Case Play Rulings
NFHS Case Plays With Rulings For Week 2 - 2014
Play 1: B3 illegally steps out of the lane during A1’s first free throw attempt. The official displays the delayed free-throw violation signal. A1’s free throw then fails to hit the rim.
Ruling 1: Double violation. AP arrow to determine possession.
Play 2: Team A scores to take a one-point lead and is granted a timeout. There are three seconds remaining. On the subsequent throw-in, B1 throws a long pass into team B’s frontcourt. The signal to end the period sounds and the official blows the whistle before anyone touches the ball. A2 and B2 then jointly deflect the ball out of bounds. Team B has the arrow.
Ruling 2: Clearly the timer made a mistake. The officials have definitive information relative to the time involved and shall place the correct time on the game clock. Since the mistake was recognized prior to possession or control, play will resume at the point of interruption. The point of interruption is that team B was entitled to a non-designated spot endline throw-in after being scored upon. Reset the game clock to three seconds and repeat the throw-in after reminding the timer of the correct procedure.
Play 3: The score is tied with 0.3 seconds to play. Both teams are in the bonus. Team A has a throw-in under its basket. A1 tosses a lob pass to A2 who is on the near block. A2 catches the ball and immediately throws it toward the goal. At the same moment, he or she is fouled by B1. The signal to end the game sounds and the ball goes through the basket.
Ruling 3: In NFHS, a player cannot catch a pass or a rebound and try for goal with 0.3 seconds or less remaining in a period. Thus A2 was not in the act of shooting. B1’s foul is a common foul and A2 should be awarded the bonus penalty.
Play 4: A1 commits a common foul against B1 in team B’s backcourt. Team B is awarded a throw-in. As B1 dribbles into the foul circle in his or her frontcourt, A1 commits another common foul against B1. The scorer now notifies the referee that A1’s previous foul was his or her fifth and that it was team A’s seventh team foul.
Ruling 4: A1 is disqualified. His or her sixth foul is charged. Failure to award the first bonus penalty is a correctable error and has been discovered in time to correct. The point of interruption is the bonus penalty for the second foul. Since team B never lost possession after the throw-in, the first penalty will be administered with no players on the lane, but the second will be shot with the players lined up and the rebound in play.
Play 5: A1 is making a throw-in from the sideline near midcourt against serious defensive pressure. Just after A1 releases the inbounds pass B1 touches the ball. A2 leaps from his or her frontcourt and catches the pass. He or she lands in team A’s backcourt.
Ruling 5: Backcourt violation. Once B1, tipped the pass, the throw-in had ended. When the throw-in ends, the throw-in exception that allows the first player to touch the ball without penalty no longer exists.
Play 1: B3 illegally steps out of the lane during A1’s first free throw attempt. The official displays the delayed free-throw violation signal. A1’s free throw then fails to hit the rim.
Ruling 1: Double violation. AP arrow to determine possession.
Play 2: Team A scores to take a one-point lead and is granted a timeout. There are three seconds remaining. On the subsequent throw-in, B1 throws a long pass into team B’s frontcourt. The signal to end the period sounds and the official blows the whistle before anyone touches the ball. A2 and B2 then jointly deflect the ball out of bounds. Team B has the arrow.
Ruling 2: Clearly the timer made a mistake. The officials have definitive information relative to the time involved and shall place the correct time on the game clock. Since the mistake was recognized prior to possession or control, play will resume at the point of interruption. The point of interruption is that team B was entitled to a non-designated spot endline throw-in after being scored upon. Reset the game clock to three seconds and repeat the throw-in after reminding the timer of the correct procedure.
Play 3: The score is tied with 0.3 seconds to play. Both teams are in the bonus. Team A has a throw-in under its basket. A1 tosses a lob pass to A2 who is on the near block. A2 catches the ball and immediately throws it toward the goal. At the same moment, he or she is fouled by B1. The signal to end the game sounds and the ball goes through the basket.
Ruling 3: In NFHS, a player cannot catch a pass or a rebound and try for goal with 0.3 seconds or less remaining in a period. Thus A2 was not in the act of shooting. B1’s foul is a common foul and A2 should be awarded the bonus penalty.
Play 4: A1 commits a common foul against B1 in team B’s backcourt. Team B is awarded a throw-in. As B1 dribbles into the foul circle in his or her frontcourt, A1 commits another common foul against B1. The scorer now notifies the referee that A1’s previous foul was his or her fifth and that it was team A’s seventh team foul.
