by
another.
ILLEGAL DRIBBLE:
CARRYING THE BALL
Half rotation with palm
ARTICLE 24 - DRIBBLING
• During a dribble the ball may be thrown into the air provided the
ball touches the floor or another player before the player who
threw it touches it again with his hand.
• There is no limit to the number of steps a player may take when
the ball is not in contact with his hand.
ARTICLE 24 - DRIBBLING
• A player who accidentally loses and then regains control of a live ball on
the playing court is considered to be fumbling the ball.
• The following are not dribbles:
- Successive shots for a field goal.
- Fumbling the ball at the beginning or at the end of a dribble.
- Attempts to gain control of the ball by tapping it from the vicinity of other
players.
- Tapping the ball from the control of another player.
- Deflecting a pass and gaining control of the ball.
- Tossing the ball from hand to hand and allowing it to come to rest in one or
both hands before touching the floor, provided that no travelling violation is
committed.
ARTICLE 24 - DRIBBLING
• A player shall not dribble for a second time
after his first dribble has ended, unless
between the 2 dribbles, he has lost control
of a live ball on the playing court because
of:
- A shot for a field goal.
- A touch of the ball by an opponent.
- A pass or fumble that has touched or
been touched by another player.
ILLEGAL DRIBBLE:
DOUBLE DRIBBLING
Patting motion with palm
ARTICLE 25 - TRAVELLING
Travelling is the illegal movement of one
foot or both feet beyond the limits outlined
in this article, in any direction, while
holding a live ball on the playing court.
TRAVELLING
A pivot is the legal movement in which a
player who is holding a live ball on the
playing court steps once or more than
once in any direction with the same foot,
while the other foot, called the pivot foot,
is kept at its point of contact with the floor.
Rotate fists
ARTICLE 25 - TRAVELLING
Establishing a pivot foot by a player who catches a live ball on the playing
court:
a. While standing with both feet on the floor:
- The moment one foot is lifted, the other foot becomes the pivot foot.
b. While moving:
- If one foot is touching the floor, that foot becomes the pivot foot.
- If both feet are off the floor and the player lands on both feet
simultaneously, the moment one foot is lifted, the other foot
becomes the pivot foot.
- If both feet are off the floor & the player lands on one foot, then
that foot becomes the pivot foot. If a player jumps off that foot and
comes to a stop landing on both feet simultaneously, then neither
foot is a pivot foot.
ARTICLE 25 - TRAVELLING
Progressing with the ball by a player who has established a pivot foot while
having control of a live ball on the playing court:
a. While standing with both feet on the floor:
- To start a dribble, the pivot foot may not be lifted before the ball is
released from the hand(s).
- To pass or shoot for a field goal, the player may jump off a pivot foot,
but neither foot may be returned to the floor before the ball is released
from the hand(s).
ARTICLE 25 - TRAVELLING
b. While moving:
- To pass or shoot for a field goal, the player may jump off a pivot foot
and land on one foot or both feet simultaneously. After that, one foot or
both feet may be lifted from the floor but neither foot may be returned to
the floor before the ball is released from the hand(s).
- To start a dribble, the pivot foot may not be lifted before the ball is
released from the hand(s).
c. While coming to a stop when neither foot is the pivot foot:
- To start a dribble, neither foot may be lifted before the ball is released
from the hand(s).
- To pass or shoot for a field goal, one foot or both feet may be lifted but
may not be returned to the floor before the ball is released from the
hand(s).
ARTICLE 25 - TRAVELLING
• A player falling, lying or sitting on the floor:
- It is legal when a player falls and slides on the floor while
holding the ball or, while lying or sitting on the floor, gains
control of the ball.
It is a violation if the player then rolls or attempts to stand up
while holding the ball.
ARTICLE 25 - TRAVELLING
Summary:
• Up to 2 steps to pass or shoot.
• Players are allowed to pivot:
• When starting to dribble, the ball must touch the floor before
the pivot is picked up
• Players can legally ‘jumpstop’, with limits after that:
• Ex: Player A jumps off 1 foot & lands on 2 simultaneously.
