NBA Rule Changes [1946 to present]
Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2023 5:09 am
This is a summary of the NBA rules changes since its inception. Due to surpassing the 60k character limit, it had to be broken up into separate posts. The initial source document is a PDF that I've seen on various sites which I assumed was originally written by the NBA. Nevertheless, my actual source was from:
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/56807508/nba-rules-changes-history
Technically, you can probably find all the new rules on RealGM's wiretap (news), but I thought it would be nice to have at least 1 thread that summarizes the bullet points. Discussion of past or present rules are welcome, if any. At the mimimum, this is FYI.
Initial Rules
60-game schedule followed by championship playoffs involving the top three teams in each division.
Games are 48 minutes long.
Every time you scored, the other team is given possession of the ball.
Zone defenses are allowed
Teams are permitted to carry 12 players.
Players are allowed five personal fouls.
1946-47
Zone defenses outlawed on January 9, 1947
1947-48
Player fouls are increased from five to six.
Maximum roster size reduced from 12 to 10 players per team - nine must be in uniform.
1950-51
Teams are allowed to carry 11 men until 12/1 and then 10 afterwards
Last season they carried 12 at first and then reduced it to 11
Jump Balls would be used following fouls in the last 3 minutes
Last season they were used in the final 5 minutes
After a free throw is made in the last three minutes, there is a jump ball [between the player who committed the
foul and the player fouled] instead of possession for the team that committed the foul.
To eliminate deliberate fouling and roughness
1951-52
Lane widened from six to 12 feet
1952-53
The late-game free-throw rule now required the jump ball to take place between the man who is fouled and the
player who is guarding him.
To eliminate the advantages of having a tall-man foul a short-man.
1953-54
Players limited to two fouls per quarter and if a third foul is committed; the player has to sit out the remainder
of that quarter.
The rule is rescinded when it fails to prevent late game fouling.
1954-55
The 24-second shot clock is introduced.
A penalty free throw is awarded following a team’s sixth foul in any quarter.
Both rules had to be adopted to make each one work. The time limit made in unnecessary for the trailing
team to foul deliberately, since it would get the ball after 24 seconds. The foul limit made it too costly to
foul to prevent a chance at a basket.
The present two-minute rule was eliminated. That rule, used in the last two minutes of regulation play, provided
for a jump ball, between the fouling player and the player fouled, after each successful foul throw.
The penalty for a backcourt foul became two shots – three to make two if you are over the limit.
Offensive fouls are treated as violations, no free throws and the defensive team gets possession. The foul would
still count towards a player’s limit of six personal fouls.
1958-59
On all double fouls a personal foul is charged to each man and play is resumed by a jump ball at center between
the centers of the respective teams.
All personal fouls by players on offensive, while their team is in control of the ball, shall be penalized as
follows:
A. A personal foul shall be called and the ball shall be given to the opposing team at a point nearest to where
the foul occurred.
B. When the foul is the seventh or greater in a quarter or the fourth or greater in overtime, the penalty is the
same as on any other personal foul and the fouled team shall take the required number of shots.
[Initially a trial rule change in October and adopted in November]
1959-60
After the offensive team has advanced the ball to the front court area, a defensive player is not permitted to
place himself in the key for longer than three seconds without an apparent attempt to play his opponent. The
penalty for violation is a technical foul shot by the offensive team. That team also retains possession of the ball
out of bounds after the free throw.
1964-65
Lane widened from 12 to 16 feet
Change primarily attributed to the dominance of Wilt Chamberlain
1966-67
The team foul limit is reduced to five per quarter. In the last two minutes of any period, a team is allowed only
one foul before the penalty, even if it hadn’t used up its allotment.
The following language was added to the Zone Defense Rule: “After the offensive team has advanced the ball
to its front court, a defensive player may not station himself in the key area longer than three seconds if it is
apparent he is making no effort to play an opponent. The three second count starts when the offensive team is in
clear control in the front court.”
Effective 12/27: When a defensive player commits a foul on an offensive player who is "off the ball" and not
directly involved in the play, the foul shall be treated as a technical foul with no fine imposed. The player
committing the foul shall be charged with a personal foul. It is also to be charged as a team foul. After the foul
shot is attempted, the offended team puts the ball in play from a point out-of-bounds at center court. Should the
offending team be in a penalty situation, a penalty shot shall not be awarded.
A playoff game would be used to settle ties for first and fourth places. Ties for second and third would be
settled by the season’s record between the two teams.
1967-68
When a player is injured, he must resume play or be replaced by a substitute within 20 seconds or an automatic
time-out will be charged to his team.
The shooter of a technical must be in the game when the technical is called.
When a shot doesn't hit the rim or backboard, any foul committed by the offensive team is an offensive foul, If
the defensive team commits a foul, it is a personal foul. If the ball hits the rim or backboard, it should be treated
as a personal foul, either by offense or defense.
1969-70
The scoring rule on tip-ins of free-throws was changed. When a missed free-throw is missed and tipped-in, the
man getting the rebound will be credited with two points. Previously, the free-throw shooter was credited with
one point.
1971-72
The uniform of each player will bear his surname on the back.
1972-73
No foul shots are attempted, other than shooting fouls, until the fifth team foul of any period.
Other than the shooter, players are no longer restricted from entering the lane on free throws attempts.
Teams have 30 seconds to replace a disqualified player.
In the last two minutes of a game, once a team inbounds the ball in the backcourt a timeout may not be called
until the ball reaches the front court. The old rule permitted a team inbounds the ball under the hoop, call time,
and get the ball at midcourt.
A team with four timeouts remaining in the fourth quarter may use all four in the period, with a maximum of
three in the final two minutes, and a maximum of two in any overtime period.
The official scorer must notify the home coach by the fifth minute of the quarter that no time out has been
called.
Errors in the fourth period and overtime must be discovered before the end of the period to be corrected.
1974-75
Fine increased from $50 to $100 for a player or coach ejected after being charged with a technical foul for
unsportsmanlike conduct.
A timeout request made at the instant time expires for a period shall not be granted and the period ends.
In the last two minutes of the game or overtime, no timeouts are allowed once the ball is inbounded until the
ball is in the frontcourt.
The “force out” rule is clarified as incidental contact near a boundary line, which causes a player to commit a
violation or go out of bounds, and neither team is responsible for the action. The offensive team retains
possession.
When there are punching fouls on both teams during the same play, the team last offended is awarded
possession.
1975-76
After any playing court violation, the ball is to be put into play at the sideline.
1976-77
“Hand-checking”: A defensive player is permitted to retain contact with his opponent as long as he does not
impede his opponent's progress.
If a defensive player causes the ball to go out-of-bounds, the 24 second clock is stopped and the offensive team,
on regaining the ball for throw -in, shall have the unexpired time or 5 seconds, whichever is longer, to attempt a
shot.
During the last two minutes of play, if a team calls an excessive time out, the ball shall remain at the out-ofbounds
spot where the ball was when the excessive time was called
Excessive and /or vigorous swinging of the elbows, without contact, is a violation.
Force-Out eliminated. If a player is forced out of bounds, it will either be a foul on the defender or an offensive
violation.
Time-out in the back court -- during the last two minutes of regulation play or overtimes, if a team requests a
time-out after the ball is out -of- bounds or IMMEDIATELY after getting the ball from a rebound or change of
possession, time -out shall be granted, and upon resumption of play, they shall have the option of putting the
ball into play at the out -of- bounds soot or at midcourt.
If less than five seconds appear on the 24-second clock when the offensive team is entitled to a throw-in, the
clock will be reset to five seconds.
The team that gains possession after the opening tap will put the ball into play at their opponent’s end line
to begin the fourth period. The team losing the opening tap will put the ball into play at their opponent’s
end line at the beginning of the second and third quarters. [Note: In putting the ball into play, the throwerin
may run along the end line or pass it to a teammate who is also out-of-bounds at the end line--as after a
score]
Any player who engages in a fight is subject to a fine of $10,000 and a suspension.
This went into effect March 7, 1977.
1977-78
If a coach wants to discuss a rule or an interpretation of a rule prior to the start of a period, it will be mandatory
for the officials to ask the other coach to be present during the discussion. Previously, the rule only addressed
pre-game discussions.
