Basketball Rules: Court Specs and Foul Types
Basketball Definition
Basketball is a game played between two teams of five players each on a regulation court. The objective is to score points by shooting a ball through a hoop elevated 3.05 meters above the ground, primarily by bouncing the ball while moving.
Dimensions and Materials
Court Specifications
- Dimensions: 28 meters in length and 15 meters in width (minimum 26m x 14m).
- Minimum Ceiling Height: 7 meters.
- Lines: All lines must be 5 cm wide and drawn in the same color (preferably white).
Backboards
- Size: 1.80 m (+3 cm) horizontally and 1.05 m (+2 cm) vertically.
- Height: The bottom edge should be 2.90 m above the floor.
- Surface: Must be smooth. Markings should be white if the board is transparent, or black in all other cases, with lines 5 cm wide.
Baskets
- Rings: Made of solid steel or metal with a diameter adjusted to regulations and attached to the backboard structure.
- Nets: Must be attached to the ring, made of white cord according to regulation measurements, and constructed without edges or gaps large enough for players’ fingers to enter.
The Ball
- Shape: Must be spherical.
- Color: Approved orange color with eight traditional sectors and black seams.
- Material: Leather, rubber, or synthetic material.
- Size (Size 7): Circumference not less than 74.9 cm and not more than 78 cm.
- Weight: Not less than 567 g and not more than 650 g.
Court Markings
- Material: Typically wood.
- Boundary Lines: Demarcated by a line 5 cm wide.
- Outer Boundary Area: A line drawn in a strongly contrasting color, at least two (2) meters wide, surrounds the court. The color of this outer area should match the center circle and restricted areas.
Scoreboards and Displays
- Two large scoreboards should be mounted behind and above each backboard, between 30 and 50 cm away.
- Four display screens should be placed on the floor in the four corners of the court, two meters behind each end line.
- Two additional screens should be placed on the floor in diagonally opposite corners relative to the scorer’s table. The screen to the left of the scorer’s table must be in the nearest corner. Both screens will be 2m behind each end line and 2m from the sideline extension.
Note: All scoreboards and screens must be clearly visible to everyone involved in the game, including spectators.
Starting the Game
A jump ball (or tip-off) initiates the game. The referee tosses the ball up between two opposing players in the center circle at the beginning of the first period (1st half) and any overtime periods. For all other jump ball situations indicated by the whistle, possession will alternate between the teams.
Player and Ball Out of Bounds
If a player holding the ball touches a boundary line with any part of their body or wheelchair, the ball is considered out of bounds, resulting in a loss of possession. This is treated the same as if the ball itself touched out of bounds.
Closely Guarded Player
A player can be defended closely using a personal (one-on-one) or double-team defense (a triple-team is generally impractical). This is a tiring defensive strategy, and a coach must ensure the assigned defender has the capability to effectively guard their opponent.
Personal Foul
A personal foul involves illegal contact with an opponent by a player, whether the ball is live or dead. A player must not:
- Hold
- Block
- Push
- Charge
- Trip
- Impede the progress of an opponent by extending hands, arms, elbows, shoulders, hips, legs, knees, or feet.
- Bend their body into an ‘abnormal’ position (outside their vertical cylinder).
- Engage in rough or violent play.
Double Foul
A double foul occurs when two opponents commit personal fouls against each other at approximately the same time.
Unsportsmanlike Foul
An unsportsmanlike foul involves player contact which, in the judgment of the referee, is not a legitimate attempt to play the ball within the spirit and intent of the rules. These fouls must be interpreted consistently throughout the game. The referee judges only the action itself.
Technical Fouls
Technical fouls are infractions committed against the spirit of the game. However, some actions that are obviously accidental and inconsequential, or administrative in nature, are not considered technical fouls unless repeated after a warning. Neither players (on the court or on the bench) nor coaches are permitted to ignore referees’ warnings or commit unsportsmanlike actions.