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NBL-United States Rules

NBL-United States GAME RULES

  • The NBL-United States season runs from March 4th - June 4th.
  • Teams are community driven, with a focus on giving back to their communities.
  • The NBL- United States Follows FIBA rules  which allow for a faster pace leading to a higher scoring and more exciting event.
    • Guard driven league results in 40 minutes of high paced action
    • Rule Differences


      The main FIBA, NBA and NCAA rule differences are summarized in the following table:
      RuleFIBANBANCAA
      Playing time4x10 minutes
      5 minutes over-time (OT)
      4x12 minutes
      5 minutes over-time
      2x20 minutes
      5 minutes over-time
      Shot clock24 seconds
      After offensive rebound: 14 seconds
      24 secondsMen: 35 seconds
      Women: 30 seconds
      3-point line6.75m (6.60 on baseline)7.24m (6.70m on baseline)Men: 6.25m
      Women: 6.325m
      Time-outs2 in first half
      3 in second half (but only 2 in last two minutes of the 4th period)
      1 per OT period
      Always 60 seconds
      Never carried over
      6 regular
      2 per OT period
      = 60 or 100 seconds
      + 1 short time-out (20 seconds) per half
      The second short time-out can be carried over to OT period
      !!! additional regulations
      4 regular
      30 seconds
      + long
      60 seconds
      Maximum 3 regular and 1 long in second half
      !!! additional regulations
      Jump ball and alternating possessionJump ball to star game
      The one losing initial jump ball gets possession for the next jump ball situation
      Alternating possession between teams thereafter for all jump ball situations
      Jump ball to star game
      The one losing initial jump ball gets possession to start 2nd and 4th quarters
      The one winning initial jump ball gets possession to start 3rd quarter
      All other jump ball situations played as "real jump ball"
      Jump ball to star game
      The one losing initial jump ball gets possession for the next jump ball situation
      Alternating possession between teams thereafter for all jump ball situations
      Jump ball to start OT
      Individual foulFoul out on 5 (personal and technical)Foul out on 6 or 2 technicalFoul out on 5 (personal and technical)
      Team fouls and bonus free-throws2 free-throws awarded for each (non-shooting) foul after the 4th period (includes player technical fouls)
      Does not include offensive fouls/fouls by team in possession
      2 free-throws awarded for each foul after the 4th team foul or last two minutes of each quarter, whichever comes first
      Does not include offensive fouls and technical fouls
      1 free throw, plus another if the first is successful is awarded on the 7th, 8th and 9th foul of each half; the penalty is increased to two shots on the 10th and subsequent fouls; overtime is an extension of the second half.
      Does not include offensive fouls
      Technical foul
      (penalty)
      1 free throw and possession of the ball at centre1 free throw per technical foul; play resumes at the point of interruption; foul is charged to individual in question (and automatic fine assessed)2 free throws, play resumes at point of interruption
      Goaltending/basket interferenceNo blocking a ball in downward flight towards the rim.

      Once the ball strikes the rim, any player can play the ball (i.e. swat it away or tap it in)
      No blocking a ball in downward flight towards the rim.

      An imaginary cylinder exists that has the basket as its base. Touching the ball while any part of it is in this cylinder (and still has a chance to go in) is a violation
      No blocking a ball in downward flight towards the rim.

      An imaginary cylinder exists that has the basket as its base. Touching the ball while any part of it is in this cylinder (and still has a chance to go in) is a violation.
      Zone defenseLegalLegal but…
      defensive player may not stay in the lane (a.k.a. key, restricted area) for longer than three seconds if he is not actively guarding an opponent
      Legal
      Player numbers00, 0, 1-99Any one or two digit number00 (or 0), 1-5, 10-15, 20-25, 30-35, 40-45, 50-55
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