Rule 9 - Violations and Penalties

Question 1

Free Throw Violation Penalties
A.R. 205. After the ball is at the disposal of free thrower A1 for A1’s final attempt and before the ball is in flight, A3 steps into the free-throw lane, and then A2 pushes B2.

Answer 1

RULING: The ball becomes dead when A3 violates the free-throw lane provisions; therefore, the pushing of B2 by A2 shall be ignored unless it is an unsportsmanlike or disqualifying foul. A1’s final free throw shall be canceled and the ball shall be awarded to Team B on the end line for a designated spot throw-in.
(Rule 9-1 Penalty a, 10-13 and 10-14)

Question 2

Free Throw Violation Penalties
A.R. 206. The ball is at the disposal of free-thrower A1. B1 steps into the lane, and the official gives the delayed-violation signal. A1 then requests a timeout. When the team returns to the free throw after the timeout, the official puts the ball at the disposal of A1 and again gives the delayed-violation signal. The free throw is missed by A1, and the official awards a repeated free throw.

Answer 2

RULING: The official is correct. Even though a timeout was taken by Team A, it does not negate the violation by B1.
(Rule 9-1 Penalty b.2)

Question 3

Free Throw Violation Penalties
A.R. 207. During A1’s free-throw attempt, B1 and B2 are occupying the bottom two lane spaces adjacent to and above the block. A2 is occupying the next lane space on the left side of the basket. B3 lines up in the next lane space on the right side of the basket in the space adjacent to B1. A1 shoots the free throw and misses.

Answer 3

RULING: B3 is permitted to occupy a lane space that is designated for Team A when no Team A player desires to occupy that space.
(Rule 9-1 Penalty b.2 and 8-4.4.c)

Question 4

Free Throw Violation Penalties
A.R. 208. A1 is attempting the second of two free throws. B2 violates the lane followed by a lane violation by A2. The official inadvertently blows his whistle, which stops play, before A1 releases the ball for her attempt. The officials readminister the free-throw attempt by placing the ball at the disposal of A1 for her free-throw attempt. Before A1’s release of the readministered free-throw attempt, B3 commits a lane violation.

Answer 4

RULING: When A1’s free-throw attempt is unsuccessful, A1 shall be awarded a substitute free throw. When A1’s attempt is successful, B3’s violation shall be ignored.
(Rule 9-1 Penalty b.1 and .2, 4-16 and 4-22.1.a)

Question 5

Free Throw Violation Penalties
A.R. 209. On a free throw by A1, B1 commits a lane violation.
(1) A1’s free throw misses the ring and flange.
(2) A1’s teammate, who is not in a marked lane space and is located above the free-throw line and outside the three-point line, steps inside the three-point line before the ball is released by A1.
(3) A1’s teammate, who is not in a marked lane space and is located above the free-throw line and outside the three-point line, steps inside the three-point line before the ball hits the ring or flange.

Answer 5

RULING: (1) Double violation; alternating-possession rule.
(Rule 9-1 Penalty d.2)
(2) Double violation; alternating-possession rule.
(Rule 9-1 Penalty d.2)
(3) Double violation; alternating-possession rule.
(Rule 9-1 Penalty d.2)

Question 6

Free Throw Violation Penalties
A.R. 210. A2 and B2 commit lane violations (simultaneous violations) during:
(1) The first of two free throws by A1; or
(2) The last or only free throw.

Answer 6

RULING: (1) The first free throw shall be canceled and the second free throw shall be administered normally.
(2)When the official is unable to discern which player committed the first violation, the free throw shall be canceled and the ball shall be awarded to the team entitled to the alternating-possession throw-in at a designated spot nearest to where the violations occurred.
(Rule 9-1 Penalty c)

Question 7

Player Out of Bounds
A.R. 211. Team A sets a double screen for A1, who leaves the playing court voluntarily and runs under the basket, circles around, returns to the playing court and then is the first to receive the ball.

Answer 7

RULING: A violation has been committed by A1 for voluntarily leaving the playing court and then becoming the first player to touch the ball upon return.
(Rule 9-3.1)

Question 8

Throw-in
A.R. 212. During a throw-in by A1:
(1) A1’s foot breaks the plane of the boundary line;
(2) A1’s hand(s) and the ball break the plane of the boundary line; or
(3) A1 loses her balance and momentarily touches her hand inbounds.

Answer 8

RULING: No violation was committed in either (1) or (2) because A1 did not touch inbounds. However, in (3), A1 has committed a violation when she touched inbounds before releasing the ball on the throw-in because she left the designated spot.
(Rule 9-4.1.a, 9-4.1.f, 7-1.1 and 7-6.8)

Question 9

Throw-in
A.R. 213. Thrower-in A1 throws the ball against the edge or the front face of the backboard, after which it caroms into the hands of A2.

