Home Page History of Basketball

Origional Rules

  1. The ball can be thrown in any direction.
  2. The ball can be batted in any direction.
  3. A player can't run with the ball.
  4. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it.
  5. You must hold the ball in your hands only.
  6. You can't inflict violence on any person whatsoever. The first time you inflict violence will be a foul, the second will disqualify you from the game until the next goal is made. If you obviously intended to inflict violence, you will be disqualified from the entire game without replacements.
  7. Hitting the ball with a fist is counted as a foul. If either side makes three fouls in a row, the other team will earn one goal.
  8. A goal is made when the ball is thrown from the ground into the basket and stays there.
  9. If the ball rests on the edges, and the opponent moves the basket, it counts as a goal.
  10. When the ball goes out of bounds, it's thrown into the court by the person touching it. He can hold it for five seconds. If there is a fight the umpire will throw it into the court. The thrower-in is allowed five seconds; if he holds it longer it will go to the opponent.
  11. If any side persists in delaying the game the umpire shall call a foul on that side. The umpire keeps track of fouls. He shall have power to disqualify plyers.
  12. The referee decides which team has possession of the ball. He is the person who keeps players from getting into fights, etc.
  13. There will be two fifteen-minute halves, with five minutes rest inbetween. The side making the most goals will be the winner. If there's a draw the players will continue playing until a goal is made.

Present Changes

  1. The basketball must have a circumference of between 29½ and 30¼ inches. Also, the backboard must be 4 feet from the wall to prevent wall-climbing to score baskets.
  2. A regulation game is 48 minutes, and after 6 fouls the player is disqualified.
  3. Teams must attempt to make a goal after 24 seconds of gaining possession of the ball.
  4. A player may dribble the ball after gaining possession instead of passing.
  5. Running with the ball only makes you switch ball possession to the other team.