FIBA Rules Review & Discussion Cam Moskal MABO Provincial Interpreter

FIBA Rules Review & Discussion Agenda FIBA Philosophy & General Principles Rules of Contact Cylinder Principle Principle of Verticality “Trouble” Rules Unsportsmanlike Foul Technical Foul Ball Goes Into Team’s Frontcourt / Ball Returned to the Backcourt Traveling: Player Falling on the Floor Basket Interference / Goaltending

FIBA Philosophy & Fundamental Principles

FIBA Philosophy & Fundamental Principles At ALL levels of competition and for ALL levels of officials…understand that: Common sense is a vital pre-requisite in a good official. A clear and thorough understanding of, not only the Official Basketball Rules, but also the spirit of the game, is absolutely essential. By penalizing every technical infraction that occurs, the official will only succeed in producing dissatisfied spectators, players and coaches.

What is the Tower Philosophy? Over 50 years ago, Dr. John Bunn, IAABO Interpreter and editor of the NCAA Rules, introduced what was called the “Oswald Tower Philosophy,” named for his friend and fellow IAABO Interpreter, Oswald Tower. The philosophy best represented what the Basketball Rules Committee believed and supported regarding the officiating of a contest. The same philosophy is embraced by FIBA through its World Technical Commission. This philosophy represents a realistic approach that would guide the judgment of officials in making decisions on all situations where the effect upon the play is the key factor in determining whether or not an infraction has occurred.

What is the Tower Philosophy? As an illustration, if A1 sets a legal screen on B1 and B1 generates notable contact with A1, should play stop and a foul be called on B1? What about A2, who executed the play just as the coach designed it, used the legal screen and has broken free for an easy lay-up? If an official did not take a realistic approach to this particular situation and officiated literally, team A would be penalized and the game would be one of continual fouls and whistle blowing. If there is no apparent disadvantage to an opponent, then realistically speaking, no rules violation has occurred. The official must use discretion in applying this rule and all rules. …THE TOWER PHILOSOPHY!

What is the Tower Philosophy? TOWER PHILOSOPHY STATED ANOTHER WAY If players are unfairly affected as a result of an infraction of the rules, then the player not in compliance must be penalized, but if there has been no appreciable effect upon the progress of the game, then the game shall not be stopped. The action should be ignored. The official must determine immediately if the contact is incidental. For example, the crowd is screaming for an “over the back foul” on B1 when the ball is hit out of bounds but realistically and practically, no infraction has occurred.

FIBA Philosophy & Fundamental Principles Therefore, when deciding on a personal contact or violation, the officials shall, in each instance, have regard to and weigh the following fundamental principles: The spirit and intent of the rules and the need to uphold the integrity of the game. Consistency in the application of the concept of advantage/disadvantage: Do not seek to interrupt the flow of the game unnecessarily Consistency in the application of common sense: Bearing in mind the abilities, attitude, and conduct of the players Consistency in the maintenance of a balance between game control and game flow: having a 'feeling' for what the participants are trying to do and calling what is right for the game

Contact

Preamble During a game in which 10 players are moving at speed in a limited space, personal contact cannot be avoided – it is inevitable A foul is an infraction of the rules concerning illegal personal contact with an opponent and/or unsportsmanlike behaviour. Incidental (legal) contact is permitted by rule and is therefore not to be ruled as a foul. Contact that places an opponent at a disadvantage must be called.

General Principles Cylinder Principle Principle of Verticality These principles establish the foundation on which personal fouls are based

Cylinder Principle A player has a right to the space he occupies from the floor to the ceiling The space is defined as a normal playing position and cannot be exaggerated

Cylinder Principle Art. 33 Contact: General principles The cylinder principle is defined as the space within an imaginary cylinder occupied by a player on the floor. It includes the space above the player and is limited to: • The front by the palms of the hands, • The rear by the buttocks, and • The sides by the outside edge of the arms and legs. The hands and arms may be extended in front of the torso no further than the position of the feet, with the arms bent at the elbows so that the forearms and hands are raised. The distance between his feet will vary according to his height.

Principle of Verticality Art. 33 Contact: General principles Each player has the right to occupy any position (cylinder) on the playing court not already occupied by an opponent The first player to the spot – owns the spot This could occur “at the last split second” An airborne player has the right to land on another spot that was vacant prior to him leaving the ground Time and distance must be taken into consideration for a non-ball carrier

Verticality This principle protects the space on the floor which a player occupies and the space above him when he jumps vertically within that space While rebounding, it is legal for a player to enter the space of another player, if there is minimal or no contact, and retrieve the ball or tip it towards the basket A player leaving the ground and staying within his cylinder has not jeopardized his legal position

Verticality As soon as a player leaves his vertical position (cylinder) and body contact occurs with an opponent who had already established their own vertical position (cylinder); that player is responsible for the contact

Verticality A defensive player must not be penalized for leaving the ground vertically (within his cylinder) or having his hands and arms extended above him within his own cylinder

Severity of Contact Sometimes, severe contact in the game should be judged as incidental Unintentional contact while attempting to reach a loose ball Contact that occurs when opponents are in equally favourable positions when moving to a spot or going after a loose ball and consequently does not place the opponent at a disadvantage when neither player has established legal guarding position on the floor Contact which does not hinder the opponent from participating in normal game movements

Severity of Contact Sometimes, even the slightest contact should be called as a foul Hitting a shooter’s elbow as the ball is being released Pinning a player with a hand or elbow etc.

