Interpretations

Article 29/51

Shot clock

29/51-1Statement

A shot for a goal is attempted close to the end of the shot clock period and the shot clock signal sounds while the ball is in the air.

  • If the ball enters the basket, the goal shall count.
  • If the ball touches the ring and rebounds from it, the game shall continue with 24 seconds on the shot clock. If the same team that was in control of the ball before the ball touched the ring regains control of the ball, the game shall continue with 14 seconds on the shot clock.
  • If the ball misses the ring, the referees shall wait to see whether the opponents gain an immediate and clear control of the ball.
    • If yes, the shot clock signal shall be disregarded.
    • If not, this is a shot clock violation. The ball shall be awarded to the opponents for the throw-in from the place nearest to where the game was stopped, except from directly behind the backboard.
29/51-2Example

A1’s shot for a goal is in the air when the shot clock signal sounds. The ball touches the backboard and then rolls on the court, where it is first touched by B1, then by A2 and is finally controlled by B2.

Interpretation

This is a shot clock violation by team A. A1’s shot missed the ring and team B did not gain an immediate and clear control of the ball.

29/51-3Example

During A1’s shot for a goal the ball touches the backboard but misses the ring. The ball is then touched but not controlled by B1, after which A2 gains control of the ball. The shot clock signal sounds.

Interpretation

This is a shot clock violation by team A.

29/51-4Example

A1’s shot for a goal at the end of a shot clock period is legally blocked by B1. The shot clock signal sounds. B1 fouls A1.

Interpretation

This is a shot clock violation by team A. B1’s foul against A1 shall be disregarded unless it is a flagrant or disqualifying foul.

29/51-5Example

A1’s shot for a goal is in the air when the shot clock signal sounds. The ball misses the ring, after which a) a held ball between A2 and B2 occurs. b) B1 taps it out-of-bounds.

Interpretation

In both cases, this is a shot clock violation by team A. Team B did not gain an immediate and clear control of the ball.

29/51-6Example

B1 fouls A1 in the act of shooting for a goal when at approximately the same time the shot clock expired. The ball enters the basket.

Interpretation

If the ball was a) still in A1’s hands and B1’s foul occurred before the shot clock expired, or b) already in the air on A1’s shot for a goal and B1’s foul occurred before the shot clock expired, or c) already in the air on A1’s shot for a goal and B1’s foul occurred after the shot clock expired, it is not a shot clock violation. A1’s goal shall count. A1 shall attempt 1 additional free throw. The game shall be resumed as after any last free throw. d) still in A1’s hands and B1’s foul occurred after the shot clock expired, it is a shot clock violation. A1’s goal shall not count. B1’s foul shall be disregarded unless it is a flagrant or disqualifying foul. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the free-throw line extended.

29/51-7Example

With 25.2 seconds on the game clock, team A gains control of the ball. With 1 second on the shot clock, A1 attempts a shot for a goal. While the ball is in the air, the shot clock signal sounds. The ball misses the ring and a) after another 1.2 seconds, the game clock signal sounds for the end of the quarter. b) A2 catches the ball on a rebound. The referee calls the violation with the game clock showing 0.8 of a second.

Interpretation

In (a) this is not a shot clock violation by team A. The referee was waiting to see if team B gained immediate and clear control of the ball and therefore did not call a violation. The quarter has ended. In (b) this is a shot clock violation by team A. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the place nearest to where the game was stopped, with the game clock showing 0.8 of a second.

29/51-8Example

With 25.2 seconds on the game clock, team A gains control of the ball. With 1.2 seconds on the game clock and with A1 having the ball in the hands, the shot clock signal sounds. The referee calls a violation with the game clock showing 0.8 of a second.

Interpretation

This is a shot clock violation by team A. As the violation occurred with 1.2 seconds on the game clock, the referees shall correct the game clock. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the place nearest to where the game was stopped, with the game clock showing 1.2 seconds.

29/51-9Statement

If the shot clock signal sounds and the opponents gain an immediate and clear control of the ball, the shot clock signal shall be disregarded. The game shall continue.

