| NBA Basketball Rules No. 1: Court Dimensions
& Equipment Section A - Court and Dimensions 1. The playing court shall be measured and marked as shown in the court diagram. 2. A free throw lane shall be marked at each end of the court with dimensions and markings as shown on the court diagram. All boundary lines are part of the lane; lane space marks and neutral zone marks are not. The color of the lane space marks and neutral zones shall contrast with the color of the boundary lines. The areas identified by the lane space markings are 2" by 8" inches and the neutral zone marks are 12" by 8". 3. A free throw line shall be drawn (2" wide) across each of the circles indicated in the court diagram. It shall be parallel to the end line and shall be 15' from the plane of the face of the backboard. 4. The three-point field goal area has parallel lines 3' from the sidelines, extending from the baseline and an arc of 23'9" from the middle of the basket which inter-sects the parallel lines. 5. Four hash marks shall be drawn (2" wide) perpendicular to the sideline on each side of the court and 28' from the baseline. These hash marks shall extend 3' onto the court as stated in nba basketball rules. 6. 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 the free throw lane line and extend 6" onto the court. 7. Four hash marks shall be drawn (2" wide) parallel to the baseline on each side of the free throw circle. These hash marks shall be 13' from the baseline and 3' from the free throw lane lines and shall be 6" in length. 8. Two hash marks shall be drawn (2" wide) perpendicular to the sideline, in front of the scorer's table, and 4' on each side of the midcourt line. This will designate the Substitution Box area. 9. A half-circle shall be created 4' from the center of the basket. Section B - Equipment 1. The backboard shall be a rectangle measuring 6' horizontally and 3 1 /2' vertically. The front surface shall be flat and transparent. 2. A transparent backboard shall be marked with a 2" white rectangle centered behind the ring. This rectangle shall have outside dimensions of 24" horizontally and 18" vertically. 3. Home management is required to have a spare board with supporting unit on hand for emergencies, and a steel tape or extension ruler and a level for use if necessary as stated in nba basketball rules. 4. Each basket shall consist of a pressure-release NBA approved metal safety ring 18" in inside diameter with a white cord net 15" to 18" in length. The cord of the net shall not be less than 30 thread nor more than 120 thread and shall be constructed to check the ball momentarily as it passes through the basket. 5. Each basket ring shall be securely attached to the backboard with its upper edge 10' above and parallel to the floor and equidistant from the vertical edges of the board. The nearest point of the inside edge of the ring shall be 6" from the plane of the face of the board. The ring shall be painted orange. 6. (a) The ball shall be an officially approved NBA ball between 7 1 /2 and 8 1 /2 pounds pressure. (b) Six balls must be made available to each team for pre-game warm-up as stated in nba basketball rules. 7. At least one electric light is to be placed behind the backboard, obvious to officials and synchronized to light up when the horn sounds at the expiration of time for each period. The electric light is to be "red." NBA Basketball Rules No. 2: Definitions Section A - Basket and Backboard 1. A team's basket consists of the basket ring and net through which its players try to shoot the ball. The visiting team has the choice of baskets for the first half. The basket selected by the visiting team when it first enters onto the court shall be its basket for the first half. 2. The teams change baskets for the second half. All overtime periods are considered extensions of the second half as stated in nba basketball rules. 3. Five sides of the backboard (front, two sides, bottom and top) are considered in play when contacted by the basketball. The back of the backboard and the area directly behind it are out-of-bounds. Section B - Blocking Blocking is illegal personal contact which impedes the progress of an opponent. Section C - Dribble 1. dribble is movement of the ball, caused by a player in control, who throws or taps the ball into the air or to the floor. a. The dribble ends when the dribbler: (1) Touches the ball simultaneously with both hands (2) Permits the ball to come to rest while he is in control of it (3) Tries for a field goal (4) Throws a pass (5) Touches the ball more than once while dribbling, before it touches the floor (6) Loses control (7) Allows the ball to become dead Section D - Fouls 1. A common personal foul is illegal physical contact which occurs with an opponent after the ball has become live. 2. A technical foul is the penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct or violations by team members on the floor or seated on the bench. It may be assessed for illegal contact which occurs with an opponent before the ball becomes live. 3. A double foul is a situation in which two opponents commit personal or technical fouls against each other at approximately the same time. 4. An offensive foul is illegal contact, committed by an offensive player, after the ball is live. 5. A loose ball foul is illegal contact, after the ball is alive, when team control does not exist. 