IAABO Referee Certification Exam 2026/2027 | Complete
Study Guide, 300 Practice Questions & Detailed Answers
SECTION 1 — BASIC RULES & DEFINITIONS
1.
Question: When is a basketball considered live?
A. Whenever it is in the hands of a player
B. When it is legally put in play under the rules
C. Only after a successful field goal
D. Only during a jump ball
Answer: B
Rationale: The ball becomes live when properly put into play through
an approved procedure such as a jump ball, throw-in, or free throw.
2.
Question: When is the ball considered dead?
A. Whenever a player stops dribbling
B. Whenever the defense gains possession
C. When the rules declare it dead
D. Whenever the ball touches the floor
Answer: C
Rationale: The ball becomes dead only under situations specified by
rule, such as a whistle for a violation, foul, successful goal, or expiration
of playing time.
,3.
Question: A player is in player control when the player is:
A. Only holding the ball
B. Only dribbling
C. Holding or dribbling a live ball
D. Standing near the ball
Answer: C
Rationale: Player control exists when a player is holding or dribbling a
live ball.
4.
Question: Team control begins when:
A. A team scores
B. A player obtains control of the ball
C. The ball crosses midcourt
D. A player receives a throw-in
Answer: B
Rationale: Team control begins when a player obtains control of a live
ball and continues until the specified end of team control.
5.
Question: Which action normally ends player control?
A. Continuing a dribble
B. Passing to a teammate
C. Holding the ball
D. Pivoting
,Answer: B
Rationale: Player control ends when the player releases the ball on a
pass or try, or when another rule terminates control.
6.
Question: A try for goal is:
A. Always a pass
B. An attempt to score a field goal
C. Any throw toward a teammate
D. Only a shot from outside the arc
Answer: B
Rationale: A try is an attempt to score a field goal.
7.
Question: A field goal is successful when:
A. The ball touches the rim
B. The ball touches the net
C. The ball enters the basket from above and remains in or passes
through
D. The official signals it
Answer: C
Rationale: Merely touching the rim or net does not constitute a
successful goal.
8.
Question: Which official has primary responsibility for judging plays
within their assigned area?
, A. Scorer
B. Timer
C. Referee
D. Coach
Answer: C
Rationale: Game officials have responsibility for rule enforcement and
judgment.
9.
Question: The referee's authority generally begins:
A. When the first basket is scored
B. Before the game begins
C. At halftime
D. After the first whistle
Answer: B
Rationale: Officials have pregame responsibilities and authority before
the opening toss.
10.
Question: The referee's jurisdiction generally ends:
A. At halftime
B. When the final horn sounds
C. When officials leave the visual confines of the playing area
D. After the final score is announced
Answer: C
Study Guide, 300 Practice Questions & Detailed Answers
SECTION 1 — BASIC RULES & DEFINITIONS
1.
Question: When is a basketball considered live?
A. Whenever it is in the hands of a player
B. When it is legally put in play under the rules
C. Only after a successful field goal
D. Only during a jump ball
Answer: B
Rationale: The ball becomes live when properly put into play through
an approved procedure such as a jump ball, throw-in, or free throw.
2.
Question: When is the ball considered dead?
A. Whenever a player stops dribbling
B. Whenever the defense gains possession
C. When the rules declare it dead
D. Whenever the ball touches the floor
Answer: C
Rationale: The ball becomes dead only under situations specified by
rule, such as a whistle for a violation, foul, successful goal, or expiration
of playing time.
,3.
Question: A player is in player control when the player is:
A. Only holding the ball
B. Only dribbling
C. Holding or dribbling a live ball
D. Standing near the ball
Answer: C
Rationale: Player control exists when a player is holding or dribbling a
live ball.
4.
Question: Team control begins when:
A. A team scores
B. A player obtains control of the ball
C. The ball crosses midcourt
D. A player receives a throw-in
Answer: B
Rationale: Team control begins when a player obtains control of a live
ball and continues until the specified end of team control.
5.
Question: Which action normally ends player control?
A. Continuing a dribble
B. Passing to a teammate
C. Holding the ball
D. Pivoting
,Answer: B
Rationale: Player control ends when the player releases the ball on a
pass or try, or when another rule terminates control.
6.
Question: A try for goal is:
A. Always a pass
B. An attempt to score a field goal
C. Any throw toward a teammate
D. Only a shot from outside the arc
Answer: B
Rationale: A try is an attempt to score a field goal.
7.
Question: A field goal is successful when:
A. The ball touches the rim
B. The ball touches the net
C. The ball enters the basket from above and remains in or passes
through
D. The official signals it
Answer: C
Rationale: Merely touching the rim or net does not constitute a
successful goal.
8.
Question: Which official has primary responsibility for judging plays
within their assigned area?
, A. Scorer
B. Timer
C. Referee
D. Coach
Answer: C
Rationale: Game officials have responsibility for rule enforcement and
judgment.
9.
Question: The referee's authority generally begins:
A. When the first basket is scored
B. Before the game begins
C. At halftime
D. After the first whistle
Answer: B
Rationale: Officials have pregame responsibilities and authority before
the opening toss.
10.
Question: The referee's jurisdiction generally ends:
A. At halftime
B. When the final horn sounds
C. When officials leave the visual confines of the playing area
D. After the final score is announced
Answer: C