29/51-10Example

Close to the end of the shot clock period, A1’s pass is missed by A2 (both players are in their frontcourt) and the ball rolls into team A’s backcourt. Before B1 gains control of the ball with a free path to the basket, the shot clock signal sounds.

Interpretation

If B1 gains an immediate and clear control of the ball, the signal shall be disregarded. The game shall continue.

29/51-11Example

After a goal scored by the opponents and with 25.3 seconds on the game clock, team A has the ball for a throw-in from behind its endline. Close to the end of the shot-clock period, A1’s pass to A2 is deflected by B1 and the shot clock signal sounds. The referee calls a shot clock violation with the game clock showing 0.8 of a second.

Interpretation

This is a shot clock violation by team A which occurred with the game clock showing 0.8 of a second. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the place nearest to where the game was stopped, with the game clock showing 0.8 of a second.

29/51-12Statement

If a team that was in control of the ball is awarded an alternating possession throw-in, that team shall have only the time remaining on the shot clock when the jump ball situation occurred.

29/51-13Example

Team A is in control of the ball in its frontcourt with 10 seconds on the shot clock when a jump ball situation occurs. An alternating possession throw-in is awarded to

  • (a) team A.
  • (b) team B.
Interpretation
  • (a) Team A shall have 10 seconds on the shot clock.
  • (b) Team B shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock.
29/51-14Statement

If the game is stopped by a referee for a foul or violation (excluding for the ball having gone out-of-bounds) called against the team not in control of the ball and the possession of the ball is awarded to the same team that previously had control of the ball in its frontcourt, the shot clock shall be reset as follows:

  • If 14 seconds or more are shown on the shot clock when the game was stopped, the shot clock shall continue with the time remaining on the shot clock.
  • If 13 seconds or less are shown on the shot clock when the game was stopped, the team shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.
29/51-15Example

With 8 seconds on the shot clock, A1 dribbles in the frontcourt when

  • (a) B1 taps the ball out-of-bounds in the team A frontcourt.
  • (b) B1 fouls A1. This is the second team B foul in the quarter.
Interpretation

The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in in the frontcourt with

  • (a) 8 seconds
  • (b) 14 seconds on the shot clock.
29/51-16Example

With 4 seconds on the shot clock, team A is in control of the ball in its frontcourt when

  • (a) A1
  • (b) B1 is injured. The referee stops the game.
Interpretation

Team A shall have

  • (a) 4 seconds
  • (b) 14 seconds on the shot clock.
29/51-17Example

With 6 seconds on the shot clock, A1’s shot for a goal is in the air when a double foul between A2 and B2 occurs. The alternating possession arrow favours team A.

  • (a) The ball misses the ring.
  • (b) The ball touches the ring.
Interpretation

Team A shall have

  • (a) 6 seconds
  • (b) 14 seconds on the shot clock.
29/51-18Example

With 5 seconds on the shot clock, A1 dribbles when B1 is charged with a technical foul of any category, after which the team A head coach is charged with a category 1 technical foul.

Interpretation

After the cancellation of equal penalties, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in. Team A shall have 5 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-19Example

With

  • (a) 16 seconds
  • (b) 12 seconds on the shot clock, A1 passes the ball to A2, both in the frontcourt, when B1 in the backcourt deliberately kicks or strikes the ball with the fist.
Interpretation

In both cases, this is a violation by B1 for kicking the ball or striking it with the fist. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from its frontcourt with

  • (a) 16 seconds
  • (b) 14 seconds on the shot clock.
29/51-20Example

With 6 seconds on the shot clock, A1 dribbles in the frontcourt when B2 is charged with a disruptive, flagrant or disqualifying foul against A2.

Interpretation

After A2’s 2 free throws with no line-up, regardless of whether made or missed, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the throw-in line opposite the scorer’s table in its frontcourt. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-21Statement

If the game is stopped by a referee for any valid reason not connected with either team and if the opponents would be placed at a disadvantage, the shot clock shall continue with the time remaining.