Any field goal that, in the opinion of the officials is intentionally scored in the wrong basket shall be
disallowed.
The 24-second shot clock shall be reset to 24 seconds on all violations, as well as after a zone warning.
If the ball enters the basket from below, a violation has occurred.
Fine increased from $100 to $150 for a player not in the game who does not remain in the vicinity of his team’s
bench during a fight.
A $25 fine shall be assessed to any player hanging on the rim during pre-game warm-up.
Following a missed free throw, it is not necessary for a player to return to the floor with a rebound before
attempting to score.
Following a 20-second timeout, a team may only substitute for the injured player. The opponent may then also
substitute one player.
During the last two minutes of regulation or overtime, if a team requests a timeout immediately after getting
possession, they shall have the option of putting the ball into play at midcourt or at the out of bounds spot.
Any player or coach making intentional contact with an official will be suspended without pay for a minimum
of one game. A fine and/or a longer suspension may also result.
In order to protest the result of a game notice must be sent to the Commissioner’s office within 48 hours after
the game. No protests may be filed after midnight of the day of the last game of the regular season.
If a player is fouled and is subsequently ejected from the game before shooting the free throw[s], he must
immediately leave the court and one of his teammates on the floor will be designated by the opposing coach to
shoot.
Active rosters would be reduced to eleven players on 11/14/77.
1978-79
Number of referees officiating game increased from two to three with equal responsibilities for each official.
Hand checking, and other illegal use of hands was eliminated.
“Zone Defense” - Technical foul imposed on team instead of warning for first illegal defense and two technical
fouls imposed for second and all subsequent violations. Illegal defense rules modified.
The minimum number of players required for Playoff participation was increased from 8 to 9.
Every NBA visitor’s locker room must be provided with a chalkboard.
When the ball is dead and the game clock shows :00, the period has ended even though the buzzer may not have
sounded.
Rolling the ball on the floor from out of bounds now allowed; penalty of loss of possession eliminated.
At half-time and the end of the game, the coach and his players are to leave the court and go directly to their
dressing room without pause or delay. There is to be absolutely no calking to game officials.
Previous rule only stated at conclusion of game.
During the last two minutes of the game and any overtime period, all deliberate defensive fouls away from the
play except loose ball fouls will be treated as follows: The foul is charged as a penalty and team foul but treated
as a technical. This technical may be shot by anyone and the team retains possession of the ball
The three-point field goal is tried in pre-season.
1979-80
NBA schedule for 1979-80 season calls for each team to play teams in its own conference six times and teams
in the other conferences two times.
Three-point line established 22 feet in the corners extending to 23 feet, nine inches at the top of the key.
Number of referees officiating game reduced from three to two.
If a team is attempting to bring the ball across the centerline within 10 seconds and a defensive player causes
the ball to go out of bounds in the backcourt, the offensive team will no longer receive an additional 10-second
count in which to advance the ball past the centerline.
Coaches and trainers are limited, during games, to a 28-foot area between the baseline and a hash mark to be
placed 19 feet from mid-court. The penalty is a technical foul.
There was concern that coaches and trainers were roaming too far away from their benches and interfering
with the functions of the scorer’s table.
Any player who shatters a backboard as a result of contact with either the back-board or rim, will immediately'
be ejected from the game upon a technical foul and will, absent the most. extenuating circumstances, be
suspended without pay for at least the club's next regularly scheduled game.
Tiebreaking to determine playoff positions and participation shall be as follows:
o “Ties to determine a Divisional Championship must be broken first.
o In order to break a tie for playoff positions, if one exists at the close of the regular season, the following
criteria will be utilized in the order set forth:
A. Two-way tie
1. Results of games against each other
2. Winning percentage within Conference
3. Winning percentage within Division [only if tied teams are in same Division]
4. Winning percentage against playoff opponents in own Conference.
5. Point differential in head-to-head games.
6. Point differential between offense and defense.
B. More than two team tied
7. Cumulative winning percentage in total games involving all tied teams.
8. Winning percentage within Conference
9. Winning percentage within Division [only if tied teams are in same Division]
10. Winning percentage against playoff opponents in own Conference.
11. Point differential in head-to-head games.
12. Point differential between offense and defense.
o If a multiple team tie is reduced to a two-team tie at any point using the above criteria, the two-team tie
would be broken by beginning with the procedure outlined above in Section A, Step 1.”
1980-81
Game Clock and Red Light Behind Backboard to be Synchronized - Behind each backboard a red light will
be placed and synchronized to light up when the horn sounds at the expiration of each period.
Elimination of Jewelry and any Equipment Dangerous to Other Players - Players are not permitted to play
with any type of hand, arm, face, nose, ear, head or neck jewelry. Any equipment which is of hard substance
(casts, splints, guards, braces) must be padded or foam covered and have no exposed sharp or cutting edges.
Face masks, eye or nose protectors must conform to the contour of the face and have no sharp or protruding
edges.
Correcting Errors - Teams Lined Up Improperly - If any period begins with teams lined up improperly and
scores result from this error, all points will be deleted and the period restarted unless 10 seconds have elapsed
from the game clock. If 10 seconds have elapsed, all points count and teams shoot for the same baskets.
Twenty-second Time-out - Each team is entitled to one 20-second time-out per half for a total of two per
game. All overtimes are considered part of the second half. Only one substitution may be made. If the team
calling the time-out substitutes, the opposing team may also substitute one player. The calling of a second 20-
second time-out in a half automatically becomes a regular time-out. Teams are not permitted option privileges
on a 20-second time-out.
Time-out in Backcourt and Option - During the last two minutes of regulation play or overtime periods, a
team will have the option of moving the ball to midcourt if they have not dribbled or passed following a
rebound or change of possession after time is called. If the ball has been dribbled or passed following a rebound
or change of possession, the ball is put into play at the spot nearest where the ball was when time was called;
and time shall remain as it was.
Technical Foul on Offensive Team - Any time a technical foul is called on the offensive team; the 24-second
clock remains as is.
Resetting Clock on Punched Ball Violation - On any deliberate kicked or punched ball, the 24-second clock
will be reset to 24 seconds.
Flagrant Foul - Choosing Substitute Shooter for Man Injured After Being Fouled Flagrantly - If a flagrant
foul is called and the offended player is unable to attempt the free throw/s, his. coach may designate any
member of the team to attempt the free throw/s.
Goal Tending a Free Throw Attempt - A defensive player may not catch or deflect the ball before it reaches
the basket. The penalty is the scoring of the point and the same player receives another free throw. The
additional free throw is considered a new play.
Double Foul on the Ball - Jump Takes Place in Center Circle - This replaces the previous rule which had the
jump ball in the nearest circle.
Flagrant Foul - A player who commits a flagrant foul is automatically ejected. If the offended player is unable
to shoot, his coach may choose any player on or off the floor to attempt the foul/s.
The 24-second clock shall be reset after a zone warning.
New CBA contained a provision permitting the Commissioner to fine players up to $10,000 for certain violent
conduct during a game.
1981-82
Zone defense rules clarified with new rules for Illegal Defensive Alignments.
A. Weakside defenders may be in defensive position within the outside lane [16'] with no time limit
but within the inside lane [12'] for no longer than 2.9 seconds.
B. Defender is allowed within inside lane as long as he is closely guarding a player adjacent to the 3-
second lane.
C. Player without the ball may not be double-teamed from weakside.
D. Any offensive player may be double-teamed from strong side.
E. Offensive player above foul line and inside circle must be played by a defender inside dotted line.
F. If offensive player is above the top of the circle, defender must come to a position above foul line
or remain in either outside lane.
G. Defender on cutter must follow the cutter, switch, or double-team the ball.
After the first illegal defense violation, the clock is reset to 24 seconds. All subsequent violations result in one
free throw and possession of the ball. If any violation occurs during the last 24 seconds of each quarter or
overtime period, the offended team receives one free throw.
Backcourt fouls considered common fouls and two shots will only be awarded once offending team is over the
limit.
A player fouled on a successful field goal will attempt only one free throw [not 2-for-1] and a player. fouled on
an unsuccessful field goal attempt will shoot two free throws [not 3-for-2]. Thus Three free throws to make two;
two to make one eliminated.
The following will be the new technique on violations which necessitate putting the ball in play in the backcourt
only: "The official will give the ball to the offensive player as soon as the player is in position out of bounds
and ready to accept the ball."
