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Dead ball is a term in many ball sports in which the ball is deemed temporarily not playable, and no movement may be made with it. Depending on the sport, this event may be quite routine, or more uncommon.

Basketball

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In basketball, most or any time play is stopped the ball is considered dead, such as when a foul has been committed and called by a referee, a foul shot has been attempted and another one is yet to be attempted, or the ball has gone out of bounds. Player substitutions may then be made. Section IV of the NBA rule book contains the official definition of a dead ball.[1][2][3]

Bat and ball sports

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Baseball

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Main article: Live ball (baseball)

In baseball, when the ball is dead, no runners may advance beyond the respective bases they are entitled to, and no runners may be put out. The ball becomes dead when:[4]

  • A batter is touched by a pitch or a batted ball (hit by pitch)
  • The plate umpire hinders a catcher's throw attempt and the throw does not directly retire a runner
  • A ball is illegally batted, such as when a batter hits the ball while outside of the batter's box
  • A foul ball is not caught
  • A fair ball touches a runner or an umpire on fair territory before it touches an infielder (including the pitcher)
  • A fair ball touches a runner or an umpire before it has passed an infielder other than the pitcher
  • A live ball lodges in the umpire's or catcher's equipment or in a fence or in another object on the field
  • Any legal pitch touches a runner trying to score
  • A live ball passes out of the playing field (unless it hits or crosses over a base on the ground)
  • A runner or spectator commits interference
  • The defense leaves the field after the half inning or game ends
  • The venue's ground rules call for a dead ball ruling for a ball striking an above-ground obstruction (usually involving the roof of a domed or retractable-roofed stadium), such as the Tampa Bay Rays' Tropicana Field, regarding the catwalks and overhanging speakers above the field.[5][6][7] In the past, overhead dead ball ground rules also existed for the Kingdome in Seattle and Minneapolis's Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
  • An umpire calls time. Umpires typically call "time" after being asked to do so by a participant. An umpire in chief (plate umpire) will also call "time" when:
    • Weather, darkness or similar conditions make play impossible or dangerous
    • Light failure makes it difficult or impossible for the umpires to follow the play
    • An accident incapacitates a player or an umpire
    • The umpire wishes to examine the ball, to consult with either manager, or for any similar cause.
    • An umpire orders a player or any other person removed from the playing field.
    • A balk or obstruction is committed and immediate ensuing play ends
    • The catcher interferes with the batter before the time of pitch
    • An umpire declares "no pitch" after debris or a flying object (such as a bird) collides with the pitched ball.

In general, the ball does not automatically become dead after playing action ends. So, for example, although the recording of a third out generally winds down a half inning, the ball is not automatically dead. If it is to the advantage of the defense to attempt to record a fourth out for any reason, the ball is live and such a play is permitted.

After a dead ball, the ball becomes alive again when the pitcher stands on the pitcher's plate ready to pitch, the batter, catcher and umpire are ready, and the umpire calls or signals "Play."

Players and coaches may ask an umpire for "time", but they themselves may not call "time" and cause the ball to become dead. Nevertheless, "time" is usually granted by the umpire when asked, and thus, colloquially, it is often said that players or coaches indeed can "call time". Unlike sports which have clocks to time the play, the phrase "time out" is not used in baseball. Likewise, there is no limit to the number of times a team can "call time".

In baseball, the term "dead ball" is also used in the context of the dead-ball era, a phase during the early history of the game in the early 1900s. In this context, the ball was not actually "dead" but for various reasons tended to be difficult to hit for distance, resulting in low scores and few home runs by modern standards.

Cricket

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In cricket, a dead ball is a particular state of play in which the players may not perform any of the active aspects of the game,[8] meaning batters may not score runs and fielders may not attempt to get batters out.

"The words 'dead ball' were first used in the laws in 1798", in relation to a new law imposing a penalty of five runs if the fielder stopped the ball with his hat. "Before 1798 the words 'dead ball' were not used but the meaning was implicit in some of the other laws of the day."[9]

The ball, referring to the cricket ball, becomes live when the bowler begins their run up in preparation to bowl at the batter. In the live state, play occurs with the batters able to score runs and get out.