Answer 9

RULING: The edge and front face of the backboard are inbounds and, in this specific circumstance, shall be treated the same as the playing court; hence, the throw-in shall be legal.
(Rule 9-4.1.b and 7-1.2)

Question 10

Throw-in
A.R. 214. Thrower-in A1, while inbounding the ball to A2, uses a bounce pass that:
(1) Contacts the floor out of bounds; or
(2) Contacts the boundary line.

Answer 10

RULING: In (1) and (2), a throw-in provision was violated. A1 failed to pass the ball directly into the playing court so that after it crosses the boundary line it touches or is legally touched by an inbounds player.
(Rule 9-4.1.b)

Question 11

Throw-in
A.R. 215. A1 is inbounding the ball along her end line. A1 fakes a pass to player A2, which draws B2 airborne in an attempt to intercept the ball. B2 lands out of bounds. A1 releases the ball with a pass to player A2 who is on the playing court;
(1) B2 leaves the floor from out of bounds, breaks the boundary-line plane and while airborne, touches the pass to A2 after it crosses the boundary- line plane; or
(2) B2, while out of bounds, touches the pass as it is released by A1 but before it crosses the boundary line plane.

Answer 11

RULING: In (1) and (2), once A1’s fake caused B2 to break the boundary-line plane, the official shall sound the whistle. For the first infraction of this type by Team B, a delay-of-game warning shall be issued to Team B and this warning shall be reported to the scorer and recorded in the scorebook. When B2 breaks the boundary-line plane after the warning has been issued, a player/substitute technical foul shall be charged to B2.
(Rule 4-11.1.g, 10-12.3.h and 2-9.7)

Question 12

Throw-in
A.R. 216. On a baseline throw-in by Team A in Team A’s backcourt, A1 makes a long pass toward the sideline at the division line and the ball (1) touches no one before it hits the scorer’s table or (2) is caught by A2 who is standing on the out of bounds line.

Answer 12

RULING: (1) Throw-in violation by A1 for failing to pass the ball directly onto the playing court so that after it crosses the boundary line, it touches or is legally touched by an inbounds player or touched by a player, who is on the playing court. Resume play with a throw-in to Team B at the same spot as A1’s throw-in spot.
(2) Out-of-bounds violation by A2. Resume play with a throw-in at the spot in which A2 caused the ball to be out of bounds. The clock should not have started because the ball was not legally touched inbounds.
(Rule 9-4.1.b and 7-1.2)

Question 13

Traveling
A.R. 217. A1 attempts to catch the ball while running. A1 fumbles the ball and succeeds in securing it before it strikes the playing court. A1 then begins a dribble, taking several steps between the time A1 first touched the ball until catching it.

Answer 13

RULING: There has been no violation, provided that A1 released the ball to start the dribble before lifting the pivot foot from the playing court after catching the ball.
(Rule 9-5, 9-5.2 and 9-5.5.b)

Question 14

Traveling
A.R.	218. After:
(1)	Receiving a pass; or
(2)	Ending a dribble,
A1 jumps into the air on a try for goal, is contested by B1 and since A1 could not get her try for goal off, she voluntarily throws the ball to the playing court. In both (1) and (2), A1 is the first to touch the ball.

Answer 14

RULING: (1) A1 has committed a traveling violation because she did not release the ball before picking up her pivot foot.
(Rule 9-5 and 9-5.5.b)
(2) A1’s release of the ball, after being airborne, was the start of a second dribble. When A1 touched the ball, A1 committed a double- dribble violation.
(Rule 9-5 and 9-7)

Question 15

Traveling
A.R. 219. A1 attempts a try at Team A’s basket after having completed the dribble. The try does not touch the backboard, the ring or the flange or any other player. A1 runs and catches the ball before it strikes the playing court. Is this traveling?

Answer 15

RULING: No. When A1 recovered her own try, A1 could dribble, pass or try again. There is no team control by either team when a try is in flight. However, when the shot clock expires and a try by A1 or a teammate has not struck the ring or the flange, it shall be a violation of the shot-clock rule.
(Rule 9-5.2, 4-10.4.c and 9-11.2)

Question 16

Traveling
A.R. 220. A1, while airborne, catches the ball in an attempt to prevent a live ball from going out of bounds. A1 throws the ball to the floor as her momentum causes A1 to land out of bounds. A1 returns to the playing court where she:
(1) Recovers the ball; or
(2) Continues to dribble.
The official calls a traveling violation. Is the official correct?

