9.1.1 - Free-Thrower Loses Ball
A1, at the free-throw line to attempt a free throw: (a) muffs the pass from the official and it rolls forward; or (b) while performing his/her habitual dribbles prior to the release, accidentally allows the ball to deflect off his/her foot into the lane.
RULING: In (a), the official should sound the whistle to prevent any violations and then start the free throw procedure again. No free-throw violation should be called in this situation. In (b), a free-throw violation shall be called on A1. (9-1-3a, 9-1-3e)
9.1.2 - Free Throw Delay Following a Time-out
SITUATION A:
Following a time-out by Team B, A1 is given the ball for the first of two free throws even though Team B is still huddling at the bench and the first marked spaces on each side of the lane are not occupied. In this case, the lead official uses the resumption-of-play procedure even though the first spaces are not occupied, whereas in other cases, the spaces would have to be properly occupied before the official would proceed with the free throw administration. A1’s first attempt is successful. The lead official then bounces the ball to A1 for the second attempt. Team B is still at the sideline. The official again gives the signal which indicates a violation by Team B if the attempt is missed. A1 misses the second free-throw attempt.
RULING: The violation will result in A1 being given a substitute attempt. Team B will be assessed a technical foul if they delay further by not occupying the first marked spaces on each side of the lane before the ball becomes live for the substitute throw. (4-38, 8-1-2, 10-4-5c)
9.1.2 - Defense and Offense in Opposite Spaces
SITUATION B:
A1 is shooting the first of a bonus free-throw situation. A4 and A5 are positioned in the first two marked lane spaces (near the end line) and B4 and B5 are positioned in the second two marked lane spaces. The incorrect alignment is discovered by the officials (a) before the ball is at the disposal of A1; (b) after the ball is at A1’s disposal, but before the try is in flight; (c) when the try is in flight; (d) when the successful try goes through the cylinder; (e) when the unsuccessful try is rebounding off the basket ring; or (f) when the rebound of the unsuccessful try is securely in A4’s possession.
RULING: In (a), the administering official shall “reset” the free throw and put the players in their proper marked lane spaces. In (b) and (c) an official shall sound his/her whistle immediately and call a simultaneous violation, utilizing the alternating-possession procedure to put the ball in play. In (d), (e) and (f) the free throw has ended and the improper alignment is ignored. (4-20-3, 9-1-2 PENALTY 3)
9.1.3 - Faking
SITUATION A:
A1, at the free throw line to attempt a final free throw, fakes the release of the ball.
RULING: A violation by A1, Team B will be awarded a throw-in at the nearest spot.
COMMENT: The faking of a free throw try is a violation. However, if A1 does not feel comfortable after starting his/her motion and stops to adjust, the players in the lane spaces are expected to hold their positions. (9-1-3b)
SITUATION B:
Prior to A1 releasing the ball on a free throw attempt: (a) B1; or (b) A2, in a marked lane space, fakes by rocking forward causing an opponent to enter the lane prematurely.
RULING: In (a), the official will use the proper signal indicating a violation by B1 and a substitute free throw is awarded if A1’s attempt is unsuccessful. If it is successful, the violation is ignored. In (b), the official will sound his/her whistle immediately when A2 violates. The violation cancels A1’s attempt and it is B’s ball for a throw-in, unless an additional free throw(s) is involved.
COMMENT: If a player uses verbal tactics like “you’re in my space” or a time-out request to fake an opponent into violations, only the fake is penalized. (9-1-3b PENALTY 1, 9-1-3b PENALTY 4d)
SITUATION C:
A1 is preparing to attempt a free throw. Prior to A1’s release of the ball, B1 fakes causing A2 to enter the lane prematurely. A1 then requests and is granted a time-out.
RULING: Upon resuming play, A1 is entitled to a free throw and the official shall use the proper signal indicating a violation by B1 prior to the granting of the time-out. If the free throw is successful, the violation is ignored, if unsuccessful a substitute throw is awarded. (9-1-3b)
9.1.3 - Opponents Distract
SITUATION D:
The ball is at the disposal of free thrower A1. B1, within the visual field of A1: (a) raises his/her arms above the head; or (b) after his/her arms have been extended above the head, alternately opens and closes both hands.