6. An elbow foul is making contact with the elbow in an unsportsmanlike manner whether the ball is dead or alive. 7. A flagrant foul is unnecessary and/or excessive contact committed by a player against an opponent whether the ball is dead or alive as stated in nba basketball rules. 8. A punching foul is a punch by a player which makes contact with an opponent whether the ball is dead or alive. 9. An away-from-the-play foul is illegal contact by the defense in the last two minutes of the game, and/or overtime, which occurs (1) deliberately away from the immediate area of offensive action, and/or (2) prior to the ball being released on a throw-in. Section E - Free Throw A free throw is the privilege given a player to score one point by an unhindered attempt for the goal from a position directly behind the free throw line. This attempt must be made within 10 seconds. Section F - Frontcourt/Backcourt 1. A team's frontcourt consists of that part of the court between its endline and the nearer edge of the midcourt line, including the basket and inbounds part of the backboard. 2. A team's backcourt consists of the entire midcourt line and the rest of the court to include the opponent's basket and inbounds part of the backboard. 3. A ball being held by a player: (1) is in the frontcourt if neither the ball nor the player is touching the backcourt, (2) is in the backcourt if either the ball or player is touching the backcourt. 4. A ball being dribbled is (1) in the frontcourt when the ball and both feet of the player are in the frontcourt, (2) in the backcourt if the ball or either foot of the player is in the backcourt. 5. The ball is considered in the frontcourt once it has broken the plane of the midcourt line and is not in player control. 6. The team on offense must bring the ball across the midcourt line within 8 seconds. No additional 10-second count is permitted in the backcourt. EXCEPTION: (1) kicked ball, (2) punched ball, (3) technical foul on the defensive team, (4) delay-of-game warning on the defensive team or (5) infection control. 7. Frontcourt/backcourt status is not attained until a player with the ball has established a positive position in either half during (1) a jump ball, (2) a steal by a defensive player, or (3) a throw-in in the last two minutes of the fourth period and/or any overtime period. Section G - Held Ball A held ball occurs when two opponents have one or both hands firmly on the ball. A held ball should not be called until both players have hands so firmly on the ball that neither can gain sole possession without undue roughness as stated in nba basketball rules. If a player is lying or sitting on the floor while in possession, he should have an opportunity to throw the ball, but a held ball should be called if there is danger of injury. Section H - Pivot 1. A pivot takes place when a player, who is holding the ball, steps once or more than once in any direction with the same foot, with the other foot (pivot foot) in contact with the floor. 2. If the player wishes to dribble after a pivot, the ball must be out of his hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor. If the player raises his pivot off the floor, he must pass or attempt a field goal. If he fails to follow these guidelines, he has committed a traveling violation. Section I - Traveling Traveling is progressing in any direction while in possession of the ball, which is in excess of prescribed limits as noted in Rule 4-Section VIII and Rule 10- Section XIV. Section J - Screen A screen is the legal action of a player who, without causing undue contact, delays or prevents an opponent from reaching a desired position. Section K - Field Goal Attempt A field goal attempt is a player's attempt to shoot the ball into his basket for a field goal. The act of shooting starts when, in the official's judgment, the player has started his shooting motion and continues until the shooting motion ceases and he returns to a normal floor position. It is not essential that the ball leave the shooter's hand. His arm(s) might be held so that he cannot actually make an attempt. The term is also used to include the flight of the ball until it becomes dead or is touched by a player. A tap during a jump ball or rebound is not considered a field goal attempt. However, anytime a live ball is in flight from the playing court, the goal, if made, shall count, even if time expires or the official's whistle sounds as stated in nba basketball rules. The field goal will not be scored if time on the game clock expires before the ball leaves the player's hand. Section L - Throw-In A throw-in is a method of putting the ball in play from out-of-bounds in accordance with Rule 8-Section III. The