29/51-22Example

With 25 seconds on the game clock in the fourth quarter and with the score A 72 – B 72, team A gains control of the ball in its frontcourt. A1 dribbles for 20 seconds when the game is stopped by the referees because of:

  • (a) the game clock or the shot clock failing to run or to start.
  • (b) a bottle being thrown on to the court.
  • (c) the shot clock being erroneously reset.
Interpretation

In all cases, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where the game was stopped. Team A shall have 4 seconds on the shot clock. Team B would be placed at a disadvantage if the game were resumed with no time remaining on the shot clock.

29/51-23Example

A1’s shot for a goal touches the ring. A2 rebounds the ball and 9 seconds later the shot clock signal sounds in error. The referees stop the game.

Interpretation

This is an error in the shot clock operation of not resetting the shot clock. After consulting the commissioner, if present, and the shot clock operator, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in. Team A shall have 5 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-24Example

With 4 seconds on the shot clock, A1 attempts a shot for a goal. The ball misses the ring but the shot clock operator erroneously resets the clock. A2 rebounds the ball and after a certain time, A3 scores a goal. At this time, the referees recognise the error.

Interpretation

The referees, after consulting the commissioner, if present, shall confirm that the ball missed the ring during A1’s shot. If so, they shall then decide if the ball had left A3’s hands before the shot clock would have sounded if the reset had not taken place. If so, A3’s goal shall count. If not, a shot clock violation occurred and A3’s goal shall not count.

29/51-25Statement

A shot for a goal is released and a foul is then called against a defensive player in the defensive team’s backcourt. If the game is resumed with a throw-in, the shot clock shall be reset as follows:

  • If 14 seconds or more are displayed on the shot clock at the time when the game was stopped, the shot clock shall not be reset but shall continue from the time it was stopped.
  • If 13 seconds or less are displayed on the shot clock at the time when the game was stopped, the shot clock shall be reset to 14 seconds.
29/51-26Example

A1 attempts a shot for a goal. The ball enters the basket. B2 in the backcourt fouls A2. This is the third team B foul in the quarter.

Interpretation

A1’s goal shall count. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where B2’s foul occurred. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-27Example

With 17 seconds on the shot clock, A1’s shot for a goal is in the air when B2 in the backcourt fouls A2. This is the second team B foul in the quarter. The ball

  • (a) rebounds from the ring but does not enter the basket.
  • (b) misses the ring.
Interpretation

In both cases, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in in its frontcourt from the place nearest to where B2’s foul occurred. Team A shall have 17 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-28Example

With 10 seconds on the shot clock, A1’s shot for a goal is in the air when B2 in the backcourt fouls A2. This is the second team B foul in the quarter. The ball

  • (a) enters the basket.
  • (b) rebounds from the ring but does not enter the basket.
  • (c) misses the ring.
Interpretation

In (a) A1’s goal shall count. In all cases, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in in its frontcourt from the place nearest to where B2’s foul occurred. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-29Example

A1’s shot for a goal is in the air when the shot clock signal sounds. B2 in the backcourt fouls A2. This is the second team B foul in the quarter. The ball

  • (a) enters the basket.
  • (b) rebounds from the ring but does not enter the basket.
  • (c) misses the ring.
Interpretation

In (a) A1’s goal shall count. In all cases, this is not a shot clock violation by team A. The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in in its frontcourt from the place nearest to where B2’s foul occurred. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-30Example

With 10 seconds on the shot clock, A1’s shot for a goal is in the air when B2 in the backcourt fouls A2. This is the fifth team B foul in the quarter. The ball

  • (a) enters the basket.
  • (b) rebounds from the ring but does not enter the basket.
  • (c) misses the ring.
Interpretation

In (a) A1’s goal shall count. In all cases, A2 shall attempt 2 free throws. The game shall be resumed as after any last free throw.