RULING: B1 may be penalized in both (a) and (b). The official must judge whether the act distracts the free thrower. If the official judges the act in either (a) or (b) to be disconcerting, it shall be penalized. The free thrower is entitled to protection from being distracted. It is the opponent’s responsibility to avoid distracting the free thrower. (9-1-3c PENALTY 2)
SITUATION E:
After A1 starts the free-throw motion, B1 commits a common foul on A2 along the lane before the bonus rule is in effect.
RULING: Even if the foul occurs before the ball is in flight, the throw counts if successful. No substitute try is awarded if the throw is missed. In either case, whether the throw is made or missed, the ball is awarded to Team A at the out-of-bounds spot nearest to where the foul occurred. If, in the opinion of the official, A1 has been distracted, a substitute throw shall be awarded if the try is unsuccessful. (4-11, 9-1-3c PENALTY 2)
SITUATION F:
A1 steps on the free-throw line before releasing the ball in an attempt, after which B1 distracts.
RULING: The ball became dead when A1 violated by stepping on the line, therefore, the action of B1 is not a violation. The ball is awarded to Team B out of bounds at the spot nearest the violation. (7-5-2, 9-1-3e PENALTY 1)
9.1.3 - Lane Space Regulations
SITUATION G:
While A1 is attempting a final free throw, (a) B1 enters the lane too soon followed by A2, both of whom are in marked lane spaces; or (b) B1, in a marked lane space enters the lane too soon, then shooter A1 steps on the free-throw line while releasing the throw.
RULING: In (a), the violation by A2 is ignored and, if the try is successful, the goal shall count and the violation by B1, shall be ignored. If the try is unsuccessful, the ball shall become dead when the free throw ends and a substitute free throw shall be attempted by A1 under the same conditions as those for the original free throw. In (b), a double violation is ruled and the ball is put in play using the alternating-possession procedure.
COMMENT: Anytime the defense violates first, followed by a violation by the free-throw shooter, the officials should consider the possibility of distraction. (9-1 PENALTY)
SITUATION H:
During a free throw by A1, B1 pushes A2, then B2, who is in a marked lane space, is in the lane too soon: (a) before A1 has started a freethrowing motion; or (b) after A1 has started a throwing motion.
RULING: In (a), the foul by B1 causes the ball to become dead immediately, therefore the act, by B2 is not a violation. A1 is permitted the specified number of free throws, after which the foul is penalized. In (b), the foul does not cause the ball to become dead immediately, so there are two infractions. Even though the foul occurred first, the violation is the first to be penalized if A1’s try is unsuccessful. (4-11; 6-7 EXCEPTION c; 9-1 PENALTY 2)
SITUATION I:
The official administering a free throw awarded to A1 places the ball at his/her disposal. A1, who is inside the free-throw semicircle leaves the semicircle to confer with a teammate.
RULING: Violation. After the ball has been placed at the disposal of the free thrower, he/she is not permitted to leave or enter the free-throw semicircle without violating, until restrictions have ended. (9-1-3e PENALTY 1)
9.2.1 - Designated Spot Throw-in
SITUATION A:
A1 is out of bounds for a designated-spot throw-in. The administering official has designated the spot and put the ball at A1’s disposal. In order to avoid some of the defensive pressure near the throw-in spot, A1 takes several steps (a) directly backward, but keeps one foot on or over the designated area prior to releasing the ball on a throw-in pass; or (b) to the left or right.
RULING: In (a), legal throw-in. It is permissible for the thrower to move backward or forward within the 3-foot-wide designated area without violating. In (b), A1 may move laterally if at least one foot is kept on or over the designated area until the ball is released, if not, a violation has occurred. The thrower may also jump vertically and pass from the designated throw-in spot.
COMMENT: Pivot-foot restrictions and the traveling rule are not in effect for a throw-in. The thrower must keep one foot on or over the spot until the ball is released.
