Referee's Guide to Canada Basketball FIBA Rules and NOCP Pathway 2026-27

Q: How are double dribble and travelling called?

FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 24 and 25. Dribbling: a dribble starts when a player who has gained control of a live ball throws, taps, rolls or bounces it on the court and touches it again before it touches another player. It ends when the player touches the ball with both hands at once or lets it come to rest in one or both hands. During a dribble the player may not put a hand under the ball and carry it, or bring the ball to a pause and then continue. A player may not dribble a second time after the first dribble has ended unless control was lost because of a shot, an opponent touching the ball, or a pass or fumble touching another player. Not dribbles: successive shots, fumbling at the start or end of a dribble, tapping the ball from the vicinity of other players or from another player's control, deflecting a pass and gaining control, and throwing the ball against the backboard and regaining it. Travelling: illegal movement of one or both feet beyond the limits of the rule while holding a live ball. A player who catches the ball standing with both feet down: the moment one foot lifts, the other becomes the pivot foot. To start a dribble the pivot foot may not lift before the ball is released. A player who catches the ball while progressing, or at the end of a dribble, may take two steps in coming to a stop, passing or shooting, and must release the ball to start a dribble before the second step. A player may not touch the court consecutively with the same foot or both feet after ending the dribble or gaining control. A player who falls, lies or sits on the court while holding the ball may slide, but it is a violation to roll or try to stand up with the ball. The penalty is a throw-in for the opponents from the place nearest the infraction.

Question 1

Which FIBA rulebook edition applies in 2026-27 and how long is a game?

Accepted Answer

The FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026 (v1.1) were approved by the FIBA Central Board in Berlin on 23 April 2026 and are valid as of 1 October 2026. Canada Basketball's officials page lists the FIBA Official Basketball Rules among its rules resources for officials. Download the rules at https://assets.fiba.basketball/image/upload/documents-corporate-fiba-official-rules-2026-v1-1.pdf

Playing time under Article 8: 4 quarters of 10 minutes; a 20-minute interval before the game; 2 minutes between the first and second quarters and between the third and fourth; a 15-minute half-time; and as many 5-minute overtimes as needed to break a tie.

Question 2

Who makes up the officiating crew and what do referees wear?

Accepted Answer

FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Article 46: The referees are a crew chief and 1 or 2 umpire(s), assisted by the table officials and by a commissioner, if present. The table officials are a scorer, an assistant scorer, a timer and a shot clock operator. The commissioner, if present, sits between the scorer and the timer and supervises the table officials and assists the crew chief and umpire(s). The referees of a game should not be connected in any way with either team. Referees, table officials and the commissioner conduct the game in accordance with the rules and have no authority to change them. The referees' uniform is a referees' shirt, long black trousers, black socks and black basketball shoes. Referees and table officials must be uniformly dressed.

Question 3

What are the crew chief's main duties before and after the game?

Accepted Answer

FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 47 and 48. The crew chief shall:

inspect and approve all equipment, and designate the official game clock, shot clock and stopwatch and identify the table officials;
select the game ball from at least 2 used balls provided by the home team (or the best quality ball available if neither is suitable);
not permit a player to wear objects that may cause injury;
administer the jump ball at the start of the first quarter and an alternating possession throw-in at the start of all other quarters and overtimes;
have the power to stop a game when conditions warrant, to determine that a team forfeits, and to decide any point not covered by the rules;
make the final decision when the referees disagree, consulting the umpire(s), commissioner or table officials if needed;
examine and sign the scoresheet at the end of playing time, and note on its reverse any forfeit or disqualifying foul, sending a detailed report to the organising body where required.

The referees' power starts when they arrive on the court 20 minutes before the scheduled start and ends when the game clock signal sounds for the end of the game as approved by the crew chief. Referees blow the whistle for an infraction, the end of a quarter or overtime, or when they find it necessary to stop the game, but not after a successful goal, a successful free throw or when the ball becomes live. A referee has no authority to disregard or question the other referee's decisions.

Question 4

How are double dribble and travelling called?

Accepted Answer

FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 24 and 25.

Dribbling: a dribble starts when a player who has gained control of a live ball throws, taps, rolls or bounces it on the court and touches it again before it touches another player. It ends when the player touches the ball with both hands at once or lets it come to rest in one or both hands. During a dribble the player may not put a hand under the ball and carry it, or bring the ball to a pause and then continue. A player may not dribble a second time after the first dribble has ended unless control was lost because of a shot, an opponent touching the ball, or a pass or fumble touching another player. Not dribbles: successive shots, fumbling at the start or end of a dribble, tapping the ball from the vicinity of other players or from another player's control, deflecting a pass and gaining control, and throwing the ball against the backboard and regaining it.

