Players, coaches, referees and families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with important changes to the official basketball rules.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has introduced updated basketball rules, effective from 1 October 2026.
The changes aim to improve the flow of the game, provide greater clarity around foul decisions and support more consistent officiating.
Collingwood Basketball Association (CBA) encourages all members of our basketball community to understand the key changes ahead of the upcoming season.
What are the key changes?
1. New categories of fouls
One of the most significant changes is the replacement of the existing unsportsmanlike foul classification with two new categories.
Disruptive fouls: These address certain actions that unfairly interrupt or interfere with play. Disruptive fouls do not count towards automatic game disqualification.
Flagrant fouls: These address more serious actions and count towards game disqualification.
The distinction allows referees to apply penalties that better reflect the nature and severity of an incident.
2. Changes to technical fouls
Technical fouls will now be divided into two categories.
Some technical fouls will count towards automatic game disqualification, while others will not.
This change recognises that technical fouls can involve different levels of misconduct and should not always carry the same consequences for disqualification.
3. Clarification of shooting fouls
FIBA has clarified when a player is considered to be in the act of shooting.
The updated rules provide clearer guidance around continuous movement and when a shooting action begins.
This is particularly relevant when a player attempts to turn contact into a shooting foul after the contact has occurred.
The changes aim to support consistent decisions about whether a foul results in free throws or a possession.
4. Changes to video reviews
FIBA has expanded the circumstances in which referees can use the Instant Replay System.
These include reviewing certain goaltending and basket interference decisions, as well as specific fouls during throw-in situations late in games.
These provisions apply to competitions where approved video review technology is available.
What does this mean for Collingwood Basketball?
The changes are relevant to players, coaches and referees across basketball.
For our domestic and representative programs, the most important changes to understand are the new foul classifications, technical fouls and clarification of shooting fouls.
Players and coaches should continue to respect referee decisions, while parents and spectators are reminded of their responsibility to support a positive and respectful basketball environment.
Where can I find more information?
FIBA has published the complete 2026 Official Basketball Rules, detailed explanations of the changes and updated interpretations.
We encourage coaches, referees, team managers and interested families to review these resources.
Official resources:
- FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026
- FIBA summary of the 2026 rule changes
- Basketball Victoria Rules of the Game
CBA looks forward to supporting our players, coaches and officials as these changes are introduced across basketball.
All Stars, One Community.