SITUATION B:
A1, out of bounds for a designated spot throw-in: (a) muffs the pass from the official and it rolls forward; or (b) after receiving the ball from the official, fumbles the ball and leaves the designated spot to retrieve the fumble.
RULING: In (a), the official should sound the whistle to prevent any violations and then start the throw-in procedure again. No throw-in violation should be ruled in this situation. In (b), a throw-in violation shall be ruled on A1 for leaving the designated spot.
9.2.2 - Throw-in Violations
SITUATION A:
Thrower A1: (a) causes the ball to carom from the wall behind him/her, or from the floor out of bounds and then into the court; (b) caroms the ball from the back of the backboard to a player in the court; or (c) throws the ball against the side or the front face of the backboard, after which it rebounds into the hands of A2.
RULING: Violation in (a) and (b), since the throw touched an object out of bounds. The throw-in in (c) is legal. The side and front face of the backboard are inbounds and, in this specific situation, are treated the same as the floor inbounds.
SITUATION B:
The throw-in by A1 is: (a) first touched in the court by A1; or (b) touched or caught by A2 whose hand(s) is on the out-of-bounds side of the throw-in boundary plane.
RULING: Violation in both (a) and (b), B’s ball at the spot of the throw-in. (9-2-3, 9-2-6)
SITUATION C:
A1 scores a basket. After the ball goes through the net, B1 grabs it and makes a move toward the end line as though preparing to make a throw-in. However, B1 never legally steps out of bounds, both feet remain inbounds. B1 immediately passes the ball up the court to a fast-breaking teammate, who scores a basket.
RULING: Cancel Team B’s goal, throw-in violation on B1. The ball was at B1’s disposal after the made basket to make a throw-in. B1 must be out of bounds to make a legal throw-in. (7-4-3, 7-5-7)
SITUATION D:
A1 dribbles the ball on floor on the out-of-bounds area before making a throw-in.
RULING: Legal, a player may bounce the ball on the out-of-bounds area prior to making a throw-in.
9.2.5 - Throw-in Violations
SITUATION A:
Thrower A1 inadvertently steps onto the court inbounds. A1 immediately steps back into normal out-of-bounds throw-in position. The contact with the court was during a situation (a) with; or (b) without defensive pressure on the throw-in team.
RULING: A violation in both (a) and (b).
COMMENT: Whether or not there was defensive pressure or whether or not stepping on the court was inadvertent, it is a violation and no judgment is required in making the call.
SITUATION B:
A1 has the ball out of bounds for a throw-in and is being guarded by B1. Before releasing the ball, A1 loses his/her balance, reaches out and puts his/her hand on B1 (who is inbounds) in an effort to regain his/her balance.
RULING: Throw-in violation by A1. A1 is required to remain out of bounds until releasing the throw-in pass. When A1 touches an inbounds player, he/she has inbound status. However, if the contact on B1 is illegal, a personal foul shall be called. (9-2-10 NOTE)
9.2.8 - Throw-in Violations
Team A is awarded an alternating-possession throw-in. A1 lobs the throw-in pass toward A2 who is breaking to the basket. The throw-in pass is too high and lodges between the ring and backboard.
RULING: Violation by A1 for lodging the untouched throw-in pass. Team B’s ball at the throw-in spot. Since A1 violated during an alternating-possession throw-in, Team A has lost the arrow. Team B will have the arrow for the next alternating-possession throw-in. (6-4-5)
9.2.9 - Throw-in Violations
Following a violation, the official has properly signaled and awarded a throw-in to Team A at a designated spot. No Team A player comes to the spot even though the official has allowed ample time for them to respond. The official then places the ball on the floor and begins the five-second count. (a) Both A1 and A2 step out of bounds and A1 picks up the ball; or (b) both A1 and A2 step out of bounds and A1 picks up the ball and hands it to A2.
RULING: In (a), A2 must immediately return inbounds. In (b), it is a throw-in violation when A1 hands the ball to A2.