The Toss Back Safety Rim, tested in last year's NBA pre-season and Continental Basketball Association games,
was approved following the addition of further safety features.
A player must report to an area within four feet of either side of the scorer with warm-ups removed before
referee beckons player into game. League will provide scorer with official black-and-white-striped cap to aid
player in reporting
Players were previously required to report “to the scorer.”
1982-83
After the ball is out-of-bounds, the team, not the official, shall designate a player to make the throw-in.
On a throw-in, which is not touched inbounds, the ball is returned to the original throw-in spot, as opposed to
the point where the ball crossed a boundary.
1983-84
If a 20-second timeout has been granted, and a mandatory timeout by the same team is due, only the mandatory
timeout will be charged.
If a shot is taken and made simultaneously with whistle for illegal defense, the basket should count and no
penalty imposed.
Player who goes into shooting motion on free throw and does not complete shot is charged with violation.
If a player cannot shoot free throw because of flagrant foul or unsportsmanlike act, he may re-enter the game.
A jump ball shall take place at the center circle following a double free-throw violation or if the ball lodges in
the basketball support.
A throw-in which touches the floor, or any object on or outside the boundary line, or touches anything above
the playing surface is a violation.
Any team that files a player contract with the League that does not incorporate all of the transactions and other
consideration, direct and indirect, between the team, and any affiliated or related entity, and the player, may be
fined by the Commissioner in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.
The playoff field was expanded from 12 to 16 teams next season. Eight teams from each conference will
qualify--the four division winners and the six teams with the next best records in each conference. All teams
will play best-of-five first-round series, eliminating the first-round byes and the best-of-three mini-series.
A rule was passed limiting the amount of cash involved in any transaction between Dec. 15 and the end of the
season to $300,000. This was done to prevent teams with greater financial resources from stocking their rosters
at the expense of teams with more limited means.
Any person who has been convicted or has pled guilty to a crime involving the use, possession, or distribution
of heroin or cocaine shall without exception, immediately be expelled and perpetually disqualified from further
association with the League or any of its teams. Any expelled person can apply for reinstatement after two
years, and reinstatement shall be granted only with prior approval of the BOG.
Upon request for a timeout, during the last 2 minutes of a game or overtime[s], the official will immediately
approach the head coach and ask him if he wishes a regular or 20-second timeout. Upon receiving an answer
from the head coach, the official will then notify the scorer.
All home teams are required to make available a TV feed for any visiting team that desires to videotape a game
on its own equipment.
1984-85
The number of timeouts teams are allowed in overtime increased from two to three regardless of the number of
timeouts called or remaining during the regulation play or previous overtimes.
BOG approved the adoption of a 2-3-2 Finals format.
In the instance of a "breakaway foul," where a player is in the frontcourt heading toward the basket and is
grabbed or hit from behind by an opponent who makes no attempt to play the ball, the penalty will be two free
throws plus possession of the ball.
Fine increased from $100 to $500 for coaches and players who do not leave the court and go directly to their
dressing rooms, without pause or delay, at halftime and the end of each game.
Fine increased from $150 to $500 for a player not in the game who does not remain in the vicinity of his team’s
bench during a fight.
1988-89
Number of referees officiating game increased from two to three.
1989-90
“Trent Tucker Rule” - when there is less than three-tenths of a second remaining on the clock, any shot other
than a tip-in or an alley-oop must be disallowed.
1990-91
Any substitute may be removed after a successful free throw attempt which was to remain in play, if the
offensive team requests and was granted a regular timeout.
The "Breakaway Foul" rule was amended to permit a referee to also call a flagrant foul on the same play
(allowing for subsequent ejection and a fine and/or suspension).
Visiting teams must be provided with at least 36 tickets for games. There would be no more than three assistant
coaches seated on a team bench.
The penalties for flagrant fouls are now divided into two categories. In the first category, where the officials
deem the contact to be excessive, but not excessive enough for ejection, the team against whom the foul has
been committed will be awarded two free throws and possession of the ball. In the second category, when the
officials deem a foul to be unnecessary and/or excessively rough, as well as potentially injurious, the team
against whom the foul has been committed will receive two free throws and possession of the ball and the
offender will be immediately ejected. The ejection carries with it a mandatory $250 fine, with the possibility of
a suspension and/or a substantially higher fine to go along with it.
The Board of Governors also approved a new procedure for breaking a tie for home-court advantage in the
NBA Finals. The first tiebreaking procedure will remain head-to-head record between the two teams, with the
second tiebreaker now becoming the record of the Eastern Conference team against teams in the West, and the
record of the western Conference team against teams in the East.
:00.3 must expire on the clock when a ball is inbounded and then hit instantly out-of-bounds
:00.3 is needed on the clock to catch the ball and shoot it into the basket whether the shot is made or not.
:00.3 must expire on the clock when a player gets possession of a missed free throw and immediately requests a
timeout.
:00.1 is needed on the clock to tip the ball in the basket whether the shot is made or not.
In the event a team did not shoot merited free throws due to an official's error, the error will not be corrected if,
on its next possession, affected team either scores or shoots earned free throws.
A coach was limited to one All-Star appearance every two years, commencing with the 1992 All-Star Game. In
the event that the coach whose team had the best conference record following games played on the Sunday two
weeks preceding the All-Star Game coached that conference's All-Star team in the previous All-Star Game, the
coach of the team with the second best record in the conference will coach the All-Star team from that
conference.
1991-92
Commencing 1/1/92, Teams were required to put game clocks in visiting team locker rooms.
There were new infection control guidelines for use during NBA games, to be implemented immediately. The
new guidelines apply to team physicians, trainers and equipment managers. The guidelines call for prompt
treatment of any injury where there is significant chance of infection, and the use of gloves and other routine
sanitary precautions where contact with blood is necessary.
1992-93
The 24-second clock is reset only when the basketball hits the rim.
Previously, the clock would be reset if the ball hit either the rim or the backboard.
The rule regarding infection control timeouts, originally adopted by the league last season, provides that in the
event of a player suffering a laceration or wound where bleeding occurs, game officials are to suspend the game
at the earliest appropriate time and remove the injured player from the game. The player is then allowed to
return after receiving appropriate medical attention.
The new rule allows either team, whether or not it has possession of the ball, to call a timeout when play is
suspended in order to allow the team to treat the injured player and return him to the game without missing
play. If that player's team has no timeouts remaining, the officials will give the team twenty seconds to treat the
wound, and if treatment is not completed in that time, the player must be removed from the game.
The Board has also modified a by-law, originally adopted in 1983, setting a limit on the amount of cash which
could be included in a player trade taking place from December 15 to the end of the Playoffs; the limit has been
raised from $300,000 to $1,000,000.
Any player who throws a punch now immediately ejected from the game, suspended for at least one game, and
fined an appropriate dollar amount.
Any player throwing a punch that connects with another player will be ejected from the game, suspended for a
minimum of one to five games, and fined an appropriate dollar amount.
Teams will also be fined an amount equal to the total sum of their players’ fines.
Any player leaving the bench area during a fight will be fined $2,500, up from $500, and that player’s team will
be fined $5,000 for each of its players who leave the bench area.
1993-94
The NBA announced it will be enforcing a new "five point" flagrant foul rule for repeat offenders this season,
as well as continuing to enforce the fighting rules that were instituted prior to the 1993 NBA Playoffs. Under
the new "five point" flagrant foul rules, a player will be penalized one point for every Flagrant 1 foul
(unnecessary contact committed by a player against an opponent) and two points for every Flagrant 2 foul
(unnecessary and excessive contact by a player against an opponent). If a player's season total exceeds five
points, he will receive an automatic suspension following the game in which his point total exceeds five and for
each additional flagrant foul committed during the season.
Additionally, any player in street clothes who leaves the bench area during a game will be ejected and
suspended for one game.
Any player in street clothes coming off the bench and getting involved in an altercation will be ejected, fined a
minimum of $10,000 and suspended for a minimum of one game, and his team will be fined $25,000.
Team officials (other than coaching staff) coming onto the court during a game will be barred from attending
the team's next two home games, and the team will be fined $10,000.
