Fouls and Violations in Basketball

There are “Fouls” and there are “Violations” Fouls are caused by physical contact (holding, pushing), or actions (acting out like you are going to hit another player but you don’t) or even extreme abusive yelling or cussing (technical foul). Violations are actions by players that break a basketball rule – such as traveling, stepping on the line, and back court. Prior to each “Foul” call the referee will first perform this signal… Stop the Clock! Prior to each “Violation” the Ref will first perform this signal… “Fouls”
Fouls are the act of making “illegal” physical contact with a player while the ball is in play. Fouls can occur from a defender bumping into a player dribbling the ball, reaching in and/or slapping the offensive player dribbling the ball, moving their body (bumping) into an offensive player, bumping or hitting a player taking a shot, elbowing a player. Players cannot elbow, grab / hold, punch, push, scratch at, or trip a player on the other team – these are all fouls. Offensive fouls can occur when the player dribbling the ball runs into a defender who has established position. Technical fouls can be called on players or coaches who are using unsportsmanlike conduct, too many players on the court, etc. Incidental Contact Incidental contact occurs when a defender makes contact with an offensive player and the contact is deemed insignificant (the referees do not call a foul). Incidental contact can also occur when two players are going for the ball at the same time, and they run into each other (it’s very hard to determine which player ran into who first?). This type of contact is appropriate at times, but when allowed to continue for longer than it should, it can cause problems in the game (especially if left unchecked for too long).
Types of Personal Fouls: Holding Foul – A “Holding Foul” occurs when a defender holds, grabs, or pulls an offensive player (it doesn’t matter if the offensive player has possession of the ball