Rule 10 - Fouls and Penalties

Question 1

Guarding
A.R. 262. B1 maneuvers to a position in front of post player A1 to prevent A1 from receiving the ball. A pass is made over the head and out of reach of B1. Post player A1 moves toward the basket to catch the pass and attempt a try for goal. As the pass is made, B2 moves into the path of A1, in a guarding position.

Answer 1

RULING: B2 has switched to guard a player who does not have the ball. Therefore, B2 must give A1 enough time and distance (not more than two strides) to avoid contact to be in a legal guarding position. When A1 has control of the ball (provided that A1 is not in the air at the time), time and distance shall be irrelevant.
(Rule 10-4.4 and 10-4.5)

Question 2

Guarding
A.R. 263. B1 slips to the floor in the free-throw lane. A1 (with her back to B1, who is prone) receives a pass, turns and, in her attempt to drive to the basket, trips and falls over B1.

Answer 2

RULING: Foul on B1, who is not in a legal guarding position.

Rule 10-4.4.a

Question 3

Guarding
A.R. 264. B1 takes a spot on the playing court before A1 jumps to catch a pass.
(1) A1 returns to the playing court and lands on B1; or
(2) B1 moves to a new spot while A1 is airborne. A1 comes to the floor on one foot and then charges into B1.

Answer 3

RULING: In both (1) and (2), the foul shall be on A1. In (1), B1 is entitled to that spot on the floor provided she gets there legally before the offensive player becomes airborne. However, in (2), when A1 possesses the ball then lands on the floor, no time and distance is required.
(Rule 10-4.4.c and .d, 10-4.3 and 10-4.7 Exception)

Question 4

Guarding
A.R. 265. A1 runs toward Team A’s goal and looks back to receive a fast-break outlet pass. B1 takes a position in the path of A1 while A1 is 10 feet away from B1.
(1) A1 runs into B1 before receiving the ball; or
(2) A1 receives the ball and, before taking a step, contacts B1.

Answer 4

RULING: In both (1) and (2), A1 shall be held responsible for contact. B1 took a position in the path of A1 that provided A1 enough time and distance to avoid contact. While without the ball, A1 was provided the required time and distance to avoid contact with B1. However, when A1 received the ball, no time and distance were required by the defender.
(Rule 10-4.5.b, 10-4.4.c and 10-4.7 Exception)

Question 5

Blocking/Charging
A.R. 266. B1 is standing directly behind the backboard before A1 jumps for a layup. The forward momentum of airborne shooter A1 causes A1 to displace B1.

Answer 5

RULING: This is a player-control foul on A1 because B1 is not located in the Restricted Area.
(Rule 10-8, 10-10.1.a.1 and 4-25)

Question 6

Personal Fouls

A.R. 267. A player who is guarding moves into the path of a dribbler and contact occurs.

Answer 6

RULING: Either player may be responsible, but the greater responsibility shall be that of the dribbler when the defensive player who is guarding conforms to legal guarding principles. In order to establish initial legal guarding position, the defender must be facing the dribbler and have both feet touching the playing court. When the defensive player jumps into position, both feet must return to the floor after the jump before she has attained a legal guarding position. No specific stance, time or distance shall be required. The guard may shift to maintain her position in the path of the dribbler, provided that the player who is guarding neither charges into the dribbler nor otherwise causes contact. The responsibility of the dribbler for contact shall not shift merely because the player who is guarding turns or ducks to absorb shock when contact caused by the dribbler is imminent. The player who is guarding shall not cause contact by moving under or in front of a passer or thrower after the passer or thrower is in the air with her feet off the floor.
(Rule 10-10.12 and 10-4.1 through .4 and .6)

Question 7

Personal Fouls
A.R. 268. A1’s try is in flight when B1, who is attempting to gain rebounding position, fouls A2. A1’s try is successful. The officials decide to use the courtside monitor to determine whether B1’s foul is an unsportsmanlike or contact disqualifying foul. While using replay, the officials determine that B1’s foul does not rise to the level of an unsportsmanlike or contact disqualifying foul, but it is determined that B1’s foul occurred after A1’s try had completely passed through the basket and the ball was dead.

Answer 7

RULING: When B1’s foul is committed during the dead ball that immediately follows a successful goal (field goal or free throw) and the contact does not rise to the level of an unsportsmanlike or disqualifying foul, a personal foul shall be charged to B1.
Note: The determination to penalize the illegal contact following a goal may be made by the officials on the playing court; it is not necessary that a courtside monitor be used.
(Rule 10-10.1)

Question 8

Personal Fouls
A.R. 269. Late in the game A1, followed almost immediately by A2, illegally contacts B1 and the official sounds the whistle.