9.2.10 - Boundary-Plane Infraction
SITUATION A:
A1 is out of bounds for a throw-in. B1 reaches through the boundary plane and knocks the ball out of A1’s hands. Team B has not been warned previously for a throw-in plane infraction.
RULING: B1 is charged with a technical foul and it also results in the official having a team warning recorded and reported to the head coach.
COMMENT: In situations with the clock running and five or less seconds left in the game, a throw-in plane violation or interfering with the ball following a goal should be ignored if its only purpose is to stop the clock. However, if the tactic in any way interferes with the thrower’s efforts to make a throw-in, a technical foul for delay shall be called even though no previous warning had been issued. In this situation, if the official stopped the clock and issued a team warning, it would allow the team to benefit from the tactic. (4-47-1; 10-2-1b, c; 10-4-10)
SITUATION B:
Team A has a (a) designated spot throw-in, or (b) alternating-possession throw-in along the end line. Thrower A1 extends the ball with his/her arms over the end line such that part of the forearms, hands, and the ball are entirely on the inbounds side of the boundary line. B2 slaps A1 on the wrist and dislodges the ball.
RULING: In (a) and (b), when a defender makes contact with a thrower-in, the result is an intentional foul. Where A1’s arms are located (on the inbounds or out-of-bounds side of the boundary line) is immaterial. A1 is awarded two free throws and Team A awarded a throw-in at the spot nearest the foul. In (b), since the throw-in did not end, the arrow remains with Team A. (4-19-3e; 6-4-5; 7-5-4b; 9-2-10 PENALTY 4)
SITUATION C:
Team A has a designated spot throw-in along the end line. Thrower A1 extends the ball with his/her arms over the end line such that part of the forearms, hands and the ball are entirely on the inbounds side of the boundary line. B2 slaps A1 on the wrist and dislodges the ball.
RULING: When a defender makes contact with a thrower-in, the result is an intentional foul. Where A1’s arms are located (on the inbounds or out-of-bounds side of the boundary line) is immaterial for this penalty to be assessed. A1 is awarded two free throws and Team A awarded a throw-in at the spot nearest the foul.
COMMENT: For a boundary plane violation warning to also be assessed, the defender must actual- ly violate the rule and penetrate the boundary plane. (4-19-3e, 4-47-1, 7-5-4b, 9-2-10 PENALTY 4)
9.3.3 - Player Out of Bounds - Leaving the Court
SITUATION A:
A1 receives a pass while in the restricted area of the lane. A1 passes the ball to A2 outside the three-point line. In order to get the three-second count stopped, A1 steps directly out of bounds under A’s basket.
RULING: A1 is charged with a violation for leaving the court for an unauthorized reason. (9-3-3)
SITUATION B:
A1 and A2 set a double screen near the end line. A3 intentionally goes out of bounds outside the end line to have his/her defender detained by the double screen.
RULING: The official shall call a violation on A3 as soon as he/she steps out of bounds. The ball is awarded to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred.
SITUATION C:
A1 and A2 set a double screen near the end line. B3 intentionally goes out of bounds outside the end line to avoid being detained by A1 and A2. Just as B3 goes out of bounds, A3’s try is in flight.
RULING: B3 is called for a leaving-the-floor violation. Team A will receive the ball out of bounds at a spot nearest to where the violation occurred. Since the violation is on the defense, the ball does not become dead until the try has ended. If the try is successful, it will count. (6-7-9 EXCEPTION d)
SITUATION D:
The score is tied 60 to 60 with four seconds remaining in the game. A1 has a fast break and is near the free-throw line on his/her way to an uncontested lay-up. B5 running down the court near the sideline, intentionally runs out of bounds in the hopes of getting a leaving-the-floor violation called.
RULING: B5’s intentional violation should be ignored and A1’s activity should continue without interruption.