Ruling 4: A1 is disqualified. His or her sixth foul is charged. Failure to award the first bonus penalty is a correctable error and has been discovered in time to correct. The point of interruption is the bonus penalty for the second foul. Since team B never lost possession after the throw-in, the first penalty will be administered with no players on the lane, but the second will be shot with the players lined up and the rebound in play.
Play 5: A1 is making a throw-in from the sideline near midcourt against serious defensive pressure. Just after A1 releases the inbounds pass B1 touches the ball. A2 leaps from his or her frontcourt and catches the pass. He or she lands in team A’s backcourt.
Ruling 5: Backcourt violation. Once B1, tipped the pass, the throw-in had ended. When the throw-in ends, the throw-in exception that allows the first player to touch the ball without penalty no longer exists.
NFHS Case Plays With Rulings For Week 3 - 2013
Play 1: A1 is fouled by B2 and awarded two free throws. The foul is B2’s fifth foul. The new trail reports the fifth foul to team B’s head coach. Before a substitute is made, the lead official permits A1 to attempt the first free throw. The free throw is made and team B’s coach is adamant the free throw should not count. The officials get together to discuss.
Ruling 1: The result of the first attempt shall stand. Team B’s head coach shall be notified of B2’s disqualification. Once B2 has been replaced, A1 shall attempt the second free throw. This is an official’s error and not a correctable error situation according to rule 2-10.
Play 2: A1 drives into the lane, leaps and releases a try. Before returning to the floor A1 crashes into B1. The lead calls a block on B1, but the trail/center simultaneously calls a charge on A1. The ball goes in.
Ruling 2: Even though airborne shooter A1 committed a charging foul, it is not a player-control foul because the two fouls result in a double foul. The double foul does not cause the ball to become dead on the try. The goal is scored and play is resumed at the point of interruption, which is a throw-in for team B from anywhere along the endline. Fouls are charged to both A1 and B1.
COMMENT: Pregame mechanics of such a situation. Only allow the trail and/or center official to post a foul in order to alleviate a potential blarge situation.
Play 3: A1 is advancing the ball from his or her backcourt. B1 is running back to defend. A1 passes toward A2. B1 jumps from team A’s backcourt and intercepts the pass while in the air. He or she lands on one foot in A’s backcourt and jumps to a stop with both feet landing simultaneously in A’s frontcourt.
Ruling 3: A legal jump stop. The exception to the backcourt rule applies. No violation.
Play 4: In the course of multiple substitutions by both teams, A5 believes he or she has been replaced and sits on the bench. As play resumes team A has only four players participating. A coach yells at A5, who jumps back on the court and trails the play toward team B’s basket where B1 scores a layup. The referee blows the whistle.
Ruling 4: A5’s return was neither deceitful nor provided an advantage for his or her team. The referee declares an inadvertent whistle and administers a non-designated spot throw-in by team A.
Play 5: After A1 has begun the shooting motion, but prior to releasing the ball for a try, A4 and B5 are whistled for a double foul off ball. A1 continues with the try, and the shot is successful. How is play resumed, and does A1’s goal count?
Ruling 5: A4 and B5 are charged with personal fouls. The basket by A1 counts and the ball will be awarded to team B at the point of interruption – a non-designated spot throw-in to team B along the endline.
* * * Bonus * * *
Name four ways to be successful in communication with coaches. Discuss those four key points within the crew and use examples on how you’ll respond in game.
• Prepare. Have standard replies thought out in advance for typical “coachspeak” (especially as a younger official).
• Listen to what is being said. Understand the concerns of the coach. If the concerns are legitimate, express that understanding.
• Answer questions, not statements. Some comments can be ignored. Be a responder, not an initiator.
• Have no tolerance for questions of your integrity.
• Exhibit calmness. Do not threaten.
• Do not try to answer a question from an out-ofcontrol coach; deal with the behavior first.
• Be in control and speak in calm, easy tones. Be aware of your body language; maintain positive and confident body language.
• Some officials have a unique ability to use wit and humor to defuse a tense situation. Unless you have that rare skill, stick to positive, easily understood and hard to misrepresent replies. An intended humorous retort at the wrong time will often add additional fuel to a volatile situation. Don’t make things worse.
Play 1: A1 is fouled by B2 and awarded two free throws. The foul is B2’s fifth foul. The new trail reports the fifth foul to team B’s head coach. Before a substitute is made, the lead official permits A1 to attempt the first free throw. The free throw is made and team B’s coach is adamant the free throw should not count. The officials get together to discuss.
Ruling 1: The result of the first attempt shall stand. Team B’s head coach shall be notified of B2’s disqualification. Once B2 has been replaced, A1 shall attempt the second free throw. This is an official’s error and not a correctable error situation according to rule 2-10.