Answer 8

RULING: A1 is assessed a personal foul. A2’s contact is ignored unless
it is an unsportsmanlike or disqualifying foul. When teammates foul an opponent at approximately the same time, the official shall assess a foul to the first player to illegally contact her opponent.
(Rule 10-10.1)

Question 9

Personal Fouls
A.R. 270. A1 attempts a try for goal. While the ball is in flight, A2 and B2 are jostling for rebounding position and the official calls a foul on:
(1) A2; or
(2) B2. Both teams are in the bonus.

Answer 9

RULING: When the try is successful, count the goal because the ball remains live while the try is in flight even though a foul occurs when the try is in the air. In either (1) or (2), the offended team is awarded free throws.
(Rule 10-10 Penalty c.1, 4-8.4.c and 6-6.1.c)

Question 10

Personal Fouls
A.R. 271. B1 is setting a legal screen on A1. When A3 pushes A1 into screener B1 and the contact is illegal, which player is assessed the foul: A1 or A3?

Answer 10

RULING: The foul is charged to A1, as she is the opponent who makes illegal contact with B1.
(Rule 10-10.1)

Question 11

Personal Fouls
A.R. 272. A2 was located outside the lower defensive box when she makes a drive to the basket. B1, a secondary defender, establishes her initial guarding position within the restricted area. Contact occurs. One official calls a charge while another official calls a block.

Answer 11

RULING: B1 was a secondary defender who illegally established her initial guarding position within the restricted area to take a charge on a player who was outside the lower defensive box when she started her move to the basket. Consequently, the blocking call against B1 is the correct call.
(Rule 10-10.15 and 4-29)

Question 12

Personal Fouls
A.R. 273. Low-post player A5, who is located within the lower defensive box, when she spins and gets by defender B5. B4 comes from the weak side and establishes initial guarding position within the restricted area. A5 continues to move to the basket and:
(1) While airborne and shooting the ball, leans into and makes illegal contact with B4; or
(2) Stops and, while in control of the ball, leans into and illegally contacts B4.

Answer 12

RULING: (1) When B4 establishes a legal guarding position before A5 leaves the floor and A5 causes illegal contact, A5 has committed a player-control foul.
(2) When A5 stopped and the try for goal was discontinued, B4 was no longer a secondary defender. A player-control foul shall be assessed to A5.
(Rule 10-10.15 and 4-29)

Question 13

Personal Fouls
A.R. 274. Player A1 has control of the ball in the frontcourt when A2, who is on the wing, beats defender B2 on a backdoor cut to the basket. After beating the defender, A2 is located within the lower defensive box when she receives a pass from A1 then takes one dribble before crashing into defender B3 who is in the restricted area and has established and maintained a legal guarding position.

Answer 13

RULING: Player-control foul on A2 because she was within the lower defensive box when she received the pass and started her move to the basket then made illegal contact with defender B3. Because A2 was within the lower defensive box when she received the pass and made her move to the basket, the restricted area rule is not in effect.
(Rule 10-10.15)

Question 14

Personal Fouls
A.R. 275. A1 receives the ball when she is located within the lower defensive box. She starts a move while within the lower defensive box, but is defended well and dribbles out of the lower defensive box. While located outside the lower defensive box, she drives to the basket and contacts a secondary defender who established her defensive position within the restricted area.

Answer 14

RULING: When A1 dribbled outside the lower defensive box, she has established a new position as being outside the LDB. When A1 drives to the basket from outside the LDB, the restricted area rule is in effect.
(Rule 10-10.15)

Question 15

Personal Fouls
A.R. 276. Player A2 is outside the LDB when she jumps into the air and receives the ball. When she receives the ball, she is over the LDB and then lands in the LDB.

Answer 15

RULING: Player A2 is in the LDB when she receives the ball because she is over the LDB when she catches it. Where she left the floor does not determine her position because she did not have the ball when she left the floor. The location of an airborne player in relation to the LDB is whether she is over the LDB when she receives the ball.
(Rule 10-10.15)

Question 16

Personal Fouls
A.R. 277. Team A is winning, 79-70, when a shooting foul is called against Team B:
(1) At the same time as the game-clock horn sounds to end the game; or
(2) With five seconds remaining on the game clock.

Answer 16

RULING: (1) No free throws shall be awarded because the period has ended.
(2) Charge the foul. The free throw(s) shall be awarded because time remains on the game clock.
(Rule 10-10 Penalty c.2 and e)

Question 17

Personal Fouls
A.R. 278. B1 is defending A1 who has the ball in the lane. B1 illegally pushes A1 and at approximately the same time, A1 makes illegal elbow contact (not excessive swinging) above the shoulders of B1 that rises to the level of an unsportsmanlike foul and the official calls both fouls. Team A is in the bonus.