• He/she can jump again to shoot / pass
• Cannot pivot again
If a player falls, slides with the ball, or gets the ball while on the
floor => legal
If a player rolls or tries to stand up with the ball => violation
‘Find the pivot foot’
ARTICLE 24 - DRIBBLING
You make the call:
• A1 starts his dribble by:
• throwing the ball over his opponent;
• throwing the ball a few meters away from him. The ball touches the playing court after
which A1 continues his dribble.
• A1 has established a legal dribble in both situations.
• A1 dribbles the ball and then comes to a stop.
• A1 loses his balance and without moving his pivot foot touches the floor with the ball
once or twice while holding the ball with two hands.
• A1 tosses the ball from one hand to another without moving his pivot foot.
• A and b are legal. No call to be made
• A1, while holding the ball, loses balance and falls on the floor.
• Legal action – no call on this occurrence.
ARTICLE 25 - TRAVELLING
You make the call:
• A1, while lying on the floor, gains control of the ball. A1 then:
• passes the ball to A2;
• begins a dribble while still lying on the floor;
• attempts to stand up while still holding the ball.
• A1 has carried out a legal action in the first two situations, but has
committed a travel violation in the third situation.
• A1, while holding the ball, falls to the floor and his momentum causes him to
slide.
• A1 is legal, as the momentum and slide occurring is recognized as a legal
occurrence.
ARTICLE 26 - THREE SECONDS
A player shall not remain in the opponents' restricted area
for more than 3 consecutive seconds while his team is in
control of a live ball in the frontcourt and the game clock is
running.
3 SECONDS
Allowances must be made for a player who:
- Makes an attempt to leave the restricted area.
- Is in the restricted area when he or his team-mate is
in the act of shooting and the ball is leaving or has just left
the player's hand(s) on the shot for a field goal.
- Dribbles in the restricted area to shoot for a field
goal after having been there for less than 3 consecutive
seconds.
To establish himself outside the restricted area, the player
must place both feet on the floor outside the restricted area.
Arm extended, show 3 fingers
ARTICLE 26 - THREE SECONDS
Summary:
• A player cannot be in the restricted area (key) for
more than 3 seconds when:
VISIBLE COUNT
• Their team has control of the ball
• The ball is over half court
• Players must leave with both feet outside the area
• Rebounding situations require patience:
• An offensive rebound is a new control = new 3 second count
Key in officiating: Work with players – it`s okay
to talk & remind them to move, just don`t do it
all game
Counting while moving the palm
ARTICLE 27 - CLOSELY GUARDED
• A player who is holding a live ball on the
playing court is closely guarded when an
opponent is in an active legal guarding
position at a distance of no more than 1 m.
5 SECONDS
• A closely guarded player must pass, shoot or
dribble the ball within 5 seconds;
• Closely guarded is defined as within 1 metre.
Show 5 fingers
ARTICLE 33 – LEGALLY GUARDED
• Legal guarding position is recognized when:
- A defensive player has established an
initial legal guarding position when:
- He/she is facing his opponent, and
- He/she has both feet on the floor.
• The legal guarding position extends
vertically above him/her (cylinder) from the
floor to the ceiling. He/she may raise his/her
arms and hands above his/her head or
jump vertically but he/she must maintain
them in a vertical position inside the
imaginary cylinder.
VISIBLE COUNT
Counting while moving the palm
ARTICLE 33 – LEGALLY GUARDED
Guarding a player who controls the ball:
• When guarding a player who controls (holding or
dribbling) the ball, the elements of time and distance do
not apply.
• The player with the ball must expect to be guarded and
must be prepared to stop or change his/her direction
whenever an opponent takes an initial legal guarding
position in front of him/her, even if this is done within a
fraction of a second.
• The guarding (defensive) player must establish an initial
legal guarding position without causing contact before
taking his/her position.
• Once the defensive player has established an initial legal
guarding position, he/she may move to guard his
opponent, but he may not extend his arms, shoulders, hips
or legs to prevent the dribbler from passing by him.
