In a statement from FIBA, it was noted that the rule changes, which will take effect on October 1, were proposed by the “FIBA Rules Advisory Group,” composed of coaches, players, referees, and experts.
It was reported that the new rules were subsequently reviewed by the FIBA Technical Commission and approved by the FIBA Central Board.
One of the most notable changes among the amendments is the revision to the technical foul rule. Under the new rules, technical fouls will be divided into two distinct categories based on their nature and severity. One category involves fouls that could result in a player’s disqualification, while the other does not lead to disqualification.
It was also reported that two changes were made regarding video review of positions. The statement said, “At any point during the game, violations involving contact with the rim (goaltending) or interference with the basket (basket interference) following a foul will be allowed to be reviewed using the Instant Replay System (IRS).” It was noted that this change was made because the previous rule did not provide a sufficiently balanced disciplinary system.
Regarding another significant change on this matter, the statement noted: “During the final 2 minutes of the fourth quarter and throughout all overtime periods, when the ball is inbounded from the sideline, a foul committed by the defensive team will be reviewed via the Instant Replay System (IRS).”
Revision to the “shooting motion” definition
FIBA has revised the definition of “shooting motion” to prevent players from manipulating the rules to draw undeserved fouls.
The new regulation aims to prevent offensive players, in particular, from attempting to draw fouls by feigning a shot after making contact.
Accordingly, for a movement to be considered a “shooting action,” the player in possession of the ball must have initiated the motion of raising their shoulders and arms upward with the intent to shoot toward the basket.
The concept of unsportsmanlike fouls has been divided into two categories
Under the new rules, changes will also be made to the definition of unsportsmanlike fouls.
With the introduction of these rules, the concept of an “unsportsmanlike foul” will be eliminated and replaced with the definitions of “obstruction foul” and “flagrant foul.”
FIBA explained that this change is intended to ensure more proportionate penalties, to more clearly distinguish game stoppages made for tactical purposes from dangerous contact, and to reduce the likelihood of players automatically facing more severe disciplinary sanctions.
It was also emphasized that, under the new rules, the requirement for basketball players’ socks to be visible will be removed, and greater flexibility will be granted regarding line colors and court markings to align with modern marketing needs.
Additionally, it was reported that FIBA will organize a series of online seminars for national federations in August, and that the updated version of these rules will be published in September.