Fred Horgan FIBA Instructor It is a great pleasure that we inform you of our friend's nomination and FIBA instructor FRED Horgan from Canada as FIBA AMERICAS official rules interpreter. Fred is member of our Technical Commission and also of World FIBA, jointly with Mario Hopenhaym and Hank Nichols. Recently it has been named to write on the new text of the Official Rules.      More >>

7/17/2005	troy paul - ESTADOS UNIDOS
	Question: What is the rulling on: If a shooter takes a shot that does not hit anything (airball) and catches the ball himself, is this traveling or what is the call? Thanks, Answer: It is perfectly legal for the shooter to retrieve the ball. The key here is that the official is satisfied that a shot for a goal took place.

 

7/12/2005

slm - UNITED KINGDOM

Question: Nearing the 5th second in a free-throw situation before the shooter has released the ball, ALL players from both teams suddenly rush into the paint (a result of nerves in a tight game). The free-throw shooter panics and lowers the ball instead of shooting it. Is it correct to call a 5 second violation on the free-throw shooter in this situation? What is the correct call procedure for this situation? Answer: The hypothetical situation you describe would be be handled simply administering the free throws again. This would be more covered by the spirit of the rule than by the letter of the rule.

 

7/12/2005

Belgharek Sami - TUNISIA

Question: 3. During the last two (2) minutes of the fourth (4th) period or any extra-period, if a time out is granted: - to the non scoring team after the valid basket, - to the team that has been awarded the possession of the ball in its back court, The throw-in following the time-out shall be administrated at the centre-court line opposite at the scorer's table. The player taking the throw-in may pass the ball into the front or back court. This one of the rule changes approved in the last cenral board of FIBA.Can i understand the reason of this change? Thank you! Answer: This enables the team receiving the ball to move the ball into the front court sooner, thus making the game potentially more exciting. If that team chooses not to do so, it is entitled to pass the ball to the back court if it wishes.

 

7/11/2005

Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE

Question: I wish to clarify on the article on 'Closely Guarded Player'. A tall player (2m in height) has a live ball on the court is closely guarded when an opponent (1.6m in height) is in an actively guarding position with a distance of no more than one metre (1m). The tall player is holding the ball above his head that the opponent can't reach the ball. Shall we call a 5-sec violation? Answer: Yes. It is not necessary that the guarding player be trying to gain the ball. Agressive guarding is sufficient

 

7/10/2005	john - UNITED KINGDOM
	Question: will a team with just four players like for example fouled out be allowed to continue playing or defaulted in the game? Answer: Although a game cannot begin unless a team has five players on the court, a team can continue to play (after the game has begun) with as few as two players. Once that team has "fewer than two", however, the game is lost by default.

 

7/6/2005

jb - PHILIPPINES

Question: A watch in the competition here. They used 3-man officiating crew. In case of free throws, the trail referee is in the opposite side and the center referee is in the table side. Is there new mechanics in 3 man officiating? In the fiba.com website in case of free throws, the trail referee is in the table side. could you please crarify... where could I download is new mechanics for 3-man mechanics? thanks in advance Answer: The trail official will always be on the same side as the lead official. The 3-person mechanics can be downloaded from the FIBA website

 

6/19/2005

Peter Strikwerda - NETHERLANDS

Question: At start of 3rd quarter the player has his feets straddling the mid court line. The player throuws in the ball but, without touching anybody or the court it crosses the side line at the other side of the court. Where and how are we going to continue the intake of the ball ? Answer: Obviously the thrower-in has committed a violation. The opponents will be awarded a throw-in. In order that the opponents not be placed at a disadvantage by the violation, it would seem appropriate that the resulting throw-in be administered on team B's backcourt side of the centre line extended, at the point of the original throw-in.

 

6/16/2005

Soesman Gilbert - SURINAME

Question: When team-CLD is given 2 freethrows and while the CLD-player is at de line to take the first freethrow a bottle is throw on the court. This bottles is thrown at the player or at the court and reaches the court and flew through the bucket (box) after the free-trhow has left the players hand. This action is done by the opponent crowd-Dorenas, to distract the CLD-player so that he can miss the freethrow. What should the refree do if the freethrow is missed by the player of teamCLD. This action took place at the men semifinals in suriname this week (9 and 14 june 2005) Answer: Since the ball had left the free thrower's, no disconcertion could have occurred. Leave it up to the organizing authorities and the security team to handle the fan. Do not give a technical foul or any such thing to the fan; that would be not only an incorrect application of a rule but also could be a total disaster.)

 

6/12/2005	David H Dice - ESTADOS UNIDOS
	Question: I would like the lay out diagram of a basketball court.I have not been able to fine the measurements so I can lay out a court for the kids. Thank you Dave Answer: The diagram that you are looking for in contained in the Official Basketball Rules, page 8. These rules are available as a free download at either the FIBA website (www.fiba.com) or the FIBA Americas site.

 

6/11/2005	bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES
	Question: when thwe officials calls a travel violation to the player, when the lifted pivot raise and be touch to the floor or when the ball has release to the hands of the player? Answer: The violation is called when the lifted pivot foot again returns to the floor.

 

6/10/2005

Luis W. - CHINA

Question: Dear Sir, In three-person mechanics, it was mentioned that the responsible official should give the two-point field goal, is it right that when in Lead's responsible area, a two-point succeeded, he should sign it? And i was wondering that after the only or the last successful free-throw, shall the new Trail give the Time-in after it'll be a live ball? (No matter in two-person or three-person) Thank You very much~! Answer: Yes, with the signal to be mirrored by the trail. And i was wondering that after the only or the last successful free-throw, shall the new Trail give the Time-in after it'll be a live ball? (Answer) Yes.(No matter in two-person or three-person) Thank You very much~!

 

6/10/2005

Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE

Question: I wish to seek clarification on Art 26 – 3-seconds Rule. Shall a 3-seconds violation be called if: - a)The player has been in the restricted area for more than 3 seconds while his team is in control of the ball in the front court but the ball is not in his hands. b)Same as (a) and he just received a pass from his team-mate. c)Same as (a) but the player is doing a screening for his team-mate dribbling toward the basket. Answer: The wording of the original press release was incorrect. It has now been changed. In effect, the answer to your question is that the substitution or time-out will be granted following the last free throw, provided that free throw is successful. See the revised press release for the proper wording. (3)If timeout or substitution is granted when the ONLY free throw is successful, why can’t the same apply to the last successful free throw (second or third) since both scenarios are identical? (Answer) The corrected wording refers to the last or only free throw.

 

6/10/2005

Peteris Mors - LATVIA

Question: Team A has the next throw-in after the time out, it is 10 seconds left and the score is A90 – B91. When the time out is over, the teams come to the court and team A has 6 (six) players. (Assuming that the officials and table officials are doing their job correctly, one player must have entered or remained on the court illegally). The time clock starts and Team A makes 3 point attempt and the foul is called on the player, who made a shot, the basket is made. There is no time left (the game is over). So, what should the referee do? The basket counts (3 points and additional 1 free throw). How to finish the game? Thank you! peter Answer: To begin with, it is clear the floor officials as well as the scorer were not doing their jobs correctly. Otherwise there would not have been eleven players on the court. This would be especially crucial because of the closeness of the game and the limited period of time remaining to be played. The officials involved should find another job. In terms of how to finish the game, the score would now be team A 93 - team B 91. Award the fouled player one free throw and if it is successful, it would be impossible for team B to win. If it is not successful, assess a technical foul to team A for having had too many players on the court. If both free throws are successful, an extra period will be necessary. I STRESS, HOWEVER, THAT THIS RIDICULOUS SITUATION WILL NEVER HAPPEN IF THE OFFICIALS, THE FLOOR OFFICIALS AND TABLE OFFICIALS, ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT THEY SHOULD BE DOING.

 

6/1/2005

Gens V.Varghese - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: In the initial jump ball to start the 1st period A4 taps the ball in to opponent's basket.Referee awards 3 points to A team.Team B took end line throw-in as after normal basket.For whom will be the Alternating position Arrow's direction? Thanking you. Warm Regards Gens V V Answer: The A.P. arrow will be set for team A because team B was the first team to gain contro; of the ball following the legal tap.

 

6/1/2005

Alessio - ITALY

Question: I've read the summary of the new rule changes for the 2005-2006, but I couldn't find the "real" text. Where is it possible to find it? Thank you in advance Answer: The rules text that came into effect following Athens is available as a free download on the FIBA website (www.fiba.com) . If you are referring to the changes which will take place in October, 2005, they can be found in the "press release" section (a subsection of FIBA News), also on the website.

 

5/28/2005

EL Dabbagh Ossama - EGYPT

Question: Team A which is mentioned first in the score late than the begining of the game 10 min , and they gave the refree an acceptable reasone , so he will start the game , shall this team have the right to choose the bench on the left of score table and there own basket , or it is dropped according to there lateness thank u for reply Answer: Team A shall sit at its assigned bench, to the left of the scoere's table as stipulated by rule. The home team (or the first on the score sheet) no longer has the choice of at which basket they will shoot or at which bench they will sit (Art. 9)

 

5/26/2005

Austin - CAMBODIA

Question: If a player receive a pass on a continuous motion/movement and drive to the basket taking two steps without driblling that was not a travellin, My question is, If a player receive a pass outside the restricted area, with both feets on the floor and without driblling or establishing a pivot leg, takes two steps to the basket, is that a travelling violation? Answer: You have simplified the dribbling rule too much. In you first situation, "two steps" would only be possible if the player had neither foot on the floor when the ball was received and then landed on one foot, jumped off that foot and then landed on both feet simultaneously (a "jump stop"). In this case, the player would not be permitted to pivot before releasing the ball on the shot for a goal. In your second situation where the player receives the ball while both feet are on the floor, a pivot foot would be determined as soon as the player lifted either foot (at which time the other foot would become the pivot). This would account for "one step". To lift the pivot foot and then return it to the floor before releasing the ball on the shot would be a treveling violation.

 

5/25/2005

Rishi - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: Thanks for answering my question. If a player shoots the ball, misses the shot, does NOT hit the rim, but does hit the backboard, can he get his own rebound, come down with the basketball, and then go back up with the shot or does he have to hit the rim to rebound his shot and come down with the basketball? Thanks a lot! Answer: Provided the official is satisfied that a legitimate shot for a goal has taken place, the action that you have described is legal. The 24-second clock will continue to run, however

 

5/24/2005

SATO - JAPAN

Question: ‡@ #4(Team A) took a jump shot,but the ball missed the ring and backboard. #4(Team A) took a rebound by the first touch. It is no travelling and no double dribble. Is it true? ‡A Team A controled a ball. #5(Team A) committed a technical foul, after #6(Team B) committed a technical foul. No free throws penalised and Team A got a throw-in. Is it true? ‡B Team A controled a ball. #6(Team A) committed a technical foul. #7(Team B) committed a technical foul, after lead official gave a ball to free throw shooter. Team A and Team B gets 2 free throws. And Team A gets a throw-in from the line where #6(Team A) committed a technical foul. Is it true? Answer: 1. This is legal. Team A shall have only whatever time is remaining in the 24-second period. 2. Yes. Team A shall have only whatever time was remaining in the 24-second period. 3.The penalties for the two technical fouls cancel each other. Play resumes as in the previous question.

 

5/18/2005

Tomek Trawicki - POLAND

Question: In the rules we have:"A time-out is granted against a team whose coach first made a request unless the time-out is granted following a field goal scored by the opponents and without a foul being called" Does it mean that when we have a violation during a shot for a field goal and the goal is count the time-out shall be granted for the team who lost the goal or for the team who first requests the time-out? Answer: The only violation that could occur during a shot for a goal with the goal being counted would be defensive interference or defensive goal tending. If this happens other than during the final two minutes of play for the last period or an extra period, then the time-out shall be granted to the team that first requested it; this would be the same as after any violation. If, however, the situation took place during the final two minutes of the last (or extra) period, the time-out would be assigned to the team that was scored upon.

 

5/17/2005

ahmed El-Falaki - EGYPT

Question: Good Morning and Thank You for Answering My Question This is My Case: In Tha Final Minute of the Game Team A was Leading By Two Points, Team B was in Control of the Ball Trying to Take The Lead once Again. Player B1 was Trying to Penetrate to the Zone Area; with a Correct Defensive Status (as the Judgement of the REFEREE) Player A1 Took Control with a good Chance of a Fast Break. Player B1 who Thought has a Right of a Foul against Team A Said Bad Words to the Referee. At The Same Moment The Ball was Passed to Player A2 Near The Opponents Basket with only One Defender B2 Under The Team B Basket Who Makes a Flagrant Unsportsmalike Foul. Shall The Refree Call a Technical Foul against B1 in Addition to an Unsportsmanlike Foul Against B2 or this May Lead to a Disaster in the Game.....!!!!! Answer: It is up to the official whether or not the language by the team B player merited a technical foul. The official must take into consideration that blowing the whistle would take away the team A opportunity to score a goal. In any case, whether the technical foul is called or not, the unsportsmanlike foul must be called provided the signal to end the game has not yet sounded. If the signal has sounded, the foul must be recorded onn the back of the scoresheet and directed to league or tournament organizers. By the way you describe the situation, it would seem that "disaster" is unavoidable anyway!

 

5/16/2005

Gens V.Varghese - INDIA

Question: 1, Art 31.3.2 - (Mechanics) After an interference/goal tending violation by the defense, does the referee check the ball, or allow the play to continue uninterrupted, after showing the "basket count signal", as after a normal field goal? If the ball is checked, are both teams entitled for substitutions/time outs? 2, Correctable Errors. (Art. 44.2.5) - When the error constitutes awarding unmerited free throws OR the wrong player attempting the free throws, the rule stipulates only about cancellation of the free throws and re-starting the game. In the case of a wrong player attempting the free throws, does this mean that after canceling the attempted free throws, the correct player will not be given the free throws which are rightfully his? [The text is silent on this, though further steps for re-starting the game are explained in minute detail.] Regards Gens V V Answer: 1.The referee signals that the goal counts but does not handle the ball. 2.No replacement free throws are given. Play resumes with a throw-in for that player's team.

 

5/15/2005

R.MURALI - INDIA

Question: As per article 45.6 Referees uniform shall consist of Officials shirt,long black trousers,etc.Does this mean that the Grey T-shirt hitherto worn by referees is replaced.If so what are the permissible range of colours for the referees shirt and should it be a single solid color.Kindly enlighten me. Murali-India Answer: For official FIBA competitions, this is the proper uniform. For national or domestic competitions, the official uniform shall be approved by the National Federation of that country or the Local Organizing Committee.

 

5/14/2005

Luis W. - CHINA

Question: Dear Sir, Do the FIBA officials have to signal the two-point successful shot after a successful two-point attampt(No matter in 2-person or 3-person)? And without the alternating possession in the past, I want to know how should the officials stand when the jumpball happens near the two free-throw circles(Both in 2-person and 3-person)? Your answers would be appreciated. Answer: Yes. The officials should position themselves as with any throw-in situation as covered in the Mechanics Manuals.

 

5/14/2005

Steven - AUSTRALIA

Question: As a referee I would appreciate it if you could clear up a few regularly occuring things for me: 1. Is forcefully pushing a player backwards while boxing him out a foul? 2. If you come to a stop with the ball and have one foot in the front court and one in the backcourt, can a 'ball returned to backcourt' violation be called for leaning backwards over the line? 3. If an offensive player tries to shoulder a defensive player out of the way who is running next to him but not in proper defensive position, what is the correct call? 4. What is the so called "no call zone" under the basket? 5. Is the hand part of the ball? Thank you very much for helping me. Answer: 1. Yes. 2. "Leaning" is of no consequence. 3. This is a team control foul or could possibly be an unsportsmanlike foul, depending on the situation. 4.There is no such zone in FIBA. 5. The hand is considered a part of the ball when the player is holding the ball other than in the act of shooting.

 

5/10/2005	Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE
	Question: Wrt to Qns 194, which official (Trail or Center) will signal a successful two-point attempt if 3-man officiating is used? In two-man officiating, it is understood that Trail will signal a field goal. Answer: The official from whose primary area the shot was taken shall be the first to signal the attempt.

 

5/6/2005

Luis W. - CHINA

Question: Dear Sir, Followed by the Q#192, as I'm concerned, more & more FIBA referees are now using the arm-shaving to count the seconds(three, five & eight). I think the purpose is to avoid the additional pressure from the coaches, players & spectators. So does it matter too much? I heard that since now If you're gonna be an FIBA referee, then you must have a height more than 6 ft.? Is it right? Or how tall? The last question is my basketball teacher told me that when an offensive player dribbles in the restricted area, no three seconds would be counted & called? What I'm wondering is if an offensive player gets the ball when he's in the restricted area for nearly 3 seconds then he dribbles, and stop dribbling, from then on, how will go on as an official's judgement? Answer: 1 (Answer) Yes. Only authorized signals are permitted, Otherwisr, officials all over the world would be experimenting. 2(Answer) This is totally false. 3(Answer) This is also incorrect, If, however, an player has been in the restricted area for fewer than 3 seconds and then receives the ball, that player is permitted to make a direct move to the basket in an attempt to score. This move may include a brief dribble. If that player then aborts the try for a goal, 3 seconds is called immediately.

 

5/6/2005

Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE

Question: In two-persons officiating, it is clear that the TRAIL offical will signal both successful two-point and three-point attempt. In three-persons mechanic and for three-point coverage, the covering official will indicate a three-point attempt. Once the attempt is successful, the covering official will signal a success three-point attempt and the TRAIL/CENTER Official must mirror the signal. For two-point attempt in three-person officiating, what will be the procedure? The three-man manual did not cover this area. Appreciate you can enlighten us. Thank you. Answer: In 2-person mechanics, only the trail official signals that a goal counts.

