Throughout the Official Basketball Rules, all references made to a player, coach, official, etc. in the male gender also apply to the female gender. It must be understood that this is done for practical reasons only.


RULE ONE – THE GAME

Art. 1 Definitions

1.1. Basketball game

Basketball is played by 2 teams of 5 players each. The aim of each team is to score in the opponents' basket and to prevent the other team from scoring.

The game is controlled by the officials, table officials and a commissioner, if present.



1.2. Basket: opponents'/own

The basket that is attacked by a team is the opponents' basket and the basket which is defended by a team is its own basket.

1.3. Winner of a game

The team that has scored the greater number of game points at the end of playing time shall be the winner.