Article 45
Correctable errors
Referees may correct category 1 errors only if a rule is incorrectly applied in the following situations:
- Awarding an unmerited free throw(s).
- Failing to award a merited free throw(s).
- Permitting the wrong player to attempt a free throw(s).
- Directing the wrong player to attempt a free throw(s).
- Erroneously awarding or cancelling of a point(s).
- Reporting a foul on the wrong player, head coach or team.
- Scorer errors, including: — failing to record or erroneously recording points. — failing to record or recording a foul on the wrong player, head coach or team. — failing to record or recording a time-out on the wrong team.
- Game clock errors, including malfunctions, or errors in starting or stopping the game clock correctly or in setting the correct time on the game clock. Referees may correct category 2 errors only if a rule is incorrectly applied in the following situations:
- Shot clock errors, including malfunctions, or errors in starting or stopping the shot clock or in setting the correct time on the shot clock.
To be correctable, category 1 errors must be recognised and corrected by the referees, commissioner, if present, or table officials as follows:
- If the error occurs before the game clock shows 2:00 minutes or less in the fourth quarter, the error must be recognised and corrected before 2:00 minutes or less are remaining on the game clock.
- If the error occurs before the game clock shows 2:00 minutes or less in the fourth quarter, but the referees stop the game for the first time with less than 2:00 minutes remaining on the game clock, the error must be recognised and corrected before the ball becomes live again.
- If the error occurs after the game clock shows less than 2:00 minutes in the fourth quarter or in an overtime, the error must be recognised and corrected before the ball becomes live after the first time the referees have stopped the game for any reason following the error.
With 3:37 on the game clock in the second quarter, B1 fouls A1. This is the fourth team B foul in the quarter. A1 is erroneously awarded 2 free throws. The error is recognised
In (a), the error is correctable. In (b), the opportunity to correct the error expired. The error is no longer correctable and shall be disregarded.
With 2:13 on the game clock in the fourth quarter, B1 fouls A1. This is the sixth team B foul in the fourth quarter. A1 is awarded 2 free throws. Instead of A1, the referee directs A2 to attempt the free throws. The error is recognised
In (a), the error is correctable. In (b), the opportunity to correct the error has expired. The error is no longer correctable and shall be disregarded.
With 1:14 on the game clock in the fourth quarter, B1 fouls A1 in the act of shooting for a 2-point goal. The ball does not enter the basket. The referee erroneously awards A1 2 points and 1 additional free throw. The error is recognised
In (a), and (b), the error is correctable. In (c) and (d), the opportunity to correct the error has expired. The error is no longer correctable and shall be disregarded.
If the error constitutes the referee erroneously awarding an unmerited free throw(s), and the error is recognised within the time limits in the rules, the error shall be corrected as follows: The free throw(s) attempted because of the error shall be cancelled and the game shall be resumed as follows:
- If the game clock has not started after the error, the ball shall be awarded for a throw-in from the free-throw line extended to the team whose free throws had been cancelled.
- If the game clock has already started after the error, the game shall be resumed from the place nearest to where it was stopped to correct the error.
With 3:37 on the game clock in the second quarter, B1 fouls A1. This is the fourth team B foul in the quarter. The referee erroneously awards A1 2 free throws. The error is recognised
In all cases, the error is correctable. The free throws, whether made or missed, shall be cancelled. In (a), and (b), the game shall be resumed with a team A throw-in at the free-throw line extended, opposite the scorer’s table, with 14 seconds on the shot clock. In (c), after the correction of the error the game shall be resumed from the place nearest to where it was stopped to correct the error.
If the error constitutes the referee erroneously failing to award a merited free throw(s), and the error is recognised within the time limits in the rules, the error shall be corrected as follows:
- If there has been no change in possession of the ball after the error occurred, the game shall be resumed after the correction of the error as after any last free throw.
- If the same team scores a goal after having been erroneously awarded possession of the ball for a throw-in, the error shall be disregarded.
- If the game clock has already started, and there has been a change of possession after the correction of the error, the game shall be resumed from the place nearest to where it was stopped to correct the error.
B1 fouls A1 in the second quarter. This is the fifth team B foul in the quarter. Team A is erroneously awarded a throw-in. Immediately after A2 dribbles
In (a) and (b), the error is correctable. A1 shall attempt 2 free throws and the game shall continue after the second free throw as after any last free throw. In (c), team A has scored a goal following the error. The error is no longer correctable and shall be disregarded.