 

5/5/2005

Ho Shuet Mei - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: Dear Sir, With respect to Qns 185 & 191, where specifically in the two-persons manual are the situtations where the 'start clock' (a.k.a. Time-in) signal is required? I managed to locate the following sections in two-persons manual where the 'start clock' signal is needed:- 1. Section 3.2 Open Toss 2. Section 5.2 Throw-in, point 6 (covers out of bounds situation 3. Administration of Time-out except for the 'throw-in after successful free throw'. Hope you can enlighten us. Thank you. Answer: There is no such listing within the 2-Person manual. The "start clock" signal is to be given whenever a stopped clock is to be re-started. This would include on the opening tap as well as all throw-ins (which would include a throw-in that follows an alternating possession, a time-out or a successful final free throw). The exception to this procedure is following the stopping of the clock after a field goal during the final two minutes of play. It is the responsibility of the timer to know that the clock is to be re-started when the throw-in touches a player on the court.

 

5/5/2005

Luis W. - CHINA

Question: Sir, in the two officials' manual, if an official calls a defensive foul when there need to be resumed by free-throw(s), is it correct that this official(the new trail official who called the defensive foul) should always stand out of the restricted area(the free-throw line extended out of the three-point line) and the other official will administer the free-throw(s) in the restricted area? And the other question is how about this situation in the three officials' manual? Your answers will be appreciated. Answer: In 2-person officiating, the mechanic that you have described is correct. In 3-person, the official who calls the foul will move to the side opposite the table. The new "lead" will always administer the free throws from the opposite side (3-person manual, pages 25-26).

 

5/5/2005

Luis Wang - CHINA

Question: I'm wondering that shall FIBA referees use the "start the clock" signal when there is especially in throw-in situation like the NBA referees(they don't use the straight arm "stop the clock/do not start the clock" signal in any situation, and when they start the clock, some referees' palms become like clenched fists). But more & more referees are now using the arm-shaving to count the seconds. Another question is when start the clock, shall FIBA referees' straight arms do like clenching fist to start clock? Answer: The official signals to be used by FIBA for starting or stopping the clock are illustrated in the "Official Basketball Rules 2004", page 57. These signals, not the NBA signals or non-signals, are to be used in FIBA competition. FIBA does not use the "arm shaving" signal. Officials who use this signal in FIBA competition are using an unauthorized signal. As for stopping the clock, there are three possible signals in FIBA, depending on why the clock is being stopped: the open palm signal, following a violation; the clinched fist signal, following a foul; the jump ball situation signal which will be immediately followed by pointing toward the appropriate direction for an alternating possession throw-in.

 

5/4/2005	Ho Shuet Mei - ESTADOS UNIDOS
	Question: With respect to Qns 185. Does the reply apply to the throw-in at the endline after the last and only free throw is successfully made? Meaning the 'start' clock signal is not required in this instance except for the initial jumpball and throw-in after violation and non-shooting fouls. Answer: No. The "start clock" signal is used in these situations.

 

5/4/2005

jojoc - PHILIPPINES

Question: This is with regards question 186 when team A called three timeouts during the 1st half. This actually happened during a game with me as coach. I deliberately called 3 timeouts to see if I could get away with this infraction. After the buzzer sounded for the resumption of play, the referee approached me and said that he was going to whistle a bench technical for the infraction. I told the referee that I had asked the table officials if I could still call a timeout and they said yes. I asked the referee why he should penalize me when it was the fault of the table officials in granting me the timeout. The referee never issued a technical foul on me. I feel that he should have. Basketball is a game of progression. Let's say that I miss a layup shot during the first minute of the 1st quarter and we subsequently lose the game by 1 point. So do I now tell myself that had I converted that layup shot during the first quarter then we could have won the game? No. Much in the same way is the excess timeout called. The momentum could have shifted for the other team and the complexion of the game would have changed. What are your comments? Answer: FIBA rules does not provide for a technical foul if an additional time-out is requested. It is the responsibility of the scorer as well as the floor officials to know if a team has no time-outs remaining. If that team then requests a time-out, it is refused. As for a technical foul, a technical can be given at any time for unsportsmanlike conduct by the coach. If the coach argues the refusal to grant an additional time-out, that in itself could merit a technical foul depending on the coach's conduct.

 

5/4/2005

Ho Shuet Mei - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: With reference to Art 19.4.2. In the last two mins of fourth or extra period(s), two players from scoring team and 1 player from non-scoring team are waiting at the scorer's table to enter the game as substitution. When the scoring team successfully made a field goal, the official signal the players to proceed. Can both players from scoring team enter the game together? Do I assume 'A substitution' stated in the statement to mean an opportunity for substitution regardless of the number of scoring team players (2) is more than the non-scoring team player (1)? Answer: Your assumption is correct. Once the scoring team has made a substitution, then the opponents may also substitute and there is no limit to the number of players who may enter the game

 

5/2/2005

ramon fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: Remaining time in the 4th period is 0:10 seconds. Running Scores 123-122 in favors Team A. When player of Team B attempt field goal is successful, player Team A get the ball in-bound in the endline. When the ball at the disposal of player A3,B4 foul A2 while the ball is in the control of the in-bound player, shall the referee calls a foul to B4 while the ball is the control of the A3? Answer: It is at the discretion of the officials whether or not contact should be judged a foul. The official shall apply the same principles to the above situation as he/she would to contact at any time during the game. In simple terms, a foul should be called if it is the judgment of the official that the fouled team has been placed at a disadvantage by the contact, or if the official judges that the contact must be penalized to avoid additional rough play.

 

5/2/2005

R.MURALI - INDIA

Question: DURING THE STARTING JUMPBALL,TEAM-A DRIBLLES TO THE WRONG BASKET AND SCORES WHICH GOES UNNOTICED BY ALL CONCERNED( REF/TABLE/TEAMS,ETC).TEAM-B THEN USING THE ENDLINE THROW CONTINUES THE GAME AND WHEN THEY CROSS THE BACK COURT LINE,THE REFEREE THEN UNDERSTANDS THE SITUATION AND CALLS A BACK COURT VIOLATION.WHAT IS THE RULING AND THE FATE OF THE BASKET ERRONOUSLY SCORED BY TEAM-A. REGARDS MURALI - INDIA Answer: When the error of playing in the wrong direction is discovered, the referee shall interrupt play and change directions so as to have each team attacking the proper goal. Play shall then resume (in the proper direction) from that point. All points scored shall count for the team that scored them. In the specific instance given, it would be unfair and contrary to the spirit of the rules to charge a team with illegally returning the ball to the backcourt.

 

5/1/2005	jojo c - PHILIPPINES
	Question: What is the rule on calling time outs when there are none left? Team A called for its 3rd timeout in the 1st half. What should be the penalty? Answer: There is no "penalty". The time-out is simply not awarded.

 

5/1/2005

Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE

Question: In the last two mins of the fourth and/or extra period(s), each field goal made will cause the game clock to stop. Is the official required to give the time-in signal during the throw-in? I noticed the two-persons officiating manual did not specially mention whether the official need to give the time-in signal during the last two mins of the fourth and/or extra period(s). Answer: Neither a "stop clock" or a "start clock" signal is required following a field goal during the final two minutes of play in a period.

 

4/26/2005

ramon fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: Question re: 3 second rule If a player A5 shot for a field goal and the ball does not hit the ring,while player A3 is in the restricted area for more than 3 seconds, player A3 rebounds get the ball a)dribble the ball within the restricted area and attempt for a shot b)attempt the ball for a shot. Shall the player A3 commits 3-seconds violation? Answer: The 3-second count ends when the ball is released on the attempt for the field goal because team control ends at this point (art. 26.1.1) . It begins again if a team A player gains control of the ball while that player or a teammate is in the restricted area.

 

4/24/2005

Marco Cordova - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: 1. How many players can be in the court at least per team? 2.if there is a player that has been fault out,can a team still play with four or three players? 3.please send me the fiba rules, the whole set. Answer: 1. Although a team may have as many as 12 members, only a maximum of five may participaye at a given time. 2. If there is a player that has been fault out,can a team still play with four or three players? (Answer) A team may continue to play with as few as two players. 3.Information on how to get a FIBA rule book may be obtained by contacting FIBA Americas at copaba@fibaamerica.com .

 

4/22/2005	jb - PHILIPPINES
	Question: the ball hits the ring after an attempt and bounces from the ring and is within the cylinder of the ring. can the player(offense and defense) touch the ball in that point?thanks in advance... Answer: In games played under FIBA rules, the answer is "Yes".

 

4/20/2005

jonathan perpeña - PHILIPPINES

Question: is there a new rule about jump ball? here in the philippines once a jump ball occurs, two rules are being used. i don't know which is right, the ball goes to the defensive team or it stays with the offensive team? hope you can enlighten me about this. Answer: The only jump ball is the one that begins the game. After that, all subsequent jump ball situations will result in a throw-in, called an "alternating possession throw-in". The first alternating possession throw-in will be awarded to the team that did not gain control of the ball following the jump ball that began the game. After that, teams will alternate receiving the ball in subsequent jump ball situations. This would include the throw-ins that begin all periods after the first period.

 

4/19/2005	SATO - JAPAN
	Question: If #5(team A) occured a technical foul after #6(team A) occured a personal foul(5 team fouls),team B gets 4 free throws and throw-in from center line. Is it true? Answer: Yes, provided the technical foul was the last foul to be committed.

 

4/18/2005

ramon fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: In the last two (2) minutes of 4th period or extra period. How many substitution is allowable to substitute from the non-scoring team, if in the case the other team may sustitute also and how many player is allowable? If the non-scoring team may substitute 4 players, how many players the other team can substitute? Answer: In substitution situations other than following a free throw(s), either team may substitute as many players as they wish.

 

4/14/2005	donna russo - ESTADOS UNIDOS
	Question: WHAT ARE THE RULES TO Cyprus basketball Answer: Basketball in Cyprus is played under FIBA rules. The federation's email address is bbfed.cy@cytanet.com.cy, or write to The Cyprus Basketball Federation, 9 Zenonos Kitieos Engomi, P.O.Box 22448, 1521 Nicosia.

 

4/11/2005

bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: Clarification re: Art. 8 in line with the interval of play during playing time. If there is a situation or infraction occurs during the interval of play, what specific penalty be awarded? Question: If a foul or technical foul occurs during the interval of play that team cause to the opposing team,what penalty shall be undertake? Answer: If a technical foul occurs during an interval of play other than before the 1st period, the following period will begin with two shots for the fouled team and possession of the ball for a throwin at the centre line extended opposite the scorer's table. The team entitled to the alternating posssession throw-in that would normally begin that period continues to be entitled to the next A.P. throw-in.

 

4/10/2005

hesham elhariri - EGYPT

Question: As result of good defense by team B the 24 second signal sounds while the ball in the air during a pass between team A players, team B catch the ball and control it immediately to have fast break. is it 24 violation and the referee shall stop the game to give team B the ball for throw in from out of bounds or give team B his advantage as result of his good defense. Answer: The proper procedure would be to allow play to continue without interruption. Players should respond to the officials' whistle, not the 24-second clock' s signal. If, however, the official judges that a team has been placed at a disadvantage by permitting the play to continue, that official has the power to interrupt the game and award a throw-in to the proper team.

 

4/9/2005

Johnny Mah - SINGAPORE

Question: Thank you for your answer at #173 with regard to the situation raised at #163. Please enlighten me with the same senario at #163, could the referee apply the power of Art 46.12 to revert the playing time whereby we have an existing rule Art 18 - Charge Time-out to solve the problem. Regards. Answer: As I suggested in the answer to # 163, it would not be fair to the officials involved if I were to suggest a definitive answer. The key rests in two principles of officiating. First, an official may never arbitrarily "set aside" a rule; second, the referee has the power to make a decision on any situation that is not covered by rule. In the latter instance, that referee's decision must be governed by the principle of fairness, with a view to not unfairly disadvantaging a team by the decision taken.

 

4/6/2005	jb - PHILIPPINES
	Question: Sir,good day to you. team A is in control of the ball in the backcourt. there is a defensive foul called. The shot clock will be reset. Question, is if the 8 sec count will be reset too? thank you very much and more power. Answer: Whenever the 24-second clock is re-set, a new 8-second count would also apply.

 

3/30/2005

Johnny Mah - SINGAPORE

Question: I am referring to Q#163 last paragraph, it appeared to me that the referee after consulting the technical commission reverted the playing time to when the 'so called' first time out was called. Question: Is there any Art in the FIBA Rules give the technical commission or the referee power to revert the playing time?? Is the decision made by them legal?? Is it correct to cancel off the subsequent foul and free throw just pretend nothing happen since the playing time been reverted?? Answer: There are precedents for all of these. The key is that the decision as to how to proceed rests with the referee. The referee can consult with the other official(s) and/or the commissioner, but the fact remains that it is the referee's decision to make. Obviously, the referee may not set aside or contravene another rule in the process. Fairness is the key.

 

3/30/2005

Brent Thielges - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: at the end of a game suppose a player throws a full court shot. As the ball is in the air time expires. If the ball bounces on the court and into the hoop does the basket count or is it a dead ball when the ball hits the floor? Answer: The ball becomes dead when it is clear to an official that the shot for a goal will not be successful. In your situation, once the ball falls below the level of the ring this would be the case.

 

3/28/2005

David - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: This is an supplemental question to Question #134 (rebounding your own missed attewmpt). What constututes a legitimate attempt at a try? How does a referee judge that a legitimate try has occurred? Does the ball need to be within a certain distance from the goal? Does the ball have to be above the shooter's head to be consider legitimate? What are the guidelines that referees are taught on this subject? Thank you, Answer: The guidelines are basically determined by common sense and rest totally on the judgement of the official. If the official judges that the ball was released in an attempt to score a field goal, then it is a shot for a goal. It continues to be a shot for a goal until, in the judgement of the official, the ball no longer has a chance of being successful.

 

3/27/2005	robert boldt - ESTADOS UNIDOS
	Question: Regarding equipment, has the radius of the basketball rim been changed in the last 50 years in men's basketball? Answer: The width and height of the basket has remained unchanged, certainly for the last fifty years. FIBA took the lead from the equipment being used in the United States when it adopted the 18 inch basket, ten feet above the floor, in its inaugural rules (1932, Geneva).

 

3/24/2005

Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE

Question: Team A has control of the ball. The ball is above the ring other than on a shot for field goal. Meaning A4 passes to A5 and happens the ring is below the flight of the pass near the end line. B4 contact the ball by reaching thru the basketball. A violation is called under Art 13.2.2. Team A is awarded a throw-in. Shall the 24-sec shot clock be reset? Does this situation fall under Art 50.2, Bullet 4? If answer to either or both questions is 'Yes', why? I can only recall situations where the 24-sec shot clock is reset when the ball is deliberately kick or block with any part of the leg. Does it cover striking the ball with a fist? If the answer is 'Yes', does it imply striking with fist and touching the ball in the above situation face the same penalty? Which is to reset the 24-sec shot clock? Answer: FIBA has made no statement or official interpretation regarding this situation. Therefore, what I am about to provide in an unofficial interpretation only. If a breach of article 13.2.1 occurs, there will be a reset of the 24-second clock (and the 8-second clock, if applicable). This is justified by pointing out that the ball did not become dead as the result of one of the situations listed in articles 28.2.2 and 50.4. A breach of article 13.2.2, though far less likely than a kicking or punching of the ball, would also cause the ball to become dead immediately for a reason not listed in 50.4. Therefore it would also seem consistent to reset the 24-second clock in this situation.

 

3/24/2005

Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE

Question: I wish to seek clarification on a situation in relation to status of the ball (Art 10). A3 releases a shot for field goal. The ball is within the basket when A1 contacts the ball. Shall we consider the shot made is good since it is within the basket (Art 16.1.1) and awards two/three points (Art 16.2.1) to Team A depending where A3 released the ball? Shall the ball becomes dead since a field goal is made (Art 10.3, Bullet 1) as described above? Does it mean Art 31.2.4 does not apply since the ball is within the basket? Argument is one cannot commit an interference when the ball is dead. Answer: Yes. The offensive team cannot commit interference after the ball has entered the basket. Shall the ball becomes dead since a field goal is made (Art 10.3, Bullet 1) as described above? (Answer) Yes Does it mean Art 31.2.4 does not apply since the ball is within the basket? Answer) Article 31.2.4, third bullet, applies only to a defensive player. A team A player's touching the ball doesn't cause the ball to become dead in this situation. If a team B player were to touch it, however, this would cause the ball to become dead immediately and interference would occur. Argument is one cannot commit an interference when the ball is dead.

 

3/23/2005

bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: What are the New Changes in Mechanics of referees manual 2004. I have some question raises about the positioning or switching of Trail & Lead official. 1. B5 commits a foul to A4 while is in the act of shooting the attempt is successful & awarded two free throws to A4. The Trail calls a foul to B5 & after administer the successful field goal, player foul & one free throw awarded to A4. The Trail who calls a foul shall be the new Lead official & responsible to administer the awarded free throw & the Lead who is at the endline shall be the new Trail official. It is correct to exchange their position? 2. In the area of responsibility of Lead offcial zone 5. There is a foul committed by B2 to A2. Lead offcial blows his whistle to call a foul after administer the player foul to scorers table. The Lead who calls a foul will remain his position & administer a throw-into team A & also the Trail remains his position. It is correct to remain in their respective positions? If team B is in the penalty situation who will be administer the two free throw awarde to A2? Shall the Trail become the new Lead & administer two free throw & the Lead become the new Trail official? 3. B5 is in the act of shooting & fouoled by A5, the ball does not hit the ring. The Trail who made a call that the foul happens in his area of responsibility zine 6. After administer to the scorers table the player foul & free throw awarde to B5. The Lead who is at the endline will exchange position to trail official. It is correct mechanics of the oficials? The trail official who become the new Lead offcial will be responsible for the administion of two free throw? 4. A5 while dribbling the ball commits an offensive foul to B4. The trail official blows his whistle that the offensive foul happens in his area of responsibilty zone 3. After administer the player foul to the scorers table, The Lead offcial who is at the endline wil be the new trail official & administer a throw-in to team B where the nearest foul occurs? Answer: All of these questions can be answered with one simple mechanic: the official who calls the foul will become (or continue to be) the trail official when play resumes, whether for a free throw or for a throw-in.

