NBA technical foul rules explained: All you need to know

A technical foul in the NBA can be issued for many reasons. It could range from teams asking for excessive timeouts for players and coaches arguing over calls with officials. There are six incidents, as per the NBA, that could lead to a technical foul being issued.

Looking at why technical fouls are assessed in the NBA

#1 Excessive timeouts

NBA teams cannot call for excessive timeouts. If a team runs out of their allotted quota and calls for a timeout, they will be assessed a technical foul. The opposition will receive a free throw and possession after the FT attempt. The ball will get inbounded from the nearest spot from where the play was interrupted.

#2 Delay of Game

Delays by players or teams in resuming play due to multiple reasons can warrant a technical foul. Players or coaches cannot interfere or prevent the ball from being put into play. Any attempt at halting the start of play can lead to a technical foul, but only after successive offenses, which awards the opposing team a free throw.

#3 Number of players

Each team is allowed to field five players apiece during a game. If a team is found to have six or more players on the court, they will be assessed a non-unsportsmanlike technical foul. Teams with the correct number of players will get to shoot a free throw and gain possession if they scored on the previous play, and the officials issued a tech to the other team when the ball was out of bounds.

#4 Basket Ring, Backboard, or Support

Players cannot hang onto a basket ring, backboard, or support. A violation of this rule leads to referees assessing a non-unsportsmanlike technical foul. The violation applies to either team. The only exception to the rule is if a player hangs on to the ring, backboard, or support to prevent injury to himself or an opposing player.

#5 Conduct

Officials have the authority to assess players and coaches with technical fouls without prior warning for misconduct. This includes questioning the integrity of the officials and excessive arguments over specific foul calls. Physical contact with a referee also warrants a tech. Players on the bench can also be issued a tech for misconduct. The opposing team is issued a free throw for the same.

Fighting or taunting opposing players or coaches also warrants a technical foul. If a particular individual is issued with two technicals in the same game, they will be ejected. 16 technical fouls during the NBA season leads to a one-game suspension.