29/51-31Example

A1’s shot for a goal is in the air when the shot clock signal sounds and B2 fouls A2 before the ball

  • (a) enters the basket.
  • (b) rebounds from the ring but does not enter the basket.
  • (c) misses the ring. B2’s foul is the fifth team B in the quarter.
Interpretation

In (a) A1’s goal shall count. In all cases, this is not a shot clock violation by team A. A2 shall attempt 2 free throws. The game shall be resumed as after any last free throw.

29/51-32Statement

A throw-in resulting from a disruptive, flagrant or disqualifying foul penalty shall always be administered from the throw-in line opposite the scorer’s table in the team’s frontcourt. The team shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-33Example

With 1:12 on the game clock and with 6 seconds on the shot clock in the fourth quarter, A1 dribbles in the frontcourt when B1 is charged with a disruptive, flagrant or disqualifying foul committed against A1. After A1’s first free throw, the team A head coach or the team B head coach requests a time-out.

Interpretation

A1 shall attempt the second free throw with no line-up. The time-out shall then be granted. After the time-out, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the throw-in line opposite the scorer’s table in its frontcourt. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-34Example

With 19 seconds on the shot clock, A1 dribbles in the frontcourt when B2 is charged with a disruptive, flagrant or disqualifying foul committed against A2.

Interpretation

After A2’s 2 free throws with no line-up, regardless of whether made or missed, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the throw-in line opposite the scorer’s table in its frontcourt. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-35Statement

After the ball touches the ring of the opponents’ basket for any reason, the team shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock, if the team which gains control of the ball is the same team that was in control of the ball before the ball touched the ring.

29/51-36Example

During A1’s pass to A2, the ball touches B2 after which the ball touches the ring. A3 gains control of the ball.

Interpretation

Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock when A3 gains control of the ball anywhere on the court.

29/51-37Example

A1 attempts a shot for a goal with

  • (a) 4 seconds
  • (b) 20 seconds on the shot clock. The ball touches the ring, rebounds from it and A2 gains control of the ball.
Interpretation

In both cases, team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock when A2 gains control of the ball anywhere on the court.

29/51-38Example

A1 attempts a shot for a goal. The ball touches the ring.

  • (a) B1 touches the ball.
  • (b) A2 taps the ball. and A3 then gains control of the ball.
Interpretation

In both cases, team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock when A3 gains control of the ball anywhere on the court.

29/51-39Example

A1 attempts a shot for a goal. The ball touches the ring. B1 then touches the ball before it goes out-of-bounds.

Interpretation

The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball went out-of-bounds. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock regardless of where on the floor the throw-in shall be administered.

29/51-40Example

With 4 seconds on the shot clock, A1 throws the ball towards the ring to reset the shot clock. The ball touches the ring. B1 then touches the ball before it goes out-of-bounds in the team A backcourt.

Interpretation

The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in in its backcourt from the place nearest to where the ball went out-of-bounds. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-41Example

With 6 seconds on the shot clock, A1 attempts a shot for a goal. The ball touches the ring and A2 gains control of the ball. B2 then fouls A2 during the rebound. This is the third team B foul in the quarter.

Interpretation

The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where B2’s foul occurred. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-42Example

A1 attempts a shot for a goal. The ball touches the ring and during the rebound a held ball between A2 and B2 occurs. The alternating possession arrow favours team A.

Interpretation

The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from the place nearest to where the held ball occurred. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-43Example

A1 attempts a shot for a goal with

  • (a) 8 seconds
  • (b) 17 seconds on the shot clock. The ball lodges between the ring and the backboard. The alternating possession arrow favours team A.
Interpretation

In both cases, the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in from behind the endline in its frontcourt nearest to the backboard. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-44Example

A1 in the frontcourt passes the ball for an alley-oop to A2 who does not catch the ball. The ball touches the ring, after which A3 gains control of the ball in team A’s

  • (a) frontcourt.
  • (b) backcourt.
Interpretation
  • (a) Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.
  • (b) This is a team A backcourt violation as team A did not lose the control of the ball.
29/51-45Example

A1’s shot for a goal touches the ring. B1 rebounds the ball and B1 lands on the court. A2 taps the ball out of B1’s hands. A3 now catches the ball.