throw-in begins when the ball is at the disposal of the team or player entitled to it, and ends when the ball is released by the thrower-in. Section M - Last Two Minutes When the game clock shows 2:00, the game is considered to be in the two-minute period. Section N-Disconcertion of Free Throw Shooter Disconcertion of the free throw shooter is any of the following: 1. During multiple free throw attempts which are not going to remain in play, an opponent may not, while located on the lane lines, be allowed to raise his arms above his head. 2. During any free throw attempt, an opponent in the game who is in the visual field of the free throw shooter, may not (1) wave his arms, (2) make a sudden dash upcourt, (3) talk to the free throw shooter, or (4) talk loudly in a disruptive manner. Section O - Suspension of Play An official can suspend play for retrieving an errant ball, re-setting the timing devices, delay-of-game warning, inadvertent whistle or any other unusual circumstance. During such a suspension, neither team is permitted to substitute and only the offensive team can request a timeout. Play shall be resumed at the point of interruption. Section P - Point of Interruption Where the ball is located when the whistle sounds. Section Q - Team Control A team is in control when a player is holding, dribbling or passing the ball. Team control ends when the defensive team deflects the ball or there is a field goal attempt. Section R - Team Possession A team is in possession when a player is holding, dribbling or passing the ball. Team possession ends when the defensive team gains possession or there is a field goal attempt as stated in nba basketball rules. NBA Basketball Rules NO. 3: 24-SECOND CLOCK Section A - Definition For the purpose of clarification the 24-second device shall be referred to as "the 24-second clock." Section B - Starting and Stopping of 24-Second Clock 1. The 24-second clock will start when a team gains new possession of a ball which is in play. 2. On a throw-in, the 24-second clock shall start when the ball is legally touched on the court by a player. 3. A team must attempt a field goal within 24 seconds after gaining possession of the ball. To constitute a legal field goal attempt, the following conditions must be complied with: (A) The ball must leave the player's hand prior to the expiration of 24 seconds. (B) After leaving the player's hand(s), the ball must make contact with the basket ring. 4. A team is considered in possession of the ball when holding, passing or dribbling. The team is considered in possession of the ball even though the ball has been batted away but the opponent has not gained possession as stated in nba basketball rules. 5. Team possession ends when: (A) There is a legal field goal attempt (B) The opponent gains possession 6. If a ball is touched by a defensive player who does not gain possession of the ball, the 24-second clock shall continue to run. 7. If a defensive player causes the ball to go out-of-bounds or causes the ball to enter the basket ring from below, the 24-second clock is stopped and the offensive team shall be awarded the ball. The offensive team shall have only the unexpired time remaining on the 24-second clock in which to attempt a field goal. If the 24-second clock reads 0, a 24-second violation has occurred, even though the horn may not have sounded. 8. If during any period there are 24 seconds OR LESS left to play in the period, the 24-second clock shall not function following a change of possession as stated in nba basketball rules. 9. If an official inadvertently blows his whistle and the 24-second clock buzzer sounds while the ball is in the air, play shall be suspended and play resumed by a jump ball between any two opponents at the center circle, if the shot hits the rim and is unsuccessful. If the shot does not hit the rim, a 24-second violation has occurred. If the shot is successful, the goal shall count and the ball inbounded as after any successful field goal. It should be noted that even though the official blows his whistle, all provisions of the above rule apply. 10. If there is a question whether or not an attempt to score has been made within the 24 seconds allowed, the final decision shall be made by the officials. 11. Whenever the 24-second clock reads 0 and the ball is dead for any reason other than a defensive three-second violation, kicking violation, punched ball violation, personal foul or a technical foul by the defensive team, a 24-second violation has occurred. Section C - Putting Ball In Play After Violation If a team fails to attempt a field goal within the time allotted, a 24-second violation shall be called. The ball is awarded to the defensive team at the sideline, nearest the spot where play was suspended but no nearer to the baseline than the free throw line extended as stated in nba basketball rules. Section D - Resetting 24-Second Clock 1. The 24-second clock shall be reset when a special situation occurs which warrants such action. 