The Board of Governors extended the “five point” flagrant foul system to the playoffs – any player who
exceeded 3 points was suspended for at least one game. The system was adopted for the 1993-94 regular season
at the 11/4/1993 BOG meeting.
1994-95
Shortened the three-point line [22 feet in the corners extending to 23 feet, nine inches at the top of the key] to a
uniform 22 feet around the basket.
Awarded three foul shots for any player fouled while attempting a three-point field goal.
Any player who leaves the bench during a fight automatically suspended for a minimum of one game and fined
a maximum of $20,000; in addition to losing 1/82nd of his salary for each game, he is suspended. [If more than
five players are suspended, teams will be allowed to stagger the suspensions in order to have at least eight
players available for a game. In that case, some players would be suspended for the next game with the
remainder of the players suspended the game after that. The order of suspensions would be determined by the
alphabetical order of the players' last names.]
Any player who commits two flagrant fouls in one game will be ejected.
Hand-checking eliminated from the end line in the backcourt to the opposite foul line.
There will be stricter enforcement of taunting rules and any behavior that could provoke a fight.
Technical foul fines increased to $500 each. Previously, the fines were $100 for the first technical and $150 for
the second.
“Clear path” rule changed to include contact in the backcourt. If a defender, grabs a player when the player has
a clear path to the basket on a breakaway, two foul shots will be awarded.
The second or more of back-to-back timeouts when the ball is not inbounded will be limited to 45 seconds.
1996-97
A team that calls timeout without having any remaining will be assessed a technical foul and lose possession of
the ball.
No illegal defense violation may occur when the ball is in the backcourt.
1997-98
The three-point line, 22 feet from the basket, lengthened to its original distance of 23 feet, nine inches, except in
the corners, where the distance remained 22 feet.
A defender will not be permitted to use his forearm to impede the progress of an offensive player who is facing
the basket in the frontcourt.
A player will not be allowed to call timeout [regular or 20-second] if both of his feet are in the air and any part
of his body has broken the vertical plane of the boundary line.
The “no-charge area,” previously a two-by-six foot box where an offensive foul is not called if contact is made
with a secondary defensive player who has established a defensive position, will be expanded to the area
consisting of a half circle with a four-foot radius measured from the middle of the goal.
The rule modification now states that if two offensive players on the weakside (i.e. the side of the court away
from the ball) are positioned above the tip-of-circle extended, one of the two defenders may now legally occupy
any area on the weakside, except that he may not enter the inside lane other than to:
1. Aggressively double-team the ball
2. Defend an offensive player(s) who is open because of a double-team on the ball, or
3. As a normal reaction to a "ball fake." Following a "ball fake," the defender must immediately return to a
legal position or double-team on the ball.
Previously, if two offensive players were positioned above the tip-of-circle extended either on the strongside or
weakside of the court, both defenders had to be positioned above the free throw line extended.
1999-00
A defender may not make contact with his hands and/or forearms on an offensive player except below the free
throw line extended.
A five-second rule that mandates that a player must either shoot, pass or pick up his dribble within five seconds
if he begins dribbling the ball with his back toward the basket below the free throw line extended.
The 24-second shot clock will be re-set to 14 seconds if the violations listed below occur with less than 14
seconds remaining on the 24-second clock, and will remain unchanged if the violation occurs with 14 or more
seconds remaining on the 24-second clock:
1. A personal foul that does not result in free throw attempts.
2. Kicking the ball or blocking the ball with any part of the leg.
3. Punching the ball with a fist.
4. An illegal defense violation that does not result in free throw attempts.
No illegal defense guidelines will apply to a player who is defending an offensive player who is positioned on
the strong side [ball side] of the court.
2000-01
The number of timeouts per team per game was changed to six from seven.
The number of fourth-period timeouts per team was changed to three from four.
The number of timeouts per team during the last two minutes of the fourth period or last two minutes of an
overtime period was changed to two from three.
Full timeouts in regulation and overtime will be reduced from 100 to 60 seconds with the following exceptions:
[1] the first two timeouts in each period, regardless of which team calls them. [2] the two mandatory timeouts in
the second and fourth periods. In those two instances, timeouts will continue to be 100 seconds.
Previously all full timeouts were 100 seconds.
During 20-second timeouts in the last two minutes of the fourth period and/or any overtime period there are
unlimited substitutions.
Previously the team calling the timeout could substitute one player. The other team could substitute only if
the team calling timeout substituted.
After a change of possession in the last two minutes of regulation or any overtime period, the offensive team
can call a regular or 20-second timeout and advance the ball to midcourt. The team has the option of inbounding
the ball in the frontcourt or backcourt. If it passes into the backcourt, the 10-second rule applies.
Previously teams could advance the ball only by calling a regular timeout and had to inbound the ball into
the frontcourt.
If neither team has taken a timeout in the second and fourth quarter when there is 8:59 remaining, there will be a
mandatory timeout after the first dead ball. If neither team has taken a timeout in all four periods when there is
5:59 remaining, there will be a mandatory timeout after the first dead ball.
Previously, timeouts were taken after dead balls after 9:59 in the second and fourth periods and after 6:59
in every period.
If the offense retains possession after a jump ball, the clock is reset to 14 seconds or remains the same if there
are more than 14 seconds on the clock. If the defense gains possession, the clock is reset to 24 seconds.
Previously, if the offense retained possession, the clock was reset to 24 seconds.
If a player is fouled when he has a clear-path-to-the-basket, he gets one free throw and his team gets possession
of the ball at midcourt.
Previously, the player received two free throws.
No contact with either hands or forearms by defenders except in the frontcourt below the free throw line
extended in which case the defender may use his forearm only.
Neither the offensive player nor the defender will be allowed to dislodge or displace a player who has legally
obtained a position.
Defender may not use his forearm, shoulder, hip or hand to reroute or hold-up an offensive player going from
point A to Point B or one who is attempting to come around a legal screen set by another offensive player.
Slowing or impeding the progress of the screener by grabbing, clutching, holding “chucking” or “wrapping up”
is prohibited.
A five-second count will begin if an offensive player with the ball and not facing-up starts dribbling below the
free throw line extended while being closely guarded or starts dribbling outside and then penetrates below the
free throw line extended while being closely guarded. [The five-second count commences when the offensive
player penetrates the free throw line extended]. After five seconds, a violation will have occurred and the
offensive team will lose possession.
The shot clock shall remain as it is or be recycled to 14 seconds if it is below 14 for a common foul requiring no
free throw attempts occurs, kicked or punched ball violation, or an illegal defense requiring no free throw
attempts.
On the strongside, any defense is legal.
On the weakside, defenders must remain on the weakside outside the paint unless [i] they are double-teaming
the ball, [ii] picking up a free cutter or [iii] closely guarding an offensive player.
2001-02
Illegal defense guidelines will be eliminated in their entirety.
A new defensive three-second rule will prohibit a defensive player from remaining in the lane for more than
three consecutive seconds without closely guarding an offensive player.
The time that a team has to advance the ball past midcourt will be reduced from ten seconds to eight.
Brief contact initiated by a defensive player will be allowed if it does not impede the progress of the player with
the ball.
2002-03
The Board of Governors approved the use of instant replay to review certain last-second plays at the end of each
quarter and overtime periods. The call made during play will only be reversed when the replay provides the
officials with a "clear and conclusive" basis to do so. Instant replay review will be triggered automatically- and
not at the discretion of the officials or teams - in the following situations:
o FIELD-GOAL ATTEMPTS
A. A field goal that could affect the outcome of the game is made with no time remaining on the clock
(0:00) at the end of the fourth quarter or any overtime period.
B. A field goal is made with no time remaining on the clock (0:00) at the end of the first, second and third
quarters.
Once replay is triggered in either of these two situations, the officials will review instant replay to
determine whether time on the game clock had expired before the ball left the shooter's hand. If the shot
was timely, the officials may also review tape to determine if the field goal was scored correctly as a twopoint
or three-point basket, whether the shooter committed a boundary line violation when he released
the ball and whether a 24-second clock or 8-second backcourt violation occurred before the shot.
o FOULS
A. A foul for which the resulting free throws could affect the outcome of the game is called with no time
B. remaining on the clock (0:00) at the end of the fourth quarter or any overtime period.
C. A foul is called with no time remaining on the clock (0:00) at the end of the first, second and third
quarters.
