Basketball Rules & Regulations

Basketball is a dynamic, fast-paced game that has captured the imagination of millions of
people around the world. It produced one of the most electrifying plays in all of sports (the slam
dunk) and the one of the worlds most recognizable athletes (Michael Jordan). Despite the
razzle-dazzle now associated with the sport, basketball is essentially a simple game with a
straightforward goal: Put the ball in the opponents basket.
Official basketball games are governed by a general set of rules that regulate the size of the
court, number of players, equipment specifications and game play. Rules, however, vary slightly
based on country, region, division, and league. The information below is a general overview of
basic basketball rules and regulations.
Court and Equipment
Basketball is an adaptable game. Because of its simple equipment requirementsall you need is
an elevated hoop (10 feet above the ground) and a ballbasketball can be played in almost any
environmental setting: Outdoor, indoor, at a park, or even at the beach. Formal basketball
competitions, however, are generally played indoors on a hardwood court measuring 94 feet x
50 feet (court dimensions can vary depending on the league and/or level). For more specific
information regarding court and equipment specifications, click here to check out the Court
Dimensions page on iSport.
Principles of the Game
There are two primary objectives in basketball:
-Score points by throwing or dropping the ball through the oppositions basket
-Stop the opponent from scoring
Rules and regulations are in place to help maintain the flow of the game and to ensure player
safety and fair play. It is important to know and understand the major principles and/or rules of
the sport, as they dictate how the game is played. These rules are outlined below:
Time Limits
A basketball game is essentially a race against time. Most leagues/levels divide games into four
equal periods called quarters (the length of each period differs according to the level). However,
it is not uncommon to divide a game into halvestwo equal segments.

In addition to the game clock, many levels/leagues also play with a shot clocka device that
limits the amount of time a team can have the ball during each possession.
Scoring
A team scores by throwing or dropping the ball through the opponents hoop from above. An
attempt to score is called a shot. Each time a player successfully puts the ball through the hoop
their team is awarded one, two, or three points. The number of points given for each successful
shot depends on the type of shot. Below is a breakdown of the different shot values:
Foul Shot/Free Throw: The referee will grant a foul shot to a player who is fouled while in the
act of shooting. A successful free throw is worth one point.
2 Point: Any shot taken within the area between the end line and the three point arc is worth
two points if it goes in.
3 Pointer: Any successful shot taken behind the three-point line is worth three points.
And the Winner is...
The team that scores the most points within the
allotted time is the winner of the game.
Overtime
If the score is tied at the end of regulation time,
an extra period is played to determine the
winner. This period is called overtime. The
length of the extra period depends on the
league/level.
Overtime begins with a jump ball and ends when the allotted time has expired. The team
with the most points at the end of the extra period is the winner. If the score remains tied at the
end of overtime, then another period will be played; this process will continue until a winner
can be determined.
Moving the Ball
There are two ways to move the basketball: The pass and the dribble. Passingthe intentional
transfer of the ball from one player to another is the preferred option, because it is the fastest
way to move the ball and involves team work. The dribblethe continuous bouncing of the ball

on the flooron the other hand, is an individual act. While it can be necessary in certain
situations, dribbling too often can easily get a player into trouble.
Rough Play
Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, despised the rough-play tactics rampant in
sports like football and rugby. Thus, when inventing basketball he did his best to create a sport
that discouraged excessive roughness. The modern rules reflect his desire.
By rule, basketball is a non-contact sport. This does not mean that any physical contact between
opponents is illegal. What it does mean however, is that players are not allowed to engage in
rough/excessive physical contact and/or use contact to gain a competitive advantage on the
opponent.
Referees and Their Duties
The referee(s) are in charge of enforcing the rules. When a rule has been violated, the referee
will use a whistle to stop play and subsequently communicate said infraction using predesignated hand signals. For a detailed guide to deciphering the referees hand signals click
here. The number of officials presiding over a given game depends on the level of play. Youth
and high school games generally have two referees, while the college and professional ranks
employ three officials.
Referees are usually dressed in white-and-black
stripped shirts and black pants. Officials in the
NBA are required to wear a gray shirt and black
pants.
Game Play
Though it can be played on an individual basis
when two people play against each other it is
called one-on-onebasketball was designed to be a team sport. Teams can be made up of
anywhere from two to five players, but traditionally, the sport is played between two teams of
five. Each team can have more than five players, but only five players per team are allowed on
the court at one time. The five players who are on the court when the game begins are called the
starters. The other players are reserves or substitutes. Substitutions are allowed to enter the
game during dead ball situations (when play is stopped).
Once the starters are on the court and ready to get the game underway, play is initiated by a
tip-off (also called a jump ball). Two opposing players gather at midcourt and subsequently

