DR. JAMES NAISMITH'S 13 ORIGINAL RULES OF BASKETBALL

Dr. James Naismith’s 13 Original Rules of Basketball 1

DR. JAMES NAISMITH’S 13 ORIGINAL RULES OF

BASKETBALL

1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.

2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands (never with the fist).

3. A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it, allowance to be made for a man who catches the ball

when running at a good speed.

4. The ball must be held in or between the hands; the arms or body must not be used for holding it.

5. No shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping, or striking in any way the person of an opponent shall be allowed; the first infringement of this rule by any

person shall count as a foul, the second shall disqualify him until the next goal is made, or if there was evident intent to injure the person, for the whole of

the game, no substitute allowed.

6. A foul is striking at the ball with the fist, violation of rules 3 and 4, and such as described in rule 5.

7. If either side makes three consecutive fouls, it shall count a goal for the opponents (consecutive means without the opponents in the meantime making a

foul).

8. A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket and stays there, providing those defending the goal do not touch

or disturb the goal. If the ball rests on the edge and the opponent moves the basket it shall count as a goal.

9. When the ball goes out-of-bounds it shall be thrown into the field, and played by the person first touching it. In case of a dispute, the umpire shall throw it

straight into the field. The thrower-in is allowed five seconds, if he holds it longer it shall go to the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the game, the

umpire shall call a foul on them.

10. The umpire shall be judge of the men, and shall note the fouls, and notify the referee when three consecutive fouls have been made. He shall have power

to disqualify men according to Rule 5.

11. The referee shall be judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball was in play, in bounds, and to which side it belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall

decide when a goal has been made, and keep account of the goals with any other duties that are usually performed by a referee.

12. The time shall be two 15-minute halves, with five minutes’ rest between.

13. The side making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winners. In case of a draw, the game may, by agreement of the captains, be continued

until another goal is made.

Note: These original rules were published in January 1892 in the Springfield College school newspaper, The Triangle.

Important Rules Changes by Year 2

IMPORTANT RULES CHANGES BY YEAR

The earliest rules book available for this research was from the

1905-06 season. Some of the rules listed in 1905-06 could have

actually been instituted before that season.

1891-92

The 13 original rules of basketball were written by Dr. James Naismith in

December 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

1894-95

The free-throw line was set at 20 feet.

1895-96

Points awarded for field goal change from three to two, and points awarded

for each successful free throw from three points to one point.

1896-97

Backboards were installed.

1900-01

A dribbler could not shoot for a field goal and could dribble only once, and

then with two hands.

1905-06

Personal fouls were separated into two classes: “A” for general fouls and “B”

for more flagrant fouls. Class A fouls were called for delay of game, tackling

the ball (touching the ball when a teammate was already touching it), kicking

the ball, striking the ball, advancing the ball, hugging the ball, shooting after

dribbling, tackling the opponent, holding the opponent, pushing the opponent,

or addressing the game officials. Class B fouls could lead to possible game

disqualification and were called for striking the opponent, kicking the oppo

nent, shouldering the opponent, tripping the opponent, hacking the opponent,

unnecessary roughness or using profane or abusive language. If two Class

B fouls were committed by one player, he was disqualified for the rest of the

game.

If a player was fouled during the act of shooting, his team was automatically

awarded one point and one free-throw attempt. If the original shot from the

field for goal was good, it counted along with the awarded extra point and

free-throw attempt.

Each game had one referee, one umpire and two inspectors. The referee

was the superior officer of the game and had supreme authority once the

game began until it concluded. The referee’s main duties were calling fouls

and stopping play. The umpire could call fouls and reported to the referee.

Inspectors were the referee’s assistants and were stationed one at each end

of the court. Inspectors had no power to make decisions but noted whether

goals were made in accordance with the rules and reported such to the ref

eree. The official scorer kept a book containing the scoring and fouls made

for each player and each team. The duties of the official scorer have basically

remained the same through all the years.

One timekeeper was appointed by the home team. The visiting team could

appoint an assistant timekeeper if it chose.

A timeout called while the ball was in play resulted in a jump ball when play

was resumed. If the ball was out-of-bounds when a timeout was called, the

team in possession of the ball kept possession.

Time stopped only when ordered by the referee. It did not stop for dead-ball

situations such as free throws or when the ball was out-of-bounds.

The ball was a rubber bladder covered with a leather case with a circumfer

ence of 30 to 32 inches and a weight of 18 to 20 ounces.

Games were played in two 20-minute halves with a 10-minute rest time

between the halves.

Although not yet known as defensive goaltending, if a player touched the ball

or basket when the ball was on the edge of the rim, the referee awarded one

point to the shooting team.

1906-07

The free-throw line was moved from 20 to 15 feet.

1907-08

Inspector was no longer a game official position.

1908-09

A dribbler became permitted to shoot. The dribble was defined as the “con-

tinuous passage of the ball,” making the double dribble illegal.

A second official was added for games in an effort to curb the rough play.

Players were disqualified upon committing their fifth Class A or B foul.