5 SECONDS
Show 5 fingers
ARTICLE 33 – LEGALLY GUARDED
Guarding a player who does not control the ball:
• A player who does not control the ball is entitled to move freely on the playing
court and take any position not already occupied by another player.
• When guarding a player who does not control the ball, the elements of time and
distance shall apply. A defensive player cannot take a position so near and/or so
quickly in the path of a moving opponent that the latter does not have sufficient
time or distance either to stop or change his direction.
• The distance is directly proportional to the speed of the opponent, but never less
than 1 normal step.
• If a defensive player does not respect the elements of time and distance in taking
his/her initial legal guarding position and contact with an opponent occurs, he is
responsible for the contact.
• Once a defensive player has established an initial legal guarding position, he may
move to guard his opponent. He may not prevent him from passing by extending
his arms, shoulders, hips or legs in his path. He may turn within his cylinder to avoid
injury.
ARTICLE 28 – 8 SECONDS
VISIBLE COUNT
Whenever:
- A player in the backcourt gains
control of a live ball,
- On a throw-in, the ball touches or is
legally touched by any player in the
back-court and the team of that player
taking the throw-in remains in control of
the ball in its backcourt,
that team must cause the ball to go into its
frontcourt within 8 seconds.
ARTICLE 28 – 8 SECONDS
The team has caused the ball to go into its frontcourt whenever:
- The ball, not in control of any player, touches the frontcourt,
- The ball touches or is legally touched by an offensive player
who has both feet completely in contact with his frontcourt,
- The ball touches or is legally touched by a defensive player who
has part of his body in contact with his backcourt,
- The ball touches an official who has part of his body in contact
with the frontcourt of the team in control of the ball.
- During a dribble from the backcourt to the frontcourt, the ball
and both feet of the dribbler are completely in contact with the
frontcourt.
ARTICLE 28 – 8 SECONDS
The 8 second period will continue with any time
remaining when the same team that previously had
control of the ball is awarded a throw-in in the
backcourt, as a result of:
- A ball having gone out-of-bounds.
- A player of the same team having been
injured.
- A jump ball situation.
- A double foul.
- A cancellation of equal penalties against
both teams.
8 SECONDS
Show 8 fingers
ARTICLE 28 – 8 SECONDS
• Team A has been in control of the ball for 5 seconds in its backcourt
when a held ball occurs. Team A is entitled to the next alternating
possession throw-in.
• Team A shall have only 3 seconds to cause the ball to go into its
frontcourt.
• A1 is straddling the center line. He receives the ball from A2 who is in
the backcourt. A1 then passes the ball back to A2 who is still in team
A’s backcourt. Has A1 has committed a violation?
• No, it is a legal play. A1 does not have both feet completely in
contact with the frontcourt and therefore is entitled to pass the ball
into the backcourt. The 8 second count shall continue.
ARTICLE 28 – 8 SECONDS
• A1 is dribbling the ball from his backcourt and has one foot (but not both
feet) already in the frontcourt. After that A1 passes the ball to A2, who is
straddling the center line. A2 then starts to dribble the ball in his backcourt. Is
this is considered a violation?
• No, it is a legal play. A1 does not have both feet completely in contact with
his frontcourt and therefore is entitled to pass the ball to A2 who is also not in
his frontcourt. A2 is therefore entitled to dribble the ball in the backcourt. The
8-second count shall continue.
• A1 dribbles for 4 seconds in his backcourt when B1 taps the ball out-ofbounds. Is the official correct in resetting the 8 second count on the in-bound
for team A?
• No, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in in the backcourt with
4 seconds to cause the ball to go into team A’s frontcourt.
ARTICLE 28 – 8 SECONDS
• Team A has been in control of the ball for 5 seconds in its backcourt when a
held ball occurs. Team A is entitled to the next alternating possession throwin. Is a new 8 second count provided to Team A?
• No, Team A shall have only 3 seconds to cause the ball to go into its
frontcourt.