COMMENT: Non-contact, away from the ball, illegal defensive violations (i.e. excessively swinging the elbows, leaving the floor for an unauthorized reason) specifically designed to stop the clock near the end of a period or take away a clear advantageous position by the offense should be temporarily ignored. The defensive team should not benefit from the tactic. If time is not a factor, the defense should be penalized with the violation or a technical foul for unsporting behavior. (10-2-4)
9.4 - Through the Basket from Below
At A’s basket, the ball enters the net from below and passes through the basket: (a) The officials do not know whether a player of Team A or Team B was responsible; (b) the ball entered the basket after A1’s pass was deflected by B1; or (c) A1 and B1 touched the ball simultaneously before it entered the basket.
RULING: The ball becomes dead when it enters from below and passes through. In (a) and (c), a throw-in will follow by the team entitled to it under the alternating-possession procedure. In (b), it is A’s ball for a throw-in, as B1 caused the violation.
9.5 - Dribble Rule
A1 dribbles and comes to a stop after which he/she throws the ball against: (a) his/her own backboard; (b) the opponent’s backboard; or (c) an official and catches the ball after each.
RULING: Legal in (a); a team’s own backboard is considered part of that team’s “equipment” and may be used. In (b) and (c), A1 has violated; throwing the ball against an opponent’s backboard or an official constitutes another dribble, provided A1 is first to touch the ball after it strikes the official or the board. (4-4-5, 4-15-1, 4-15-2, Fundamental 19)
9.5.1 - Dribble Rule
A1 ends a dribble and then jumps and releases the ball on a try for goal. B1 partially blocks the shot, but A1 secures control again while still in the air. A1 returns to the floor and dribbles to the basket and scores.
RULING: Legal maneuver. Both player control and team control ended when A1 released the ball. When A1 recovered he/she could dribble again similar to dribbling after catching a pass or rebound.
9.5.3 - Dribble Rule
A1 is dribbling in backcourt and ends the dribble, but defensive pressure prevents a pass to A2. A1 then passes the ball so it touches B1. A1 recovers the loose ball in backcourt and dribbles again.
RULING: No violation. When A1’s pass was touched by, or touched, another player, he/she may start a new dribble. The 10-second backcourt count continues.
9.7.1 - Three-Second Rule
A1 rebounds the ball off Team B’s backboard. A2 is in Team A’s three-second restricted area when the rebound occurs and A2 remains there while A1 is dribbling in Team A’s backcourt. Three seconds expire without the ball being in the frontcourt of Team A.
RULING: This is not a violation. The three-second lane restriction is not in effect until Team A is in control of the ball in Team A’s frontcourt.
9.7.2 - Three-Second Rule
A1 is standing with one foot inside and the other outside the three-second restricted area. A1 lifts the foot from the restricted area and returns it there without touching it first to the nonrestricted area.
RULING: Violation. This action does not terminate the three-second count. The count goes on since merely lifting the foot from the restricted space is interpreted as an attempt to evade the rule and avoid its purpose. However, there is no three-second count during rebounding action or during a throw-in. The count on a player in the restricted area is suspended when that player begins a try for goal.
9.8 - Ten-Second Rule
SITUATION A:
A1 is in A’s backcourt and has dribbled for nine seconds and then passes the ball forward towards A2 in the frontcourt. While the ball is in the air traveling from backcourt to frontcourt, the 10-second count is reached.
RULING: Violation by Team A as the ball has not gained frontcourt location. It is B’s ball for a throw-in from the out-of-bounds spot closest to where A1 released the ball on the pass toward A2. (4-3, 7-5-2)
SITUATION B:
Team A has control of the ball for eight seconds in A’s backcourt when A1 passes the ball toward Team A’s frontcourt. The official’s count continues. The ball strikes the floor in A’s frontcourt and stays there without being touched by any player. Should the count continue after the ball touches in frontcourt?
RULING: No. The backcourt count should be terminated as soon as the ball has frontcourt location by touching the floor in Team A’s frontcourt. (4-4-1, 4-4-2)
SITUATION C:
After A1 has dribbled for nine seconds in A’s backcourt: (a) A1 requests a time-out; or (b) B1 deflects the ball out of bounds.
RULING: In both (a) and (b), Team A will have 10 seconds to advance the ball to frontcourt following the throw-in if a player of Team A gains control in A’s backcourt.
