Basketball is strictly regulated sport controlled by a series of rules and violations. These rules and violations are monitored and called by three referees (some leagues may only have one or two). Since fouls and violations are called live, referees may be subject to make mistakes on calls. It is also at their discretion as to calling fouls and violations.
Reaching
Reaching is a defensive foul that occurs when the defender tries to reach across the offensive players body to get to the basketball.
Illegal Contact
This is often called the "touch" foul and is highly at the referees' discretion. Any contact with the hands of a defensive player that impedes the offensive player.
Blocking/Charging
When a defensive player's body impedes the progress of the offensive player (this is usually called when the offensive player has the ball, although it can be an off the ball foul). If the defensive player does not have position (feet in a set position) then he will be called for a "block." If the defensive player is able to gain position then the offensive player will be called for a "charge."
Over the Back
This foul is called when a player reaches or falls over another players back. This usually occurs during a rebounding opportunity.
Illegal/Moving Screen
On the offensive end players are allowed to screen off a defender. The screening player must have his feet set and not be moving. If he is moving he will be called for an illegal screen (also called a moving screen).
Loose Ball Foul
Called when neither team has possession and a player impedes another player.
Tripping
Tripping is called when a player trips another player.
Holding
Holding occurs when a defensive or offensive player restricts movement of another player (may be on or off the ball).
Technical Fouls
Technical fouls are to uphold sportsmanship of the players, coaches, and fans throughout the basketball game. Generally a technical foul is called for offensive language, unsportsmanlike conduct, and fighting. If called on a player it will result in a person and team foul. If called on a coach or fan(s) it will still result in a team foul. A technical results in two free throws for the opposing team.
Intentional Fouls
An intentional foul is called when a player is not making a basketball play and causes a foul but it is not warranted as an unsportsmanlike situation. This will result in the opposing team shooting two free throws and maintaining possession of the ball.
Individual Penalties
Players are allowed to give 4 personal fouls per game. When they reach their 5th foul they become over the limit and are "fouled out" of the game making them ineligible to play the remainder of the game (some leagues may have a different number on the limit of individual fouls).
Team Penalties
A team is allowed to give 6 team fouls per half. When that team gives their 7th, foul (also the 8th and 9th fouls) they are in the penalty (also termed "over the limit"). This allows the other team to shoot one free throw (this is called "being in the bonus"). If that team makes the first free throw, they receive a bonus free throw. When a team is called for their 10th foul (and any thereafter) then the other team will have a chance to shoot two free throws (this is called the "double bonus"). Free throws are only awarded during defensive or loose ball fouls when the opposing team is in the bonus or double bonus. Offensive fouls do not result in free throw opportunities.
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