Rule Differences
The main FIBA, NBA and NCAA rule differences are summarised in the following table:
| Rule | FIBA | NBA | NCAA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playing time | 4x10 minutes 5 minutes over-time (OT) |
4x12 minutes 5 minutes over-time |
2x20 minutes 5 minutes over-time |
| Shot clock | 24 seconds After offensive rebound: 14 seconds |
24 seconds | Men: 35 seconds Women: 30 seconds |
| 3-point line | 6.75m (6.60 on baseline) | 7.24m (6.70m on baseline) | Men: 6.25m Women: 6.325m |
| Time-outs | 2 in first half 3 in second half (but only 2 in last two minutes of the 4th period) 1 per OT period Always 60 seconds Never carried over |
6 regular 2 per OT period = 60 or 100 seconds + 1 short time-out (20 seconds) per half The second short time-out can be carried over to OT period !!! additional regulations |
4 regular 30 seconds + long 60 seconds Maximum 3 regular and 1 long in second half !!! additional regulations |
| Jump ball and alternating possession | Jump ball to star game The one losing initial jump ball gets possession for the next jump ball situation Alternating possession between teams thereafter for all jump ball situations |
Jump ball to star game The one losing initial jump ball gets possession to start 2nd and 4th quarters The one winning initial jump ball gets possession to start 3rd quarter All other jump ball situations played as "real jump ball" |
Jump ball to star game The one losing initial jump ball gets possession for the next jump ball situation Alternating possession between teams thereafter for all jump ball situations Jump ball to start OT |
| Individual foul | Foul out on 5 (personal and technical) | Foul out on 6 or 2 technical | Foul out on 5 (personal and technical) |
| Team fouls and bonus free-throws | 2 free-throws awarded for each (non-shooting) foul after the 4th period (includes player technical fouls) Does not include offensive fouls/fouls by team in possession |
2 free-throws awarded for each foul after the 4th team foul or last two minutes of each quarter, whichever comes first Does not include offensive fouls and technical fouls |
1 free throw, plus another if the first is successful is awarded on the 7th, 8th and 9th foul of each half; the penalty is increased to two shots on the 10th and subsequent fouls; overtime is an extension of the second half. Does not include offensive fouls |
| Technical foul (penalty) |
1 free throw and possession of the ball at centre | 1 free throw per technical foul; play resumes at the point of interruption; foul is charged to individual in question (and automatic fine assessed) | 2 free throws, play resumes at point of interruption |
| Goaltending/basket interference | No blocking a ball in downward flight towards the rim. Once the ball strikes the rim, any player can play the ball (i.e. swat it away or tap it in) |
No blocking a ball in downward flight towards the rim. An imaginary cylinder exists that has the basket as its base. Touching the ball while any part of it is in this cylinder (and still has a chance to go in) is a violation |
No blocking a ball in downward flight towards the rim. An imaginary cylinder exists that has the basket as its base. Touching the ball while any part of it is in this cylinder (and still has a chance to go in) is a violation. |
| Zone defense | Legal | Legal but… defensive player may not stay in the lane (a.k.a. key, restricted area) for longer than three seconds if he is not actively guarding an opponent |
Legal |
| Player numbers | 00, 0, 1-99 | Any one or two digit number | 00 (or 0), 1-5, 10-15, 20-25, 30-35, 40-45, 50-55 |