1910-11

Within Class B fouls, personal fouls were distinguished from the other.

No coaching was allowed during the progress of the game by anybody con

nected with either team. A warning was given for the first violation and a free

throw was awarded after that.

1913-14

The bottom of the net was left open.

1915-16

College, YMCA and AAU rules were made the same. Working together for

the best interests of the organizations and for the welfare of the game, a new

set of rules was adopted nationally for amateur basketball. This uniform set

of rules was prepared by officially appointed representatives of the Young

Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and

the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

The maximum weight of the ball was established at 23 ounces after fluctuat

ing from 20 to 23 during the past 10 years.

Players were disqualified upon committing their fourth personal foul.

Class A fouls were changed to violations, and Class B fouls became technical

and personal fouls.

If a player was fouled in the act of shooting, his team was awarded two free

throws regardless of whether the original field goal was made or missed. If it

was made, those two points counted.

Defensive interference with the ball or basket while the ball was on the bas

ket’s rim resulted in one free-throw attempt for the shooting team.

All players shall be numbered with plain numbers at least 6 inches high and

1 inch wide fastened securely on the backs of their shirts.

1920-21

A player could re-enter the game once. Before this rule, if a player left the

game, he could not re-enter for the rest of the game.

The backboards were moved 2 feet from the wall of the court. Before this rule,

players could “climb” the padded wall to sink baskets.

1921-22

Running with the ball changed from a foul to a violation.

1922-23

Defensive interference with the ball or basket while the ball was on the bas-

ket’s rim was declared a goal for the shooting team.

1923-24

The player fouled must shoot his own free throws. Before this rule, one person

usually shot all his team’s free throws.

1924-25

Time stopped when ordered by the referee for injuries, substitutions, two-shot

fouls and timeouts requested by the team captain. The clock kept running at

all other times including dead-ball situations, such as out-of-bounds.

Two timekeepers were used, one from each team, and shared a watch placed

on a table so both could see it. The timekeepers kept track of all the incidents

that time was out and added that to the game time. The timekeepers indicated

when time expired by using a gong, pistol or whistle.

Important Rules Changes by Year 3

Only team captains could call for a timeout. Each team had three timeouts

per game.

1925-26

Players of the same team shall not wear duplicate numbers.

1927-28

On uniforms, teams were urged not to use the numbers one or two.

1928-29

The charging foul by the dribbler was introduced.

1930-31

A held ball could be called when a closely guarded player was withholding the

ball from play for five seconds. The result was a jump ball.

The maximum circumference of the ball was reduced from 32 to 31 inches,

and the maximum weight from 23 to 22 ounces.

If a player was fouled in the act of shooting, his team was awarded two free

throws if the original field goal was missed. If it was made, those two points

counted and only one free throw was attempted.

1932-33

The 10-second center (division) line was introduced to reduce stalling.

No player could stand in the free-throw lane with the ball for more than three

seconds.

Each player must be numbered on the front of his shirt as well as on the

back. To quote the rules book: “It may seem needless, but it will save cor

respondence for the editor, to add here that the same number appear on

front and back.”

1933-34

A player could re-enter the game twice.

1934-35

The circumference of the ball again was reduced to between 291/2 and 301/4

inches.

1935-36

No offensive player could remain in the free-throw lane, with or without the

ball, for more than three seconds.

After a made free throw, the team scored upon put the ball in play at the end

of the court where the goal had been scored.

1937-38

The center jump after every goal scored was eliminated.

1938-39

The ball was thrown in from out-of-bounds at midcourt by the team shooting

a free throw after a technical foul. Before this rule, the ball was put into play

with a center jump after a technical-foul free throw.

The circumference of the ball was established as 291/2 to 30 inches.

1939-40

Teams had the choice of whether to take a free throw or take the ball out-

of-bounds at midcourt. If two or more free throws were awarded, this option

applied to the last throw.

The ball was described as an airtight rubber case covered with leather.

The backboards were moved from 2 to 4 feet from the end line to permit freer

movement under the basket.

1940-41

Fan-shaped backboards were made legal.

1942-43

Any player who was eligible to start an overtime period was allowed an extra

personal foul, increasing the total so disqualification was on the fifth foul.

1944-45

Along with the ball on the rim, defensive interference by touching the ball after

it had started its downward flight during an opponent’s field goal attempt was

declared a goal for the shooting team.

Five personal fouls disqualify a player. An extra foul was not permitted in

overtime games.

Unlimited substitution was introduced.

1946-47

Transparent backboards were authorized.

1947-48

The clock was stopped on every dead ball the last three minutes of the sec-

ond half and of every overtime period. This included every time a goal was

scored because the ball was considered dead until put into play again. (This

rule was abolished in 1951.)

1948-49

Coaches were allowed to speak to players during a timeout.

1951-52

Games were played in four 10-minute quarters.

1952-53

Teams could no longer waive free throws in favor of taking the ball out-of-

bounds.

