Basketball · Official Basketball Rules

Law 40: Fighting

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

Who may and may not leave the team bench area during a fight, the single 'B' technical, and how the game restarts.

40.401Leaving the Bench Area

Who is disqualified and who may help the officials.

Fighting is physical interaction between 2 or more opponents, players and anyone permitted on the team benches.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.1 · recall
It applies to substitutes, coaches, first assistants, excluded players and delegation members who leave the bench area.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.1 · recall
Stepping out during a fight is enough, contact or not.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.2.1 · applied
Only the head coach and first assistant may leave, to help the officials keep or restore order.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.2.2 · recall
A head coach or first assistant who leaves but does not help or try to help restore order is disqualified.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.2.3 · applied
Leaving the bench area during a fight or any situation which may lead to a fight is covered.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.2.1 · applied
A physio is a delegation member, and the same rule applies to him.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.2.1 · applied
Leaving to assist the officials is allowed for the head coach and first assistant.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.2.2 · applied
The substitute is disqualified, and the head coach gets a 'B' technical.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.2.1, 40.3.1 · applied
A head coach who goes on to help the officials stays; the substitute, the shoving assistant and the physio are disqualified.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.2 · applied

The 'B' technical, team fouls and the three restarts.

Whatever the number disqualified for leaving, a single 'B' technical is charged against the head coach.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.3.1 · applied
They are entered on the scoresheet as set out in Appendix B and do not count as team fouls.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.3.3 · recall
With a goal or last free throw scored, the non-scoring team throws in from behind its end line.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.3.2 · applied
If neither team had control or was entitled to the ball, a jump ball situation occurs.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.3.2 · applied
It applies when persons of both teams are disqualified and no other foul penalties remain.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.3.2 · recall
Foul penalties against players on the court involved in a fight are dealt with under Article 43, special situations.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.3.4 · recall
The team in control throws in from the place nearest to where the ball was when the fight started.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.3.2 · recall
Each is disqualified, a single 'B' technical goes on the head coach, and no team fouls are added.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.3 · applied
Goal first, then control or entitlement, then a jump ball.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.3.2 · applied
A held the ball, so the restart is its throw-in near the ball's spot.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 40.3.2 · applied

FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026 (v1.1), Article 40 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)