Fouls
Generally speaking basketball is considered a non-contact sport. However the rules state that “contact that results in an advantage or disadvantage is illegal”.
Players are restricted to 5 fouls per game. If they get their 5th they are disqualified.
If teams exceed 7 fouls per half then on every subsequent foul then the opposition is awarded two free throws. Some of the common fouls and the referee signals are:
| Illegal use of hands (hacking)
Most often in an attempt to get the ball out of the offensive player’s hands |
| Blocking
Using your body to prevent another player’s run |
| Holding
Holding onto a player’s body or uniform |
| Charging (with the ball)
A player in position of the ball barging into a stationary player |
| Technical Foul
For non-contact fouls, e.g. swearing or hanging onto the ring
If players get two technical fouls they are disqualified |
| Unsportsmanlike Foul
For severe fouls or dangerous play |
| Disqualifying Foul
For an extreme violation of the rules e.g. fighting |
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Penalties
Fouls result in the ball being awarded to the opposition team. A throw in is done from the closest sideline or baseline.
A foul on a player attempting a basket results in free throws. If the basket was unsuccessful 2 free throws are awarded (or 3 if a 3 pointer). If the basket was successful then 1 extra free throw is attempted.
Technical, unsportsmanlike and disqualifying fouls result in 2 free throws, plus the offensive team gets the ball back as a throw in from the halfway line.
If a team commits more than 7 fouls in a single half the player that was fouled is awarded two free throws. This does not apply in the case of offensive fouls.