B1 fouls A1 in the second quarter. This is the fifth team B foul in the quarter. Team A is erroneously awarded a throw-in. A2 scores a goal after having been erroneously awarded a throw-in. The error is recognised
In all cases, the error shall be disregarded as team A scored a goal after having been erroneously awarded a throw-in.
B1 fouls A1 in the act of shooting in the second quarter. After that, the team B head coach is charged with a technical foul. Team A is erroneously awarded only 2 free throws for the B1 foul. A1 attempts 2 free throws, the second free throw is successful. The error is recognised
In (a), (b) and (c), the error is correctable. A1 shall attempt the free throw with no line-up. The game shall be resumed from the place nearest to where it was stopped to correct the error. In (d), the opportunity to correct the error has expired. The error is no longer correctable and shall be disregarded.
B1 fouls dribbler A1 in the third quarter. This is the fifth team B foul in the quarter. A1 is awarded 2 free throws. After the first unsuccessful free throw, B1 rebounds the ball and the game erroneously continues. The error is recognised
In (a) and (b), the error is correctable. A1 shall attempt the second merited free throw. If A1 is on the team bench eligible to play, A1 must re-enter the game to attempt the free throw. If A1 has been excluded or disqualified, the team A head coach shall designate the free-throw shooter. The free throw shall be attempted with no line-up. The game shall be resumed from the place nearest to where it was stopped to correct the error. In (c) and (d), the opportunity to correct the error has expired. The error is no longer correctable and shall be disregarded.
If the error constitutes permitting the wrong player attempting a free throw(s), the free throw(s), whether made or missed, shall be cancelled. If the game has not yet been resumed, the ball shall be awarded to the opponents for a throw-in from the free-throw line extended opposite the scorer’s table. If the game has been resumed, it shall be stopped to correct the error. After the correction of the error the game shall be resumed from the place nearest to where it was stopped. If the referees recognise, before the ball has left the hands of the free-throw shooter for the first free throw, that a wrong player has the intention to attempt the next free throw(s), the wrong player shall be immediately replaced by the correct free-throw shooter without any penalty.
B1 fouls dribbler A1 when the game clock signal sounds for the end of the third quarter. This is the sixth team B foul in the quarter. The referees decide that B1’s foul occurred with 0.3 of a second on the game clock. A1 is awarded 2 free throws. Instead of A1, it is A2 who attempts 2 free throws. The error is recognised after the ball has left A2’s hands for the first free throw.
A2’s 2 free throws shall be cancelled. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the free-throw line extended opposite the scorer’s table in its backcourt, with 0.3 of a second on the game clock.
With 3 seconds on the game clock in the third quarter, B1 fouls A1 in the act of shooting. A1 is awarded 2 free throws. Instead of A1, it is A2 who attempts 2 free throws. The third quarter ends. The error is recognised
In (a) and (b), the error is correctable. A2’s 2 free throws shall be cancelled. In (a), the fourth quarter shall start with an alternating possession throw-in from the centre line extended. In (b), the game shall be resumed from the place nearest to where it was stopped to correct the error. In (c), the opportunity to correct the error has expired. The error is no longer correctable and shall be disregarded. The game shall continue.
If the error constitutes the referee directing the wrong player to attempt a free throw(s), the free throws, whether made or missed, shall be cancelled and the correct player shall attempt a replacement free throw(s). The game shall continue as after any last free throw, unless the game has continued and was stopped for the correction of the error, in which case the game shall be resumed from the place it was stopped to correct the error.
B1 fouls dribbler A1 when the game clock signal sounds for the end of the third quarter. This is the sixth team B foul in the quarter. The referees decide that B1’s foul occurred with 0.3 of a second on the game clock. A1 is awarded 2 free throws. Instead of A1, the referees direct A2 to attempt the 2 free throws. The error is recognised after the ball has left A2’s hands for the first free throw.
A2’s free throw shall be cancelled. A1 shall attempt 2 free throws. The game shall continue as after any last free throw.
B1 fouls A1 in the act of shooting. A1 is awarded 2 free throws. Instead of A1, the referee directs A2 to attempt 2 free throws. During the second free throw the ball touches the ring, A3 rebounds it and scores 2 points. The error is recognised before the ball is at the disposal of team B for the throw-in from behind its endline.
The 2 free throws attempted by A2, whether made or missed, shall be cancelled. A3’s goal shall remain valid. A1 shall attempt 2 free throws with no line-up. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the place nearest to where the game was stopped to correct the error, in this case from behind its endline.