The one-and-one free-throw rule was introduced, although the bonus was

used only if the first shot was missed. The rule was in effect the entire game

except the last three minutes, when every foul resulted in two free throws.

1954-55

The one-and-one free throw was changed so that the bonus shot was given

only if the first shot was made.

Games were changed back to being played in two 20-minute halves.

1955-56

The free-throw lane was increased from 6 feet to 12 feet.

The two-shot penalty in the last three minutes of the game was eliminated.

The one-and-one became in effect the entire game.

1956-57

On the lineup for a free throw, the two spaces adjacent to the end line were

occupied by opponents of the free-thrower. In the past, one space was

marked “H” for a home team player to occupy, and across the lane the first

space was marked “V” for a visiting team player to stand in.

A free thrower may not have either foot beyond the vertical plane of the free

throw line or the lane boundary. These restrictions apply until the ball touches

the ring or backboard, or until the try ends.

Grasping the basket became classified as a technical foul under unsports

manlike tactics.

1957-58

Offensive goaltending was banned so that no player from either team could

touch the ball or basket when the ball was on the basket’s rim or above the

cylinder. The only exception was the shooter in the original act of shooting.

One free throw for each common foul was taken for the first six personal fouls

by one team in each half, and the one-and-one was used thereafter.

On uniforms, the use of the single digit numbers one and two and any digit

greater than five was prohibited.

A ball that passed over the backboard—either front to back or back to front—

was considered out-of-bounds.

1959-60

The use of an orange ball of an approved shade is permitted. Before this, the

only colors allowed were “a natural tan” color or yellow.

Important Rules Changes by Year 4

1962-63

A black and white striped garment is now recommended for the official scorer.

The wording is changed for timekeepers for indicating the end of periods from

“by the Timers’ gong, pistol or siren” to “by the Timers’ signal.”

1963-64

The clock is now stopped when any violation is called. This includes when the

ball goes out-of-bounds. The rule prevents delaying tactics for the purpose of

consuming playing time when the ball is out of play.

1964-65

Coaches had to remain seated on the bench except while the clock was

stopped or to direct or encourage players on the court. This rule was to help

keep coaches from inciting undesirable crowd reactions toward the officials.

1967-68

The dunk was made illegal during the game and pregame warm-up.

1970-71

During a jump ball, a nonjumper could not change his position from the time

the official was ready to make the toss until after the ball had been touched.

1972-73

The free throw on the first six common fouls each half by a team was elimi-

nated.

Players could not attempt to create the false impression that they had been

fouled in charging/guarding situations or while screening when the contact

was only incidental. An official could charge the “actor” with a technical foul

for unsportsmanlike conduct if, in the official’s opinion, the actor was making a

travesty of the game. (In 2002, this rule was deleted because of lack of use.)

Freshmen became eligible to play varsity basketball. This was the result of a

change in the NCAA bylaws, not the basketball playing rules.

1973-74

Officials could now penalize players for fouls occurring away from the ball,

such as grabbing, holding and setting illegal screens.

1974-75

During a jump ball, a nonjumper on the restraining circle could move around

the circle after the ball had left the official’s hands.

A player charged with a foul was no longer required to raise his hand. (In

1978, however, it was strongly recommended that a player start raising his

hand again.)

1976-77

The dunk was made legal again.

1977-78

The option of a third official was allowed.

1980-81

Conferences began experimenting with the three-point field-goal at different

distances.

1981-82

The jump ball was used only at the beginning of the game and the start of

each overtime. An alternating arrow was used to indicate possession in jump-

ball situations during the game.

All fouls charged to bench personnel were assessed to the head coach.

1982-83

When the closely guarded five-second count was reached, it was no longer a

jump-ball situation. It was a violation, and the ball was awarded to the defen

sive team out-of-bounds.

1983-84

Two free throws were taken for each common foul committed within the last

two minutes of the second half and the entire overtime period, if the bonus

rule was in effect. (This rule was rescinded one month into the season.)

1984-85

The coaching box was introduced, whereby a coach and all bench personnel

had to remain in the 28-foot-long coaching box unless seeking information

from the scorers’ table.

1985-86

The 45-second clock was introduced. The team in control of the ball had to

shoot for a goal within 45 seconds after it attained team control.

If a shooter was fouled intentionally and the shot was missed, the penalty

was two shots and possession of the ball out-of-bounds to the team that was

fouled.

The head coach could stand throughout the game, while all other bench per

sonnel had to remain seated.

1986-87

The three-point field goal was introduced and set at 19 feet, 9 inches from the

center of the basket.

A coach could leave the confines of the bench at any time without penalty to

correct a scorer’s or timer’s mistake. A technical foul was assessed if there

was no mistake. (This was changed the next year to a timeout.)

A television replay could be used to prevent or rectify a scorer’s or timer’s

mistake or a malfunction of the clock.

1987-88

Each intentional personal foul carried a two-shot penalty plus possession of

the ball.

1988-89

Any squad member who participated in a fight was ejected from the game and

was placed on probation. If that player participated in a second fight during

the season, he was suspended for one game. A third fight involving the same

person resulted in suspension for the rest of the season including champion

ship competition.