Conclusion Every time contact occurs, the covering official makes a decision whether to blow his whistle and call a foul or judge the contact as incidental or of a nature that does not place an opponent at a disadvantage through misuse of a rule. A sound understanding of Advantage/Disadvantage cannot be taught in a document. In each instance, the official should ask themselves, did the player do anything wrong

RULES OF CONTACT (Art. 33) GUARDING Principles: A defensive player wishing to guard an opponent MUST FIRST ESTABLISH A LEGAL DEFENSIVE POSITION. In order to ESTABLISH a legal guarding position, a defensive player must FACE THE OPPONENT HAVE BOTH FEET ON THE GROUND Once a legal guarding position is established, the defensive player may MAINTAIN it legally by moving laterally or backward or by jumping vertically.

RULES OF CONTACT (Art. 33): ESTABLISHING A LEGAL GUARDING POSITION Opponent with ball No time or distance Opponent without ball Moving Time to stop or change direction: maximum 2 steps Stationary Within field of vision As close as possible short of contact Outside of field of vision One normal step

RULES OF CONTACT (Art. 33) SCREENING The player establishing a screen must be stationary. The screener must comply with the prescriptions of establishing a legal defensive position to guard a player without the ball, except that the screener may not move, but does not have to face the opponent.

RULES OF CONTACT POST PLAY Dislodging or backing down of a defender, swim arm motions, pushing or hooking by an offensive player in the post with or without the ball is illegal. No warning. It’s a foul. Dislodging a post player by a defensive player by placing a knee against the bottom of a post player is illegal. An “arm bar” (bent elbow) by a defensive player on a post player may not be maintained if the opponent moves or receives the ball. Placing two hands on a post player with the ball is also illegal.

RULES OF CONTACT HAND CHECKING In the back court: In the front court: During back court pressure, any hand contact with the dribbler is illegal. No warning. It’s a foul. In the front court: If the dribbler is not going toward the basket (« east-west »), a defender may briefly place a hand on the dribbler. The hand must not remain in contact on any part of the dribbler. A hand that remains on or influences the direction of a dribbler anywhere on the court is illegal .

RULES OF CONTACT CONTACT OFF THE BALL It is illegal to bump or dislodge a player without the ball who is moving to a new position (i.e. player cutting through the lane) Illegal screens are also to be the object of special attention REBOUNDING Illegal “box-outs” and rough play in rebounding will be addressed as an added point of emphasis

“Trouble” Rules

Art. 36 Unsportsmanlike foul Definition: Is a player contact foul which, in the judgment of the official, is not a legitimate attempt to directly play the ball within the spirit and intent of the rules.

Art. 36.1.4 Unsportsmanlike foul If a defensive player causes contact with an opponent from behind or laterally in an attempt to stop a fast break and there is no opponent between the offensive player and the opponents’ basket, then the contact shall be judged to be unsportsmanlike.

Art. 36.1.4 Unsportsmanlike foul When the ball is out-of-bounds for a throw-in and is still in the hands of the official or is already at the disposal of the thrower-in and at that moment a defensive player on the court causes contact with a player of the team of the thrower-in also on the court and the foul is called, this shall be judged as unsportsmanlike.

Art. 36.1.4 Unsportsmanlike foul Situation: A4 has the ball in his hands or at his disposal for a throw-in when B5 causes contact with A5 and a foul is called on B5. Ruling: Because B5 is obviously not making any effort to play the ball and an unsportsmanlike advantage is gained by not allowing the game clock to restart, an unsportsmanlike foul must be called without a warning being given. The ball has left the hands of A4 on the throw in when B5 causes the contact with A5 and foul is called on B5. Normal personal foul should be called unless the officials judge that the severity of the foul of B5 requires an unsportsmanlike or disqualifying foul to be called.

Art. 38.3.1 Technical foul While a player is in the act of shooting, opponents shall not be permitted to disconcert that player by actions such as waving a hand(s) to obstruct the shooter’s field of vision, shouting loudly, stamping feet heavily or clapping hands near the shooter. To do so may result in a technical foul if the shooter is disadvantaged by the action, or a warning if the shooter is not disadvantaged.

Art. 38.3.1 Technical foul Situation: Ruling: A4 is in the act of shooting for a goal when B4 attempts to distract A4 by shouting loudly or stamping feet heavily on the floor. The shot for goal is: (a) Successful. (b) Unsuccessful. Ruling: (a) A warning shall be given to B4 and shall be communicated to coach B. This warning shall apply to all players of team B for the remainder of the game for similar behaviour. (b) A technical foul shall be charged to B4.