In these situations, officials will review instant replay to determine only whether the called foul occurred
prior to the expiration of time on the game clock and not whether the call itself was correct.
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/56807508/nba-rules-changes-history
Technically, you can probably find all the new rules on RealGM's wiretap (news), but I thought it would be nice to have at least 1 thread that summarizes the bullet points. Discussion of past or present rules are welcome, if any. At the mimimum, this is FYI.
Initial Rules
60-game schedule followed by championship playoffs involving the top three teams in each division.
Games are 48 minutes long.
Every time you scored, the other team is given possession of the ball.
Zone defenses are allowed
Teams are permitted to carry 12 players.
Players are allowed five personal fouls.
1946-47
Zone defenses outlawed on January 9, 1947
1947-48
Player fouls are increased from five to six.
Maximum roster size reduced from 12 to 10 players per team - nine must be in uniform.
1950-51
Teams are allowed to carry 11 men until 12/1 and then 10 afterwards
Last season they carried 12 at first and then reduced it to 11
Jump Balls would be used following fouls in the last 3 minutes
Last season they were used in the final 5 minutes
After a free throw is made in the last three minutes, there is a jump ball [between the player who committed the
foul and the player fouled] instead of possession for the team that committed the foul.
To eliminate deliberate fouling and roughness
1951-52
Lane widened from six to 12 feet
1952-53
The late-game free-throw rule now required the jump ball to take place between the man who is fouled and the
player who is guarding him.
To eliminate the advantages of having a tall-man foul a short-man.
1953-54
Players limited to two fouls per quarter and if a third foul is committed; the player has to sit out the remainder
of that quarter.
The rule is rescinded when it fails to prevent late game fouling.
1954-55
The 24-second shot clock is introduced.
A penalty free throw is awarded following a team’s sixth foul in any quarter.
Both rules had to be adopted to make each one work. The time limit made in unnecessary for the trailing
team to foul deliberately, since it would get the ball after 24 seconds. The foul limit made it too costly to
foul to prevent a chance at a basket.
The present two-minute rule was eliminated. That rule, used in the last two minutes of regulation play, provided
for a jump ball, between the fouling player and the player fouled, after each successful foul throw.
The penalty for a backcourt foul became two shots – three to make two if you are over the limit.
Offensive fouls are treated as violations, no free throws and the defensive team gets possession. The foul would
still count towards a player’s limit of six personal fouls.
1958-59
On all double fouls a personal foul is charged to each man and play is resumed by a jump ball at center between
the centers of the respective teams.
All personal fouls by players on offensive, while their team is in control of the ball, shall be penalized as
follows:
A. A personal foul shall be called and the ball shall be given to the opposing team at a point nearest to where
the foul occurred.
B. When the foul is the seventh or greater in a quarter or the fourth or greater in overtime, the penalty is the
same as on any other personal foul and the fouled team shall take the required number of shots.
[Initially a trial rule change in October and adopted in November]
1959-60
After the offensive team has advanced the ball to the front court area, a defensive player is not permitted to
place himself in the key for longer than three seconds without an apparent attempt to play his opponent. The
penalty for violation is a technical foul shot by the offensive team. That team also retains possession of the ball
out of bounds after the free throw.
1964-65
Lane widened from 12 to 16 feet
Change primarily attributed to the dominance of Wilt Chamberlain
1966-67
The team foul limit is reduced to five per quarter. In the last two minutes of any period, a team is allowed only
one foul before the penalty, even if it hadn’t used up its allotment.
The following language was added to the Zone Defense Rule: “After the offensive team has advanced the ball
to its front court, a defensive player may not station himself in the key area longer than three seconds if it is
apparent he is making no effort to play an opponent. The three second count starts when the offensive team is in
clear control in the front court.”
Effective 12/27: When a defensive player commits a foul on an offensive player who is "off the ball" and not
directly involved in the play, the foul shall be treated as a technical foul with no fine imposed. The player
committing the foul shall be charged with a personal foul. It is also to be charged as a team foul. After the foul
shot is attempted, the offended team puts the ball in play from a point out-of-bounds at center court. Should the
offending team be in a penalty situation, a penalty shot shall not be awarded.
A playoff game would be used to settle ties for first and fourth places. Ties for second and third would be
settled by the season’s record between the two teams.
1967-68
When a player is injured, he must resume play or be replaced by a substitute within 20 seconds or an automatic
time-out will be charged to his team.
The shooter of a technical must be in the game when the technical is called.
When a shot doesn't hit the rim or backboard, any foul committed by the offensive team is an offensive foul, If
the defensive team commits a foul, it is a personal foul. If the ball hits the rim or backboard, it should be treated
as a personal foul, either by offense or defense.
1969-70
The scoring rule on tip-ins of free-throws was changed. When a missed free-throw is missed and tipped-in, the
man getting the rebound will be credited with two points. Previously, the free-throw shooter was credited with
one point.
1971-72
The uniform of each player will bear his surname on the back.
1972-73
No foul shots are attempted, other than shooting fouls, until the fifth team foul of any period.
Other than the shooter, players are no longer restricted from entering the lane on free throws attempts.
Teams have 30 seconds to replace a disqualified player.
In the last two minutes of a game, once a team inbounds the ball in the backcourt a timeout may not be called
until the ball reaches the front court. The old rule permitted a team inbounds the ball under the hoop, call time,
and get the ball at midcourt.
A team with four timeouts remaining in the fourth quarter may use all four in the period, with a maximum of
three in the final two minutes, and a maximum of two in any overtime period.
The official scorer must notify the home coach by the fifth minute of the quarter that no time out has been
called.
Errors in the fourth period and overtime must be discovered before the end of the period to be corrected.
1974-75
Fine increased from $50 to $100 for a player or coach ejected after being charged with a technical foul for
unsportsmanlike conduct.
A timeout request made at the instant time expires for a period shall not be granted and the period ends.
In the last two minutes of the game or overtime, no timeouts are allowed once the ball is inbounded until the
ball is in the frontcourt.
The “force out” rule is clarified as incidental contact near a boundary line, which causes a player to commit a
violation or go out of bounds, and neither team is responsible for the action. The offensive team retains
possession.
When there are punching fouls on both teams during the same play, the team last offended is awarded
possession.
1975-76
After any playing court violation, the ball is to be put into play at the sideline.
1976-77
“Hand-checking”: A defensive player is permitted to retain contact with his opponent as long as he does not
impede his opponent's progress.
If a defensive player causes the ball to go out-of-bounds, the 24 second clock is stopped and the offensive team,
on regaining the ball for throw -in, shall have the unexpired time or 5 seconds, whichever is longer, to attempt a
shot.
During the last two minutes of play, if a team calls an excessive time out, the ball shall remain at the out-ofbounds
spot where the ball was when the excessive time was called
Excessive and /or vigorous swinging of the elbows, without contact, is a violation.
Force-Out eliminated. If a player is forced out of bounds, it will either be a foul on the defender or an offensive
violation.
Time-out in the back court -- during the last two minutes of regulation play or overtimes, if a team requests a
time-out after the ball is out -of- bounds or IMMEDIATELY after getting the ball from a rebound or change of
possession, time -out shall be granted, and upon resumption of play, they shall have the option of putting the
ball into play at the out -of- bounds soot or at midcourt.
If less than five seconds appear on the 24-second clock when the offensive team is entitled to a throw-in, the
clock will be reset to five seconds.
The team that gains possession after the opening tap will put the ball into play at their opponent’s end line
to begin the fourth period. The team losing the opening tap will put the ball into play at their opponent’s
end line at the beginning of the second and third quarters. [Note: In putting the ball into play, the throwerin
may run along the end line or pass it to a teammate who is also out-of-bounds at the end line--as after a
score]
Any player who engages in a fight is subject to a fine of $10,000 and a suspension.
This went into effect March 7, 1977.
1977-78
If a coach wants to discuss a rule or an interpretation of a rule prior to the start of a period, it will be mandatory
for the officials to ask the other coach to be present during the discussion. Previously, the rule only addressed
pre-game discussions.
Any field goal that, in the opinion of the officials is intentionally scored in the wrong basket shall be
disallowed.
The 24-second shot clock shall be reset to 24 seconds on all violations, as well as after a zone warning.