 

3/22/2005

Tom Paddick - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: Player from team A and player from team B are both going for a loose ball. Player A has complete control of the ball before he is going out of bounds and throws the ball at or to player from team B. Player from team B is standing completely out of bounds, with both feet when the ball either hits him in the leg (or he catches it). Im not sure that makes a difference, if he catches it or it hits him. The key point is: one player is totally in bounds and throws the ball to or off of the opponent who is completely out of bounds. Who does the ball go to: Player A who was in bounds and threw it at player B. Player B who was hit/or caught the ball from player A while standing completely out of bounds. Your assistance is appreciated. Can you site the rule? Answer: A throw-in is awarded to team A. If the ball goes out-of-bounds as the result of touching a player (in this case, the team B player) who is touching the out-of-bounds, than that player is deemed to have caused it to go out-of-bounds.

 

3/22/2005

Oscar - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: A team lead only one point but a personal foul was called after the match .it is too loudy that both referees can not hear the ring.The table officals insist that the time left 0.3 second although the reply show that the foul-call was after the match clearly.How is the judge? PS:if the foul-called was sure,B team would get 2 free-throws and B team had the chance to win the game. Answer: The referee will determine whether the foul occurred before the game ended. If the referee chooses, he/she may consult with the scorekeeper, timer commissioner or other table officials but it is the referee who will make the final decision. (Article 46.11)

 

3/21/2005

Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE

Question: I referred to Qn .157. The official who calls a foul shall become the new trail official. The answer to question asked before Art 7.6 should be 'Yes' instead of 'No. Is it correct? For easy reference, the question extracted from Qn. 157: - b) If a defensive foul is called by the Lead official. Shall the Lead & Trail official exchange (switch) their position? If the defensive foul is called by the Trail Official, he will remain as Trail official based on the second statement made in first para above. Answer: Yes. This mechanic applies to all foul situations, not just those where free throws are involved.

 

3/21/2005

Alvin - SINGAPORE

Question: In a close fight match with less than 15 seconds remaining in the fourth period, a personal foul was called on a defending player. Both teams are in foul trouble. Defending team (Team B) is leading by one point. Another defending player on the court signaled to his coach to ask for a time-out quickly. The umpire signaled two free throws to be taken and bounced the ball to the free throw shooter. The coach of the defending team (Team B) requested for a time-out after the first free throw was taken. Both free throws were successful. The new defending team (Team A) is leading by one point. The game resumed with a throw-in at the end line by the new attacking team (Team B) after the successful free throws. Team A intercepted the ball in their backcourt to start a fast break. During the transition, Team B committed a personal foul with 3.5 seconds remaining. Team B coach questioned why his request for time-out not granted and maintained his request was made before the ball was handled to the free throw shooter as described at the top. The referee consulted Technical Commissioner and Team B appealed successfully. Table officials were faulted for not granting the time-out to Team B. The remaining game clock was reverted to the time where the first personal foul was called. The two free throw made was canceled. Team A refused to play on as they felt that they are placed in a disadvantage position with that decision made. What is the ruling? Answer: The rule is very clear. In order for the time out to be granted, it must have been requested before the ball was placed at the disposal of the free throw shooter for the first free throw. After that, a time-out could not be awarded until after the clock had again started and subsequently been stopped (unless a foul occurred during the free throws or a violation occurred on the final free throw). The coach ideally should have communicated his/her objection (and the decision should ideally have been made) before the game clock again started; that was the first error. At the same time, team A's refusal to play was in itself an error in judgement. The proper thing to do would have been to complete the game and then, if team A wished to do so, protest the outcome and leave the decision to the proper authorities as per Protest Procedure, Appendix C, Official Basketball Rules.

 

3/20/2005

Ho Shuet Mei - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: During a match, both officials blown their whistles simultaneously for action happening in zone 5 after the free-throw line. The trail official called for travelling violation while the lead official called for a personal foul. With reference to 2-man officiating (mechanic) manual under section 4.1 (Officiating Techniques), the one who is nearest to the play will normally take the call. However, it is quite difficult to determine who is nearest to the play as both officials penetrated when the ball moved into the paint. Questions:- a) Both officials made different calls (one is travelling violation and the other is foul). Can we ignore the personal foul and accept the travelling violation since trail official has the best angle of vision if we follow section 4.3 and with understand of the primary duties of the trail official (after diagram 43)? And the trail official indicated his whistle sounded slightly ahead of lead official. b) If the lead official maintained that his whistle is slightly earlier than the trail official, shall the personal foul overwrite the travelling violation disregarding the fact that the trail official generally has the best angle of vision in calling travelling violation? c) If we read section 4.5 and understanding the primary role of lead official, he will watch for any action in the restricted area including any drive to the basket. Does it mean the personal foul can't be ignored since he is watching the play directly around the ball? d) If we put both (a) and (c) together, there is a contention who is to take the call as both can blow their whistle for items listed under their primary duties. How may we resolve this complication? Answer: The official toward whom the play is coming will normally make the call. If there is a disagreement, the officials shall immediately confer. This should be a major part of the pre-game conference. What usually will happen is that the "off" official will not insist on a different judgement unless he/she is certain the responsible official failed to see something because he/she was straight-lined. If this does happen, the responsible official should yield to the "off" official immediately. The important thing is that the pre-game conference establish between the two officials exactly how to handle the situation if it arises. b) If the lead official maintained that his whistle is slightly earlier than the trail official, shall the personal foul overwrite the travelling violation disregarding the fact that the trail official generally has the best angle of vision in calling travelling violation? c) If we read section 4.5 and understanding the primary role of lead official, he will watch for any action in the restricted area including any drive to the basket. Does it mean the personal foul can't be ignored since he is watching the play directly around the ball? (Answer) The procedure outlined in the answer to (a) applies. d) If we put both (a) and (c) together, there is a contention who is to take the call as both can blow their whistle for items listed under their primary duties. How may we resolve this complication? (Answer) Again, the answer to (a) applies.

 

3/20/2005

bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: Clarification re: Ref's Manual 2-Person Officiating 1. An offensive is called by a Trail Official. Shall the Trail Official administer the throw-in for opposing Team? 2. Trail Official calls a foul in the act of shooting of A3 & field goal is successful. Shall the Trail Official administer one free-throw awarded to A3? 3. Lead Official calls afoul of B2 to A2 in Area 4. Shall the Lead Official administer a throw-in to Team A at the endline? 4. Trail Official calls a foul in the act of shooting of B2 & field goal is not successful. Shall the Trail Official administer two free-throw awarded to B2? Answer: 1. The official who called the foul will become (or continue to be) the trail official when play resumes. If the throw-in is at a place where the trail is responsible for administration, the answer is "yes". 2. Trail Official calls a foul in the act of shooting of A3 & field goal is successful. Shall the Trail Official administer one free-throw awarded to A3? (Answer) Yes. 3. Lead Official calls afoul of B2 to A2 in Area. Shall the Lead Official administer a throw-in to Team A at the endline? (Answer) Yes. 4. Trail Official calls a foul in the act of shooting of B2 & field goal is not successful. Shall the Trail Official administer two free-throw awarded to B2? (Answer) Yes.

 

3/17/2005

bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: Team A is in the alternating possession throw-in. During the alternating possession throw-in of A5 to A6, B1 intercepts and gain control of the ball. Shall the alternating possession arrow reverse to Team B considering the about situation? Answer: This situation is covered by the alternating possession rule. The arrow is changed when the ball touches a player in the court on the throw-in, regardless of which player it touches (12.4.5).

 

3/16/2005

Teresa Rose - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: In a recent game this situation occured. My player was defending a side out.The offensive player passed the ball in,my defender tipped the ball and it went back to the offensive player coming in from out of bounds on the court and he caught the ball in bounds. The referee allowed the play to stand.Was the ruling correct? Answer: Provided the player who made the throw-in had re-established himself/herself in-bounds before receiving the ball, the action is legal.

 

3/15/2005	Belgharek Sami - TUNISIA
	Question: What is the best way for referees to count the 5 or 8 seconds:Finger by finger or with the all opening hand. Answer: Use the open hand in a "wrist flick" motion at waist level.

 

3/14/2005

bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: In the ref's manual 2-person officiating. which regards to 7.4 Switching after a fouls. May question is; a)If an offensive foul is called by the trail official. Shall the Lead & Trail official exchange (switch) their position? b)If a defensive foul is called by the Lead official. Shall the Lead & Trail official exchange (switch) their position? 7.6 Foul & successful field goal. May question is;a)If a Trail official calls a foul & basket count. Shall the Trail & Lead official exchange their (switch) position? 7.8 Positioning of Officials after a foul. May question is;a)If a Lead official calls a foul by a defensive player in his area. Shall the Lead official remains his position? b) If a Trail official calls a foul by a defensive player on an opponent in the act of shooting. The attempt is not successful. Shall the Trail official remains his position? Answer: Yes. The official who calls the foul shall become the new trail official when play resumes. b)If a defensive foul is called by the Lead official. Shall the Lead & Trail official exchange (switch) their position? (Answer) No. 7.6 Foul & successful field goal. May question is;a)If a Trail official calls a foul & basket count. Shall the Trail & Lead official exchange their (switch) position? (Answer) This will depend on who committed the foul: the offense or the defense. If the foul was committed by the defense, the answer is "No" because the ball will return to the offensive team for a throw-in and the play will continue in the same direction. If the foul was committed by the offense, the answer is "Yes". The principle remains consistent: the official who calls the foul becomes (or continues to be) the trail official when play resumes. 7.8 Positioning of Officials after a foul. May question is;a)If a Lead official calls a foul by a defensive player in his area. Shall the Lead official remains his position? (Answer) No. The lead official will become the trail when play resumes. b) If a Trail official calls a foul by a defensive player on an opponent in the act of shooting. The attempt is not successful. Shall the Trail official remains his position? (Answer) Yes.

 

3/6/2005	Gary Westman - ESTADOS UNIDOS
	Question: My question is when shooting a free throw, after the shooter is handed the ball by referee can a lane violation be called on the shooter before they release the ball? Answer: A violation could be called against the shooter for taking too long before releasing the free throw, for faking a free throw or for leaving the semi-circle in attempting the free throw.

 

3/3/2005

bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: Q#1.I would like to reiterate your answer in my question #121 de 123. If a Team violates the possession of the ball & the other violates Team control foul. Then a jumpball situation occurs. Why it is the Alternating Possession Arrow shall not apply considering the about situation? Q#2.There is a double whistle bet the trail & lead officials. The trail calls a foul & lead calls a 3-second violation.Ruling? Answer: This is not a jump ball situation (Article 12.3, 6th bullet) because a team was in control of the ball or entitled to control before the first foul or violation. Therefore, the rule that is used in returning the ball to play is 42.2.7, second bullet. Q#2.There is a double whistle bet the trail & lead officials. The trail calls a foul & lead calls a 3-second violation.Ruling?(Answers) This is the type of situation that should always be discussed the the pre-game conference. Normally the official who is closest to the play (or the official toward whom the play is coming) will take the call. If necessary, the two officials can immediately confer but unless the official farthest from the play (or from whom the play is moving ) is certain he/she has seen something that the other official could not see, he/she should yield to his/her partner's judgement.

 

3/2/2005	cranston - BAHAMAS
	Question: should a time out garnted to a team that just turn over the ball?(game clock is stop). Answer: If the ball has been "turned over", then a foul or a violation must have occurred. Either team may request and be granted a time-out.

 

3/2/2005

HSU - TAIWAN

Question: We all know when "ball return to the backcourt" occured, the referee shall award a throw-in to the other team in its front-court; besides that team shouldn't throw the ball to its back-court. However; if the violation took place on the center line, how shall the offiaial deal with it? Shall the throw-in be taken in non-violation team's back-court? The center line doesn't belong to either team's front-court, but their back-court. Answer: The centre line is part of the back court. Therefore the resulting throw-in shall take place in the throwing-in team's front court, near the centre line.

 

3/2/2005

bong fuetnes - PHILIPPINES

Question: 1. It is allowable that the coach and assistant coach are both remain standing during the progress of the game? 2. The 1st Team named in the programmed is team A. Team A own's basket is in the leftside of the Scorer's table. In what basket that the team A begin their pre-game or warm-ups? Own basket or Opponent basket? Answer: 1. No. 2. The 1st Team named in the programmed is team A. Team A own's basket is in the leftside of the Scorer's table. In what basket that the team A begin their pre-game or warm-ups? Own basket or Opponent basket? (Answer) They will attack the opponents' basket during the first half and therefore will warm up at that basket.

 

2/28/2005

LJ - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: At the end of a game, the score is tied. After the time expires a coach gets a technical foul. Does the other team get to shoot two and if made the game is over, or do you shoot two and then tip off and start the overtime period with a 2 point lead? Answer: The technical foul has occurred during an interval of play. The free throws and possession resulting from the technical foul shall be awarded to begin the overtime period and the overtime shall be played. The team entitled to the next alternating possession shall continue to be so entitled when play begins.

 

2/27/2005

Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE

Question: Dear Sir, Appreciate if you can enlighten us on this case. With reference to the Example 1 for Statement 1 for Art 42 (Special Situation) in Interpretation Paper 2004. A4 attempts a jump shot for a field goal. While the ball is in the air, the 24-sec shot signal sounds. After that signal sounded, B4 committed an unsportmanlike foul on A4 while he is still in the air. The ball missed the ring. The unsportmanlike foul cannot be ignored. Based on Art 42.2.4, The right to possession of the ball as part of the last penalty still to be administrated shall cancel any prior rights to possession of the ball. My query: 1) Shouldn't the unsportmanlike foul come after the 24-sec shot clock violation since the 24-sec device signal sounded before the foul is called though its end result is after the foul is committed? Based on the sequence of events, the throw-in for 24-sec violation is over-ruled by the throw-in for the unsportmanlike foul. Team A will then have the throw-in since it is the last penalty to be administrated. Is this correct? 2) If the unsportmanlike foul occurred just before the 24-sec device signal (almost the same timing), am I right to say the call will cause a dead ball situation. Therefore the 24-sec shot clock violation is disregarded since the ball is dead. Team A is awarded two or three free throws and the throw-in from the centre extension line opposite the scorer table. Answer: The 24-second violation does not occur until the ball misses the ring on the shot for a goal. If the ball were to touch the ring, then no violation would occur. Therefore, in the situation cited the foul occurs before the 24-second violation. When penalties are then administered, the foul penalty will precede the violation penalty. The possibility of the violation occurring before the foul, though unlikely, would mean that the order of the penalty would be reversed and the possession penalty (the first penalty to then be administered) would be canceled.

 

2/25/2005

Walter - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: A1 take a shot to the basket and ball lodges on the basket support, the arrow is pointing possesion for team A. Does the throw in should be make from the end line and a new 24 seconds? Answer: Neither team was in control of the ball at the time the ball lodges between the basket ring and backboard. Also, the 24-second count would have ended when the ball touched the ring on the shot. Team A shall be awarded a throw-in on the endline with a new 24-second period.

 

2/24/2005

HSU - TAIWAN

Question: I have a question about screening. In the rule 33.3 (Legal guard position), the defensive player must face his opponent, and has both feet on the floor. Does the player who sets legal screen have to face his opponent? Are rule 33.5(guarding aplayer who does not control the ball) and rule 33.7(screening) different or the same? Answer: A player who screens will normally set the screen while facing the player being screened but this is not required under article 33.7. The screening rule indeed has much in common with the "guarding a player without the ball" rule. More important in judging responsibility for the foul, however, are the restrictions covered under article 33.7, "legal" amd "illegal "screening.

 

2/22/2005

Ricardo B. Lumasag - SAUDI ARABIA

Question: - Inbound throw in situation - A4 inbound to A5, on this situation it was tap by B4 causing the ball goes out of bound and directly hit A4 who is still in out of bounce my question is; Who will be the last touch in this situation. Thanks and God Bless you Ric B. Lumasag Bupa Middle East Basketball Referee's Group Jeddah (BRG) Answer: A violation has been committed by A4 because the ball has gone out-of-bounds as a result of having touched him/her.

 

2/21/2005

bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: 1. I would like to reiterate your answer to my question #121. as you have said that A2 voilation is possession of the ball for Team B & B4 foul as Team control foul. This creates a jumpball situation. Why it is resulting for a throw-in for Team A? Shall the alternating possession arrow will not apply considering that both Teams violates possesion of the ball? 2. There is a double whistle called by the trail & lead officials. The trail call for a foul committed by B9 & lead call for a 3-second violation by A6. Ruling? 3. A7 pass a ball to his teammates and B4 touch the ball as a result ball goes out-of-bounds. The offcial award the direction of play to Team B, suddenly, the official realize awarded in wrong direction of play then he correct his mistake & award the throw-in for team A. Ruling? 4. In What situation shall the trail & lead official exchange their position? How many situation do they have? Answer: (Answer) This is not a jump ball situation. See article 12.3, bullet 6.Why it is resulting for a throw-in for Team A? Shall the alternating possession arrow will not apply considering that both Teams violates possesion of the ball? 2. There is a double whistle called by the trail & lead officials. The trail call for a foul committed by B9 & lead call for a 3-second violation by A6. Ruling? (Answer) The nearest official to the play (or the official toward whom the play is coming) will take the call. The other official will yield to his/her partner unless he/she is sure the partner was unable to see something because of being blocked out. 3. A7 pass a ball to his teammates and B4 touch the ball as a result ball goes out-of-bounds. The offcial award the direction of play to Team B, suddenly, the official realize awarded in wrong direction of play then he correct his mistake & award the throw-in for team A. Ruling? (Answer) Once the clock has started following the error, that error cannot be corrected. This is a clear case of the official not paying any attention to what he/she is doing. 4. In What situation shall the trail & lead official exchange their position? How many situation do they have? (Answer) The easiest answer is this: whenever a foul is called, the official who calls the foul shall become (or continue to be) the trail official when play resumes.