SITUATION D:
Team A is in control in its backcourt for seven seconds. A1 throws the ball toward A2 in the frontcourt. B1 jumps from Team A’s: (a) frontcourt; or (b) backcourt and while in the air bats the ball back to A1 in A’s backcourt. Does this give Team A 10 more seconds to get the ball to the frontcourt?
RULING: Yes, in (a), a new count starts because B1 had frontcourt location when touching the ball thus giving the ball frontcourt location. In (b), the original count continues as Team A is still in control and the ball has not gone to frontcourt. (4-3, 4-4-2, 4-35-1)
9.9.1 - Frontcourt - Backcourt
SITUATION A:
A1 catches the throw-in pass with one foot on the floor in A’s frontcourt and the other foot not touching the floor. The non-pivot foot then comes down in A’s backcourt.
RULING: Violation. Player and team control are established in A’s frontcourt when A1 catches the throw-in pass. The violation occurs when A1 subsequently touches the backcourt with the non-pivot foot. (4-12-6, 9-9-3)
SITUATION B:
During a jump ball, A1 taps the ball. A2 takes off from Team A’s frontcourt and catches the ball while in the air. A2 lands with: (a) both feet in frontcourt and then steps to backcourt with one foot; (b) one foot in backcourt and one in the frontcourt; or (c) both feet in the backcourt.
RULING: Team control is not established until A2 catches the ball. Violation in (a). Legal in (b) and (c). (4-12-6, 9-9-3)
SITUATION C:
A1 is dribbling in his/her backcourt and throws a pass to the frontcourt. While standing in A’s frontcourt: (a) A2 or (b) B3 touches the ball and deflects it back to A’s backcourt where it touches the floor. A2 recovers in the backcourt.
RULING: In (a), it is a violation. The ball was in control of A1 and Team A, and a player from A was the last to touch the ball in frontcourt and a player of A was the first to touch it after it returned to the back court. In (b), legal play. A Team A player was not the last to touch the ball in the frontcourt. Team A is entitled to a new 10-second count.
SITUATION D:
Team A is awarded a throw-in near the division line. A1’s throw-in is deflected by B1; A2 jumps from Team A’s frontcourt, catches the ball in the air and lands in the backcourt.
RULING: Backcourt violation on Team A. The throw-in ends when it is legally touched by B1. A2 gains player and team control in the air after having left the floor from Team A’s frontcourt, therefore having frontcourt status. As soon as A2 lands in the backcourt, he/she has committed a backcourt violation. The exception granted during a throw-in ends when the throw-in ends and is only for the player making the initial touch on the ball. (9-9-3)
SITUATION E:
A1 inbounds the ball at the division line; A2 jumps from the frontcourt, controls the ball in the air, and while still in the air passes it to A3, who is in the backcourt.
RULING: Backcourt violation.
COMMENT: The throw-in exception only applies to the player initially receiving the throw-in pass (first touch). Since the throw-in has ended, all backcourt rules apply. Had A2 just landed in the backcourt, there would have been no violation. (9-9-3)
SITUATION F:
A1 is holding, dribbling or passing the ball near the division line in the frontcourt. B1 deflects the ball into the air. Prior to the ball touching the floor in the backcourt, the ball is (a) caught by (b) touched by (c) touches A2 who has backcourt status (or is located in the backcourt).
RULING: Legal in a, b and c. (9-9-1 EXCEPTION)
9.10.1 - Frontcourt Closely-Guarded Action
SITUATION A:
A1 while closely guarded, dribbles across the division line and while in A’s frontcourt: (a) dribbles for five seconds; or (b) dribbles for three seconds and then holds the ball for four seconds before passing the ball to A2.
RULING: Violation in (a) and Team B’s ball because the five-second count was reached during the dribble in the frontcourt. Legal action in (b).
SITUATION B:
While dribbling in A’s frontcourt, A1 is closely guarded by B1. After two seconds, B2 also assumes a closely-guarded position on A1 and B1 leaves to guard A2.
RULING: The closely-guarded count continues. There is no requirement for the defensive player to remain the same during the count as long as A1 is closely-guarded throughout.