Play 2: A1 drives into the lane, leaps and releases a try. Before returning to the floor A1 crashes into B1. The lead calls a block on B1, but the trail/center simultaneously calls a charge on A1. The ball goes in.
Ruling 2: Even though airborne shooter A1 committed a charging foul, it is not a player-control foul because the two fouls result in a double foul. The double foul does not cause the ball to become dead on the try. The goal is scored and play is resumed at the point of interruption, which is a throw-in for team B from anywhere along the endline. Fouls are charged to both A1 and B1.
COMMENT: Pregame mechanics of such a situation. Only allow the trail and/or center official to post a foul in order to alleviate a potential blarge situation.
Play 3: A1 is advancing the ball from his or her backcourt. B1 is running back to defend. A1 passes toward A2. B1 jumps from team A’s backcourt and intercepts the pass while in the air. He or she lands on one foot in A’s backcourt and jumps to a stop with both feet landing simultaneously in A’s frontcourt.
Ruling 3: A legal jump stop. The exception to the backcourt rule applies. No violation.
Play 4: In the course of multiple substitutions by both teams, A5 believes he or she has been replaced and sits on the bench. As play resumes team A has only four players participating. A coach yells at A5, who jumps back on the court and trails the play toward team B’s basket where B1 scores a layup. The referee blows the whistle.
Ruling 4: A5’s return was neither deceitful nor provided an advantage for his or her team. The referee declares an inadvertent whistle and administers a non-designated spot throw-in by team A.
Play 5: After A1 has begun the shooting motion, but prior to releasing the ball for a try, A4 and B5 are whistled for a double foul off ball. A1 continues with the try, and the shot is successful. How is play resumed, and does A1’s goal count?
Ruling 5: A4 and B5 are charged with personal fouls. The basket by A1 counts and the ball will be awarded to team B at the point of interruption – a non-designated spot throw-in to team B along the endline.
* * * Bonus * * *
Name four ways to be successful in communication with coaches. Discuss those four key points within the crew and use examples on how you’ll respond in game.
• Prepare. Have standard replies thought out in advance for typical “coachspeak” (especially as a younger official).
• Listen to what is being said. Understand the concerns of the coach. If the concerns are legitimate, express that understanding.
• Answer questions, not statements. Some comments can be ignored. Be a responder, not an initiator.
• Have no tolerance for questions of your integrity.
• Exhibit calmness. Do not threaten.
• Do not try to answer a question from an out-ofcontrol coach; deal with the behavior first.
• Be in control and speak in calm, easy tones. Be aware of your body language; maintain positive and confident body language.
• Some officials have a unique ability to use wit and humor to defuse a tense situation. Unless you have that rare skill, stick to positive, easily understood and hard to misrepresent replies. An intended humorous retort at the wrong time will often add additional fuel to a volatile situation. Don’t make things worse.
NFHS Case Plays With Rulings For Week 2 - 2013
Play 1: With 11 seconds left in the second quarter, team B inbounds the ball on its own endline and moves the ball up the court. The timer fails to immediately start the clock but it does start as the dribbler reaches the division line. The backcourt count was at two when the clock was started. Team B works the ball around and eventually drives to the basket B1 fouled as the horn sounds. The lead official blows his whistle prior to the horn and the ball goes threw the basket. How do you handle mechanically? Does the basket count?
Ruling 1: The foul counts as it was prior to the expiration of the horn ending the period. The lead official needs to be patient and post the foul but then look to the center/trail official opposite for the status of the last-second shot. Do not count the basket until you’ve made eye contact with the C/T opposite. You’ll have a mess on your hands if you count it and the C/T is waving it off or vice versa. Anytime the clock status is less than one minute remaining in a period, it is a good idea to rectify any clock snafus immediately. Team A should have been given the ball at the division line with the clock reset to 9 seconds.
Play 2: A1 is fouled by B2 on an unsuccessful try. After the whistle is blown, and the try is unsuccessful, A1 shoves B2. B2 responds by throwing the ball at A1’s feet. What fouls do we have, and how is play resumed?
Ruling 2: Personal foul on B2. Player technical fouls on A1 and B2. Those technical would be considered double technical fouls and both are charged to A1 and B2 as one of the five fouls applicable for disqualification. No free throws are attempted for the technical fouls. Though unlikely, it is possible that based upon the severity of the act, you might consider either of the fouls as flagrant. If that’s the case, make them both flagrant. Not simply one of the fouls. A1 will attempt two free throws for the personal foul and play will resume from the free throws.