 

2/21/2005	richard leahey - FRANCE
	Question: could u email me the differences in european basketball rules and usa basketball rules needed for a culture class at cazenovia college central new york state. Rules and court dimentions would really be appreciated thanks richard leahey Answer: Try going to the following: www.members.shaw.ca/jazzace/ace/hoop/ask_ace.html .

 

2/20/2005

Alessio - ITALY

Question: I need a little clarification on art. 49.2, second bullet, where it says: "The twenty-four second device signal sounds while a team is in control of the ball". Does it mean that the timekeeper must stop the game clock immediately on the 24 seconds device signal if the ball is being held by a player or passed between teammates? Shouldn't he wait for an official to blow his whistle? Answer: The timekeeper shall stop the clock when the 24-second signal sounds as in 49.2. When the official hears the 24-second device sound, he/she should blow the whistle as well, but it is quite conceivable that neither official will hear the device because of excessive noise. If it should be that the officials do not hear the shot clock signal, the timer will stop the game clock anyway and then do whatever is necessary to get the attention of the officials.

 

2/20/2005

Bruce Le Beau - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: The ball is in the front court of the team A. Player A1 throws the ball back to player A2 who is in the air in the back court. The ball passes the center line,player A2 still in the air catches the ball and lands in the front court with both feet. Is this a back court violation? Thanks Answer: Yes. The fact that the ball "passes the centre line" is of no consequence. If A2 jumps from the backcourt and catches the ball while in the air, the violation has occurred. A player who is airborne has the same status (relative to the floor) as when he/she was last touch.hing the floor.

 

2/19/2005

jb - PHILIPPINES

Question: Final period with the score 75-74 in the favor of team A. 4 secs remaining in the period. B1 has possession of the ball clear path to the basket(all alone in the fastbreak situation). when he is about to shot for a lay-up there is a power interuption. how will resume the game?thanks in advance... Answer: Article 46.12 gives the referee the power to make this decision based on what he/she sees as the fairest path to take. In a situation such as this (as unlikely as it is that it might happen), it is impossible to make a decision which will please everyone

 

2/18/2005

Tom - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: when a player in bounds a ball after a made field goal or free throw he can move back and forth along the baseline. He also can throw to another player out of bounds along the baseline. Can the 2nd player who receives a pass out of bounds from the 1st player also move freely along the out of bounds baseline? Answer: Yes. The only restriction is that the pass to an inbounds player must be eventually released before a total of five seconds has elapsed.

 

2/17/2005

chen - TAIWAN

Question: Question: When a player make a three point field goal, and the ball is in the air. The other player who jump from two point field goal area touch the ball before it enter the basket. Shall the field goal count two or three point? Answer: Two points are awarded ==== My question is: Which rule applies to this answer ? Answer: Article 11 defines the location of a player relative to the 2-point or 3-point area. Article 16 establishes the value of a goal, depending on whether it (or the shooter or defender) last touched the ball in the 2-point or 3-point area. In the unlikely situation when a shot for a goal from the 3-point area might fall short of the basket and strike the floor before then bouncing into the basket, the goal would count only 2 points because it the ball had last touched the 2-point area. This is exactly what happens if a defender leaps from the 2-point area and touches the ball on a shot that has been released from the 3-point area. Because the defender was last touching the 2-point area before leaving the floor, and because the ball was then touched by that defender, then the status of the shot for a goal changes from a 3-point to a 2-point attempt.

 

2/16/2005

bong fuetnes - PHILIPPINES

Question: I would like 2 enlightened in question #61 Art. 9.4. A teams "own" basket is the basket w/c a Team is defending; Teh "opponents" basket is the basket a Teams attacks. The first Team named in the programme (home team) is let say Team A. At the beginning of the 1st Quarter it is correct application that Team A jumper is facing the opponents basket w/c is in rightside of scorers table facing the playing court? During the progess of the game shall Team A defense their own basket facing their own Team Bench area and attacks the opponents basket facing their opponent Team Bench area? Answer: When facing the court from the direction of the scorer's table, a team's own basket is to the left of the table and the opponents' basket is to the right of the scorer's table. Team A (always the home team in case situations) sits to the left of the scorer's table and during the first half attacks the basket that is to the right of the scorer's table. The reverse is true for the opponents. Teams exchange baskets (not benches) for the second half. If both coaches agree before the game, it is permissible to exchange the assigned benches or the assigned baskets (or both).

 

2/14/2005	hsu - TAIWAN
	Question: In the begging of the first period(jump ball), if a foul occur before the jumpper touch the ball, how the officials to deal with it? And how to resume the game? Answer: The foul is penalized as having happened during an interval of play. Two free throws are awarded, after which the jump ball shall be repeated.

 

2/14/2005	leonilyn perez - PHILIPPINES
	Question: A4 dribbling the ball at his backcourt basket while A5 is at the restricted area in his frontcourt basket and remain more than 3 seconds. shall the lead official calls a 3 seconds violation to A5 while the ball is in the backcourt dribble by A4? Answer: A 3-second violation cannot occur unless a team has control of the ball in its front court.

 

2/11/2005

John Danahy - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: Inbounding the ball. You have 5 seconds to get the ball inbounds but must it touch a player or just throw it in. Players will let the ball run for several seconds before oicking it up to conserve the clock. Also is it true you cannot call timeout after the 4th second. Answer: A thrower-in must release the ball on the inbounds pass before 5 seconds has passed. Once the ball has been released, the players on the court can wait as long as they want to touch the ball. The game clock will not start until the ball is touched.

 

2/11/2005

Collyer Cronk - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: Junior High 8th grade basketball game ends in regulation (no time left on clock) in a tie. After the clock has expired the referee calls a technical foal on one of the coaches. He sends a player to the free throw line for 2 shots. He makes second of two and calls the game for a one point victory. ISN'T THIS GAME SUPPOSED TO GO INTO THE OVERTIME PERIOD? Answer: Assuming the horn sounded to end the period, the overtime period must be played.

 

2/10/2005

tony lonng - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: my friend and i have a friendly bet about a recent rule change in NBA, NCAA,and HIGH school basketball...please help there is a dollar involved. the questions is; what the rule, if an offensive player attempts a layup and misses everything. and gets their own rebound, is the player allowed to attempt another shot, dribble, or is it concidered a travel. thanks for your help. Answer: Provided the officials judge that a legitimate attempt at a shot for a goal has taken place, the player may retrieve the rebound with impunity.

 

2/10/2005

jim raposa - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: Offensive player "A" takes a jump shot off the dribble, for all intents and purposes, from a standing position (i.e. not a drive to the basket). Defensive player "B", near player "A", turns and faces the basket in anticipation of a rebound. Player "A" lands at least 2 feet from where he took his shot and complains because player "B" occupies the place where "A" is trying to "land". Is player "B" guilty of a foul? Answer: Player "B" is in a legal position and is entitled to that spot on the floor. Provided he/she has established his/her position before "A" left the floor, "B" is not responsible for the contact.

 

2/10/2005

bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: Question #1 Player A1 pass the ball to his teammate in Area #3 before A3 receive the ball B6 touch the ball as a result of Ball out-of-bounds in sideline area of Lead Officials and administer the direction of play to Team B without the assistant to Trail Official. Shall the correctible error apply? Question #2 Team A Shot for a field goal,when the ball enter the basket,A3 foul B4 it occurs simultaneuosly.Team A is in penalty situaton. How the game resume? Answer: 1. Awarding a throw-in to the incorrect team is not one of the correctable errors. In the unlikely situation where this happens, it cannot be changed once the throw-in ends. Such a situation would be an excellent example to an official who simply wasn't paying sufficient attention to what he/she was doing. 2. By rule, nothing happens "simultaneously" . The officials must judge what happened first and penalize accordingly. In any case, count the field goal (the foul will not cause the ball to become dead) and penalize the A3 foul.

 

2/9/2005

Alessio - ITALY

Question: What happens if the 24 second signal sounds just when an official calls a jump ball situation and the arrow is pointing in the direction of the team that was in control of the ball? Answer: The official must judge what happened first: the jump ball situation or the 24-second violation. If the 24-second violation occurred first, then there was no jump ball situation; if the jump ball situation occurred first, then there was no 24-second violation.

 

2/8/2005

Lac - SINGAPORE

Question: I am recalling an actual situation, which took place last weekend at an international student tournament in Bangkok. The game was within the last two minutes. Team A was leading by one point and player A2 had the possession of the ball. Player B4 committed a foul on player A4 in absence of the ball. The referee charged B4 with an ordinary personal foul and awarded two free throws, since team B was in the penalty. Player A4 missed the secondt free throw, then team B advanced the ball, scored a three pointer and won. Was the referee correct by not calling an intentional foul, which would have given the possession back to team A following the second free throw? Answer: It totally at the discretion of the official whether or not an unsportsmanlike foul has occurred. If the official judges that the foul was not a "hard" foul and was committed as a part of an attempt to play legitimate defense (rather than with an unsportsmanlike motive), it should be judged a normal foul (rather than unsportsmanlike) at any time during the game, including the final two minutes of play.

 

2/7/2005	hsu - TAIWAN
	Question: When a player make a three point field goal, and the ball is in the air. The other player who jump from two point field goal area touch the ball before it enter the basket. Shall the field goal count two or three point? Answer: Two points are awarded

 

2/6/2005

Tomek - POLAND

Question: Is the ball becomes dead, when is legally touched by a jumper from either team, after the 24 second device signal sounds. What happend if the ball in this situations enter the basket? Answer: The ball becomes dead when legally touched (that is, touched while still in its upward flight) after the 24-second signal has sounded. If the ball were to then pass through (or remain in) the basket, the goal would not count.

 

2/5/2005	dano - ESTADOS UNIDOS
	Question: Gentlemen, Is there any rule on a 5 second tie up count in the backcourt against an aggressive press after the ball is thrown into play..this is even before a 10 second is violated?? thanks ... from dano Answer: Yes. The 5-second rule applies anywhere on the court.

 

2/5/2005

Brett Frakes - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: Is there any situation where the basketball has went into the backcourt and the team that just had possession can be awarded a timeout rather than receive a backcourt violation? I've heard from referees that this can happen only if the defending team is nowhere close to nor making an attempt to go after the ball in the backcourt. Answer: Under FIBA rules, this cannot happen. A time-out may not be awarded unless the ball is dead and the clock is stopped. If a time-out were to be awarded after the ball has become dead because of the violation, this would not change the fact that a violation has occurred and the violation therefore cannot be ignored.

 

2/5/2005

WONG CHUNG MIN - MALAYSIA

Question: In Art. 48.1, last bullet, the scorekeeper shall adjust the direction of the alternating possession arrow immediately after the end of the first half as the team shall exchange baskets for the second half. However, the scorekeeper maybe somehow forget to change the direction of the alternating possesion immediately or don't remember whether the arrow have changed or not. And the officials also cannot assure for this. How does the confusion be resolved? Answer: It is one of the duties of the scorekeeper to change the arrow as directed. Other table officials should be prepared to remind the scorekeeper to do so if necessary. It would also be wise for the floor officials to be sure the arrow has been changed before they leave the floor for the interval of play. In the unlikely circumstance that all of this fails and the arrow is not changed, then it is the responsibility of the referee, after consultation, to determine the direction the arrow should take.

 

2/5/2005

WONG CHUNG MIN - MALAYSIA

Question: After reading question #120, how shall the game resume since team B is "entitled to the ball" in this situation? Is it similar to the case as the special situation in question #121? The possession of the ball is awarded to team B as a result of a successful field goal or a successful last or only free throw by team A. The foul by B1 is a team control foul (because team B was entitled to the ball) and therefore the penalty is possession of the ball for team A. This creates a jump ball situation and resulting in a alternating possession throw-in. Does it correct for the question #120? Answer: The situation which you give is different from that given in # 121. For the special situations rule to be applied, two or more infractions must occur. In question # 120, however, only one infraction occurs: the foul by B1. Therefore it is treated as a normal team control foul. Team A is awarded a throw-in at the sideline or endline place nearest to where the foul occurred.

 

2/3/2005	jet cruz - PHILIPPINES
	Question: how does fiba rules resolve three-way tie with the three teams each have at least one game won by default/forfeiture? Answer: See section D of The Official Basketball Rules for the correct procedure to be followed.

 

2/3/2005

Leonilyn Perez - PHILIPPINES

Question: During last two (2) minutes in the 4th quarter. Team A has made a basket or field goal and the clock running phase is dead. Shall A5 grant a substitution to enter in the playing court to play? Answer: No. After a basket has been scored during the final 2 minutes of a last period or an extra period, any substitution must be initiated by the team that has been scored upon. If that team chooses to substitute, then the opponents may also substitute (article 19.2.2, 2nd bullet).

 

2/3/2005

bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: Player A2 dribbling the ball while guarding B4, thereafter player A2 commit a travel violation and B4 commit a pushing foul to A2. How shall the game resume? Answer: This is a "Special Situation (art. 42). The penalty for the A2 violation is possession of the ball for team B. The foul by B4 is a team control foul (because team B was entitled to the ball) and therefore the penalty is possession of the ball for team A. This creates a jump ball situation and article 12.3, 6th bullet is applied, resulting in a throw-in for team A with no reset of the 24-second clock.

 

2/2/2005	WONG CHUNG MIN - MALAYSIA
	Question: Following a successful field goal or a successful last or only free throw by team A, and before the ball is at the disposal of the player of non-scoring team (team B) taking the throw-in, B1 fouls A1. Ruling? Does team B consider as a team entitled to the ball? Answer: Team B is "entitled to the ball" in this situation.

 

1/31/2005

TAD - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: After reading question #116, it made me wonder what would happen if in a similar situation, player A dribbles the ball, stops, player B grabs the ball and both players are in a held ball situation. Does this constitute a loss of control by player A? What if player A pulls the ball loose before the referee calls a held ball? Can he start a new dribble? Answer: In the situation which you give, the judgement of the referee will determine whether or not a jump ball situation has occurred. If the referee chooses not to call for a jump ball situation, then that means that a loss of control has not occurred. A second dribble shall not be permitted.

 

1/31/2005

Ari saltiel - ISRAEL

Question: Hello, By All basket ball rules I know the ball is considered "out of bounds" if the ball touches the borderline. My question is what is the definition of "touches". Because the ball is round although the ball looks like its touching the line from the ref's point of view ,it actually could be " just over" the line only ( not physically touching) thanks in advance. Answer: The referee's point of view is all the referee has to work with, in any sport. Sometimes mistakes will be made, but the constant is that the referee will always find the best position to see the whole play and then "call it the way he or she sees it". As for whether or not a round ball has actually touched a flat line, this is the best we can expect the referee to do, unless someone creates a flat ball or a sticky line.

 

1/31/2005

bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: Clarification on Question #111 de 116. In last 2 minutes in the last period or extra period. Does the team whose made the basket or field goal shall grant the substitution or beckon to enter in the playing court to play while the other team has no substitution? Answer: If during the last two minutes of play the team that has been scored upon chooses to substitute, then the opponents may also substitute.

 

1/27/2005

Elena - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: The kids on my team say that this is legal: Player 1 dribbles, picks up his dribble, holds the ball out to the player defending him who touches or taps it, and then contiues dribbling. They say they can dribble again because the defense had touched the ball. However, my understanding is that only when the defense has caused the offensive player to lose control of the ball can he dribble again. Clearly the way they play no control is lost they just hold the ball out and wait for the offense to make contact with it and then they drive to the hoop. Please clarify the rules regarding these situations. Answer: You are correct. Once a dribble has ended, the only circumstance that would permit the player to begin a new dribble would be if there were a loss of control in the interim.

 

1/27/2005	Belgharek Sami - TUNISIA
	Question: We are playing in the last 2 minutes of the play.Team B obteined a time out after have been scored a goal. Team A can do a subtitution such as that team B haven't require any subtitution in this time out? Answer: During a time-out, either team may substitute.

 

1/26/2005	Warren.Butler - BAHAMAS
	Question: After five (5) seconds with the ball in team A back court, B4 deliberately players the ball with his foot. The referee gives the twenty-four seconds reset signal, does team A get a new eight (8) seconds to advance the ball in to the front court? Or do they have only the three (3) seconds left? Answer: A new 8-second count is also given.

 

1/26/2005

bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: After finished reading Article 12.4.7. Team A has AP processing Throw-in. A2 voilates the AP processing Throw-in as follows; Take more than one (1) normal step, Take more than five (5) seconds to release the the ball, Step into the court while having the ball in his hand. The Ap Arrow will be reversed immediately to the opposing Team or to Team B. When Team B completes the Throw-in procedure after the violation of Team A AP processing Throw-in. Shall the Team B retains the Alternating Possession Arrow? Answer: Answer) When team A violates on the alternating possession throw-in, a normal throw-in (as opposed to an AP throw-in) is awarded to team B and the AP arrow is immediately set for team B. After the ball becomes again becomes live, team B continues to have the right to the next AP throw-in.