If the error constitutes the referee erroneously awarding or cancelling points, and the error is recognised within the time limits in the rules, the error shall be corrected on the scoresheet as follows:
- The points shall be cancelled or awarded as applicable.
- If a free throw(s) was erroneously awarded, the free throw(s) attempted, if made, shall be cancelled as a result of an error correction.
- If a free throw(s) was erroneously not awarded, the free throws shall be attempted by the player entitled to these free throws as a result of an error correction.
With 0:57 on the game clock in the fourth quarter, A1 has released the ball on a shot for a goal when A2 commits a foul away from the ball. The ball legally enters the basket, but the referees erroneously cancel the goal. The error is recognised
In (a), the error is correctable. The scoresheet shall be corrected by adding 2 points to the team A. The game shall be resumed from the place it was stopped to correct the error. In (b), the opportunity to correct the error has expired. The error is no longer correctable and shall be disregarded.
With 3:32 on the game clock in the second quarter, B1 fouls A1 in the act of shooting for a 2-point goal. The ball does not enter the basket. The referee erroneously awards A1 2 points and 1 additional free throw. The error is recognised when the game is stopped with
The error of erroneously awarding a 2-point goal in the second quarter is correctable at any time before 2:00 minutes or less are on the game clock in the fourth quarter. In (a), the error is correctable. The scorer, after consulting the crew chief, shall cancel the erroneously awarded goal. A1 shall attempt 1 free throw regardless of whether the first free throw in the second quarter was made or missed. A1 must enter the game to attempt 1 free throw unless A1 has been excluded or disqualified. If A1 has been excluded or disqualified, any team A player or substitute designated by the team A head coach shall attempt the free throw. The game shall be resumed from the place nearest to where it was stopped to correct the error. In (b), the opportunity to correct the error has expired. The error is no longer correctable and shall be disregarded.
If the error constitutes the referee reporting a foul on the wrong player, head coach or team, and the error is recognised within the time limits in the rules, the error shall be corrected as follows: The scoresheet shall be corrected, and any player or head coach inadvertently excluded or disqualified as a result of the wrongly reported foul shall be reinstated, and any player or head coach who become excluded or disqualified due to the correction shall be excluded or disqualified. No penalty shall be applied.
With 5:47 on the game clock in the first quarter, B1 fouls A1. The referee reports the foul on B2. The error is recognised
The error of reporting the foul on the wrong player is correctable at any time before 2:00 minutes or less are on the game clock in the fourth quarter. In (a) and (b), the error is correctable. The scorer, after consulting the crew chief, shall correct the scoresheet by removing the foul charged on B2 in error and correctly adding a foul to B1. If B2 had been excluded in error, B2 shall be reinstated. If B1 should have been excluded earlier, B1 shall now be excluded. No additional penalty shall be applied. In (c), the opportunity to correct the error has expired. The error is no longer correctable and shall be disregarded.
If a scorer’s error, including failing to record or
- erroneously recording points or
- recording a foul on the wrong player, head coach or team or
- recording a time-out on the wrong team is recognised within the time limits in the rules, then the scoresheet shall be corrected. Any player or head coach inadvertently excluded or disqualified as a result of the wrongly reported foul shall be reinstated and any player or head coach who become excluded or disqualified due to the correction shall be excluded or disqualified. No penalty shall be applied.
With 3:45 on the game clock in the fourth quarter, team A requests a second time-out in the second half. The scorer erroneously records the time-out as the second team B time-out in the second half. The ball goes out-of-bounds and the referees stop the game
In (a), the error is correctable. The scorer, after consulting the crew chief, shall correct the scoresheet by removing the time-out recorded against the team B and recording the time-out against team A. In (b), the error of recording the time-out on the wrong team is no longer correctable as the error must be recognised before 2:00 minutes or less are on the game clock in the fourth quarter. If the time-out has started, team B is using its last time-out entitled to in the second half. If the time-out has not started, the team B head coach may withdraw the timeout request.
With 3:34 on the game clock in the first quarter, the team A head coach is charged with a technical foul. The scorer erroneously records the technical foul against the team B head coach. The error is recognised
The error of recording the technical foul on the wrong team is correctable before 2:00 minutes or less are on the game clock in the fourth quarter. In (a) and (b), the error is correctable. The scorer, after consulting the crew chief, shall correct the scoresheet by removing the technical foul recorded against the team B head coach and correctly recording it against the team A head coach. No penalty shall be applied. In (c), the opportunity to correct the error has expired. The error is no longer correctable and shall be disregarded. The game shall be resumed from the place it was stopped to correct the error.
