Referees, table officials and the scoresheet
FIBA · 2026Official responsibilities, signalling, timing and the game record.
On this page
Articles 46–48 — OfficialsArticles 49–51 — The tableAppendices A–B — Signals and recordsArticles 46–48 — Officials
The officiating team consists of a crew chief and one or two umpires, assisted by a scorer, assistant scorer, timer and shot-clock operator; a commissioner may supervise the table. The crew chief approves equipment, selects the ball, resolves disagreements and signs the final scoresheet. Officials apply the rules with consistent judgement about advantage and disadvantage, rather than interrupting for harmless contact.
Articles 49–51 — The table
The scorer records players, points, fouls, time-outs, the possession arrow and the coach’s challenge. The assistant operates the scoreboard; where an unresolved discrepancy exists, the scoresheet takes precedence. The timer handles game time, breaks, time-outs, substitution signals and foul markers. The shot-clock operator follows the 24- and 14-second restart rules. A table signal alone does not stop play.
Appendices A–B — Signals and records
Appendix A illustrates the authorised clock, scoring, violation, foul and review signals. Appendix B prescribes the scoresheet, foul notation, running score, team totals and signatures. Officials record the quarter or overtime and minute when a coach’s challenge is granted. The crew chief signs last after checking the result; incident and protest procedures can require additional reports.
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