basketball

Basketball - Olympics Rules and Regulations

Introduction

Olympics Basketball uses the international rules established by the The International Basketball Federation also known as FIBA or Fédération Internationale de Basketball (French). International rules can differ from NBA rules, but at the root of it, it's all about scoring more points than the opposing team.

Scoring
Two points for every ball put through the baskets within the three-point line; three points for every ball put through the basket behind the three-point line; one point for every free-throw made.

Playing Time
Four 10 minute quarters; OT periods are 5 min each.

Shot Clock: Allotted Time To Shoot
24 Seconds.

Shot Clock Operation
In the event when play resumes with less than the full 24 seconds on shot clock, the shot clock does not begin again until either team establishes control in bounds.
The shot clock is reset after a personal or technical foul unless a double foul occurs or an alternating possession occurs and the same team keeps control of the ball.

Game Clock Operation
The clock stops after every made field goal in the second half or every overtime period thereafter.

The Key or Lane Area
A trapezoid shape that is 12 feet wide at the free-throw line and 19 feet, 8.25 inches wide at the baseline.

Three-Point Line Distance
20 feet, 6.25 inches.

Timeouts
Two timeouts in the first half, three in the second half, and one per overtime.
Timeouts do not accumulate throughout the game, for example, timeouts from the first half cannot be brought over to the second half. Use them or lose them.
Each timeout lasts 60 seconds.

Calling Timeout
Timeouts must be called by the coach at the scorer's table.
Timeouts are granted at the next stoppage of play or after the next score from the field by the opposing team.
In the last two minutes of the 4th quarter or overtime period, the ball is advanced to center-court when a timeout is called by the team that will be inbounding the ball into play.

Player and Team Fouls
Each player is allowed five fouls (personal and technical fouls count as one each).
Two shots ("penalty") are awarded after every fourth foul (personal or technical on a player) in a quarter, unless it's an offensive foul. The overtime period is an extension of the fourth quarter.

Jump Ball
A jump ball begins each game and the loser receives the ball at the beginning of the second quarter with possession to begin a quarter alternating between each team.
The loser of the jump ball also gets first possession at the first instance of a held ball. Possession at each instance of a held ball alternates between the two teams.

Goaltending and Basketball Interference[
Any shot on a downward arch that is interfered with on the way to the basketball is considered goaltending and points will be awarded to the shooting team.
Once the ball touches the rim, any player may touch it to either swipe it away or tap it in.

There are some more minor rules, but the above will give you a great understanding of the more important rules.