The ball becomes dead when any of the following situations occur:

  • The umpire is satisfied that, with adequate reason, the batter is not ready for the delivery of the ball.
  • The ball is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or of the bowler and that this determination is at the sole discretion of the umpire.
  • A boundary is scored
  • A batter is dismissed. The ball will be deemed to be dead from the instant of the incident causing the dismissal.
  • A ball, whether played or not, becomes trapped between the bat and person of a batter or between items of his/her clothing or equipment or the clothing of an umpire.
  • The ball lodges in a protective helmet worn by a fielder.[10]
  • The umpire intervenes in the occurrence of injury or unfair play.
  • Additionally, Law 20.1.2 states that "The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the bowler's end umpire that the fielding side and both batters at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play".[10]

Umpires may also call dead ball at their discretion, in the case of a series for events for which there is no provision in either the Laws of Cricket or agreements made prior to the match. This happened on 9 October 2005, when Australian batter Michael Hussey hit the retracted roof at the Telstra Dome. What would have been six in an open stadium was ruled a dead ball, and no runs were awarded.

Note that the ball becomes dead as soon as a batter is out, so it is not possible to dismiss the other batter immediately. Thus the baseball concept of a double play cannot occur in cricket.

If necessary to make it clear to the players and scorers that the umpire considers the ball to be dead, the umpire signals dead ball by crossing and uncrossing his arms in front of his body.

Football codes

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Association football

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Main article: Ball in and out of play

In association football (soccer), the term "dead ball" refers to a situation when the ball is not in play, e.g. when play has not been restarted after the ball has gone out of bounds or a foul has been committed. It also applies before each kick-off, either at the start of each half or after a goal has been scored. In a dead ball situation, players can position the ball with their hands prior to restarting play. Furthermore, even though the ball is not in play, the referee may still issue cautions or ejections (yellow or red cards) for any incident that occurs off the ball. Fouls, on the other hand, can occur only while the ball is in play.

Gridiron football

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In gridiron football, a dead ball is a condition that occurs between plays. Due to rule differences between leagues, the specific conditions which trigger a dead ball vary slightly, however in general a dead ball typically occurs after any of the following events:

  • The player with the ball runs out of bounds.
  • The player with the ball is declared down, either by being tackled, kneeling, or sliding.
  • Forward progress of the player with the ball is stopped by the defense.
  • A forward pass touches the ground or travels out of bounds without being caught (also known as an incomplete pass).
  • The ball is fumbled and goes out of bounds.
  • A kick travels out of bounds or hits the goal post or crossbar in flight.
  • A punt or kickoff enters the endzone without being touched (known as a touchback).
  • A punt or kickoff is fair caught by the receiving team.
  • A punt is downed by the kicking team before being touched by the receiving team.
  • The helmet comes off of the player with the ball for any reason.
  • Any scoring play (touchdown, field goal, or safety) occurs. In Canadian football this also includes the single.
  • An official otherwise whistles the ball dead, even if inadvertently.[11][12]

Depending on the league, there may be additional situations which trigger a dead ball. For example, in the CFL, the ball becomes dead if it makes contact with an official, while under NCAA rules, it does not.[13][12]

During the time in which the ball is dead, the offensive team may not attempt to advance it. The ball remains dead until it is snapped to begin the next play. The clock may or may not be stopped during this time, depending on the specific conditions triggering the dead ball.

Various rule changes over time have altered when a ball may become dead. For example, in the NFL, the ball used to become dead if it came into the possession of the defense for any reason during a try after a touchdown. This rule was changed before the 2015 season, allowing the ball to remain live so that the defense could attempt to return it for a defensive two-point conversion.

Rugby league

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Each end of a rugby league field has a dead ball line; when the ball (or player in possession) crosses or touches this line, the ball is said to have gone dead. This results in a goal line drop out if the defending team had caused the ball to go dead; otherwise, a 20-metre restart ensues.