• A1 is straddling the center line. He receives the ball from A2 and continues in
the front court. Now covered, B1 taps the ball back to A2 who is now
straddling the center line. A2 then passes the ball back to A3 who is still in
team A’s backcourt. Does A3 have a new 8 seconds to get the ball over the
center line?
• Yes, as this is a legal play. With A2 completely in contact with the frontcourt
and B1 tapping the bll into the back court, a new 8 second count shall
occur.
ARTICLE 30 - BALL RETURNED TO THE BACKCOURT
A team is in control of a live ball in their frontcourt if:
- a player of that team is touching his frontcourt with both
feet while holding, catching or dribbling the ball in his
frontcourt, or
- the ball is passed between the players of that team in
their frontcourt.
- All three points (both feet and the ball) are across the
center line and thus are in the frontcourt.
ARTICLE 30 - BALL RETURNED TO THE BACKCOURT
A team in control of a live ball in the frontcourt has caused the ball to be
illegally returned to their backcourt if a player of that team is the last to
touch the ball in his frontcourt and the ball is then first touched by a
player of that team:
- who has part of his body in contact with the backcourt or
- after the ball has touched the backcourt of that team.
This restriction applies to all situations in a team's frontcourt, including
throw-ins.
However, it does not apply to a player who jumps from his frontcourt,
establishes new team control while still airborne and then lands with the
ball in his team’s backcourt.
ARTICLE 30 - BALL RETURNED TO THE BACKCOURT
A team which is in control of a live ball
in their frontcourt may not cause the ball
to be illegally returned to their
backcourt.
The ball shall be awarded to the
opponents for a throw-in in their
frontcourt at the place nearest to the
infraction except directly behind the
backboard.
Wave arm front of body
ARTICLE 30 - BALL RETURNED TO THE BACKCOURT
• A1 in his backcourt attempts a fast break pass to A2 in the frontcourt.
B1 jumps from the team B frontcourt, catches the ball while airborne
and lands
• (a) with both feet in his backcourt.
• (b) straddling the center line.
• (c) straddling the center line and then dribbles or passes the ball to his
backcourt.
• No violation has occurred. B1 established the first team B control of the
ball while airborne and his position relative to frontcourt/backcourt
was not determined until both his feet returned to the floor. In all cases
B1 is legally in his backcourt.
ARTICLE 30 - BALL RETURNED TO THE BACKCOURT
• A1 taking the throw-in in his frontcourt attempts a pass to A2. A2 jumps
from his frontcourt, catches the ball while airborne and lands
• (a) with both feet in the back court.
• (d) straddling the center line and then dribbles or passes the ball to his
backcourt.
• Team A violation. A1 has established the team A control of the ball in
the frontcourt before A2 caught the ball while airborne and landed in
his backcourt. In all cases A2 has illegally returned the ball to the
backcourt.
ARTICLE 30 - BALL RETURNED TO THE BACKCOURT
• On the jump ball between A1 and B1 that begins the first period, the
ball has been legally tapped when A2 jumps from his frontcourt,
catches the ball while airborne and lands:
• (a) with both feet in his backcourt.
• (b) straddling the center line.
• No violation has occurred. A2 establishes the first team A control of the
ball while airborne. In all cases A2 is legally in his backcourt.
ARTICLE 30 - BALL RETURNED TO THE BACKCOURT
• A1 taking the throw-in in his backcourt attempts a pass to A2 in his
frontcourt. B1 jumps from his frontcourt, catches the ball, while airborne and
a. lands with both feet in the back court
b. before he lands in his backcourt he passes the ball to B2 in his
backcourt.
• In a., Team B has made a good defensive play and thus has not committed
a violation,
• In b., Team B has committed a violation for illegally returning the ball to the
backcourt.
ARTICLE 43 – FREE THROWS
The free-throw shooter shall:
- Take a position behind the free-throw line
and inside the semi-circle.
- Use any method to shoot a free throw in
such a way that the ball enters the basket
from above or the ball touches the ring.
- Release the ball within 5 seconds after it is
placed at his disposal by the official.