Travelling: illegal movement of one or both feet beyond the limits of the rule while holding a live ball.

A player who catches the ball standing with both feet down: the moment one foot lifts, the other becomes the pivot foot. To start a dribble the pivot foot may not lift before the ball is released.
A player who catches the ball while progressing, or at the end of a dribble, may take two steps in coming to a stop, passing or shooting, and must release the ball to start a dribble before the second step.
A player may not touch the court consecutively with the same foot or both feet after ending the dribble or gaining control.
A player who falls, lies or sits on the court while holding the ball may slide, but it is a violation to roll or try to stand up with the ball.

The penalty is a throw-in for the opponents from the place nearest the infraction.

Question 5

What are the 3-second, 5-second and 8-second rules?

Accepted Answer

FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026: 3 seconds (Article 26): a player shall not remain in the opponents' restricted area for more than 3 consecutive seconds while their team controls a live ball in the frontcourt and the game clock is running. Allowances are made for a player who attempts to leave the area, who is in the area when they or a teammate is shooting and the ball is leaving or has just left the hand(s), or who dribbles in the area to shoot after being there for less than 3 seconds. To be outside the area, both feet must be on the court outside it. 5 seconds, closely guarded (Article 27): a player holding a live ball on the court is closely guarded when an opponent is in an active legal guarding position at no more than 1 m. A closely guarded player must pass, shoot or dribble within 5 seconds. 8 seconds (Article 28): a team that gains control of a live ball in its backcourt (or whose throw-in is touched in the backcourt while it keeps control) must get the ball into its frontcourt within 8 seconds. It has done so when, for example, the ball touches the frontcourt, an offensive player with both feet completely in the frontcourt touches it, or during a dribble the ball and both feet of the dribbler are completely in the frontcourt. The 8-second count continues with the time remaining when the same team gets a backcourt throw-in after, for example, the ball going out-of-bounds, an injured teammate, its own technical foul, a jump ball situation, a double foul or cancelled equal penalties. Under Article 22, a violation is penalised by a throw-in for the opponents from the place nearest the infraction (not directly behind the backboard) unless the rules state otherwise.

Question 6

When is the shot clock reset to 24 seconds or 14 seconds?

Accepted Answer

FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Article 29. A team must attempt a shot within 24 seconds of gaining control: the ball must leave the hand(s) before the signal sounds and then touch the ring or enter the basket.

Reset to 24 seconds

After a stoppage for a foul or violation (including out-of-bounds) by the team in control, when the opponents get a throw-in in their backcourt.
When the same team keeps the ball after a stoppage for a foul or violation by the opponents (other than out-of-bounds) or any valid reason not caused by the team in control, and the throw-in is in their backcourt.
After the ball touches the opponents' ring and the opponents gain control.

Reset to 14 seconds

A throw-in in the frontcourt for a team that gains the ball after a foul or violation by the team that had control.
A throw-in in the frontcourt after the stoppage was for an opponent's foul or violation (not out-of-bounds) and 13 seconds or less were showing. If 14 or more were showing, the clock is not reset and continues from where it stopped.
After the ball touches the ring and the same team that had control before regains it.
When the throw-in from the frontcourt throw-in line opposite the scorer's table is part of the penalty for a disruptive, flagrant or disqualifying foul.

No reset: after a technical foul by the team in control of the ball, the shot clock continues from the time it was stopped.

If the signal sounds while the shot is in the air: a made goal counts; if the ball touches the ring play continues; if it misses the ring it is a violation, unless the opponents gain immediate and clear control, in which case the signal is disregarded.

Question 7

What are the backcourt violation, goaltending and basket interference rules?

