ABA Rules

The ABA continues to be innovative in its approach to bring fast-paced, fan-friendly, exciting basketball to true fans. The game has evolved and so has the rules. The ABA combines FIBA and Pro rules to create the best show for the fans. The ABA was the creators of the 3 point shot (now used by the NBA and other leagues). The ABA now has a rule focusing on defense called the 3D. Learn about our unique rules here and how we plan on making the game more fun and exciting. In the ABA we're "Havin' a ball™"

 

LEAGUE STATEMENTS

 

"Every ABA game should be a fan-pleasing entertainment experience."

"League play will emphasize pure basketball skills, while eliminating rough style of play."

"Officials should set a new and refreshing example by enforcing the rules of the game."

"Players are expected to sign autographs and interact with fans after each ballgame"

"Players are expected to demonstrate professional conduct at all times."

"ABA basketball can be a fun and exciting experience for the fans. We offer a great athletic, fast-paced game at affordable prices."

 

SPORTSMANSHIP

There will be consistent & universal enforcement of sporting behavior

There will be ZERO TOLERANCE for taunting & baiting

 

3-D RULE

The 3-D Rule light is On when...

The offensive team loses possession of the ball while the ball has backcourt status

The ball goes out-of-bounds after touching the frontcourt (or a player or official in the Frontcourt)

If the offensive team does not establish ball control in the frontcourt, the 3D Light will remain in effect.

  When the 3-D Rule is on, an additional point is added to the point value of the field goal. (i.e. two point (2pt) baskets count as three, three point (3pt) baskets count as four)

3-D Rule remains on until the team scores, attempts a free throw for a personal foul; or the other team gains control of the ball.

When the defense commits a foul with in 3D, the number of free throw will be increased by one.

When the defensive team receives a technical foul in 3D, this 3D light remain on following the technical foul.

 

6th FOUL RULE

When a player has committed a 6th Foul (combination of personals & a direct technical); he may continue to participate in the game as a 6th Foul Player.

When a 6th Foul Player commits a Personal Foul, the penalty is One Free Throw (or one additional free throw) for the offended team, plus the ball for a throw-in at a designated spot, nearest the foul.

The 6th Foul Player Rule allows the extra free throw attempt by either one of the five players of the offended team.

 

BACK-DOWN RULE

All FOUR of the following factors must be Present for a violation to occur:

Player must be dribbling

Player must be closely guarded

Player must have his back to the basket

Player must be below the free throw line extended

The covering official shall use a visible count.

The offensive player may NOT continue his dribble for more than Three seconds.

The Back-Down count ENDS when ONE of the four factors is Missing.

However...The 5-Second Closely Guarded Count Shall Continue

  The penalty is a VIOLATION by the Dribbler and the team looses possession.

 

OVER-TIME

"3-10 &OUT"

All Overtime periods begin with a jump ball.

The length of the first overtime period is 3 MINUTES

All Team Members are allowed to play during the Overtime period.

6th Foul Players status is cancelled.

Players who have been disqualified are not eligible

  There are NO TIME-OUTS ALLOWED during the Overtime period(s)

Only Fouls/Violations stop the clock (clock will stop after every made basket in the last minute only)

  Fouls in the Overtime period:

A player fouls out on his 2nd Foul (could be only his 2nd foul of the game)

A Bonus situation occurs on the 4th Foul of the Overtime period

The fouled player gets Three (3) Free Throws. If fouled in the act of shooting and the shot is missed, the shooter will receive three shots. (If shot is made just one shot is given to player)

  Double Overtime: There is no clock involved

Team members who fouled out during the first overtime period are NOT allowed to return to play in the 2nd Overtime period.

The first team to score 10 points is the winner.

No time will be on the game clock (shot clock will continue to operate)

 

7 SECONDS BACKCOURT COUNT

The count shall be Visible.

If the defensive team deflects the ball out of bounds, the 7-Second count does not start over when play resumes.

Official shall inform the in bounding player of the remaining time to get the ball in the frontcourt.

  If the offensive team is granted a time-out, the count does not start over when play resumes.

Official shall inform the Head Coach of the remaining time to get the ball in the frontcourt.

 

TIME-OUTS

60-Second Time-Outs

Each team is allotted Two (2) 60-Second time outs per half.

  No carry-overs from first half to the second half

The timer should sound two horns: One after 45 seconds & one after 60 seconds

Play should resume at second horn

  20-Second time-outs (players may sit)

Each team is allotted One 20-second time out per half

No carry-overs from first half to second half

The timer should sound two horns: One at 10 seconds & one At 20 seconds

Play should resume at second horn

  Media time-outs

75 seconds in length

There are two media time outs during each quarter

At or below the 8:00 minute & 4:00 minute marks

 

MORE UNIQUE ABA RULES

Four (4) twelve (12) minute quarters

24-second shot clock

No "One & One" free Throw Situations

Penalty of two shots on the 8th team foul of each quarter

  All successful field goals from the backcourt are FOUR points

Must be BEYOND the division line (Foot Cannot Be On The Division Line)

 

HELD BALL SITUATIONS

If a held ball occurs in the backcourt and the AP arrow favors the Defense, the 3D Rule is in effect and the 3D light is on.​​