Answer 17

RULING: When opposing players commit fouls and only one of the fouls is an unsportsmanlike foul, both fouls are penalized. A1 will shoot two free throws with no players in the marked lane spaces for the personal foul charged to B1. Following these free throws, any member of Team B will shoot two free throws with no players in the marked lane spaces for the unsportsmanlike foul charged to A1. Play is resumed with a throw-in to Team B at a designated spot at the division line opposite the scorers’ table.
(Rule 10-10 Penalty c.1, 10-13 Penalty, 10-10.17, 7-3.1.k and 8-6.6)

Question 18

Personal Fouls
A.R. 279. Team A has the ball on the block when B1 is called for a personal foul. Following the whistle, A1 retaliates by illegally contacting B1 and is penalized with an unsportsmanlike foul. Team A is in the bonus.

Answer 18

RULING: A1 will attempt the bonus free throws for the personal foul by B1 with no players in the marked lane spaces. Following the free throws by A1, any eligible player or team member from Team B is permitted to shoot the two free throws with no players in the marked lane spaces for the unsportsmanlike foul by A1. Play would resume with a throw-in to Team B at a designated spot at the division line opposite the scorers’ table.
(Rule 10-10 Penalty c.1, 10-13 and 7-4.12)

Question 19

Personal Fouls
A.R. 280. B1 commits a personal foul against A1. The foul is the fifth team foul for Team B. Before the administration of the free throw(s), A1 and B1 are assessed unsportsmanlike fouls for pushing each other. The official is informed that the unsportsmanlike foul assessed against A1 is her fifth and disqualifying foul.

Answer 19

RULING: The unsportsmanlike fouls committed by A1 and B1 are committed during the same dead-ball period and have penalties of equal gravity (two free throws plus possession of the ball). Fouls of equal gravity, when they occur during the same dead-ball period, are charged and cancelled in the order in which the fouls occur. Play shall resume at the point of interruption, which was the bonus for B1’s personal foul. However, since A1 was disqualified, the bonus shall be attempted by A1’s substitute unless no substitute is available. In that case, any teammate shall attempt the free throw(s).
(Rule 10-13, 7-14, 4-22.1.e, 7-5.1.c and 8-3.2.c)

Question 20

Personal Fouls
A.R. 281. A1 is dribbling the ball in the frontcourt when the ball momentarily gets away from her. While the dribble is interrupted:
(1) A1 pushes B2 while trying to retrieve the ball;
(2) A2 is in the lane for four seconds; or
(3) A1 calls a timeout.

Answer 20

RULING: (1) Team-control foul on A1.
(2) Three-second violation on A2.
(3) A timeout shall not be acknowledged during an interrupted dribble.
(Rule 10-10.1.b, 4-12.6.b, 9-9.2, 4-14.5 and 4-8.2.d)

Question 21

Personal Fouls
A.R. 282. A1 ends the dribble, passes the ball to A2 and then charges into B2:
(1) While the ball is in the air; or
(2) After A2 has control.

Answer 21

RULING: The foul on A1 in both (1) and (2) is not a player-control foul since A1 was not holding or dribbling the ball and was not an airborne shooter in either situation. However, in both cases, A1 has committed a team-control foul.
When the official is in doubt as to whether the foul occurred before or after the ball was released on the pass, the foul should not be ruled a player-control foul but shall be ruled a team-control foul.
(Rule 10-10.1.a and .2 and 4-8.2.a)

Question 22

Personal Fouls

A.R. 283. Is it possible for airborne shooter A1 to commit a foul that would not be a player-control foul?

Answer 22

RULING: Yes. The airborne shooter could be charged with a personal foul, an unsportsmanlike foul, or a disqualifying foul. None of these fouls can be a player-control foul. When an airborne shooter commits a foul that is not a player-control foul, the infraction shall be penalized as dictated by the type of foul.
(Rule 10-10.1.a)

Question 23

Personal Fouls
A.R. 284. B1 commits a personal foul against A1 before the bonus is in effect for either team. The ball is awarded to Team A at a designated spot nearest to where the foul occurred. During the throw-in but before the clock is started, A2 fouls B2. Team B is in the bonus.

Answer 23

RULING: A2’s foul is a team-control foul since it occurred during the throw-in. The foul shall be charged to A2 and the ball shall be awarded to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where the foul occurred.
(Rule 10-10.1.b and 7-3.1.f)

Question 24

Personal Fouls
A.R. 285. B1 deflects the ball away from A1 while:
(1) A1 is dribbling the ball; or
(2) A1 is passing the ball to A2.
A1, in an attempt to recover the ball, fouls B1.

Answer 24

RULING: In (1) and (2), A1 has committed a team-control foul. The foul shall be charged to A1, and the ball shall be awarded to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where A1’s foul was committed.
(Rule 10-10.1.b, 4-8.2.a and .b and 7-3.1.f)

Question 25

Personal Fouls
A.R. 286. A3 and B3 commit a double personal foul while:
(1) A1’s pass is in flight; or
(2) A1’s try is in flight.