attempt to gain control of the ball after it is tossed into the air in by an official between the two
opposing players.
As soon as a team gains possession of the ball, that team is on offense; that means it will be
actively trying to score points. A team will remain in possession of the ball until it commits a
violation/foul, scores, or turns the ball over to the defense.
When a team does not have possession of the ball, it is on defense. In other words, it is trying to
prevent the offensive team from scoring. Defenders are allowed to contest a shot in an attempt to
prevent scoring, but are not allowed to use excessive physical contact. Doing so is a violation of
the rules and considered a foul.
Breaking the Rules
Rule infractions generally fall into one of two categories: Fouls or violations. The penalty for a
violation is less severe than the penalty for a foul. Also, a player may commit any number of
violations, but only five fouls (six in the NBA) during a game.
For a better understanding of the difference between a foul and a violation (and a few examples
of each), see the descriptions below.
Fouls
A foul is a breach of the rules concerning illegal contact between opponents and/or
unsportsmanlike conduct. There are two distinct types of fouls in basketball: The technical foul
and the personal foul.
A technical foul is issued when a player, coach, or team commits an infraction of the games
administrative rules (any rules that have to do with equipment specifications, sportsmanship, or
game procedure). These fouls generally do not involve live-ball infractions, but can be issued in
response to physical contact between two opponents during a dead-ball situation. Examples of
actions/behavior that may result in a technical foul include:
Unsportsmanlike conduct by either a coach or player. Inappropriate language is not tolerated
and will be penalized with a technical foul.
Submitting an incorrect roster.
Wearing uniforms that do not comply with regulations outlined in the rules.
Because the rules regarding the administration of technical fouls are fairly cut and dry, much of
the focus here will be on the personal foul.

A personal foul is a player foul that involves illegal contact with an opponent while the ball is
live. The offender is charged with one foul per violation, and if it is the players fifth foul he/she
is disqualified from the game (in the NBA players are allowed six fouls before disqualification).
One of the officials main duties is to ensure that the game is always played fairly and they have
to think about the effect of player contact when determining its legality. If the contact creates a
disadvantage for either player, then it is called a foul. If it does not, no violation has occurred.
Violations
In basketball, a violation is when a player breaks one of the non-foul related rules. Violations
can be called on both the offense and the defense, but are most commonly called on the
offensive team. An offensive violation results in the loss of possession.
Here is a breakdown of a few of the most common violations:
Traveling: It is illegal to take more than one step while holding the ball doing. Players are
allowed to establish a pivot foot, but once a pivot foot is determined it cannot be lifted off the
ground before the player shoots, passes, or dribbles the ball.
Illegal dribble: A player shall not dribble a second time after his/her first dribble has ended.
Carrying/palming: Allowing the ball to come to a rest in one or both hands while dribbling.
Out of bounds: The court boundaries are marked by a sold line that is at least two inches thick.
It is a violation if a player contacts a boundary line while in possession of the ball.
Backcourt violation: Once a team establishes possession in the frontcourt, no person from that
team may be the first person to touch a ball that is knocked into the backcourt.
Rules for the offense
The basketball team on offense is the team with the basketball. When a player has the basketball
there are certain rules they must follow:
1) The player must bounce, or dribble, the ball with one hand while moving both feet. If, at any
time, both hands touch the ball or the player stops dribbling, the player must only move one
foot. The foot that is stationary is called the pivot foot.
2) The basketball player can only take one turn at dribbling. In other words, once a player has
stopped dribbling they cannot start another dribble. A player who starts dribbling again is
called for a double-dribbling violation and looses the basketball to the other team. A player can