Answer 16

RULING: No. (1) and (2) The official was incorrect in calling a traveling violation because when A1 caught the ball while airborne, A1 had no established pivot foot. When A1 threw the ball to the floor, returned to the floor after being legally out of bounds and was the first to touch the ball, it became a dribble.
(1) When A1 recovered the ball, the dribble ended. (2) A1 is permitted to continue her dribble.
(Rule 9-5.2 through .7, 4-10.2 and 4-12.4.a)

Question 17

Traveling
A.R. 221. A1 ends her dribble with both feet off the playing court and lands:
(1) Simultaneously on both feet. A1 then steps with her left foot while using her right foot as a pivot foot; or
(2) On one foot, jumps off that foot and simultaneously lands on both feet and does not pivot on either foot.

Answer 17

RULING: Both (1) and (2) are legal moves. The legality of the two- footed jump stop is determined by the status of the dribble, when the player leaves the floor followed by how she lands. If the player picks up her dribble while clearly having one foot on the floor and then completes either of the dribble moves described above in (1) or (2), the dribbler has committed a traveling violation. If the player ends her dribble with both feet off the floor, those same moves in (1) and
(2) are legal. On plays where the location of the foot at the time of ending the dribble is uncertain, the benefit of the doubt should rest with the dribbler having made a legal play.
(Rule 9-5.4.a and .b)

Question 18

Traveling
A.R. 222. A1 receives a pass from A2 and comes to a stop legally with the right foot established as the pivot foot. A1 tosses the ball from one hand to the other several times and then proceeds to bat the ball to the floor before A1 lifts the pivot foot.

Answer 18

RULING: Legal.

Rule 9-5.5.b

Question 19

Traveling
A.R. 223. Is it traveling when a player:
(1) Falls to the playing court while holding the ball without maintaining a pivot foot; or
(2) Falls to the playing court on both knees while holding the ball without maintaining a pivot foot; or
(3) Gains control of the ball while sliding on the playing court and then, because of momentum, rolls or slides, after which the player passes or starts a dribble before getting to her feet?

Answer 19

RULING: (1) and (2) Yes, when the pivot foot is not maintained because it is virtually impossible not to move the pivot foot when falling to the playing floor.
(3) No. The player may pass, shoot, start a dribble or call a timeout. Once the player has the ball and is no longer sliding, she may not roll over. When flat on her back, the player may sit up without violating. When the player puts the ball on the floor, then rises and is the first to touch the ball, it also is traveling. When a player rises to her feet while holding the ball and moves the pivot foot, it is traveling. When a player falls to one knee while holding the ball, it is traveling if the pivot foot moves.
(Rule 9-5.7 and 9-5.2)

Question 20

Kick, Fist, Through Basket from Below
A.R. 224. A1 throws a ball that enters the basket from below, and then:
(1) Enters the cylinder and goes above the ring;
(2) Is deflected by B1 and enters the cylinder and goes above the ring; or
(3) Does not enter the cylinder from below before falling back through the bottom of the net untouched.

Answer 20

RULING: (1) A1 has violated. When the ball passes partially or completely through the cylinder, a violation has occurred.
(Rule 9-6 and 9-15.2.b)
(2) B1 has violated since the ball completely passed by the ring, which is the base of the cylinder.
(Rule 9-6)
(3) After the ball clears the net, it remains live.
(Rule 9-15.2 and 9-15.2.b)

Question 21

Kicking the Ball
A.R. 225. A1 is on the floor with the ball lodged between the upper part of the legs. B1 attempts to gain possession of the ball by placing two hands firmly on the ball; however, A1 applies vice-like force with the upper legs, which prevents B1 from gaining possession of the ball.

Answer 21

RULING: A1 has committed a kicking violation. Kicking the ball is defined as striking the ball intentionally with any part of the leg. The intent of this rule is to prevent a player from gaining an advantage by using any part of the leg. Since A1 was not holding the ball in her hands, B1’s firm placement of her hands on the ball does not constitute a held ball.
(Rule 9-6.2)

Question 22

Jump Ball
A.R. 226. During a jump ball, jumper A1 touches the ball simultaneously with both hands and then again touches the ball simultaneously with both hands for the second time.

Answer 22

RULING: Legal. Touching the ball with both hands simultaneously shall be considered touching the ball once. However, when one hand touches slightly in advance of the second hand, that shall be ruled a violation for touching the ball twice.
(Rule 9-8.1.a and .b)

Question 23

Three Seconds in the Lane

A.R. 227. The ball is loose during team control as in an interrupted dribble.

Answer 23

RULING: The three-second count shall be in effect. The team that had control before the loose ball or during an interrupted dribble
maintains team control until the opponent secures control.
(Rule 9-9 and 4-8.3)

Question 24

10-Second Backcourt
A.R. 228. The game clock indicates that 29 seconds remain and the shot clock is turned off so the official is using a visible count to count 10 seconds in the backcourt. Team A makes a throw-in after a charged timeout and, with 20 seconds on the game clock, Team A is charged with a 10-second backcourt violation, but the game clock shows that only nine seconds were used. The official timer indicates that the game clock started when the throw-in was touched by a player on the playing court.