Answer 25

RULING: Charge the fouls to A3 and B3.
(1) The ball shall be awarded to Team A, the team in control, at a designated spot nearest to where the ball was last in contact with a player or the playing court with no reset of the shot clock.
(2) When the try is successful, Team B, the team not credited with the score, shall be awarded the ball anywhere along the end line. When the try is unsuccessful and since there is no team control, play shall be resumed by using the alternating-possession procedure. The throw-in shall be awarded at a designated spot nearest to where the ball became dead, as a result of the unsuccessful try, with a reset of the shot clock.
(Rule 10-11, 4-8.2.b, 4-8.4.c and 7-4.10)

Question 26

Administrative Technical Fouls
A.R. 287. Team A and Team B are playing each other on Team D’s home court in a tournament hosted by Team D. Team C will play Team D immediately after A’s and B’s game. There is no continuous division line or center circle on the playing court.

Answer 26

RULING: Neither Team A nor Team B shall be assessed an administrative technical foul but, when Team D plays Team C, Team D, when the situation still exists, shall be assessed an administrative technical foul to begin the game since it is the home team. Only the home team shall be responsible for having a center circle and division line on its home playing court. Team C will shoot two free throws, and the game shall start with a jump ball.
(Rule 10-12.1.a and 8-6.7)

Question 27

Administrative Technical Fouls
A.R. 288. The official is notified that Team A has:
(1) Failed to submit its starting line up prior to 10 minutes remaining before the start of the game.
(2) With five minutes remaining in the first period, added a name to the team member list, changed a team member’s number or made any change to the scorebook that was not necessitated by obvious injury, illness, blood on the uniform, a replacement of a designated starter to shoot a technical foul free throw or to correct a scoring or bookkeeping mistake.

Answer 27

RULING: (1) Team A shall be assessed one administrative technical foul and is permitted to submit its starting lineup.
(2) Team A shall be assessed one administrative technical foul for this change(s). However, when Team A has been assessed an administrative technical foul for the same infraction at any point prior to this violation, they shall not be assessed with another administrative technical foul. Team A is permitted to make the changes.
This administrative technical foul shall not count toward the team foul total. After the free throws for the administrative technical foul, play shall be resumed at the point of interruption.
(Rule 10-12.2 and 10-12.2 Penalty)

Question 28

Administrative Technical Fouls
A.R. 289. At the 8-minute mark remaining on the game clock that is counting down the time before the start of the game, Team A supplies the names and numbers of its team members and its designated starters. With one minute remaining on the game clock that is counting down the time before the start of the game, Team A decides to add a name to the team list.

Answer 28

RULING: Team A has violated two rules. Team A failed to supply the names and numbers of team members and the designated starters by the 10-minute mark before the start of the game. The penalty for not complying with this rule is a maximum of one administrative technical foul. When Team A then made a change to the scorebook after the 10-minute mark was reached on the game clock before the start of the game, Team A violated a different rule. The penalty for violating this rule is a maximum of one administrative technical foul regardless of the number of infractions. Each rule bears its own penalty. In this play, Team A shall incur two administrative technical fouls before the start of the game. Team B shall be awarded four free throws and play shall be resumed with the jump ball to start the game. Should Team A make any other changes to the scorebook after they are assessed the one administrative technical foul for violating 10-12.2.b.2, they shall not incur another penalty.
(Rule 10-12.2)

Question 29

Administrative Technical Fouls
A.R. 290. Both Team A and Team B fail to supply the scorers with the names and numbers of team members and the designated starters before the 10-minute mark is reached on the game clock counting down the time before the start of the game.

Answer 29

RULING: An administrative technical foul shall be assessed to both Team A and Team B. These technical fouls are offsetting. No free throws are awarded and play shall resume with the jump ball.
(Rule 10-12.2.b)

Question 30

Administrative Technical Fouls
A.R. 291. Team A has six players on the playing court when the ball becomes live with five seconds remaining in the game. A1’s successful field goal attempt is in the air when the time expires ending the game. Immediately after the expiration of time and before the officials have left the playing court, one of the officials observes that Team A had six players on the court when the basket was scored. What is the correct ruling?

Answer 30

RULING: The field goal shall count because A6 became a player when the ball became live. However, the game has not ended since the officials have not left the visual confines of the playing area and still have jurisdiction. The officials shall award Team B two free throws for the administrative technical foul and the game will continue with an overtime period when both free throws are successful.
The penalty of Rule 10-2.6 applies only when the sixth player participates when the ball is live. There is no time limit within which the officials have to recognize and penalize this infraction. However, the officials must see the violation occur or have personal knowledge that it did occur in order to penalize this infraction. A monitor may not be used to obtain such knowledge.
(Rule 10-12.2.f, 2-4.3, 11-2.1, 3-4.1.c and 5-7.6)

Question 31

Administrative Technical Fouls
A.R. 292. After two free throws are shot by Team A and during the first dead ball after the game clock was started after the missed last free throw, the coach of Team B requests an appeal stating that Team A was not in the bonus and should not have shot two free throws. The official finds that Team A was indeed in the bonus and charges Team B with a timeout. Team B does not have any timeouts left.