Pickleball

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A dead ball is declared in the game of pickleball when any of the following occur; one of the players commits a fault, the ball hits a permanent object, or a hinder is declared. When a player commits a fault, the other side wins the point. If the ball strikes a permanent object, such as the net post, a referee, or fence, the ball is declared dead, but the point is awarded based on whether or not the ball bounced on the opposing side before hitting the permanent object. If the ball does not bounce on the opposing side's court before hitting the permanent object, the opposing side wins the point. If the ball bounces on the opposing side's court prior to hitting the permanent object, the side that last hit the ball wins the point. If a hindrance results in a dead ball, such as when a person, errant ball or other object enters the court, the serve is restarted with no penalty to either side.[14]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dead ball

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A dead ball is a key rule in numerous ball sports, referring to any situation in which the ball is temporarily out of play, preventing scoring, dismissals, or advancements until an or restarts the action. This concept ensures fair play by pausing the game for events like injuries, interference, or the ball becoming unplayable, with specific triggers varying by sport. The term "dead ball" originated in in the , borrowed from the idea of a that, after being struck, remains inactive for the next phase of play. In modern , Law 20 of the (MCC) defines a dead ball as occurring automatically after events such as a batter's dismissal, a boundary hit, or the lodging in clothing or equipment, or at the umpire's discretion for reasons like injury, spectator interference, or unfair conduct by fielders. Once called, no further runs can be scored, no wickets can fall, and any subsequent actions like run-outs are nullified, though umpires' judgments remain final and can lead to controversies, as seen in high-profile matches. In , (MLB) rules describe a dead ball as one out of play, immediately halting all legal actions until resumption, often signaled by the calling "time." Common scenarios include a pitched ball hitting the batter (awarding first base), a not caught, or the ball deflecting off an or lodging in the stands or padding, with runners advancing only to bases awarded by rule rather than continuing play. This rule promotes safety and equity, as evidenced in recent incidents where lodged balls were ruled dead, limiting runner advancements to two bases per ground-rule double guidelines. The dead ball principle extends to other sports with analogous mechanics, such as , where a rally ends and the becomes dead upon a fault or out-of-bounds shot, restarting serve; and , where the dies after a down concludes via tackle, score, or , resetting the . Across these disciplines, the rule underscores structured pauses to maintain game integrity, evolving from cricket's foundational usage to standardized protocols in professional leagues worldwide.

Definition and General Principles

Core Definition

In ball sports, a dead ball refers to a situation in which the is temporarily deemed not playable, suspending all game action until an official signals resumption of play. This status ensures fairness by preventing any scoring, movement of the , or player advances that could influence the outcome during the interruption. This concept stands in direct contrast to a live ball, where the remains active and in contention, allowing legal plays such as passes, strikes, or territorial gains to occur without restriction. The distinction is fundamental to maintaining order, as a live ball permits dynamic interaction among players, while a dead ball enforces a pause to address interruptions or infractions. Under general principles applied across sports, dead ball periods prohibit player advances toward scoring positions, limit substitutions to specific rules in some codes, and bar any intentional plays that could alter the field's . These guidelines, enforced by umpires or referees, prioritize safety, rule compliance, and equitable restarts, with violations potentially incurring penalties. The of "dead ball" traces to early 19th-century English sports terminology, borrowed directly from , where it describes the ball that, after being played, remains inactive until the next delivery. The term's first documented appearance in cricket laws occurred in 1798, in reference to penalties for fielders obstructing the ball unlawfully. For instance, common triggers like a ball going in football or a foul in invoke this dead ball status to reset play.

Common Triggers and Consequences

A dead ball situation in ball sports is commonly triggered when the ball wholly crosses the boundary lines, rendering it out of play, as seen in rules across various codes where such occurrences halt immediate action to reset possession. Fouls committed by players, including illegal contact or violations of play standards, also declare the ball dead to enforce penalties and maintain fairness. interventions, such as calling a time-out or signaling the end of a down or over, further initiate a dead ball to allow strategic pauses or administrative adjustments. Natural conclusions of play, like a successful score or the completion of a legal advance, similarly result in the ball becoming dead to transition to the next phase. Upon declaration of a dead ball, standard consequences include the cessation of the game clock in timed sports, preventing further accumulation of play duration until resumption. Players are permitted to reposition or make substitutions without penalty, but no legal advances toward scoring or territorial gain may occur, and interference with opponents is prohibited to avoid . These outcomes ensure orderly restarts, such as throw-ins, free kicks, or new downs, based on the infraction or event that caused the stoppage. Officials play a pivotal in declaring a dead ball, typically using a to audibly signal the stop in contact-heavy sports, or verbal commands like "time" or "dead ball" in scenarios requiring immediate attention, ensuring all participants recognize the pause. In , umpires may cross their arms below the knee to visually indicate a dead ball, particularly after irregular deliveries or appeals. This authoritative intervention prevents disputes and maintains control over the flow of the game. Dead ball periods carry significant safety implications by providing opportunities to assess and treat potential injuries, halting aggressive actions that could exacerbate harm during high-speed or physical exchanges. Such pauses reduce the risk of collisions or overexertion, allowing personnel access and players recovery time before resuming. Enforcement of dead ball rules tends to be more stringent in contact sports like football codes to prioritize player welfare amid intense physicality.

