How are fouls counted during a basketball game?

In basketball, both team and individual fouls are tracked throughout the game to maintain fairness and uphold the integrity of play. Individual fouls are tallied to monitor the performance of each player and to determine when a player may be disqualified for accumulating too many fouls, which typically is five in high school basketball. This helps coaches manage player participation and strategy during the game.

Simultaneously, team fouls are also counted to assess the overall discipline and foul trouble of a team. When a team reaches a certain number of fouls, the opposing team may gain an opportunity for free throws, meaning that the accumulation of team fouls has an immediate impact on the game dynamic. This dual tracking system is essential to ensuring that both players and teams are accountable for their actions on the court, promoting sportsmanship and strategic decision-making during the game.