Art. 28.1.3 Ball goes into team’s frontcourt The ball goes into a team's frontcourt when: • It touches the frontcourt. • It touches a player or an official who has part of his body in contact with the frontcourt. • During a dribble from backcourt to frontcourt, both feet of the dribbler and the ball are in contact with the frontcourt.

Art. 28.1.3 Ball goes into team’s frontcourt Situation A1 is dribbling in Team A’s back court. He puts one foot into the front court and while continuing his dribble, changes direction with both feet and the ball now being in Team A’s back court. Ruling Legal play. A1 is dribbling in Team A’s back court. He puts one foot into the front court and stops his dribble while straddling the line. Then, (a) he passes the ball to A2 who is in Team A’s back court or (b) pivots into Team A’s back court. Violation in both (a) and (b).

Art. 30.1.2 Ball returned to the backcourt 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. This restriction applies to all situations in a team's frontcourt, including throw-ins. However, it does not apply to a player who jumps from his frontcourt, establishes new team control while still airborne and then lands in his team’s backcourt. (also on jump ball)

Art. 30.1.2 Ball returned to the backcourt Situation A1 jumps from his team’s front court, (a) intercepts a pass thrown by B1, (b) catches the legally tapped ball from the initial jump ball, and lands in control of the ball with both feet in Team A’s back court. Ruling Legal play in both (a) and (b). A1 jumps from his team’s front court, (a) intercepts a pass thrown by B1, (b) catches the legally tapped ball from the initial jump ball, and lands in control of the ball with both feet simultaneously, straddling the mid-court line.

Art. 30.1.2 Ball returned to the backcourt Situation A1 jumps from his team’s front court, (a) intercepts a pass thrown by B1, (b) catches the legally tapped ball from the initial jump ball, and lands in control of the ball with both feet simultaneously, straddling the mid-court line. A1 then passes to A2 who is in Team A’s back court. Ruling Violation in both (a) and (b). A1 jumps from his team’s front court, (a) intercepts a pass thrown by B1, (b) catches the legally tapped ball from the initial jump ball, and lands in control of the ball in Team A’s front court with one foot and then, in a continuous motion, puts the other foot down into Team A’s back court. Legal in both (a) and (b).

Art. 30.1.2 Ball returned to the backcourt Situation A1 jumps from his team’s front court, (a) intercepts a pass thrown by B1, (b) catches the legally tapped ball from the initial jump ball, and lands in control of the ball with both feet simultaneously straddling the mid-court line. A1 then pivots into Team A’s back court. Ruling Violation in both (a) and (b). A1 jumps from his team’s front court, (a) intercepts a pass thrown by B1, (b) catches the legally tapped ball from the initial jump ball, and lands in control of the ball with both feet simultaneously straddling the mid-court line. While still straddling the line, A1 starts a dribble.

Art. 25.2.3 Player falling on the floor “It is legal when a player falls and slides on the floor while holding the ball or, while lying or sitting on the floor, gains control of the ball. It is a violation if the player then rolls or attempts to stand up while holding the ball.”

Art. 31 Basket Interference / Goaltending Occurs during a shot for a field goal when a player touches the ball while it is completely above the level of the ring and: It is on its downward flight to the basket. After it has hit the backboard. Occurs during a shot for a free throw when a player touches the ball while it is in flight to the basket and before it touches the ring. The goaltending restrictions apply until: The ball no longer has the possibility of entering the basket during the shot. The ball has touched the ring.

Art. 31 Basket Interference / Goaltending Occurs during a shot for a field goal when: A player touches the basket or the backboard while the ball is in contact with the ring. A player reaches through the basket from below and touches the ball. A defensive player touches the ball or the basket while the ball is within the basket and it prevents the ball from passing through the basket. A defensive player causes the backboard or the ring to vibrate in such a way that, in the judgement of the official, the ball has been prevented from entering the basket. An offensive player causes the backboard or the ring to vibrate in such a way that, in the judgement of the official, the ball has been caused to enter the basket.

Art. 31 Basket Interference / Goaltending Occurs during a shot for a free throw when: A player, during a free throw to be followed by a further free throw(s), touches the ball, the basket or the backboard while the ball has the possibility of entering the basket. A player, during a last or only free throw, touches the basket or the backboard while the ball is in contact with the ring. A player reaches through the basket from below and touches the ball. A defensive player, during a last or only free throw, while the ball has the possibility of entering the basket and after the ball has touched the ring, causes the backboard or ring to vibrate in such a way that, in the judgement of the official, the ball has been prevented from entering the basket. An offensive player, during a last or only free throw, while the ball has the possibility of entering the basket and after the ball has touched the ring, causes the backboard or ring to vibrate in such a way that, in the judgement of the official, the ball has been caused to enter the basket.

Art. 31 Basket Interference / Goaltending Penalty: By offensive player: No points can be awarded Throw in to opponents at free-throw line extended By defensive player: Offensive team awarded: 1 point – on free throw 2 points – on two-point try 3 points – on three-point try If the violation is committed by a defensive player during a last or only free throw one (1) point shall be awarded to the offensive team, followed by the technical foul penalty charged against the defensive player.

HAVE A GREAT SEASON!