In Bat-and-Ball Sports

Baseball

In baseball, a dead ball occurs when the ball is out of play, immediately halting all action on the field until the umpire calls "Play" to resume. This ruling prevents runners from advancing bases except in cases where bases are specifically awarded, such as on a balk or hit by pitch, ensuring fairness and safety during interruptions. The ball becomes dead under several common triggers, including a foul ball that is not caught by a fielder, a balk committed by the pitcher, an illegal pitch such as a quick pitch before the batter is set, or the umpire's call of "Time" for reasons like injury, equipment issues, or disputes. On a foul ball not caught, runners must return to their original bases without liability to be put out, as the play is nullified. Similarly, a balk results in the ball being dead only after the umpire calls "Time" once play stops, awarding all runners one base. Runners receive specific protections during dead ball situations to prevent unsafe or unfair advances; they cannot legally advance on their own volition but may be awarded bases in designated scenarios, such as when a batter is hit by a pitched , granting the batter first base and forcing runners to advance accordingly. For instance, if a strikes a runner or before passing an , the ball is dead, and forced runners advance one base from their time-of-pitch positions. The term "dead ball" also refers to the Dead Ball Era in history, spanning approximately 1900 to 1919, characterized by low-scoring games due to the ball's poor condition—often dirty, softened from repeated use, and scuffed—which favored pitchers and defensive strategies like bunting, stealing, and hit-and-run plays over power hitting. League-wide scoring averaged around 4 runs per game, with home runs rare at about 0.3 per game, as the era's strategies emphasized small ball and the pitch, which pitchers used to deface the ball for movement. This period ended in 1920 with rule changes, including the ban on the (except for grandfathered pitchers), the introduction of a cleaner, livelier ball replaced more frequently, and a crackdown on scuffing, which dramatically increased offense and ushered in the . Under current (MLB) rules, as outlined in Rule 5.02 of the 2024 Official Baseball Rules, the ball becomes dead in scenarios like obstruction, interference, or when it lodges in , with play resuming only after the umpire signals "Play" following resolution, such as runners retouching bases if required. Appeals during dead ball periods, per Rule 5.09(c), allow the defense to call for outs on missed bases or improper tagging up before the next pitch or play, but must be verbalized clearly and acted upon by a fielder tagging the base or runner. No major updates to Rule 5.02 occurred in 2024, though related replay review regulations were refined for dead ball interference calls. Examples of dead ball applications include interference plays, where a batter's interference with a catcher's throw results in the ball being dead, the batter called out, and runners returning to their bases. In the 2025 World Series Game 6, a lodged in the outfield was ruled dead, limiting runners to two bases per ground-rule double guidelines. In interference, such as a plate umpire hindering the catcher's return throw with runners on base, the is dead with no advance allowed unless the throw retires a runner. Suspended games, often due to weather making play impossible, also invoke dead ball status, with the game resuming from the exact point of suspension later, as in ties or when the visiting team leads.