only start another dribble after another player from either team touches or gains control of the
basketball. This is usually after a shot or pass.
3) The ball must stay in bounds. If the offensive team looses the ball out of bounds the other
team gets control of the basketball.
4) The players hand must be on top of the ball while dribbling. If they touch the bottom of the
basketball while dribbling and continue to dribble this is called carrying the ball and the player
will lose the ball to the other team.
5) Once the offensive team crosses half court, they may not go back into the backcourt. This is
called a backcourt violation. If the defensive team knocks the ball into the backcourt, then the
offensive team can recover the ball legally.
Defensive Rules
The team on defense is the team without the basketball.
1) The main rule for the defensive player is not to foul. A foul is described as gaining an unfair
advantage through physical contact. There is some interpretation that has to be made by the
referee, but, in general, the defensive player may not touch the offensive player in a way that
causes the offensive player to lose the ball or miss a shot.
Rules for everyone
1) Although the foul rule is described above as a defensive rule, it applies exactly the same to all
players on the court including offensive players.
2) Basketball players cannot kick the ball or hit it with their fist.
3) No player can touch the basketball while it is traveling downward towards the basket or if it is
on the rim. This is called goaltending. (touching the ball on the rim is legal in some games).
Every player on the court is subject to the same rules regardless of the position they play. The
positions in basketball are just for team basketball strategy and there are no positions in the
rules.

Volleyball Rules and Regulations:

General Volleyball Gameplay
A point or rally is started when one team serves the ball. The player serving the ball must stand
behind the end line or restraining line at the back of the court until after they have contacted the
volleyball. To serve a player hits the ball with their hand over the net and into the opposing
team's side. If the ball doesn't go over the net or hits the ground, the point is over. The opposing
team must now return the ball without letting it hit the ground. They can hit the ball up to three
times. No single player can hit the ball twice in a row (blocks don't count). Typically a team will
try to set up an attack. They use the first two hits to set the ball for a spike or hard hit over the
net. The two teams continue hitting the ball back and forth until the point ends. A point can end
by one team hitting a winning shot that hits the ground within the opponent's court or by one
team causing a fault and losing the point.
Which volleyball team serves the ball is determined by the previous point. Whoever won the
previous point, gets to serve next. At the start of a match, the first serve is determined by a
volley.
Team Rotation
Although players play certain roles on a volleyball team, they all must play all positions. There
are three players on the front line and three in the back. Each time a team gains the serve they
must rotate. The entire team rotates in a clockwise manner with one player moving to the front
line and another player moving to the back line. This way each player plays each spot.
Scoring
Scoring in volleyball is pretty simple, but it also has changed over time. Most matches are
divided up into sets. A typical match may be a best of 5 sets where the first team to win 5 sets
wins the match. In each set, the first team to 25 points wins as long as they are 2 points ahead. A
point is scored on every rally, regardless of which team serves.
It used to be that only the volleyball team serving could score a point on a won rally. Also, sets
were typically played to 15 points. This was changed in 1999.
Volleyball Faults
There are several ways to fault and lose the point. Here are some examples:

Hitting the volleyball illegally - you must strike the ball in a manner such that you don't
hold the ball or palm, carry, or throw it.

Stepping over or on the line while serving

Not hitting the ball over the net

Touching the net

Reaching under the net and interfering with a player or the ball

Not serving in the correct order

Hitting the volleyball out of bounds

Double hitting - when the same player hits the ball twice in a row

Hitting the ball more than 3 times

Swimming Rules and Regulations

Competitive Swimming
Four strokes, or styles of swimming, are contested at swimming meets: freestyle, backstroke,
breaststroke, and butterfly. Swimmers race a variety of distances, ranging from 25 yards or
meters to 1600 yards. Each stroke has specific rules as to how swimmers may propel themselves
through the water.

Freestyle
Freestyle, often called the crawl, is the most flexible in
its rules, and it is typically the fastest stroke. The only
rules are that the swimmer may not push off the bottom
of the pool or pull on the lane line, and must touch the far wall with some part of their body.
Otherwise, swimmers may use any type of stroke. Freestyle is swum face-down with alternating
arm strokes; side-breathing; and rapid, alternating up-and-down kicks. Freestyle races begin
with swimmers doing forward-facing dives from either a starting block or the side of the pool.
In multi-lap races, swimmers can do either an open turn or a flip turn. When doing a flip turn,
the swimmer does not touch the wall with his/her hand. Instead, the swimmers feet touch the
wall. At the finish, freestyle swimmers touch with one hand.