1990-91

Beginning with the team’s 10th personal foul in a half, two free throws were

awarded for each common foul, except player-control fouls.

Three free throws were awarded when a shooter was fouled during an unsuc

cessful three-point try.

The fighting rule was amended. The first time any squad member or bench

personnel participated in a fight, he was suspended for the team’s next game.

If that same person participated in a second fight, he was suspended for the

rest of the season, including championship competition.

1991-92

Contact technical fouls counted toward the five fouls for player disqualification

and toward the team fouls in reaching bonus free-throw situations.

The shot clock was reset when the ball struck the basket ring, not when a shot

left the shooter’s hands as it had been since the rule was introduced in 1986.

1992-93

Unsporting technical fouls, in addition to contact technical fouls, counted

toward the five fouls for player disqualification and toward the team fouls in

reaching bonus free-throw situations.

1993-94

The shot clock was reduced from 45 seconds to 35. The team in control of

the ball had to shoot for a goal within 35 seconds after it attained team control.

A foul was ruled intentional if, while playing the ball, a player caused exces

sive contact with an opponent.

The game clock was stopped after successful field goals in the last minute

of the game and the last minute of any overtime period with no substitution

allowed.

The five-second dribbling violation when closely guarded was eliminated.

Important Rules Changes by Year 5

The rule concerning the use of profanity was expanded to include abusive

and obscene language in an effort to curtail verbal misconduct by players

and coaches.

1994-95

The inner circle at midcourt was eliminated.

Scoring was restricted to a tap-in when three-tenths (.3) of a second or less

remained on the game clock or shot clock.

The fighting and suspension rules were expanded to include coaches and

team personnel.

1995-96

All unsporting technical fouls charged to anyone on the bench counted toward

the team foul total.

Teams were allowed one 20-second timeout per half. This was an experimen

tal rule in the 1994-95 season.

1996-97

Teams had to warm up and shoot at the end of the court farthest from their

own bench for the first half. Previously, teams had the choice of baskets in

the first half.

In games not involving commercial electronic media, teams were entitled to

four full-length timeouts and two 20-second timeouts per game. In games

involving commercial electronic media, teams were entitled to two full-length

timeouts and three 20-second timeouts per game.

1997-98

The five-second dribbling violation when closely guarded was reinstated.

Timeout requests could be made by a player on the court or by the head

coach.

1998-99

In a held-ball situation initiated by the defense, the ball would be awarded to

the defensive team. Previously, possession was awarded by the direction of

the possession arrow.

1999-2000

Held-ball change from previous season rescinded.

Twenty-second timeouts increased to 30 seconds in length. New electronic-

media timeout format adopted.

Uniform numbers one and two were permitted.

During the season, the rules committee made a rule that required the official

to look at the courtside monitor to determine if a potential game-winning shot

in the last second of the game or overtime would count.

2000-01

Technical fouls were divided into direct (two-shot penalty) and indirect (one-

shot penalty) with the ball returned to the point of interruption.

Number of players permitted on free-throw lane reduced from eight to six.

2001-02

Both direct and indirect technical fouls were penalized by two shots and

returned to the point of interruption.

Officials could check an official courtside monitor to determine if a try was

a three- or two-point attempt, regardless of whether the try was successful.

2002-03

Composite ball could be used without mutual consent of coaches.

Two free-throw lane spaces closest to the free-thrower would remain unoc

cupied.

No free throws were awarded to the offended team in bonus for personal fouls

committed by a team while in team control or in possession of the ball during

a throw-in (team-control foul).

For Division I, shot clocks had to be mounted and recessed on the backboard,

red warning light had to be added and game clock had to show a tenth-of-a-

second display.

2003-04

Officials could consult a courtside monitor at the end of either half or any

extra period to determine: (1) if a field-goal try beat the horn; (2) whether a

shot-clock violation at the end of the first half beat the horn; or (3) whether

a shot-clock violation that would determine the outcome of a game beat the

horn. The officials also could use a courtside monitor to correct a timer’s

mistake or to determine if the game clock or shot clock expired at or near the

end of a period.

A team would have control when a player of that team had disposal of the

ball for a throw-in.

For Division II, shot clocks were recessed and mounted.

2005-06

Expanding on the rule from two seasons before, officials who consult a court-

side monitor at the end of either half or any extra period could correct the

official game time if needed and/or determine whether a foul was committed

before time expired. Officials could also consult a courtside monitor any time

during the game to correct a timer’s mistake.

The time allowed to replace a disqualified player was reduced from 30 to 20

seconds, and the warning signal was sounded five seconds before the expira

tion of the time limit.

Violations when the ball had been intentionally kicked no longer resulted in the

reset of the shot clock to 35 seconds. When the violation occurred with 15 or

fewer seconds remaining, the shot clock was reset to 15 seconds. Otherwise,

when the violation occurred with more than 15 seconds remaining, there was

no reset of the shot clock.

