Basketball · Official Basketball Rules

Law 20: Game Lost by Forfeit

2 parts · 2 tests · 20 facts · updated 22 October 2026 · markdown

When a team forfeits, the 20-0 score and 0 classification points, and forfeits in series and tournaments.

20.201Forfeiting a Game

The three causes of a forfeit, the score and the classification points.

A team that refuses to play after being instructed to do so by the crew chief loses by forfeit.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.1 · recall
A team whose actions prevent the game from being played loses by forfeit.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.1 · recall
The game is awarded to the opponents and the score is 20 to 0.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.2.1 · recall
The forfeiting team receives 0 classification points.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.2.1 · recall
A team loses by forfeit if it is not present, or cannot field 5 players ready to play, 15 minutes after the scheduled start.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.1 · applied
A forfeiting team gets 0 classification points; a defaulting team gets 1.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.2.1, 21.2.1 · applied
The refusal that counts is a refusal after being instructed to play by the crew chief.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.1 · recall
After 15 minutes without 5 ready players, the game is forfeited 20-0.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.1, 20.2.1 · applied
A refusal after the crew chief's instruction is a forfeit.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.1 · applied
The limit is 15 minutes after the scheduled start: A and B are within it, C is the first moment past it.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.1 · applied

Aggregate series, play-offs, and a second forfeit in a tournament.

In a two-game total points series, a forfeit in either game loses the series.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.2.2 · applied
In a best-of-3 play-off, a forfeit in the first, second or third game loses the play-off.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.2.2 · applied
The lose-the-series rule does not apply to best-of-5 and best-of-7 play-offs.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.2.2 · applied
A second forfeit in a tournament disqualifies the team, and the results of all its games are nullified.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.2.3 · recall
It is the second forfeit that disqualifies the team.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.2.3 · recall
A first forfeit loses that game; disqualification comes with the second.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.2.3 · applied
The rule covers two-game aggregate series and best-of-3 play-offs, not best of 5 or best of 7.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.2.2 · recall
Two forfeits end a team's tournament and wipe its results.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.2.1, 20.2.3 · applied
2, 3, 5 and 7 games at most.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.2.2 · recall
In best-of-5 and best-of-7 play-offs a forfeit costs only that game; in the others it loses the series.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 20.2.2 · applied

FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026 (v1.1), Article 20 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)