- Not touch the free-throw line or enter the
restricted area until the ball has entered the basket
or has touched the ring.
- Not fake a free throw.
ARTICLE 43 – FREE THROWS
• The players in the free-throw rebound places shall be entitled to occupy
alternating positions in these spaces.
• During the free throws these players shall not:
- Occupy free-throw rebound places to which they are not entitled.
- Enter the restricted area, the neutral zone or leave the free-throw
rebound place until the ball has left the hand(s) of the free-throw
shooter.
- Distract the free-throw shooter by their actions.
ARTICLE 43 – FREE THROWS
• Players not in the free-throw rebound places shall remain behind the
free-throw line extended and behind the 3-point field goal line until the
free throw ends.
• During a free throw(s) to be followed by another set(s) of free throws or
by a throw-in, all players shall remain behind the free-throw line
extended and behind the 3-point field goal line.
ARTICLE 43 – FREE THROWS
• If a free throw is successful and the violation(s) is
committed by the free-throw shooter, the point, if
made, shall not count.
DIRECTION OF PLAY
AND/OR OUT-OF-BOUNDS
• Any other player’s violation which occurs
immediately before, at approximately the same time
as, or after the violation committed by the free-throw
shooter shall be disregarded.
• The ball shall be awarded to the opponents for a
throw-in at the free-throw line extended unless there
is a further free throw(s) or possession penalty to be
administered.
Point in direction of play,
arm parallel to sidelines
ARTICLE 43 – FREE THROWS
• If a free throw is successful and the violation(s) is
committed by any player(s) other than the free-throw
shooter:
- The point, if made, shall count.
- The violation(s) shall be disregarded.
DIRECTION OF PLAY
AND/OR OUT-OF-BOUNDS
• In case of the last or only free throw, the ball shall be
awarded to the opponents for a throw-in at any place
at the endline.
Point in direction of play,
arm parallel to sidelines
ARTICLE 43 – FREE THROWS
• If a free throw is not successful and the
violation is committed by:
- A free-throw shooter or his team-mate
on the last or only free throw, the ball
shall be awarded to the opponents for a
throw-in at the free-throw line extended
unless that team is entitled to further
possession.
CANCEL SCORE, CANCEL PLAY
- An opponent of the free-throw shooter, a
substitute free throw shall be awarded to
the free-throw shooter.
- Both teams, on the last or only free
throw, a jump ball situation occurs.
Scissor-like action with arms,
once across chest
OTHER VIOLATIONS TO CONSIDER & KNOW:
Article 29 – 24 Seconds
Article 31 – Goaltending and Basketball Interference
ARTICLE 29 – 24 SECONDS
Whenever:
- A player gains control of a live ball on the
playing court, or;
- On a throw-in, the ball touches or is legally
touched by any player on the playing court and the
team of that player taking the throw-in remains in
control of the ball, that team must attempt a shot for
a field goal within 24 seconds.
To constitute a shot for a field goal within 24
seconds:
- The ball must leave the player's hand(s)
before the shot clock signal sounds, and
- After the ball has left the player's hand(s),
the ball must touch the ring or enter the basket.
24 SECONDS
Fingers touch shoulder
ARTICLE 29 – 24 SECONDS
When a shot for a field goal is attempted near the end of the 24-second
period and the shot clock signal sounds while the ball is in the air:
- If the ball enters the basket, no violation has occurred, the signal
shall be disregarded and the goal shall count.
- If the ball touches the ring but does not enter the basket, no
violation has occurred, the signal shall be disregarded and the
game shall continue.
- If the ball misses the ring, a violation has occurred. However, if the
opponents have gained immediate and clear control of the ball, the
signal shall be disregarded and the game shall continue.
All restrictions related to goaltending and interference shall apply.
ARTICLE 29 – 24 SECONDS
• The shot clock shall be reset whenever the game is
stopped by an official:
- For a foul or violation (not for the ball having
gone out-of-bounds) by the team not in control
of the ball,
- For any valid reason by the team not in control
of the ball,
- For any valid reason not connected with either
team.