 

1/21/2005

olivier - CANADA

Question: I'm looking for the "official text" for the maximum height of a dribble. A referee told me in my last game, there is no limit anymore ! I'm sure that the limit is the shoulder. Tell me if I'm wrong. But If not, I'd like to print the "official text" Thank you. O L Answer: There is no maximum height for a dribble. The only restriction on a "high bounce" is that the ball must not come to rest in the dribbling hand (24.1.1) Provided the ball is being pushed to the floor while the dribbling hand is in contact with the ball, the dribble will not end.

 

1/20/2005	Warren.Butler - BAHAMAS
	Question: After reading Art19.2.2 Can B4 be beckon to enter the playing court if team A is entitled to the ball as a result of the ball going out-of-bounds by B5? Answer: Either team may substitute.

 

1/19/2005

jerry green - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: team A messes up and makes an unreported supstitution, and end up with six men on the court. they have the ball. neither ref sees the infraction, but team A coach does, and calls a time out. the ref stops the game and signels a timeout for team A. during the timeout, someone tells team B coach what happened, and he tells the ref.the ref then calls a technical on team A and gives team B two free throws to the protest of team A. please tell me that this is not proper. Answer: First of all, team A wasn't the only one to "mess up" in this situation. The officials on the court share the embarrassment. The lesson to be learned is that substitution situations must be efficiently administered. The responsible official must be aware of a substitute's entrance into the game and must be equally certain that a player has left the game to accomodate that substitution. In terms of your question, the officials cannot call a technical foul for something they did not personally witness. This would be similar to calling a normal foul simply because someone informed them that it had happened, even though they themselves had seen nothing. If the 6th player has left the game, then it is too late to do anything about the error.

 

1/19/2005

bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES

Question: Can u enlightened 2 us the article 28.2.2? Team A has control of the ball. A5 dribbling the ball at the backcourt and B5 commits a foul to A5, consumes 5 seconds as the referee counts in the backcourt.Does the 8 seconds be reset or Team A has 3 seconds remaining to go the ball into his frontcourt? Thanks, Bong Answer: Answer) No. Team A shall be given a new 8-second count. The only five situations when a team shall not be given a new 8-second count are listed in 28.2.2.

 

1/18/2005

Peter J DeFazio - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: My Fiba Rules question deals more with the ball specifications. I was wondering if there is a coefficient of friction requirement for the surface of the ball, as well as if there is a roundness tolerance to the ball. It would be benificial if you could send me all the specifications that FIBA uses to test their balls so my company can achieve FIBA certification. Also I am interested in buying a FIBA approved ball that is used in the NBA in the USA for testing purposes. Where might I be able purchase one? Thank you. Peter J DeFazio Answer: Much of the information you request is available in the Official Basketball Rules: Equipment Appendix. Information on how to obtain this book can be obtained at info@fiba.com. For information on the testing of equipment, etc., contact studycentre@fiba.com.

 

1/12/2005

lewis.Coolidge - BAHAMAS

Question: The question asked in #103 is a good one. 1. What do you do as an official when the ball is live and the game clock has not started? 2. The ball has become live and then dead and the game clock has not started?(same as Q.#103) 3. Where is the rule in this type of case in the rule book so that we can look it up and all make the right call? Answer: The appropriate article is 46.12, commonly referred to as the "elastic powers" rule. This article empowers the referee to make a decision on any situation that is not otherwise specifically covered in the Official Basketball Rules. The referee shall take corrective action as soon as the error is recognized, being alert not to place either team at a disadvantage. In the Official Interpretations of the rules (available as a free download at "FIBA Americas Rules" section of this website) gives the following guideline to be observed when such a situation occurs: "In such incidents or situations the referee is empowered to make a decision, based on his/her personal judgement, within the spirit and intent of fair play and the philosophy of the rules." Normally, the referee will consult with the umpire(s) and the table officials before making a decision concerning how much time has realistically passed. The time showing on the game clock shall then be adjusted accordingly. Points scored and fouls committed during the time whjen the clock was erroneously stopped shall be maintained.

 

1/10/2005

Warren.Butler - BAHAMAS

Question: This is to make clear the question #102. Team B keeps possession of the ball by the alternating possession rule on a jump ball situation. There is three (3) seconds shot clock at the time the jump ball is called. Shall team B receive a new 24-second period, or do they have three (3) seconds to attempt a shot (Art.50) 50.4 Answer: Thank you for clarifying your question. The answer is, of course, that team A shall have only three seconds remaining. The rule reference is article 50.4, as you have noted.

 

1/10/2005

Warren.Butler - BAHAMAS

Question: Team B in-bounds the ball in team B's back court with six (6) seconds on the game clock. A-4 hits the ball out-of-bounds after the ball is in the front court. The Referee notice that the game clock has not started (is still at six (6) seconds). What is the correct way to continue the game? Answer: Answer) The referee must decide how much time has realistically passed and correct the clock appropriately. Play shall resume with a throw-in for team B in their front court. In such a situation, the officials must anticipate the importance of the proper starting of the clock on the original backcourt throw-in and visually check to see that this happens.

 

1/10/2005

Warren.Butler - BAHAMAS

Question: Team B in-bounds the ball in team B's back court with six (6) seconds on the game clock. A-4 hits the ball out-of-bounds after the ball is in the front court. The Referee notice that the game clock has not started (is still at six (6) seconds). What is the correct way to continue the game? Answer: The referee must decide how much time has realistically passed and correct the clock appropriately. Play shall resume with a throw-in for team B in their front court. In such a situation, the officials must anticipate the importance of the proper starting of the clock on the original backcourt throw-in and visually check to see that this happens.

 

1/8/2005

Jose CIDADE - BRAZIL

Question: Situation: Team A have a throw-in by alternating possession rule. Player A1 makes the throw-in and B1 touches the ball with his foot intentionaly. The referee calls a violation. Question:After the new throw-in, the alternating possession arrow will be change ? Or the new throw-in is considered like a continuation of the originary throw-in because the alternating possession process not ended yet (because the ball not legally touched by a player after the throw-in) ? Best regards. Answer: Because of the violation by B1, the original alternating possession did not end (Art. 12.4.5, second bullet, ball not "legally touched" on court). A throw-in is awarded to team A as a result of the violation and team A also retains the right to the the next alternating possession throw-in.

 

1/8/2005	warren butler - BAHAMAS
	Question: Team B keeps possession of the ball on a jump from the alternating possession. The shot clock has three (3)seconds. will team B only have 3 seconds to attemp a shot? Answer: There is no such thing as "a jump from the alternating possession". If the qusetion is whether a team receives a new 24-second period when awarded an alternating possession throw-in, the answer is "yes".

 

1/8/2005	bong fuentes - PHILIPPINES
	Question: Qeustion How shall the 3rd Quarter begins the game? A Jumpball at the start of 3rd Quarter or the alternate possesion arrow will apply? Answer: The third period shall begin with an alternating possession throw-in at the centre line extended, opposite the scorer's table, by the team entitled to the next alternating possession.

 

1/7/2005

Vern - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: Q1. Rules stipulate that a player can tap the ball at most, twice during a jump ball. What if player A taps twice and then player B taps, before the ball hits the ground. Can player A tap again? Q2. During a jump ball, after ball is tapped and then hits the ground, can either of the jumpers take control of the ball? Answer: No. To tap the ball a third time would be a vioation. Yes; either jumper may control the ball after it has been legally tapped and has touched the floor."

 

1/6/2005	Brian Richard - ESTADOS UNIDOS
	Question: Basketball is Dunked by team A. Ball goes down but the net causes it to come back out. Is this a 2 pt.basket? Answer: No. For the goal to count, the ball must pass completely through the basket or remain in the basket.

 

1/6/2005

Nikolay Gaytandjiev - BULGARIA

Question: Dear Sir, My question is in relation to the question 91 from Jeffrey. As it is stated in art 34 whenever a foul is called when in the act of shooting and the signal sounds just after that, the subsequent basket does not count. My question: As long as official's signal stops the clock there is no theoretical possibility for the clock to continue running. If such situation ocures when I am officiating I would count the basket and set the clock back to whatever time was remainig in the moment of the call. Am I right? Answer: For such a situation to happen, the signal ending the period would most likely occur less than a second after the foul was committed (and before the ball has left the shooter's hand). For the timer to be able to stop the clock before the signal has sounded would be extremely unlikely. If he/she managed to do so, then the signal would not have sounded and we would have a different situation. In any case, to follow the procedure that you suggest would mean the clock would have to be reset to less than one second, and probably less than one-half a second. It is unreastic to have expected a timer to stop the clock in such a brief time period.

 

12/30/2004

JP Richard - CANADA

Question: A-4 is injured and Team B is fast breaking towards the other end. When should the official stop the play? When Team B stops attacking and pulls back to run their offense or should you let Team B have a full shot clock possession? I believe the first option is correct, but I would like an official interpretation. This is assuming that A-4 is not seriously injured. Thanks, JP Answer: The welfare of the injured player is the prime consideration. If the official judges that the injury is serious enough to merit immediate attention, then play shall be stopped immediately. In the case which you have posed (the official is satisfied that player is not seriously injured), however, the official will wait until the fast-breaking team has either gone to the basket or aborted their direct movement to the basket and begun running an altered offense. Remember that team B will be given a new 24-second period after A4's injury is taken care of.

 

12/30/2004

shawn - HONG KONG

Question: ¡Hola! What about the new "falling down to fake a foul" rule? If I fall down accidentially, will I be also be charged against this rule? What is the criteria for a referee to judge for this rule? thnx Answer: Before such a technical foul can be called, the official must be very confident that the player has intentionally fallen with the purpose of drawing a foul call and/or inciting a reaction from fans and other players. This in no way is related to a situation where a player simply falls to the floor, either accidentally or because of incidental contact. The most important criteria would be to find the best position to see the whole play and then use some common sense. If the official is less than confident that the player's falling is a deliberate act as cited above, then no foul should be called.

 

12/23/2004

Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE

Question: Dear Sir, I would appreciate if you could enlighten us on Art 31.2.1 and Official Rule Interpretation Art 31 - Statement 4 for this example. During A4 shot for a field goal, the ball on its upward flight is touched by B4. The ball continues to its downward flight with a reasonable change of entering the basket when it is tapped away by B5. Q1. Shall a goal tendering be called? Argument is the ball is on its downward flight and a reasonable chance of entering the basket. But the wordings '...completely above the level of ring...' were not specifically mentioned. Q2. Does we equate 'the possibility of entering the basket' and 'a reasonable chance of entering the basket' to mean the same condition? Thank you. Answer: Goal tending has occurred. The error in the answer to question number 6 of the "Right or Wrong" in "FIBA Assist # 10" was discovered after the publication of the magazine.

 

12/21/2004	Jef - ESTADOS UNIDOS
	Question: Team A during a pass / throw in from his backcourt the ball accidently hit the referee which is standing at the front court and ball return to backcourt and touches by the team A or team mate - Is it a violation ? Answer: A violation has occurred for illegally returning the ball to the backcourt.

 

12/7/2004

Doug Snyder - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: Situation: The game has under 10 seconds remaining. The ball is inbounded after a goal and time-out is called immediately by the trailing team (down by 2 points). Question: When play resumes where is the ball inbounded from? I have always seen the inbound from just behind the half-court line. Saw a situation where the ball was inbounded from under the goal defeating the purpose of the time-out. Am I just clueless? TIA, Doug Answer: The answer differs depending on whether we're talking FIBA or NCAA. In FIBA, the situation could not occur because a time-out could not be awarded once the ball becomes live on the throw-in (that is, once the ball is at the disposal of the thrower-in). In NCAA, the throw-in following the time-out would take place at the sideline or endline nearest to where the ball became dead as a result of the awarding of the time-out. If the place where the ball became dead was within an imaginary trapazoid (bounded by the endline, the fee throw line, and two imaginary lines connecting the ends of the free throw line to the ends of the endline), then the throw-in is at the endline. If the place is outside this area, the inbounding takes place at the nearest sideline point.

 

12/4/2004

Jeff - PHILIPPINES

Question: Player A already has one technical foul in the game. He is then fouled while in the act of shooting causing him to be awarded 2 foul shots. In the aftermath of the foul (before shooting his shots) he is awarded his second technical foul. Does player A remain in the game to shoot his foul shots before being ejected or is he ejected immediately to be replaced by someone on the bench to shoot the foul shots? Answer: A player is not ejected a a consequence of having received a second technical foul. You are confusing the technical foul rule with the provision that a player be ejected after committing a second unsportsmanlike foul. In the situation presented in your question, the Special Situations rule (article 42) would apply. Two free throws would be awarded to Player A, after which any team B player would be awaded two free throws, followed by possession of the ball at the centre line extended opposite the scorer's table for team B. If, however, player A's foul were to have been unsportsmanlike, then the free throws awarded to player A would be attempted by his substitute. Any team B player would then receive two free throws, followed by possession at the centre line extended for team B.

 

12/4/2004

jeffrey - SINGAPORE

Question: Dear sir I would appreciate it if you could enlighten me art 34.2.2(foul is commited on the player in the act of shooting) rule said: if the player is fouled as , or just before , the game clock signal sound for the end of the period or as, or just before, the 24 second device signal sounds, while the ball is still in the player's hand and field goal is succeful, the goal shall not count and two or three free throws will be awarded. qestion 1 : why field goal is not countwhile fouled is in act of shooting ? question 2: any possible to elaborate it in drawing or chart ? Answer: The field goal will not count because the ball becomes dead as soon as the game clock or the 24-second device sounds (art. 10.3). Since a goal cannot be scored with a dead ball, the goal does not count. This does not change the fact that the player was fouled jn the act of shooting, however, and therefore free throws are awarded.

 

12/3/2004

Lewis Coolidge - BAHAMAS

Question: The officials erroneously fail to award A4 with two free throws. Team A inbounds the ball and B4 intercepts a pass between A5 and A6. B5 dribbles, attempts a try for goal and is unsuccessful. A4 rebounds the ball, throws a long pass to A6 who scores a basket. The error is then discovered. Should the error be corrected and should A4 be awarded two free throws ?” Answer: There was a change in possession before the basket was scored by team A; the error is correctable. A4 is awarded two free throws, after which play resumes as it normally would have resumed following the team A field goal (that is, with a throw-in from the endline by team B). Rebound places shall remain vacant during the free throw activity.

 

12/3/2004

jeffrey - SINGAPORE

Question: Good day sir I would appreciate it if you could enlighten me art 12.3 and art 12.4.5 In Art rule 12.3 said : A live ball lodges on the basket support is a Jump ball situation in Art rule 12.4.5 said : Alternating possession end when a live ball lodges on the basket support Scenario 1 Team A awarded a normal throw in, during the throw in A1 thrown the ball to lodge on the basket support. The ball will awarded to the Team who is entitlement to have the alternating Possession right - team A, as they are entitleded the next AP This is under art 12.3 jump ball situation Scenario 2 During the throw in , A1 againg caused the ball lodge on the basket support, the ball will immediately award to Team "B" (the next AP) this is art rule 12.4.5 as the AP end when ball lodge on the basket suport if the two art which i appllied are correct, can i presume that the ball awarded to the opponent are not because of violation during throw in ? it is under jumpball situation Thanks and regards Answer: It is not a throw-in violation if on the throw-in the ball lodges on the basket support article 17.3.1). Whenever a live ball lodges on the basket support (whether from inbounds or from out-of-bounds), it is a jump ball situation, not a violation. If the ball lodges on the basket support during a normal throw-in by team A (not an alternating possession throw-in), then it becomes dead immediately and results in a jump ball situation (12.3) with the ball awarded to whatever team is entitled to the next A.P. If, however, the throw-in is an alternating possession throw-in (let us assume it is by team A) and the ball lodges on the basket support, then teams A's A.P. throw-in ends when the ball becomes dead, a jump ball situation results, and team B is awarded the ball for a new and different A.P. throw-in. In either case, the A.P. throw-in will be awarded at the endline (not directly behind the backboard) because this would be the spot nearest to where the violation occurred.

 

11/30/2004

Lewis Coolidge - BAHAMAS

Question: If there is no shot clock on an out-side court. Team A is entitle to a throw-in with three (3) seconds left of the eight(8) seconds in the back court. What is the correct way to indicate the the time left before the violation? Answer: Before placing the ball at the disposal of the thrower-in, the appropriate procedure would be to inform the thrower-in that only 3 seconds remain in the 8-second period and to signal to the players on the court, with three fingers (similar to signal # 50 of the Officials' Signals), that only 3 seconds remains.

 

11/29/2004

rene valdez - SAUDI ARABIA

Question: sir, i have a question about the rules in the amateur basketball. we have an on going basketball tournament which we modified the basic rules because we are playing only as brotherhood yet in a dying seconds one of the referees called my team a technical foul because one of my players unintentionally removed his shirt and changed it with another tshirt.To explain we don't know really that this is a technical foul, because of this unpopular or controvercial call i urgued the official what is that call.he told me that it is a technical foul to changed the clothes in the bench.my question is; is this simple rules and unpopular rules can be applied to a modified basketball tournament like our tournament which in fact that we modified it so that it will suited for the camaredery of our brothers in Christ.can you advise me about this simple matter in a basketball rules. thank you very in advance respectfully rene Answer: Whether a game is being played solely according to the Official FIBA Basketball Rules or according to a modified set of rules such as you seem to be describing, the officials must judge whether or not a specific action or procedure violates the spirit of fair play which the rule is intended to embody. If the officials judge that the action is contrary to this spirit of fair play and has gained an unfair advantage for the team responsible for the action (or has placed the opponents at a disadvantage), then a technical foul must be charged.