Play 3: A4 and B4 are called for a held ball resulting in an alternating-possession throw-in being awarded to team B. As the two players are separating after the held ball, A4 hits B4 with a non-flagrant forearm to the throat.
Ruling 3: Technical foul is assessed to A4. Any member of team B will attempt two free throws for the technical foul. A4 is charged with a foul in the scorebook. The ensuing throw-in is awarded at the division line to team B as a result of the technical. The arrow will not be reversed because the alternating-possession throw-in will not be made. Arrow will remain with team B.
Play 4: With 6:03 on the clock, team A has an alternating possession throw-in along the sideline. The throw-in pass is kicked by (a) B1, or (b) A1 prior to it touching any other player on the court. A second ticks off the clock such that 6:02 remains on the clock. Where shall the resulting throw-in be? How much time should be on the clock? Which team will have the alternating possession arrow in its favor?
Ruling 4: In (a), team A will be awarded the throw-in nearest to where the ball was kicked by B1. The ensuing throw-in is for the kicked ball meaning the arrow will not be reversed. In (b), team B will be awarded the ball at a spot nearest to where the ball was kicked by A1. Assuming the kick by A1 was intentional, team A loses it’s opportunity for the throw-in violation and the arrow is reversed toward team B. In both (a) and (b), the clock will remain at 6:03. The clock starts on first touching so it’s likely a second will run off. (Only the collegiate rule requires the clock to start on a legal first touching.)
Play 5: During the game’s opening jump ball, after the referee tosses the ball, but prior to it being tipped by either jumper, non-jumpers A1 and B2 commit fouls against each other. How is play resumed?
Ruling 5: Double personal fouls are charged to A1 and B2. Play is resumed at the point of interruption. The POI is the jump ball. Any two opposing players may jump.
Play 1: With 11 seconds left in the second quarter, team B inbounds the ball on its own endline and moves the ball up the court. The timer fails to immediately start the clock but it does start as the dribbler reaches the division line. The backcourt count was at two when the clock was started. Team B works the ball around and eventually drives to the basket B1 fouled as the horn sounds. The lead official blows his whistle prior to the horn and the ball goes threw the basket. How do you handle mechanically? Does the basket count?
Ruling 1: The foul counts as it was prior to the expiration of the horn ending the period. The lead official needs to be patient and post the foul but then look to the center/trail official opposite for the status of the last-second shot. Do not count the basket until you’ve made eye contact with the C/T opposite. You’ll have a mess on your hands if you count it and the C/T is waving it off or vice versa. Anytime the clock status is less than one minute remaining in a period, it is a good idea to rectify any clock snafus immediately. Team A should have been given the ball at the division line with the clock reset to 9 seconds.
Play 2: A1 is fouled by B2 on an unsuccessful try. After the whistle is blown, and the try is unsuccessful, A1 shoves B2. B2 responds by throwing the ball at A1’s feet. What fouls do we have, and how is play resumed?
Ruling 2: Personal foul on B2. Player technical fouls on A1 and B2. Those technical would be considered double technical fouls and both are charged to A1 and B2 as one of the five fouls applicable for disqualification. No free throws are attempted for the technical fouls. Though unlikely, it is possible that based upon the severity of the act, you might consider either of the fouls as flagrant. If that’s the case, make them both flagrant. Not simply one of the fouls. A1 will attempt two free throws for the personal foul and play will resume from the free throws.
Play 3: A4 and B4 are called for a held ball resulting in an alternating-possession throw-in being awarded to team B. As the two players are separating after the held ball, A4 hits B4 with a non-flagrant forearm to the throat.
Ruling 3: Technical foul is assessed to A4. Any member of team B will attempt two free throws for the technical foul. A4 is charged with a foul in the scorebook. The ensuing throw-in is awarded at the division line to team B as a result of the technical. The arrow will not be reversed because the alternating-possession throw-in will not be made. Arrow will remain with team B.
Play 4: With 6:03 on the clock, team A has an alternating possession throw-in along the sideline. The throw-in pass is kicked by (a) B1, or (b) A1 prior to it touching any other player on the court. A second ticks off the clock such that 6:02 remains on the clock. Where shall the resulting throw-in be? How much time should be on the clock? Which team will have the alternating possession arrow in its favor?
Ruling 4: In (a), team A will be awarded the throw-in nearest to where the ball was kicked by B1. The ensuing throw-in is for the kicked ball meaning the arrow will not be reversed. In (b), team B will be awarded the ball at a spot nearest to where the ball was kicked by A1. Assuming the kick by A1 was intentional, team A loses it’s opportunity for the throw-in violation and the arrow is reversed toward team B. In both (a) and (b), the clock will remain at 6:03. The clock starts on first touching so it’s likely a second will run off. (Only the collegiate rule requires the clock to start on a legal first touching.)