• In these situations the possession of the ball shall be
awarded to the same team that previously had control
of the ball. Then
•
- If the throw-in is administered in the backcourt,
the shot clock shall be reset to 24 seconds.
SHOT CLOCK RESET
Rotate hand, extend index finger
ARTICLE 29 – 24 SECONDS
• If the throw-in is administered in the frontcourt, the shot clock shall be
reset as follows:
- If 14 seconds or more is displayed on the shot clock at the time
when the game was stopped, the shot clock shall not be reset, but
shall continue from the time it was stopped.
- If 13 seconds or less is displayed on the shot clock at the time
when the game was stopped, the shot clock shall be reset to 14
seconds.
• However, if the game is stopped by an official for any valid reason not
connected with either team and, in the judgement of an official, the
reset of the shot clock would place the opponents at a disadvantage,
the shot clock shall continue from the time it was stopped.
ARTICLE 12 – JUMP BALL & ALTERNATING POSSESSION
• A jump ball occurs when an official tosses the ball in the center circle
between any 2 opponents at the beginning of the first period.
• The team that does not obtain control of a live ball on the playing court
after the jump ball at the beginning of the game will be awarded the ball
for a throw-in at the place nearest to where the next jump ball situation
occurs.
• A held ball occurs when one or more players from opposing teams have
one or both hands firmly on the ball so that neither player can gain
control without undue roughness.
ARTICLE 12 – JUMP BALL & ALTERNATING POSSESSION
• A jump ball situation occurs when:
- A held ball is called.
- The ball goes out-of-bounds and the officials are in doubt or disagree
about which of the opponents last touched the ball.
- A double free-throw violation occurs during an unsuccessful last or only
free throw.
- A live ball lodges between the ring and the backboard (except between
free throws and after the last or only free throw followed by a throw-in at the
center line extended, opposite the scorer’s table).
- The ball becomes dead when neither team has control of the ball nor is
entitled to the ball.
- After the cancellation of equal penalties against both teams, if there are no
other foul penalties remaining for administration and neither team had
control of the ball nor was entitled to the ball before the first foul or violation.
- All periods other than the first period are to begin.
ARTICLE 12 – JUMP BALL & ALTERNATING POSSESSION
• Alternating possession is a method of causing the ball to become live with
a throw-in rather than a jump ball.
• Alternating possession throw-in:
- Begins with the ball at the disposal of the player taking the throw-in.
- Ends when:
- The ball touches or is legally touched by a player on the
playing court.
- The team taking the throw-in commits a violation.
- A live ball lodges between the ring and the backboard during
a throw-in.
ARTICLE 12 – JUMP BALL & ALTERNATING POSSESSION
• In all jump ball situations teams will alternate possession of the ball for a
throw-in at the place nearest to where the jump ball situation occurs.
• The team that does not gain control of the live ball on the playing court
after the jump ball will be entitled to the first alternating possession.
• The team entitled to the next alternating possession at the end of any
period shall start the next period with a throw-in at the center line
extended, opposite the scorer’s table, unless there are further free throws
and a possession penalty to be
• administered.
• The team entitled to the alternating possession throw-in shall be indicated
by the alternating possession arrow in the direction of the opponents’
basket. The direction of the alternating possession arrow will be reversed
immediately when the alternating possession throw-in ends.
ARTICLE 12 – JUMP BALL & ALTERNATING POSSESSION
• A violation by a team during its alternating possession throw-in causes that
team to lose the alternating possession throw-in. The direction of the
alternating possession arrow will be reversed immediately, indicating that
the opponents of the violating team will be entitled to the alternating
possession throw-in at the next jump ball situation. The game shall then be
resumed by awarding the ball to the opponents of the violating team for a
throw-in at the place of the original throw-in.
• A foul by either team:
- Before the beginning of a period other than the first period, or
- During the alternating possession throw-in, does not cause the team
entitled to the throw-in to lose that alternating possession.