 

11/29/2004	NYGEL - CANADA
	Question: What are the types of technical fouls that a ref can call on the coach and where can the exact descriptions of these fouls be found? Answer: Article 38 in general and Article 38.3.2 in particular are the appropriate articles.

 

11/28/2004

Lewis Coolidge - BAHAMAS

Question: A-4 is fouled by B-4. This is the 5th team B player foul in the period. The scorer fails to notice that A-4 is entitled to two free throws.Play resumes with a throw-in, after which A-5 sorces a field goal.the failure to award A-4 the two free throws is discovered after the ball becomes live following the field. What is the correct procedure? Answer: Because team A scored on the possession erroneously awarded to them, the original error is disregarded. (Article 44.2.6)

 

11/28/2004

Lewis Coolidge - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: A-4 is awarded two free throws. No Team A players line up for the rebound on the free throws.Team B has only two (2)players on the rebound places, one of which line up in the third (3rd)rebound place. Is this legal? Answer: There is no stipulation requiring that players occupy rebound places to which they are entitled. There is a stipulation, however, that players may not occupy places reserved for the opponents, even if the opponents choose not to occupy them.

 

11/24/2004	rhb - PHILIPPINES
	Question: in case of a triple tie in the final standings (e.g. 3 teams with identical win-loss record of 4-6), what should be the basis in ranking them and how to do it? Answer: Answer) For the proper procedure, see the Official Rules: Section D - Classification Of Teams. Sub-section D.3.3 explains how to determine the final ranking.

 

11/22/2004	cranston patram - BAHAMAS
	Question: how many times a jump ball occurs (1st,3rd and extea periods or only the start of the game). Answer: The jump ball is held only to begin the first period.

 

11/10/2004

richie maagad davao christian - PHILIPPINES

Question: 1. the lead official call a three seconds violation with out knowing that the ball is on the air and the ball was basket,it is counted or not? 2. the trill official call a technical foul to a1 with out contact while b1 shots the ball in the tree point area.what is the penalty? Answer: : Because team control has ended when the whistle sounded, no 3-second violation has taken place. The goal shall count and play shall resume as after any normal field goal. Question 2: If B1 is in the act of shooting when the technical foul is called, the foul does not cause the ball to become dead and the goal, if made, shall count. In any case, the penalty for the A1 technical foul shall be 2 free throws, followed by possession of the ball for team B at the centre line extended opposite the scorer's table.

 

11/5/2004

shawn heffernan - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: when can a player go out of bounds, return in bounds and take control of a loose ball? ex; player a saves a ball from ob by deflecting ball back in play. can he/she recover the loose ball. one of the players say this is illegal. that the rule is the same as football in regard to establishing inbounds position. what is establishing position in this instance? also, is a kick ball only intentional contact with the ball below the waist, can the ball be contacted with the thigh,shin, or foot unintentionally and still be in play? look forward to your answers. thanks Answer: The answer to your first question is that once the player clearly re-establishes himself or herself in-bounds, then he or she may play the ball. Normally this involves both feet in-bounds but if the official is satisfied that at least one foot has been established in-bounds and the player's body is not straddling the out-of-bounds line, the play is legal. In terms of contacting the ball with the foot, the contact must be intentional to be a violation and it doesn't matter what part of the leg (shin, thigh, etc.) does the contacting.

 

11/4/2004

Akane Ohno - JAPAN

Question: Why the ball size for women's game was changed? I want to know the reason and if you'd have some information or document in this connection. If you'd have, may I ask you a favor to get me them? I'd be gateful to you if you'd contact me at your soonest convenience. I'm a PE-major student of School of PE & Sport of the Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan. Thank you in advance for your kindness. Answer: The size of the ball used in women's games was recommended by the FIBA Technical Commission and subsequently approved by the FIBA Central Board. The decision followed the seeking of opinions from all stakeholders in the women's game, including players, coaches and officials, as well as a polling of all FIBA Federations for their individual opinions. I doubt if the information is still available but if so it would have to be through FIBA.

 

10/30/2004

Diego Matamoros - COSTA RICA

Question: How many free throws are awarded for a "flagrant" foul according to FIBA rules, not NBA. Answer: The penalty for a Disqualifying Foul (flagrant foul) depends on the circumstances of the foul. In all cases, the player responsible may no longer participate and must go to the team changing room or leave the building. If the foul is against a shooter and the shot is successful, the penalty is one free throw and possession of the ball for a throw-in; if not successful, two (or three) free throws, followed by possession of the ball for a throw-in.

 

10/26/2004

Edgar Allan Pabiania - PHILIPPINES

Question: With the score tied and with 6 ticks left at the 4th quarter, player A1 positions himself for an in-bound pass to player A2. Player A2 receives the in-bound pass from Player A1 but gives a quick tap to the ball back to player A1 who has already stepped-in the court. Player A1 goes for a quick basket but while in mid-air and ready to score a sure two (2), the referee calls a violation saying Player A1 was not able to establish himself for 5 seconds 'in-court' before getting back the ball. Is there such a rule to back the referee's claim and making this call valid, thus the violation? Answer: Answer) There is no rule which requires that the A1 "establish himself for five seconds" in-bounds. All that is required is that A1 clearly establish position on the court.

 

10/26/2004

Mark - AUSTRALIA

Question: I was hoping you could clarify for me the offensive foul "charge" rule. My understanding was that a defensive player may step backwards when being contacted by the offensive player, given he was initially stationary and maintains within his "cylinder." Is that correct? Thanks Answer: The secret to judging whether a foul is a block or a charge rests in an understanding of two principles: establishing a guarding position, and maintaining that position. The defensive player first establishes and then maintains. To establish a legal position, the defensive player must initially have both feet on the floor and be facing the offensive player. Time and distance are not factors. (If the offensive player is not in control of the ball, then screening principles apply.) To maintain a legal position, the defensive player may move sideways or backwards (as in the situation which you have cited) but may not move forward and into the offensive player. There is no requirement in the criteria for legally maintaining a position which requires that both feet be on the floor or that the defensive player be stationary. The key principle is "who got to the position (of contact) first. If contact occurs on the defensive player's torso, then the defensive player's position is legal and the foul. if called, must be on the offensive.

 

10/24/2004

daniela rodriguez - COSTA RICA

Question: Which are the three violations a player may fall into, when he has the ball? Answer: (Answer) There are more than three violations that a player could commit while in control of the ball. Such violations include traveling, double dribble, free throw (as a shooter), out-of-bounds, throw-in, 3-seconds, 5-seconds and 8-seconds, and illegally returning ball to backcourt. No doubt there are also others but these are the ones that immediately come to mind.

 

10/20/2004

R.M.B. - PHILIPPINES

Question: Dear Sir? What is a "No Charge Zone" (Semi Arch in the shaded lane, below the ring) How to implement this? What are the rules for this no charge zone? Where can I get a copy of this rules? Is there any website available for this? My second question is about the 24 second shot clock. There is field goal, but the ball miss the ring but hit the backboard, 24 second shot clock signal, the defense rebounds and have clear control, do we have whistle immediately? How about if the ball misses the ring completely (airball) and there is clear control of the ball, do we have whistle immediately? Thanks a lot and I look forward to hear from you. Best Regards; RMB Answer: The "no charge zone" does not apply to FIBA rules. Additional information may be obtained through the NBA website at www.nba.com/rules_index.html . In answer to your second question which has two parts to it, here is the information you need: 1. if the ball touches the backboard and is then immediately and clearly controlled by the opponents, there is no violation 2. if the ball misses the ring and backboard completely but the opponents then gain clear and immediate control, there is no violation

 

10/18/2004

Heros Avanessian - ITALY

Question: Dear Sir A4 shoots, after the ball strikes the rim the 24 seconds signal sounds in error, then A5 taps the ball into the ring. The referee erroneously whistles and cancels the goal. Immediately after the whistle there is a time out. Is it possible to correct the wrong call when the referee comes back to the game after the time out? (Nothing happens after the call and the time out and no time elapse.) What if in the same situation the signal sounds before the ball strikes the rim? Answer: either situation, the correction of the error would be permitted as outlined in Article 44, Correctable Errors.

 

10/13/2004	Eugene Trench - BELIZE
	Question: TEAM A1 ATTEMPT A FIELD GOAL, A1 ALREADY RELEASE THE BALL WHEN B1 PARTIALLY BLOCK IT LEGALLY BUT THE FIELD GOAL SCORE. DOES B1 GETS CREDITED WITH A BLOCK SHOT? Answer: No. The shot was not blocked. Merely touching the ball does not constitute a "block".

 

10/13/2004

Sam Ho - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: As I am going to erect a half basketball court for my colleage to play at leisure time. Can anybody send a email to me for the information about the dimensions and lines pattern of a standard FIBA basketball court? Or how can I get from any web-site. So, I can mark the court lines;free throw lines;three points lines etc Answer: The information that you want can be obtained on the FIBA website at www.fiba.com . In the upper-left corner of the home page, click on "Publications" and then on "Free Publications". You will find the Official Basketball Rules in a listing on the right hand side of the free publications page.

 

10/11/2004

Jonathan - TAIWAN

Question: There are three questions, 1. A1 is the coach-player of team A, when he plays on the court, can the assistant coach of team A stands in the team A¡¦s bench area? If A1 goes back to the bench by substitution, then who can stands in the team A¡¦s bench area, A1 or the assistant coach? 2. Team A has not assistant coach, can coach-player A1 charged a time-out on the court? 3. Team A entitled 2+p because T-foul by team B¡¦s coach, after the 2nd throw and before the following throw in, may the free thrower substitution? a. 2nd throw was made, b. 2nd throw wasn¡¦t made. What is the different between them in the spirit of the rule? Answer: . if A1 is participating as a player, then the assistant coach may remain standing. Not to allow this would be against the spirit and intent of the rule. If A1 is on the bench and therefore not participating as a player, then only A1 may remain standing. 2. The only circumstance that would permit A1 to request and be granted a time-out would be if that request were directed to the scorer during a time-out opportunity. 3. Yes; the ball is to remain dead because of the throw-in remaining to be administered; therefore team A may initiate a substitution, provided the request was made before the ball went into play for the first free throw.

 

10/11/2004

Jonathan - TAIWAN

Question: There are three questions, 1. A1 is the coach-player of team A, when he plays on the court, can the assistant coach of team A stands in the team A¡¦s bench area? If A1 goes back to the bench by substitution, then who can stands in the team A¡¦s bench area, A1 or the assistant coach? 2. Team A has not assistant coach, can coach-player A1 charged a time-out on the court? 3. Team A entitled 2+p because T-foul by team B¡¦s coach, after the 2nd throw and before the following throw in, may the free thrower substitution? a. 2nd throw was made, b. 2nd throw wasn¡¦t made. What is the different between them in the spirit of the rule? Answer: 1. Since the spirit behind the rule is that only one person may stand, I think it would be a legitimate interpretation that when A1 is on the court, his replacement on the bench as coach should be permitted to stand. However, when A1 is not on the court, this permission would not apply. 2. No. If A! wants a time-out, the request must be directed to the scorer and communicated to the officials when appropriate. 3.The answer to your two situations would be "yes" in both cases. Beginning in October 2004, the time-out and substitution rules will be changed accordingly. See the "press release" on the FIBA website.

 

10/11/2004

Sami - ISRAEL

Question: Where can I find the exact statement that says that "Rebounding Own Shot - Legal (referee must judge that it was a try for goal, as poorly executed as it was) ? Answer: This statement does not exist. The appropriate rule reference would be Article 14 (Control of the ball) which states that team (and therefore "player") control ends when the ball leaves the hand(s) of the shooter on a shot for a goal. Provided the official judges that a legitimate shot for a goal has been released, any player on either team is entitled to the next control situation.

 

9/28/2004

Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE

Question: In a closely contested game with 15 seconds left on the game clock in the 4th quarter, team A to in-bounce at the endline of own basketball. Player A1 has difficulty locating a teammate for the in-bounce pass since he is closely guarded by opponent B1. At his wits as the 5-sec violation is kicking in soon, he taps the ball against any body part (e.g. the leg) of opponent B1. Before opponent B1 can recover from the surprise action, player A1 steps into the court, gathers the ball and starts a fastbreak. Do we consider the above situation a good play? Answer: (Answer) The play which you describe is a legal play.

 

9/27/2004

Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE

Question: With reference to Q63 posted by Dave of Ireland. If that phase should be removed to eliminate any discrepency, will a revised copy with the updated changes be released to supersede the current copy? Or a notice will be released to inform all parties of that change? Answer: The FIBA Official Basketball Rules rulebook to be available soon (approximately the end of October) will reflect this correction.

 

9/23/2004	warren.butler - BAHAMAS
	Question: The last rule book posted on the web 8/13/2004 has void 1st September 2004. Have there been any changes made to the rules in that book? When will the official rules be posted/issued? Answer: You have misread the web posting. The Official Rules are valid (not "void") as of September 1, 2004.

 

9/23/2004

Jonathan - TAIWAN

Question: By the rule: The ball has been illegally returned to the backcourt when a player of the team in control of the live ball is: • The last to touch the ball in his frontcourt, after which that player or a teammate is the first to touch the ball in the backcourt. • The last to touch the ball in his backcourt, after which the ball touches the frontcourt and then is first touched by that player or team-mate in the backcourt. My question is: A player in his front court near the mid-line dribbles the ball, and the ball bound on the floor of his back court and then it rebound to the player's hand, is it ball returned to the backcourt violation? How to explain it by the rule? Because nobody touch the ball in the backcourt. Answer: To determine whether the ball has been illegally returned to the backcourt, it is necessary to be able to answer four questions. These questions are: 1. Is a team in control of the ball? 2. Has the ball moved into the frontcourt of the team in control? 3. After having moved into the frontcourt, has the ball then returned to the backcourt? If the answer to all three questions is "yes", then a fourth question will determine whether or not a violation has taken place: 4. Was a player of the team in control of the ball the last to touch the ball before it left the front court and was that player or a teammate the first to touch the ball after it returned to the backcourt? If the answer is "yes", then a violation has been committed for illegally returning the ball to the backcourt. IT IS EXTREMEMLY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT, ONCE TEAM CONTROL IS ESTABLISHED, THE FOCUS IS ON THE POSITION OF THE BALL RELATIVE TO THE FRONTCOURT OR BACKCOURT. IT IS QUITE COMMON FOR THE BALL TO BE IN THE FRONTCOURT OR BACKCOURT WITHOUT A PLAYER ON THAT TEAM ACTUALLY TOUCHING THE FRONTCOURT OR THE BACKCOURT. THE SITUATION GIVEN ABOVE IS AN EXAMPLE.

 

9/10/2004

Patrick Lim - SINGAPORE

Question: My question is in the backcourt trail official blow the whistle and this is the 5th team fouls with team A. Shall the trail official changed to lead. Given to the partner to responsible of the free throws,or the calling the foul is responsible for administering the free throws. Hope to have your detail clarification. Thank you. Answer: The new mechanic for 2-person officiating says that the official who calls the foul will be in the trail position when play resumes. In the situation that you give in your question, I assume "team A" is the team in control of the ball. If so, the foul would be a team control foul and no free throws would be given. The official who called the foul would move to the appropriate trail position for the resulting throw-in. If you mean for team A to designate the defensive team, then the official who called the foul would still move to the appropriate trail position for the resulting free throws. Remember that the new 2-person mechanics instruct that the lead official will administer all free throws.

 

9/6/2004

Dave - IRELAND

Question: My question concerns delayed dead balls. Art. 10.4 states that if a player in fouled in the act of shooting the ball shall not become dead etc. But it then states that "This provision does not apply and the goal shall not count if, after an official blows his whistle...The twenty four second device sounds." This suggests that if a player is fouled and gets off what should be a legal shot the basket will not count if the shot clock expires when the ball is in the air. My question is, is this the intent of the rule. It makes sense under older rules where the ball had to be released before the shot clock expired but seems a bit out of context in the new rules. Thanks for your clarification. Answer: The wording in the final bullet of article 10.4 should read "This provision does not apply and the goal shall not count if, during the continuous motion, ....". The phrase "after an official blows his whistle" should be deleted.

 

8/16/2004	HSU, Ting-wei - TAIWAN
	Question: My question is, when A1 shooting, the ball has left his hands and both feet return to the floor(the act of shooting has ended); at that time, B1 fouls on A1, and the shooting is successful. If team B is in a team foul penalty situation, should the referee award one free throw or two free throws. thank you Answer: Two free throws are awarded.

 

8/4/2004

WONG CHUNG MIN - MALAYSIA

Question: According to the 2004 official new rules Art. 9.4, it is stated that "for all games, the first team named in the programme (home team) shall have the team bench and its own basket on the left side of the scorer's table, facing the playing court". As mentioned above about the own basket, does it mean that the home team have to attack on the basket which is on the right side of the scorer's table in the first half? Hope to have your detail clarification. Thank you. Answer: Answer: A team always attacks the opponents' basket. Therefore, during the first period, the home team will attack the basket to the right of the scorer's table. Teams will continue to exchange baskets for the second half.

 

8/1/2004

Ric B. Lumasag - SAUDI ARABIA

Question: In the rule book valid as of 1st September 2004. Its all about alternating position. If Team A violates the throw-in provision,it shall lose its turn for throw-in under the alternating process. Team B shall make the throw-in on the next alternating process. Now my question is; 1. All violation covered by these alternating position specially travelling,3 seconds,in bound or wrong inbound, double drible or etc. Please clirify the violation covered under the alternating pivelage. Thanks & God bless you Ric B. Lumasag Bupa Middle East Jeddah Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Answer: Any violation of the throw-in rule committed by the throwing-in team will cause that team to lose that alternating possession. The opponents will be awarded a throw-in as a result of that violation and will also be entitled to the alternating possession throw-in on the next jump ball situation. Obviously it would be impossible for traveling 3-seconds, double dribble or any violation other than a throw-in violation to occur during a throw-in.

