
Forfeits in basketball are declared when a team is unable to play or refuses to play after being instructed to do so by the referee. In the case of a forfeit, the offending team is typically given a loss, and their opponent is awarded a win. The forfeit score can vary depending on the specific rules of the league or organization. For example, in FIBA tournaments, a forfeit typically results in a 20-0 loss for the forfeiting team, while in other leagues, it may be recorded as a 0-20 loss. In some cases, such as in college basketball, a forfeit can change a school's original win into a loss and its opponent's original loss into a win. Understanding the rules and regulations specific to the league or tournament is crucial to determining the exact scoring and consequences of a forfeit in basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Governing Body | FIBA, NCAA, NBA |
| Forfeit Criteria | Team not present or unable to field 5 players, refusal to play after being instructed by referee, unsportsmanlike conduct, scheduling constraints |
| Forfeit Result | Loss for offending team, score varies (0-20, 0-2, 3-0), opposing team receives a win and default points |
| Impact on Standings | Loss for forfeiting team, no change or loss of points, potential impact on tiebreakers |
| Special Cases | Double forfeit possible, no-contest declaration due to external conditions, vacated games expunged from records |
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What You'll Learn

Unsportsmanlike conduct
In basketball, unsportsmanlike conduct is penalised by a technical foul, which is akin to a caution. Accumulating two technical fouls can lead to expulsion from the game. Examples of unsportsmanlike conduct in basketball include:
- Arguing with referees or other officials
- Physical altercations with other players
- Hanging on to the rim after a dunk
- Excessive celebrations after a significant play
- Taunting or baiting other players
- Using foul or abusive language
- Feigning injury
It is important to note that the rules and consequences of unsportsmanlike conduct may vary depending on the specific basketball league or organisation. For example, the National Basketball Association (NBA) does not explicitly mention how forfeitures are dealt with in their rules, but they do recognise forfeiture as a possible sanction for players or coaches who violate the rules on ejections.
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Failing to comply with technical foul penalties
In the NBA, for example, technical fouls are assessed for unsportsmanlike behaviour, violations of the rules, or misconduct that disrupts the game. The immediate consequence of a technical foul is a free throw awarded to the opposing team. Repeated technical fouls can result in fines, ejection from the game, or even suspension for coaches. If a player or coach ejected from the game fails to comply with the ejection and leave the playing area immediately, they may face an automatic fine and possible forfeiture of the game.
In college basketball, technical fouls are also taken seriously, with penalties increasing over the years. Initially, the opposing team was awarded one free throw, but this has since increased to one free throw and possession of the ball. "Bench technicals" assessed on non-active players, assistant coaches, or anyone on the team bench are considered more serious and typically result in two free throws. Coaches may face ejection and/or suspension if they accumulate a certain number of technical fouls.
Failing to comply with these technical foul penalties can ultimately lead to a forfeit if the team refuses to play or is unable to continue the game. For example, in U.S. NCAA basketball, a referee may declare a forfeit if a player, squad member, or bench personnel fails to comply with any technical foul penalty or makes a travesty of the game. The forfeiting team typically loses the game with a score of 2-0, unless 30 minutes have elapsed, in which case the score at the end of play stands.
It is important to note that the rules and consequences of technical fouls and forfeits may vary depending on the specific basketball organisation and competition. While failing to comply with technical foul penalties can be a factor in forfeits, there may be other factors involved as well, such as team behaviour, outside conditions, or decisions made by the governing organisation.
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Refusing to play
While it is rare for players to refuse to play, there have been notable instances where athletes have chosen to do so as a form of protest or due to personal reasons. For example, in 2020, the Milwaukee Bucks refused to play Game 5 of their NBA playoff series against the Orlando Magic in protest against the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Their stance against racial injustice was supported by other teams in the NBA, as well as other professional sports leagues. This type of action by athletes is considered a "wildcat strike," where players withhold their labour to pressure management to address serious societal issues.
Another instance of a player refusing to play occurred in 1994 when Chicago Bulls forward Scottie Pippen declined to enter a playoff game against the New York Knicks. While Pippen did not face punishment, his decision tainted his reputation. It is also worth noting that players may occasionally request to play less or not report for games, especially if they are recently traded to another team.
In the case of a forfeit in basketball, the forfeiting team typically loses the game with a score of 0-2 or 0-20, depending on the specific rules of the competition. This can negatively impact the team's overall standing, especially in tie-breaking situations. However, it is important to note that the rules regarding forfeitures may vary across different basketball leagues and organisations.
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Scheduling constraints
In basketball, scheduling constraints are used to ensure that all teams are treated equally. For example, leagues that use the same venue must ensure their schedules do not overlap. Additionally, coaches may coach multiple teams in different sports, so schedules must not conflict.
When creating a schedule, other constraints that must be considered include time, distance, and the maximum number of games per week. For instance, in the National Basketball Association, scheduling constraints are used to minimize the distance travelled in a season, and to ensure that high-profile rivalry games are played on weekends when ticket sales and viewership are highest.
In college basketball, fixed constraints are often used to schedule rivalry games for weekends, such as The University of New Mexico and New Mexico State college basketball games. Special constraints are also used to increase television ratings, meet contractual obligations, and maximize attendance.
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Ineligible players
While the use of ineligible players can result in a forfeit, there are no specific rules in the NBA rulebook about how forfeitures are dealt with. However, in the FIBA rules, a forfeit is distinct from a default. A default occurs when a team is unable to field five players ready to play 15 minutes after the scheduled start time, or if a team refuses to play after being instructed to by the referee. In this case, the offending team loses by a score of 20-0.
In U.S. NCAA basketball, a referee can decide to forfeit a game if a player fails to comply with any technical foul penalty or makes a travesty of the game. If a team refuses to play after being instructed to do so by an official, the game is also forfeited. The forfeiting team loses the game 2-0 unless 30 minutes have elapsed on the game clock, in which case the score at the end of play stands.
In addition to the rules regarding forfeitures, there are also rules regarding player eligibility for awards. According to the NBA's new 65-game rule, a player must play a minimum of 65 games and play a minimum of 20 minutes in each game to be eligible for awards. This rule has disqualified several players from winning awards, including Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Zach Lavine, Devin Booker, and Ja Morant.
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Frequently asked questions
In the NBA, there are no rules that deal with forfeitures. However, in U.S. NCAA basketball, a forfeit results in a 2-0 loss for the offending team unless 30 minutes have elapsed on the game clock, in which case the score at the end of play stands. In tournaments that use the FIBA points system, a forfeit results in a 20-0 loss.
A basketball team may forfeit a game due to scheduling conflicts, continuous unsportsmanlike conduct, or refusal to play.
A no-contest declaration is made when outside conditions prevent a team from playing, such as player unavailability due to COVID-19 quarantine. In this case, the affected team is not afforded a loss, and the unaffected team advances without being awarded a win. On the other hand, a forfeit is a decision made by the team to not play or complete a game, resulting in a loss for the forfeiting team.
A forfeit changes a team's original win into a loss and its opponent's original loss into a win.