Answer 31

RULING: Team B shall be charged with an administrative technical foul for calling an excessive timeout. Any player from Team A shall shoot two free throws with the lane cleared and the ball shall be put back in play at the point of interruption to the offended team.
(Rule 10-12.2.g, 4-22.1.f, 7-5.1.a and .b and 5-14.1.d)

Question 32

Administrative Technical Fouls

A.R. 293. Who is responsible for behavior of spectators?

Answer 32

RULING: The home management or game committee is responsible for the behavior of spectators. The officials may call an administrative technical foul on either team when its supporters act in such a way as to interfere with the proper conduct of the game. Such technical fouls do not count as team fouls.
(Rule 10-12.2.h)

Question 33

Administrative Technical Fouls
A.R. 294. Team B is the visiting team. Just before the free-thrower B1 releases the ball, B1 is hit by a coin thrown by a spectator.

Answer 33

RULING: When an official has knowledge as to which team’s follower(s) committed the act, the official shall assess an administrative technical foul against that team.
(Rule 10-12.2.h.1 Penalty and Note 1)

Question 34

Administrative Technical Fouls
A.R. 295. Team B leads, 67-66. A1’s two-point try for goal is successful, but there is no indication that time has expired. Assuming that the successful try was a game-ending and winning goal:
(1) Bench personnel from Team A; or
(2) Fans from Team A go onto the playing court to celebrate.

Answer 34

RULING: (1) When the celebration causes a delay by preventing the ball from being promptly made live or prevents continuous play:
One bench technical foul shall be assessed to the offending team and counts toward the team foul total. This technical foul is also charged indirectly to the head coach and counts toward the coach’s ejection.
(2) An administrative technical foul shall be assessed to the offending team. This administrative technical foul does not apply to the team foul total.
Any player from Team B shall attempt the two free throws and play shall resume at the point of interruption. When the celebration does not delay or interfere with play, the celebration shall be ignored.
(Rule 10-12.2.h.4 and Penalty and 10-12.4.g and Penalty)

Question 35

Player/Substitute Technical Fouls
A.R. 296. A1 is dribbling toward the basket and contact is made by B1 immediately before the start of the act of dunking. A1 continues the attempt to dunk.

Answer 35

RULING: When the official sounds the whistle and calls a foul on either A1 or B1, the basket shall not count. A1 shall not be assessed a technical foul for dunking a dead ball, as long as the official believes there was reasonable doubt that A1 heard the whistle or that she could not react quickly enough to stop the dunk.
(Rule 10-12.3.b)

Question 36

Player/Substitute Technical Fouls

A.R. 297. A1 is in the act of dunking, and a foul is called on B2 off the ball.

Answer 36

RULING: When A1 has started the throwing motion, the goal, when successful, shall count. No player/substitute technical foul shall be
called on A1 for dunking. When the foul off the ball is committed before A1 starts her throwing motion, the official still shall not call a player/substitute technical foul on A1 for dunking a dead ball when there is reasonable doubt that A1 heard the whistle. The referee shall not count the basket and shall penalize for the foul that was committed off the ball.
(Rule 10-12.3.b, 5-1.5, .6, .10 and .12 and 6-5.1.f)

Question 37

Player/Substitute Technical Fouls
A.R. 298. A1 dunks and in so doing grasps the ring with a free hand when it was not necessary to prevent injury and then dunks with the other hand:
(1) Before the ball leaves her other hand on a dunk attempt; or
(2) After the ball clears the net on a successful dunk.

Answer 37

RULING: (1) A1 shall be assessed with two player/substitute technical fouls, one for grasping the ring unnecessarily and the other for dunking a dead ball. No goal shall be scored.
(2) The goal shall not count and A1 shall be assessed a player/ substitute technical foul for emphatically grasping the ring.
(Rule 10-12.3.b, .c and .d)

Question 38

Player/Substitute Technical Fouls

A.R. 299. A player steps out of bounds to avoid contact.

Answer 38

RULING: This shall not be called a player/substitute technical foul unless the player leaves the playing court to deceive or gain a more advantageous position in some way. When the player is a dribbler, the ball shall be ruled out of bounds. When the player returns to the playing floor and is the first to touch the ball, a violation has occurred since she left the playing court under her own volition.
(Rule 10-12.3.i and 9-3.1)

Question 39

Player/Substitute Technical Fouls
A.R. 300. After a field goal by B1 with two minutes left to play:
(1) B2 reaches through the end-line plane and slaps the ball from the hands of thrower-in A1 or touches the ball as it is passed between teammates who are both out of bounds along the end line after the score; or
(2) After a warning, B2 prevents the ball from being promptly put in play by slapping the ball away.

