NBA players are bound by a comprehensive set of rules and regulations, both on and off the court, dictating what they are not allowed to do to maintain fair play, uphold professional conduct, and ensure the integrity of the league. These prohibitions range from specific gameplay violations to broader behavioral and contractual obligations.
On-Court Prohibitions
During a game, players must adhere to strict rules designed to promote skill, strategy, and safety. Violations lead to turnovers, fouls, or technical assessments.
Common Game Violations
Players are not permitted to commit various infractions that disrupt the flow of the game or gain an unfair advantage. These include:
- Traveling: Taking too many steps without dribbling the ball.
- Double Dribble: Dribbling the ball, stopping, and then dribbling again, or dribbling with both hands simultaneously.
- Backcourt Violation: Bringing the ball from the frontcourt into the backcourt after it has legally crossed the mid-court line.
- Shot Clock Violation: Failing to attempt a shot that hits the rim within the allotted 24 seconds.
- Lane Violation: Staying in the free-throw lane for more than three seconds while their team is in possession of the ball in the frontcourt.
- Out of Bounds: Touching the boundary line or the area outside the court while in possession of the ball.
- Goaltending: Interfering with a shot while it is on its downward flight to the basket or after it has touched the backboard while the ball has a chance to score.
- Basket Interference: Touching the basket, rim, or net while the ball is in contact with the rim or in the cylinder above the rim.
Basket and Rim Interference
Specific rules prevent players from using the basket structure to their advantage or assisting others. A player may not assist himself in an attempt to score by using any part of the rim, net, backboard or basket support to lift, hold or raise himself. Similarly, a player may not assist a teammate to gain height while attempting to score. These actions are designed to prevent unfair vertical advantages.
Fouls
Players are restricted from physical contact or unsportsmanlike actions that violate the spirit of the game. Types of fouls include:
- Personal Fouls: Illegal contact with an opponent, such as holding, pushing, blocking, charging, or illegal screening. Excessive personal fouls (typically six) lead to disqualification from the game.
- Technical Fouls: Non-contact fouls related to unsportsmanlike conduct, such as arguing with officials, excessive taunting, delaying the game, or hanging on the rim (unless to prevent injury). Two technical fouls result in ejection.
- Flagrant Fouls: Unnecessary or excessive contact.
- Flagrant 1: Unnecessary contact.
- Flagrant 2: Unnecessary and excessive contact, resulting in immediate ejection.
Off-Court Prohibitions and Conduct
Beyond the game itself, NBA players are held to high standards of professionalism and conduct, both publicly and privately.
Prohibited Substances
Players are strictly prohibited from using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and certain recreational drugs. The NBA's anti-drug program includes regular testing, and violations can lead to suspensions, fines, and even dismissal from the league.
Gambling
To preserve the integrity of the sport, players are explicitly forbidden from gambling on any NBA games, including those involving their own team. This also extends to sharing inside information for gambling purposes.
General Misconduct
Players are expected to maintain a positive public image and avoid activities that could bring disrepute to themselves, their team, or the NBA. This can include:
- Criminal Activity: Engaging in illegal activities off the court.
- Public Behavior: Actions that are deemed detrimental to the league's image, even if not explicitly illegal.
- Violations of League/Team Policies: Disobeying specific rules set by the NBA or their individual team regarding media interactions, social media use, or attendance requirements.
Summary of Key Prohibitions
| Category | Examples of Prohibited Actions | Consequence Examples |
|---|---|---|
| On-Court Gameplay | Traveling, double dribble, shot clock violation, backcourt, illegal screens, goaltending, basket interference, assisting self/teammate on basket via rim/backboard. | Turnover, possession change, foul shots. |
| On-Court Conduct | Illegal contact (fouls), unsportsmanlike conduct, excessive arguing, taunting, dangerous play. | Personal fouls, technical fouls, flagrant fouls, ejection, suspension, fines. |
| Off-Court Substances | Using performance-enhancing drugs, illegal recreational drugs. | Suspensions, fines, dismissal. |
| Integrity & Ethics | Gambling on NBA games, sharing inside information for betting, criminal activity, actions damaging league image. | Suspensions, fines, contract termination, legal consequences. |
By adhering to these extensive rules and guidelines, NBA players contribute to maintaining the competitive fairness, ethical standards, and global reputation of professional basketball.
