Correctable errors
FIBA · 2026When officials can fix scorekeeping, free-throw and clock mistakes.
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Article 45 — Category 1 errorsArticle 45 — How correction worksArticle 45 — Shot-clock errorsArticle 45 — Category 1 errors
Category 1 includes wrongly granted or omitted free throws, the wrong shooter, incorrect points, fouls assigned to the wrong person or team, scorekeeping mistakes and game-clock errors. An error before the final 2:00 of the fourth quarter must be corrected before that boundary, or before the next live ball if the first subsequent stoppage falls within it. Errors in the last 2:00 or overtime must be corrected before the ball becomes live after the first subsequent referee stoppage.
Article 45 — How correction works
Officials apply the specific remedy: cancel unmerited throws, supply missed throws when required, correct the score or foul assignment, or adjust the clock. Permitting the wrong shooter and directing the wrong shooter have different remedies. Later fouls, elapsed time and other activity generally remain valid. End-of-game correction is narrowly limited to errors since the last stoppage and must happen immediately.
Article 45 — Shot-clock errors
Category 2 covers shot-clock operation and setting errors. Correction must occur immediately or at the first eligible stoppage while the same team retains control or entitlement. It is no longer possible after a change of live-ball possession, that team’s valid basket, or the end-of-game dead ball.
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