What can be reviewed on video in basketball?
I · Intermediate · Players, officials and the court · 13 of 13Where the instant replay system is in use, referees may check set things on video: whether a shot beat the buzzer, whether it was a two or a three, how serious a foul was and, in the last 2 minutes, a few more. Each head coach has one challenge a game.
How it works
| When | What may be reviewed |
|---|---|
| End of a quarter or overtime | Whether a made shot was released before the buzzer; how much time should be left after an out-of-bounds, shot clock or 8-second violation or a foul |
| Last 2 minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime | Whether a made shot beat the shot clock; goaltending and basket interference calls; who put the ball out of bounds; timing of certain fouls |
| Any time | Two or three points; 2 or 3 free throws; whether a foul should be upgraded or downgraded; correctable errors; clock malfunctions; the correct free-throw shooter; who took part in any violence |
- The crew chief decides whether to review, and the referees must show their first decision on the court before looking.
- The call changes only on clear and conclusive visual evidence.
- Head coach's challenge: one a game, whether it succeeds or not.
- The coach says "challenge" to the nearest referee and draws a rectangle with the hands.
- A challenge can be about anything on the review list, at any time in the game, and must be made by the first stoppage after the decision.
Tricky cases
Does a coach keep the challenge if it succeeds?
No. Each head coach has one challenge in the game, successful or not.
Can a coach challenge a foul call?
It depends on what is asked. The review list covers whether a foul should be upgraded, downgraded or treated as a technical foul, not whether ordinary contact was a foul at all.
Is replay used in every game?
No. It applies only where the competition provides approved video equipment.
Why the rule exists
Some facts, such as a foot on the line or a release against the buzzer, are too fine to see at speed and too important to get wrong.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | As above | App F |
| NBA and other leagues | Their own replay and challenge rules | Not covered |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Appendix F, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).