2026 FIBA Rules Now In Effect
Updated: Oct 11
The 2026 FIBA Official Basketball Rules are now in effect worldwide, bringing several important changes for officials to apply on the court.
October 1 marks the official implementation of the new edition of the FIBA Official Basketball Rules. The updated rules include changes to the act of shooting, technical fouls, disruptive and flagrant fouls, as well as the use of the Instant Replay System.
For MMBRA officials, the new season means becoming familiar with these changes and applying them consistently from the opening tip.
ACT OF SHOOTING
Article 15 has been updated to clarify the definition of continuous movement and the location of a player when determining whether they are in the act of shooting.
The changes provide additional clarity for officials when determining whether a shooting motion has begun and how the play should be judged.
TECHNICAL FOULS
Technical fouls are now classified based on whether they count towards game disqualification. This distinction is important when determining the cumulative effect of technical fouls during a game.
Officials should be familiar with the new categories and their corresponding penalties before taking the court.
DISRUPTIVE & FLAGRANT FOULS
The terminology surrounding unsportsmanlike fouls has also changed.
Articles 37 and 38 introduce two new foul categories:
Disruptive foul — does not count towards game disqualification.
Flagrant foul — counts towards game disqualification.
The new terminology and definitions are designed to provide greater clarity when distinguishing between different types of illegal and unacceptable contact.
The introduction of a new rulebook is an opportunity for every official to sharpen their knowledge and make sure they are prepared for the season ahead.
MMBRA officials are encouraged to review the 2026 Official Basketball Rules, the 2026 Official Basketball Rules Interpretations and the official 2026 Rules Changes document.
The complete 2026 FIBA rules resources are available through the Resource Centre.