Play 5: During the game’s opening jump ball, after the referee tosses the ball, but prior to it being tipped by either jumper, non-jumpers A1 and B2 commit fouls against each other. How is play resumed?
Ruling 5: Double personal fouls are charged to A1 and B2. Play is resumed at the point of interruption. The POI is the jump ball. Any two opposing players may jump.
NFHS Case Plays With Rulings For Week 1 - 2013
Play 1: B3 makes a basket and is fouled by A1. A1 taunts B3 and gets into his face. B3 responds by pushing A1 to the ground. A7 and B7 and both head coaches leave the bench because of a skirmish on the court. A7 and B7 grab players to get them away from each other. Have they participated in the fight? What penalties are involved (fouls, team fouls, etc.)? How is play resumed?
Ruling 1: Double flagrant technicals on A1 and B3 for fighting. Both players are ejected. One team foul for each team. A7 and B7 are both ejected. Head coaches each receive one indirect for those players leaving the bench but not participating. B3’s substitute will attempt the free throw and play will resume off of the free throw.
Play 2: On a free throw by A1, B2 commits a lane violation. A2, who is not in a marked lane space and is located above the top of the arc steps inside the three-point line before the ball is released by A1.
Ruling 2: Double violation. Alternating-possession throw-in.
Play 3: A1’s try is in flight toward A’s goal when B1 violently swings his elbows in an attempt for position but makes no contact with any player. The official blows his whistle and then the ball goes through the basket.
Ruling 3: Count the basket. Ignore the violation. Team B will inbound the ball with a non-designated spot throw-in following the basket.
Play 4: A1 has the ball for a bonus free throw. A high-school aged fan runs onto the court in a costume that doesn’t identify with the team or mascot. That fan delays the game while he/she dances in the center circle before running off the court and out a door at the far end of the gym.
Ruling 4: Have game administration remove the fan. Avoid calling a technical foul on the home team at all costs without first providing a warning. In this case, inform the head coach and game administration that any subsequent acts that delay the administration of the game will result in a technical foul. Contact the commissioner and fill out a report on the WIAA website to make them aware of the situation so it can be rectified moving forward. What has happened previously at the school has no bearing on any penalties issued for that particular game.
Play 5: With team A in control of the ball in its frontcourt, A1 sets an illegal screen on B2 and at the same time, B3 violently elbows A4. Officials blow the whistle simultaneously for each foul. The officials get together, determine the fouls occurred at the same time, and B3’s elbow was extreme enough to be deemed a flagrant foul. A1’s illegal screen was just a common foul in nature. How shall the officials handle this situation?
Ruling 5: Both fouls shall be called. Even though one foul is flagrant and the other only common, it is a simultaneous personal foul situation since a personal foul was committed by each team at approximately the same time but not by opponents against each other. Since B3’s foul was flagrant, B3 shall be ejected. Play resumes after a simultaneous personal foul at the point of interruption, which shall be a throw-in to team A nearest the spot the ball was located when the simultaneous personal fouls occurred.
Play 6: 8 minutes prior to the start of the game A1, a starter, is discovered to have an illegal jersey (number is illegal, jersey is not). A1 switches jerseys with A15 and now has a legal jersey but a new number. The change was not for blood or equipment reasons, simply that A1 brought the wrong jersey with him/her to the game. Administrative technical is charged to team A for changing a number in the scorebook. As B22 is lining up to shoot the free throws to start the game, scorekeeper realizes that B22 is wearing a different jersey than indicated in the book and brings it to the attention of the officials. It is confirmed that a wrong number was provided to the book and a change is made to reflect the correct number.
Ruling 6: If the changes for both teams are made to the scorebook before either team has shot a free throw, offset those penalties as a double administrative technical foul and start the game with a jump ball (POI).
Play 1: B3 makes a basket and is fouled by A1. A1 taunts B3 and gets into his face. B3 responds by pushing A1 to the ground. A7 and B7 and both head coaches leave the bench because of a skirmish on the court. A7 and B7 grab players to get them away from each other. Have they participated in the fight? What penalties are involved (fouls, team fouls, etc.)? How is play resumed?
Ruling 1: Double flagrant technicals on A1 and B3 for fighting. Both players are ejected. One team foul for each team. A7 and B7 are both ejected. Head coaches each receive one indirect for those players leaving the bench but not participating. B3’s substitute will attempt the free throw and play will resume off of the free throw.