Cricket

In cricket, the dead ball refers to a situation where the ball is no longer in play, halting all scoring and potential dismissals until a new delivery begins. According to Law 20 of the (MCC) (2017 Code, 3rd Edition 2022), the ball becomes dead under specific circumstances, including when it is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or bowler, a boundary is scored, a batter is dismissed, the ball is lodged in a batter's or , penalty runs are awarded, or the match concludes. Additionally, the ball is considered dead when both the fielding side and batters at the crease cease to regard it as in play, as determined solely by the bowler's end . The concept of a dead ball has historical roots in the earliest codifications of cricket rules. The first written laws of cricket, established in 1744 under the patronage of the Prince of Wales, introduced the basic structure of play including the notion of pauses between deliveries, laying the groundwork for dead ball principles. This evolved further in 1798 when the term "dead ball" was first explicitly used in the laws, specifically in a rule imposing a five-run penalty if a fielder stopped the ball with their hat, thereby declaring it dead and preventing further play. Umpires play a central role in declaring and managing dead balls, particularly for irregularities that disrupt fair play. Under 20.4, the bowler's end may call and signal "dead ball" in cases such as to a player, interference by a spectator or external object, a lost ball, or unfair actions like the bowler attempting to run out a batter before completing the delivery stride. Once called, the dead ball cannot be revoked, ensuring decisions are final to maintain match integrity. The consequences of a dead ball emphasize its impact on match flow, with no runs countable and no dismissals possible from that delivery. Play resumes only when the bowler begins their run-up or delivery action, restarting the over. If the dead ball occurs before the striker has an opportunity to play the delivery—such as on an unstruck or when a fielder obstructs the batter—any subsequent runs attempted are not awarded, and the delivery is re-bowled. For instance, if a is signaled but not struck by the batter, the ball becomes dead immediately, awarding the penalty runs but nullifying any further action until the next legal delivery. Similarly, fielder obstruction, like deliberately impeding a batter's path, triggers a dead ball call, potentially leading to penalty runs under Law 28.3 if the obstruction prevents a run completion.

In Football Codes

Association Football

In , the ball is considered dead when it is out of play, as defined by Law 9 of the Laws of the Game (2025/26 edition). This occurs if the ball has wholly passed over the goal line or touchline, either on the ground or in the air, or if the stops play for any reason, such as an infringement or external interference. Additionally, the ball becomes dead if it touches a match while still on the field of play and results in a starting a promising attack, the ball going directly into the goal, or a change in possession. A new provision addresses cases where a , substitute, substituted or sent-off player, or temporarily suspended player touches the ball as it is leaving the field of play without unfair interference intent: play is stopped, and an indirect is awarded to the opponents with no disciplinary sanction. Restarts following a dead ball depend on the circumstances that caused it out of play. A (Law 15) is awarded when the whole of the crosses the touchline, performed by an opponent of the last player to touch it, using both hands to deliver the from behind and over the head while both feet remain on or outside the touchline. kicks (Law 16) restart play when the crosses the goal line last touched by an attacking player (excluding a ), with the placed anywhere within the goal area and kicked directly into the field of play once it leaves the penalty area; opponents must remain outside the until then. Corner kicks (Law 17) are given when the crosses the goal line last touched by a defending player (excluding a ), taken from the corner arc nearest the point of crossing, with opponents at least 9.15 meters (10 yards) away until the is in play. Free kicks, both direct and indirect, serve as restarts during dead ball periods following fouls or (Law 13). A direct free kick allows a to be scored directly from the kick and is awarded for deliberate or challenges involving careless, reckless, or excessive force; the ball must be stationary, and opponents must be at least 9.15 meters away. An indirect free kick, signaled by the raising an arm until the ball touches another player or goes out of play, is given for technical infringements like dangerous play, impeding a promising attack without contact, or the holding the ball longer than eight seconds (updated from six in 2025/26); it cannot score directly and requires an additional touch. During these free kicks, offside is suspended until the ball is played and clearly moves, preventing immediate offside calls on receiving players in the opponents' half. Video assistant referee (VAR) interventions create temporary dead balls by requiring the on-field to stop play in neutral situations for review of potential clear and obvious errors, such as goal/no goal, penalty/no penalty, direct red card, or (Law 6 and VAR Protocol). The signals the review and delays restart until the decision is finalized, prioritizing accuracy without a time limit; competitions may now allow referees to announce VAR decisions publicly. Examples of referee-initiated dead balls include stopping play for dangerous play, such as a high boot endangering an opponent, which restarts with an indirect (Law 12), or for serious , restarting with a dropped . Per updated Law 8 (2025/26), the dropped is awarded to the defending team's if play stopped inside the , or outside to the team that last touched the or would have gained possession if the can clearly determine it, at the location play was stopped.