ARTICLE 12 – ALTERNATING POSSESSION
You make the call:
• The referee tosses the ball for the opening jump ball. Immediately after the ball
is legally tapped by jumper A1. The ball:
• (a) Goes directly out-of-bounds.
• (b) Is caught by A1 before it has touched one of the non-jumpers or the floor.
• In both cases team B is awarded a throw-in as the result of the A1 violation.
After the throw-in the team that does not gain control of the live ball on the
playing court will be entitled to the first alternating possession at the place
nearest to where the next jump ball situation occurs. А1 jumps with the ball and
is legally blocked by B1. Both players then return to the playing court with both
of them having one or both hands firmly on the ball.
• A held ball shall be called.
• А1 and В1 in the air have their hands firmly on the ball. After returning to the
playing court А1 lands with one foot on the boundary line.
• A held ball shall be called.
ARTICLE 12 – ALTERNATING POSSESSION
You make the call:
• On a shot for a field goal by A1 the ball lodges between the ring and the
backboard. The possession arrow is favoring Team A. Does Team
maintain control of the ball on the next throw-in?
• Team A is entitled to a throw-in under the alternating possession
procedure. If shot clock present, remaining time would be registered.
• A1 with the ball in his hands, is in the continuous motion towards the
basket in order to score. At this moment B1 places his hands firmly on the
ball and now A1 makes more steps than allowed by the traveling rule.
Does the official call traveling?
• No, a held ball shall be called.
ARTICLE 31 – GOALTENDING AND BASKETBALL INTERFERENCE
• A shot for a field goal or a free throw:
- Begins when the ball leaves the hand(s) of a player in the act of
shooting.
- Ends when the ball:
▬ Enters the basket directly from above and remains within or
passes through the basket.
▬ No longer has the possibility of entering the basket.
▬ Touches the ring.
▬ Touches the floor.
▬ Becomes dead.
ARTICLE 31 – GOALTENDING AND BASKETBALL INTERFERENCE
• Goaltending occurs during a shot for a field goal when a player touches
the ball while it is completely above the level of the ring and:
- It is on its downward flight to the basket, or
- After it has touched the backboard.
• Goaltending occurs during a shot for a free throw when a player touches
the ball while it is in flight to the basket and before it touches the ring.
ARTICLE 31 – GOALTENDING AND BASKETBALL INTERFERENCE
Interference occurs when:
- After a shot for a field goal or the last or only free throw a player touches
the basket or the backboard while the ball is in contact with the ring.
- After a free throw followed by an additional free throw(s), a player
touches the ball, the basket or the backboard while there is still a
possibility that the ball will enter the basket.
- A player reaches through the basket from below and touches the ball.
- A defensive player touches the ball or the basket while the ball is within
the basket, thus preventing the ball from passing through the basket.
- A player causes the basket to vibrate or grasps the basket in such a way
that, in the judgement of an official, the ball has been prevented from
entering the basket or has been caused to enter the basket.
- A player grasps the basket to play the ball.
ARTICLE 31 – GOALTENDING AND BASKETBALL INTERFERENCE
When
- An official blows the whistle while the ball is in the hands of a
player in the act of shooting, or the ball is in flight on a shot for a
field goal,
- The game clock signal sounds for the end of the period while the
ball is in flight on a shot for a field goal,
No player shall touch the ball after it has touched the ring while it still has
the possibility of entering the basket.
All restrictions related to goaltending and interference shall apply.
ARTICLE 31 – GOALTENDING AND BASKETBALL INTERFERENCE
• If the violation is committed by an offensive player, no points can be awarded. The ball
shall be awarded to the opponents for a throw-in at the free-throw line extended, unless
otherwise stated in the rules.
• If the violation is committed by a defensive player, the offensive team is awarded:
- 1 point, if the ball was released for a free throw.
- 2 points, if the ball was released from the 2-point field goal area.
- 3 points, if the ball was released from the 3-point field goal area.
• The awarding of the points is considered as if the ball had entered the basket.
• If the goaltending is committed by a defensive player during a last or only free throw, 1
point shall be awarded to the offensive team, followed by a technical foul penalty
charged against the defensive player.
