Technical Foul

Also known as: T, Tech

A foul for behaviour, not contact.

The rule

A technical foul punishes conduct rather than contact: arguing disrespectfully with a referee, taunting, faking being fouled, or delaying the game. Coaches and bench players can get them too.

The penalty

Free throws for the other team. Repeat offenders are sent off.

The reason

It gives referees a way to keep control of a game and protect respect for opponents and officials.

Around the leagues

• 1 free throw: NBA, WNBA. Then play goes on. Two technicals for unsportsmanlike conduct mean ejection.
• 1 free throw: FIBA. Then the team that had the ball keeps it. New in 2026: only serious (category 1) technicals count toward disqualification.
• 1 free throw: Wheelchair. Then the team that had the ball keeps it. Lifting off the seat is a technical foul too.
• 1 free throw: 3x3. Then the team that had the ball keeps it. Two technicals don’t get a player sent off.
• 1 or 2 free throws: NCAA M. Class A (unsporting conduct): 2 shots. Class B (minor): 1 shot. Play restarts where it stopped.
• 2 free throws: NCAA W. And the other team gets the ball at half court.

Related: Flagrant Foul, Lifting

In the Dictionary: Foul