If the ball enters the basket from below, a violation has occurred.
Fine increased from $100 to $150 for a player not in the game who does not remain in the vicinity of his team’s
bench during a fight.
A $25 fine shall be assessed to any player hanging on the rim during pre-game warm-up.
Following a missed free throw, it is not necessary for a player to return to the floor with a rebound before
attempting to score.
Following a 20-second timeout, a team may only substitute for the injured player. The opponent may then also
substitute one player.
During the last two minutes of regulation or overtime, if a team requests a timeout immediately after getting
possession, they shall have the option of putting the ball into play at midcourt or at the out of bounds spot.
Any player or coach making intentional contact with an official will be suspended without pay for a minimum
of one game. A fine and/or a longer suspension may also result.
In order to protest the result of a game notice must be sent to the Commissioner’s office within 48 hours after
the game. No protests may be filed after midnight of the day of the last game of the regular season.
If a player is fouled and is subsequently ejected from the game before shooting the free throw[s], he must
immediately leave the court and one of his teammates on the floor will be designated by the opposing coach to
shoot.
Active rosters would be reduced to eleven players on 11/14/77.
1978-79
Number of referees officiating game increased from two to three with equal responsibilities for each official.
Hand checking, and other illegal use of hands was eliminated.
“Zone Defense” - Technical foul imposed on team instead of warning for first illegal defense and two technical
fouls imposed for second and all subsequent violations. Illegal defense rules modified.
The minimum number of players required for Playoff participation was increased from 8 to 9.
Every NBA visitor’s locker room must be provided with a chalkboard.
When the ball is dead and the game clock shows :00, the period has ended even though the buzzer may not have
sounded.
Rolling the ball on the floor from out of bounds now allowed; penalty of loss of possession eliminated.
At half-time and the end of the game, the coach and his players are to leave the court and go directly to their
dressing room without pause or delay. There is to be absolutely no calking to game officials.
Previous rule only stated at conclusion of game.
During the last two minutes of the game and any overtime period, all deliberate defensive fouls away from the
play except loose ball fouls will be treated as follows: The foul is charged as a penalty and team foul but treated
as a technical. This technical may be shot by anyone and the team retains possession of the ball
The three-point field goal is tried in pre-season.
1979-80
NBA schedule for 1979-80 season calls for each team to play teams in its own conference six times and teams
in the other conferences two times.
Three-point line established 22 feet in the corners extending to 23 feet, nine inches at the top of the key.
Number of referees officiating game reduced from three to two.
If a team is attempting to bring the ball across the centerline within 10 seconds and a defensive player causes
the ball to go out of bounds in the backcourt, the offensive team will no longer receive an additional 10-second
count in which to advance the ball past the centerline.
Coaches and trainers are limited, during games, to a 28-foot area between the baseline and a hash mark to be
placed 19 feet from mid-court. The penalty is a technical foul.
There was concern that coaches and trainers were roaming too far away from their benches and interfering
with the functions of the scorer’s table.
Any player who shatters a backboard as a result of contact with either the back-board or rim, will immediately'
be ejected from the game upon a technical foul and will, absent the most. extenuating circumstances, be
suspended without pay for at least the club's next regularly scheduled game.
Tiebreaking to determine playoff positions and participation shall be as follows:
o “Ties to determine a Divisional Championship must be broken first.
o In order to break a tie for playoff positions, if one exists at the close of the regular season, the following
criteria will be utilized in the order set forth:
A. Two-way tie
1. Results of games against each other
2. Winning percentage within Conference
3. Winning percentage within Division [only if tied teams are in same Division]
4. Winning percentage against playoff opponents in own Conference.
5. Point differential in head-to-head games.
6. Point differential between offense and defense.
B. More than two team tied
7. Cumulative winning percentage in total games involving all tied teams.
8. Winning percentage within Conference
9. Winning percentage within Division [only if tied teams are in same Division]
10. Winning percentage against playoff opponents in own Conference.
11. Point differential in head-to-head games.
12. Point differential between offense and defense.
o If a multiple team tie is reduced to a two-team tie at any point using the above criteria, the two-team tie
would be broken by beginning with the procedure outlined above in Section A, Step 1.”
1980-81
Game Clock and Red Light Behind Backboard to be Synchronized - Behind each backboard a red light will
be placed and synchronized to light up when the horn sounds at the expiration of each period.
Elimination of Jewelry and any Equipment Dangerous to Other Players - Players are not permitted to play
with any type of hand, arm, face, nose, ear, head or neck jewelry. Any equipment which is of hard substance
(casts, splints, guards, braces) must be padded or foam covered and have no exposed sharp or cutting edges.
Face masks, eye or nose protectors must conform to the contour of the face and have no sharp or protruding
edges.
Correcting Errors - Teams Lined Up Improperly - If any period begins with teams lined up improperly and
scores result from this error, all points will be deleted and the period restarted unless 10 seconds have elapsed
from the game clock. If 10 seconds have elapsed, all points count and teams shoot for the same baskets.
Twenty-second Time-out - Each team is entitled to one 20-second time-out per half for a total of two per
game. All overtimes are considered part of the second half. Only one substitution may be made. If the team
calling the time-out substitutes, the opposing team may also substitute one player. The calling of a second 20-
second time-out in a half automatically becomes a regular time-out. Teams are not permitted option privileges
on a 20-second time-out.
Time-out in Backcourt and Option - During the last two minutes of regulation play or overtime periods, a
team will have the option of moving the ball to midcourt if they have not dribbled or passed following a
rebound or change of possession after time is called. If the ball has been dribbled or passed following a rebound
or change of possession, the ball is put into play at the spot nearest where the ball was when time was called;
and time shall remain as it was.
Technical Foul on Offensive Team - Any time a technical foul is called on the offensive team; the 24-second
clock remains as is.
Resetting Clock on Punched Ball Violation - On any deliberate kicked or punched ball, the 24-second clock
will be reset to 24 seconds.
Flagrant Foul - Choosing Substitute Shooter for Man Injured After Being Fouled Flagrantly - If a flagrant
foul is called and the offended player is unable to attempt the free throw/s, his. coach may designate any
member of the team to attempt the free throw/s.
Goal Tending a Free Throw Attempt - A defensive player may not catch or deflect the ball before it reaches
the basket. The penalty is the scoring of the point and the same player receives another free throw. The
additional free throw is considered a new play.
Double Foul on the Ball - Jump Takes Place in Center Circle - This replaces the previous rule which had the
jump ball in the nearest circle.
Flagrant Foul - A player who commits a flagrant foul is automatically ejected. If the offended player is unable
to shoot, his coach may choose any player on or off the floor to attempt the foul/s.
The 24-second clock shall be reset after a zone warning.
New CBA contained a provision permitting the Commissioner to fine players up to $10,000 for certain violent
conduct during a game.
1981-82
Zone defense rules clarified with new rules for Illegal Defensive Alignments.
A. Weakside defenders may be in defensive position within the outside lane [16'] with no time limit
but within the inside lane [12'] for no longer than 2.9 seconds.
B. Defender is allowed within inside lane as long as he is closely guarding a player adjacent to the 3-
second lane.
C. Player without the ball may not be double-teamed from weakside.
D. Any offensive player may be double-teamed from strong side.
E. Offensive player above foul line and inside circle must be played by a defender inside dotted line.
F. If offensive player is above the top of the circle, defender must come to a position above foul line
or remain in either outside lane.
G. Defender on cutter must follow the cutter, switch, or double-team the ball.
After the first illegal defense violation, the clock is reset to 24 seconds. All subsequent violations result in one
free throw and possession of the ball. If any violation occurs during the last 24 seconds of each quarter or
overtime period, the offended team receives one free throw.
Backcourt fouls considered common fouls and two shots will only be awarded once offending team is over the
limit.
A player fouled on a successful field goal will attempt only one free throw [not 2-for-1] and a player. fouled on
an unsuccessful field goal attempt will shoot two free throws [not 3-for-2]. Thus Three free throws to make two;
two to make one eliminated.
The following will be the new technique on violations which necessitate putting the ball in play in the backcourt
only: "The official will give the ball to the offensive player as soon as the player is in position out of bounds
and ready to accept the ball."
The Toss Back Safety Rim, tested in last year's NBA pre-season and Continental Basketball Association games,
was approved following the addition of further safety features.