Play 2: On a free throw by A1, B2 commits a lane violation. A2, who is not in a marked lane space and is located above the top of the arc steps inside the three-point line before the ball is released by A1.
Ruling 2: Double violation. Alternating-possession throw-in.
Play 3: A1’s try is in flight toward A’s goal when B1 violently swings his elbows in an attempt for position but makes no contact with any player. The official blows his whistle and then the ball goes through the basket.
Ruling 3: Count the basket. Ignore the violation. Team B will inbound the ball with a non-designated spot throw-in following the basket.
Play 4: A1 has the ball for a bonus free throw. A high-school aged fan runs onto the court in a costume that doesn’t identify with the team or mascot. That fan delays the game while he/she dances in the center circle before running off the court and out a door at the far end of the gym.
Ruling 4: Have game administration remove the fan. Avoid calling a technical foul on the home team at all costs without first providing a warning. In this case, inform the head coach and game administration that any subsequent acts that delay the administration of the game will result in a technical foul. Contact the commissioner and fill out a report on the WIAA website to make them aware of the situation so it can be rectified moving forward. What has happened previously at the school has no bearing on any penalties issued for that particular game.
Play 5: With team A in control of the ball in its frontcourt, A1 sets an illegal screen on B2 and at the same time, B3 violently elbows A4. Officials blow the whistle simultaneously for each foul. The officials get together, determine the fouls occurred at the same time, and B3’s elbow was extreme enough to be deemed a flagrant foul. A1’s illegal screen was just a common foul in nature. How shall the officials handle this situation?
Ruling 5: Both fouls shall be called. Even though one foul is flagrant and the other only common, it is a simultaneous personal foul situation since a personal foul was committed by each team at approximately the same time but not by opponents against each other. Since B3’s foul was flagrant, B3 shall be ejected. Play resumes after a simultaneous personal foul at the point of interruption, which shall be a throw-in to team A nearest the spot the ball was located when the simultaneous personal fouls occurred.
Play 6: 8 minutes prior to the start of the game A1, a starter, is discovered to have an illegal jersey (number is illegal, jersey is not). A1 switches jerseys with A15 and now has a legal jersey but a new number. The change was not for blood or equipment reasons, simply that A1 brought the wrong jersey with him/her to the game. Administrative technical is charged to team A for changing a number in the scorebook. As B22 is lining up to shoot the free throws to start the game, scorekeeper realizes that B22 is wearing a different jersey than indicated in the book and brings it to the attention of the officials. It is confirmed that a wrong number was provided to the book and a change is made to reflect the correct number.
Ruling 6: If the changes for both teams are made to the scorebook before either team has shot a free throw, offset those penalties as a double administrative technical foul and start the game with a jump ball (POI).
NFHS Case Plays With Rulings For The Week of October 14th
1) Basket Interference
Play: A4 attempts a try and B5 jumps in an attempt to block the shot. While the ball is above the basket and (a) within, or (b) outside the cylinder that has the basket ring as its lower base, B5’s hand touches the net and then the basket ring, but B5 never touches the ball, and B5’s hand is no longer touching the ring or net when the ball reaches and is on top of ring. A4’s try rolls off the ring and is unsuccessful. Has a violation occurred?
Ruling: There is no violation in either case. Basket interference occurs when the ball or any part of the basket is touched while the ball is on or within the basket, or when the ball is touched while any part of the ball is within the cylinder that has the ring as its lower base. Neither of these occurred since B5’s hand was no longer touching the basket when the ball was on the basket, and B5’s hand never touched the ball when it was above the cylinder. Basket interference can also occur if a player reaches through the basket from below and touches the ball before it enters the cylinder, or if a player pulls down a movable ring so that it contacts the ball before the ring returns to its original position, neither of which occurred in this play.
(NFHS 4-6; NCAA 4-5-2)
2) Fumble While Airborne
Play: A1 jumps to attempt an uncontested try for goal. While airborne, A1 fumbles the ball, and (a) regains control of the ball while airborne and returns to the floor, or (b) the ball falls to the floor, after which A1 returns to the floor and recovers the ball. Has a traveling violation occurred?
Ruling: There is no traveling violation in either case. A fumble effectively “trumps” a traveling violation, and A1 may legally recover the ball in either case. It does not matter if A1 recovered the ball while in the air or after returning to the floor. Once a fumble has occurred, a traveling violation can essentially be ignored until the ball is recovered.(NFHS 4-21; NCAA 4-31-1, 4-31-2, A.R. 89)
3) Out of Bounds After Jump Ball
Play: The ball is tipped by the jumpers towards the sideline during the game’s opening jump ball. A1 and B2 both attempt to grab the ball, but the ball squirts out of bounds after A1 and B2 had both touched the ball simultaneously. How is play resumed?