Answer 24

RULING: Violation. Team B shall be awarded a throw-in at a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred. The correctable error rule does not provide for the correction of an error made in the referee’s counting of seconds.
(Rule 9-10, 2-7.9 and 7-4.1)

Question 25

10-Second Backcourt
A.R. 229. A1 is in the backcourt and has dribbled for eight seconds when she passes the ball forward toward A2 in the frontcourt. While the ball is in the air, going from backcourt to frontcourt, the 10-second count expires.

Answer 25

RULING: Violation. The ball shall be awarded to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where A1 was standing when she threw the ball.
(Rule 9-10 and 9-12.3.b)

Question 26

10-Second Backcourt
A.R. 230. With A1 in her team’s backcourt and while being pressured by B1 during an attempt to advance the ball, the shot clock shows that 7 seconds has expired since it was properly started on a throw-in in Team A’s backcourt. At this point, while A1 is still dribbling, B1 touches the ball and it goes back toward B’s basket. A1 retrieves the ball and continues to dribble.

Answer 26

RULING: There has been no change in team control. The 10-second count shall continue.
(Rule 9-10, 4-8.2.d and 4-8.3)

Question 27

10-Second Backcourt
A.R. 231. Team A has the ball for a throw-in under their own basket with 15 seconds on the shot clock. The ball is passed inbounds towards Team A’s backcourt when the ball is touched (1) by the defender of the thrower-in and the ball continues into Team A’s backcourt where it was touched again by Team A when there was 12 seconds on the shot clock or (2) by someone in the backcourt and the shot clock is started on the initial touch.

Answer 27

RULING: (1) The shot clock started on the initial touch by the defender of the thrower-in, but the backcourt count did not start until the player touched the ball in the backcourt when there was 12 seconds on the shot clock. There will be a 10-second violation with 2 seconds remaining on the shot clock when the ball fails to gain frontcourt status and Team A has had continuous control.
(2) When any player, offense or defense, touches the ball on the throw-in, the shot clock shall start. When that touch occurs in Team A’s backcourt, the 10-second backcourt count shall also begin. There will be a 10-second violation with 5 seconds remaining on the shot clock when the ball fails to gain frontcourt status and Team A has had continuous control.
A 10-second backcourt violation occurs when the ball does not gain frontcourt status within 10 seconds. A ball gains frontcourt status when on a pass, it touches the frontcourt or anyone in the frontcourt or on a dribble when both feet and the ball are in the frontcourt. When a 10-second backcourt violation occurs, the ball is put back into play where the violation occurred. When the ball is in player control when the violation occurs, play is to resume with a throw-in nearest to where the player in control is standing. When the violation occurs and the ball is in the air on a pass, play is to resume with a throw-in nearest to where the ball was last in contact with a player or the playing court.
(Rule 9-10)

Question 28

10-Second Backcourt
A.R. 232. Following a made basket and with 13 seconds remaining in the game, Team A inbounds the ball in their backcourt. The game clock properly starts when A2 touches the ball and the 10-second backcourt count begins on that touch as well. With four seconds remaining in the game, A2 still has the ball in her backcourt and, while nearing the division line, she shoots the ball towards her basket. The game clock continues to run and time expires before the unsuccessful try goes out of bounds.

Answer 28

RULING: This is not a 10-second backcourt violation. The 10-second backcourt count is specific to having team control for 10 consecutive seconds. When a shot is taken, there is no team control so the 10-second backcourt violation count ceases. There is team control on a pass and there is no team control on a shot. It is, and always has been, at the discretion of the official as to whether a player’s throw is a shot or a pass. Whether the ball hits the rim or is caught by a teammate of the shooter is not the determining factor in whether a throw is a shot or a pass.
(Rule 4-8.2.b and .3 and 9-10)

Question 29

10-Second Backcourt
A.R. 233. Team A has control of the ball in their backcourt when any of the following occur:
(1) A player appears to be injured and an official blows their whistle to stop play;
(2) An official has an inadvertent whistle;
(3) An official notices that there is a timing mistake and stops play to make the correction;
(4) An official notices a potentially dangerous situation (i.e., water on the floor) and stops play; or
(5) An official calls a double personal foul.
When the ball becomes dead in each situation, is there a reset of the 10-second backcourt count?

Answer 29

RULING: In (1) through (5), the dead ball results in a “stoppage” of the game. None of these situations is included in any of the four exceptions to the 10-second backcourt rule. Team A shall be awarded a new 10 seconds to advance the ball into their frontcourt.
(Rule 9-10)

Question 30

10-Second Backcourt
A.R. 234. Team A has control of the ball in their backcourt with two seconds remaining in the 10-second backcourt count when one of the following occur:
(1) Team A is granted a timeout while any team A player is in control of the ball;
(2) B1 knocks the ball out of bounds in the backcourt. After the ball becomes dead, Team A’s head coach is granted a timeout; or
(3) B1 knocks the ball out of bounds in the backcourt. After the ball becomes dead, Team B is granted a timeout or an electronic-media timeout occurs.