A player must report to an area within four feet of either side of the scorer with warm-ups removed before
referee beckons player into game. League will provide scorer with official black-and-white-striped cap to aid
player in reporting
Players were previously required to report “to the scorer.”
1982-83
After the ball is out-of-bounds, the team, not the official, shall designate a player to make the throw-in.
On a throw-in, which is not touched inbounds, the ball is returned to the original throw-in spot, as opposed to
the point where the ball crossed a boundary.
1983-84
If a 20-second timeout has been granted, and a mandatory timeout by the same team is due, only the mandatory
timeout will be charged.
If a shot is taken and made simultaneously with whistle for illegal defense, the basket should count and no
penalty imposed.
Player who goes into shooting motion on free throw and does not complete shot is charged with violation.
If a player cannot shoot free throw because of flagrant foul or unsportsmanlike act, he may re-enter the game.
A jump ball shall take place at the center circle following a double free-throw violation or if the ball lodges in
the basketball support.
A throw-in which touches the floor, or any object on or outside the boundary line, or touches anything above
the playing surface is a violation.
Any team that files a player contract with the League that does not incorporate all of the transactions and other
consideration, direct and indirect, between the team, and any affiliated or related entity, and the player, may be
fined by the Commissioner in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.
The playoff field was expanded from 12 to 16 teams next season. Eight teams from each conference will
qualify--the four division winners and the six teams with the next best records in each conference. All teams
will play best-of-five first-round series, eliminating the first-round byes and the best-of-three mini-series.
A rule was passed limiting the amount of cash involved in any transaction between Dec. 15 and the end of the
season to $300,000. This was done to prevent teams with greater financial resources from stocking their rosters
at the expense of teams with more limited means.
Any person who has been convicted or has pled guilty to a crime involving the use, possession, or distribution
of heroin or cocaine shall without exception, immediately be expelled and perpetually disqualified from further
association with the League or any of its teams. Any expelled person can apply for reinstatement after two
years, and reinstatement shall be granted only with prior approval of the BOG.
Upon request for a timeout, during the last 2 minutes of a game or overtime[s], the official will immediately
approach the head coach and ask him if he wishes a regular or 20-second timeout. Upon receiving an answer
from the head coach, the official will then notify the scorer.
All home teams are required to make available a TV feed for any visiting team that desires to videotape a game
on its own equipment.
1984-85
The number of timeouts teams are allowed in overtime increased from two to three regardless of the number of
timeouts called or remaining during the regulation play or previous overtimes.
BOG approved the adoption of a 2-3-2 Finals format.
In the instance of a "breakaway foul," where a player is in the frontcourt heading toward the basket and is
grabbed or hit from behind by an opponent who makes no attempt to play the ball, the penalty will be two free
throws plus possession of the ball.
Fine increased from $100 to $500 for coaches and players who do not leave the court and go directly to their
dressing rooms, without pause or delay, at halftime and the end of each game.
Fine increased from $150 to $500 for a player not in the game who does not remain in the vicinity of his team’s
bench during a fight.
1988-89
Number of referees officiating game increased from two to three.
1989-90
“Trent Tucker Rule” - when there is less than three-tenths of a second remaining on the clock, any shot other
than a tip-in or an alley-oop must be disallowed.
1990-91
Any substitute may be removed after a successful free throw attempt which was to remain in play, if the
offensive team requests and was granted a regular timeout.
The "Breakaway Foul" rule was amended to permit a referee to also call a flagrant foul on the same play
(allowing for subsequent ejection and a fine and/or suspension).
Visiting teams must be provided with at least 36 tickets for games. There would be no more than three assistant
coaches seated on a team bench.
The penalties for flagrant fouls are now divided into two categories. In the first category, where the officials
deem the contact to be excessive, but not excessive enough for ejection, the team against whom the foul has
been committed will be awarded two free throws and possession of the ball. In the second category, when the
officials deem a foul to be unnecessary and/or excessively rough, as well as potentially injurious, the team
against whom the foul has been committed will receive two free throws and possession of the ball and the
offender will be immediately ejected. The ejection carries with it a mandatory $250 fine, with the possibility of
a suspension and/or a substantially higher fine to go along with it.
The Board of Governors also approved a new procedure for breaking a tie for home-court advantage in the
NBA Finals. The first tiebreaking procedure will remain head-to-head record between the two teams, with the
second tiebreaker now becoming the record of the Eastern Conference team against teams in the West, and the
record of the western Conference team against teams in the East.
:00.3 must expire on the clock when a ball is inbounded and then hit instantly out-of-bounds
:00.3 is needed on the clock to catch the ball and shoot it into the basket whether the shot is made or not.
:00.3 must expire on the clock when a player gets possession of a missed free throw and immediately requests a
timeout.
:00.1 is needed on the clock to tip the ball in the basket whether the shot is made or not.
In the event a team did not shoot merited free throws due to an official's error, the error will not be corrected if,
on its next possession, affected team either scores or shoots earned free throws.
A coach was limited to one All-Star appearance every two years, commencing with the 1992 All-Star Game. In
the event that the coach whose team had the best conference record following games played on the Sunday two
weeks preceding the All-Star Game coached that conference's All-Star team in the previous All-Star Game, the
coach of the team with the second best record in the conference will coach the All-Star team from that
conference.
1991-92
Commencing 1/1/92, Teams were required to put game clocks in visiting team locker rooms.
There were new infection control guidelines for use during NBA games, to be implemented immediately. The
new guidelines apply to team physicians, trainers and equipment managers. The guidelines call for prompt
treatment of any injury where there is significant chance of infection, and the use of gloves and other routine
sanitary precautions where contact with blood is necessary.
1992-93
The 24-second clock is reset only when the basketball hits the rim.
Previously, the clock would be reset if the ball hit either the rim or the backboard.
The rule regarding infection control timeouts, originally adopted by the league last season, provides that in the
event of a player suffering a laceration or wound where bleeding occurs, game officials are to suspend the game
at the earliest appropriate time and remove the injured player from the game. The player is then allowed to
return after receiving appropriate medical attention.
The new rule allows either team, whether or not it has possession of the ball, to call a timeout when play is
suspended in order to allow the team to treat the injured player and return him to the game without missing
play. If that player's team has no timeouts remaining, the officials will give the team twenty seconds to treat the
wound, and if treatment is not completed in that time, the player must be removed from the game.
The Board has also modified a by-law, originally adopted in 1983, setting a limit on the amount of cash which
could be included in a player trade taking place from December 15 to the end of the Playoffs; the limit has been
raised from $300,000 to $1,000,000.
Any player who throws a punch now immediately ejected from the game, suspended for at least one game, and
fined an appropriate dollar amount.
Any player throwing a punch that connects with another player will be ejected from the game, suspended for a
minimum of one to five games, and fined an appropriate dollar amount.
Teams will also be fined an amount equal to the total sum of their players’ fines.
Any player leaving the bench area during a fight will be fined $2,500, up from $500, and that player’s team will
be fined $5,000 for each of its players who leave the bench area.
1993-94
The NBA announced it will be enforcing a new "five point" flagrant foul rule for repeat offenders this season,
as well as continuing to enforce the fighting rules that were instituted prior to the 1993 NBA Playoffs. Under
the new "five point" flagrant foul rules, a player will be penalized one point for every Flagrant 1 foul
(unnecessary contact committed by a player against an opponent) and two points for every Flagrant 2 foul
(unnecessary and excessive contact by a player against an opponent). If a player's season total exceeds five
points, he will receive an automatic suspension following the game in which his point total exceeds five and for
each additional flagrant foul committed during the season.
Additionally, any player in street clothes who leaves the bench area during a game will be ejected and
suspended for one game.
Any player in street clothes coming off the bench and getting involved in an altercation will be ejected, fined a
minimum of $10,000 and suspended for a minimum of one game, and his team will be fined $25,000.
Team officials (other than coaching staff) coming onto the court during a game will be barred from attending
the team's next two home games, and the team will be fined $10,000.
The Board of Governors extended the “five point” flagrant foul system to the playoffs – any player who
exceeded 3 points was suspended for at least one game. The system was adopted for the 1993-94 regular season
at the 11/4/1993 BOG meeting.
