Oz_Referee (Main)

Year	Changes Made
1892	First publicly played game using the 13 rules (see here)
1896	Field goals changed to 2 points, free throws to 1.
1897	Teams to consist of 5 players
1909	Glass backboards introduced, 5 fouls and a player is disqualified.
1923	Designated free throw shooter rule eliminated - i.e. the person fouled has to shoot the free throw
1932	FIBA founded. Each team to have 5 players plus 2 substitutes who could enter the game twice each. After every score the game is restarted with a jump ball.
1936	FIBA introduces rules to limit the advantages of taller players. Three timeouts allowed, ball inbounded from baseline after baskets. Court divided into 2 halves and ten second rule introduced. Substitutes increased to 5 and players were disqualified after 4 fouls.
1944	3 second rule implemented, to prevent tall players "camping" under the basket and to promote faster play. Time outs increased from 3 to four, and substitutes now number 7. The right to opt for possession rather than free throws in the final 3 minutes is brought in. Pivoting, and the right to lift the pivot foot before shooting, passing or dribbling is allowed. Asian players popularise the jump shot.
1952	NBA introduces 24 second shot clock.
1956	FIBA goes with a 30 second shot clock. The key is enlarged to the trapezoid shape. Ball must leave a players hands before lifting the pivot foot.
1960	During the final 5 minutes every foul is punished by 2 free throws. Mid court line is eliminated.
1968	Cylinder above the basket is deleted, once the ball comes off the ring it is playable by both offence and defence. Mid court line is re-established. 2 free throws for every foul occurring in the last 3 minutes.
1972	3 minute fouling rule is scrapped.
1974	Introduction of rule stating that if a team commits 10 fouls in a half, all subsequent fouls are penalised by 2 free throws.
1976	Three for two rule introduced to allow players fouled in the act of shooing to attempt a third fouls shot if either of the first two attempts miss.
1979	NBA brings in the 3 point shot. 3 point line is 7.24 metres from the basket.
1980	Team fouls reduced from 10 to 8 per half. Coaches disqualified after 3 technical fouls.
1984	FIBA follows suit and introduces 3 point line at 6.25m from basket. Playing court enlarged by 1m wide and 2m long. Team fouls reduced to 7 and penalty becomes 1and1 (make the first to get the second). Three for two rule is eliminated. Technical foul on coach is now 2 shots plus possession.
1986	Intentional and disqualifying fouls are now penalised by 2 shots and possession.
1990	Right to possession rather than free throws is removed. Referees determine the order of fouls and administer them in the order they occur. Referees have to handle the ball before all inbounds. Rebounders on free throws may enter the key after the ball leaves the shooters hands. Professional players permitted to Olympics - the NBA "Dream Team" attends Barcelona Games.
1994	Games to be played in 2x20 minute halves or 4x12 minute quarters. 1and1 rule removed. Act of shooting continues until players feet touch the floor. First foot to touch the floor becomes the pivot rather than the rear foot. Intentional fouls changed to unsportsmanlike. Inbounds occur from the closest point to the infraction (including end line).
1998	Three time outs allowed per team in the second half. Clock stops on successful basket in final two minutes of regular time and extra periods. Penalty of a double foul changed to allow the team with possession to remain in control of the ball.
2000	Game to be played in 4 ten minute quarters. One time out per period and 2 in the 4th. FIBA reduces 30 second rule to 24, and backcourt rule from 10 seconds to 8. Ball has to hit the ring to reset the shot clock. Player technical changed to one free throw plus possession. Three person officiating accepted.
2001	NBA allows zone defence.
2004	FIBA introduces possession arrow. Second unsportsmanlike foul is now automatically a disqualifying foul. Substitution can be called on any whistle.