American Football

In American football, a dead ball refers to the period when the ball is not in play, typically occurring after a down ends or during specific interruptions, as defined in the official rules of governing bodies like the and NCAA (2025 editions). Under Rule 4, Section 1, the ball becomes dead when it goes out of bounds, a runner's forward progress stops due to contact or restraint, a forward pass is incomplete, a score is made (such as a touchdown, field goal, safety, or extra point), or an official declares it dead by whistle or signal. A 2025 update changed the dead ball spot after a touchback on kickoffs: if the ball lands in the end zone and is downed there by the receiving team or goes out of bounds in the end zone, the ball is spotted at the 35-yard line (previously 30). These conditions ensure player safety and allow for accurate measurement of plays, distinguishing American football's structured down-based system from continuous-play codes like association football. The NCAA follows similar principles in Rule 4, but with a variation: the ball becomes dead if any part of the ball carrier's body (except hand or foot) touches the ground while in possession, even without contact, emphasizing a broader "down by contact or ground" criterion. Between downs, the dead ball period facilitates key administrative actions: the game clock stops, the chain crew resets the line-to-gain markers, and both teams may make unlimited substitutions without restriction, promoting strategic adjustments while preventing continuous action fatigue. This interval also includes timeouts, halftime intermissions, and overtime setups, during which no further play occurs until the ball is legally snapped or kicked to resume. In the NFL, a notable 2015 rules change altered dead ball handling on two-point conversion attempts: previously, a defensive recovery of a fumble or interception ended the play immediately with the ball dead; now, the defense may advance the ball into the opponent's end zone for two points, introducing dynamic recovery plays not possible before. Penalties committed during dead ball periods, such as or between downs, are enforced from the succeeding spot—the location where the ball would next be put in play if no foul occurred—allowing yardage to be added or subtracted before the next snap. Multiple dead ball fouls by opposing s offset each other at this spot, replaying the down, while fouls by one team are enforced sequentially from the succeeding spot unless declined. The NCAA aligns closely but applies the same enforcement principle with its ground-touch rule integrated into dead ball declarations. Examples illustrate these rules in practice. If a occurs and the loose rolls out of bounds, the is dead immediately, and possession returns to the team that last had control, spotted at the out-of-bounds location (or the spot of the fumble if forward progress advanced it beyond). Another case is the fair catch kick: after a valid fair catch signal on a punt, the receiving team may attempt an uncontested (fair catch kick) from the spot of the catch on the next play; if successful, it awards three points, but the becomes dead upon touching the ground, uprights, or going out of bounds if missed. These mechanics highlight how dead ball rules maintain fairness and structure in the high-contact environment of the sport.

Rugby League

In rugby league, a dead ball occurs when the is out of play, as defined in the official Laws of the Game. According to Rule 2 of the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) Laws, updated in 2023 with no major dead ball changes in 2025 (primarily updates to captain's challenges), the becomes dead in several key situations: when it crosses the dead ball line at the end of the field, enters touch-in-goal (the area beyond the line and outside the sidelines), or when the stops play, such as for an or to a decision. These triggers align with general boundary principles where the leaving the field of play halts action to maintain fairness and safety. Restarts following a dead ball are governed by specific procedures to resume play efficiently. For instance, if the ball goes dead over the dead ball line or into touch-in-goal during general play, the non-offending team restarts from their 20-meter line via an optional 20-meter kick or drop-out. After a try is scored, which creates a dead ball, play restarts with a kick-off from the halfway line. These mechanisms ensure structured possession changes while adhering to (NRL) and RLIF standards. Infringements like a knock-on (where the ball is propelled forward unintentionally) or a also result in a dead ball, typically leading to a scrum for the opposing team to restart play, except in cases following the fifth play-the-ball where it may count as a zero tackle instead. Rugby league operates on sets of six tackles, during which the ball carrier is tackled up to six times before possession changes; a dead ball resets this tackle count, allowing the team in possession a fresh set upon restart. Examples include a dead ball occurring immediately after a try is grounded in-goal or when play is halted due to an on-field , prompting a quick play-the-ball restart once resolved.