2006-07

A timeout would not be recognized when an airborne player’s momentum

carried him either out-of-bounds or into the backcourt.

2007-08

During free throws, the first lane space nearest the basket on each side of the

lane was eliminated and the second, third and fourth lane space on each side

were used as an alignment for free throws.

Use of a courtside monitor was allowed for determining whether a flagrant foul

occurred or to assess the situation during a fight.

2008-09

The three-point line was extended to 20 feet, 9 inches.

When the entire ball is above the level of the ring during a field-goal try and

contacts the backboard, it is considered to be on its downward flight. In such

a case, it is goaltending when that ball is touched by a player.

2009-10

Division II and III institutions are required to have a game clock with a tenth-

of-a-second display, a red light or LED lights, and shot clocks mounted on

the backboard.

Expanding on the rule from two seasons before, when an official uses a court

side monitor to determine whether a flagrant foul occurred, if it is determined

that a flagrant foul did not occur but an intentional personal foul or a contact

technical foul did occur, those fouls shall be penalized accordingly. However,

no other infractions may be penalized.

The new “contact technical foul” occurs when the ball is dead and involves

contact that is unnecessary, unacceptable and excessive.

When a player is injured and is unable to attempt his free throw(s), the coach

from the opposing team shall select one of the four remaining players on the

court to attempt the free throw(s). When the foul is intentional or flagrant, the

injured player’s coach shall select any player or team member to shoot the

free throw(s).

In a charging/blocking foul situation, a blocking foul will automatically be called

on the secondary defender if the defender is positioned under the basket.

2010-11

Along with the common foul or flagrant foul of the past, officials now had a

third option of calling an intentional foul when contact was made by swinging

elbows.

Important Rules Changes by Year 6

2011-12

A three-foot arc was added to the court to help referees determine automatic

block fouls of secondary defenders standing within the arc during a charging/

blocking foul situation.

2012-13

The intentional foul was eliminated and replaced with “Flagrant 1.” Flagrant 1

will carry a penalty of two shots and the ball; Flagrant 2 will be two shots, the

ball and ejection of the offender.

Flagrant 2 fouls added to the list of items that a head coach may request to

be reviewed. If the review does not indicate that a flagrant foul occurred, the

head coach shall be charged with a timeout.

2013-14

In the last two minutes of the game, officials are permitted to review whether a

shot clock violation occurred (including if the shot left the shooter’s hand prior

to the sounding of the shot clock horn) or to determine who caused the ball

to go out of bounds when there is a deflection involving two or more players.

Officials are permitted to use the monitor to determine on whom a foul is to be

charged when there is uncertainty.

To draw a charge, a defender must establish legal guarding position before

the airborne shooter begins his upward motion to shoot or pass

2014-15

In the last two minutes of the game, officials are permitted to review whether a

shot clock violation occurred (including if the shot left the shooter’s hand prior

to the sounding of the shot clock horn) or to determine who caused the ball

to go out of bounds when there is a deflection involving two or more players.

Officials are permitted to use the monitor to determine on whom a foul is to be

charged when there is uncertainty.

To draw a charge, a defender must establish legal guarding position before

the airborne shooter begins his upward motion to shoot or pass.

2015-16

The shot clock was reduced from 35 seconds to 30.

Expansion of the restricted-area arc from 3 feet to 4 feet.

• Allowing officials to use the monitor to review a potential shot clock violation

on made field goals throughout the entire game.

• Making Class B technical fouls (hanging on the rim and delaying the

resumption of play, for example) one-shot technical fouls. Previously, two

shots were granted for these types of technical fouls.

• Eliminating the five-second closely guarded rule while dribbling the ball.

• Removing the prohibition on dunking in pregame warmups and at halftime.

Adjusting the media timeout procedures to allow a timeout called within 30

seconds of a break (at the 16:30 mark) or at any time after the scheduled

media timeout becomes the media timeout.

• Removing the ability for a coach to call timeout when the ball is live.

• Allowing a total of only 10 seconds to advance the ball to the front court (with

a few exceptions).

• Reducing the amount of time allotted to replace a disqualified player from

20 to 15 seconds.

2016-17

Where possible, clear a 3-foot wide lane on both sides at the base of the

basket stanchion

•No longer permit offense to score on a player control foul (e.g., airborne

shooter).

• Issue one team warning for the first time a team delays the game by failing

to resume play immediately following the second warning horn indicating the

end of a timeout or when a disqualified or injured player must be replaced.

• Restrict a secondary defender who has established legal guarding position

from moving sideways to maintain legal guarding position on an airborne

shooter/passer.

• Make an exception to the guarding rule to allow a defender to be moving for

ward while airborne as long as he is moving in a direction in which he clearly

will not make contact with the shooter.

• Coaches can call timeouts after made baskets

Rules History by Subject 7

RULES HISTORY BY SUBJECT

BALL

1905-06

The ball was a rubber bladder covered with a leather case with a circumfer-

ence of 30 to 32 inches and a weight of 18 to 20 ounces.