Answer 39

RULING: In both plays, a player/substitute technical foul shall be charged to B2. This act shall also necessitate a warning to Team B if one has not been previously issued for reaching through the boundary.
When thrower-in A1 extends the ball through the end-line plane into the playing court and B2 slaps the ball from the hands of A1, without B2 breaking the plane of the inside edge of the end line, B2 has not committed a violation because the ball is in play once it crosses the end line.
(Rule 10-12.3.h and 10-12.3.k)

Question 40

Bench Technical Fouls
A.R. 301. A1 is assessed a technical foul for unsporting behavior:
(1) Before the start of the game in which she was listed as a starter; or
(2) After the first period clearly ended in which she was a player.

Answer 40

RULING: (1) and (2) A1 shall be assessed a bench technical foul since she was, by definition, a member of bench personnel and not yet a player. As a result, A1’s technical foul shall count toward her disqualification and ejection, and toward the team foul total in the period which was to be played. Also, A1’s technical foul shall be indirectly charged to the head coach. Two free throws shall be awarded to any player from Team B and play shall be resumed at the point of interruption.
(Rule 10-12.4.a and Penalty, 4-5 and 3-1)

Question 41

Bench Technical Fouls
A.R. 302. The official is advancing up the playing court to cover the play and as the official passes Team A’s bench with his or her back to it, someone on that bench uses profanity. The official is certain from which bench the profanity came but not from which party.

Answer 41

RULING: When the official cannot, with assurance, determine the violator, the official shall assess a bench technical to the bench and an indirect technical foul to the head coach. The official alone shall decide to whom a technical foul shall be charged. It is not the prerogative of the coach or other bench personnel to come forward as the party guilty of unsporting bench decorum.
(Rule 10-12.4.a.3 and Penalty)

Question 42

Bench Technical Fouls

A.R. 303. A1 is driving toward the basket when an official, while trailing the play, is sworn at by the coach of Team B.

Answer 42

RULING: The official shall withhold the whistle until A1 has either made or missed the layup. The official then shall sound the whistle and assess the offending coach a direct technical foul, which could be disqualifying.
(Rule 10-12.4.a.3 and Penalty and 10-14)

Question 43

Bench Technical Fouls
A.R. 304. The referee notices that the head coach of Team A is using electronic transmission (e.g., headsets, cellular telephones, modular telephones, computers) to communicate with someone in the stands. This is discovered:
(1) Before the start of the game; or
(2) During the game.

Answer 43

RULING: (1) The official should ask the coach to discontinue using the electronic transmission to communicate.
(2) A direct technical foul shall be assessed to the head coach and the head coach shall be instructed to discontinue use of the equipment.
There shall be no use of electronic equipment for communication purposes to and from the bench area. However, when not used for communication purposes, laptop computers are permitted to be used on the bench. When an official is certain that the computer is being used to communicate to and from the bench area, a technical foul shall be charged to the offender and indirectly charged to the head coach when the head coach is not the offender.
(Rule 10-12.4.b and Penalty)

Question 44

Bench Technical Fouls
A.R. 305. A1 attempts to enter the game wearing a device which the team’s medical staff certifies is worn for medical decision making. The device is worn under the jersey and electronically transmits data to the bench. The referee determines that the device is not dangerous to other players. Is the referee correct to permit the player to wear a device which electronically transmits medical data to the bench?

Answer 44

RULING: Yes. At the urging of professionals responsible for the training, health and safety of players, electronic equipment (including wearable technology used to monitor data which can be used for medical decision making) is permissible in the bench area. However, this ruling DOES NOT permit the information obtained from this equipment to be used for “coaching purposes”. It is NOT permissible for the medical staff to share data collected with the coaching staff while in the bench area for any purpose other than the health and safety of the player. In addition, as with any other type of equipment worn by players, Rules 1-26 and 2-5 require the referee to approve the equipment.
(Rule 10-12.4.b, 1-26 and 2-5)

Question 45

Bench Technical Fouls

A.R. 306. A team has co-head coaches.

Answer 45

RULING: Before the start of the game, the team shall designate who the coach with “standing” privileges shall be. Both coaches shall be assessed all direct technical fouls.
(Rule 10-12.4.d.1 and 10-12.4 Penalty)

Question 46

Bench Technical Fouls
A.R. 307. The head coach of Team A is standing within the coaching box. Two assistant coaches and 10 team members are also standing in the bench area while the game clock is running and the ball is live.

Answer 46

RULING: This is permitted only when bench personnel rise from the bench to spontaneously react to an outstanding play then immediately sitting down on the bench. When only one other person is illegally standing, an official shall assess the individual illegally standing with a bench technical foul, which is also charged to the head coach as an indirect technical foul. When more than one other person is standing, an official shall assess one bench technical foul, which shall also be charged as an indirect technical foul to the head coach.
(Rule 10-12.4.d and Penalty)

Question 47

Bench Technical Fouls
A.R. 308. Team A is inbounding the ball along the sideline in their backcourt. Team B’s head coach, who is located completely outside the coaching box, is waving their arms at some of their defensive players, trying to change their matchup or position on the court. A1 attempts to inbound the ball to A2. While the ball is in flight, the head coach inadvertently makes contact with ball and it goes out of bounds.

