Technical, disruptive and flagrant fouls
FIBA · 2026The foul categories used in the supplied 2026 FIBA rules and their consequences.
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Article 36 — Technical categoriesArticles 37–38 — Disruptive and flagrantArticles 39–40 — Removal and fightingArticle 36 — Technical categories
Category 1 technicals cover behaviour such as abuse, taunting or faking a foul and count toward game disqualification. Category 2 includes specified delays, improper rim hanging and last-free-throw goaltending, and does not count toward that disqualification combination. Both categories charged to a player count as player and team fouls. A technical normally gives the opponents one immediate free throw, then play resumes with the previous possession entitlement.
Articles 37–38 — Disruptive and flagrant
Disruptive fouls include specified non-basketball contact stopping transition or late-period clocks, and qualifying contact from behind or the side against an unopposed advancing opponent. Flagrant fouls involve non-legitimate basketball action, dangerous or reckless acts, or excessive hard contact. Both normally award two free throws if not shooting, or the appropriate shooting penalty, followed by frontcourt possession with 14 seconds. These are the supplied 2026 categories; older unsportsmanlike-foul summaries should not replace them.
Articles 39–40 — Removal and fighting
A disqualifying foul removes the offender and normally adds free throws and frontcourt possession. Bench personnel leaving during a fight are disqualified, except the head coach or first assistant who helps restore order. Active involvement attracts further penalties. Disqualified people must go to the dressing room or leave the building.
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