1915-16

The maximum weight of the ball was established at 23 ounces after fluctuat-

ing from 20 to 23 during the past 10 years.

1930-31

The maximum circumference of the ball was reduced from 32 to 31 inches

and the maximum weight from 23 to 22 ounces.

1934-35

The circumference of the ball again was reduced to between 291/2 and 301/4

inches.

1938-39

The circumference of the ball was established as 291/2 to 30 inches.

1939-40

The ball was described as an airtight rubber case covered with leather.

1959-60

The use of an orange ball of an approved shade is permitted. Before this the

only colors allowed were “a natural tan” color or yellow.

2002-03

Mutual consent no longer needed for composite ball to be legal.

BASKET EQUIPMENT

1896-97

Backboards were installed.

1913-14

The bottom of the net was left open.

1920-21

The backboards were moved 2 feet from the wall of the court. Before this rule,

players could “climb” the padded wall to sink baskets.

1939-40

The backboards were moved from 2 to 4 feet from the end line to permit freer

movement under the basket.

1940-41

Fan-shaped backboards were made legal.

1946-47

Transparent backboards were authorized.

1957-58

A ball that passed over the backboard—either front to back or back to front—

was considered out-of-bounds.

1986-87

Shot clock added to both ends of the court.

1996-97

Teams had to warm up and shoot at the end of the court farthest from their

own bench for the first half. Previously, teams had the choice of baskets in

the first half.

2002-03

For Division I, shot clocks had to be mounted and recessed on the backboard,

a red warning light had to be added and game clock had to show a tenth-of-

a-second display

2003-04

For Division II, shot clocks were recessed and mounted

2009-10

Division II and III institutions are required to have a game clock with a tenth-

of-a-second display, a red light or LED lights, and shot clocks mounted on

the backboard.

CHARGE/BLOCK

1928-29

The charging foul by the dribbler was introduced.

1972-73

Players could not attempt to create the false impression that they had been

fouled in charging/guarding situations or while screening when the contact

was only incidental. An official could charge the “actor” with a technical foul

for unsportsmanlike conduct if in the official’s opinion the actor was making a

travesty of the game. (In 2002 this rule was deleted because of lack of use.)

2009-10

In a charging/blocking foul situation, a blocking foul will automatically be called

on the secondary defender if the defender is positioned under the basket.

2011-12

A three-foot arc was added to the court to help referees determine automatic

block fouls of secondary defenders standing within the arc during a charging/

blocking foul situation

2013-14

A defender must establish legal guarding position before the airborne shooter

begins his upward motion to shoot or pass.

2015-16

Restrict a secondary defender who has established legal guarding position

from moving sideways to maintain legal guarding position on an airborne

shooter/passer.

Make an exception to the guarding rule to allow a defender to be moving for

ward while airborne as long as he is moving in a direction in which he clearly

will not make contact with the shooter.

CLOCK STOPPAGE

1905-06

Time stopped only when ordered by the referee. It did not stop for dead-ball

situations such as free throws or when the ball was out-of-bounds.

1924-25

Time stopped when ordered by the referee for injuries, substitutions, two-shot

fouls and timeouts requested by the team captain. The clock kept running at

all other times including dead-ball situations, such as out-of-bounds.

Rules History by Subject 8

1947-48

The clock was stopped on every dead ball the last three minutes of the sec-

ond half and of every extra period. This includes every time a goal was scored

because the ball was considered dead until put into play again. (This rule was

abolished in 1951.)

1963-64

The clock is now stopped when any violation is called. This includes when the

ball goes out-of-bounds. The rule prevents delaying tactics for the purpose of

consuming playing time when the ball was out of play.

1993-94

The game clock was stopped after successful field goals in the last minute

of the game and the last minute of any overtime period with no substitution

allowed.

CLOSELY GUARDED

1982-83

When the closely guarded five-second count was reached, it was no longer a

jump-ball situation. It was a violation, and the ball was awarded to the defen

sive team out-of-bounds.

1993-94

The five-second dribbling violation when closely guarded was eliminated.

1997-98

The five-second dribbling violation when closely guarded was reinstated

2015-16

Eliminating the five-second closely guarded rule while dribbling the ball.

COACHING

1910-11

No coaching was allowed during the progress of the game by anybody con-

nected with either team. A warning was given for the first violation and a free

throw was awarded after that.

1948-49

Coaches were allowed to speak to players during a timeout.

1964-65

Coaches had to remain seated on the bench except while the clock was

stopped or to direct or encourage players on the court. This rule was to help

keep coaches from inciting undesirable crowd reactions toward the officials.

1984-85

The coaching box was introduced whereby a coach and all bench personnel

had to remain in the 28-foot-long coaching box unless seeking information

from the scorers’ table.

1985-86

The head coach could stand throughout the game while all other bench per-

sonnel had to remain seated.

1986-87

A coach could leave the confines of the bench at any time without penalty to

correct a scorer’s or timer’s mistake. A technical foul was assessed if there

was no mistake. (This penalty was changed the next year to a timeout.)

