Interpretations

Article 33

Contact: General principles

33-1Statement

The cylinder principle applies to all players, regardless of whether they are defensive or offensive players.

33-2Example

A1 is in the air on the shot for a 3-point goal. A1 extends the leg which contacts the defensive player B1.

Interpretation

This is a foul by A1 for moving the leg outside the boundaries of the cylinder and contacting the defensive player B1.

33-3Statement

The purpose of the no-charge semi-circle rule (Article 33.10) is to not reward a defensive player who takes a position under the defensive team’s own basket to draw a charging foul against an offensive player who is in control of the ball and drives to the basket. For the no-charge semi-circle rule the following criteria shall apply:

  • (a) The defensive player shall have one foot or both feet in contact with the semicircle area (Diagram 5). The semi-circle line is part of the semi-circle area. For all play situations outside the no-charge semi-circle area or for plays developing from the area between the semi-circle area and the endline.
  • (b) The offensive player shall drive to the basket over the semi-circle line and attempt a shot for a goal or a pass while airborne. The no-charge semi-circle rule criteria shall not apply, and any contact shall be judged according to the rules, e. g. cylinder principle, charge/block principle: For all rebounding play situations when, after a shot, the ball rebounds and illegal contact occurs.
  • (c) For any illegal use of the hands, arms, legs or body by either the offensive or defensive player.
Diagram 5Position of a player inside/outside the no-charge semi-circle area
33-4Example

A1 attempts a jump shot that starts from outside the semi-circle area. A1 charges into B1 who is in contact with the semi-circle area.

Interpretation

This is a legal play by A1. The no-charge semi-circle rule shall apply.

33-5Example

A1 dribbles along the endline and, after reaching the area behind the backboard, jumps on the court towards the free-throw line. A1 charges into B1 who is in a legal guarding position in contact with the semi-circle area.

Interpretation

This is a team control foul by A1. The no-charge semi-circle rule shall not apply. A1 entered the no-charge semi-circle area from the court directly behind the backboard and its extended imaginary line.

33-6Example

A1’s shot for a goal rebounds from the ring. A2 jumps, catches the ball and then charges into B1 who is in a legal guarding position in contact with the semicircle area.

Interpretation

This is a team control foul by A2. The no-charge semi-circle rule shall not apply.

33-7Example

A1 drives to the basket in the act of shooting. Instead of ending the drive with a shot for a goal, A1 passes the ball to A2 who is directly following A1. A1 then charges into B1 who is in contact with the no-charge semi-circle area. At approximately the same time, A2 with the ball in the hands is on a direct drive to the basket in an attempt to score.

Interpretation

This is a team control foul by A1. The no-charge semi-circle rule shall not apply. A1 illegally uses the body to clear the way for A2 to the basket.

33-8Example

A1 drives to the basket in the act of shooting. While A1 is airborne, instead of ending the drive with a shot for a goal, A1 passes the ball to A2 who is standing in the corner of the court. A1 then charges into B1 who is in contact with the no-charge semi-circle area.

Interpretation

This is a legal play by A1. The no-charge semi-circle rule shall apply.

33-9Example

A1 drives to the basket in the act of shooting. A1 uses the arm to push away B1 who is in contact with the no-charge semi-circle area, before releasing the ball for a shot for goal.

Interpretation

This is a team control foul by A1. The no-charge semi-circle rule shall not apply as A1 illegally uses the arm.

33-10Example

A1 attempts a jump shot that starts from outside the no-charge semi-circle area and contacts B1 who is in the air after jumping vertically from the semi-circle area.

Interpretation

This is a legal play by B1. The no-charge semi-circle rule shall not apply as B1 does not have one foot or both feet in contact with the semi-circle area when the contact with A1 occurs. Any contact shall be judged according to the rules.

33-11Statement

A personal foul is a player’s illegal contact with an opponent. The player causing the illegal contact with the opponent shall be penalised accordingly.

33-12Example

A1 attempts a shot for a goal. B1 pushes team-mate B2 who then causes an illegal contact with A1 in the act of shooting. The ball enters the basket.

Interpretation

A1 shall be awarded 2 or 3 points. B2 has contacted A1 and shall be charged with the foul. A1 shall attempt 1 free throw. The game shall continue as after any last free throw.

33-13Example

A1 attempts a shot for a goal. B2 pushes A2 who then causes an unnecessary contact with team-mate A1. The ball enters the basket. This is the third team B foul in the quarter.

Interpretation

A1’s basket shall count. Team A shall be awarded a throw-in as a result of B2’s foul committed against A2. The throw-in shall take place from the place nearest to where B2’s personal foul occurred.