 

7/31/2004	Harrison Sands - BAHAMAS
	Question: On a free trow if A1 shooting and A2 violate, and the freetrow is good should u count the basket. Answer: Count the basket.

 

7/28/2004	norris bain - BAHAMAS
	Question: team A inbounds ball from under its basket in the front court .on the throw in team A teammates deflects ball into backcourt and goes and retrieves it before it is touch by any member of team B .did a violation occur? Answer: A violation has occurred

 

7/28/2004

Harrison Sands - BAHAMAS

Question: Could team A pass the ball to another team mate and touch it before any other member do. Answer: Pregunta Could team A pass the ball to another team mate and touch it before any other member do. Answer: A player who has attempted a pass may retrieve that pass if in the judgement of the officials a genuine attempt to pass has occurred. The player may now shoot or pass but may not dribble.

 

7/28/2004

Harrison Sands - BAHAMAS

Question: A1 have the ball in his back court,team B kock it out of bound still in his back court,During inbound the ball it reflex in the front court, is this a violation. my answer is yes . Answer: Answer: Your question isn't clear but I interpret the situation to be as follows. A1 has the ball in team A's back court when the ball is knocked out-of-bounds by a team B player. During the resulting in-bounding of the ball by a team A player, the ball is deflected into the front court. Is this a violation. The answer is "no".

 

7/17/2004

warren.butler - BAHAMAS

Question: A1 is being press in his back court near the free-throw line,with two (2) quick passes the ball is the front court near the basket on the shot by A2 goal tending accurs by b1 should the trail make this call if he is not yet in the frount court? Answer: (Answer) When a pressing defense is being employed, the mechanics of the game (2-person) require that the lead official delay moving all the way to the opposite endline. It is that official's responsibility to position himself/herself near the centre line area to "help out" the trail. The lead must also anticipate the kind of quick pass to the front court which you have described and be prepared to cover the play immediately. Therefore it would seem only logical and practical that it would be up to the lead official to make the judgement as to whether or not a violation has taken place. The trail, as distant as he or she is from the play, should not overrule whatever judgement (violation or no violation) that the lead makes unless the trail is absolutely certain that the lead was straight-lined or could not otherwise see the play. Such an overruling should be very rare indeed.

 

7/14/2004

Christopher Saunders - BAHAMAS

Question: Can a team has a player who acts as coache and then also has an assistant coach who plays? What about when a team has a player who acts as coach, can it also have an Asst. coach who does not coach or is the Asst. coach forced to act as coach? Answer: The answer to your first question: the rules provide for a playing coach but make no mention of an assistant coach who is also a player. Personally, I see no reason why there would be the need for an assistant coach who also is a player. If the intent is to provide that the player become coach if the head coach is disqualified, this could be achieved just as easily if the player were designated as "captain". As for your second question, an assistant coach is permitted and this person would take the place of the coach if the coach were disqualified

 

7/14/2004

Chris Saunders - BAHAMAS

Question: What is the thinking on the 3-man mechanic on taking free-throws. The C is table side in front of a team bench and the T and L are on the opposite side. So this now mean the calling official on a foul would not handle the free-throw at all. Is that the thinking? And in regard to the Art. 30 (Ball returned to the backcourt), where is the ball inbounded when the ball goes deep into the backcourt and is touched in the backcourt. Is it inbounded near the point it was touched or at mid-court? Thanks much Answer: Let's answer your second question first. If a violation occurs because the ball is illegally returned to the backcourt, the resulting throw-in is always administered at the sideline or endline place nearest to where the violation occurred; that is, nearest to where the ball was touched by the violating player. As for your second question, the calling official will move to (or remain in) the center position and therefore will not handle the free throws.

 

7/14/2004

Simon Kuek - SINGAPORE

Question: Team A is entitled to a throw-in under alternating possession, during the throw-in the ball lodges on the basketball support.Is this considered a jump ball or violation. How will be resume the game? Thanks for your answer. Answer: Answer: The new rule that will come into effect following the Olympics will say that a throw-in ends if the ball lodges in the basket support during that throw-in. Therefore, because that alternating possession throw-in has ended, the opponents immediately become entitled to the next alternating possession throw-in. Since the fact that the ball has lodged in the basket support is also considered to be a jump ball situation, this would mean the game shall be resumed with an alternating possession throw-in for team B.

 

7/8/2004

Giorgio - ITALY

Question: Technical foul called on player A4, the 24-seconds operator stops and resets the device. While the official is reporting the foul to the scorer's table, the other official calls a technical foul on player B4. Should the time on the 24-seconds device be corrected (old and new rules)? Answer: This is a special situation under the new article 39 (2004 rules) or article 45 (2000 rules). The penalties cancel each other and a jump ball situation results. Play shall resume with a throw-in for the team entitled to the next alternating possession.

 

7/2/2004	Mauricio - ESTADOS UNIDOS
	Question: Time out to team A, when the time out ends, team B or A request for another time out. Should it be granted. Thanks Answer: Yes.The time-out shall be granted.

 

6/26/2004

Ho Shuet Mei - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: A1 is closely guarded by B3 and his back facing B3. While guarding A1, B3 restricts A1's movement by holding/pulling A1's jersey. A Unsportmanlike foul is called on B3. Is this the appropriate call? Or it is a non foul since A1 is not disadvantage? Or is it a personal foul under Art 44.1.5 - Holding? Under a fast break situation, A1 break loose from B3 and B3 hold A1 by his jersey. Team A loses the advantange of a easy basket. Do we consider this Unsportsmanlike foul? Or a personal foul? Will both situations be judged under Art 46.1.4 for Unsportmanlike Foul. Answer: Two questions are asked so each will be answered separately. In the first situation, a foul must be called on B3, though not necessarily an unsportsmanlike foul. A simple "holding" foul would be sufficient. It is important that such a foul be called because if it is ignored, this will only lead to additional contact and possibly a fight situation. In the second situation, this is an unsportsmanlike foul for the very reason that you have provided. B3 is "playing the man", not "playing the ball".

 

6/26/2004

Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE

Question: Alternating Possession & 24-sec shot clock A1 controls the ball in the front court and B2 successfully caused a jump ball situation with 10 secs left on the shot clock. The alternating arrow indicated the possession belongs to A1. Is the shot clock reset or Team A is left with 10 secs to make a shot before a 24-secs violation is committed? It is clearly stated in Rules 2004 that the shot clock is started and NOT reset if Team A still retained the possession. However, this rule is only effective from Sept 2004 onwards. From now till Sept, can the shot clock be reset under the condition for jump ball. Answer: In your question is new and takes effect in September. Under the old rule, that team would be granted a new 24-second period.

 

6/23/2004

Johnny Mah - SINGAPORE

Question: I am referring to the question raised by Jack from Taiwan (#43 de 46):- We find the answer for the team A commit a team control foul is differ from what we received from the FIBA -Aisa clinic in Novemember 2003 in Kula Lumpur, Malaysia. The answer we received from the lecturer then was : The penalty for team A who commit a team control foul is to award a throw-in from out of bound for team B; however, at this juncture, team A right of AP have not start or completed, the AP arrow still remain for team A. As a result, both right of possession cancel each other and the game would resumed with a jump ball situation. As the AP arrow still remain for team A, team A would get a throw-in from out-of-bound. Please clarify! Answer: Answer: In the situation provided in question # 43, the following happens. First, the is a jump ball situation, resulting in a throw-in going to team A because team A had the arrow. Then, a foul is committed by either team A or team B. The error in your reasoning is to consider the alternating possession throw-in awarded to team A to be a "penalty" as covered in the special situations article. It is not a "penalty" because neither team (or more specifically team B) has done nothing wrong. Therefore, the entitlement to this possession cannot be included in determinibng offsetting penalties. The rule that really applies is the alternating possession rule, which says that if a team commits a foul before the alternating possession throw-in ends, then that foul shall be penalized appropriately but the team that had been awarded the alternating possession shall not lose the right to the possession because of the foul.

 

6/15/2004	warren butler - BAHAMAS
	Question: Player A1 is fouled & the basket is good. At this point in a close game the team A Coach & 3 players enter the court briefly to celebrate in team A back court.Shall a technical foul be called? Answer: The situation which you describe could possibly merit a warning if the officials thought it advisable but not a technical foul.

 

5/18/2004	Warren.Butler - ESTADOS UNIDOS
	Question: A1 is trapped after 1secound in his back court and is closely guarded by b1 & b2 for 5secounds should the violation be called? Answer: Yes. The closely guarded player rule (art. 37) applies to antwhere on the court

 

5/8/2004	warren butler - BAHAMAS
	Question: Team A's coach in the last two (2) minutes of the game request a time-out after the referee has entered the lane to administer the first of two (2) free throws to B1. shall the request be granted if the last shoot is good? Answer: Answer) No. A time-out cannot be granted after the administering official has entered the free throw lane to administer the first free throw

 

4/23/2004

jack - TAIWAN

Question: Dear Sir, Please help me to clarify that question: in Summary of the Rule changes as of 1st October 2003 Art 21¡@Jump ball Practical Examples 3.Team A is entitled to a throw-in under the alternating process. Before the throw-in by team A is completed, a foul is called on either team A or team B. my question is: if team A foul (6th team foul in that period). this penalty is: a)by team A in control of ball. b)team B two free throws thanks for your answer! Answer: WHETHER THE FOUL IS COMMITTED BY TEAM A OR TEAM B, IT WILL BE PENALIZED IN THE NORMAL MANNER. IN THE SITUATION THAT YOU GIVE, IF THE FOUL IS BY TEAM B, THE FOULED PLAYER WOULD RECEIVE TWO FREE THROWS. THE BALL WILL BECOME LIVE FOLLOWING THE FINAL FREE THROW WITH A REBOUND (IF NOT SUCCESSFUL) OR A THROW-IN (IF SUCCESSFUL). IF THE FOUL IS BY TEAM A (TEAM CONTROL FOUL), THEN TEAM B WOULD BE AWARDED A THROW-IN. TEAM A WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO THE ALTERNATING POSSESSION THROW-IN ON THE NEXT JUMP BALL SITUATION.

 

4/13/2004

JOEL QUINTANES - PHILIPPINES

Question: 14 April 2004 Dear Sir, The situation happen during free throw. A1 shoots for two free throws. During the first free throw,the ball did not enter towards the basket but rested between the board and the neck of the ring. Shall the awards reset to another two free throws? or resume the game with the second free throws? Assuming the neck of the ring/goal is not standard.This happens at urban areas basketball court. Answer: THE FREE THROW ENDED WHEN THE SHOT WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. THE OFFICIALS SHALL CONTINUE WITH THE SECOND FREE THROW. WHEN THIS HAPPENS AT TIME OTHER THAN DURING A FREE THROW THAT IS TO BE FOLLOWED BY AN ADDITIONAL FREE THROW(S), THE RESULT IS A JUMP BALL SITUATION AND THE GAME SHALL RESUME WITH AN ALTERNATING POSSESSION THROW-IN.

 

3/30/2004	renato m. beato - PHILIPPINES
	Question: how to be a consistent refree? how can i update regarding new rules? Answer: AS SOON AS THE NEW RULES AS WELL AS THE MECHANICS OF OFFICIATING ARE APPROVED BY THE CENTRAL BOARD OF FIBA, THESE RULES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ON THE FIBA WEBSITE (WWW.FIBA.COM).

 

3/29/2004

pop mircea - ROMANIA

Question: Dear Sir, Please help me to clarify that question: During the game a violation occurs and as a result we have a jump ball situation. According with the new rules-(alternating posession process ) one team will have possession of the ball for throw-in from out-of-bounds. The team who is not entitled to the ball in that situation , requested a substitution. I want to know if I allow that team to make a substitution it is legal? In that case both team have right to make substitutions? Thank you for your attention. Sincerely yours Pop Mircea Basketball Referee Romania Answer: WHEN A JUMP BALL SITUATION RESULTS IN AN ALTERNATING POSSESSION THROW-IN, EITHER TEAM MAY SUBSTITUTE UNTIL THE BALL BECOMES LIVE FOR THE THROW-IN.

 

3/22/2004	Mariane Pantell - ESTADOS UNIDOS
	Question: Technical foul call to coach A, an additional technical foul call agaist B1. Ruling in this case Answer: TWO FREE THROWS AWARDED TO ANY TEAM B PLAYER, AFTER WHICH ONE FREE THROW WOULD BE AWARDED TO ANY TEAM A PLAYER. PLAY WOULD THEN RESUME WITH A TEAM A THROW-IN AT THE CENTRE LINE EXTENDED, OPPOSITE THE SCORER'S TABLE.

 

3/14/2004

Jonathan - TAIWAN

Question: Blue 4 releases a try for a two points goal. Before the ball has struck the ring and before Blue 4 returns to the floor, Red 6 fouls Blue 4. This is the 5th team foul against Red in the quarter. Before the ball has struck the ring, and while the ball was on its downward flight, it is batted away by Red 4. The referee should a) Call the foul on Red 6, and award two points to Blue 4 for basket interference. b) Call the foul on Red 6, and award two free throws to Blue 4. c) Call the foul on Red 6, and award two points to Blue 4 for basket interference, followed by an additional free throw to Blue 4. What is the answer? Why? Answer: Blue 4 was fouled while in the act of shooting. The interference by Red 4 means that the shot for a goal was successful. Two points are credited to Blue 4, after which Blue 4 is awarded one free throw because of the foul by Red 6.

 

2/27/2004

Jose CIDADE - BRAZIL

Question: Question: Player A-2 has possession of the ball in the court when technical fouls are charged against players B-1 and A-1. Then, Substitute A-8 and team’s B coach enters the court to fight or in a situation may lead a fight and are disqualified. How shall the game resumed ? Answer: Answer) The penalties for the B-1 and A-1 technical fouls cancel each other, as do the technicals resulting from the A-8 and coach B disqualifications. Play resumes with a throw-in for team A because team A had control of the ball at time the first foul(s) were committed. Team A shall have only whatever time was remaining on the 24-second clock.

 

2/26/2004

Silvione - ITALY

Question: Situation 1 A4 commits foul on B5 (6th team A foul in that period), while ref is signalling penalty, A4 and B5 for both trash talking are charged of technical foul. Then scorer inform ref that personal foul on A4 was 5th personal, and tecnichal foul on A4 (6th personal) will charged on coach A (wrote "B" on scoresheet). Impossible to determine wich of A4 and B5 starts trash talking. How will be resume the game? Situation 2 A4 commits foul on B5 (2nd personal and 6th team A foul in that period), while ref is signalling penalty, A4 inside the court and coach B inside bench area are trash talking between them. Then technical foul is charged on A4 and Coach B. Impossible to determine who starts. How will be resume the game. Answer: (Answer) Situation # 1: B5 is awarded 2 free throws because of the original foul. It is then the responsibility of the referee to decide which of the technical fouls (by A4 and B5) occurred first. Because each of the technical fouls carries a different penalty and therefore they cannot cancel each other, the referee may consult with the other official(s) and/or with the table officials and commissioner if necessary but it shall still be the referee's responsibility to determine the order in which the technical fouls occurred. If it is determined that the Coach A technical foul was first, then 2 free throws shall be awarded to any team B player. The marked lanes spaces shall remain vacant during these free throws. Following this, any team A player shall be awarded 1 free throw, followed by possession of the ball for team A at the centre line extended opposite the scorer's table. If it is decided that the B4 technical foul occurred first, then 1 free throw shall be awarded to any team A player (with lane spaces vacant), after which 2 free throws shall be awarded to any team B player followed by possession of the ball for team B at the centre line extended opposite the scorer's table. Situation # 2: In this situation, the same principle applies. The referee has the responsibility to determine which technical foul occurred first. When this is determined (and following the awarding of 2 free throws to B5 for the original foul), the penalties for the technical fouls shall be administered in the order in which they occurred. The steps outlined in article 56 (Special situations) shall be followed.

 

2/21/2004

Jose CIDADE - BRAZIL

Question: Situation: Player A-4 is dribbling a ball in the court, then a technical foul is called on players A-3 e B-2. When the official is reporting the fouls, substitutes A-6 and B-6 enters in the court in a situation that may leads a fight. After all fouls is reported and A-6 e B-6 has been disqualified, How the game shall be resumed ? Answer: A3 and B2 are charged with the technical fouls. A6 and B6 must go to their respective dressing rooms or leave the building. Single technical fouls are charged to coach A and coach B because of the actions of A6 and B6. The penalties for the A3/B2 fouls cancel each other; the penalties for the coach A/coach B fouls cancel each other. Play resumes with a throw-in for team A (because team A had control of the ball at the time of the original fouls). Team A shall have only what time was remaining on the 24-second clock.

 

2/8/2004

Albert Miranda - PUERTO RICO

Question: A player in offense makes a shot underneath the basket, but the ball doesn’t hit the ring, the backboard, neither another player touch it; the same player catch the ball. Is this a traveling violation or the ball is in game and the placer can make a shot again? Answer: When the shot is made, the dribble ends, so the player is allow taking the ball again, passing, starting a dribble or making a shot. Therefore when the ball was caught again by the same player, he didn't commit a violation. The 24” count continues because the ball didn't hit the ring.

 

2/1/2004

FREDDIE BROWN - BAHAMAS

Question: B1 has the ball out of bounds for a throw-in to begin the 2rd quarter. Before the ball is inbound, A2 fouls B2. Is this foul considered to hve occured during an interval of play. Answer: If the foul occurs before the ball is placed at the disposal of the thrower-in, it occurs during an interval of play. Two free throws shall be awarded, after which the alternating possession throw-in shall be repeated. If the foul occurs after the ball has been placed at the disposal of the thrower-in, it is considered to have happened during playing time and penalized accordingly, in which case the team shall not lose its right to the next alternating possession.)