1994-95

The fighting and suspension rules were expanded to include coaches and

team personnel.

1995-96

All unsporting technical fouls charged to anyone on the bench counted toward

the team foul total.

DRIBBLING

1891-92

A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on

which he catches it, allowance to be made for a man who catches the ball

when running at a good speed. The ball may be batted in any direction with

one or both hands (never with the fist).

1900-01

A dribbler could not shoot for a field goal and could dribble only once and then

with two hands.

1905-06

Personal fouls were separated into two classes

“A” for general fouls and “B” for more flagrant fouls. Shooting after dribbling

became a Class A foul which later became known as a violation.

1908-09

A dribbler became permitted to shoot. The dribble was defined as the “con-

tinuous passage of the ball,” making the double dribble illegal.

1928-29

The charging foul by the dribbler was introduced.

1993-94

The five-second dribbling violation when closely guarded was eliminated.

1997-98

The five-second dribbling violation when closely guarded was reinstated.

2015-16

Eliminating the five-second closely guarded rule while dribbling the ball.

DUNKING

1967-68

The dunk was made illegal during the game and pregame warm-up.

1976-77

The dunk was made legal again.

2015-16

Removing the prohibition on dunking in pregame warmups and at halftime.

FIELD GOALS

1891-92

A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into

the basket and stays there providing those defending the goal do not touch

or disturb the goal. If the ball rests on the edge and the opponent moves the

basket it shall count as a goal.

1895-96

A field goal changes from three to two points and free throws from three points

to one point.

1905-06

If a player was fouled during the act of shooting his team was automatically

awarded one point and one free-throw attempt. If the original shot from the

Rules History by Subject 9

field for goal was good, it counted along with the awarded extra point and

free-throw attempt.

1915-16

If a player was fouled in the act of shooting, his team was awarded two free

throws regardless of whether the original field goal was made or missed. If it

was made, those two points counted.

1930-31

If a player was fouled in the act of shooting, his team was awarded two free

throws if the original field goal was missed. If it was made, those two points

counted and only one free throw was attempted.

FIGHTING

1988-89

Any squad member who participated in a fight was ejected from the game

and placed on probation. If that individual participated in a second fight during

the season, he was suspended for one game. A third fight involving the same

person resulted in suspension for the rest of the season including champion

ship competition.

1990-91

The fighting rule was amended. The first time any squad member or bench

personnel participated in a fight he was suspended for the team’s next game.

If that same person participated in a second fight, he was suspended for the

rest of the season including championship competition.

1994-95

The fighting and suspension rules were expanded to include coaches and

team personnel.

FOULS

1891-92

No shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping or striking in any way the person

of an opponent shall be allowed. The first infringement of this rule by any

player shall count as a foul, the second shall disqualify him until the next goal

is made or if there was evident intent to injure the person for the whole of the

game, no substitute allowed. A foul is striking at the ball with the fist. If either

side makes three consecutive fouls, it shall count a goal for the opponents

(consecutive means without the opponents in the meantime making a foul).

1905-06

Personal fouls were separated into two classes.

“A” for general fouls and “B” for more flagrant fouls. Class A fouls were called

for delay of game, tackling the ball (touching the ball when a teammate was

already touching it), kicking the ball, striking the ball, advancing the ball,

hugging the ball, shooting after dribbling, tackling the opponent, holding the

opponent, pushing the opponent or addressing the game officials. Class B

fouls could lead to possible game disqualification and were called for striking

the opponent, kicking the opponent, shouldering the opponent, tripping the

opponent, hacking the opponent, unnecessary roughness, or using profane

or abusive language. If two Class B fouls were committed by one player, he

was disqualified for the rest of the game.

1910-11

Within Class B fouls, personal fouls were distinguished from the other.

1915-16

Class A fouls were changed to violations, and Class B fouls became technical

and personal fouls.

1981-82

All fouls charged to bench personnel were assessed to the head coach.

2010-11

Along with the common foul or flagrant foul of the past, officials now had a

third option of calling an intentional foul when contact was made by swinging

elbows.

2012-13

The intentional foul was eliminated and replaced with “Flagrant 1.” Flagrant 1

will carry a penalty of two shots and the ball; Flagrant 2 will be two shots

the ball and ejection of the offender. Flagrant 2 fouls added to the list of items

that a head coach may request to be reviewed. If the review does not indicate

that a flagrant foul occurred, the head coach shall be charged with a timeout.

(For more on Fouls, please see Field Goals, Fouling Out, Rough Play and

Technical Fouls.)

2015-16

During the use of a video review to see if a possible flagrant foul occurred, the

panel approved a rule that would allow officials to penalize players who fake

fouls. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee felt that players trying to

draw fouls by deception is a growing issue.

FOULING OUT

1905-06

Players were disqualified upon committing their second Class “B” foul (as

described in the preceding “Fouls” section).

1908-09

Players were disqualified upon committing their fifth Class A or B foul.

1915-16

Players were disqualified upon committing their fourth personal foul.