Answer 30

RULING: In (1), (2) and (3), there is no reset of the backcourt count. (Rule 9-10)

Question 31

10-Second Backcourt
A.R. 235. With 5:30 on the game clock and 30 seconds on the shot clock, Team A inbounds the ball from their own end line. The shot clock starts when A2 legally touches the ball in the backcourt. With 17 seconds showing on the shot clock and the ball still in Team A’s backcourt:
(1) B1 slaps the ball out of bounds;
(2) B1 or A1 commit a common foul;
(3) B1 or A1 commit a player/substitute technical foul;
(4) B1 commits an unsportsmanlike or disqualifying foul against A1; or
(5) Team A’s head coach requests a timeout.
The official checks the clocks after the whistle and both the game clock and the shot clock stop on the whistle, so there is no timing mistake. The official realizes that the shot clock displays 17 seconds and that there should have been a 10-second backcourt violation when the shot clock reached 20 with Team A still in control in the backcourt.

Answer 31

RULING: The officiating crew has erred in not stopping the shot clock when it reached 20 seconds and for failing to call a 10-second backcourt violation. Any activity after the violation and until it is rectified shall be cancelled, excluding an unsportsmanlike or disqualifying foul or any technical foul. The violation must be recognized before the ball becomes live following the stoppage in play.
In (1), the ball should be awarded to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where the out of bounds occurred.
In (2), the common foul by B1 or A1 is cancelled and the ball should be awarded to Team B at the out of bounds spot nearest to where the foul occurred.
In (3) and (4), technical, unsportsmanlike and disqualifying fouls cannot be cancelled. In (3), a technical foul by either team shall be penalized. Following the free throws for the technical foul, play will resume with a throw-in by Team B at the out-of-bounds spot nearest to where the ball was located when the technical foul was called. In (4), any Team A member will be awarded two free throws for the unsportsmanlike or disqualifying foul committed by B1. Team A will be awarded the ball for a throw-in at a designated spot at the division line opposite the scorers’ table. When Team A’s throw-in is touched in the backcourt, Team A will receive a new 10 seconds to advance the ball into their frontcourt.
In (5), the officials shall penalize the 10-second backcourt violation and award the ball to Team B at the out-of-bounds spot nearest to where the ball was located when the ball became dead. Following the ruling of a 10-second backcourt violation, if Team A does not want the timeout, it shall not be granted; however, once the timeout clock has been started, the timeout may not be rescinded.
For all plays, the game clock will reset to the time when the violation occurred (5:20).
Note: When an official rules that a 10-second backcourt violation has occurred, but is late in making the call and the violation causes the ball to become dead, there shall be no adjustment made to the game clock (as no timing mistake has occurred).
Suggested mechanic: In a different situation, when the 10-second backcourt count is nearing the 10th second and a foul or violation occurs very near the 10-second violation, officials must check to see if the backcourt violation occurred prior to the foul or violation and make an immediate decision.
(Rule 9-10, 2-11.1, 5-12 and 11-2.1.c)

Question 32

10-Second Backcourt
A.R. 236. With 12.4 seconds remaining in the game, Team A inbounds the ball into their backcourt and the ball remains in their backcourt until the dribbler crosses the division line and requests a timeout with 1.4 seconds showing on the game clock.

Answer 32

RULING: Officials are not to use the game clock to call a 10-second backcourt violation when there is no shot clock available. When no shot clock is available, the Trail official shall use their visible count and the Trail official’s count is what will determine whether a 10-second backcourt violation occurred. When the timeout is granted, officials must check to see if the timer properly stopped the clock. When it is determined that there was no timer’s mistake and the Trail has erred in their 10-second counting, the Trail has missed the 10-second backcourt violation and shall grant the timeout.
(Rule 9-10)

Question 33

10-Second Backcourt
A.R. 237. Early in the second period, Team A inbounds the ball after a violation and neither the shot clock nor game clock is started. Team A dribbles and is under pressure in their backcourt. When officials realize that neither clock is running, play is stopped. After consulting with table officials, it is determined that Team A has had the ball for 10 consecutive seconds in their backcourt.

Answer 33

RULING: The officials shall correct the timing mistake by placing the correct time on the game clock as to when the 10-second backcourt violation occurred and shall award the ball to Team B at a spot nearest to where play was stopped to correct the timing mistake.
(Rule 9-10, 5-12.1 and 5-12.4)

Question 34

10-Second Backcourt
A.R. 238. When the shot clock is turned off, when does the ten-second backcourt count start when a team inbounds the ball into their backcourt?

