What is the purpose of tracking individual fouls during a game?

Tracking individual fouls during a basketball game is crucial to ensure that players do not exceed the allowable limit of fouls, which can lead to disqualification from the game. Each player is typically allowed a certain number of personal fouls (usually five or six, depending on the level of play) before they are disqualified and must leave the game. This monitoring is key for coaching decisions and game strategy, as it allows coaches to manage players, especially those who are at risk of fouling out due to their foul count. Understanding a player's foul situation helps teams adjust their defensive strategies, as players with fewer fouls can be more aggressive without the risk of disqualification, while those with many fouls may need to play more cautiously. Such tracking directly affects the dynamics and outcomes of the game.