1942-43

Any player who was eligible to start an extra period was allowed an extra

personal foul increasing the total so disqualification was on the fifth foul.

1944-45

Five personal fouls disqualify a player. An extra foul was not permitted in

overtime games.

1991-92

Contact technical fouls counted toward the five fouls for player disqualification

and toward the team fouls in reaching bonus free-throw situations.

FREE THROWS

1894-95

The free-throw line was set at 20 feet.

1895-96

A field goal changes from three to two points and free throws from three points

to one point.

1905-06

If a player was fouled during the act of shooting

his team was automatically awarded one point and one free-throw attempt. If

the original shot from the field for goal was good

it counted along with the awarded extra point and free-throw attempt.

1906-07

The free-throw line was moved from 20 to 15 feet.

1915-16

If a player was fouled in the act of shooting, his team was awarded two free

Rules History by Subject 10

throws regardless of whether the original field goal was made or missed. If it

was made, those two points counted.

1923-24

The player fouled must shoot his own free throws. Before this rule, one person

usually shot all his team’s free throws.

1930-31

If a player was fouled in the act of shooting, his team was awarded two free

throws if the original field goal was missed. If it was made, those two points

counted and only one free throw was attempted.

1935-36

After a made free throw, the team scored upon would put the ball in play at

the end of the court where the goal had been scored.

1939-40

Teams had the choice of whether to take a free throw or take the ball out-

of-bounds at midcourt. If two or more free throws were awarded, this option

applied to the last throw.

1952-53

Teams could no longer waive free throws in favor of taking the ball out-of-

bounds.

1952-53

The one-and-one free-throw rule was introduced, although the bonus was

used only if the first shot was missed. The rule was in effect the entire game

except the last three minutes, when every foul was two shots.

1954-55

The one-and-one free throw was changed so that the bonus shot was given

only if the first shot was made.

1955-56

The two-shot penalty in the last three minutes of the game was eliminated.

The one-and-one became in effect the entire game.

1955-56

The free-throw lane was increased from 6 feet to 12 feet.

1956-57

On the lineup for a free throw, the two spaces adjacent to the end line were

occupied by opponents of the free thrower. In the past, one space was

marked “H” for a home team player to occupy and across the lane the first

space was marked “V” for a visiting team player to stand in.

1956-57

A free thrower may not have either foot beyond the vertical plane of the free

throw line or the lane boundary. These restrictions apply until the ball touches

the ring or backboard or until the try ends.

1957-58

One free throw for each common foul was taken for the first six personal fouls

by one team in each half and the one-and-one was used thereafter.

1972-73

The free throw on the first six common fouls each half by a team was elimi-

nated.

1983-84

Two free throws were taken for each common foul committed within the last

two minutes of the second half and the entire overtime period if the bonus rule

was in effect. (This rule was rescinded one month into the season.)

1985-86

If a shooter was fouled intentionally and the shot was missed, the penalty

was two shots and possession of the ball out-of-bounds to the team that was

fouled.

1987-88

Each intentional personal foul carried a two-shot penalty plus possession of

the ball.

1990-91

Beginning with the team’s 10th personal foul in a half, two free throws were

awarded for each common foul except player-control fouls.

1990-91

Three free throws were awarded when a shooter was fouled during an unsuc-

cessful three-point try.

1991-92

Contact technical fouls counted toward the five fouls for player disqualification

and toward the team fouls in reaching bonus free-throw situations.

1992-93

Unsporting technical fouls, in addition to contact technical fouls, counted

toward the five fouls for player disqualification and toward the team fouls in

reaching bonus free-throw situations.

1995-96

All unsporting technical fouls charged to anyone on the bench counted toward

the team foul total.

2000-01

Number of players permitted on free-throw lane reduced from eight to six.

2002-03

Two free-throw lane spaces closest to the free-thrower would remain unoc

cupied.

2002-03

No free throws were awarded to the offended team in bonus for personal fouls

committed by a team while in team control or in possession of the ball during

a throw-in (team-control foul).

2007-08

During free throws, the first lane space nearest the basket on each side of

the lane was eliminated and the second, third and fourth lane spaces on each

side were used as an alignment for free throws.

2009-10

When a player is injured and is unable to attempt his free throw(s), the coach

from the opposing team shall select one of the four remaining players on the

court to attempt the free throw(s). When the foul is intentional or flagrant, the

injured player’s coach shall select any player or team member to shoot the

free throw(s).

FRESHMEN

1972-73

Freshmen became eligible to play varsity basketball. This was the result of a

change in the NCAA bylaws, not the basketball playing rules.

GAME OFFICIALS

1891-92

The umpire shall be judge of the men and shall note the fouls and notify the

referee when three consecutive fouls have been made. He shall have power

to disqualify men according to rule on fouls. The referee shall be judge of the

ball and shall decide when the ball is in play, in bounds, and to which side

it belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal had been

made and keep account of the goals with any other duties that are usually

performed by a referee.

1905-06

Each game had one referee one umpire and two inspectors. The referee

Rules History by Subject 11