Answer 34

RULING: Regardless of whether the shot clock is running or not, the ten-second count begins when a player legally touches the ball in her team’s backcourt except on a rebound or jump ball. In those situations, the count shall start on player control.
(Rule 9-10)

Question 35

Shot Clock
A.R. 239. B1 blocks A1’s try for goal and the shot clock expires. The shot-clock horn sounds after B2 has clearly gained possession of the ball.

Answer 35

RULING: The shot-clock horn shall be ignored, the shot clock shall be reset and play shall continue.
(Rule 9-11.3 and 2-11.6.a)

Question 36

Shot Clock
A.R. 240. B1 blocks A1’s try for goal and the shot clock expires. The shot-clock horn sounds:
(1) While the ball is loose on the playing court;
(2) While A2 gains possession of the ball; or
(3) While the blocked try is in the air, the ball subsequently strikes the ring or flange or goes in the basket.

Answer 36

RULING: (1) and (2) Team A has committed a shot-clock violation because the try did not strike the ring or flange.
(Rule 9-11)
(3) The shot-clock horn shall be ignored and play shall continue with the shot clock reset upon possession by either team because A1 complied with the shot-clock rule when the try struck the ring or flange or entered the basket.
(Rule 9-11.4 and 2-11.6.d)

Question 37

Shot Clock
A.R. 241. A1 releases the ball on a try for goal. After the ball leaves A1’s hand(s), the shot-clock horn sounds. The ball:
(1) Hits the backboard and goes through the basket;
(2) Hits the backboard and rebounds directly to A2 or B1 without hitting the ring or flange; or
(3) Hits the backboard, strikes the ring or flange and rebounds directly to A2.

Answer 37

RULING: (1) Score the field goal. (Rule 9-11.3)
(2) A shot-clock violation by Team A has occurred because the try did not hit the ring or flange. The referee shall sound the whistle, and the ball shall be awarded to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred.
(Rule 9-11.4)
(3) There is no shot-clock violation because the try hit the ring or flange. The shot clock shall be reset when Team A establishes possession of the ball on the rebound.
(Rule 9-11.4 and 2-11.6.d)

Question 38

Shot Clock
A.R. 242. Player A1 attempts a try for goal and:
(1) The shot-clock horn sounds while the ball is in flight. The ball does not hit the ring or flange and is simultaneously recovered by A2 and B2 for a held ball; or
(2) After the try does not hit the ring or flange, it is simultaneously recovered by A2 and B2 for a held ball. The shot-clock horn does not sound.

Answer 38

RULING: (1) A shot-clock violation has occurred and the ball is awarded to Team B at a designated spot.
(2) Since the shot-clock horn has not sounded, there is no violation. The alternating-possession arrow shall be used with no reset of the shot clock when the alternating-possession arrow favors the team that shot the ball.
(Rule 9-11.4, 9-11.1, 9-11.3 and .4, 6-4.1.a and 2-11.7.i)

Question 39

Ball in Backcourt
A.R. 243. As Team A advances the ball from its backcourt toward its frontcourt, A1 passes the ball to A2. A2 catches the ball while both feet are on the playing court with one foot on either side of the division line. In this situation, either foot may be the pivot foot.
(1) A2 lifts the foot that is in the backcourt and then puts it back on the floor in the backcourt; or
(2) A2 lifts the foot that is in the frontcourt, pivots and puts it on the floor in the backcourt.

Answer 39

RULING: (1) Backcourt violation. When A2, while holding the ball, lifts the foot that was in the backcourt, the ball is in the frontcourt. When A2’s foot touches in the backcourt, it shall be a violation.
(2) When A2 lifts the foot that is in the frontcourt and places it down in the backcourt, the location of the ball has not changed. The ball is still in the backcourt and no violation has occurred.
(Rule 9-12.1, .2 and .3.a and 9-12)

Question 40

Ball in the Backcourt
A.R. 244. In the frontcourt of Team A (the backcourt of Team B), A1 passes the ball to A2. B1, in an attempt to secure the ball, deflects it down the playing court toward B’s basket. The ball bounces several times before B1 can recover it in B’s frontcourt. B1 dribbles to B’s basket and scores.

Answer 40

RULING: Legal. The deflection of the ball by B1 shall not be considered part of the dribble. B1 does not have control of the ball until securing it in their frontcourt after deflecting it.
(Rule 9-12.3, 4-12.1 and 4-8.2.b)

Question 41

Ball in the Backcourt
A.R. 245. The ball is at the disposal of Team A for a throw-in. A1 attempts to throw the inbounds pass to A2, who is located in her frontcourt near the division line.
(1) A1’s pass is deflected by B1. A2 leaves the playing court in her frontcourt and while airborne, controls the ball, and then lands with one or both feet in the backcourt.
(2) A1’s throw-in pass is deflected by B1. The ball bounces into Team A’s frontcourt. While the ball is bouncing in Team A’s frontcourt, it is deflected into Team A’s backcourt, where A3 retrieves it.
(3) A1’s throw-in pass is deflected by A2, who fumbles it into the backcourt. A2 then goes into the backcourt and recovers the fumble.