Interpretation

Team B (B1) has gained clear control of the ball during the rebound, after which team A (A3) gained a new control. Team A shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-46Example

With 5 seconds on the shot clock, thrower-in A1 passes the ball towards the team B basket. The ball touches the ring and is then touched but not controlled by A2 or B2.

Interpretation

The game clock and the shot clock shall be started simultaneously when the ball touches or is touched by either player on the court. If team A then gains control of the ball on the court, it shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. If team B then gains control of the ball on the court, it shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-47Statement

During the game with the game clock running, whenever a team gains a new possession of a live ball either in its frontcourt or in its backcourt, that team shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-48Example

While the game clock is running, A1 gains new possession of the ball on the court in its

  • (a) backcourt.
  • (b) frontcourt.
Interpretation

In both cases, team A shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-49Example

After a team B throw-in, A1 gains an immediate and clear new possession of the ball on the court in its

  • (a) backcourt.
  • (b) frontcourt.
Interpretation

In both cases, team A shall have 24 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-50Statement

The game is stopped by a referee for a foul or violation (including for the ball having gone out-of-bounds) called against the team in control of the ball. If the ball is awarded to the opponents with a throw-in from its frontcourt, that team shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-51Example

Within the backcourt A1 passes the ball to A2. A2 touches but does not catch the ball before it goes out-of-bounds in team A’s backcourt.

Interpretation

The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in in its frontcourt from the place nearest to where the ball went out-of-bounds. Team B shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock.

29/51-52Statement

Whenever a team gains or regains control of a live ball anywhere on the court with less than 24 seconds on the game clock, the shot clock shall have no display visible. After the ball has touched the ring of the opponents’ basket and the offensive team regains the control of a live ball anywhere on the court with less than 24 seconds and more than 14 seconds on the game clock, the team shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock. If there are 14 seconds or less on the game clock, the shot clock shall have no display visible.

29/51-53Example

With 12 seconds on the game clock, thrower-in A1 gains a new control of the ball.

Interpretation

The shot clock shall have no display visible.

29/51-54Example

With 23 seconds on the game clock, A1 gains a new control of the ball on the court. With 18 seconds on the game clock, B1 in the backcourt deliberately kicks the ball.

Interpretation

The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in in its frontcourt from the place nearest to where B1 kicked the ball. The game clock shows 18 seconds. The shot clock shall have no display visible.

29/51-55Example

With 23 seconds on the game clock, A1 gains a new control of the ball on the court. The shot clock has no display visible. With 19 seconds on the game clock, A1 attempts a shot for a goal. The ball touches the ring. Team A regains the control of the ball by A2 rebounding it, with 16 seconds on the game clock.

Interpretation

The game shall continue with 16 seconds on the game clock. The shot clock shall be switched on. Team A shall have 14 seconds on the shot clock as there were more than 14 seconds on the game clock when team A regained the control of the ball.

29/51-56Example

With 23 seconds on the game clock, A1 gains a new control of the ball on the court. The shot clock has no display visible. With 15 seconds on the game clock, A1 attempts a shot for a goal. The ball touches the ring and B1 taps it out-of-bounds in team B’s backcourt, with 12 seconds on the game clock.

Interpretation

The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in in its frontcourt from the place nearest to where the ball went out-of-bounds, with 12 seconds on the game clock. The shot clock shall continue to have no display visible as there were less than 14 seconds on the game clock when team A regained the control of the ball.

29/51-57Example

With 22 seconds on the game clock, A1 gains a new control of the ball on the court. The shot clock has no display visible. With 18 seconds on the game clock, A1 attempts a shot for a goal. The ball misses the ring and B1 taps it out-of-bounds in team B’s backcourt, with

  • (a) 15.5 seconds
  • (b) 12 seconds on the game clock.
Interpretation

The game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in in its frontcourt from the place nearest to where the ball went out-of-bounds, with the time remaining on the game clock. The shot clock shall continue to have no display visible, as team A had gained a new control of the ball with less than 24 seconds on the game clock.