Fouling Out

Also known as: Personal foul limit, Disqualification

How many fouls before you’re out of the game.

The rule

Every foul is recorded against the player who commits it. Reach the limit and you must leave the game for good. Your team carries on with a substitute.

The reason

It puts a price on rough play by the player doing it, not just the team. A star defender who keeps fouling risks sitting on the bench.

Around the leagues

6 fouls: NBA, WNBA. Technical fouls are counted separately.
5 fouls: FIBA, NCAA M, NCAA W, Wheelchair. Most technical fouls count toward the five.
No limit: 3x3. Nobody fouls out. Two unsportsmanlike fouls still get a player sent off.

In the Dictionary: Foul