What is a technical foul in basketball?
What Constitutes a Technical Foul
A technical foul is called for behavior that is not a physical foul against an opponent. This includes arguing with referees, using profanity, taunting, delaying the game, or committing administrative errors like having too many players on the court.
In the NBA, technical fouls are also assessed for defensive three-second violations, hanging on the rim, and flopping. In FIBA and NCAA, similar rules apply but with variations in enforcement and penalties.
Penalties for a Technical Foul
The opposing team is awarded free throws (usually one or two, depending on the league) and often possession of the ball. In the NBA, a technical foul results in one free throw and possession. In FIBA, it's one free throw and possession.
Players and coaches can receive technical fouls. In the NBA, a player is ejected after two technical fouls; a coach can be ejected after two as well. In FIBA, a player is ejected after two technicals, and a coach after two as well.
- NBA: one free throw and possession.
- FIBA: one free throw and possession.
- NCAA: two free throws and possession.
- Two technicals lead to ejection in most leagues.
Types of Technical Fouls
There are two main types: unsportsmanlike (like arguing) and administrative (like delay of game). Some leagues also have flagrant fouls, which are more severe and involve excessive contact.
In the NBA, a 'double technical' can be called when two players commit technicals simultaneously, resulting in no free throws. Technical fouls also count toward a player's personal foul total in some leagues.
Common mistakes
- Many confuse technical fouls with personal fouls; technicals are for conduct and administrative issues, not physical contact.
- Some think a technical foul always results in two free throws, but in the NBA and FIBA it's typically one free throw and possession.
- Others believe only players can receive technicals, but coaches and even bench personnel can get them too.