2. The 24-second clock is never reset on technical fouls called on the offensive team. 3. The 24-second clock shall be reset to 24 seconds anytime the following occurs: (A) Change of possession (B) Ball contacting the basket ring of the team which is in possession (C) Personal foul where ball is being inbounded in backcourt (D) Violation where ball is being inbounded in backcourt (E) Jump balls which are not the result of a held ball caused by the defense 4. The 24-second clock shall remain the same as when play was interrupted or reset to 14 seconds, whichever is greater, anytime the following occurs: (A) Personal foul by the defense where ball is being inbounded in frontcourt (B) Defensive three-second violation (C) Technical fouls and/or delay-of-game warnings on the defensive team (D) Kicked or punched ball by the defensive team with the ball being inbounded in the offensive team's front-court (E) Infection control (F) Jump balls retained by the offensive team as the result of a held ball caused by the defense (G) All flagrant and punching fouls NBA Basketball Rules NO. 4: VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES Section A - Free Throw 1. After the ball is placed at the disposal of a free throw shooter, his attempt shall be within 10 seconds in such a way that the ball enters the basket or touches the ring before it is touched by a player. The shooter shall be within that part of the free throw circle behind the free throw line. 2. A player shall not touch the ball or basket while the ball is on or within the basket. 3. A player who occupies a free throw lane space shall not touch the floor on or across the free throw lane line, nor shall any player 'back out' more than 3' from the free throw lane line. A player who does not occupy a free throw lane space must remain behind the three-point line. This restriction applies until the ball leaves the free thrower's hands. 4. The free throw shooter may not cross the plane of the free throw line until the ball touches the basket ring, backboard, or the free throw ends. 5. No player shall deflect or catch the ball before it reaches the basket or backboard on a free throw attempt. 6. The free throw shooter shall not purposely fake a free throw attempt. 7. An opponent in the game shall not disconcert the free thrower in any way, once the ball has been placed at the disposal of the shooter. 8. No violation can occur if the ball is not released by the free throw shooter. EXCEPTION: Rule 10-Section I-f. PENALTY: (A) In (1-8) above, if the violation is by the offense, no point can be scored. The ball is awarded out-of-bounds to the opposing team at the free throw line extended. (B) In (2) above, a violation by the defense shall be disregarded if the free throw attempt is successful. If the free throw attempt is unsuccessful, one point shall be awarded. (C) In (3), a violation by the defense shall be disregarded if the free throw attempt is successful. If the free throw attempt is unsuccessful, a substitute free throw attempt is awarded. (D) In (7), the violation shall be disregarded if the free throw attempt is successful. If the free throw attempt is unsuccessful, a substitute free throw attempt shall be awarded. (E) In (5), if the violation is by the defensive team, the point is scored and the same player receives another free throw attempt. The additional free throw attempt is considered a new play. This can only occur when the ball will remain in play after the free throw attempt. If it occurs on a free throw attempt which is to be followed by another free throw attempt, only the single point is awarded, and the remaining free throw(s) shall be attempted. (F) If there is a free throw violation by each team, on a free throw which is to remain in play, the ball becomes dead, no point can be scored and play shall be resumed by a jump ball between any two opponents at the center circle. (G) The "out-of-bounds" and "jump ball" provisions above do not apply if the free throw is to be followed by another free throw. (H) If the free throw shooter violates (a) above after disconcertion by an opponent, a substitute free throw shall be awarded. Section B- Out-of-Bounds 1. A player shall not cause the ball to go out-of-bounds. PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the boundary line nearest the spot of the violation. EXCEPTION: On a throw-in which is not touched inbounds, the ball is returned to the original throw-in spot. Section C - Dribble 1. A player shall not run with the ball without dribbling it. 2. A player in control of a dribble who steps on or outside a boundary line, even though not touching the ball while on or outside that boundary line, shall not be allowed to return inbounds and continue his dribble. He may not even be the first player to touch the ball after he has re-established a position inbounds. 3. A player may not dribble a second time after he has voluntarily ended his first dribble. 