Euroleague Basketball Rules:
General Rules:
Goaltending/Basket Interference:
- Three Point Line (measured from the centre of the basket) = 6.75 m (22'1.75"), minimum 90 cm (2'11.5') from sideline.
- Restricted Area (a.k.a. "The Key" or "The Lane") = 4.88 m (16') wide rectangle.
- Playing Time = 2 - 20 minute halves; OT periods are 5 min each.
- Game Clock Operation - Last Minutes of Play/Field Goal = The clock stops after a successful field goal in the last minute of the second half and of any OT period.
- Shot Clock - Time Allowed to Shoot = 35 seconds.
- Player Numbers = Only the numbers 4-15 may be used in international competition (in exhibition or domestic play, any one- or two-digit number is generally acceptable).
- Ball Over Backboard = The ball is still in play if it passes over the backboard in either direction, providing that it does not hit a basket support.
- Injured Player = Referee stops play at an appropriate time to deal with injury (slightly different times in FIBA and NCAA). If an injured player is entitled to free throws and must leave the game, the substitute shall attempt the throws.
- Closely Guarded Player / 5 Second Violation = Player holding the ball for 5 seconds, actively guarded within one metre, anywhere on the court
- Backcourt Violation ("Over and Back") / Front Court & Back Court Status = Player who establishes a new team control while airborne and then lands in the backcourt has not committed a violation. Also, team control exists on a throw-in, so if the ball is thrown in from the front court to a player with back court status, it would be a backcourt violation.
- When play resumes with less than full amount on shot clock, shot clock resumes with first touch in bounds
- The shot clock is not reset when the offensive team commits a technical foul or is charged with a delay of game warning.
- The shot clock is reset to 35 or 24 under the following circumstances:
- Reset to 35 on all flagrant and punching fouls, as well as personal fouls and violations resulting in a backcourt throw-in.
- Reset to 24 on personal fouls and defensive 3-second or kicked/punched ball or jump ball situation (no change of possession) violations resulting in a front court throw-in; a defensive technincal foul or delay of game warning; an infection control situation.
- 2 time outs in first half, 3 in second half, one per overtime period.
- All time-outs must last 60 seconds.
- Time-outs do not accumulate.
- Must be called by the coach through the scorer's table.
- Time out granted on next stoppage or, if asked for in time, after the next field goal scored against (a mercy rule of sorts).
- No time-outs granted once a set of free throws has started - Exceptions: If the last free throw is successful or there will be a throw-in after the final throw, either may be granted a timeout.
- Throw-in spot is advanced (without option) to the front court in the last two minutes of the 4th quarter (or OT) when a timeout is called by the team with the ball entitled to a throw-in in the back court (including after a successful field goal by the opponents). The spot is opposite the scorer's table at a hash mark in line with the top of the 3-point arc (8.325 m / 27' 3.75" from the baseline).
- On all held ball/jump ball situations during the game (including the beginning of most periods), teams alternate receiving the ball ("alternating possession"), with the team not gaining possession of the initial (tossed) jump ball being the first recipient.
- First half begins with a jump ball; alternating possession at the beginning of all other periods.
- The shot clock shall not be reset if the offensive team retains possession of the ball through the alternating process.
- A "substitution opportunity" begins when the clock is stopped and the ball is dead (i.e. after a whistle or after a field goal in the last two minutes). It ends when an official steps into the circle to toss a jump ball or an official steps into the lane to administer free throw(s) or the ball is at the disposal of a player for a throw-in. One major effect of this is to disallow subs between free throws.
- If the last free throw is successful (or is followed by possession), either team may substitute.
- After a basket in the last two minutes, the team scored upon may initiate a substitution (the player(s) must be there before the basket is scored). If only the team that scores wants the substitution, it shall not be allowed.
- Referee's stoppages are explicitly included as substitution opportunities for either or both teams.
- Foul out on 5 (personal + technical).
- All fouls involving contact with an opponent, even when play is stopped, are personal fouls.
- if a shooting foul occurs, or any other foul that would lead to free throws regardless of the foul count, the normal penalty shall supersede any penalty related to foul count.
- Penalty (2 shots) is awarded on any team foul after the 4th of each quarter (i.e. on the 5th) unless the foul is an offensive foul; overtime is an extension of the 4th quarter.
- Team fouls include all personal fouls and player (not coach) technical fouls.
- 2 free throws and possession of the ball at center; no possession at centre if the foul occurs before the first half (game would still start with a jump ball).
Goaltending/Basket Interference:
- All players are banned from touching the ball on its downward flight toward the basket if it still has a chance to go in.
- Reaching through the basket to play the ball is also a violation.
- Once the ball strikes the rim, any player can play the ball (i.e. swat it away or tap it in).
- Once the ball is in the basket, the offense can no longer violate.
- Maximum 5 players on the lane (3 opponents of shooter, 2 teammates).
- All spots designated (i.e. if left vacant, may not be filled by opponent).
- Players on lane leave on release of throw, others must stand behind free throw line extended & 3 point line and wait for ball to strike rim.
- A shooter violation overrides all other violations. Similarly, if the free throw is good and the shooter did not violate, all other violations are ignored and the throw counts (one of my favourite FIBA rules).
- Five seconds to attempt the free throw (not strictly enforced).