All the information you need to know about FIBA rules and regulations as the Olympic exhibition games in Paris get underway.
The USAB Showcase opened last week in Las Vegas, and the US Men’s National Team overcame a chilly start to defeat Canada 86-72. Building team chemistry and acclimating to the uniqueities of the international game may be the main causes of many of the early mishaps.
The international basketball governing body, FIBA, sets the rules and regulations that Olympic basketball must follow. Below is a summary of how NBA and Olympic (FIBA) rules differ from one another:
Court Size:
91' 10" x 49' 2.5 is the size of the court in the international game; the NBA's court measures 94 by 50.
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Playing Time:
In Olympic play, four 10-minute quarters will be played, as opposed to 12 minutes in NBA play.
Timeouts:
NBA play consists of seven timeouts for teams. Teams will get two timeouts in the first half during Olympic basketball games, and three timeouts in second half . A nation may only use two timeouts in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter.
Three Point Line:
FIBA matches have a shorter three-point line (6.75m on baseline; 6.60 on baseline) than NBA games (7.24m on baseline; 6.70m on baseline).
Fouls:
In Olympic play, five fouls result in disqualification, as opposed to six in the NBA.
Technical Fouls:
FIBA: One free throw and possession of the ball at center
NBA: Play resumes at the point of interruption; the offending player is charged with a foul (and an automatic fine is assessed); each technical foul results in one free throw.
FIBA: Following the fourth quarter, each non-shooting foul (including player technical fouls) will result in two free throws. Offensive fouls and fouls committed by the team in possession are not included in this.
NBA: Following the fourth team foul or the final two minutes of each quarter, whichever occurs first, two free throws are awarded for each foul. Technical and offensive fouls are not included in this.
Defense:
If a player is not actively guarding an opponent, defensive players are not allowed to remain in a restricted area for more than three seconds in the NBA. FIBA games do not operate in this manner.
Basket Interference:
It is against NBA rules for any player to play the ball after it hits the rim, including swatting it away or tapping it in.
Traveling Violation:
In the NBA, a player may step after catching the ball before dribbling. FIBA regulations state that a player cannot take a step without first placing the ball on the floor, unless they are pivoting in place. Gamers are able to dribble and walk at the same time.