4. A player may dribble a second time if he lost control of the ball because of: (A) A field goal attempt at his basket, provided the ball touches the backboard or basket ring (B) An opponent touching the ball (C) A pass or fumble which has then touched another player PENALTY: Loss of ball. Ball is awarded to the opposing team at the sideline nearest the spot of the violation but no nearer the baseline than the foul line extended. Section D - Thrower-in 1. A thrower-in shall not (a) carry the ball onto the court; (b) fail to release the ball within 5 seconds; (c) touch it on the court before it has touched another player; (d) leave the designated throw-in spot; (e) throw the ball so that it enters the basket before touching anyone on the court; (f) step over the boundary line while inbounding the ball; (g) cause the ball to go out-of-bounds without being touched inbounds; (h) leave the playing surface to gain an advantage on a throw-in; (i) hand the ball to a player on the court. EXCEPTION: After a field goal or free throw as a result of a personal foul, the thrower-in may run the end line or pass to a teammate behind the end line. 2. Once an official recognizes the designated player to throw the ball in, there shall be no change of the thrower-in unless the offensive team makes a substitution, there is a regular or 20-second timeout or a suspension of play. PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the original spot of the throw-in as stated in nba basketball rules. Section E - Strike the Ball 1. A player shall not kick the ball or strike it with the fist. 2. Kicking the ball or striking it with any part of the leg is a violation when it is an intentional act. The ball accidentally striking the foot, the leg or fist is not a violation. PENALTY: (A) If the violation is by the offense, the ball is awarded to the opposing team at the sideline nearest the spot of the violation but no nearer to the base-line than the free throw line extended. (B) If the violation is by the defense while the ball is in play, the offensive team retains possession of the ball at the sideline nearest the spot of the violation but no nearer the baseline than the foul line extended. (C) If the violation occurs during a throw-in, the opposing team retains possession at the spot of the original throw-in with all privileges, if any, remaining. Section F - Jump Ball 1. A player shall not violate the jump ball rule (Rule 6-Section VII). 2. During a jump ball, a personal foul committed prior to either team obtaining possession, shall be ruled a "loose ball" foul. In all violations of this rule, neither the game clock nor the 24-second clock shall be started until the ball is legally tapped. PENALTY: (A) In () above, the ball is awarded to the opposing team at the sideline nearest the spot of the violation. (B) In () above, if there is a violation by each team, or if the official makes a bad toss, the toss shall be repeated with the same jumpers. (C) In (2) above, free throws may or may not be awarded, consistent with whether the penalty is in effect (Rule 12B-Section VIII). Section G - Offensive Three-Second Rule 1. An offensive player shall not remain for more than three seconds in that part of his free throw lane between the endline and extended 4' (imaginary) off the court and the farther edge of the free throw line while the ball is in control of his team. 2. Allowance may be made for a player who, having been in this area for less than three seconds, is in the act of shooting at the end of the third second. Under these conditions, the 3-second count is discontinued while his continuous motion is toward the basket. If that continuous motion ceases, the previous 3-second count is continued as stated in nba basketball rules. 3. The 3-second count shall not begin until the ball is in control in the offensive team's frontcourt. No violation can occur if the ball is batted away by an opponent. PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the sideline at the free throw line extended. Section H - Defensive Three-Second Rule 1. The count starts when the offensive team is in control of the ball in the front-court. 2. Any defensive player, who is positioned in the 16-foot lane or the area extending 4 feet past the lane endline, must be actively guarding an opponent within three seconds. Actively guarding means being within arms length of an offensive player and in a guarding position. 3. Any defensive player may play any offensive player. The defenders may double-team any player. 