Backstroke
Backstroke is often thought of as upside-down freestyle. As in freestyle, backstroke is swum
with alternating arm strokes and rapid, alternating, up-and-down kicks. Unlike freestyle, the
swimmer must be on his/her back, facing the sky. When swimmers turn their shoulders more
than 90 degrees, they are disqualified from the race for not remaining on their backs. The only
exception to this rule applies to the flip turn in multi-lap backstroke races: Swimmers may turn
onto their stomachs for one arm pull, provided their arm movement is continuous. When their
feet leave the wall, swimmers must be on their backs. Backstroke races start with swimmers
already in the water. Swimmers place their feet against the wall, and hold onto either the gutter
or the grip built into the starting block. At the finish of the race, backstroke swimmers must stay
on their backs until they touch the wall, ideally with one hand.
Breastroke
Breastroke is often thought of as the frog stroke, as the kick is reminiscent of a frogs kick. A
breaststroke swimmers arms and legs must move simultaneously, on the same horizontal plane,
and identically to each other. The arms and legs stay mostly underwater, but a swimmers head
must break the surface every stroke. So-called scissor kicks are not allowed. The arm stroke
begins and ends in streamline position. The hands scoop water out to the sides, before sweeping
in toward the middle of the body and then shooting forward. Swimmers are not allowed to pull
their hands down past their hips, and must keep their elbows in the water when their hands are
shooting forward. On the breastroke kick, swimmers must point their toes out to the side as the
feet sweep out, around, and back together. For every arm stroke there must be one, and only
one, kick.
Breaststroke races begin with a forward-facing dive from either the edge of the pool or the
starting block. At the beginning of each lap, swimmers may do one pull-down: one huge pull, in
which the hands sweep down to the thighs, and one giant kick to the surface. On the first stroke
after the pull-down, a swimmers head must break the surface of the water. Todays swimmers
are also allowed to do one dolphin/butterfly kick in the first part of the pull-down, before the
first breastroke kick. At the end of each lap of a breaststroke race, swimmers must touch with
two hands, simultaneously and on the same horizontal plane. In multi-lap races, swimmers will
use open turns, not flip turns.
Butterfly
Butterfly emerged as a new stroke in the 1950s, as swimmers were trying to find ways to swim
breastroke faster. The two primary innovations were the double over-the-water arm recovery,

and the dolphin kick. Butterfly is swum with an undulating, dolphin-like movement at the
surface of the water. The arms pull underwater simultaneously, and recover over the water, also
simultaneously. Both hands must come out of the water at the same time on every stroke.
During each arm pull, swimmers do two dolphin kicks, one when the hands enter the water,
and one when the hands exit the water. A swimmers feet must kick up and down together,
ideally with the feet kept close together. While the vast majority of swimmers lift the head and
shoulders to breathe, some swimmers breathe to the side, as in freestyle.
Butterfly races begin with a forward-facing dive, and swimmers must finish each lap by
touching the wall with two hands simultaneously, on the same horizontal plane. At the
beginning of each lap, swimmers will do underwater dolphin kicks, but must break the surface
of the water with their head at or before 15 meters. In multi-lap races, swimmers will do open
turns, as opposed to flip turns.
Individual Medley Events
The individual medley, or IM (pronounced eye-em), is a race in which the swimmers swim
each stroke for one-fourth the total distance of the race. During each portion of the event,
swimmers must swim the strokes legally. For example, swimmers must finish the butterfly and
breaststroke laps with two-hand-touches and finish the backstroke lap on their backs. They
must also swim the strokes in this order: butterfly, backstroke, breastroke, freestyle. IM events
begin with a forward-facing dive.
Relays
In a relay, four swimmers compete as a team. A swimmer may swim only once in a relay, and
must swim one-fourth the total distance of the race. In a freestyle relay, all swimmers swim
freestyle. In a medley relay, each swimmer swims a different stroke. In a medley relay the
strokes must be swum in this order: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle.
Freestyle relays begin with a forward-facing dive, while medley relays begin with a backstroke
start. All the other swimmers in a relay can begin with a rolling start, provided they do not
leave the blocks before their teammate touches the wall. (In a rolling start, swimmers stand at
the back of the starting block, and generate momentum by swinging their arms, and taking a
step to the front of the block.)