9.10.1 - Screening Teammates
SITUATION C:
Team A, while in possession of the ball in its frontcourt: (a) positions four players parallel with the sideline and they pass the ball from one to another with their arms reaching beyond the sideline plane; or (b) has four teammates surround dribbler A1. In both (a) and (b), the opponents are unable to get close to the ball.
RULING: This is considered to be a closely-guarded situation and a violation in five seconds in both (a) and (b), if any B player is within 6 feet of the ball or within 6 feet of the screening teammates and is attempting to gain control of the ball. Preventing opponents from getting to the ball by using screening teammates becomes a violation in five seconds if the opponents are attempting to gain control.
9.10.3 - Screening Teammates
Dribbler A1 is closely-guarded by B1 in A’s frontcourt and the covering official’s count is at three when A1’s dribble is interrupted when the ball bounces off his/her foot. An additional two seconds goes by as A1 turns to get the loose ball and B1 remains within 6 feet.
RULING: The closely-guarded count shall be terminated when the dribble is interrupted, but it will start over if A1 continues the dribble or holds the ball and is again closely-guarded.
9.11 - Basket Interference
Both A1 and B1 jump to grab a rebound at the basket of Team A. Each has a hand on the ball which is entirely outside of the cylinder above the basket. While both have contact with the ball, it is carried or forced into the cylinder above the basket.
RULING: There is no violation by either player for having hand(s) on the ball while it is in the cylinder or basket in this situation. (4-6, 9-11 EXCEPTION)
9.11.1 - Basket Interference
SITUATION A:
A1 taps the ball toward Team A’s basket. While the ball is in the cylinder above the basket or on the basket ring: (a) B1 touches the ball; or (b) A2 touches the ball.
RULING: In (a), basket interference by B1 causes the ball to become dead and the official shall award Team A two points. In (b), the basket interference by A2 causes the ball to become dead. No basket. The ball is awarded to Team B for a throw-in from the out-of-bounds spot nearest the violation. (4-6, 6-7-9)
SITUATION B:
While the ball is touching the ring of the basket on a field-goal attempt, B1 grasps the ring when there is no threat of injury.
RULING: This is a double infraction and both acts are penalized. It is both basket interference and a technical foul. The moment the hand touched the ring, it was basket interference. When the player grasped the ring, a technical foul occurred. Award two points to Team A, followed by two free throws and a division line throw-in. (10-4-3)
SITUATION C:
The ball is in flight during a three-point field-goal try by A1 when time for a quarter expires. Following the expiration of time and while the ball is rolling on the ring, B1 tips it into the basket.
RULING: Violation by B1. The ball was live until the violation, it then became dead. The field goal does not count. However, the action by B1 is basket interference. Three points are awarded to A1 because of the basket interference by B1 during a three-point try. (4-6, 6-7-9)
SITUATION D:
The ball is on the ring of Team A’s basket when A1 hits the net.
RULING: Basket interference by A1. No goal. The ball became dead when A1 touched the net as it is part of the basket. (4-6, 6-7-9)
SITUATION E:
The ball is touching the side of the basket ring of Team A. B1 jumps and B1’s hand contacts the net. The ball definitely is not touching the top of the basket ring.
RULING: This is not a violation. The ball remains live. (4-6-1)
9.11.2 - Basket Interference
SITUATION A:
A1 tries for a field goal. B1 rebounds, but A2 slaps the ball from the grasp of B1. The ball is above the level of the basket and is partly in the cylinder when B2 slaps the ball away to teammate B3.
RULING: Basket interference by B2. Two points for Team A. The throw-in by B may be from anywhere out of bounds along the end line. (4-6, 6-7-9, 7-4-3, 7-5-7)
SITUATION B:
A1 shoots the ball and it enters the basket from above, but from outside the cylinder. A1’s hand loses contact with the ball before the ball enters the cylinder. However, on the follow-through, A1’s hand enters the cylinder and again contacts the ball.