In Other Ball Sports

Basketball

In basketball, a dead ball occurs when play is interrupted and the ball is no longer live, typically signaled by an official's , preventing further action until resumption via , , or . Under NBA rules, the ball becomes dead or remains dead upon an official's , during certain free throws not remaining in play, after successful s or free throws until out-of-bounds possession, or when time expires at the end of a period (with exceptions for in-flight shots). FIBA rules similarly define a dead ball as occurring when a or is made, an official signals an infraction, or the ball becomes lodged or goes out of bounds, emphasizing that play halts immediately to maintain fairness. Common triggers for a dead ball in both NBA and FIBA include violations such as traveling, where a player takes more steps than allowed without dribbling, and double dribble, where a player touches the ball twice after ending a dribble without it hitting the floor. Out-of-bounds occurrences, when the ball or a player touches the boundary lines or objects beyond, also render the ball dead, awarding possession to the opposing team at the nearest point. Fouls, ranging from personal contact to technical infractions, immediately stop play, with the ball dead until penalties are administered. Specific examples include goaltending, a violation where a defensive player interferes with a shot on its downward path toward the basket, resulting in a dead ball and points awarded if the interference occurred after the ball passed the cylinder; and held ball, where simultaneous possession by opposing players leads to a dead ball and jump ball to resolve. Play restarts from a dead ball through mechanisms like , awarded after fouls and administered from the foul line with the ball dead until the shooter releases it, or , used at the start of periods or tied possessions in the frontcourt, where two players contest a tip-off at center court. In the NBA, after a dead ball, resumption occurs via , , or , with specific spots for throw-ins based on the violation location, such as sideline for traveling. FIBA aligns closely, using for out-of-bounds and for held balls or alternated possessions. During dead ball periods, timeouts and substitutions are permitted to allow strategic adjustments. NBA teams receive seven 75-second timeouts per game, callable only when the ball is dead or controlled in the frontcourt by the offensive team, with timeouts resetting the shot clock upon resumption. Substitutions occur at designated areas during any dead ball, with unlimited entries allowed in the last two minutes of periods for backcourt throw-ins, ensuring efficient play flow. grants 2 timeouts in the first half and 3 in the second half, each 60 seconds long, also during dead balls, with substitutions similarly handled at the scorer's table. A coach's challenge in the NBA creates a temporary dead ball by halting play for instant replay of certain calls, such as out-of-bounds violations or fouls, with each entitled to one per game (retaining or gaining a second if successful); 2024 updates expanded reviews to include whether a violation preceded an out-of-bounds call, enhancing accuracy without prolonging games excessively. employs a similar replay system for dead ball situations like last-second shots or fouls, activated by officials or coaches under specific protocols to verify infractions.

Pickleball

In pickleball, a dead ball refers to a ball that is no longer in play, typically resulting from a fault, the end of a rally, or a declared . This concept is central to maintaining fair play and determining point outcomes under the Official Rulebook (2025 edition). The becomes dead immediately upon any action that stops play, such as a or player calling a fault, or a player committing a violation. Common faults leading to a dead ball include the landing , touching the net and failing to cross over, or violating the non-volley zone (NVZ), also known as the . NVZ violations occur if a player volleys the ball while standing in or touching the zone, or if a player's momentum carries them into it after a volley, resulting in an immediate dead ball and loss of the rally. Pickleball employs rally scoring in many formats, where every dead ball concludes a rally and awards a point to the opposing team, eliminating traditional side-outs except in specific setups. During serves, a fault—such as serving , into the net, or with incorrect foot positioning—creates a dead ball; the server receives one additional attempt unless it's their second fault, in which case the serve opportunity passes to the opponents. If the ball in play strikes a permanent object like a or post before bouncing on the opponent's , it is ruled a dead ball, and the hitting team loses the point. Examples of dead balls include a player faulting by stepping into the NVZ during a volley , or interference such as a player unintentionally distracting an opponent, which a may call as a to halt play. These rules ensure quick resolution of plays, emphasizing precision in this paddle sport's compact court dynamics.