 

1/31/2004	rojelio - MEXICO
	Question: How many time outs a team can ask ? Answer: Two charged time-outs may be granted to each team any time during the first half (periods 1 and 2); three time-outs any time during the second half (periods 3 and 4) and one time-out during each extra period. Unused time-outs may not be carried over to the next half or extra period.

 

1/30/2004

Bernard Q. A. Pitts - BELIZE

Question: This is rare but it has happened in a championship game at the semi-pro level. The game is tied with 6/10 of a second, from throw-in, player A4 tosses the ball in the air to player A6 (alley hoop). A6 catches the ball for the slam, the horn sounds simultaneously with the ball going in ring from the player (ball in two hands), will the basket count? This is a case for a precise decision. What must the official or referee do? Answer: The FIBA rule is very clear: if the ball is still in the hands of the shooter when the signal sounds to end the period, the ball becomes dead immediately. It is the responsibility of the official(s) to determine the status of the ball at the time of the signal. In the situation that you describe, the goal does not count.

 

1/25/2004

Julio César - PERU

Question: Does the central line belong to the backcourt or to the front court? How it is decide the concession of free throws in a double rhythm, What is the continuous movement? Thanks for your answer. Answer: 1. –The central line belongs to the backcourt. I suppose that the concern is for the act of shooting .To decide if a player is in the act of shooting we should keep in mind: #1. - The ball rests in the player’s hand(s). #2. - It has begun, in the referee’s judgment a throw movement. # 3. - This movement includes the or the arms and/or the body. #4. - It doesn't matter the number of steps that the player makes to finish the dribble (double rhythm). #5. - If the player begins a new movement (for e.x. it passes the ball), it has discontinued the previous one and the action is no longer in the act of shooting.

 

1/22/2004

Jose Correa - VENEZUELA

Question: A team that arrives 10 minutes after the hour scheduled for the beginning of the game. 1) Shall it be penalized with a technical foul? 2) At the end of the the interval between the first and second period team" B" delays their entrance to the court, the referee reiterates to this team that they should enter to the court. Should a time out be charge to team" B"? Answer: ANSWER. 1.-NO. A teams have 15 minutes to be present at least 5 players to begin the game (Art.30.1) If they don't make it, the game is awarded to the other team, and the score will be 20 at 0 and they won’t receive points in the classification.. 2.- No. In the interpretations of March of 2001 you can find the dispositions for the timekeepers as for making notice to the teams the beginning of the periods. In case that the teams don’t response to the notification for the beginning of one period, the situation is cover in the art.30.1 when a team refuses to play...." The penalty is the same one given in answer # 1. -

 

1/18/2004

Ignacio Leon - MEXICO

Question: Situation: Team B will make the throw- in after a field goal, B1 has the ball to make the in bound pass, then B2 tells him that he will make the throw- in,at that moment B1 pass the ball to B2 who is inside the court, B2 receives the ball and goes out of bounds to make the throw- in. It is logical that a violation has occur, but is it viable not to be sanctioned? (seeing that there is not defensive pressure on the players to make the throw-in. Answer: Some minors violations can be ignore if no implies an advantage / disadvantage situation and are not notorius and flagrants.. We recommend to read the art.32.2 of the FIBA rules in which under this spirit and the above considerations should be evaluated the previous situation..

 

1/18/2004

Ignacio Leon - MEXICO

Question: In the final seconds of a period a player attempts for a goal and the device of ending a period sounds, the ball touches the floor and enters in the basket without being touch by any player or official in the court. Is this goal valid? Answer: The basket is not valid because the attempt for a goal ends when the ball touch the floor. (art. 41.1.3) . Exception , to a dead ball when the game clock signal sounds ending a period, if the ball is in the air and score , in this case the goal will valid.

 

1/17/2004	german - ARGENTINA
	Question: With how many technical fouls a player is ejected? Answer: ANSWER: The rules don't establish a limit of technical fouls (except the 5 personals accumulated ). However, like in all the cases, the official shall use the common sense to evaluate the character of this fouls, the moment that they take place, etc. in order to consider if this foul has become a disqualifying

 

1/13/2004	christian ferreras - ARGENTINA
	Question: If a player that is inside the court bounce the ball against another player that is in court but with a foot out of bounds. Who gets the ball? Answer: The responsible that the ball goes out of bounds is the player that has part of his body outside of the court, therefore the ball belongs to the player's team that bounce the ball on the opponent (to see art. 33 ).

 

1/3/2004

Ho Shuet Mei - SINGAPORE

Question: A1 dribbles the ball towards the front court, closely guarded by B1. A1 stops his dribble near the side line after crossing the central line. B1 moves forward defensively without touching A1 and attempts to force A1 to commit a 'five seconds' violation. To avoid committing the 'five seconds, A1 jumps vertically up and throws the ball towards B1's legs, causing the ball to go out-of-bounds. 1. Do we consider this art as deliberate intention of A1 to regain possession of the ball? 2. If No, this violates the objective of having the 'five seconds' violation and B1 having performed a good defence. Is there a mean to re-address this disadvantage to the defensing team? 3. If Yes, is it covered in the Rules? Under which section? People farmilar with the Rules will protest and question this call since it conflicts with the article 33.2.1. Answer: (Answer) The action is considered to be a deliberate attempt by A1 to maintain possession of the ball but whether the attempt is deliberate or not is irrelevant. The action is nonetheless totally legal. Article 33.2.1 states that "the ball is caused to go out of bounds by the last player to touch it or be touched by it before it goes out-of-bounds". The fact that A1 causes B1 to commit a violation by causing B1 to be the last to touch the ball before it went out-of-bounds only reflects that A1 knows the rules and has used them to his advantage.

 

12/26/2003

Bob Carroll - UNITED STATES

Question: During a freethrow attempt, how many players from the defensive and offensive teams can line up in the blocks below the free throw line. How many can I have above the freethrow line. Answer: A) Three defensive players and two ofensive players may occupy the free - trow lane places. (art. 57.5.1 FIBA RULES). B) All players not in the free- throw lane places shall remain behind the free- throw line extended and behind the three point field goal line.(art.57.6, 57.6.2)

 

12/8/2003

Arturo Torres Sánchez - ESTADOS UNIDOS

Question: B4 commits a foul against A4 in the act of shooting , the shot is missed. After A4 hits B4, it is sanctioned with an unsportsmanlike foul. Ruling? Thanks Answer: In the foul against A4 ,2 or 3 free throws. For the unsportsmanlike foul (or disqualifying)in this case, 2 free throws for B4 and possession of the ball. In any of the situations the penalties can't be cancel each other, therefore they shall be administered in the order in which they ocurred: 2 or 3 free throws For A (no players in the free throw lanes), 2 free throws for B4 (no players in the free throw lanes) and possession of the ball for B at mid court.

 

12/2/2003

cristian - ARGENTINA

Question: A team doesn't have a coach, by this reason the captain acts as coach. In this situation 3 technical fouls are called to their bench. A) Shall the captain leave the court because of his roll as coach? B) Should the situation be different if the captain/ coach is santioned with a technical foul in an interval of play and after two technical fouls to the bench. Answer: The penalty for disqualifying fouls requires that the disqualified individual leave the playing court and go to that team's dressing room(or leave the building). Therefore, in(A), the captain/coach can longer participate. As for (B) (a technical foul committed by a captain /coach during an interval of play), the nature of the technical will determine to whom it will be charged (that is ,charged to the person as a player or charged to the person as a coach). If the technical foul is for unsportsmanlike behaviour , then the foul is charged against the individual as a coach and will not count toward the team fouls in the following period nor toward the five fouls leading to disqualification. It will, however, count toward the three fouls that would lead to his/her disqualification as a coach. In the situation given in (B), therefore , the person could no longer participate and would have to leave the court. If, however , the technical foul is other than unsportamanlike (hanging on the ring,for example), then it shall be charged to that individual as a player and count toward the five fouls leading to his/her disqualification as well as the team fouls in the following period. See Interpretation of the Official Basketball Rules 2000, March,2001 :Article 51, situation #1.

 

12/2/2003	Kwame Cowie - TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
	Question: With the alternating possesion arrow, should it point in the team bench direction or the direction in which the team is shooting? Answer: The arrow will point in the direction in which the team entitled to the possesion is shooting.

 

12/2/2003	Kwame Cowie - TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
	Question: What is the size of the ball that should be used for ladies games in local tournaments? Answer: In all major FIBA competitions , the size of the ball for women's shall be size 6.This decision came into effect in October ,2003. For local competitions ,the size of the ball shall be determined by the league or organizing committee but the recomendation is to use the size 6 ball.

 

11/24/2003	Barry Richards - UNITED KINGDOM
	Question: what are the advantages and disadvantages of having an umpire and referee officiating a game Answer: An article will be published in the coming weeks on this topic. It deserves more than one or two paragraphs for an answer.

 

11/18/2003	Manuel Acosta - COSTA RICA
	Question: In what moment a substitute becomes a a player, if the substitution has benn requested during a time out? Answer: If a substitution is requested during a charged time out, the substitute becomes a player as soon as he or she reports to the scorer (Interpretation of the Offical Basketball Rules, March 2001,page 8 article 27/28,sitution #3)

 

11/13/2003

Alessio Raggi - ITALY

Question: A foul is called against the same team entitled to a throw in following a violation on the first jump ball before the ball is at the disposal of the player. In the off. interp. 2000 art 55, situation 1, this is a jump ball situation, but at this time the arrow is not set, yet. What happens? Answer: Lets reword this question in the form of a situation. Team A is awarded a throw-in as the result of a violation during a jump ball. Before the ball is placed at the disposal of the thrower -in ,A5 commits a foul. Play shall resumes as follows. A foul shall be charged to A5. A throw-in shall be awarded to team B. When the throw-in ends, the alternating possession arrow shall be awarded to team A because team B was the first to establish control of the ball after the initial violation.

 

11/13/2003

DANILO - VENEZUELA

Question: What is the alternating possession process? Rule and procedure. Answer: The alternating possession process , with the rule and its appopiate procedure ,is provided by both FIBA(www.fiba.com)and FIBA Americas on their respective websites. In the case of FIBA Americas website , it can be found under Rules in the sub-section Change in the Rules 2003. If there is a specific question regarding this rule or procedure, the Rules Corner would be pleased to answer it.

 

11/11/2003

Wong Chung Min - MALAYSIA

Question: 1) The team entitled to the next alternating possession after the end of the 1st and 3rd period shall be awarded a throw-in at the extended centerline, opposite the scorer’s table. The player taking the throw-in shall have one foot on either side of the extended centerline and shall be entitled to pass the ball to a player at any point on the playing court. How do the officials (referee and umpire) position? 2) Which table official shall be responsible for the arrow of the alternating possesion? 3) A charged time-out requested by team B is granted following Team A scored 2 points. After time-out, official erroneously let team A (A1) making throw-in from the end line of team A front court. Team B does not realise it and still defense. Then A1 pass the ball to A2, A2 dribble from team A front court to team A back court and scored own basket. At this point, the official discover the error. Ruling? Answer: 1) The referee shall position himself on the backcourt side of the person making the throw-in . The umpire shall position himself in the front court of the thrower -in as with the normal throw-in position (box in ,etc.) 2) The scorer shall be responsible for the alternating possession arrow. 3) This is not one of the correctable errors listed under article 58 . Therefore nothing can be done about the mistake on the throw-in . The logical thing to do would be to call a violation for illegally returning the ball to the back court and award a throw-in to team A as with any art.40 violation. it is wise to always adopt the simplest yet fairest available ruling.To bring up the fact that the shot was at the incorrect basket would only complicate a situation easily solved otherwise. At any rate , the goal does not count.

 

11/6/2003	HODRYZ CAÑIZALES - VENEZUELA
	Question: Unsportmanlike foul is commited by A4 in the act of shooting, the goal is made,(1 free throw for B6), B6 protest ,a technical foul is call against him. Does the free throws are cancel and the throw- in is for A? Answer: The game shall resume with a throw-in from the end line for team B.

 

11/5/2003

roberto garcia - NICARAGUA

Question: 1-Player From team A receive a foul in the act of shooting, at the same time a Technical foul is call on a player from team A and ejection . Ruling? 2- From what spot is the throw in made in the 2nd and 4th period, (base line or half court) Answer: 1) A is awarded 2 free throws, with no one occupaying lane spaces,then team B is awarded 3 free throws ,after B team is awarded possession of the ball at the centre line extended opposite the score table. 2) The throw-in is made from the center line extended , opposite the scorer's table. The thrower -in shall straddle the extended centre line and the administering official shall stand on the side of the thrower-in that is in the thrower in's back court.

 

11/4/2003

Alessio Raggi - ITALY

Question: During the opening jump ball, jumper A5 illegally catches the tossed ball. The umpire blows the whistle and awards the ball to B5 for a throw-in. Then a foul is called against A5 just before or when B5 has the ball for the throw-in. Ruling? Answer: The throw-in that has been awarded to B5 is the result of a violation (by A5), not a jump ball situation. Therefore it is not an alternating posession throw-in. It will be administered exactly as would a throw-in resulting from a double drible or a travel violation. after the subsequent A5 foul, a team B player will be awarded the ball for a throw-in(assuming the foul is not considered unspormanlike or disqualifying). When the throw-in ends, the arrow will be designate A as entitled to the next alternating possession.

 

11/4/2003

Alessio Raggi - ITALY

Question: A4 is awarded one free-throw, to be followed by two additional free-throws for B7. A4’s free-throw is not successful. Before the ball can become live for the first of B7’s free throws, the following happens: a) A6 asks to substitute for A4, or b) A6 asks to substitute for A5, or c) a time-out is requested by coach A. Ruling? Answer: In each of the situations given , the substitution is permited or time out is granted. The single free shot awarded to A4 is separate from the two free throws awarded to B7.Substitutions and/or time outs are permitted between the two sets of free throws.(Article 27.4.1, final paragraph;Article 28.3.2,final paragraph)

 

10/28/2003	daniel maffei - ARGENTINA
	Question: Foul and basket is good, before the free shot , a technical foul is call against A2 and B2. Ruling? Answer: The penalties for the technical fouls against A2 and B2 cancel each other. Play resumes with the free trow resulting from the foul in the act of shooting for a goal.

 

10/28/2003

daniel maffei - ARGENTINA

Question: When the player involve in the jump ballis hurt,is the sub. the only that can jump. Answer: Remember that a jump ball will only occur at the beginning of each half or overtime period. If the player is hurt before administration of the jump ball, any teammate could replace (him/her)because a jumper is not designated until the jump ball occurs. In the very unusual circumstance when a jumper is injured during a jump ball and the jump ball not completed, then the sub. for the player would become the jumper.

 

10/28/2003	daniel maffei - ARGENTINA
	Question: A player is hurt the coach get into the court (1 meter) close to the player, talk to him and he realize that he is o.k., them he goes back to his bench. Do the player has to be sub.? Answer: Yes. In this situation the player is considered to" have received treatment" (art. 14.3). Either the player must be substituted within one minute or his her team be charged with a time out.

 

10/28/2003	Gabriel - ESTADOS UNIDOS
	Question: A5 makes his last free shot , the referee sanction A5(step to soon), B team request a sub. for B6 for B1, Is this legal? Answer: Yes, team B is entitled to a trow- in as a result of the A5 violation. If team B chooses to substitute ,then team A may also substitute.

 

10/27/2003

carlos langone - URUGUAY

Question: Does a player sanctioned with 3 technical fouls is automatically ejected from the game? Answer: There is no provision in the rules that would require a player who has been charged with 3 technical fouls to be disqualified. However , a player could be disqualified at any time if the technical foul is serious enough. Common sense would suggest that if a player is charged with a 3rd technical foul, then he/she should no longer remain in the game.Common sense would also dictate that a warning be given following the 2nd technical.

 

10/25/2003

matias labbe - CHILE

Question: When a backcourt violation occurs? Answer: Three things must happens before a backcourt violation can occur. First team control must be established ;second , the ball must move into (already be in) the front court ; third, the ball ball must then move into the back court. If the ball was last touch by a player of the team in control before it returned to the back court and is then first touched by a player of the team in control after it has returned to the back court, then a violation has ocurred.

 

10/22/2003	Fernando Rodriguez - ARGENTINA
	Question: When the alternating possession process was in effect Answer: It was in effect in May 2003.

 

10/21/2003

roberto abreu - VENEZUELA

Question: What color ann size should be the possession arrow. Answer: Because the alternating possession arrowwas only recently adopted (may 2003)specifications are not in the current rule book but will be included in the 2004- 2008 text. The following proposal will be discussed at the next meeting of the World Technical Commission to be held in january 2004: Minimun of 50cm.in length, 12.5 cm. in height,10 cm. deep Two large arrows will be displayed on the front side of the device to show the direction of the ball, when switched on , the arrow shall be of a bright red color and it shall be positioned in the centre of the scorer's table and visible to everyone involved

 

10/18/2003

jorge e gonzalez - COLOMBIA

Question: A4 controls a live ball in his backcourt, pass the ball to his frontcourt, the ball is deflected by A5 or touch the official and it is recover by A6 in the backcourt? Answer: Violation shall be called because: 1 Team A had team control. 2. The ball went from the Team A backcourt to his frontcourt when it was touched by A5 or touched the official who was himself touching the froncourt ; this means that the ball was in the frontcourt while team A continued to have team control, even though no team A player touched the front court. 3. The ball then returned to the backcourt when it touched A6.