1994-95
Shortened the three-point line [22 feet in the corners extending to 23 feet, nine inches at the top of the key] to a
uniform 22 feet around the basket.
Awarded three foul shots for any player fouled while attempting a three-point field goal.
Any player who leaves the bench during a fight automatically suspended for a minimum of one game and fined
a maximum of $20,000; in addition to losing 1/82nd of his salary for each game, he is suspended. [If more than
five players are suspended, teams will be allowed to stagger the suspensions in order to have at least eight
players available for a game. In that case, some players would be suspended for the next game with the
remainder of the players suspended the game after that. The order of suspensions would be determined by the
alphabetical order of the players' last names.]
Any player who commits two flagrant fouls in one game will be ejected.
Hand-checking eliminated from the end line in the backcourt to the opposite foul line.
There will be stricter enforcement of taunting rules and any behavior that could provoke a fight.
Technical foul fines increased to $500 each. Previously, the fines were $100 for the first technical and $150 for
the second.
“Clear path” rule changed to include contact in the backcourt. If a defender, grabs a player when the player has
a clear path to the basket on a breakaway, two foul shots will be awarded.
The second or more of back-to-back timeouts when the ball is not inbounded will be limited to 45 seconds.
1996-97
A team that calls timeout without having any remaining will be assessed a technical foul and lose possession of
the ball.
No illegal defense violation may occur when the ball is in the backcourt.
1997-98
The three-point line, 22 feet from the basket, lengthened to its original distance of 23 feet, nine inches, except in
the corners, where the distance remained 22 feet.
A defender will not be permitted to use his forearm to impede the progress of an offensive player who is facing
the basket in the frontcourt.
A player will not be allowed to call timeout [regular or 20-second] if both of his feet are in the air and any part
of his body has broken the vertical plane of the boundary line.
The “no-charge area,” previously a two-by-six foot box where an offensive foul is not called if contact is made
with a secondary defensive player who has established a defensive position, will be expanded to the area
consisting of a half circle with a four-foot radius measured from the middle of the goal.
The rule modification now states that if two offensive players on the weakside (i.e. the side of the court away
from the ball) are positioned above the tip-of-circle extended, one of the two defenders may now legally occupy
any area on the weakside, except that he may not enter the inside lane other than to:
1. Aggressively double-team the ball
2. Defend an offensive player(s) who is open because of a double-team on the ball, or
3. As a normal reaction to a "ball fake." Following a "ball fake," the defender must immediately return to a
legal position or double-team on the ball.
Previously, if two offensive players were positioned above the tip-of-circle extended either on the strongside or
weakside of the court, both defenders had to be positioned above the free throw line extended.
1999-00
A defender may not make contact with his hands and/or forearms on an offensive player except below the free
throw line extended.
A five-second rule that mandates that a player must either shoot, pass or pick up his dribble within five seconds
if he begins dribbling the ball with his back toward the basket below the free throw line extended.
The 24-second shot clock will be re-set to 14 seconds if the violations listed below occur with less than 14
seconds remaining on the 24-second clock, and will remain unchanged if the violation occurs with 14 or more
seconds remaining on the 24-second clock:
1. A personal foul that does not result in free throw attempts.
2. Kicking the ball or blocking the ball with any part of the leg.
3. Punching the ball with a fist.
4. An illegal defense violation that does not result in free throw attempts.
No illegal defense guidelines will apply to a player who is defending an offensive player who is positioned on
the strong side [ball side] of the court.
2000-01
The number of timeouts per team per game was changed to six from seven.
The number of fourth-period timeouts per team was changed to three from four.
The number of timeouts per team during the last two minutes of the fourth period or last two minutes of an
overtime period was changed to two from three.
Full timeouts in regulation and overtime will be reduced from 100 to 60 seconds with the following exceptions:
[1] the first two timeouts in each period, regardless of which team calls them. [2] the two mandatory timeouts in
the second and fourth periods. In those two instances, timeouts will continue to be 100 seconds.
Previously all full timeouts were 100 seconds.
During 20-second timeouts in the last two minutes of the fourth period and/or any overtime period there are
unlimited substitutions.
Previously the team calling the timeout could substitute one player. The other team could substitute only if
the team calling timeout substituted.
After a change of possession in the last two minutes of regulation or any overtime period, the offensive team
can call a regular or 20-second timeout and advance the ball to midcourt. The team has the option of inbounding
the ball in the frontcourt or backcourt. If it passes into the backcourt, the 10-second rule applies.
Previously teams could advance the ball only by calling a regular timeout and had to inbound the ball into
the frontcourt.
If neither team has taken a timeout in the second and fourth quarter when there is 8:59 remaining, there will be a
mandatory timeout after the first dead ball. If neither team has taken a timeout in all four periods when there is
5:59 remaining, there will be a mandatory timeout after the first dead ball.
Previously, timeouts were taken after dead balls after 9:59 in the second and fourth periods and after 6:59
in every period.
If the offense retains possession after a jump ball, the clock is reset to 14 seconds or remains the same if there
are more than 14 seconds on the clock. If the defense gains possession, the clock is reset to 24 seconds.
Previously, if the offense retained possession, the clock was reset to 24 seconds.
If a player is fouled when he has a clear-path-to-the-basket, he gets one free throw and his team gets possession
of the ball at midcourt.
Previously, the player received two free throws.
No contact with either hands or forearms by defenders except in the frontcourt below the free throw line
extended in which case the defender may use his forearm only.
Neither the offensive player nor the defender will be allowed to dislodge or displace a player who has legally
obtained a position.
Defender may not use his forearm, shoulder, hip or hand to reroute or hold-up an offensive player going from
point A to Point B or one who is attempting to come around a legal screen set by another offensive player.
Slowing or impeding the progress of the screener by grabbing, clutching, holding “chucking” or “wrapping up”
is prohibited.
A five-second count will begin if an offensive player with the ball and not facing-up starts dribbling below the
free throw line extended while being closely guarded or starts dribbling outside and then penetrates below the
free throw line extended while being closely guarded. [The five-second count commences when the offensive
player penetrates the free throw line extended]. After five seconds, a violation will have occurred and the
offensive team will lose possession.
The shot clock shall remain as it is or be recycled to 14 seconds if it is below 14 for a common foul requiring no
free throw attempts occurs, kicked or punched ball violation, or an illegal defense requiring no free throw
attempts.
On the strongside, any defense is legal.
On the weakside, defenders must remain on the weakside outside the paint unless [i] they are double-teaming
the ball, [ii] picking up a free cutter or [iii] closely guarding an offensive player.
2001-02
Illegal defense guidelines will be eliminated in their entirety.
A new defensive three-second rule will prohibit a defensive player from remaining in the lane for more than
three consecutive seconds without closely guarding an offensive player.
The time that a team has to advance the ball past midcourt will be reduced from ten seconds to eight.
Brief contact initiated by a defensive player will be allowed if it does not impede the progress of the player with
the ball.
2002-03
The Board of Governors approved the use of instant replay to review certain last-second plays at the end of each
quarter and overtime periods. The call made during play will only be reversed when the replay provides the
officials with a "clear and conclusive" basis to do so. Instant replay review will be triggered automatically- and
not at the discretion of the officials or teams - in the following situations:
o FIELD-GOAL ATTEMPTS
A. A field goal that could affect the outcome of the game is made with no time remaining on the clock
(0:00) at the end of the fourth quarter or any overtime period.
B. A field goal is made with no time remaining on the clock (0:00) at the end of the first, second and third
quarters.
Once replay is triggered in either of these two situations, the officials will review instant replay to
determine whether time on the game clock had expired before the ball left the shooter's hand. If the shot
was timely, the officials may also review tape to determine if the field goal was scored correctly as a twopoint
or three-point basket, whether the shooter committed a boundary line violation when he released
the ball and whether a 24-second clock or 8-second backcourt violation occurred before the shot.
o FOULS
A. A foul for which the resulting free throws could affect the outcome of the game is called with no time
B. remaining on the clock (0:00) at the end of the fourth quarter or any overtime period.
C. A foul is called with no time remaining on the clock (0:00) at the end of the first, second and third
quarters.
In these situations, officials will review instant replay to determine only whether the called foul occurred
prior to the expiration of time on the game clock and not whether the call itself was correct.