If the error constitutes game clock errors, including malfunctions, or errors in starting or stopping the game clock correctly or in setting the correct time on the game clock, the error shall be corrected as follows: If the error is recognised within the time limits in the rules, the game clock shall be corrected, with time added or subtracted as necessary to correct the error.
With 2:44 on the game clock in the first quarter, the game clock is stopped for an out-of-bounds violation. After the throw-in, with 24 seconds on the shot clock, due to a game clock malfunction, it has no visible display. The referees stop the game, with 15 seconds on the shot clock.
The error of the game clock failing to run is correctable. The game shall be resumed from the place it was stopped with 2:35 on the game clock, with 15 seconds on the shot clock.
With 2:43 on the game clock in the first quarter, the game clock is stopped for an out-of-bounds violation. Before the throw-in, the visible display on the game clock disappears. The timer resets the system. When the system is again working, the game clock is erroneously set to 1:43. The error is recognised
In (a), (b), (c) and (d), the error of the game clock being set incorrectly is correctable. In (a), 1 minute shall be added to the game clock. The game shall be resumed from the place it was stopped, with 1:27 on the game clock. In (b) after the half-time interval, the teams shall play 1 minute in the same direction they played the first half, with team fouls and time-outs continuing from the time when the game was stopped for half-time. The 1:00 shall start with an alternating possession throw-in for the team entitled to the alternating possession throw-in. After the 1:00 of play, the third quarter shall start with an alternating possession throw-in for the team entitled to the next alternating possession throw-in. In (c), the fourth quarter shall be played with 11 minutes duration. In (d), 1 minute shall be added to the game clock. The game shall be resumed from the place it was stopped, with 3:21 on the game clock. In (e), the opportunity to correct the error has expired. The error is no longer correctable.
To be correctable, the shot clock category 2 error must be recognised by the referees, commissioner, if present, or table officials and corrected
- when the ball is live immediately following the error and the referees stop the game to correct the error, or
- when for the first time the referees stop the game for any reason, the team in control of the ball at the time of the error remains the team in control or the team entitled to possession of the ball when the game is stopped. The shot clock shall be corrected to the correct time. Shot clock errors are no longer correctable after
- a change of possession of a live ball after the error.
- the team in control of the ball scores a valid goal.
- the ball becomes dead when the game clock sounds for the end of the game.
With 20 seconds on the shot clock, A1 dribbles in the frontcourt when the shot clock is suddenly reset to 24 seconds. The error is recognised 4 seconds later
In both cases, team A shall be awarded a throw-in from the place nearest to where the game was stopped. The shot clock shall be reset to 16 seconds.
Team A is awarded a frontcourt throw-in. The shot clock should be set to 14 seconds but it is incorrectly set to 24 seconds. A1 catches the ball on the court and dribbles in the frontcourt for 10 seconds. The error is recognised
In both cases, team A shall be awarded a throw-in from the place nearest to where the game was stopped. The shot clock shall be reset to 4 seconds.
Team A is awarded a backcourt throw-in. The shot clock should be set to 24 seconds but it is incorrectly set to 14 seconds. A1 catches the ball on the court and dribbles into the frontcourt. The error is recognised 8 seconds later
In both cases, team A shall be awarded a throw-in from the place nearest to where the game was stopped. The shot clock shall be reset to 16 seconds.
Team A is awarded a backcourt throw-in. The shot clock should be set to 24 seconds but it is incorrectly set to 14 seconds. A1 catches the ball on the court, dribbles into the frontcourt and attempts a shot for a goal. The shot clock signal sounds while the ball is in the air. The ball
In both cases, the shot clock violation shall be disregarded. In (a), team A shall be awarded a throw-in from the place nearest to where the game was stopped, with 10 seconds on the shot clock. In (b), as team B gained the new possession of the ball, team B shall be awarded a throw-in from the place nearest to where the game was stopped, with 24 seconds on the shot clock.
Team A is awarded a backcourt throw-in. The shot clock should be set to 24 seconds but it is incorrectly set to 14 seconds. A1 catches the ball on the court, dribbles into the frontcourt and attempts a shot for a goal.
In both cases, the error is no longer correctable, because after the error