Accepted Answer

Ball returned to the backcourt (Article 30): a team in control of a live ball in its frontcourt may not cause it to be illegally returned to the backcourt. It is illegal when a player of that team is the last to touch the ball in the frontcourt and it is then first touched by a teammate who has part of the body in contact with the backcourt, or after the ball has touched the backcourt. This applies to all frontcourt situations, including throw-ins, except a player who jumps from the frontcourt, establishes new team control while still airborne and lands in the backcourt with the ball. The ball goes to the opponents for a throw-in in their frontcourt from the place nearest the infraction (not directly behind the backboard). Goaltending (Article 31): on a shot for a goal, a player touches the ball while it is completely above the level of the ring and on its downward flight to the basket, or after it has touched the backboard. On a free throw, it is goaltending to touch the ball in flight to the basket before it touches the ring. The restrictions last until the ball no longer has the possibility to enter the basket or has touched the ring. Basket interference includes touching the basket or backboard while the ball is in contact with the ring, reaching up through the basket from below and touching the ball, a defender touching the ball or basket while the ball is within the basket, and causing the basket to vibrate or grasping it so the ball takes an unnatural bounce. Penalty: if an offensive player commits the violation, no points are awarded and the opponents get a throw-in from the free-throw line extended. If a defensive player commits it, the offence is awarded 1 point (free throw), 2 points (ball released from the 2-point area) or 3 points (3-point area), as if the ball had entered. On the last free throw, the defender's violation gives 1 point followed by a category 2 technical foul against the defender. Other violations (Article 22): unless stated otherwise, the ball goes to the opponents for a throw-in from the place nearest the infraction, except directly behind the backboard.

Question 8

How are technical fouls categorised and penalised?

Accepted Answer

Under Article 36 of the FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, deliberate or repeated non-cooperation with the spirit and intent of the rules is a technical foul. Referees may prevent them by warning, or overlook minor infractions that are clearly unintentional and have no direct effect on the game, unless the infraction is repeated after the warning.

Category 1 counts towards game disqualification. For a player it is behavioural, for example disrespect to officials or opponents, offensive language or gestures to spectators, baiting or taunting an opponent, waving a hand near an opponent's eyes, excessive swinging of elbows without contact, or faking being fouled.
Category 2 does not count towards game disqualification. Examples: delaying the game by touching the ball after it passes through the basket, preventing a prompt throw-in or free throw, coming on court late to start the game or second half, hanging on the ring, or goaltending by a defender on the last free throw.
A technical foul by a person on the bench is category 1 if it is disrespectful communication or touching of officials or opponents, or a procedural or administrative infraction.

Penalty: the opponents get 1 free throw, taken immediately. A technical foul by a player is charged as a player foul and counts as a team foul. A category 1 technical by anyone else on the bench is charged to the head coach and does not count as a team foul. Play then resumes with a throw-in for the team that had or was entitled to the ball.

Question 9

What is the difference between a disruptive foul and a flagrant foul?

Accepted Answer

Both are illegal contact by a player on an opponent, and both count as team fouls (FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 37 and 38). Referees must interpret each consistently throughout the game and judge only the action.

Disruptive foul: illegal contact that does not rise to flagrant, disrupts the flow of the game and puts the opponent at a disadvantage. The criteria are:

unnecessary contact by a defender, not legitimately attempting to play the ball, to stop the offence in transition (until the offensive player starts the act of shooting);
unnecessary contact anywhere on the court, not legitimately attempting to play the ball, to stop the game clock or shot clock at the end of a quarter or overtime;
illegal contact from behind or laterally on an opponent progressing to the basket with no opponent between them and the basket, who has, is attempting to gain, or has been passed the ball.

Flagrant foul: contact that violates the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play and exceeds a personal or disruptive foul. The criteria are: not a legitimate basketball play, with or without the ball; a reckless, violent or dangerous act that causes or may cause injury; or excessive, hard contact in an effort to play the ball or an opponent.

Penalty for both: free throws for the fouled player (2 if not shooting; if shooting, the goal if made plus 1, or 2 or 3 if missed), then a throw-in from the throw-in line in the frontcourt opposite the scorer's table. Two flagrant fouls, or one flagrant and one category 1 technical, disqualify a player from the game.

Question 10

How do disqualifying fouls and fighting work, and is there still an unsportsmanlike foul?

Accepted Answer

The FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026 list these foul articles: personal (34), double (35), technical (36), disruptive (37), flagrant (38), disqualifying (39) and fighting (40). There is no separate unsportsmanlike foul article in this edition.

Disqualifying foul (Article 39): any flagrant unsportsmanlike action by a player, substitute, coach, excluded player or accompanying delegation member. Players or others guilty of flagrant acts of aggression on opponents or referees shall be disqualified, and the crew chief must report the incident to the organising body.

The offender goes to the dressing room for the rest of the game or leaves the building.
Penalty: 2 free throws for a non-contact foul, a foul on a player not shooting, or a head coach disqualification; a contact foul on a shooter gives the goal if made plus 1 free throw, or 2 or 3 free throws if missed. Then a throw-in from the throw-in line in the frontcourt opposite the scorer's table (jump ball at the start of the first quarter).
A disqualified head coach is replaced by the first assistant coach on the scoresheet, or the captain if there is none.

