Basketball · Official Basketball Rules

Law 48: Referees: Duties and Powers

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

Where officials may call infractions, when to whistle, the fundamental principles, an injured official, English and the finality of decisions.

48.481Whistles and Principles

Where and when to call, and the four fundamental principles.

Officials decide on infractions within or outside the boundary lines, including near the table, benches and behind the lines.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.1 · recall
Officials do not whistle after a successful goal, a successful free throw or when the ball becomes live.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.2 · recall
Officials should not interrupt the flow to penalise incidental contact that gives no advantage and causes no disadvantage.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.3 · applied
Officials consider the spirit and intent of the rules and the integrity of the game.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.3 · recall
Whistles are for infractions, the end of a quarter or overtime, or when the game must be stopped.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.2 · recall
Officials keep a balance between game control and game flow, calling what is right for the game.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.3 · recall
Consistent common sense in each game, bearing in mind the players' abilities, attitude and conduct.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.3 · recall
A whistle for the foul, none after a successful free throw.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.2 · applied
The four principles as listed: spirit and intent, advantage/disadvantage, common sense, control and flow.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.3 · recall
No whistle after a successful free throw; travelling, the end of a quarter and a needed stop all get one.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.2 · applied

Reporting protests, an injured official, English, and decisions that stand.

On receiving the protest reasons, the crew chief (or commissioner, if present) reports the incident in writing.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.4 · recall
If an official cannot continue within 5 minutes of the incident, the game resumes.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.5 · recall
After consulting the commissioner, the remaining officials decide on a possible qualified replacement.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.5 · applied
In international games, verbal communication needed to make a decision clear is in English.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.6 · recall
Each official decides within his duties but has no authority to disregard or question another's decisions.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.7 · recall
It is final and cannot be contested or disregarded, except where a protest is allowed.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.8 · recall
It is the remaining crew's call, with the commissioner's advice.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.5 · recall
Five minutes is the limit; then play carries on.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.5 · applied
The written report goes up to the organisers.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.4 · applied
Without a qualified substitute, the remaining officials work the rest of the game alone.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 48.5 · applied

FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026 (v1.1), Article 48 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)