RCBA RULES FOR VIOLATION CONSIDERATION
Article 14 - Substitution rules for Grade 4 -12 Divisions:
• Substitutions will be made approximately every four minutes.
• The scorekeeper will stop the clock and signal the referee of the
upcoming shift change. The referee will make the final decision as to
when the play shall stop. The game may continue in order to complete
the scoring opportunity, a fast break or an established possession.
• All players attending a regular season and/or play-off game must have
equal playing time. There are exceptions for Grade 7 & 8 Division Pool 1
see 18.1.
• The substitution rotation recognizing equal playing time would continue
into any overtime period.
• Player substitution for each shift will be recorded on the appropriate
sheet, by the scorekeeper at the game.
RCBA RULES FOR VIOLATION CONSIDERATION
Article 14 - Substitution Rule:
• 14.1.2 Teams will practice a continuous rotation of players or a rolling
substitution. In other words, players on a team should play a shift, and
then sit a shift, for example the first, third, fifth and seventh shifts, while
sitting the second, fourth sixth and eighth shifts. (see examples on the
rotation sheet provided in the coaches manual)
• Exception to this may occur when:
- The player roster for a game are short numbered, meaning that a
double or triple shift may occur due to shortage of players for a start
of a game or may be short due to players being fouled out or
injured in a game.
- A player shall play in every other shift unless a team has more than
10 players (8 players for grade 4).
RCBA RULES FOR VIOLATION CONSIDERATION
- When a team has exactly 2 complete lines (10 players in grade 5 12 and 8 players in grade 4) the lines may be changed at half time.
- When a player misses 2 consecutive practices, the coach may
withdraw playing privileges for the first half for the first infraction and
a full game for subsequent infractions. (grade 5 - 12 only).
• A few points of clarification:
a) Shifts must be balanced in each half. Therefore, a player should be
playing, for example two shifts in each half rather than one and three in
the halves respectively.
b) With the odd exception of situations where a team has six or seven
players, (five or six for grade 4) no player should have a triple shift
(including a first shift in the second half).
RCBA RULES FOR VIOLATION CONSIDERATION
c) If an injury occurs to a player with less than 2 minutes remaining in the
shift, the player who is injured would have that count as a shift. If the injury
occurs with more than 2 minutes remaining in the shift the player put in
would have his/her substituted shift count as a rotation.
d) If the coach has erred in putting in a player in the wrong rotation, the
shift counts as one of his/her substitutions, and jeopardizes the possibility of
using that player later, due to balanced playing time.
e) A player who arrives late to the game will be placed into the equal play
rotation and will have equal playing time in relation to the total number of
shifts remaining in the game. The player may not be able to 'make up'
shifts that he/she has missed.
f) Overtime should be a continuation of the rotation scheme.
RCBA RULES FOR VIOLATION CONSIDERATION
Article 15 - Rules for Grade 3 Divisions
• 15.1 The game format for the grade 3 division are a selection of games that are
played against an opposing team. The purpose of the
• games are develop team and game skills. The game format is provided to the
coaches as part of the coaches manual.
• 15.2 General Rules:
a) Before Christmas, all violations called by an official will involve an explanation
of the violation to all players followed by the ball being returned to the offensive
player who had possession at the time of the violation at the location of the
violation. This player may only pass to initiate play.
b) After Christmas, violations will be result in a switch of possession as per normal
basketball rules.
c) If a foul is committed the team fouled will be awarded possession of the ball
out of bounds. No foul shots will be taken.
RCBA RULES FOR VIOLATION CONSIDERATION
d) Players may not post-up below the free throw line.
e) Players may not execute a screen to get another player open
f) A set play called by players or coaches is a violation and possession
switches to the defensive team.
g) Only man to man defense will be played. No zone defense.
h) No over and back.
i) A team has to back up and give the offensive team centre court:
- when there is a change in position.
j) No score is kept.
k) Basket height shall be 9 feet, where this is possible.
l)Ball size 5 will be used.