Fighting (Article 40): substitutes, excluded players and accompanying delegation members who leave the team bench area during a fight, or a situation that may lead to one, are disqualified. Only the head coach and first assistant coach may leave to help the referees restore order without being disqualified; if they leave and do not help, they are disqualified. One technical foul ('B') is charged to the head coach regardless of how many people are disqualified.

Question 11

When does a player or head coach reach the foul limit or a game disqualification?

Accepted Answer

Under the FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026 (Articles 41 and 42): Player with 5 fouls: a referee informs the player, who must leave the game immediately. A head coach who has 5 fouls as a player is an excluded player but may continue as head coach. A foul by an excluded player is charged and entered on the scoresheet against the head coach ('B'). Player game disqualification: two category 1 technical fouls, two flagrant fouls, or one flagrant plus one category 1 technical foul. The timer raises the game disqualification (GD) marker. Head coach game disqualification: two technical fouls ('C') for the coach's own personal unsportsmanlike behaviour, or three technical fouls (all 'B' or 'BD', or one of them 'C') from the behaviour of other people on the bench. A disqualified person must leave within 30 seconds and stay in the team's dressing room for the rest of the game or leave the building. Team fouls: a team is in the penalty situation after 4 team fouls in a quarter. Later player personal fouls on a player not in the act of shooting are 2 free throws, but a personal foul by the team in control of the ball (or entitled to it) is a throw-in for the opponents.

Question 12

What are the referee certification levels in Canada?

Accepted Answer

The Canadian Basketball Referee Development Program (NOCP) was developed by the Canadian Basketball Officials Commission (CBOC) with Canada Basketball and the Provincial Basketball Officials Associations. It has five levels:

Community Referee (NOCP 1): entry level, for school-age referees and local youth leagues.
Competitive Referee (NOCP 2): junior and senior high school, club team and adult league games.
Provincial Referee (NOCP 3): the essential course for provincial age-group championships; also recommended for secondary school, Provincial High-Performance Teams, Provincial College and U SPORTS basketball.
National Referee (NOCP 4): a Provincial Referee must meet regular officiating requirements and attend a U15 or U17 National Championship (or equivalent) before assessment. National Referees can officiate all levels of basketball in Canada below FIBA level.
FIBA Referee (NOCP 5): nominated for outstanding potential; CBOC recommends nominees to Canada Basketball and the National Federation Referee Selection Committee approves them. FIBA Referees officiate international basketball, including the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics.

Each level is applied in three developmental phases: In-Training (started, or completed some required training), Trained (all learning and training components done) and Certified (all evaluation and assessment requirements done). Levels 1 to 4 are labelled A, B and C for these phases (for example 3B is Provincial Referee, Trained).

Source: https://www.basketball.ca/en/development/officials

Question 13

How do I register for referee education and what does CBOC membership include?

Accepted Answer

Game Plan is the platform for official education in Canada. Register for a free account at gameplanbasketball.ca: click the "Officials" button at the top of the page, click "Register" on the left, and complete the required fields.

Membership of the Canadian Basketball Officials Commission (CBOC) unlocks:

the annual FIBA Exam
CBOC-curated videos on officiating techniques
CBOC Educational Resources
the CB FIBA Statisticians Program
referee clinics across the country
online training modules and webinars
the monthly Whistle Blast newsletter

Source: https://www.basketball.ca/en/development/officials

Referee's Guide to Canada Basketball FIBA Rules and NOCP Pathway 2026-27

Which FIBA rulebook edition applies in 2026-27 and how long is a game?Rule

Referee's Guide to Canada Basketball FIBA Rules and NOCP Pathway 2026-27

Which FIBA rulebook edition applies in 2026-27 and how long is a game?Rule

Who makes up the officiating crew and what do referees wear?Rule

What are the crew chief's main duties before and after the game?Rule

How are double dribble and travelling called?Rule

What are the 3-second, 5-second and 8-second rules?Rule

When is the shot clock reset to 24 seconds or 14 seconds?Rule

What are the backcourt violation, goaltending and basket interference rules?Rule

How are technical fouls categorised and penalised?Rule

What is the difference between a disruptive foul and a flagrant foul?Rule

How do disqualifying fouls and fighting work, and is there still an unsportsmanlike foul?Rule

When does a player or head coach reach the foul limit or a game disqualification?Rule

What are the referee certification levels in Canada?

How do I register for referee education and what does CBOC membership include?