Answer 41

RULING: (1) Violation. When B1 deflected A1’s inbounds pass, that legal touching caused the throw-in to end. A1, having established frontcourt status when she left Team A’s frontcourt, gained player and team control in the air. When A1 lands with one or both feet in the backcourt, she has committed a backcourt violation. The exception to the backcourt rules are only applicable for the player who made the initial touch on the ball.
(Rule 7-6.5 and 9-12.1 through .3, .5 through .7 and .9 through .10)
(2) Legal. This is not a backcourt violation since neither player nor team control had been established in the frontcourt.
(Rule 9-12.4)
(3) Legal. This is not a backcourt violation since neither player nor team control had been established in the frontcourt.
(Rule 9-12.4 and 9-12.1 through .3, .5 through .7 and .9 through .10)

Question 42

Ball in the Backcourt
A.R. 246. A1 is in possession of the ball in the frontcourt and throws a pass to A2, who is located near the division line. A1’s pass is errant. A2 leaves the playing court with both feet in an attempt to prevent the ball from going into the backcourt. While in the air, A2 gains possession of the ball and throws it into the playing court, where it strikes the division line. The ball returns to the frontcourt, where A3 recovers the ball before it is touched by an opponent.

Answer 42

RULING: Team A has committed a backcourt violation. The official shall blow the whistle for the backcourt violation when the ball is touched by A3 in the frontcourt after it touched the division line. Team A had control of the ball in its frontcourt and the ball was last touched by Team A before going into the backcourt.
(Rule 9-12.4 and 9-12.1 through .3, .5 through .7 and .9 through .10)

Question 43

Ball in the Backcourt
A.R. 247. A1 receives a pass in Team A’s frontcourt and throws the ball to her backcourt where the ball:
(1) Is touched by a teammate;
(2) Goes directly out of bounds; or
(3) Rests, rolls or bounces with all players hesitating to touch it.

Answer 43

RULING: (1) Violation when touched. (Rule 9-12.4, 9-10, 4-8.2.d and 4-8.3)
(2) It is a violation for going out of bounds. (Rule 7-2.1)
(3) The ball is live so that Team B may secure control. When Team A touches the ball first, it is a violation. The ball continues to be in team control of Team A. The 10-second count shall start when the ball goes in the backcourt and is touched by anyone, while the shot clock shall continue to run.
(Rule 9-12, 9-10 and 9-11.3)

Question 44

Ball in the Backcourt
A.R. 248. B1:
(1) Secures possession of a rebound from Team A’s basket; or
(2) Has the ball for a throw-in under Team A’s basket.
B1 is in the frontcourt of Team A. B1 attempts a long pass down the playing court to teammate B2. Defensive player A2, standing in Team A’s frontcourt close to the division line, leaps and intercepts a pass by B1, then lands in the backcourt of Team A with player control.

Answer 44

RULING: In both (1) and (2), no violation has occurred. This is an exception to the backcourt rule.
(Rule 9-12.9)

Question 45

Ball in the Backcourt
A.R. 249. The ball is at A1’s disposal for a throw-in. A1 passes the ball to A2, who catches the ball while airborne in her frontcourt. A2 lands with one foot in her frontcourt followed with the other foot landing in her backcourt.

Answer 45

RULING: Legal play. A player shall be permitted to first secure control of the ball after a throw-in, while both feet are off the playing court in her frontcourt, and land with one foot or both feet in the backcourt.
(Rule 9-12.10 and 9-12.8)

Question 46

Elbow(s)
A.R. 250. While A1’s try for field goal is in flight toward Team A’s basket, (1) A1 or (2) B1 violently swings her arm(s) and elbow(s) but makes no contact with any defender.

Answer 46

RULING: The official shall sound the whistle immediately; however, the ball shall not become dead until it is apparent that the try has ended. When the try is successful, the basket shall count and the violation shall be ignored. When the try is unsuccessful, (1) Team B or (2) Team A shall be awarded the ball at a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred.
(Rule 9-13.1 and Penalty and 6-6.3)

Question 47

Elbow(s)
A.R. 251. Player A1 rebounds a missed shot and holds the ball under her chin or against the body with arms and elbows extended. Player A1 does not pivot or swing the elbows. Player B1 is positioned a foot from the end of one of A1’s elbows as A1 looks at B1. There is no contact with B1. An official calls either (1) a violation on A1 or (2) a technical foul on A1. Is the official correct?