Answer 47

RULING: When the head coach is completely out of the coaching box and is hit with the throw-in pass, the coach shall be assessed a bench technical foul for being out of the coaching box. If the head coach were within the coaching box, unless the interference was intentional, this would be an out-of-bounds violation by Team A.
(Rule 10-12.4.d.1)

Question 48

Bench Technical Fouls
A.R. 309. A4 is disqualified after receiving her fifth foul. The coach of Team A does not have a substitute ready to enter the game after the permitted 15 seconds.

Answer 48

RULING: The referee shall assess a direct technical foul on Team A’s head coach. This direct technical foul shall be one of the two direct technical fouls that the head coach can accrue before being ejected and shall count toward the bonus. Team A’s substitute shall enter the game. Team B shall shoot two free throws and the ball shall be put back in play at the point of interruption.
(Rule 10-12.4.3, 10-12.4 Penalty and 4-22.1.f)

Question 49

Unsportsmanlike Fouls
A.R. 310. After a field goal by B1, Team A leads Team B, 61-60. A1 has the ball for a throw-in with four seconds remaining in the game. While A1 is holding the ball, B2 crosses the boundary line and contacts A1.

Answer 49

RULING: An unsportsmanlike foul shall be charged to B2. In addition to the unsportsmanlike foul, this circumstance shall require a delay-of-game warning to Team B for crossing the boundary.
(Rule 10-13.1.d and 4-9.1.g)

Question 50

Unsportsmanlike Fouls
A.R. 311. A1 drives to the basket with B1 in pursuit. As A1 begins the act of shooting, B1 gets a hand on the ball from behind and the subsequent contact takes A1 forcefully to the floor and out of bounds.

Answer 50

RULING: An unsportsmanlike foul shall be charged when the contact is judged to be excessive, even though the opponent is playing the ball.
(Rule 10-13.1.e and Appendix III, Section 4.b Note)

Question 51

Unsportsmanlike Fouls
A.R. 312. Team A leads by three points with four seconds remaining in the fourth period. Team A is to throw-in from a spot out of bounds on the end line. Players begin jockeying for positions just after the official has handed the ball to A1. B1, while trying to deny a pass from A1 to A2:
(1) Grabs A2’s jersey; or
(2) Pushes A2 from behind.

Answer 51

RULING: In (1) and (2), B1 has committed an unsportsmanlike foul. In (1), B1’s foul is designed to prevent the game clock from starting; while in (2), B1’s foul is designed to negate A2’s obvious advantageous position.
(Rule 10-13.1.b and .c)

Question 52

Unsportsmanlike Fouls
A.R. 313. Late in the fourth period team B is trailing by six points. Team B’s head coach begins to yell to their players to “foul, foul, foul!” B1 responds by:
(1) Grabbing A1 from behind; or
(2) Reaching for the ball but illegally contacting A1 on the arm.

Answer 52

RULING: In (1), an unsportsmanlike foul is to be ruled. In (2), a personal foul shall be ruled as B1 was making a legitimate attempt to directly play the ball.
Comment: Fouling near the end of a game is an acceptable coaching and playing strategy. Officials must determine if a foul was unsportsmanlike by judging the fouling act itself, not whether the coach instructed a player to perform the act.
(Rule 10-13.1.a)

Question 53

Unsportsmanlike Fouls
A.R. 314. A1 is dribbling in the frontcourt. A3 and B4 are in the lane.
(1) A3 throws B4 to the floor;
(2) B4 throws A3 to the floor.

Answer 53

RULING: In both (1) and (2), it is an unsportsmanlike foul due to excessive contact.
(Rule 10-13.1.e)

Question 54

Unsportsmanlike Fouls
A.R. 315. Near midcourt, B1 deflects the ball away from dribbler A1. Immediately, while the ball is bouncing away, A1 makes contact on B1 with her elbow to prevent B1 from going after the loose ball.

Answer 54

RULING: The official shall rule an unsportsmanlike foul on A1, as she is not making a legitimate attempt to directly play the ball.
(Rule 10-13.1.a)

Question 55

Unsportsmanlike Fouls
A.R. 316. B1 is chasing down A1 on a fast break with no opponent between A1 and the basket. A1 purposely slows down to draw contact from behind, and B1 fails to slow down and contacts A1 from behind.