4. The defensive three-second count is suspended when: (a) there is a field goal attempt, (b) there is a loss of team control, (c) the defender is actively guarding an opponent or (d) the defender completely clears the 16-foot lane. 5. If the defender is guarding the player with the ball, he may be located in the 16-foot lane. This defender is not required to be in an actively guarding/arms dis-tance position. If another defender actively guards the player with the ball, the original defender must actively guard an opponent or exit the 16-foot lane. Once the offensive player passes the ball, the defender must actively guard an opponent or exit the 16-foot lane. PENALTY: A technical foul shall be assessed. The offensive team retains pos-session at the free throw line extended. The shot clock shall remain the same as when play was interrupted or reset to 14 seconds, whichever is greater. Section I - Eight-Second Rule A team shall not be in continuous possession of a ball which is in its backcourt for more than 8 consecutive seconds. EXCEPTION (1): A new 8 seconds is awarded if the defense: (1) kicks or punches the ball, (2) is assessed a technical foul, or (3) is issued a delay of game warning. EXCEPTION (2): A new 8 seconds is awarded if play is suspended to administer Comments on the Rules-N-Infection Control. PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the mid-court line. Section J - Ball in Backcourt 1. A player shall not be the first to touch a ball which he or a teammate caused to go from frontcourt to backcourt while his team was in control of the ball. EXCEPTION: Rule 8-Section III-e (EXCEPTION). 2. During a jump ball, a try for a goal, or a situation in which a player taps the ball away from a congested area, as during rebounding, in an attempt to get the ball out where player control may be secured, the ball is not in control of either team. Hence, the restriction on first touching does not apply. 3. Following a jump ball, a player who secures a positive position and control of the ball in his frontcourt cannot pass the ball to a teammate or dribble the ball into the backcourt. PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the mid-court line. Section K - Swinging of Elbows A player shall not be allowed excessive and/or vigorous swinging of the elbows in a swinging motion (no contact) when a defensive player is nearby and the offensive player has the ball. PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the side-line, nearest the spot of the violation but no nearer the baseline than the foul line extended. If the violation occurs on a throw-in, the game clock shall not be started. Section L - Entering Basket From Below A player shall not cause the ball to enter the basket from below. PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the side-line, at the free throw line extended as stated in nba basketball rules. Section M - Illegal Assist in Scoring 1. A player may not assist himself to score by using the basket ring or back-board to lift, hold or raise himself. 2. A player may not assist a teammate to gain height while attempting to score. PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the free throw line extended. Section N - Traveling 1. A player who receives the ball while standing still may pivot, using either foot as the pivot foot. 2. A player who receives the ball while he is progressing or upon completion of a dribble, may use a two-count rhythm in coming to a stop, passing or shooting the ball. The first count occurs: (A) As he receives the ball, if either foot is touching the floor at the time he receives it. (B) As the foot touches the floor, or as both feet touch the floor simultaneously after he receives the ball, if both feet are off the floor when he receives it. The second occurs: (C) After the count of one when either foot touches the floor, or both feet touch the floor simultaneously. 3. A player who comes to a stop on the count of one may pivot, using either foot as the pivot foot. 4. A player who comes to a stop on the count of two, with one foot in advance of the other, may pivot using only the rear foot as the pivot foot. 5. A player who comes to a stop on the count of two, with neither foot in advance of the other, may use either foot as the pivot foot as stated in nba basketball rules. 6. In starting a dribble after (1) receiving the ball while standing still, or (2) coming to a legal stop, the ball must be out of the player's hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor. 7. If a player, with the ball in his possession, raises his pivot foot off the floor, he must pass or shoot before his pivot foot returns to the floor. If he drops the ball while in the air, he may not be the first to touch the ball. 8. A player who falls to the floor while holding the ball, or while coming to a stop, may not gain an advantage by sliding. 9. A player who attempts a field goal may not be the first to touch the ball if it fails to touch the backboard, basket ring or another player. PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the sideline, nearest spot of the violation but no nearer the baseline than the foul line extended. Section O - Offensive Screen Set Out-of-Bounds An offensive player shall not leave the playing area of the floor on the endline in the frontcourt for the purpose of setting a screen. PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the side-line at the free throw line extended. Section P - Five-Second Back-to-the-Basket Violation An offensive player in his frontcourt below the free throw line extended shall not be permitted to dribble with his back or side to the basket for more than five seconds as stated in nba basketball rules. The count