Answer 47

RULING: (1) No. There can be no violation unless A1 excessively swings the elbow without contact.
(Rule 9-13.1 and Penalty)
(2) No. Without some further act by A1 which rises to the level of taunting or baiting, a technical foul should not be assessed since A1 is permitted to have the elbows extended with the ball under the chin. (Rule 9-13.2 and 10-12.3.a.2)

Question 48

Elbow(s)
A.R. 252. Player A1, while holding the ball under her chin with the elbows and arms extended, “jabs” an elbow toward B1 who is standing nearby. There is no contact and A1’s torso does not rotate.

Answer 48

RULING: Violation by A1 with the ball awarded to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred. “Jabbing” of the elbow without movement of the torso constitutes excessive swinging.
(Rule 9-13.1 and Penalty)

Question 49

Closely Guarded
A.R. 253. Team A, while in possession of the ball, lines up four of its players side by side, parallel to and just inbounds at a boundary line. The four players pass the ball back and forth to one another with their arms reaching out beyond the plane of the boundary line. The players are in:
(1) The frontcourt; or
(2) The backcourt.

Answer 49

RULING: (1) After five seconds, a closely guarded violation shall be called when a defensive player is within 6 feet of one of the offensive players.
(Rule 9-14.1)
(2) The 10-second backcourt rule applies.
(Rule 9-14 and 9-10)

Question 50

Floor-Violation Penalties
A.R. 254. One official observes stepping out of bounds or another violation by A1. At approximately the same time, A1 tries for a field goal and another official observes contact by B1.

Answer 50

RULING: The officials shall decide which act occurred first. There is nothing inherent in such acts to make it necessary to rule them as occurring simultaneously. When the violation occurred first and before the try is released, the ball became dead. When the ball was released during the try and no violation was called on A1, there was no violation. When the contact occurs after a violation is called, it shall not be a foul unless it is an unsportsmanlike or contact disqualifying foul.
(Rule 9-12 Penalty and 9-14 Penalty)

Question 51

Basket Interference
A.R. 255. The ball is touching the side of the ring of Team A. B1 jumps and contacts the net. The ball is not touching the top of the ring.

Answer 51

RULING: No violation. The ball shall remain live.

Rule 9-15.2.a

Question 52

Basketball Interference

A.R. 256. While the ball is touching the top of the ring on a field-goal attempt, a player emphatically grasps the ring.

Answer 52

RULING: Double infraction. Both basket interference and a player/ substitute technical foul shall be called. The moment the hand touched the ring, it was basket interference. When the player emphatically grasps the ring, a player/substitute technical foul shall be assessed.
(Rule 9-15.2.a and 10-12.3.c)

Question 53

Basketball Interference
A.R. 257. During the act of shooting and before the ball is in flight for a two- point try, A1 is fouled. A1 continues the shooting motion and the ball enters the basket. A2 touches the ring while the ball is in the basket.

Answer 53

RULING: Basket interference on A2. The goal shall be canceled. A1 shall be awarded two free throws because of the foul.
(Rule 9-15.2.a and 10-10 Penalty c.2)

Question 54

Basketball Interference

A.R. 258. A1 rebounds the ball while part of the ball is in the cylinder and, in the same continuous motion, dunks.

Answer 54

RULING: Basket interference. The ball shall be ruled dead when A1 contacts the ball in the cylinder, and the dunking of the dead ball shall be ignored. The basket shall be disallowed.
(Rule 9-15.2.a and 9-15.2.b)

Question 55

Basket-Interference and Goaltending Penalties

A.R. 259. B1 touches the ball while a throw-in by A1 is in the cylinder.

Answer 55

RULING: Basket interference. Team A shall be awarded two points. Team B shall be awarded the ball for a throw-in, as after a goal scored,
except that an official shall hand the ball to a player of Team B and the player or a teammate shall make the throw-in from any point along the end line.
(Rule 9-15.2, 9-15 Penalty a.2 and .b)

Question 56

Basket-Interference and Goaltending Penalties
A.R. 260. The ball is in flight during a three-point field-goal try by A1 when a period expires. After the expiration of time and while the ball is rolling on the ring, B1 taps it into the basket.

Answer 56

RULING: Basket interference by B1. Three points shall be awarded to A1 because of the basket interference.
(Rule 9-15.2 and 9-15 Penalty a.3)

Question 57

Basket-Interference and Goaltending Penalties
A.R. 261. Before the ball is in flight for a two-point try, A1 is fouled in the act of shooting. A1’s try enters the basket. A2 touches the ring while the ball is in the basket.

Answer 57

RULING: Basket interference on A2. The goal shall be canceled. A1 shall be awarded two free throws because of the foul.
(Rule 9-15 Penalty c and 10-10 Penalty c.2)