Answer 55

RULING: This is a personal foul, not an unsportsmanlike foul, on B1, as B1 did not commit the foul to negate A1’s obvious advantageous position.
(Rule 10-13.1.b)

Question 56

Disqualifying Fouls
A.R. 317. A1, who has been disqualified, reports to the official scorer and is beckoned onto the playing court. A1 is not discovered until she has participated and scored.

Answer 56

RULING: Disqualifying foul and A1 shall be ejected. The goal made by A1 shall count. The offended team shall be awarded two free throws and possession of the ball for a throw-in at a designated spot at the division line opposite the scorers’ table.
(Rule 10-14.1.a.2 and Penalty and Ejection)

Question 57

Disqualifying Fouls

A.R. 318. Who is permitted to leave the bench when a fight has or may break out?

Answer 57

RULING: The head coach and any number of assistant coaches may leave the bench when a fight has or may break out. This also covers any nonplaying bench personnel, excluding injured players who are in the bench area. The intent of the rule is to permit as many nonplaying bench personnel as are necessary to prevent the situation from escalating. Any individual who leaves the bench area and is not acting in the role of a peacekeeper is assessed a disqualifying foul and ejected.
(Rule 10-14.1.b.1)

Question 58

Disqualifying Fouls

A.R. 319. A6 and B6 leave the bench because a fight has broken out. A6 and B6 do not participate in the fight.

Answer 58

RULING: A6 and B6 shall be ejected. Only one disqualifying foul shall be assessed to each team regardless of the number of offenders. No free throws shall be awarded since the fouls offset. Each head coach is charged with an indirect technical foul, and each team receives an additional foul toward the team foul total. The offenders are ejected, but are not subject to suspension.
(Rule 10-14.1.b.1 Penalty)

Question 59

Disqualifying Fouls
A.R. 320. A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, B6 and B7 leave the bench because a fight has broken out on the playing court between A1 and B1. A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, B6 and B7 participate in the fight.

Answer 59

RULING: A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, B6 and B7 shall be ejected immediately for leaving the bench, entering the playing court and participating in the fight. Disqualifying fouls shall be assessed to A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, B6 and B7 for leaving the bench to participate in a fight. A6’s, A7’s, B6’s and B7’s disqualifying fouls are offsetting; no free throws shall be awarded. Any player from Team B shall attempt the six free throws resulting from A8’s, A9’s and A10’s disqualifying fouls and play shall be resumed by awarding the ball to Team B at a designated spot at the division line opposite the scorers’ table. The disqualifying fouls assessed to A6, A7, A8, A9 and A10 shall be charged as indirect technical fouls to the head coach because these individuals are bench personnel. Since three indirect technical fouls have been assessed to the head coach from Team A, Team A’s head coach shall be ejected. The disqualifying fouls assessed to B6 and B7 shall also be charged as indirect technical fouls to the head coach of Team B but do not lead to ejection since, in this case, three indirect technical fouls are required for ejection. A1 and B1 shall be assessed disqualifying fouls for fighting and shall be ejected. Since A1’s and B1’s disqualifying fouls are offsetting, no free throws shall be attempted by either team. A1, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, B1, B6 and B7 shall be subject to the suspension penalty for fighting.
(Rule 10-14.1.b.1 and .2, 10-14 Penalty, 8-3.3, 7-4.14.f and Appendix I)

Question 60

Disqualifying Fouls
A.R. 321. After a violation by A2, A1 is involved in a fight. B6 leaves the bench and enters the court, but does not participate in the fight.

Answer 60

RULING: A1 shall be charged with a disqualifying foul, ejected and subject to the fighting penalty and suspension. B6 shall be charged with a disqualifying foul and ejected for leaving the confines of the bench area and entering the playing court. The head coach from Team B shall be charged an indirect technical foul for their player leaving the bench. When bench personnel, other than the head coach, are assessed a technical or disqualifying foul, a bench technical foul is indirectly charged to the head coach. B6 is ejected, but not subject to suspension. The disqualifying fouls committed by A1 and B6 have penalties of equal gravity (two free throws and possession of the ball). Fouls of equal gravity, when they occur during the same dead-ball period, are charged and cancelled in the order in which they occur. Play shall resume at the point of interruption, which is a throw-in to Team B at the designated spot nearest to where A2’s violation occurred.
(Rule 10-14.b.1 and .2 and Penalty, 7-4.14.g, 4-22.1.e and Appendix I)

Question 61

Disqualifying Fouls
A.R. 322. A spectator engages in unsporting behavior. A1, who is:
(1) A player on the court; or
(2) Bench personnel, leaves her location and physically contacts and/or directs unsporting comments at the spectator.

Answer 61

RULING: Player A1 is assessed a disqualifying foul and ejected. Any player from Team B may shoot two free throws with no players in marked lane spaces. Following the free throws, Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in at a designated spot at the division line opposite the scorers’ table. The intent is that neither players nor bench personnel leave the playing court or bench area and enter the stands in an unsporting situation.
(Rule 10-14.a.3 and 10-14.b.1)