Ruling: Since the ball went out of bounds after being touched simultaneously by players from each team, this would ordinarily result in an alternating possession throw-in, but alternating possession had never been established since neither team controlled the ball after the games opening tip. Therefore, another jump ball shall occur at the division line. In NFHS, the jump ball shall occur between A1 and B2 since they were involved with the simultaneous touching of the ball that went out of bounds. In NCAA, the jump ball shall occur between any two players (one from each team) since possession was not gained by either team to establish the alternating-possession procedure.
(NFHS 6-4-3b, 7-3-2; NCAA 6-2-2a)
4) Throw-in Into the Backcourt
Play: A1 has the ball for a throw-in along the sideline near midcourt. A1 throws the ball towards A2 who jumps from team A’s frontcourt, catches the ball while airborne, and lands with his or her first foot in the frontcourt followed by the second foot immediately coming down in the backcourt. Has a violation occurred? Would the ruling be different if B3 had tipped A1’s throw-in pass while it was in the air and prior to A1 catching it?
Ruling: A player shall be permitted to leap from the player’s frontcourt, catch a throw-in while airborne, and make a normal landing with one foot or both feet in the backcourt. It does not matter which foot lands first, nor does it matter if the feet land at the exact same time or approximately the same time. It is a legal play in all cases on a throw-in. If, however, B3 tips A1’s pass, the throw-in ends when the ball is tipped. When A2 catches the ball (that is no longer a part of a throw-in), and lands with one or more feet in the backcourt, a backcourt violation has occurred as A2 had frontcourt status, gained control of non-throw-in pass while airborne, and then gained backcourt status when a foot came down in the backcourt. The throw-in exception no longer applies since the throw-in had ended when B3 tipped the ball.
(NFHS 4-35-3, 4-42-5, 9-9-1, 9-9-3, 9.9.1D; NCAA 4-3-8, 4-68-4, 9-12-1, 9-12-2, A.R. 210, A.R. 212)
5) Backcourt Violation?
Play: A1 is dribbling the ball in team A’s frontcourt. Defender B2 slaps the ball away towards team A’s backcourt. The ball reaches the division line and is bouncing in team A’s backcourt near the division line. A1 runs to the loose ball and with (a) one foot in the backcourt and one in the frontcourt, or (b) both feet in the frontcourt, pushes the bouncing ball to the floor to begin a dribble. The ball bounces in the backcourt, back up to A1’s hand, and A1 continues dribbling the ball with the ball bouncing in team A’s backcourt. Has a violation occurred?
Ruling: The ball is in team A’s backcourt when it reached and is bouncing in the backcourt. A1 may be the first to touch the ball since B2 caused the ball to go into the backcourt. In (a), A1 is in team A’s backcourt when one foot is in the backcourt, and he or she may begin and continue to dribble the ball in the backcourt. In (b), when A1 first touched the ball to begin the dribble, the ball gained frontcourt status since it was in contact with A1 who was in the frontcourt. When A1 pushed the ball to the floor to begin the dribble, and the ball contacted the floor in the backcourt, the ball regained backcourt status since it was again in contact with the floor in the backcourt. When the ball bounced up and touched A1’s hand a second time, a backcourt violation should be called as A1 caused the ball to go into the backcourt when pushing the ball to the floor to begin the dribble, and was the first to touch the ball when the ball returned to A1’s hand after the ball being in the backcourt.
(NFHS 4-4-1, 4-4-2, 9-9-1; NCAA 4-3-3a, 9-12-1)
1) Basket Interference
Play: A4 attempts a try and B5 jumps in an attempt to block the shot. While the ball is above the basket and (a) within, or (b) outside the cylinder that has the basket ring as its lower base, B5’s hand touches the net and then the basket ring, but B5 never touches the ball, and B5’s hand is no longer touching the ring or net when the ball reaches and is on top of ring. A4’s try rolls off the ring and is unsuccessful. Has a violation occurred?
Ruling: There is no violation in either case. Basket interference occurs when the ball or any part of the basket is touched while the ball is on or within the basket, or when the ball is touched while any part of the ball is within the cylinder that has the ring as its lower base. Neither of these occurred since B5’s hand was no longer touching the basket when the ball was on the basket, and B5’s hand never touched the ball when it was above the cylinder. Basket interference can also occur if a player reaches through the basket from below and touches the ball before it enters the cylinder, or if a player pulls down a movable ring so that it contacts the ball before the ring returns to its original position, neither of which occurred in this play.