RULING: Violation. It is not a violation for a player to have a hand within the cylinder above the basket provided it is not touching the ball. The rules do allow a player to carry the ball into the cylinder above the ring or place the ball into the basket itself. It is basket interference; however, when a player touches the ball or the basket when the ball is in or on the basket, or touches the ball while any portion of the ball is touching the cylinder directly above the basket and the player did not carry the ball into the cylinder or basket. (4-6)
SITUATION C:
Since it is a violation for thrower A1 to throw the ball directly into the basket from out of bounds, what happens if B1 touches the throw-in pass while the ball is in the cylinder above A’s basket?
RULING: B1 is charged with basket interference and a two-point goal is scored. Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in anywhere along the end lines as after a scored goal except the official shall place the ball at the disposal of a player of Team B for a throw-in from any point outside the end line. (4-6)
SITUATION D:
After A1’s free-throw attempt strikes the ring and rebounds in the cylinder above the basket: (a) A2; or (b) B1 touches the ball.
RULING: Basket interference in both (a) and (b). No point in (a). In (b), the free throw is scored because of the basket interference. (9-11 PENALTY 1, 9-11 PENALTY 2)
SITUATION E:
A1 is fouled in the act of shooting by B1. While the ball is in the cylinder above the basket, A2 touches the ball.
RULING: The basket interference by A2 causes the ball to become dead and no goal can be scored. A1 is awarded two free throws and players occupy spaces and play continues as normal when the last free throw is made or missed.
9.11.4 - Basket Interference
Defender B4 attempts to stop an apparent lob pass. While B4 is airborne, A3 moves beneath B4. To avoid injury, B4 grasps the basket ring. While B4 grasps the ring, A1 shoots from about 12 feet away. Just after A1 releases the shot, B4 lets go of the ring and lands safely. The ring is still moving when (a) the ball hits the moving ring and bounces out; (b) the ball, despite the moving ring, enters and passes completely through the basket; or (c) the ring stops vibrating (returns to its normal position) and the ball bounces off the ring.
RULING: Since B4 grasped the ring to prevent injury, no technical foul is ruled. However, the basket interference rule applies. In (a), basket interference is ruledon B4 because the ball struck a still-vibrating ring. Award A1 two points. In (b), since the ball entered and passed completely through the basket, basket interference is not ruled. Play continues. In (c), because the ring returned to its original position before the ball struck the ring, basket interference is not called. Play continues. (4-6-4, 10-4-3)
9.12 - Goaltending
SITUATION A:
On the first free throw by A1 in a bonus situation: B1 leaps above the lane and touches the ball but it falls in the basket anyway.
RULING: Delayed lane violation on B1; the ball is still live. The goaltending violation causes an immediate dead ball and an automatic point for A1; B1 is assessed a technical foul. A1 is awarded the bonus free throw. Following the free throws for the technical foul, it is A’s ball for a division line throw-in opposite the table. (4-22, 6-7-9, 10-4-9)
SITUATION B:
On the second of two free-throw attempts by A1, the ball is touched outside the cylinder by A2.
RULING: No points can be scored. A2’s actions are ruled a violation. B will be given the ball for a throw-in from the designated out-of-bounds spot nearest the violation. (9-1 PENALTY 1)
SITUATION C:
B1 touches A1’s try for field goal: (a) just after its release and while the ball is still in upward flight; or (b) while the ball is in downward flight outside the cylinder and above ring level.
RULING: In (a), the legal touching does not end the try and the ball remains live. In (b), the defensive goaltending causes the ball to become dead immediately and two points are awarded to Team A. (4-22, 6-7-9)
9.13.1 - Swinging Arm(s) or Elbow(s)
The ball has been released on a field-goal try or tap by A1 towards A’s basket: (a) A2, or (b) B1, excessively swings arm(s) or elbow(s) without contacting an opponent. The ball goes through the basket.
RULING: In (a), the official will sound the whistle immediately for a violation. The ball is dead, the goal is not scored. In (b), the ball is dead when the try ends. The goal is scored and Team A is awarded a throw-in at the spot closest to the violation. (6-7-9 EXCEPTION d)