Official Rules of the NBA

The 2009-10 NBA season introduced expanded use of instant replay by NBA referees. Below are other updated rules changes and officiating news and notes:

• Referee Assignments
• Rules changes for 2009-10 | 08-09 | 07-08
• 2009-10 Rule Book (PDF)
• 2009-10 Officials Media Guide (PDF)
• NBA's Most Misunderstood Rules
• Official Referee Hand Signals Illustrated
•  Video Rulebook

Ask Bernie: Backcourt violations & expanding replay

Bernie Fryer, Vice President of NBA Officials answers the latest batch of rules questions from NBA fans. Read Article

Ask Bernie: Do referees wait to call fouls?

Bernie Fryer, Vice President and Director of NBA Officials, takes questions about this very important rule. Read Article

Making the Call: Offensive Foul

Watch as Chris Paul is whistled for an offensive foul you may not have seen before. Watch Video

Making the Call: In the Cylinder or Not?

Ronnie Nunn helps you understand how referees determine whether a ball is in the cylinder or not. Watch Video

Making the Call: 3-Point Video Replay

Ronnie Nunn, the Director of Development for Officials, explains the new 3-point video replay rule. Watch Video

Collective Bargaining Agreement

What's a Mid-level Exception? How long can a free-agent contract be? How about a rookie contract? The answers to those questions and more can be found in the collective bargaining agreement that was signed in 2005 and runs through the 2010-11 season.

• Collective Bargaining 2005
• Principal Deal Points