(NFHS 4-6; NCAA 4-5-2)
2) Fumble While Airborne
Play: A1 jumps to attempt an uncontested try for goal. While airborne, A1 fumbles the ball, and (a) regains control of the ball while airborne and returns to the floor, or (b) the ball falls to the floor, after which A1 returns to the floor and recovers the ball. Has a traveling violation occurred?
Ruling: There is no traveling violation in either case. A fumble effectively “trumps” a traveling violation, and A1 may legally recover the ball in either case. It does not matter if A1 recovered the ball while in the air or after returning to the floor. Once a fumble has occurred, a traveling violation can essentially be ignored until the ball is recovered.(NFHS 4-21; NCAA 4-31-1, 4-31-2, A.R. 89)
3) Out of Bounds After Jump Ball
Play: The ball is tipped by the jumpers towards the sideline during the game’s opening jump ball. A1 and B2 both attempt to grab the ball, but the ball squirts out of bounds after A1 and B2 had both touched the ball simultaneously. How is play resumed?
Ruling: Since the ball went out of bounds after being touched simultaneously by players from each team, this would ordinarily result in an alternating possession throw-in, but alternating possession had never been established since neither team controlled the ball after the games opening tip. Therefore, another jump ball shall occur at the division line. In NFHS, the jump ball shall occur between A1 and B2 since they were involved with the simultaneous touching of the ball that went out of bounds. In NCAA, the jump ball shall occur between any two players (one from each team) since possession was not gained by either team to establish the alternating-possession procedure.
(NFHS 6-4-3b, 7-3-2; NCAA 6-2-2a)
4) Throw-in Into the Backcourt
Play: A1 has the ball for a throw-in along the sideline near midcourt. A1 throws the ball towards A2 who jumps from team A’s frontcourt, catches the ball while airborne, and lands with his or her first foot in the frontcourt followed by the second foot immediately coming down in the backcourt. Has a violation occurred? Would the ruling be different if B3 had tipped A1’s throw-in pass while it was in the air and prior to A1 catching it?
Ruling: A player shall be permitted to leap from the player’s frontcourt, catch a throw-in while airborne, and make a normal landing with one foot or both feet in the backcourt. It does not matter which foot lands first, nor does it matter if the feet land at the exact same time or approximately the same time. It is a legal play in all cases on a throw-in. If, however, B3 tips A1’s pass, the throw-in ends when the ball is tipped. When A2 catches the ball (that is no longer a part of a throw-in), and lands with one or more feet in the backcourt, a backcourt violation has occurred as A2 had frontcourt status, gained control of non-throw-in pass while airborne, and then gained backcourt status when a foot came down in the backcourt. The throw-in exception no longer applies since the throw-in had ended when B3 tipped the ball.
(NFHS 4-35-3, 4-42-5, 9-9-1, 9-9-3, 9.9.1D; NCAA 4-3-8, 4-68-4, 9-12-1, 9-12-2, A.R. 210, A.R. 212)
5) Backcourt Violation?
Play: A1 is dribbling the ball in team A’s frontcourt. Defender B2 slaps the ball away towards team A’s backcourt. The ball reaches the division line and is bouncing in team A’s backcourt near the division line. A1 runs to the loose ball and with (a) one foot in the backcourt and one in the frontcourt, or (b) both feet in the frontcourt, pushes the bouncing ball to the floor to begin a dribble. The ball bounces in the backcourt, back up to A1’s hand, and A1 continues dribbling the ball with the ball bouncing in team A’s backcourt. Has a violation occurred?
Ruling: The ball is in team A’s backcourt when it reached and is bouncing in the backcourt. A1 may be the first to touch the ball since B2 caused the ball to go into the backcourt. In (a), A1 is in team A’s backcourt when one foot is in the backcourt, and he or she may begin and continue to dribble the ball in the backcourt. In (b), when A1 first touched the ball to begin the dribble, the ball gained frontcourt status since it was in contact with A1 who was in the frontcourt. When A1 pushed the ball to the floor to begin the dribble, and the ball contacted the floor in the backcourt, the ball regained backcourt status since it was again in contact with the floor in the backcourt. When the ball bounced up and touched A1’s hand a second time, a backcourt violation should be called as A1 caused the ball to go into the backcourt when pushing the ball to the floor to begin the dribble, and was the first to touch the ball when the ball returned to A1’s hand after the ball being in the backcourt.
(NFHS 4-4-1, 4-4-2, 9-9-1; NCAA 4-3-3a, 9-12-1)