ends when (1) the player picks up the ball, (2) dribbles above the free throw line extended or (3) a defensive player deflects the ball away. PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team out-of-bounds on the nearest sideline at the free throw line extended. NBA Basketball Rules No. 5: CONTACT SITUATIONS 1. Incidental Contact The mere fact that contact occurs does not necessarily constitute a foul. Contact which is incidental to an effort by a player to play an opponent, reach a loose ball, or perform normal defensive or offensive movements, should not be considered illegal. If, however, a player attempts to play an opponent from a position where he has no reasonable chance to perform without making contact with his opponent, the responsibility is on the player in this position as stated in nba basketball rules. The hand is considered "part of the ball" when it is in contact with the ball. Therefore, contact on that hand by a defender while it is in contact with the ball is not illegal. 2. Guarding an Opponent In all guarding situations, a player is entitled to any spot on the court he desires, provided he legally gets to that spot first and without contact with an opponent. If a defensive or offensive player has established a position on the floor and his opponent initiates contact that results in the dislodging of the opponent, a foul should be called IMMEDIATELY. During all throw-ins, the defensive player(s) must be allowed to take a position between his man and the basket. A player may continue to move after gaining a guarding position in the path of an opponent provided he is not moving directly or obliquely toward his opponent when contact occurs. A player is never permitted to move into the path of an opponent after the opponent has jumped into the air as stated in nba basketball rules. A player who extends a hand, forearm, shoulder, hip or leg into the path of an opponent and thereby causes contact is not considered to have a legal position in the path of an opponent. A player is entitled to a vertical position even to the extent of holding his arms above his shoulders, as in post play or when double-teaming in pressing tactics. Any player who conforms to the above is absolved from responsibility for any contact by an opponent which may dislodge or tend to dislodge such player from the position which he has attained and is maintaining legally. If contact occurs, the official must decide whether the contact is incidental or a foul has been committed. 3. Screening When a player screens in front of or at the side of a stationary opponent, he may be as close as he desires providing he does not make contact. His opponent can see him and, therefore, is expected to detour around the screen. If he screens behind a stationary opponent, the opponent must be able to take a normal step backward without contact. Because the opponent is not expected to see a screener behind him, the player screened is given latitude of movement. The defender must be given an opportunity to change direction and avoid contact with the screener as stated in nba basketball rules. To screen a moving opponent, the player must stop soon enough to permit his opponent to stop or change direction. The distance between the player screening and his opponent will depend upon the speed at which the players are moving. If two opponents are moving in the same direction and path, the player who is behind is responsible for contact. The player in front may stop or slow his pace, but he may not move backward or sidewards into his opponent. The player in front may or may not have the ball. This situation assumes the two players have been moving in identically the same direction and path before contact. 4. The Dribble If the dribbler's path is blocked, he is expected to pass or shoot; that is, he should not try to dribble by an opponent uness there is a reasonable chance of getting by without contact. NBA Basketball Rules No. 6: BLOCK-CHARGE A defensive player is permitted to establish a legal guarding position in the path of a dribbler regardless of his speed and distance. A defensive player is not permitted to move into the path of an offensive player once he has started his shooting motion. A defensive player must allow a moving player the distance to stop or change direction when the offensive player receives a pass outside the lower defensive box. A defensive player must allow an alighted player the distance to land and then stop or change direction when the offensive player is outside the lower defensive box. A defensive player is permitted to establish a legal guarding position in the path of an offensive player who receives a pass inside the lower defensive box regardless of his speed and distance. A defensive player must allow an alighted player who receives a pass the space to land when the offensive player is inside the lower defensive box. A defensive player must allow a moving offensive player without the ball the distance to stop or change direction. The speed of the offensive player will determine