How many fouls to foul out in College Basketball?

Basketball is one of the most physically demanding sports and sometimes the physicality can cross the line and result in fouls. The rules of college basketball are quite different from the National Basketball Association.

In the NBA, players are allowed to leave the court when they have earned six personal fouls. So many of us must be wondering: How many fouls does it take to foul out in College Basketball?

Maximum Number of Personal Fouls in College Basketball

Unlike NBA where a player gets ejected after an accumulation of six personal fouls, college basketball players are required to head towards the bench when they have earned five personal fouls. After the fifth foul, the players are required to sit out for the remainder of the game. This is because a college is shorter with a duration of 40 minutes whereas NBA games are 48 minutes long.

It is always a strategic challenge for NCAA players to conduct themselves on the court to maintain a fair competition and to avoid giving the opposing team an advantage with free throw attempts or possession.

Fouls in FIBA Competitions

In FIBA basketball, the personal foul limit for a player is five. When a player racks up five personal fouls during the course of the game, they are automatically disqualified and given marching orders. Technical fouls are considered towards the foul limit, unlike NBA where technical fouls are not counted as personal fouls.

Types of Fouls in College Basketball

College basketball has different types of fouls that a player can commit during the course of the game. Let’s take a look at a few ones that can lead to a quick ejection.

Personal Fouls

The most common fouls in the sport of basketball are personal fouls. These fouls can occur when a player makes an illegal contact with an opponent during both offensive or defensive plays.

Players can earn personal foul by pushing, blocking, hitting, or striking another player in the act of shooting. If the shot is missed due to the foul, the player or shooter is awarded free throw attempts. If the shooter is fouled behind the line, they will receive three free throws whereas if the shooter is fouled while attempting a two-pointer, they will be awarded with two free throws.

Additionally, an offensive foul is committed by the team with the possession of the ball. Charging and illegal screens are the two common types of offensive foul. Charging is when an offensive player comes in significant contact with a defensive player. Illegal screen is when an offensive non-ball handling player sets a screen and does not allow the defender to move around the court.

Technical Fouls

This type of foul is a non-contact foul and can be given for various reasons, such as incessant arguing with referees, unsportsmanlike conduct, or breaking specific rules. Technical fouls always result in a free throw and a change in possession. When a player or coach receives two techs in one game, they are ordered to leave the floor.

Flagrant Fouls

Flagrant fouls are some of the most serious fouls that can potentially injure another player. These fouls are penalized more harshly than technical or personal fouls. The fouled player will receive two free throws and the offended team will gain possession of the ball. There are two categories of flagrant foul – Flagrant 1 and Flagrant 2. Flagrant 1 refers to fouls involving excessive contact and the player receives free throws and the offended team gets the possession. Flagrant 2 is considered more serious and can lead to automatic ejection during the course of the game.