What changed in the FIBA basketball rules from 1 October 2026?

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FIBA's Official Basketball Rules 2026 took effect on 1 October 2026. FIBA is the world governing body, and Basketball South Africa is its member federation in South Africa. The main changes: Unsportsmanlike foul abolished. It is replaced by two new fouls: the disruptive foul (tactical fouls that stop play, which do not count towards disqualification) and the flagrant foul (reckless, dangerous or excessive contact, which does count). Two categories of technical foul. Category 1 (behavioural, such as disrespect, taunting or faking a foul) counts towards disqualification. Category 2 (delay of game, hanging on the ring, defensive goaltending on the last free throw) does not. New game disqualification rule. A player is disqualified on 2 category 1 technicals, 2 flagrant fouls, or 1 of each. Act of shooting (Art. 15) redefined, with separate start and end points for jump shots and for drives to the basket. A "shot" from the backcourt doesn't count as an act of shooting, except at the end of a quarter or of the shot clock. Double dribble wording (Art. 24) clarified. You may dribble again only after a shot, a touch by an opponent, or a pass or fumble that touches another player. Instant replay can now also review goaltending or interference after a foul (any time), and whether the thrower-in still held the ball when the defence fouled (last 2:00 of the 4th quarter and overtime). New referee signals and scoresheet markings: 'DI' for disruptive, 'FL' for flagrant, a delay-of-game signal, and a circle around every foul that counts towards disqualification. Kit and court: socks no longer have to be visible (they must be the same dominant colour for the whole team). Line colours are more flexible.