Tennis

In tennis, the ball is considered dead during specific intervals that regulate the flow of play, as defined in the (ITF) Rules of Tennis. Under Section 25, the ball becomes dead immediately after a point is decided, following a fault, let, or hindrance call, ensuring clear separation between rallies and preventing disputes over ongoing action. This status pauses the point, allowing players and officials to reset without interference, and it encompasses routine breaks between points where players may towel off or adjust positions. The dead ball period also facilitates administrative actions, such as ball changes, which occur after an agreed odd number of games or at the start of a set to maintain consistency. A prominent example of a dead ball in is the let serve, particularly on the first serve, where the ball touches the net, strap, or band but would otherwise be good; in such cases, the serve is replayed without penalty, rendering the ball dead until the re-serve. Faults similarly declare the ball dead: for instance, if the served ball touches a permanent fixture before hitting the ground or if the server violates delivery rules, the point ends immediately unless it's a second serve let, which results in loss of the point. Another scenario involves the ball clipping the net during a return but landing in the correct ; here, it remains in play as a good return, but if it touches the net and goes out, the ball is dead upon the fault call. Hindrances, including code violations like audible distractions from an opponent, also create dead balls and can lead to point awards or penalties. Under Rule 26, if a player is hindered deliberately by the opponent—such as through shouting—the hindered player wins , with the ball declared dead at the moment of interference; unintentional hindrances, like spectator noise or external disruptions (e.g., a flying onto the ), result in a replay, again marking the ball as dead. These provisions, updated in the 2025 ITF rules, emphasize fair play and match pacing by minimizing disruptions while allowing for equitable resolutions.

References

  1. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/dead-ball
  2. https://www.oed.com/dictionary/dead-ball_n
  3. https://www.lords.org/mcc/the-laws-of-cricket/dead-ball
  4. https://www.mlb.com/glossary/rules/dead-ball
  5. https://baseballrulesacademy.com/official-rule/mlb/5-06-c-dead-balls/
  6. https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/mlb/atcjzj9j7wrgvsm8wnjq.pdf
  7. https://books.google.com/books?id=GwirM5tfvsAC&dq=1798+laws+of+cricket&pg=PT109
  8. https://official.nba.com/rule-no-6-putting-ball-in-play-live-dead-ball/
  9. https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/nfl-rulebook/
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  14. https://www.mlb.com/glossary/standard-stats/hit-by-pitch
  15. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Deadball_Era
  16. https://sabr.org/journal/article/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-deadball-era/
  17. https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/mlb/wqn5ah4c3qtivwx3jatm.pdf
  18. https://baseballrulesacademy.com/2024-mlb-replay-review-regulations/
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  20. https://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/article/what-happens-when-a-baseball-is-lodged-in-the-outfield-mlbs-dead-ball-rule-explained/
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  22. https://www.mlb.com/glossary/rules/suspended-game
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  27. https://downloads.theifab.com/downloads/changes-to-the-laws-of-the-game-2025-26?l=en
  28. https://www.theifab.com/laws/latest/free-kicks/
  29. https://www.theifab.com/laws/latest/video-assistant-referee-var-protocol/
  30. https://www.theifab.com/laws/latest/fouls-and-misconduct/
  31. https://operations.nfl.com/media/e4sneelu/2025-nfl-rulebook-final.pdf
  32. https://media.hometeamsonline.com/photos/football/PLAYERSFOOTBALLASSOC/2025-NCAA-Football-Rulebook.pdf
  33. https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-moves-extra-point-to-15-yard-line-for-2015-season-0ap3000000493347
  34. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12915634/nfl-change-extra-point-kicks-longer-distance
  35. https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/nfl-video-rulebook/fumbling-in-the-end-zone/
  36. https://www.playrugbyleague.com/media/14513/nrl-international-rules-book-2023_web-version-1.pdf
  37. https://www.rugby-league.com/uploads/docs/Law%20Changes%20-%202025.pdf
  38. https://assets.fiba.basketball/image/upload/documents-corporate-fiba-official-rules-2024-v10a.pdf
  39. https://official.nba.com/rule-no-10-violations-and-penalties/
  40. https://official.nba.com/rule-no-9-free-throws-and-penalties/
  41. https://official.nba.com/rule-no-5-scoring-and-timing/
  42. https://official.nba.com/rule-no-3-players-substitutes-and-coaches/
  43. https://official.nba.com/rule-no-14-coachs-challenge/
  44. https://official.nba.com/nba-expands-use-of-instant-replay-on-out-of-bounds-reviews/
  45. https://usapickleball.org/docs/2025-USA-Pickleball-Rulebook.pdf
  46. https://www.playpickleball.com/2025-usa-pickleball-rules-section-8-dead-ball-rules/
  47. https://www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2025-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
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