Law 18: Time-out

Each time-out lasts 1 minute.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.2.1 · recall

Each team may be granted 2 time-outs in the first half.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.2.5 · recall

A team has 3 in the second half, with at most 2 of them when the clock shows 2:00 or less in the 4th quarter.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.2.5 · recall

Each team may be granted 1 time-out in each overtime.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.2.5 · recall

Only a head coach or first assistant coach has the right to request a time-out.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.1, 18.3.1 · recall

In the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter and each overtime the scoring team gets no time-out after a goal unless a referee has interrupted play.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.2.8 · applied

A time-out is an interruption of the game requested by the head coach or first assistant coach.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.1 · recall

2, then 3 (no more than 2 in the last 2 minutes), then 1 per overtime.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.2.5 · recall

The time-out runs from the referee's whistle and signal to his whistle and beckon.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3 · applied

Unused time-outs are not carried over to the next half, so Team A has the usual 3.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.2.5, 18.2.6 · applied

It starts when the ball is dead, the game clock is stopped and the referee has ended communication with the table.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.2.3 · recall

The ball becoming dead after a successful last free throw starts an opportunity for both teams.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.2.3 · recall

A goal starts a time-out opportunity for the non-scoring team.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.2.3 · recall

It ends when the ball is at the disposal of a player for a throw-in or for a first free throw.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.2.4 · recall

If a goal is scored against a team that has requested a time-out, the timer immediately stops the clock and sounds the signal.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.4 · applied

When an opportunity starts, the timer sounds the signal to tell the referees a time-out has been requested.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.4 · recall

A request may be cancelled only before the timer's signal for it has sounded.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.2 · recall

Team B asked; Team A's goal gives Team B the opportunity at once.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.2.3, 18.3.4 · applied

After that signal the request stands.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.2, 18.3.4 · applied

The opportunity opens once the referee has finished with the table (after A) and closes when the thrower-in has the ball (before C).

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.2.3, 18.2.4 · applied

The coach makes visual contact with the table or goes to it and asks clearly, making the conventional sign.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.1 · recall

The time-out period starts when the referee blows the whistle and gives the time-out signal.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.3 · recall

It ends when the referee blows the whistle and beckons the teams back on the court.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.3 · recall

Players may leave the court, and anyone allowed on the bench may come on, provided they stay near their bench area.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.5 · recall

Requested after the ball is at the shooter's disposal, it is granted if the last free throw is successful (among other cases).

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.6 · applied

The set of free throws is completed and the time-out is permitted before the new foul penalty.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.6 · applied

The time-out freedom also applies in the intervals before the 2nd and 4th quarters and each overtime.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.5 · recall

Requested after the shooter has the ball, the time-out waits for a successful last free throw.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.6 · applied

The current set is finished first; the time-out comes before the new penalty.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.6 · applied

Of the four, only the head coach is one of the two people allowed to ask.

Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 18.3.1 · applied