the amount of distance a defensive player must allow. If an offensive player causes contact with a defensive player who has established a legal position, an offensive foul shall be called and no points may be scored as stated in nba basketball rules. A defensive player may turn slightly to protect himself, but is never allowed to bend over and submarine an opponent. An offensive foul should never be called if the contact is with a secondary defensive player who has established a defensive position within a designated "restricted area" near the basket for the purpose of drawing an offensive foul. The "restricted area" for this purpose is the area bounded by an arc with a 4-foot radius measured from the middle of the basket as stated in nba basketball rules. EXCEPTION: Any player may be legally positioned within the "restricted area" if the offensive player receives the ball within the Lower Defensive Box. The mere fact that contact occurs on these type of plays, or any other similar play, does not necessarily mean that a personal foul has been committed. The officials must decide whether the contact is negligible and/or incidental, judging each situation separately. NBA Basketball Rules No. 7: OFFENSIVE 3-SECONDS The offensive player cannot be allowed in the 3-second lane for more than the allotted time as stated in nba basketball rules. This causes the defensive player to 'hand-check' because he cannot control the offensive player for that extended period of time. If the offensive player is in the 3-second lane for less than three seconds and receives the ball, he must make a move toward the hoop for the official to discontinue his three second count. If he attempts to back the defensive player down, attempting to secure a better position in relation to the basket, offensive three seconds or an offensive foul must be called. If he passes off and immediately makes a move out of the lane, there should be no whistle. NBA Basketball Rules No. 8: EXPIRATION OF TIME NO LESS THAN :00.3 must expire on the game clock when a ball is thrown inbounds and then hit instantly out-of-bounds. If less than :00.3 expires in such a situation, the timer will be instructed to deduct AT LEAST :00.3 from the game clock. If, in the judgment of the official, the play took longer than :00.3, he will instruct the timer to deduct more time. If less than :00.3 remain on the game clock when this situation occurs, the period is over. NO LESS THAN :00.3 must expire on the game clock when a player secures possession of an inbounds pass and then attempts a field goal. If less than :00.3 expires in such a situation, the timer will be instructed to deduct AT LEAST :00.3 from the game clock. If less than :00.3 remain on the game clock when this situation occurs, the period is over, and the field goal attempt will be disallowed immediately whether successful or unsuccessful. This guideline shall apply to any field goal attempted by a player after he receives an inbounds pass, OTHER THAN what will be called, for this purpose, a "tip-in" or "alley oop." A "tip-in" is defined as any action in which the ball is deflected, not controlled, by a player and then enters the basket ring. This type of action shall be deemed legal if :00.1 or more remains in a period as stated in nba basketball rules. A "high lob" is defined as a pass which is tipped by an offensive player while in mid-air, and is followed instantaneously by a field goal attempt. If the reception of the pass and the subsequent "slam dunk" is immediately adjacent to the basket ring, this type of action shall be deemed legal if :00.1 or more remains in a period. However, if the "high lob" attempt is a distance from the basket ring whereby the ball must be controlled in mid-air, either one-handed or two-handed, a minimum of :00.3 is necessary for a field goal to score if successful. NO LESS than :00.3 must expire on the game clock when a player secures pos-session of an unsuccessful free throw attempt and immediately requests a timeout. If LESS than :00.3 expires in such a circumstance, the time on the game clock shall be reduced by at least :00.3. Therefore, if :00.3 OR LESS remain on the game clock when the above situation exists, and a player requests a timeout upon securing pos-session of the ball, the period is over. During ANY regular or 20-second timeout taken during the FINAL minute of ANY period, the crew chief must meet with his fellow officials to discuss possible timing scenarios, fouls being taken if either team is under the penalty limit, number of timeouts, assistance by all officials on 3-point field goal attempts, rotation or away-from- the play foul. Regardless of when the horn or red light operates to signify the end of period, the officials will ultimately make the final decision whether to allow or disallow a successful field goal. THE CREW CHIEF MUST TAKE CHARGE OF THE SITUATION as stated in nba basketball rules. |
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NBA Basketball Rules
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